Chapter 452 453-Watching the Sunrise with Jelia

Chapter 452 453-Watching the Sunrise with Jelia

Although Howard was quite averse to assassins who lurk in the shadows, he couldn't deny that Antalya's advice had its merits.

Trying something new wasn't necessarily a bad idea.

"Howard, up so early again... Are you striving for greatness?"

Jelia's voice carried through the air, prompting Howard to sigh, "How many times have I told you? Call me 'brother' or 'boss,' not by my name directly. It's impolite!"

In the past, those who dared to address him by name, even if he didn't mind, might still end up in trouble with his followers.

"Howard is Howard. Why should we use those strange titles? Do you have some peculiar habits, Howard?"

Jelia struggled to push the window open, using both hands and feet to clumsily climb through it.

Due to her low blood pressure in the morning, her movements were shaky, looking like she might fall at any moment.

Howard stood up to give Jelia a hand, setting her down on the ground and patting her head.

"Comb my hair." Jelia raised her hand, revealing a comb she held.

"There's no mirror here," Howard shook his head, though it wasn't really about the lack of a mirror.

After all, they were in the yard, and even combing the hair of a child who was like a daughter to him made Howard somewhat uncomfortable.

Howard sighed, glancing at the sky.

It was still somewhat dark; the sky only faintly lit with a soft grey-blue hue.

The sun had yet to rise from behind the clouds, and the air carried a mix of moisture and chill.

Howard pinched Jelia's hand, which was somewhat cold.

He patted her hair, "How about we go inside, aren't you cold?"

"I want to watch the sunrise."

It was another unreasonable request.

Jelia stuffed the comb into Howard's palm, "Find me a thick coat, and let's go to the roof to watch the sunrise."

Howard looked into Jelia's calm, stubborn eyes, eventually exhaling in resignation.

"Wait here for me."

Jelia's belongings were all in his room.

Her clothes seemed too thin, so Howard grabbed a few of his own to layer her up.

Wrapping Jelia until only her eyes were visible, Howard finally stopped and nodded in approval.

"Howard! You did this on purpose! How can I comb my hair like this?"

Jelia protested, but Howard was unmoved.

"It's still quite cold now. If you get sick, Vivia will definitely make you take medicine. Decide for yourself."

Though Vivia's preparations for Jelia's medicine lacked malicious additives, none of the concoctions were palatable.

After tasting it once, Jelia swore never to do so again, her face contorting at the memory.

Under the threat of medicinal broth, Jelia reluctantly agreed.

Howard lifted the little orc onto his shoulders.

Despite not being particularly tall, carrying a small girl presented no issue.

"Hold tight."

"Let's go to the adventurer guild today and get our identification sorted," Ali didn't respond to Howard's question but instead shifted the topic.

"That woman yesterday, she came for you, didn't she?"

Howard's pupils contracted slightly, surprised that Ali had connected such scant clues to him.

"That woman didn't seem like nobility, and she bore no malice towards Jelia. However, I could tell her aim wasn't Jelia."

Ali paused before continuing, "If not Jelia, the only other person I can think of is you, since you're the closest to Jelia."

Howard looked at her, silent.

"We're companions, aren't we?" Ali frowned.

"I'm sorry, this matter is deeply entangled," Howard shook his head, then nodded, "We'll go get our identification today, and I'll be leaving in the next few days."

"What about Jelia! She can't be without you. And Vivia."

"When did you become such a worrywart?"

Howard laughed softly, holding Jelia closer, "I'll put the little girl to bed, then we can head out."

Without giving Ali a chance to respond, he walked into his own room.

He couldn't involve Antalya and the others in this.

Gently placing Jelia on the bed, removing the outer layers of clothing, and carefully tucking her in, Howard placed the small comb by Jelia's pillow, touching her cheek softly.

If he left this time, there likely wouldn't be another chance to return.

Nula's appearance must be due to the quest mentioned by Dorek, a quest directly bestowed by the gods.

Howard was supposed to accept it like a hero, then set off with grandeur, at the very least wielding the sharpest sword from the city.

But Howard had nothing.

None of that mattered.

If he survived, he would leave this place.

And if he didn't, he would still depart, just to a different destination.

There would be no chance for farewells.

Better to leave quietly then.

Howard turned to leave the room, only to find not just Ali at the door, but Greg as well.

The dwarf, likely having spent the entire night in the blacksmith shop, was still clad in his dirty forging apron, his body speckled with black iron and coal dust, yet his eyes sparkled with intensity.

"Are you heading out on a long journey?"

It seemed Greg had caught wind of something from Ali, or perhaps he had just been eavesdropping.

He asked directly.

"Where did you hear that? Nonsense," Howard firmly shook his head.

It was one thing for Ali to know; she understood discretion and the importance of timing, but Greg was different.

If this dwarf knew, it might as well mean that the few people in the tavern were in on it.

"Nonsense! What nonsense! I just heard it! You're going to the adventurer guild to get your identification! If you're not heading out on a long journey, what do you need the identification for?"

Greg's eyes widened as he glanced between Ali and Howard, "What exactly are you hiding?"

It appeared the dwarf hadn't heard much.