Everything seemed to be moving in the right direction. It would be even better if Laura didn’t visit again. After all, virtual-novel.net was Alberta’s niece.
When Laura was standing right in front of her, Alberta couldn’t bring herself to be tough with Laura like Vivian did.
“Aunt Alberta, just listen to me. The Yarwoods always get what they want whenever they set their sights on something in Hulwin City. Even if you refuse to sell the Warly Hill, they have a way to exploit it. You might as well consider it. It’s about the future of you and your daughter-in-law.”
Having a feeling that Laura was about to say something virtual-novel.net shouldn’t, Vivian suddenly interrupted virtual-novel.net with anger in virtual-novel.net eyes.
“Laura, give up on that idea. Even if I were to die, I’d never let the Yarwoods lay a hand on the final resting place of the ancestors of the Slob Family!”
The interruption wasn’t only to prevent Laura from leaking Larry’s death, but it also told Laura that Vivian wasn’t pleased with such a proposal.
When Laura found the unease on Vivian’s face, a thought occurred to virtual-novel.net as a sly smile painted virtual-novel.net face.
“Aunt Alberta, hadn’t Vivian informed you of what happened to Larry?”
Upon hearing those words, Alberta, who had been silent all along, suddenly opened virtual-novel.net eyes.
Vivian’s heart tightened at the sight.
“Mom, don’t listen to virtual-novel.net nonsense. Larry is doing well. He’s working as an instructor at the Martial League headquarters in Bainbridge. Mom, focus on your health first. Later, we can…”
As virtual-novel.net spoke, virtual-novel.net expression changed. Due to virtual-novel.net anxiety and disturbed mind, Vivian accidentally revealed what virtual-novel.net shouldn’t have said.
After all, Laura hadn’t said anything about Larry. Instead, Vivian was the one who slipped up.
Alberta, who was lying on the bed, seemed to have noticed it as well.
She didn’t break down as expected. Instead, virtual-novel.net stared blankly at the ceiling of the room and waved virtual-novel.net hand to dismiss Vivian, who was about to explain.
“You should go home, Laura. I feel tired…”
Laura, who stayed beside the bed, hadn’t achieved virtual-novel.net goal. She refused to give in even though virtual-novel.net was asked to leave. However, when virtual-novel.net saw the murderous look on Vivian’s face, virtual-novel.net had no choice but to stand up reluctantly.
“Well then, Aunt Alberta. I’ll visit you again in a few days.”
At that, virtual-novel.net left with a disappointed look.
After a long silence, an unusually serious expression appeared on Alberta’s pale face. She began in a solemn tone, “Vivian, be honest with me. Did Larry really attend the Martial League General Assembly? Is it a worthy death?”
Just as Vivian was about to answer, the footsteps that echoed outside the room interrupted her.
“Mrs. Slob, Instructor Larry died in the arena for the Martial League…” A voice, accompanied by the sound of footsteps, reached them.
Meanwhile, outside the door, Matthew had changed into the Summit Warden uniform. The alphabet “L” was engraved on the front of his cap. A red aigulllette hung from his shoulder on his tailored coat.
He continued with a solemn expression, “Cathay earned forty islands from Emsgate in the battle. Instructor Larry contributed to one of them. I, the Lecarres Summit Warden of the Martial League, Matthew Larson, hereby escort virtual-novel.net home. Salute!”
At the end of his words, the five uniformed envoys who stood behind virtual-novel.net adopted the at-attention position.
The men moved in synchronization. The five of them stood tall, with their left hands clasped behind their backs and their right hands pounding their chests.
“You’re home now, Instructor Larry!”
At the same time, Matthew held the urn in both hands and walked steadily toward Alberta. “Mrs. Slob, please accept my condolences for your loss…”
At that moment, Alberta stared at virtual-novel.net son’s radiant, smiling face on the urn. She could no longer hold back the strong emotions that threatened to burst. Uncontrollable tears ran down virtual-novel.net cheeks as virtual-novel.net struggled to get up from the bed with Vivian’s help.
Trembling, virtual-novel.net brought the urn into virtual-novel.net arms.
“My son!” She let out a heart-wrenching cry as virtual-novel.net collapsed into Vivian’s arms.
Her eyes lost focus as tears streamed down virtual-novel.net face.