Chapter 145: The Birth of a Baylander
Splash!
The water, mixed with white foam, rushed down as hands grabbed linen clothes, sprinkled soap powder, and rubbed them vigorously.
Shaking off all the foam, El wrung out the water with force and placed the clothes into a wooden tub, letting out a long sigh.
She forced a smile and nodded to the busy women around her before turning towards the wooden cabin area.
"Let's go, school's out!"
"Wait for me, I still don't understand one of the questions..."
"Huh? The teacher just explained it!"
"Hehe, teach me then!"
"Fine, let's go to my house. My mom bought dried cod today..."
"Really? I love dried cod!"
"Ah... can't say no to you."
"..."
Two children ran past her with smiles of happiness on their faces.
Seeing their innocent play, she couldn't help but let the corners of her mouth curve slightly upward.
Then, as if reminded of something, she instinctively reined in her smile and walked into the house.
As soon as she entered, the rich scent of meat filled her nose, and her mouth watered involuntarily.
She swallowed and tried to distract herself from the thought of food, walking over to the window to hang up the washed clothes.
"Little girl, come and eat."
"Hehe, it seems my cooking isn't so bad after all. Lady Tana approved of me."
"Starting this month, the farm supervisor will pay me 1 silver coin. I've never earned so much before..."
"I bought extra food today, so come and eat with me!"
She froze for a moment, meeting the wrinkled face of an old woman who was waving her over, no longer as stern as when she first arrived.
She hesitated for a while, but under those penetrating eyes, she slowly walked over and sat down.
The old woman didn't seem to notice the wariness in her eyes and cheerfully ladled out a large bowl of meat soup, sighing:
"Coming to Bay Territory is like truly living for the first time. What kind of life was I living before..."
The old woman took a happy sip, her wrinkles smoothing out.
Her cloudy eyes filled with endless satisfaction, and with her few remaining yellow teeth, she chewed carefully, savoring the taste, letting out a long breath before speaking earnestly:
"I've lived over 80 years now, so I've lived enough."
"Heh, I was lucky enough to come to Bay Territory. Before I die, I can enjoy a few more years of peace..."
"Hmm... look at this black bread, so solid. No wood chips, no ash. I haven't tasted this in over 20 years..."
"You're still young. You've got many good years ahead of you!"
"Oh, and this dried cod—so delicious, and only 50 copper coins per fish... today is the day to buy it."
"The Lord even worries we might not be eating well—such an interesting man..."
The old woman dipped her black bread into the soup, wrapping it around the dried fish, eating one mouthful after another.
Catching sight of her picking up the black bread, the old woman chuckled slyly and pushed over a jar of pickled radish strips:
"Try this. Not sure if it's to your taste."
She nodded silently and clumsily picked up a few strips with chopsticks, stuffing them into the bread and eating it in big bites.
The seemingly plain radish strips were far more flavorful than she had expected—tangy, sweet, and crunchy.
"If you ask me, there's no better place than here."
"To find a Lord who cares for his people... we've got at least a few good decades left here. Your people should feel the same..."
"Steward Ralph has already agreed. You can report to the Lord at noon!"
"..."
Her hands froze in mid-motion, staring in disbelief at the old woman.
She had never imagined that this seemingly dull, even senile old woman she had once secretly mocked, actually knew everything!
Her first instinct was to silence her—kill her and run!
But as she met the old woman's calm, knowing eyes and recalled the formidable strength and swift methods of the territory's soldiers...
She suppressed the urge.
If she acted, she would surely die!
She couldn't die—not yet!
Yet, after waiting a long time, there was no capture, only the old woman's crafty smile.
The old woman finished her last bite of bread, calmly wiped her mouth, and said:
"There's no need to be on guard. The Lord knows everything. He told me about you."
"And if you're smart enough, you'll understand why the Lord does what he does."
"Ah, getting old... I can't even eat all the good things anymore..."
With that, the old woman took her bowl and slowly walked into the kitchen to wash it.
It took her a while to move again. She finished all her food, cleaned the table, washed her dishes, and quietly returned to her room.
Sitting at her dressing table, she gazed at her reflection—a face no longer as thin and gaunt as it once was. The old woman's words echoed in her mind.
Silently, she opened the drawer of the dressing table and took out a broken piece of armor.
She gently stroked its jagged edges, her emerald green eyes filled with hesitation.
What path should she take for the future?
Just then, urgent cries came from outside—familiar voices.
"Careful! Lots of murlocs are crossing the river!"
"Ah! The patrol has sounded the alarm. Everyone is to stay inside!"
"Those who passed the reserve soldiers' exam, gather at the walls! I need to warn the others!"
"Sound the alarm throughout the city! I'm heading to the Lord's Manor to report!"
"..."
It was Jifan?
And Tom!
She recognized Jifan's voice—she had passed the reserve soldiers' test and had been assigned under Jifan's command.
Now was an emergency. If she truly wanted to escape, she would have a better chance than usual.
But as a deep, resonant horn echoed from the direction of the city gates...
She suddenly realized that, without even knowing when, she had already donned the reserve soldier's uniform given by the Lord, along with her armor and weapons.
When she stepped out the door and saw the figures rushing to the walls, the confusion and hesitation in her mind vanished, and she followed without hesitation.
As she passed her neighbor's house, she saw two nervous yet envious faces excitedly waving at her:
"Good luck, Sister Elio! Stay safe!"
"That's right, Sister Elio! When you get back, I'll treat you to some grilled fish!"
A strange feeling surged in her heart, and the icy facade she had been wearing melted away. She smiled brightly at them, replying cheerfully:
"Alright! Stay safe inside and wait for me to tell you some stories when I get back."
Amid their excited clapping and cheers, Elio sprinted towards the walls, greeted with warm smiles from familiar comrades along the way.
The old woman stood at the door, watching her leave, her face breaking into a deep smile.
"You've already begun to see yourself as one of Bay Territory's own..."