A Five-Year Promise

Morning light filtered through scattered clouds and fell across the road. Two figures walked side by side.

Akes glanced at Linley beside him, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. "Come to think of it, this is the first time we've traveled somewhere alone together."

Linley nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Back at the academy, we shared a dorm room, but each of us had our own cultivation to focus on. After graduation, you went to the Yulan Empire, and I returned to Wushan Town. Later, I went to the Magical Beast Mountain Range... When you put it that way, we really haven't walked a road together like this before."

"So this is a good opportunity." Akes stretched, his bones cracking softly. "We can catch up on everything we've been through over the years."

Akes grinned. "Bebe, you want to join the conversation too? Too bad you can't talk yet. Wait until you reach the Saint-level."

Bebe waved a little paw in protest, as if to say, "Just you wait. Once I reach the Saint-level, I'll argue with you nonstop."

A glint of amusement flashed in Linley's eyes. He spoke to Bebe through their bond. "Don't rush. At the rate you're growing, you'll reach the Saint-level soon."

Only then did Bebe contentedly settle back onto Linley's shoulder. His little eyes darted about as he took in the scenery along the road. Whenever a bird flew past, his eyes would light up, but soon he'd lazily close them again.

The two headed north at a steady pace. Though Linley was already an Eighth Rank Peak warrior, he couldn't fly and had to travel on foot. Akes wasn't in any hurry, so he simply walked alongside Linley.

"By the way," Akes said suddenly, "have you decided how you'll face Jenny when you see her?"

Linley's stride faltered for an instant before returning to normal. "What is there to decide? We made a five-year promise. I'm just going to keep it."

"You know that's not what I'm asking." Akes looked at Linley, his gaze serious. "A girl has waited for you for five years. You can't have failed to notice how she feels."

Linley was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "I understand. But I feel grateful to her, not romantically."

"Grateful?"

"Jenny is a good girl." Linley's voice grew calmer still. "She's gentle, kind, and strong. She's been waiting for me all these years. I know that, and I'm grateful. But..." He paused, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Gratitude isn't love. If I accepted her out of gratitude, that would be the greatest injustice I could do her."

Akes nodded. "I understand. You can't force feelings. It's just..."

"Just what?"

"Just make sure you think carefully about how you tell her." Akes looked at Linley. "A girl's heart is more fragile than a magical beast's defenses. If you're too blunt, she might not be able to take it. If you're too gentle, she might hold on to hope. It's hard to find the right balance."

Linley smiled bitterly. "I know. But I have to make things clear."

"Besides," Linley said, looking into the distance, his gaze growing profound, "the path I'm on is too dangerous. The Radiant Church is hunting me, I'm training in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, and who knows what I'll have to face in the future? I can't give her a peaceful life or the companionship she wants. She should find a man who can stay by her side and make her feel safe, not someone like me, who could die at any moment."

Akes was silent for a while, then suddenly asked, "Have you ever considered that maybe she doesn't care about any of that?"

"Whether she cares is up to her. Whether I can give her those things is up to me." Linley's voice was firm. "It's precisely because she doesn't care that I can't let her get dragged into danger."

Akes smiled faintly. "Sometimes you seem cold, but you're softer-hearted than anyone. You might look like you're rejecting her, but really, you're protecting her."

Linley said nothing and simply continued walking.

Bebe gently rubbed against his shoulder, as if trying to comfort him. Though the little fellow couldn't speak, their bond let him sense the turmoil in Linley's heart.

The two continued north for three full days.

During those three days, they traveled by day and spent the nights in villages or little roadside inns. Akes told Linley about his experiences in the Yulan Empire: court intrigues, rivalries between mercenary groups, and all sorts of powerful people he'd met. Linley, in turn, told him about the Magical Beast Mountain Range, the perilous battles he'd fought, and the strange magical beasts he'd encountered.

On the evening of the third day, Chier County City finally appeared on the horizon.

"We're here." Linley stopped and looked at the familiar city.

The setting sun bathed the walls in a golden glow, gilding the gray bricks. Guards came and went at the city gate. There weren't many people passing through, and the occasional carriage raised a faint cloud of dust as it rolled by.

"Let's go in." Akes clapped him on the shoulder. "Whatever happens, at least you came. Keeping your promise is a sign of respect in itself."

Linley nodded and headed for the gate.

The streets of Chier County City were as lively as ever. Shops lined both sides, and vendors' cries rose and fell. A candied-fruit seller passed them with a pole balanced on his shoulder. A crowd of children gathered around a baked-flatbread stall, and the ring of hammer on anvil sounded from a blacksmith's shop.

But Linley had no desire to take in the familiar sights. He headed straight for the lord's castle, where Keen and Jenny lived.

The castle stood in the center of Chier County City. It was a typical noble residence, with gray stone walls and tall towers. Two rows of guards stood at the entrance. They wore armor bearing the Debs Family crest and swords at their waists, standing ramrod straight.

As Linley and Akes approached, the guards at the gate looked at them warily. A young guard was about to step forward and question them when he recognized Linley's face. His expression lit up, and he cried out, "Lord Lei! Lord Lei is back!"

His shout caught the attention of the other guards. Several older ones hurried over, their faces full of delight.

"Lord Lei, you're finally back! Miss Jenny talks about you every day!"

"It's been five years, Lord Lei, and you haven't changed at all. You still look so young!"

"Go tell Young Master Keen and Miss Jenny!" The young guard sprinted into the castle, shouting as he ran, "Lord Lei is here! Lord Lei is here!"

Looking at those familiar faces, Linley felt a warmth rise in his heart. When he'd lived here, the guards had always treated him well. They'd never given him a hard time for being an outsider.

A moment later, the castle gates swung open, and Keen strode out.

"Brother Lei!" Keen's face was alight with joy. He took a few quick strides and rushed up to Linley, wrapping him in a tight embrace. "You finally came! My sister has been waiting for you every day for five years, and so have I!"

Linley patted his back. Feeling how the boy had grown half a head taller than him, he was filled with emotion. "Keen, you've grown up."

At nineteen, Keen was much more mature than he'd been five years earlier. His features had grown more defined, and the boyish innocence had left his eyes, replaced by a hint of resolve. He was sturdier too, with broad shoulders and strong arms. Clearly, he'd trained hard over the years.

Keen let go of Linley and gave him a good-natured grin. Then he glanced at Akes. "And this is?"

"My friend, Akes," Linley introduced him. "He came with me. We were classmates and roommates at the magic academy in the Fenlai Kingdom."

Keen hurriedly bowed. "Good to meet you, Brother Akes! Please, come in! I'll have the kitchen prepare a feast right away. We have to celebrate properly tonight!"

As the three of them entered the castle, Linley saw a figure standing in the courtyard.

Jenny.

At twenty-three, Jenny was more mature than she'd been five years ago. She wore a water-blue dress, and her long hair fell over her shoulders. The girlishness had faded from her features, replaced by a gentler air. But her eyes were still as clear as they'd been five years ago, and now they were fixed on Linley without a blink.

Linley noticed how much calmer she seemed than before. Standing there, she had the graceful bearing of a noblewoman. Yet the slight tremor in her fingers betrayed the turmoil within her.

"Brother Lei." Her voice trembled, though she tried to keep it steady.

Linley stopped and looked at her. "Jenny, I'm here."

Their eyes met, and Jenny's eyes reddened at once. But she quickly took a deep breath, pushed back her tears, and smiled. Her smile was like a flower blooming in spring. "Come inside. I had the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes. I remember you used to like roast lamb chops and braised beef, so I had them make both."

Akes followed discreetly behind them, sighing to himself. It was easy to see what was in Jenny's heart. She remembered Linley's favorite dishes and all his habits. Over the past five years, she must have imagined this moment countless times.

Dinner was lavish, with all sorts of dishes spread across the long table. Golden roast lamb chops steamed on their platter, tender braised beef filled the air with its enticing aroma, and there were several delicate vegetable dishes and desserts as well.

Keen welcomed them enthusiastically, constantly refilling Linley's and Akes's glasses. He was clearly delighted and more talkative than usual, asking Linley about his experiences over the past five years, then asking Akes about life in the Yulan Empire.

Jenny sat across from Linley. Every so often, she looked up at him, then quickly lowered her head again. She ate slowly and spent most of the meal listening to them talk, a faint smile always on her lips.

Akes ate quietly, careful not to intrude on this rare reunion. He noticed that although Jenny didn't say much, her gaze kept drifting to Linley. It held joy and longing, along with a trace of sadness.

Bebe crouched on the table, happily gnawing on a piece of fruit bigger than his head. Juice splattered everywhere, making Keen burst out laughing.

"Bebe's still just as big an eater!" Keen said with a laugh.

Bebe glared at Keen in annoyance, then went back to stuffing his face. He waved a little paw as if to say, "What's it to you?"

After dinner, Keen tactfully took Akes out to the garden to look at the moon, leaving Linley and Jenny alone.

The moonlight flowed like water over the stone table in the courtyard. A sweet osmanthus tree grew beside it. It was in bloom, and the air was filled with its faint fragrance.

Linley and Jenny sat facing one another, silent for a long time.

A few insects chirped in the distance, making the night feel even quieter. A breeze blew now and then, sending osmanthus blossoms drifting down onto the stone table and into Jenny's hair.

"Brother Lei," Jenny said first, her voice so soft that she seemed afraid to disturb something. "It's been five years. I've been waiting for you this whole time."

Linley looked at her, his heart filled with complicated emotions. In the moonlight, Jenny seemed even gentler than she had in the daytime, and his reflection shone in her clear eyes. He knew his next words would hurt this kind girl, but he had to say them.

"Jenny, I..."

"Let me finish first." Jenny took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. "I know what you're going to say. Brother Lei, I know you don't love me."

Linley was taken aback.

Jenny smiled. There was a hint of bitterness in it, but more than anything, she seemed at peace. She lowered her head and looked at the osmanthus blossoms scattered across the stone table. Her voice was gentle. "I've thought about a lot of things over these five years. Every time I was alone late at night, I wondered whether Brother Lei would come back and what he'd say when he did. Sometimes I'd think until I fell asleep. Other times, I'd think until dawn."

She raised her head and continued. "Eventually, I understood. The way Brother Lei looks at me has never been the way a man looks at the woman he loves. You look at me like I'm your little sister, someone who needs protecting, but not... not like someone you've fallen for."

"Jenny..." Linley started, but she raised a hand to stop him.

"You were kind to me because you were grateful, because I treated you like family." Jenny's voice caught, but she struggled to maintain her smile. "I know that. I've known it for a long time. I just didn't want to admit it. But, Brother Lei, I don't regret it."

Linley fell silent.

"I don't regret waiting for you for five years, and I don't regret loving you." Jenny lifted her head. Tears glimmered in her eyes, but her gaze was remarkably firm. "Loving someone is my choice. You don't have to return my feelings, and you don't have to feel guilty. I just want you to know that no matter what happens, this will always be your home."

She paused, her voice growing softer. "And I haven't spent these five years waiting for nothing. After you left, I started taking my magic training seriously. I'm a third-level mage now. Keen has grown up too, and he's becoming more and more dependable."

Linley looked at her for a long time, then said quietly, "Jenny, thank you."

That single thank-you held so much: gratitude for her waiting, her understanding, and the warmth she'd given him.

Jenny smiled. This time, her smile was truly at peace. She reached out and brushed the osmanthus blossoms from the stone table, her movements graceful and composed.

"Brother Lei, will you come visit me again?"

"I will." Linley nodded solemnly. "As long as I'm alive, I'll come back."

"That's enough for me." Jenny rose and turned away, her voice distant. "It's getting late. You should get some rest. You have to set out again tomorrow, don't you?"

"...Yes."

Jenny didn't look back. She hurried inside. In the moonlight, her figure seemed a little frail, but her steps were remarkably sure.

Linley sat alone in the courtyard, staring up at the moon for a long time without moving. Osmanthus blossoms drifted down onto his shoulders and into his hair, but he didn't notice.

In the garden, Akes and Keen chatted intermittently.

"Brother Akes, do you think my sister and Brother Lei..." Keen sounded worried, and kept glancing toward the courtyard.

Akes patted him on the shoulder. "Leave grown-up matters to the grown-ups. Now, how has your training been going? From the way you look, you must have been working hard."

Keen's attention was diverted, and he eagerly began describing what he'd learned from his training. As he spoke, he drew his sword and demonstrated a few moves. He wasn't half bad.

Akes listened and offered a few pointers, but the corner of his eye kept drifting toward the lonely figure in the courtyard. Beneath the moonlight, Linley stood motionless, like a statue.

Love was the hardest thing to understand.

Akes sighed inwardly. He'd seen far too many people tormented by love, men and women, strong and weak alike. All of them had suffered terribly. Jenny was, but how could Linley be any different? Refusing someone didn't necessarily make it any easier on the one doing the rejecting.