Chapter 87: Apprenticeship

However, the father was already aging. Adventurers often had many hidden ailments, and it was common for people to struggle with their health as they grew older. Although the father still appeared radiant, he often showed signs of fatigue.

The old man understood his daughter's personality and recognized her talent, but unfortunately, he lacked the strength and connections to find a way to guide his child.

The white-haired girl was naturally aware of the situation. Although she pretended not to say anything, she had long harbored thoughts of seeking a powerful mentor.

Weighing the pros and cons, she decided to sneak out to meet that person, thinking that she had little to lose.

However, as soon as she stepped outside, her expression froze. The room she was in was directly across from her father's room, with her second and third brothers' rooms on either side. Among the three, only her father's room was relatively large, and even that was just a bit bigger.

At that moment, her father was standing at the door, staring intently at the white-haired girl.

Instinctively, she shivered. Her father had many restrictions on her, but despite the constraints, he could never bring himself to punish her when she made mistakes, which ultimately shaped her personality.

But making mistakes was still daunting. The foot she had stepped out with quietly retreated, and she prepared to go back to sleep.

Before, there was no risk; now, there was. The potential rewards no longer justified the risks, so she decided to give up.

Unfortunately, her reaction was too slow. The slightly older figure stood up, smoking a dry cigarette, and called out to the white-haired girl inside: "Elena, don't hide. They've all told me."

The figure was probably in his forties. For others, this might be the prime of life, but for an adventurer of his caliber, it was already an age where physical abilities began to decline.

What he had been told was unnecessary to elaborate on.

The white-haired girl named Elena could only walk out from the room. She forced a smile and timidly asked him, "Can I not go?"

He rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit weary.

The troubles caused by his daughter were growing larger, and looking at her appearance, she was becoming more beautiful as she grew up.

But it was precisely her looks that made him uneasy.

Not long ago, a passing noble had taken a liking to her cute appearance and intended to buy her as a servant.

If it were just that, finding a noble family to serve as a maid might not be a bad choice.

However, a little inquiry revealed that this noble was merely a minor one, and a notorious one at that.

There were many unpleasant rumors circulating about the internal affairs of this declining noble family. With so many issues, the old father naturally could not agree.

Thus, he politely declined the noble's offer, but the noble's initially calm demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by a slightly sinister expression. If it weren't for the crowd and the sword hanging at the old man's waist, he might have believed the noble would charge at him.

The final result was, of course, an unhappy parting. The noble left with a sullen face, sneering at the old father, "I'll see how long you can protect your daughter."

This incident had occurred a month ago, and given the noble's spoiled nature, the old man was genuinely a bit afraid.

After all, he was just a half-disabled adventurer; how could he compare to the noble?

Weak individuals often found it difficult to survive in this world without connections or backing.

Thinking of this, he finished his last puff of smoke and looked at his daughter's innocent smile.

Gradually, the contours of the girl's face overlapped with the woman he had seen before, reminding him of her appearance at that time.

Her eyes were dull and lifeless, dressed in revealing clothing, with sunken cheeks; the years had left her face marked by suffering and hardship.

Suddenly, he was jolted awake, his gaze returning to his clear-eyed white-haired daughter.

Had she once been like this, smiling so innocently, surrounded by people she loved and who loved her in return?

The more he thought, the more afraid he became, yet the more afraid he felt, the more powerless he was.

In the end, everything turned into a sigh. The bright moon hung high outside, casting a pure light that enveloped Elena, draping her in a hazy moonlit veil.

The old father took a deep breath. The fear of the unknown future prompted him to make this decision.

"Let's go. I'll go with you. I hope it's true. If it is, you won't have to come back."

As soon as he said this, he seemed to age several years in an instant, his already stooped body becoming even more frail.

Elena was stunned. She looked at the old man who had always treated her well. The gentle spring breeze brushed against her cheek, but at that moment, her heart suddenly ached.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and despite her strong-willed nature, she held back the tears and asked, her voice slightly choked, "You don't want me anymore? Did I do something wrong? You can hit me or scold me; is it about this? I promise I won't bully the street thugs behind your back anymore. I won't ask them for money again."

The old father smiled, reaching out his remaining left hand to stroke the girl's forehead. His expression was peaceful; the sharpness of his youth had long been worn away through hardships, and now he had lost that edge, leaving only a calm demeanor.

"Let's go. It's not your fault. Didn't you say you always wanted to be a powerful adventurer? Go see, see this last hope."

At this point, he felt helpless. Relying on others for hope was undoubtedly laughable, but he had no other choice.

Roa stood silently behind them, his dark cloak blending his figure into the night. The bright moonlight could not reach him, and he quietly listened to their conversation.

Roa's lips curled into a smile. He had initially thought he would have to put in more effort, but he didn't expect the other party to have such a past. Watching their departing figures, Roa's own presence vanished from the spot.

As the flickering lights danced, Elena walked alone. The slums at night were silent, with hardly any pedestrians on the streets. Even if there were, they were just a few drunken vagrants. When they saw Elena, their eyes instinctively roamed over her body.

Such lewd gazes made her feel a chill, but the girl, who had once been bold, now felt timid.

She quickened her pace, and the drunken men became even more smug at this sight. One of them tried to get up, only to find a cold gaze fixed on them.