Chapter 137 - Pea (1/2)

After hearing Byron’s words, Gawain was stunned as he asked, “Girl?”

“Yes…” Sir Byron was frowning so much that he nearly made an abstract face. “I only realized it when I was giving her a shower. I was truly shocked!”

Gawain’s brows trembled while looking at the middle-aged knight with a strange expression. “Don’t say that you have some opinions. That child is probably not even ten years old yet.”

Byron shook his head vigorously in response and said, “Impossible, impossible. I might have the background as a mercenary, but I am not vulgar. I feel that I am probably unable to adopt her…”

Gawain felt that this was rather interesting and wasn’t in a hurry to continue studying the information he had. Instead, he looked at the knight’s eyes and asked, “Why? Just because she is a female, so you think you cannot adopt her and let her be your successor? I didn’t think that you were a person with such an old-fashioned mindset.”

“Of course it isn’t because of that.” Byron had a wry expression as he explained, “She saved my life. It wouldn’t be a problem even if I have to pass down all my martial skills and wealth to her. But I am merely a boorish man… How can I bring up a girl properly? Originally, I thought she was a boy. Now, I truly don’t know what to do…”

Gawain put on a smile that didn’t look like a smile. But his vision suddenly looked across Sir Byron’s body and towards the entrance of the tent.

A skinny and petite figure was standing there.

Byron had also noticed something and was hesitant to turn back for a glance. As expected, he saw the little mute who had secretly followed him over here.

He… she had already showered and combed her hair; she had also changed into a clean shirt and a skirt made of rough cloth. But the scene of ‘a dirty and homeless child turning into a princess after a shower and a change of clothes’ didn’t happen on this child. It was still obvious that she was a girl, but she didn’t look significantly better than before. The long-term period of malnutrition and labor beyond her physical limits had made her look sickly. Her skin was rough, and her hair was like a bunch of dried up weeds that was put on her head, even after combing it. Her body was skinny, and her face was sunken in due to lack of nutrition. There wasn’t any part of her that looked cute.

She had run over here carelessly and had only realized that this place must not be barged in recklessly. She was standing at the entrance with a dazed expression while carefully putting her hands and legs together. Her face was filled with anxiety and helplessness.

She should have heard the conversation between Gawain and Byron.

“Your daughter is here to look for you.” Gawain laughed and looked at Byron. He then gestured to the mute girl at the entrance for her to come over.

“My Lord…” Byron called out helplessly but immediately saw the little mute walking towards him. Byron’s face rapidly turned awkward and uncomfortable. “Why… why did you follow me? Didn’t I tell you not to run around carelessly in this place?”

“Byron,” Gawain spoke. “I know that you feel this matter is hard to handle. But you cannot throw this child to the side. Since you promised to adopt her back then, that promise shouldn’t be restricted by any future conditions. Take good care of her.”

“I…” Byron opened his mouth but still nodded and said, “Yes, I understand.”

“If you encounter any trouble, you can seek help. The territory has plenty of people who know how to take care of children. Don’t be unwilling to put down your pride as a knight. In any case, I reckon that you don’t have such pride.” Gawain laughed and said, “This child didn’t just save you, she had also helped me. I was able to resolve the danger at Tanzan Town due to her great contributions. This child has brought good luck for our territory. We must not treat her unfairly.”

Sir Byron nodded and gave his consent. The little mute blinked her eyes to look at Gawain before looking at Byron again. She could understand their language, but she didn’t understand the profound contents like knight and territory; therefore, she looked like she was at a loss.

At this moment, Gawain suddenly asked, “Does she have a name?”

“Name?” Byron looked as though he had just realized this point. “That’s right. I still don’t know her name… I had panicked when I was taking care of her earlier.”

“She should already have a name, but it is a pity that she can’t talk. It is probable that none of us will be able to know what her name is.” Gawain looked at the little mute and asked, “Shall we give you a name?”

The mute child immediately used her hands to gesticulate, but Gawain and Byron were unable to understand her. After a struggle and a failed communication, the little mute suddenly said ‘uh ah’ and ran out of the tent.

Gawain and Byron looked at each other with dismay and decided to wait. A moment later, the child returned while panting.

She extended her hand in front of Gawain and there were peas within her hand.

A long time later, Gawain finally guessed the child’s meaning. “Are you saying that your name is Pea?”

The mute child nodded forcefully. One of her hands grabbed on the belt on her skirt while the other hand brought the peas forward a little more.

This time Byron was the one to react. “You don’t wish for a new name and wish to still be called ‘Pea’?”

The mute child nodded forcefully again.

“This name should be given to her by her parents. If it was a name given to her by the merchant who cut off her tongue, she wouldn’t view it with such importance.” Gawain guessed and said, “Pea, huh…? When the parents came up with the name, they probably wished that she would be able to stay full.”

While speaking, Gawain pressed down on Pea’s head. The sensation was truly like a bundle of weed.

“She might not know how to talk, but she can understand us. You will have to pay attention to your choice of words in the future and be a good role model for this child.” Gawain smiled and looked at Byron while suddenly recalling something. “That’s right, the purchasing of serfs and contact with the refugees at Tanzan Town is now being assisted by Viscount Andrew. You don’t need to personally supervise it now. Just hand it to some elite subordinates to handle the task. I have a new mission for you.”