Chapter 126: Gravestone
Matthew tried to greet him, but he did not get any response from the old man. He did not even look at him.
He could only continue to move forward.
Finally, when they passed by an intersection, Matthew heard painful moans coming from a larger stone house.
"Excuse me, do you need my help?”
Matthew stood at the door and asked.
The door of the stone house was open, which allowed him to see the scene inside at a glance. As soon as he finished asking, Matthew decisively walked in.
Because he saw an old granny fall to the ground.
At this moment, she was rolling around weakly with her arms propped up.
"Are you alright?”
Matthew went over and slowly helped her up. Then, he sat by the bed. Realizing that the old lady’s body could not stand sitting for a long time, he immediately made some bedding from the side and let her lie down.
"I just wanted to get up and drink some water by myself.”
The old granny said gratefully,
“My husband went out to pack his fishing gear. He will be back soon. Thank you, child.”
Matthew poured her a glass of water and carefully helped her drink it. Then, he shook his head and said,
“It’s just a small matter. You don’t have to thank me.”
Matthew asked with concern, “Is there no one else who can take care of you?
For example, your children?”
"My children?” The old granny snorted.
"They have all gone ashore. Torch City in the south, Ashes City in the north. They have gone everywhere, but none of them are willing to stay on the island.
"However, they did not do anything wrong because the other young people on the island did the same.
"Anyway, this isn’t our hometown, so what’s the point of staying on the island?”
Seeing that she was in good spirits, Matthew chatted with her for a while.
Not long after, the husband of the old woman named Zhen Zhu returned. To Matthew’s surprise, he was not a Su. His appearance was more like a mixed-blood of Jango and coastal humans.
His name was Orgen.
Orgen looked a dozen years younger than Zhen Zhu.
After learning about the old lady’s fall, Orgen was very grateful to Matthew and insisted on having him stay at home for dinner.
During lunch.
Orgen began to talk about his origins. He was originally from Leh City on the southern shore, and because of a trade, he had an inexplicable relationship with Zhen Zhu, who had recently become a widow at that time.
Under Orgen’s persistent pursuit, he moved to the island a few years later and married Zhen Zhu.
After that, the two of them gave birth to five children, two boys and three girls.
These children left the island after they became adults.
In the beginning, they would come back to visit once a year.
As time passed, the five children discussed that one person would come back as a representative every year and take turns to visit their parents.
Now, Orgen said that the last time a child came to visit them was three years ago.
"I don’t blame them. They’ve grown up now. They have their families and their children. It’s impossible for them to waste time on an old woman like me.
"Do you still remember? Orgen, Molly, and the others once discussed raising money to bring me to the Big Stone City to retire and live a good life.
“It’s just that I’m too stubborn and unwilling to leave.”
The old lady couldn’t help but interject when Orgen was recounting his experience.
"Yes, yes, yes. Our children are very filial.
"Let’s not talk about this anymore. Child, why did you come to the island?”
Matthew told him the reason for his visit and placed the letter of introduction written by Li Weiqi on the table.
Orgen opened the envelope, but he didn’t read it himself. Instead, he handed it to Zhen Zhu.
After reading it, Zhen Zhu sighed and said,
"You’re late. Village Chief returned to the embrace of the sea last year. No one in the entire Island knows about the inheritance of the Art of Equilibrium.”
Matthew had already expected this. Although he was depressed when he heard the news, he was not too upset.
"It’s fine. I’m just here to try my luck.”
He tried to make his smile look more relaxed.
Zhen Zhu returned the letter to him.
"If you’re not in a hurry, you can stay on the island for a few more days. There are many empty houses here. I’ll get Orgen to clean them for you. Leave after the Lantern Festival, child.”
Matthew had read about this festival from the information Samantha had collected.
However, she did not explain it in detail. She only noted that this was a very important festival for the Su.
Matthew thought about it. Since he had no other clues, it would be good to stay on the island for a while.
He could experience the island’s scenery, continue to perceive the domain, and even tutor himself on spells when he had time.
Hence, he agreed.
In the next few days.
Matthew found a stone house not far from Zhen Zhu and Orgen’s home.
It had to be said that the climate of the island was very pleasant. According to Olgen, even in winter, it was still warm as spring.
This made Matthew think of Peggy while enjoying the climate here.
Back in Rolling Stone Town, every winter, Peggy would complain that she was freezing to death and ask Matthew to keep her warm.
Matthew had touched her bones before. She was indeed freezing. It was useless to add more clothes or burn the fireplace. Of course, what puzzled him more was how could a skeleton feel cold?
This was also the first time he noticed there was something unusual about Peggy.
Matthew couldn’t help but feel sad when he thought of Peggy.
During this journey, he had eaten very poorly. It was either dry rations or exotic food that could not be eaten.
The food on the island was better.
Orgen’s cooking was not bad, but Matthew couldn’t be so thick-skinned as to freeload on the old couple’s food every day, right?
Days passed.
The Lantern Festival was getting closer and closer.
One evening.
Matthew strolled alone on the beach in the south.
At this moment, the sea breeze was slightly cool, and the setting sun was golden.
The waves hit the beach and the reefs, forming a harmonious movement with the flying seabirds.
As he walked, Matthew suddenly noticed a black object on the beach in front of them.
Moreover, its appearance was very different from the shells that could be seen everywhere here.
He walked over and bent down to pick it up.
[Hint: You have discovered a Gravestone (Bright Sandalwood King)]
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