They Called Me Trash? Now I'll Hack Their World

Chapter 234: Be Careful Brother-in-law!

I pulled out a wooden chair and sank into it, letting out a long, slow exhale.

Then let my eyes wander around the room, taking in the small details.

A basket of freshly picked herbs resting on the windowsill. A half-finished knitted blanket draped over the rocking chair.

But there was a noticeable absence of something.

"Where’s Shira?" I asked, looking toward the hallway.

{A/N: I am really sorry for the confusion, but her name was typo, "Shira." Which was name of Jin’s friend, I mixed it up here, I fixed it now.}

"She’s over at the Chief’s place," Agnes answered, bringing over a steaming wooden mug of herbal tea and a small plate of warm, honey-glazed biscuits.

And then set them down in front of me with a soft clatter.

"She was supposed to be helping the other elders."

I picked up the hot mug, letting the heat soak into my palms.

Then took a sip of the tea, the rich, earthy flavor instantly soothing my throat.

Agnes took a seat across from me, resting her chin on her hand as she watched me eat.

We fell into an easy, slow conversation. She didn’t ask about the bloodstains on the hem of my coat or the way I subtly winced when I shifted my healing ribs.

Instead, she talked about the village. And told me about the recent harvest, the mild weather, and the minor, mundane gossip regarding the local merchants.

I just listened, soaking in the absolute mundanity of it all.

It was exactly what my brain needed to truly cool down.

After I finished the last biscuit and drained my mug, I placed it gently on the wooden table and pushed my chair back.

"I should probably head over to the Chief’s house," I said, standing up and rolling my shoulders.

"Tessa brought some friends back with her, and I need to make sure they haven’t completely overwhelmed the poor man."

Agnes stood up with me, picking up the empty plate with a fond smile.

"Go on, then. But don’t be a stranger, Young Master. You know there’s always a warm meal waiting for you here."

"I know," I smiled softly, giving her a small nod. "Thanks, Agnes."

I stepped out of the cozy cottage, the wooden door clicking shut behind me.

The midday sun was high in the sky now, casting short shadows across the dirt path.

I let out a deep breath, adjusting my coat, and turned my boots toward the large cabin sitting at the highest point of the village.

Well... she’s behaving better now. Not so guarded like before.

As I wandered back toward the main dirt path leading up the hill, a figure suddenly stepped out from between two cottages, deliberately blocking my way.

I stopped, my boots scuffing the dirt, and raised a single, questioning eyebrow.

"Rowan?"

The boy this time didn’t scowl, and he didn’t try to puff out his chest the way he used to when I first arrived in Oakmere.

Or look at me with disdain.

He just stood there, looking at me with a completely unreadable, deadpan expression.

"Be careful, brother-in-law," he said flatly.

Then without offering a single ounce of context, he turned on his heel and walked away, disappearing around the corner of a wooden fence.

I just stood there in the middle of the road, blinking in the midday sun.

Brother-in-law? What the hell does he mean by that?

No, I mean I know what he meant by that.

But coming this from him out of blue, and that underlying threat?

I just stared at the empty path for a few seconds before letting out a completely baffled exhale.

Deciding it wasn’t worth the mental gymnastics right now, I just gave a dismissive shrug and continued my trek up the hill toward Zen’s house.

In just few minutes, I reached the large, sturdy wooden cabin sitting at the highest point of the village.

And then stepped up onto the wide front porch and knocked firmly on the heavy door.

The latch clicked, and the door pulled open.

A warm, older woman with gentle eyes stood in the doorway.

It was none other than Shira, Agnes’s stepmother.

The moment she saw me, a fond, welcoming smile spread across her face.

"Oh, my young master," Shira greeted warmly, stepping aside to let me into the spacious foyer.

"It is so good to see you safe. Come in, come in. Chief Zen has been waiting for you."

"It’s good to see you too, Shira," I nodded politely, stepping over the threshold.

Then she gestured to me and turned, talking about mundane stuff.

I followed her down the main hallway of the large cabin, answering her questions.

As we passed the archway leading into the kitchen, Tessa came strolling out.

She was softly giggling to herself, happily rubbing her slightly rounded belly and then flashed me a bright, completely contented smile as she passed, heading toward the other rooms.

Shira stopped in front of a heavy wooden door at the very end of the hall.

She didn’t knock, simply turning the iron handle and pushing it open for me.

I turned, and the moment I took a step inside.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Air felt heavy and suffocating.

The room was dark, the heavy wooden shutters pulled tightly closed to block out the bright afternoon sun.

The only light came from a few thick candles burning low on a desk in the corner.

Sitting cross-legged on the woven mat in the dead center of the wooden floor was Zen.

The old village chief looked exactly the same weathered, tough as old leather.

Emitting the terrifying aura I didn’t knew he still possessed now.

Behind me, Shira quietly pulled the door shut, the latch clicking with a heavy, final sound.

What the..?

Zen slowly raised his head.

His sharp, seasoned bloodshot eyes locked onto mine through the gloom, carrying a heavy, deeply serious weight.

"We have a lot of talking to do, boy," Zen said, his gruff voice cutting through the dark room.

And without knowing why... I gulped down heavily. And tried a safer route.

"Good to see you, grandpa Zen."

He clenched his teeth, a vien buldged at his forehead.

"Grandpa my ass you bastard."

Then he grabbed a nearby leather journal and hurled it towards me.

"Huh?"

Thwack!