CHAPTER 52: HIS CUNNING SCHEME (2)

"The nobles from the county would love him. You won’t have to pay a single coin for the certificate. In fact, I’ll be the one giving you money," he added and grinned proudly, completely unaware of the fury building in the two people before him.

A loud smack rang through the air as Wina slapped him hard across the face. She moved to hit him again, rage boiling in her chest.

But Satyo, a seasoned Liner who had fought in battlefields, had sharp reflexes. He had been caught off guard with the first slap. But, of course, not the second.

As Wina raised her hand, he summoned a fireball in his palm, aiming it directly at her.

Before the flames could fully scorch her hand, Gara yanked her back just in time. The fire only grazed her slightly.

Still, Gara immediately took her hand and enveloped the burn with his water magic, cooling and soothing the injury.

Only then did Wina realize what she had done. She wasn’t afraid of Satyo, but the thought of Gara getting hurt terrified her.

She looked at Satyo’s flushed, furious face. His eyes now turning toward her son.

What if he attacked him next?

"Gara, let’s go home," she said quickly.

Seeing the situation was getting out of hand, Gara nodded in agreement. They quickly stepped out of the village chief’s yard.

"Don’t think you can leave here in one piece!" Satyo shouted angrily.

He sent fireball after fireball toward the two of them. Unfortunately, every one of his attacks was deflected by Gara.

Eventually, the two got farther and farther away. Until they were out of his attack range.

"Why is that kid’s water Talent so strong? Isn’t he supposed to be useless?" His brows furrowed in frustration. "Yeah, it must’ve just been luck that he could block my attacks. Who would choose to stay in this village if they had that kind of power?"

He brushed off his thoughts and walked back into the house, filled with a renewed determination to destroy them both.

Meanwhile, Wina and Gara had gotten quite far from the village chief’s house.

"Mom, we have to report him. He’s clearly abusing his power, turning a certificate into a transaction for buying a human. Actually, Mayor Danan from Falopo Town has been kind to me. We could report it to him," Gara said as they walked.

Wina glanced at her palm, which was slightly blistered but already healing thanks to Gara’s water wrapping around it.

Fear filled her heart at the thought of Gara getting hurt instead.

"You know the Mayor?" she asked, a little surprised. But then a glimmer of hope appeared on her face. "If you really know him, we might be able to ask for his help. Because honestly, we don’t have any evidence. Without the support of a more powerful noble, we won’t be able to fight back."

Gara frowned, his eyes calculating. He didn’t know how influential the county noble Satyo had mentioned really was or whether Mayor Danan would be willing to go that far to help him fight against one.

He let out a long sigh. He couldn’t rely on Mayor Danan, especially after rejecting his offer to join the academy this year. Even if he said he’d try again next year, the man would likely be skeptical and think he wouldn’t get another chance.

"To be honest, I’m not sure, Mom," he said quietly.

"That’s okay. Mom will find a way," Wina said, undeterred.

At that moment, they passed by an old man who had just come out of his house. They greeted each other.

"Elder, do you know about the herbal farmer certificate?" Wina asked.

The old man nodded. "Satyo told the villagers about it when he went to the fields this morning. Oh right, you and Gara had already left earlier, huh?"

The old man seemed to remember something else and cleared his throat awkwardly. He looked like he wanted to end the conversation quickly.

At the same time, two old women came out of the same house.

"What are you doing out here? Why are you talking to them? Come on, let’s go!" One of the old women pulled the old man away without even greeting Wina or Gara.

Wina and Gara were left standing there, confused. The other old woman, who was carrying a basket made of rattan, let out a heavy sigh.

"They’re truly fools," she muttered.

"Grandma Lasmyra, why did Grandma Mala act like that?" Gara asked, puzzled.

Seeing Gara’s innocent face—clearly unaware of what had happened—Grandma Lasmyra explained what had occurred in the fields that morning, right after they had left.

"Lita told the story like she was completely sure of herself. The villagers started to believe it, and now they’re afraid to be near you, especially if it’s their male family members."

"That’s completely absurd, Elder. I have no connection whatsoever with that thug!" Wina had no idea such a disgusting rumor had already spread.

"I know, Wina. I believe you. But Satyo showing up and saying the village chief was taken to town with serious injuries only made people more suspicious."

Only now did Gara truly understand why the word ’injured’ felt so wrong when used to describe Grandpa Jaya’s condition.

Satyo had used that word deliberately to make people think someone had hurt Grandpa Jaya.

"Grandma, Grandpa Jaya fainted because of high blood pressure. It wasn’t because of an injury," Gara explained as calmly as he could. Because Wina, standing beside him, was already on the verge of panic and fury.

"High blood pressure? How do you know that, Gara?" Grandma Lasmyra asked, startled.

"I saw it myself. Uncle Satyo was the one who took him to town in a carriage," he replied.

"I see. Satyo should’ve just told people that the village chief has high blood pressure. Then everyone wouldn’t have misunderstood you two."

Gara could only nod. Wina said nothing more, her expression growing darker.

After bidding Grandma Lasmyra farewell, the mother and son made their way home with their shoulders heavy with frustration.

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