Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 683: Family Servant
Zhao Hai quietly listened to the words of the attendant. It was undeniable that if Zhao Hai was a significant figure on this continent, then Barn was a mere nobody, an exceedingly insignificant person. He was just a carriage driver, belonging to the lowest tier of society, living in the continent apart from slaves.
However, Zhao Hai was somewhat moved by this insignificant person. He might lack strength, but he was doing his part to defend his homeland in his own way. With countless such insignificant individuals like Barn on the Ark Continent, it would never fall, would not be enslaved by the divine race, nor annihilated by the demon clan. Zhao Hai firmly believed in this.
Hearing the attendant's words, Zhao Hai paused his painting and turned to look at Barn, who was quietly standing next to the carriage, surveying the surroundings, a scenery he had seen countless times before.
Zhao Hai felt that Barn now resembled 1900 from "The Pianist," who had never left the ship. Both their fates were tightly intertwined with their respective places. The outside world was vast, but it was precisely because of this vastness that they feared it. They preferred to stay within their own worlds, just like Zhao Hai used to be on Earth—an ordinary recluse.
The attendant looked at Zhao Hai in confusion, not understanding why Zhao Hai had paused and was gazing at Barn with such a strange expression. However, he did not dare to say anything. His status did not allow him to speak out against Zhao Hai. Even the family head of the Vigan Family would show Zhao Hai utmost respect, let alone him, an attendant.
Zhao Hai turned back to the attendant and said, “Let’s go.” He had made a decision; he wanted to take Barn out of this world and give him a world of his own, keeping him within the space.
Although the Vigan Family's residence was unremarkable, it covered a considerable area. Just as Zhao Hai and the others passed through the first courtyard, they heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Shortly after, a dozen people dressed in magic robes appeared; they were the core members of the Vigan Family.
Leading them was a mage who looked to be in his fifties, wearing a rather plain black magic robe, holding a magic staff that appeared to be made of beast bones. His hair was somewhat grizzled, neatly combed. If Jing Vigan gave off a sense of dishevelment, then this mage radiated seriousness.
However, this old mage now appeared quite excited. Upon seeing Zhao Hai, he quickly approached and knelt down before him, saying, “I apologize for not welcoming you properly, Mr. Zhao Hai. Please forgive me. I am Tei Vigan, the family head of the Vigan Family.” The mages behind him also knelt down, which startled the attendant greatly. When they saw Zhao Hai, they merely offered a salute, while Tei had actually knelt down, which meant he had been extremely disrespectful.
Zhao Hai did not expect Tei to show such reverence. He quickly helped Tei up and said, “Why do you show me such great courtesy, Tei? I really can’t accept this.”
Tei bowed his head and said, “You deserve it, sir. If you can’t accept it, then no one can. Our Vigan Family is willing to become your family servants. Please, take us in.”
Zhao Hai was taken aback. Being a family servant was different from being a vassal race. A vassal race still had some degree of autonomy; they only had to obey orders. However, as family servants, they would have no autonomy at all. They would have to follow Zhao Hai forever, doing whatever he commanded. Zhao Hai couldn’t understand why Tei suddenly wanted to become his family servant.
Zhao Hai did not immediately agree. Instead, he calmly said, “Tei, you are overly polite. Let’s not discuss this matter for now. I have come for something else; can we go inside to talk?”
Tei quickly said, “I apologize for my rudeness. Please, follow me.” He guided Zhao Hai into the courtyard, and soon they arrived at a large guest hall. Tei invited Zhao Hai to sit while the rest stood.