NIP #300 - Chapter 34: Erya's Study Abroad Life (Part 3)
#300 - Chapter 34: Erya's Study Abroad Life (Part 3)
Hearing the other party mention her mentor, Arya's face showed a complex expression: "That's right, he taught me many skills."
"Since that's the case, then someone has come here to inform you that your training is complete," Jaqen said in a calm tone.
"What? It's over so quickly?" Arya couldn't help but widen her eyes, her face full of astonishment.
Jaqen nodded slightly to confirm: "That's right, you have withstood the test and gained the approval of the Many-Faced God. Therefore, this is also a precious gift bestowed upon you by the gods." With that, he handed a delicate mask in his hand to Arya.
Arya carefully took the mask and held it in her hands, examining it closely. This mask had a unique design, half of it as black as night, and half as white as snow, with only empty holes left for the eyes, as if hiding endless secrets. However, what surprised her was that the size of this mask was so small, only about the size of an orange.
"From this moment on, you are a Faceless One," Jaqen's voice was low and serious, "But remember, the identity of a Faceless One must be kept strictly confidential, and must never be revealed easily without instructions. In addition, there is one thing that is paramount and you must keep in mind - Faceless Ones have no right to take the lives of others without authorization, because all lives belong to the Many-Faced God. Those who violate this will be severely punished by the organization, and the consequences are beyond your ability to bear."
Arya nodded solemnly, indicating her understanding. She knew the seriousness and significance behind this rule, and also understood the responsibility she shouldered as a Faceless One.
"And this is for you." Jaqen handed another letter to Arya, "This is your first mission."
Arya gently opened the envelope and quickly scanned the task, a flash of determination in her eyes.
"I will do my best to accomplish the mission," Arya responded. She already understood that becoming a Faceless One not only meant gaining power and skills, but also represented a heavy responsibility. Facing the unknown challenges ahead, she was not afraid.
Jaqen nodded in satisfaction: "Someone believes in you, girl. Go, serve the Many-Faced God." After speaking, Jaqen disappeared into the darkness.
Arya gently tossed the small mask, watching it draw a beautiful arc in the air. However, just as the mask was about to fall, something amazing happened - with a soft "swish" sound, the mask in mid-air disappeared without a trace!
Arya's heart tightened, and she immediately became alert, her body quickly entering a fighting state. Her right hand gripped the short sword given to her by Liu Yuan, holding it horizontally in front of her, emitting a sharp cold light; while her left hand quietly grasped the 'sewing needle' hidden in her sleeve, ready to strike a fatal blow as soon as the enemy showed a flaw.
Arya couldn't help but blame herself secretly. She had been too smooth sailing during this time, so much so that she had been followed several times, and even approached her, without realizing it. Such negligence was simply irresponsible for her life! She calmed herself down, tried to calm down, and focused all her attention on the surrounding movements.
Suddenly, a figure slowly walked out of the narrow alley. The person kept tossing something up and down in his left hand. Upon closer inspection, the item was the Faceless One mask that had just disappeared!
As the other party gradually approached, Arya finally saw the face of the person. It turned out that this mysterious person was...
"Arya! You were able to cross the Narrow Sea and come to Braavos, why are you unwilling to go to Highgarden to find me?" Liu Yuan slowly walked out of the shadows, the sunlight pouring down, illuminating his face, with a warm smile like a spring breeze on the corner of his mouth.
"Ah! Ahhh! Teacher Galon, I really miss you so much!" Arya shouted excitedly, like a happy little bird, and plunged into Liu Yuan's broad and warm embrace, hugging his waist tightly, as if afraid that he would disappear if she let go.
This small figure trembled, burying her face deeply in Liu Yuan's arms, venting the emotions that had accumulated in her heart for a long time, tears pouring out like a flood. Since witnessing her beloved father being beheaded and displayed to the public, she had been wandering alone for two years, experiencing countless hardships, often without enough to eat or a place to live! At this moment, finally reuniting with her family, all the hardships and sufferings instantly surged into her heart, making her sob uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Liu Yuan's heart was filled with pity. He gently stroked Arya's thin back, and comforted her softly: "Okay! Don't cry anymore, I rushed over as soon as I heard the news about you." Arya gradually stopped crying, and slowly raised her head, gazing at Liu Yuan with teary eyes.
Liu Yuan stretched out his hand and gently wiped away the remaining tears from her cheeks, smiling and said: "Look at you, crying like a poor little kitten. Let's go, let's find a place to fill our stomachs first, and then sit down and have a good chat." His voice was low and gentle, full of concern and care, making Arya feel extremely at ease. She nodded slightly and followed Liu Yuan away from the place.
The two came to a restaurant, which was the Purple Blossom Restaurant that had sprung up in the Free Trade Cities in recent years. Arya looked at the magnificent golden gate in front of her and couldn't help but tug at the sleeve of the man beside her, and said softly: "Teacher Galon, this is the most expensive restaurant in Braavos. I heard that you have to make a reservation in advance to eat here. It's not just about having money to get in. Why don't we change to another one!" Her words revealed some worry.
However, Liu Yuan just smiled slightly and reached out and gently rubbed Arya's little head. Then, he turned his palm over, and a transparent card appeared in his hand. He waved the card in front of Arya and said with a slight smile: "See? This is the highest-level VIP card of the Purple Blossom Restaurant, which can be used in all branches of the Free Trade Cities without hindrance. Not only is there no need to make a reservation, but there is also no need to wait in line, and... the most important thing is, there is no need to pay!"
Hearing this, Arya's eyes widened, her face full of disbelief, exclaiming: "There is such a good thing?"
Seeing her so surprised, Liu Yuan couldn't help but laugh and explained: "Haha, because I opened this Purple Blossom Restaurant. There are currently a total of one hundred and thirty branches opened in twenty-seven cities. Otherwise, where do you think my money came from?" After speaking, he smiled and showed the VIP card to the waiter at the door.
As expected, as soon as the waiter saw the VIP card, his attitude immediately became extremely respectful, and he quickly led them into an extremely luxurious private room and arranged for someone to serve them. After the two sat down, Liu Yuan casually ordered a dozen dishes.