Chapter 205: Leonidas

It was afternoon, so Jared and his companions expected fewer tourists ascending the mountain. Instead, they encountered many people rushing towards the summit.

The hurrying tourists excitedly conversed: “Hurry! I heard Leonidas, Abbot Erasmus’s senior, is visiting Lagrange Monastery! He’s legendary; his abilities are renowned! We must meet him!”

“Rumor has it he last met only ten people. A couple infertile for over ten years had a baby the following year!”

“Is that all? Someone said he healed a lifelong paraplegic! We must meet him! Let's hurry!”

“I heard he’s here to cure Abbot Erasmus’s daughter, bringing a magical item!” [The sentence about searching a website is removed as it's extraneous to the story.]

Jared now understood the commotion. Walter explained, “Leonidas, Abbot Erasmus’s former superior, once headed Lagrange Monastery. After stepping down, he traveled extensively. He returned last year to treat Abbot Erasmus’s daughter, unsuccessfully. That’s why he’s back.”

“Oh no! We must hurry! If he cures her, we won't get the spiritual brush and cinnabar rosary!” Josephine exclaimed anxiously.

Everyone accelerated their pace, except Jared, who calmly smiled. “Don’t worry. He won’t cure her.”

“How do you know?” Josephine asked incredulously.

“Trust me,” Jared replied mysteriously.

Halfway up, Josephine slowed, sweat pouring from her brow. Gasping for air, she collapsed onto a rock. “I can’t go on. I need to rest. My legs…”

“I told you so! You wouldn’t listen!” William reprimanded her, but Josephine couldn't move.

Jared knew Josephine needed a break, but they couldn't wait. He suggested to Walter, “Why don’t you all proceed? I’ll stay with Josephine and catch up later.”

Walter agreed. “Good idea. I’ll inform Abbot Erasmus.”

William, after a brief smile at Josephine, said to Jared, “I leave her in your care.”

The others continued their ascent. Jared sat beside Josephine.

Josephine chuckled innocently. “I can’t walk another step. Carry me?”

“No way. I’m not strong enough,” Jared firmly refused.

“But I’m exhausted!” Josephine whined pathetically.

Jared’s heart fluttered; he found her beautiful. Despite her temper, she was kind.

He suddenly grabbed her hand. Startled, she tried to pull away, but he held her fast. Blushing, she bit her lip, avoiding his gaze.