Chapter 498
Three days later, the gate to Aeridon slowly opened.
A carriage stopped in front of the old site of the Gallagher Shop.
When Elijah got off the carriage, leaning on the door, he saw the old shopkeeper bowing in front of the door with more than twenty former subordinates.
Everyone looked surprised when they saw him.
They shouted in unison, “Welcome back, Mr. Gallagher.”
Elijah had tears in his eyes and was very excited. He walked to the shop step by step, leaning on his crutches.
Looking at the newly hung plaque, Elijah shouted, “Let the market begin.”
The gong rang, and fireworks exploded. The gate, which had been closed for ten years, slowly opened.
The surrounding area was filled with onlookers, who were initially skeptical. They thought it was just a rumor.
After all, the Gallagher family members had either died or scattered.
Elijah had been missing for so many years; he must have died on the run.
However, when everyone saw Elijah standing unharmed at the food shop, they suddenly realized that the dark clouds over Aeridon had finally dissipated.
People spread the word, and within a few days, shops sprang up like mushrooms after rain.
The silk shop owner, whose house had been raided by Curtis, was the first to hang up opening lanterns. Next came the wineries, cloth shops, and iron shops.
Within half a month, the signboards of Aeridon were once again hanging all over the long street.
The once listless Aeridon has been completely reborn and has regained its former vitality.
Xander personally presided over the opening ceremony of the border market.
Elijah, wearing a brand–new brocade robe, stood on the high platform and struck the bronze gong.
In the deafening sound of the gong, merchant caravans from the north and south led their carriages into the newly built border market, with grain carts stretching for five kilometers.
Gradually, merchants from neighboring small countries also appeared in Aeridon.
For a time, unfamiliar faces were everywhere.
In the following month, Xander used grain carts as bait, wiping out the surrounding bandits in one fell swoop.
The old troops of Curtis were scattered and unable to achieve anything significant.
After causing trouble around for a few days and witnessing Xander’s tough tactics, they either surrendered or fled.
To ensure the stability of the Aeridon border, Xander stationed an army here.
This army was reorganized with the former Northern Army to form a new force.
Raihan was brave and resourceful, and Xander valued him highly.
Therefore, he was exceptionally promoted to the Chief Commander of the Aeridon Garrison.
Raihan was ordered to lead two thousand troops to guard Aeridon.
Raihan took the tiger token, held it tightly in both hands, and placed it in front of his chest. “I vow to defend Aeridon with my life.”
With the situation in Aeridon settled, Xander and Athena prepared to return to Pidence City.
They had never thought that this trip would last for half a year.
The two were missing their children badly.
After settling Aeridon, they returned to Pidence City without stopping.
On the day of departure, the people of Aeridon followed their carriage, unwilling to leave for a long time.
Countless melons, fruits, pulled pork, and hams were thrown into the carriage from outside the window.
Even the accompanying guards were laden with gifts.
There were too many things, and the horses could hardly breathe.
Xander had to buy seven or eight more horses to load the gifts from the people.
Athena leaned against the window, looking at the scenery outside, and couldn’t help but sigh, “So many things are enough for us to eat and drink on the road.”
Aeridon had beautiful mountains, beautiful water, and even better scenery.
When they came, it was a world of ice and snow, and when they returned, it was lush with green grass.
Set off by the red flowers and green leaves, it was indescribably bright and moving.
Many days of hard work had exhausted Athena and Xander.
The two of them fell asleep, lulled by the rocking of the carriage.
After an unknown amount of time, Athena felt someone gently nudging her.
“We’re in town. Let’s get out and stretch our legs.” Xander’s voice was husky with sleep as he reached out to help her down from the carriage.
She struggled to open her eyes and saw that the carriage had stopped in a small town.
The town was celebrating a festival. Everyone was wearing masks and singing, and dancing.
“They’re celebrating the Youmian Festival.” Xander pointed to a stage set up on the street corner, where performers in masks were dancing an ancient dance.
He explained to Athena, “It is said that wearing a mask can ward off evil and disasters, and pray for a smooth year ahead.”
Xander bought two masks from somewhere. One was painted with twining patterns, and he gently put it on Athena’s face, “This way no one will recognize you.”
The other was a plain black mask, which he put on himself, revealing only his sharply defined jawline and smiling eyes.
The two mingled in the crowd, watching children chase each other with lanterns and acrobats jump through fire hoops.
When passing by the candy painting stall, Xander bought a butterfly candy painting with its wings spread and handed it to Athena.
Behind the mask, she curved her eyes, bit off a piece of sweet candy, and smiled sweetly at Xander, “It’s delicious.”
Just then, the crowd suddenly surged over.
Athena only managed to grab Xander before being separated by the crowd.
She had to move forward with the crowd, gesturing to Xander to meet in front.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Athena suddenly saw a shocking scene.
She saw a man holding a child and walking in front with a gentle woman.
She was shocked. Athena couldn’t help but follow them, wanting to see more clearly.
When the man turned around, she saw a familiar face.
It really was Ray. He was actually living in seclusion here with a wife and a kid.
The scene was so vivid that Athena vaguely felt that the past had become a mirage.
She thought Ray was dead. She didn’t expect that he was still alive, and living so well.
Athena suddenly shed tears, but she was smiling. She just felt very happy.
The crowd jostled her, causing her to stagger back half a step.
“Miss, watch your step.” The old man selling candy paintings beside her kindly reminded her.
Athena nodded, but her eyes couldn’t help but follow the family of three.
They walked to the stand on the street corner and sat down. He expertly brushed the fallen leaves off the woman’s shoulders and tucked the child in tighter.
The child looked to be a little over a year old, with eyes and eyebrows that were exactly like Ray’s when he was a child.
At this moment, he was stretching out his chubby little fingers, babbling and gurgling as if trying to say something.
The family of three looked warm and happy.
Seeing that they were about to leave after eating, Athena suddenly thought of something.
She took out a bracelet with a money bell from her arm, called over a beggar, and gave him some money.
Pointing to the family of three, she instructed him. “Take this bracelet and give it to that child.”
“If they ask who gave it to them, what should I say?” the beggar said.
“Well,” Athena paused for a moment, then replied, “just say it’s from an old friend.”
The beggar ran toward Ray with the money bracelet. He handed the bracelet to Ray, but the child in his arms snatched it away, giggling.
Ray suddenly turned his head to look around, but could not find that familiar figure. After a long time, he chuckled softly.
At this moment, Ray was extremely grateful that he had not completely lost his humanity back then. He had been paying attention to Nova’s actions and saved her from the chaos of arrows.
This was the most correct thing he had done.
Seeing Ray staring blankly at a certain place, Nova gestured to ask him.
Ray smiled at her gently, “I was wondering when I could eat the ice cream you made.”
Nova smiled gently and gestured back, “Tomorrow.”
Ray lifted the child up high and put him on his shoulders, “Zick, are you happy? Mommy will make ice cream for us tomorrow.”
The little one waved his small hands.