703  Chapter 702

The people who had previously badmouthed Keira all averted their eyes the moment they saw her.

Old Mr. Sims patted her on the shoulder. “Young lady, thank you for standing up for me last time.”

Keira lowered her gaze. “No need to thank me; it was the right thing to do.”

Brian and the others chimed in immediately. “Yes, Senior Sister, we owe you big time! Without your help, we would have made a terrible mistake!”

If their punishment had been carried out, there was no telling if the old man would have survived it. “Keera” had saved his life!

The thought crossed Brian’s mind, and his eyes filled with gratitude as he prepared to say more, but Keira cut him off. “The ones who deserve the most respect here are Mr. Sims and Professor Brandt. I just did something small. Let’s not get things twisted.”

She stepped back, trying to shift the attention onto them. But before she could make her move, Brian spoke up again.

“Senior Sister, there’s no need to be so modest. I have nothing but respect for you!”

He gave her a respectful salute, one that was familiar in their circles. “From now on, everyone in the Special Division will follow your lead!”

Keira waved her hands. “That’s really not necessary…”

But old Mr. Sims chuckled. “When the Sect Leader couldn’t find an apprentice, I worried that James would end up taking over Freeman Sect. I had my doubts, but who would have thought he’d bring back such a talented disciple? Young lady, there’s no need to feel anxious. The Special Division has always been closely tied to the Freeman Sect, so it’s only natural for Brian and the others to follow your lead.”

Keira paused for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. “Alright then.”

Professor Brandt turned to Lewis. “Mr. Horton, we couldn’t have made it back home safely without you.”

Lewis nodded. “It was nothing.”

He was always distant and quiet around others, so Barry picked up on his personality and didn’t push further. He smiled and turned back to old Mr. Sims. “Sims, how about we grab a drink tonight?”

“Sounds good!”

Old Mr. Sims, now in his eighties, leaned on his cane as he carefully walked over to Barry. “Seeing you back home has put my heart at ease. Barry, make sure you keep contributing to the country’s research. My sacrifice won’t have been in vain.”

Barry’s eyes grew misty. “I will.”

He smiled. “You always talked about how great the roasted duck is in Clance. I haven’t had it in twenty years. Shall we get some tonight?”

“Of course! I’ve even got some fine wine saved up just for you.”

Old Mr. Sims turned to Keira. “Young lady, care to join us?”

Keira smiled. “I’ll leave you two to it.”

Old Mr. Sims nodded. With Holly’s help, he and Barry began making their way out. After a few steps, old Mr. Sims looked over at Holly. “Holly, I haven’t treated you or your parents well these past few days. You’ve all had to bear the burden of my mistakes.”

Holly wiped away her tears. “Grandpa, don’t say that. It’s an honor to be your granddaughter! I’m proud of you.”

“Good girl!”

Old Mr. Sims gently wiped her tears. “Your father once planned to stay in the Special Division, but I handed it over to Brian. I wonder if he holds any grudges against me…”

Holly shook her head. “The weight that comes with the Special Division is too much. Dad’s always been easygoing; he’s never blamed you.”

“That’s good to hear.”

As they walked a bit further, old Mr. Sims suddenly glanced back at Holly. “You know, having Miss Olsen as a friend is the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Don’t you dare get into fights with her again.”

Holly froze, her eyes misting over. “Grandpa, you knew?”

Back when she and Keira had a falling out at school, she had become withdrawn, and her grandpa noticed when they came to Clance. She had told him what happened, thinking he’d forget about it. But somehow, he knew everything.

Old Mr. Sims chuckled. “You’re not one to make many friends, but the way you stood up for her back then tells me this friendship isn’t just casual.”

He turned to Keira. “Miss Olsen, take care of Holly, will you? She can be a bit stubborn.”

Keira smiled. “I will.”

Old Mr. Sims then turned back to Barry. As they moved to leave, he suddenly stopped, trembling as he took Barry’s hand. “Barry, there’s something I need to apologize for.”

Barry looked puzzled. “What’s that?”

Old Mr. Sims smiled weakly. “I’m afraid… I won’t be able to join you for that roast duck.”

And with that, his eyes closed, and the old man collapsed to the floor.

“Grandpa!!”

“Sims!”