Chapter 36 - After Marrying the Great Demon Lord in Secret Part 3 - The Matchmaker Arrives

Observing the empty medicine bowl in the child's hands, Cendrarsa momentarily froze. Was he pretending to have drunk the medicine after all those tears just now? His teacher had instructed him to drink it, and he promptly did so himself.Chuckling softly, Cendrarsa rose to her feet."Very well, the medicine has been taken. Sir, the consultation fee and cost of the medicine amount to ten copper coins."Finally, a day of collecting eggs and sweet potatoes had led to an encounter with someone willing to pay up.His sect was known for its wealth, and as the top disciple of the Sword Sect, Zagonnas hailed from a family of opulence.However, the moment he was asked for payment, Zagonnas's expression shifted.Teaching in Maple Village, he had never charged tuition fees. The children's families were not well-off, often paying in eggs, sweet potatoes, or cornmeal. When he left the Sword Sect, he didn't take any money with him. What could he use to pay the fee?But this woman before him was Cendrarsa, even if she didn't know he was Zagonnas at the moment. He didn't want to lose face in front of her.After a moment of contemplation, Zagonnas reached into his robes and produced a white jade pendant with a dragon motif."Cendrarsa, I am a man of letters and do not care for the smell of copper. Consider this jade pendant as payment for the consultation.""What?" Cendrarsa was dumbfounded. Looking at the jade pendant presented to her, its luster alone hinted at its immense value. Yet it was merely worth ten coins. If he didn't have a chance, that was fine, but giving away such a treasure for this small fee seemed unnecessary!Seeing Cendrarsa hesitate, Zagonnas's brows furrowed.What was she implying? Did she look down on this family heirloom of his?Without much thought, Zagonnas reached out and grasped Cendrarsa's hand, forcefully placing the jade pendant into her palm."Take it. It's getting late, and we won't disturb you any longer."After speaking, Zagonnas released Cendrarsa's hand, picked up the child from the bed, and left.As Cendrarsa watched his tall, handsome figure depart, holding the warm white jade that still retained his body heat, she ultimately forgave his recent attempt on her life.Well, who could blame her for liking him, loving him even? Despite his erratic behavior, this habit of casually giving away valuable items needed to change.What kind of family upbringing could withstand such extravagance?No wonder the Sword Sect's library went up in flames; he probably had no idea of the value of those secret scrolls!Sighing, Cendrarsa finally closed the door for the night.Meanwhile, as Zagonnas walked towards Maple Village with the child, he didn't seem quite himself. Unable to kill the enchantress with the student present, he had lost a piece of jade.In truth, the jade didn't matter much; it was just a piece of rock. But it meant he had lost the opportunity to kill her.Perhaps he could make the child fall ill again?With that thought in mind, Zagonnas glanced down at the child beside him, who was struggling to keep up.This child had no parents and lived with an elderly grandmother. Falling ill this time was due to a fishing trip the grandmother had planned, but with the chilly autumn weather, the child had caught a cold instead.Familiar with the routine, Zagonnas considered another dip in the river the next day, to deliver the child in a delirious state.Then..."Sir, what are you thinking? I swear I won't go near the river again, please don't be angry."Zagonnas clenched his jaw and raised his eyes."Good to know. It's not easy for your grandmother to raise you alone. If something were to happen to you, how would she manage?""I understand, sir." The child nodded repeatedly.Listening to the child's obedient voice, Zagonnas ultimately dismissed his previous thoughts. If need be, he could fake an illness and seek her out when no one was around to strike.Yes, that's the plan.With his decision made, Zagonnas's mood lightened considerably.Children are particularly observant; noticing that the sir's mood had improved, the child quickly interjected:"Sir, that fairy sister from earlier was so beautiful! I saw she had braids on her head, she must not be married yet. Do you want Aunt Three to talk to you about it?"Aunt Three, the matchmaker with a big mouth, was a well-known figure in Maple Village, responsible for countless successful marriages over the years."What did you say?""I said, let Aunt Three arrange a marriage for you, sir. You're not getting any younger; it's time for you to find a wife.""I..." Zagonnas almost choked. This brat, conveniently suggested marriage to him while he was still recovering. And to suggest marrying that enchantress? Hmph! As the esteemed top disciple of the Sword Sect, he could have his pick of noble maidens lining up from here to Mount Ling. He must be out of his mind to marry that enchantress.With a cold laugh, Zagonnas glanced at the moon in the sky."I am still young, and I am not ready to marry so soon.""Sir, are you saying this because you can't find a wife? Haha, I've heard it all. The villagers think you're poor and refuse to marry their daughters to you."By now, the child was sweating and feeling better. Seeing that Zagonnas was in a good mood, he began to tease mischievously."You rascal! How dare you joke like that with me?""Haha, sir can't find a wife, can't find a wife." The child laughed mischievously and then ran off.Zagonnas sighed and began to consider throwing him in the river to make him fall ill again.That night, as the autumn wind picked up, the chill grew more pronounced.Accustomed to life in the Miao region, Cendrarsa, despite layering herself with two blankets, still felt cold. Eventually, she set up three charcoal braziers in the room before finally falling asleep.The next morning, as she opened the door, the first visitor was not a patient but a plump woman with a large red flower pinned to her head.Upon seeing Cendrarsa, the plump woman's face lit up with delight."You must be Cendrarsa! Word had it that a miraculous healer had arrived in Maple Village, and I couldn't believe it until I saw you. You're not just a healer; you're a celestial being descended to earth! Look at your appearance, your figure, your aura..."Before the plump woman could continue her praises, Cendrarsa waved her hand to interrupt."Auntie, are you here for a medical consultation? Let's stick to the matter at hand and skip the flattery.""Haha, dear, I'm not here for a medical consultation. I'm here to arrange a marriage for you.""Arrange a marriage?" Cendrarsa's eyes widened. She had only been running the clinic in Maple Village for a few days, and already a matchmaker had come knocking at her door."Yes, in our village, there's a butcher named Dave. He's twenty-nine this year, and despite his age, he's one of the wealthiest men for miles around. He hasn't found a wife because he wants a beautiful and fair maiden. He came to see you secretly yesterday and was immediately taken with you, Cendrarsa. Your lucky day has arrived."