Goodbye Saintess (by Edelweiss W.S.) novel Chapter 61

The old man gently caressed the child’s cheek in the photograph. His eyes filled with tears.

“Just a little longer, Ian. You focus on making it big in Astergrad, and I’ll handle the dangers here. I’ll make sure the path home is safe and worthy of your return.

“When we finally meet again, I want to hear you call me ‘Grandpa.‘ ‘That’s the only thing I want before I leave this world.”

Baron climbed back into his car, lost in thought. After a moment, he glanced at me and seemed to remember something.

“So… what was with the ‘you’re not a normal guy‘ comment?” I asked.

He blinked, then lit up like he’d found the perfect excuse. “Well, I meant–you saved my life! There was a fire a few years ago. I almost died, but you showed up and rescued me! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.

“I’ve been trying to find you ever since, but I never could. Now, finally, I can say it. Thank you, Mr. Grimwald!”

I reeled. So that’s why he treated me with so much respect? Right?

Then again, I didn’t recognize him at all. But I had been a firefighter since graduating college. Nearly ten years had passed. I’d joined countless missions and emergency calls. They were so many that I’d long since stopped keeping track of the people I might have helped. It wasn’t surprising that I couldn’t recall this one pudgy guy.

“Please. I was just doing my job,” I said with a smile. “No need to thank me.”

So that was it. Baron had recognized me as the one who had saved his life and assumed Rhea and I were in love, so he tried to play matchmaker. That was actually kind of sweet. I’d really misjudged him.

In hindsight, my presence had annulled an engagement Rhea hated. That had to be worth something, right?

“Mr. Grimwald, please! You’re too modest! There’s nothing more noble than saving my life! I could never repay you!” Baron

exclaimed.

I gave a casual wave. “Nah, I actually quit recently. I’m thinking about starting a business now. Anyway, I should get going. Thanks for everything. Take care.”

After everything that had happened, there was no way I’d be seeing Rhea tonight. Our date would have to wait.

“Wait!” Baron called out.

I turned. “Yes?”

“If you’re planning to start a business… how about I become one of your investors?” he said. “I can put in 670,000 dollars. I’d offer more if I had more liquid assets. Once my other ventures pay off, I’ll add even more! Please, take it as my way of repaying my debt!”

I froze. He hadn’t even asked what the business was. And that much money?

Okay, I couldn’t lie. I was tempted. But Baron wasn’t like Rhea. I needed to make a few things clear. “All right. I’d love to accept. But first, there’s something you should know.”