Chapter 513 I Am Not Worthy

Chapter 513 I Am Not Worthy

Rachel noticed the swift change in her father's demeanor—a shadow crossing his face, making her feel nervous.

However, she suppressed her nervousness and asked casually in a low voice, "Is something wrong, dad?" Derek was momentarily caught in the grip of an eerie sensation upon seeing the image of this young man on his tablet.

But what particularly froze his gaze was the golden eyes of this man, giving him an eerie sensation as a certain man's face surfaced in his mind.

However, he regained his composure at the sound of Rachel's voice. His gaze focused as he met her questioning look, "Did you really recommend a cripple?" he inquired, his tone reflecting surprise rather than disapproval.

Rachel exhaled, a mixture of relief and resolve in her breath, "I recommended him for the role of a Combat Advisor. An advisor doesn't need to match a Hunter in physical prowess but must possess the knowledge and experience to guide them. So I believed it didn't matter if he was no different than a manaless person."

Derek's curiosity was piqued, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sought to understand Rachel's unexpected endorsement, "You are not wrong, but who is this man, and why did you recommend him? For you to vouch for him suggests a level of familiarity."

Rachel's explanation bridged the gap of mystery as if she expected such a question, "I recommended him because my best friend vouched for him. If you delve into his background, it'll become clear, dad."

Derek returned his attention to the tablet, murmuring in discovery, "An orphan Logan rescued from criminals 24 years ago and raised in secrecy? How come this is news to me?"

"Perhaps, like Arthur's father, Uncle Logan felt this boy wouldn't be safe until he could stand strong on his own. Tragically, he was crippled during a quest," Rachel explained, sadness tinging her voice.

Derek nodded, understanding dawning on him, "Hmm...it does seem like something that a soft-hearted man like Logan would do, who opens orphanages every other day. Maybe he discovered the potential of this boy early and secretly trained him. Unfortunately, he must be quite sad that such a promising boy is now a cripple."

"He is far more skilled than what you must be thinking, dad. Even I was surprised when he took down Bernard in an impromptu spar. Of course, it was a spar based on the 'no mana' rule but nevertheless, his combat skills are unparalleled,"

Derek furrowed his brows and said, "Is Logan that good of a teacher to make an orphan this skilled?"

Rachel felt a bit tense but she answered calmly with a smile, "Dad, even Amelia became a great Hunter without depending much on her father. They are a natural at this."

Derek nodded, "Hmm...Logan had always been lazy, making it hard for anyone to gauge his true potential. It seems like we might be the only Elite family who aren't raising any secret prodigy, though it's not like we need to when we have you. But...who is this woman accompanying him?"

Rachel immediately answered, "She's just someone he knew from the orphanage. Apparently, Ash trusts her a lot, and they got crippled together during their last quest. Maybe they have a strong bond because of the same past they shared."

Yet, she masked her turmoil with a gentle smile, "You know best, Dad. But I reserve judgment until I've seen for myself whether he's up to the task."

"Of course. But I am sure you won't be disappointed. Maybe he could be the right one...you know," Derek said with a meaningful look.

Rachel's reaction was immediate, a mix of surprise and resistance, "Dad...you can't be serious. It hasn't been long after what Victor did, and still-"

Derek, realizing the delicate nature of his proposal, interjected with a gentleness that belied his authoritative demeanor, "I didn't mean it like that, Rachel," He stood up and walked over to her as he added, "I just don't want your future to be affected because of the tragedy you went through. But I am not going to force anything on you. You can decide since last time things didn't go well when I decided for you," He said as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

Rachel, trapped in a storm of her thoughts and memories, averted her gaze, "Dad, I...I don't think I'll ever be ready for this. You might find it hard to understand," After having given herself up to a demon and becoming his slave, she knew she was forever bound to him.

If anybody else found out, then she would be treated no differently than a demon or worse.

But this made her wonder what her father would do in case this nightmarish scenario happened.

Derek's sigh was a soft echo in the room as he said, "You are my only child, Rachel. The thought of you being alone in the future pains your mom and me deeply. We won't always be here for you. The future of our Sterling Family, our wishes, and the legacy of our ancestors rest on your shoulders. Only you can secure our lineage and carry on the duty of protecting our world."

Despite Derek's affirmations, Rachel remained unconvinced, her gaze low. "I know, Dad. But I...I am not worthy."

"Why would you say that?" Derek's voice held a note of confusion and reassurance, "No matter what tragedy you endure, it wouldn't change who you are. We all have our scars. You are more than worthy, Rachel. More than any woman of your age. The world is open to you, and in time, I believe you'll find someone right, once you've moved beyond your past."

Rachel met her father's eyes briefly, her smile a faint glimmer of gratitude amidst the turmoil.

Was her dad really as bad as Asher was painting him to be? She couldn't bring herself to believe that.

Stepping back, she signaled a return to her duties, "I should get back to work, Dad."

As she turned toward the door, Derek's voice halted her departure, "One more thing, Rachel. You ever find out who caused the silly rumors of Cedric's ghost being spotted during the Quest of the Worthy."

The question rooted Rachel in place momentarily before she faced her father, "It was probably nothing but a ploy by demons or other participants to terrify everyone into hiding. See you, Dad."

The moment Rachel left, Derek's expression slowly hardened as he touched the elegantly carved blue eyepatch on his right eye.