第14話 Family name
Jenal and Jahir were informed that the Tareq family had officially adopted Jean. Jahir also heard the reason and thought about it.
The Tareq said it was to protect Jean.
That's true, Jahir thought. The family name Prava is not easy to say in front of others. It's manageable if it's just this village, but if he goes to other villages or towns, he won't be able to say it. Because that family name is somewhat famous. Especially at the port, no one does not know the name Prava. This is because the Prava family not only sells rice at a low price, which would otherwise be expensive in Urda but also sells high-quality silk. And by purchasing large amounts of wool, raisins, dates, and a lot more from Urda, the economy here became considerably richer.
The Prava is a foreign merchant who comes to Urda regularly, so people at the port know the name Prava.
The youngest son of the Prava family lives in Magraf village. Jahir thought there would be people who would target him for ransom.
However, after Sabil Efrad, Jahir wondered if it would be Zaid Tareq this time.
Jahir thought if only he could give his family name to Jean.
However, when asked if he can protect Jean with his family name, Jahir is honestly not that confident. Famous in the underworld are the Jazar family, the Efrad family, and the Tareq family. And as Zaid Tareq said, even though Jenal said Jean was his grandson, he did not let Jean use Jazar's family name. Perhaps the reason is that Jean would only be in Urda for two years. Besides, Jean himself is still young, so he probably doesn't need to worry about it that much. Jean would soon forget, Jahir thought.
As for the Efrad family, the reason was simple. Abu's father, Zahid Efrad, is the head of the Efrad family and is away working, so he is not in the village. The Efrad family of Ograt Village is a branch family, so living in Magraf is inconvenient in many ways.
Then the Tareq family will become the most powerful family suitable for Jean, Jahir thought. Although not well known in the public world, the Tareq family is famous in the underground world.
The Tareq is a famous family of skilled assassins.
"Hmm. That was naive."
Jenal said as he drank the tea and thought about it.
"If you were to be attacked there, you wouldn’t be able to find a reason to refuse."
Jenal said and Jahir nodded.
"The Tareq will take up Jean, Yatim's son, as their own and give him their family name. Hmm."
Jenal mused. A child of Yatim is a child who has lost his father, and in Urda culture, it means a poor child.
"I think, in Urda, Tareq's family name is better than Prava's.''
"Hmm..."
Jenal mused.
"Does the Tarek family know? That Jean would be in Urda for only two years."
"I believe he knew this and made this proposal."
"Hmm."
When Jahir answered, Jenal thought. It was so sudden that he couldn't think of an answer to overturn the suggestion.
"Where is Jean now?"
"He has been invited to dinner at the Tareq family."
"..."
Jenal thought about it after hearing Jahir's answer. Jenal couldn't believe that Zaid Tareq was so proactive. The purpose of being invited to dinner was to introduce Jean to the Tareq family. That way, Jean himself would have a hard time rejecting the Tareq family's proposal.
By providing a sense of security, they can prevent their target prey from escaping.
Jenal thought that Sabadda may have chosen Jean as a younger brother simply because he was small and cute, but Safid and Zaid had different reasons.
It was because Jean is excellent. Adopting him gave justice to the Tareq family for protecting the son of Yatim.
"Saman is also a Yatim..."
Jenal said and Jahir nodded.
"Saman lost his parents, but he remembers his family name before he was enslaved. I heard that he plans to take his family name when he comes of age. Since he is under my protection, I don't think there will be any problems."
"Jean is also your disciple and should be under your protection."
"Yes, but..."
Before any preparations could be made, the Tareq family made their move. The head of the family, Zaid Tareq, met Jean for only a few minutes and immediately ordered Zaad to formally adopt Jean into the Tareq family.
Zaad Tareq, the next head of the Tareq family, formally conveyed the proposal to Jenal and Jahir.
Put Jean under the protection of the Tareq family and give him the name of the Tareq family. Therefore, attacks regarding Jean are considered attacks against the Tareq family. The Tareq family pays for everything, including education, other expenses, clothes, and food. Instead, when there is a Tareq family event, Jean will attend.
"Hmm...I'm feeling defeated."
Jenal sighed and drank his tea. He wanted to give Jean the name of the Jazar family, but it was too late. Besides, Jenal didn't want to confuse Jean anymore. Even though the family name has changed, Jean is still his grandson.
And now Jean can live his life with peace of mind.
Jenal hoped that the old man wouldn't come to pick him up. If no one came Jean would be here forever.
"Okay. Tell the Tareq family that I accept the proposal."
"What about the Efrad family?"
"Just contact him. Tell him it can't be helped since the head of the family is not present recently. To protect young Yatim children, the sooner the better. Besides, the power of the Tareq family is big, and the Efrad family knows that well. You probably know that, too."
"Understood."
"One more thing, it is certain that Jean is a distant relative of Sabil. Tell that to the Tareq family as well."
"Alright."
"When Jean comes back, tell him to call himself Tareq."
When Jenal ordered this, Jahir nodded and went outside. He went to the children's tent and told Amir and his friends about Jenal's orders.
Jean's joining the Tareq family became the talk of the village for a while. But Jean, who has become a hot topic, doesn't care about it and continues to take care of the sheep with Abu and Saman today. Saman's chest wound had finally healed and he was now back to a normal job, chasing sheep.
Today's job is to help the women in the village. They taught Jean how to milk sheep and make cheese. It was hard work, Jean said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve as he carried the freshly squeezed sheep's milk.
In villages, children who are not yet adults are located in and around the village. There is a rule that all work must be done together with women. Sometimes the adults take them out with them. The men of the village are busy with various activities daily, doing business in neighboring villages and towns, shopping, and gathering information.
"Jean, after we finish milking the sheep, let's practice sword fighting."
Abu said and Jean nodded.
"Yes, Brother!"
Jean nodded and quickly finished his work. When they went to see Saman's work, he replied it would take a little longer. In the end, the two went to the training center and practiced swordsmanship.
"You've been moving better lately."
Abu took a break and drank the contents of the water bottle he had brought. Jean also drank deliciously from a water bottle.
“Thanks to Brother Abu.”
When Jean said that, Abu just laughed.
“Ah, Brother Saman is here.”
When Jean said that, Abu saw Saman heading towards the training area and waved at him.
"Sorry, I'm late."
Saman opened the canteen and gulped down its contents.
"Jean, practice with me!”
"Yes, Brother!"
Saman pulled out his sword. Jean laughed and pulled out his sword.
"But don't poke me in the chest too much, it's still hurt."
"Yes, Brother."
When Saman says this, Abu laughs and looks at Jean.
"Go, Jean. Don't lose! The best defense is offense!"
"Yes, Brother!"
Jean quickly attacked Saman, and Saman responded forcefully to the attack. As Saman launched a counterattack, Jean quickly spun him around and blocked the attack with his sword. And when Jean attacked again, Saman fiercely resisted.
Crack!
"Ah!"
Saman said, and Jean quickly stopped. Jean thought he almost hit Saman. Saman's weapon broke and flew somewhere.
"It's a draw today, Jean."
"Yes, Brother."
Saman picked up the broken sword and sighed.
"It broke..."
"Yeah..."
When Jean said this, Abu also nodded.
"Let’s go to old Nazaruddin."
"Okay."
Saman nodded and gathered up the broken pieces. Abu checked Jean's sword and was surprised. There wasn't a single scratch.
Abu thought that this shamshir was very strong. He said that his uncle Sabil used it when he was young, so it must have been a long time ago. Yet, it didn't feel fragile at all.
The three of them talked as they walked toward the blacksmith shop on the outskirts of the village. On the way, Saman bought three skewers and gave one each to Jean and Abu, who ate them deliciously.
"It's unusual. Is there something good today?"
Abu said and Saman nodded.
"Mr. Sabil came before, right?"
"Ah. That's the day he gave Jean that sword and throwing knife, right?"
"Yeah."
Saman nodded.
"After that, I was called by the teacher. He said that Mr. Sabil had dealt with that bastard, Erza."
"Huh? Did he squeeze and get some money from him?”
Abu said as he ate all of the skewers.
"He sold Ersa as a slave."
"Huh? Who?"
"Mr. Sabil sold Erza."
"..."
Saman said and Abu blinked.
"I wonder if he’ll be okay with being suddenly reduced to the status of a slave?”
"I don't know."
Saman shook his head.
"It seems Erza had quite some debts here and there. So the moment he saw me, bad things flopped in his head. He knows I am a runaway slave, so he could make money by selling me to a slave trader."
“He is a terrible guy.”
"Yeah."
Saman nodded.
"So, uncle captured him and squeezed him but couldn’t make any money, so he sold him to a slave trader?"
"That's right."
Saman nodded.
"So he covered all his debts?"
"It seems they managed to cover it all. He also gave me plenty of money, too. Now I can afford to buy weapons, clothes, etc."
"It was great"
Abu smiled.
"I feel so grateful, and thank you and Jean, too."
"Huh?"
When Saman said this, Jean, who had always been obsessed with skewers, tilted his head. He didn't seem to have heard the conversation. Abu laughed and pinched Jean's nose.
"Eat now, Jean. We have to go."
"(Mumble) Yes (Mumble)."
When Jean was busy eating skewers again, Abu looked at Saman and smiled. Although the bandage was still visible through Saman's clothes, his face looked very fresh.
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