Ch. 417: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 417

Chapter 417

"Got it, Brother Levi!"

"You guys keep talking. I want to see who it is..." Levi wasn't convinced Kevin had an interest in another girl—after all, there was already someone else in the picture. But his curiosity got the best of him. He stretched his neck to get a look, only to catch a glimpse of a familiar-looking figure.

Then he saw Kevin’s expression. Just as the others had said, his gaze was practically burning.

This is bad.

The backyard was about to catch fire.

A few more heads popped in, curious. "Brother Levi, what do you think?"

Levi pushed them back. "You're not allowed to talk about this! Captain Edwards isn’t that kind of person!"

"Oh, oh, okay!" They backed off, heeding Levi’s warning.

But Levi was unsettled. More anxious than even the man in question. He was certain Kevin was deeply devoted to Norah—there was no way he had eyes for someone else.

And yet, that back... It looked eerily similar to Norah’s.

Damn it.

Was Captain Edwards looking for a stand-in?

...

Norah had just finished eating and was stepping outside when she spotted Ogura rushing over, breathless.

His head was wrapped in gauze, his hands bandaged.

She nearly forgot. "Are you okay?"

"Are you okay?" Ogura asked at the same time.

She saw the concern in his eyes, and it softened her.

"Just some wounds, nothing life-threatening," she reassured him. "But what about you? Why are you here? Have you eaten?"

Ogura shook his head. "I came looking for you as soon as I woke up. Thank God you're fine."

Norah smiled. "Worried about me? That’s rare."

Ogura shifted awkwardly. "Who’s worried? We’re partners. Of course, I need to know if you’re alive or not."

"Don't be stubborn," she teased, knowing he was still embarrassed.

"I haven’t eaten yet. I just finished, but there’s still some food left. You should eat—it’ll help you recover faster."

Ogura nodded and responded softly.

Norah asked a nearby soldier for some food, and he brought her a portion of meat.

She handed it to Ogura.

Without hesitation, he took two quick bites and chewed in silence.

After a while, he finally spoke. "Who are these people? They're not from our side. They're with you, right?"

"Yeah," Norah said proudly. "They're from our military."

Ogura had already noticed the difference.

They weren’t like the so-called Confederates on his side. These soldiers protected the villagers. Meanwhile, their so-called allies only raided homes and stole from their own people.

Their country was still fractured, controlled by countless factions, each with its own army. Chaos ruled. The government had no true control, and the infighting was so severe that progress was impossible.

Ogura had never experienced what it was like to be protected by an army.

"Your soldiers are amazing," he said sincerely. "They fight for the people. Sometimes, I really envy you. Just looking at you, I can tell you’ve been well taken care of. Your country must be a good one."

Norah felt a swell of pride.

Sure, there were good and bad people everywhere, but her country was still safe.

"It is," she admitted. "To be honest, coming here completely shattered my perspective. I thought the whole world was as peaceful as my home. I never imagined people still lived like it was the 1940s or 50s. I feel for you."

Ogura gazed at the sky. It was the same sky above them all, yet the gap between their lives was so vast.

Norah patted his back. "One day, you might get a chance to see it for yourself."

Ogura’s expression darkened. "Do I even have that chance?"

He looked at Norah, his eyes empty of hope. "In a place like this, there’s no chance to grow up."

Norah felt a pang in her chest.

They were living through the same hardships her ancestors had endured.

She had never personally experienced it, but every time she read about it in books or saw it on the news, she felt their pain.

She was grateful her country had advanced so rapidly.

Never forget the struggles of the past.

Just then, Kevin appeared in the doorway.

His steps faltered as he spotted Norah and Ogura talking.

Norah was gently patting Ogura’s back, comforting him. They looked close, like they’d known each other forever.

Kevin’s expression darkened. His brows furrowed slightly.

Ogura hung his head. To Norah, he seemed like a little brother.

She sat down beside him, wanting to offer him a shoulder to lean on. Maybe, just maybe, she could pass on some of her optimism and reignite a spark of hope in him.

"Fight for your country’s future," she told him.

Ogura met her gaze, momentarily uplifted by her conviction.

"Ahem. Ahem. Ahem..."

A sudden cough interrupted them.

Ogura jumped up, instantly on guard.

Norah turned and saw Kevin approaching.

"Sorry to interrupt your conversation," Kevin said, his voice low.

"It’s fine," Norah replied.

Ogura eyed him warily. "Who’s he?"

Norah gestured toward Kevin. "This is Kevin, Captain Edwards—the man who saved this village. You can call him Captain Edwards."

Kevin’s gaze was unreadable as he looked at Ogura.

Ogura seemed to grasp something. "You're the protector they talk about."

Kevin’s expression didn’t change. "Not a protector. Just peacekeeping."

Ogura shook his head. "You saved the village. That makes you our protector. Our government could never do what you did."

His disappointment was obvious, as was his admiration.

Kevin took a step closer. His voice was calm but firm. "The future belongs to young people like you. If there’s hope, there’s a chance. Maybe one day, your country will be unified, and you’ll finally have peace."

"Yeah," Ogura nodded.

Norah stood up. "Let’s go. You need rest."

"Alright."

Kevin turned to her. "Aren't you sleeping in a tent? Where are you going to sleep?"

"I need to make sure Ogura is settled first."

Kevin signaled to a soldier. "Take care of this kid."

"Yes, Captain Edwards!" The soldier immediately stepped forward.

Norah smiled at Ogura. "Go with him. Rest well."

Ogura hesitated, then turned back. "Sister, can I hug you?"

Norah blinked in surprise but nodded. "Of course."

Ogura hugged her tightly.

Behind her, Kevin’s frown deepened.

"Thank you," Ogura whispered. "I finally know what I need to do."

His words reassured Norah. At least she had helped him find some direction, something to believe in.

"I’m glad."

Ogura let go and walked away, never looking back.

Norah watched him go, a mix of emotions stirring within her.

Kevin stepped beside her. "I had someone prepare bathwater for you."