Ch. 419: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 419

Chapter 419

The young woman had seen Kevin yesterday and even shared a meal with him, but today, he was nowhere in sight.

Had she come too late?

Would she get a chance to see him early tomorrow?

Just then, Levi happened to walk by, still pondering whether Kevin was using the woman on his back as a stand-in.

Talking to himself, he muttered, "Probably not."

Then, changing the subject, "How about a hot bath?"

"There's no reason for Captain Edwards to be so kind to another woman—it wouldn't be right."

"Captain Edwards wouldn’t do that," he reassured himself. From what he knew about Kevin, the man had been deeply in love with Norah. He wouldn’t resort to finding a substitute.

But then again, Kevin and Norah were divorced. Morality didn't have to be a concern anymore.

Just as the young woman looked up, she saw Levi deep in thought, mumbling to himself. She quickly called out, "Brother Levi!"

Levi turned and realized it was the woman they had rescued along the way.

Her name was Chana.

They had saved many refugees, but Chana's situation was different. She had lost her loved ones, including her husband, who had been Chinese.

She had a five-year-old child and was determined to reach the border in search of her husband's family. She shouldn't have been traveling alone, but staying behind at the refugee camp meant facing constant bullying and hunger.

Her husband’s dying wish was for them to return to Craggaville, where his parents would take them in. So, Levi had taken her along, escorting her to the border.

She had done her part during the journey—mending clothes for the soldiers, helping with small tasks. She considered herself useful.

"Chana, it's you," Levi greeted her warmly. "Why are you out so late? Your child needs you."

"He fell asleep, so I dared to come looking for Captain Edwards," Chana replied with a small smile. "I overheard you talking about women and morality. What are you struggling with?"

She had caught snippets of Levi’s words.

Could it be that Kevin had feelings for someone else?

She had been traveling with them all this time, and Kevin rarely spoke to women. He always seemed distant.

Though he appeared cold, he had a kind heart. Not only had he saved her, but he had also helped her child. Along the journey, he had protected them. Chana couldn’t help but admire him.

Levi wasn’t one to gossip, especially about Kevin’s private life. "It’s nothing," he said dismissively. "What brings you here?"

Chana sensed he wouldn’t say more, so she didn’t press the issue. Instead, her gaze drifted toward Kevin’s tent. "I wanted to see if Captain Edwards was asleep and ask if he's getting used to things here. I know you Chinese people love tea. There's good tea around here, especially when picked fresh with morning dew. I can gather some tomorrow—it should suit your taste."

Levi thought that sounded like a good idea and didn't read into it. "Sure. Whether he likes it or not, drinking some tea won’t hurt. Go ahead."

"Great, I’ll go tomorrow!" Chana beamed, happy to have found something to do—especially for Kevin.

As a straightforward man, Levi didn’t think much of it. He simply wanted Kevin to have a better experience here.

Kevin had spent years in the military and hadn’t endured much hardship, but now that he was back, his skin wasn’t as tough as the others’. He wasn’t used to the conditions and had suffered allergies multiple times.

"I’ll arrange for a few people to go with you," Levi said. "It’s safer that way."

"Alright. Thank you, Brother Levi."

"It’s no trouble. You’re doing it for Captain Edwards too."

Chana smiled and left.

Levi didn’t linger either.

Still, Chana couldn’t shake her curiosity.

She kept Levi’s words in mind.

Who was this woman Kevin was supposedly interested in?

Instead of leaving right away, she found a soldier and asked, "Since we’re here to help in this village, when will we be leaving?"

"Not sure yet."

She hesitated before probing, "The woman who’s close to Captain Edwards—she’s not from here, is she?"

The soldier thought for a moment. "No, she’s from our side."

Chana’s heart skipped a beat.

Someone from their side?

No wonder there were rumors.

Smiling, she said, "Got it. Thanks."

She then returned to her child, who had just woken up.

"Mom, where were you?" he asked sleepily.

The boy, belonging to the Yi tribe, had darker skin and spoke their language fluently.

He hadn’t seen his mother for a while and felt uneasy. As soon as she returned, he clung to her.

Chana gently ruffled his soft hair. "I went to see Captain Edwards."

The boy’s eyes lit up. "That handsome uncle?"

"Yes." She handed him some milk. "This handsome uncle was afraid you wouldn’t have milk to drink, so he caught a cow just for you."

Greedy for the treat, the boy took a big gulp.

"Mom, it's so good!" he said, licking his lips in satisfaction.

Chana wiped his mouth with her hand. "Do you like Uncle Edwards?"

"Yes! He gave me milk!" the boy said excitedly.

Chana chuckled. "Yes, he’s been very good to us."

Meanwhile, Norah had taken a hot bath the night before—her first in what felt like forever.

She had slept well, feeling refreshed for the first time in ages. By early morning, she was already awake.

Stepping out of her tent, she inhaled the crisp morning air.

The place might be underdeveloped, but the air was clean, and the dewdrops sparkled in the morning light.

"Ms. White!" A soldier suddenly called out, running toward her.

Norah turned to face him. It was the same soldier from yesterday.

"The boy who was with you—he’s gone!"

"What?" Panic surged through her. "How could he be gone? Is he in danger?"

"No, it seems he left on his own," the soldier said. "He left you a letter."

Norah quickly took it and unfolded it.

The handwriting was rough, with some words written in pinyin, but she understood the message:

Sister, I’m leaving. You were right—fighting for the country's revival matters most. A nation must exist before a home can. Personal grievances don’t compare to a nation’s fate. So, I won’t stay with you. I hope we meet again someday. Thank you for everything.

As she read, a lump formed in her throat.

Maybe she was just too empathetic.

Partings were always hard to accept.

And now, this letter.

But deep down, she felt relief.

Ogura had found his purpose.

A life without purpose was an empty one.

Wherever he was, he would live his life with passion and conviction.

"Ms. White, should we go after him?" the soldier asked.

Norah shook her head. "No. Let him go."