Ch. 420: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 420

Just then, Norah noticed a group of women carrying tools and baskets on their backs.

Among them, she spotted Arlene.

"Arlene!" Norah called out. "Are you heading out to gather herbs this early?"

Arlene nodded. "Yes, early morning is the best time. Some herbs shrink back once the dew dries."

"We’re also picking bamboo shoots," she added. "It’s the perfect season for them!"

"Then I’ll come along," Norah said. She wasn’t injured, and she wanted to see and learn.

Arlene welcomed her enthusiastically. "Great! I’ll get you a basket and some tools."

Norah quickly blended in and joined them on their trek up the mountain.

Some of the women eyed her doubtfully. "Are you sure you can handle this?"

Norah smiled. "I can, and I’m stronger than you think." She spoke in the Yi language, albeit a little awkwardly.

The women were surprised. "This girl is smart—she even knows how to speak!"

Norah laughed. "Just a little, don’t give me too much credit."

Her humility and effort won them over. They enjoyed talking to her.

"You really are impressive, a well-educated person."

Arlene walked beside her, whispering, "Did you actually learn Yi? That’s amazing!"

Norah shrugged. "Ogura taught me a bit, just the basics."

"Even so, that’s impressive!" Arlene said. "I underestimated you."

Norah just smiled.

As they climbed higher, the trees became denser, and the morning dew was thick. Norah was fascinated by the unfamiliar plants and the massive trees that required two people to wrap their arms around.

Arlene explained things along the way.

After an hour, they reached the herb-gathering area. It was cooler here.

Norah’s pants were damp from the dew, but she didn’t mind. She listened carefully as the women and Arlene taught her about medicinal plants.

She picked a handful of herbs and hesitated, unsure if she got the right ones.

A passing woman gave her a thumbs-up. "Ms. White, you got it right!"

"That’s a relief," Norah said, smiling as she continued picking.

Meanwhile, Kevin was patrolling the mountain with his team.

Frank walked beside him. "We’ve checked the area. This village is relatively peaceful, not like before when the Allied Army raided and looted daily. The locals have a great impression of Pharaoh—they practically worship him."

"Then why did the Allies attack this time?" Kevin asked.

"Apparently, they wanted to seize the medicinal herb trade. Probably saw it as a profitable business."

Kevin frowned. "What was different before the Allies came?"

"Pharaoh controlled the herb trade. It helped the villagers survive."

Kevin was skeptical. "So Pharaoh was good to them?"

"Yeah, but it’s odd. People on the other side despise him. His actions ruined three generations of their families."

The situation was complicated. Multiple factions were at war, and Pharaoh’s role remained ambiguous. Some saw him as a savior, others as a villain.

But Kevin had no doubts—Pharaoh was not a good man.

"There are women gathering herbs up ahead."

They spotted the women working hard.

"After the Allied Army raided the village, most of the medicinal plants were destroyed. This was their main source of income."

Suddenly, Frank rubbed his eyes in disbelief. "Am I seeing things, or is that someone familiar?"

Kevin immediately spotted Norah in the middle of the group, fully engaged in herb gathering.

She had integrated seamlessly. She even conversed with them comfortably.

Most of the women here were uneducated. The younger generation knew a little more, but seeing Norah speaking their language surprised Kevin.

He glanced at Frank. "You’re not mistaken."

Frank was stunned. "Wait... Madam followed us all the way here?!"

Kevin pursed his lips. "Call her Ms. White from now on."

"Got it, Captain Edwards!"

Kevin continued, "The mountain path is rough. I’ll escort them down later."

"Understood."

Meanwhile, Norah had just unearthed a valuable herb. If properly dried, it could sell for hundreds of dollars, but the local buying price was low. Plus, finding these herbs wasn’t easy.

She placed it in her basket when Arlene called out excitedly.

"Norah, come here! I’m digging up a bamboo shoot! It’s huge, and I need help. If we get it, we can make wild boar stir-fried bamboo shoots for dinner!"

Their wild boar meat was precious. They dried it for preservation, similar to bacon.

"I’m coming!" Norah shook the dirt off her hands, placed the herbs in her basket, and ran over.

When she arrived, she was shocked. "Are all your bamboo shoots this big? It’s as thick as a python!"

Arlene grinned. "Not usually, but this one is exceptional. Help me pull it out!"

"Don’t just yank it!" Arlene cautioned. "There’s a tender part underneath. If you pull too hard, it’ll break."

Norah was intrigued. "There’s a technique to this too?"

"Of course! Now help me! This one’s perfect for dinner."

Norah followed her lead.

"One, two, three!" They pulled together.

"One, two, three!" Again.

Even with both of them working, their strength wasn’t enough.

But the bamboo shoot was finally coming loose.

Excited, Norah gave it one final tug.

"It’s coming out!" Arlene cheered.

But Norah had underestimated her own strength. She lost control and stumbled backward—hard.

Oh no!

Just as she was about to fall, strong arms caught her, wrapping securely around her waist.

She was still clutching the massive bamboo shoot as she crashed into someone’s chest.

Norah’s heart pounded as she looked up.

Kevin’s deep, steady gaze met hers.

His face remained expressionless, but his grip was firm, grounding her.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

Norah quickly stepped out of his arms, her face a little flushed. "I’m fine!"

Kevin made sure she was steady before noticing her damp pant legs.

"Your pants are soaked," he pointed out.