Ch. 421: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 421

Chapter 421

Norah had known her pants were wet for a while. So were everyone else’s. She didn’t think much of it.

When you go out to collect herbs, a little discomfort is part of the deal. It wasn’t a big deal to her.

"I'll change when I get back," she said casually.

Kevin, however, was focused on her legs. "Cold seeps into the body. If you don’t keep your legs warm, you could develop rheumatism later."

"It’s just for a little while," Norah replied politely. "I’ll change as soon as I’m back."

Kevin didn’t respond. Instead, he knelt down and began rolling up her pant legs.

Norah stiffened as she noticed all eyes on them. Her back tensed, and she instinctively pulled away. "What are you doing? I’m fine."

Without a word, Kevin took off his knee pads and secured them around her legs.

The onlookers’ curiosity only grew deeper.

Arlene gasped and covered her mouth like she had just uncovered some shocking revelation. Their relationship definitely wasn’t ordinary!

Her excitement was palpable—like watching a romantic drama unfold in real life.

Kevin tightened the straps and said flatly, "These are waterproof and insulated. They’ll keep you warm."

Norah frowned. "Why me? The others don’t have them. That’s not fair. You’re the captain. You should know better."

She moved to take them off, but Kevin grabbed her wrist. "I can’t take care of everyone. And no one will mind."

Norah looked at him, unsure why his gaze made her feel uneasy.

"It's fine," Arlene chimed in. "The aunts all say your skin is delicate and needs extra care. We’re used to it, but you’re not. And besides, Captain Edwards is just looking out for you. Let him. How can he protect us if he’s worried about you?"

Arlene shot Norah a knowing look, clearly convinced there was more going on between them.

"Don’t turn down Captain Edwards’ kindness!" the older women encouraged, their eyes glimmering as they exchanged glances.

To them, this was as good as a love story coming to life—a perfect match unfolding before their eyes.

Kevin’s concern for Norah was obvious, and no one missed the unspoken emotions between them.

"Let’s head down the mountain," one of the older women finally announced, leading the group.

Kevin stood up, his face instantly returning to its usual serious demeanor, as if nothing had happened. "Escort them down safely."

"Understood, Captain Edwards."

The soldiers followed orders, but some couldn’t help but smirk. It wasn’t every day they saw their cold, unyielding captain act so considerate.

As they walked, Arlene took the bamboo shoots from Norah and placed them in her basket. Then she grabbed Norah’s hand, her eyes shining with curiosity. "I didn’t see this coming! Captain Edwards treats you differently. Spill it—what’s going on between you two?"

Norah sighed. "Nothing. You’re reading too much into it."

"No way!" Arlene grinned. "I may be young, but I’m not blind. He’s totally into you! If you two end up together, that’d be amazing. Captain Edwards is so strong and capable, and you’re beautiful and smart. I’m jealous! That moment when he caught you—it was straight out of a romance novel. The hero swoops in just in time…"

She sighed dreamily, completely lost in her own fantasy.

Norah, however, had a different view. Most of her interactions with Kevin had been anything but romantic.

Seeing Arlene so thrilled, she couldn’t resist teasing her. "I thought you liked Bai Mo? Why are you suddenly shipping me with someone else?"

Arlene immediately waved her hands. "Oh, don’t get mad! I was just messing with you. Besides, Teacher Bai Mo and Captain Edwards are totally different!"

She studied Norah’s face before bursting into laughter. "Teacher Bai Mo is gentle and kind to everyone, but Captain Edwards? He only treats you like this."

"That’s not true. He’s good to everyone."

Arlene tilted her head, considering. "Okay, maybe, but Captain Edwards always looks cold and distant. Except when he’s with you. Teacher Bai Mo is warm to everyone, which is why we all adore him."

As Arlene rambled on about Bai Mo, Kevin, who had been walking behind them, caught parts of their conversation.

He heard the name "Bai Mo."

There was no one by that name in the village.

Judging by their expressions, this Bai Mo was well-liked. That alone was enough to get Kevin’s attention.

His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed someone was missing. His expression darkened. "Where’s Levi?"

Frank glanced around. "Oh, he left early with Chana and a few others."

Kevin frowned. "For what?"

"No clue. He was acting secretive and wouldn’t say."

Kevin’s expression remained unreadable. "Chana took her child with her?"

"Yeah. It seemed inconvenient, but she insisted."

Suddenly, a voice called out from the mountain. "Captain Edwards!"

The open landscape carried the sound far.

Kevin stopped and turned. Levi and a few others were making their way down, carrying Chana.

She didn’t look good.

Kevin’s sharp gaze settled on them. "Frank, go check on them."

"On it."

Norah also turned toward the commotion. She saw Frank heading toward a small group descending the mountain.

Kevin stood still, waiting.

Arlene squinted. "Who’s coming down?"

"Not sure," Norah replied.

Arlene repositioned herself for a better look. "I see them! They’re helping a woman down. She’s holding a child and looks weak. What was she doing up there? Isn’t she just making things harder for everyone?"

"A woman?" Norah considered. "Maybe she’s someone they rescued."

"Maybe."

After a few moments, Levi finally reached them.

"Captain Edwards, Chana’s injured."

Chana looked pale, limping, her clothes drenched. Her face was streaked with dirt, and it was clear she had taken a nasty fall.

Levi carried a basket strapped to his back, filled with fresh tea leaves. Another man held Chana’s child.

Kevin took one look at them and scoffed. "What were you doing on the mountain at this hour?"

Levi hesitated, but before he could respond, Chana spoke up, her voice laced with guilt. "I’m sorry. I wanted to pick fresh tea leaves for you all, but I slipped and fell. I didn’t mean to cause trouble."