Ch. 424: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 424

Chapter 424

Norah didn’t care what Kevin thought. She was simply telling the truth. From now on, they would be nothing more than strangers, and she wasn’t about to dwell on a single relationship.

He needed to understand that she didn’t need him. Ignoring the way Kevin looked at her, she took Arlene’s arm and walked away.

Arlene, on the other hand, had believed this was a great opportunity. She hadn’t expected it to end like this.

...

An ancient building, made of bamboo and wood, stood tall amid mountains, rivers, and dense bamboo forests. The entire landscape was breathtaking, carrying an air of old-world charm.

The structure was massive, spanning several hundred square meters. Its wooden exterior walls were intricately carved with delicate patterns.

Suddenly, a woman’s voice echoed from inside the house.

"Brother."

Inside the study, a man sat in silence. The study itself was vast, its walls lined with bookshelves towering seven or eight meters high, filled with countless books. He didn’t react to the voice, his expression unreadable as he continued reading.

"Brother." The woman stepped in, her face lighting up at the sight of him. "Why didn’t you tell me you were back? I’ve been waiting forever."

Without looking up, the man responded flatly, "Why are you here?"

"I missed you, of course!" She moved closer, clinging to his arm. "You have no conscience. You didn’t even come see me when you returned."

"You’re doing just fine over there," he said indifferently.

"That may be true, but it’s not as fun without you around," she pouted.

He remained silent.

"Why are you always so cold to me?" she complained. "I’m your only sister."

Finally, he glanced at her. Her eyes were filled with longing as she continued, "Everyone else has a brother who cares about them. I want that too. Didn’t you bring me a gift?"

Pulling his arm away, he put down his book and walked toward the window. "If you want something, just say the word. Someone will bring it to you. There’s no need for all this."

"That’s not the same!" she huffed, following him. "By the way, where did you go this time? Was it fun? Next time, take me with you. I want to see it too."

"Journi," he said coolly. "I wasn’t traveling for fun."

Journi changed the subject. "Fine. Then will you come with me to visit Father?"

"Did he send for me?"

"No," she admitted, "but he still wants you by his side."

"If it’s not a direct order, I’m not going back."

"Why?" she asked, frustrated.

"If there’s nothing else, you should leave," he said, dismissing her.

Journi clenched her fists, irritation flashing in her eyes, but she didn’t let it show.

As he walked away, she remained standing outside, staring at the ancient building, unwilling to accept his coldness.

"Miss, are we leaving?" asked one of the guards her father had assigned to her.

Journi’s expression darkened. "How can he be so heartless? What did I do wrong? I’m his sister!"

"Don’t let it upset you, Miss. The young master has always been this way," her personal bodyguard, Owen, reassured her.

Owen was tall—about six feet—his tanned skin and cropped hair giving him a sharp, disciplined look. A weapon rested at his side, ever at the ready. His job wasn’t just to protect her physically; he also had to keep her emotionally steady.

Journi turned to him. "Is my brother like this with everyone?"

"I don’t have much direct contact with him, but yes, he’s always been distant, never getting too involved with anything," Owen answered.

That response gave Journi a bit of comfort. "Where was he all this time, anyway?"

"He often visits nearby villages."

"Really?" Journi scoffed. "And what’s so fascinating about that?"

Owen simply replied, "He sees things differently."

Journi frowned. "Father doesn’t care what he does?"

"No."

She fell silent, but curiosity sparked in her eyes. What was so special about those villages? She wanted to find out for herself.

...

"Why does it feel like there’s something odd between you and Captain Edwards?" Arlene asked. "It seemed so tense. Like you two have a history."

"You’re not wrong," Norah admitted.

Arlene was stunned. "Wait… what?!"

But Norah’s mind wasn’t on Kevin. She had been in the village for so long, yet she had found no information about the Pharaoh. "Didn’t you say the Pharaoh was protecting you before? The village has fallen now. I thought he’d keep watching over you."

At the mention of the Pharaoh, Arlene sighed. "Our village was safe for a long time, but recently, it’s been targeted by allied forces. No one knows what’s going to happen. The Pharaoh has been good to us—he taught us a lot and sent supplies—but even he couldn’t stop the civil strife. If the government can’t fix it, what can we do?"

"He sent supplies?" Norah frowned. "When? I never heard about that."

"Not recently. It was before. Captain Edwards has been protecting the village, and outsiders can’t get in easily. But once he leaves… who knows? If you ever come back, I might already be dead." Arlene let out a bitter laugh.

Norah’s chest tightened. "Don’t say that, Arlene. I shouldn’t have brought it up."

Arlene gave a small smile. "It’s fine. I was born into this life. Nothing’s off-limits to talk about."

Norah felt for her but knew she couldn’t interfere. She was powerless.

"Miss Norah."

A voice interrupted them. Chana stood a few feet away, calling out to her.

"What’s wrong?" Norah asked.

"I’m cooking and wanted to try making Chinese food. Can you teach me?"

Norah hesitated. "I don’t cook often. I’m not great at it."

Chana looked surprised. "Women should know how to cook and do laundry. I thought you would."

Norah stiffened. "In my country, cooking and laundry aren’t just a woman’s job. Men and women are equal. There’s no such thing as ‘women’s work’ or ‘men’s work.’"

Chana stared at her, taken aback. She had never met a woman who thought like that.

To Chana, household chores were second nature, ingrained in her upbringing. But now, she suddenly felt lacking compared to Norah.

Still, she quickly changed the subject. "Really? But don’t women have to marry and have children? I just wanted to cook for Captain Edwards as a surprise. If you’re not experienced, I don’t even know who to ask!"