Ch. 555: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 555

Chapter 555

“Ahshan! We didn’t cause your sister’s death! You’re one of the Yi people. I believe that even if your sister didn’t love Baimo, she still loved her country.”

What citizen would ever think of harming their own leader?

That one sentence brought back Ahshan’s conversation with Arlene.

She had been almost obsessed with Baimo. She read every bit of news about him, collected newspaper clippings of his photos, even printed out screenshots from videos.

He had once asked her, “You and Teacher Baimo are worlds apart. You’re so obsessed with him—are you really going to die for him someday?”

He never imagined those words would come true.

But he remembered her answer clearly: “Even if I don’t have personal feelings for him, he’s the leader of our country. If I ever die for him, then it would be a sacrifice for the nation—and that’s an honor.”

Now Norah had brought this up again.

All of it—this was what Arlene had chosen. She had already accepted this outcome long before it happened.

Ahshan took a deep breath. “I overreacted. I want to volunteer for the border post. My sister… she died for her country. I want her to be remembered with honor. That’s all I ask.”

Baimo had been planning to offer Ahshan some compensation, but he hadn’t expected Ahshan to volunteer so quickly. “It is honorable,” Baimo said. “But I thought we’d talk first. Since you’ve decided, I’ll have the arrangements made. Still, I want to make sure you get what you deserve. You—”

Ahshan was still just a kid.

How old had you been back then?

He’s only twelve now, which meets the Yi tribe’s age requirement for conscription. Even so, there was a kind of determined calm on his young face.

“I don’t want anything. My sister’s gone, and no reward will bring her back. I’d rather serve my country while I still can.”

That’s all Ahshan wanted.

Baimo opened his mouth to say more, but Pharaoh gave him a subtle nod. Baimo had no choice but to respect Ahshan’s decision. “Then we’ll do as you say.”

Arlene’s love for Baimo had always been her own choice. She had never pursued him, and she’d always claimed it was for the good of the country. No one ever linked it to romance.

Among the Yi people, everyone talked about Ahshan. They called Arlene brave. Her name gained respect only after her death—but no honor could bring her back.

Ahshan had just one thing on his mind: protecting the Yi tribe and protecting Baimo—because those were the two things his sister had died for.

On the day Ahshan left, Norah came to see him off.

He didn’t care about money, titles, or anything material. The only thing Norah could give him was a protective amulet she had specially asked for.

“Ahshan, life at the border is hard. Please take care of yourself. Your sister may be gone, but we’re still your family. You can come back anytime.”

Ahshan smiled.

But deep inside, he knew the truth: with his sister gone, he didn’t really have a home in the Yi tribe anymore. Norah and Baimo had their own lives to live.

Ahshan wasn’t a little kid. He understood that.

Arlene was gone, and with her, that chapter had ended.

Norah stayed in the Yi tribe for a while out of concern for Baimo. He didn’t act any differently, but still…

His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked absolutely exhausted—like he was running on empty.

Norah was worried. “You really don’t look well. Are you having trouble sleeping? If it keeps up, I’ll call Jace to come see you.”

Knowing Baimo, he’d never willingly open up to his father. But it would be different with Jace.

Jace was thoughtful, intuitive—and their age. There’d be less pressure.

“I’m fine—”

Baimo didn’t want to tell Norah the truth. But before he could finish, Freyja cut him off. “How can you say you’re fine? You can’t sleep, and you’re dreaming about Arlene every single night! Baimo, she’s becoming your inner demon! You tried, okay?! You did everything you could!”

Baimo had seen death before—he’d been through countless battles with the Yi people.

Freyja knew Arlene died saving Baimo, but she also knew Baimo had never wanted that. He had done everything he could.

So why had her death affected him this deeply?

Freyja wrapped her arms around him, but his face was clouded with a darkness she couldn’t shake. It was like a heavy shadow that refused to lift.

He didn’t want Norah to worry, but Freyja couldn’t hold it in.

“Freyja, why are you telling her this? You didn’t have to say anything!”

“This is serious! You’re in pain! Why shouldn’t I tell her?”

Freyja’s voice broke with emotion. Her tears fell like a snapped string of pearls.

Norah gently placed her hand on Freyja’s shoulder. “Sister-in-law, I understand. Please don’t cry. Brother… you can’t go on like this.”

“I’m fine!”

Baimo’s voice was cold and sharp.

But he was far from fine.

Anyone looking at him could tell.

And people who insist they’re fine usually aren’t.

Norah’s heart felt heavy. “Brother, calm down. Let’s talk. This isn’t the end. You can get through this. You need to get back to living your life. Don’t let Arlene become your demon. She wouldn’t want this for you.”

“No, I didn’t—I wasn’t—Ah—!!”