Chapter 270 Grudges from Two Decades Ago
From the first moment he saw Phoenix, Ethan could sense a subtle yet undeniable pressure emanating from him. This feeling wasn't strong or intentional but rather a deep-seated sense of resistance.
Initially, Ethan didn't pay much attention to it, but now, thinking back, he realized that this feeling had never disappeared and was indeed quite peculiar.
Moreover, Gino had never mentioned the relationship between Phoenix and Francis before. Now, with a casual question, he received such an extreme answer, making him realize that the relationship between Phoenix and Francis was far from simple.
"Why haven't I heard you mention this before?" Ethan asked in astonishment, eyes wide.
"Well, it's something from decades ago. Even though I've been with Francis for thirty years, I don't know much about it. It's not surprising that you don't know either," Gino explained with a bitter smile.
"Wait, something from decades ago? Has there been no contact between Francis and Phoenix in recent decades?" Ethan asked, even more surprised.
"Yes. Ever since Francis was expelled from Celestia Vale twenty years ago, he has cut off all contact with Phoenix! As for the matters concerning Celestia Vale, I'm not particularly clear either. Only when we get to Dell might we learn more. But one thing I do know is that when Francis was in Celestia Vale, he had the best relationship with Phoenix. Yet, it was also Phoenix who expelled Francis from Celestia Vale twenty years ago!" Gino explained seriously.
"Francis was expelled from Celestia Vale by Phoenix? Do you know why?" Ethan asked in shock.
"I don't know the specifics. That's Celestia Vale's business, and Francis has never explained it to us. We only know that it happened, and since then, Francis has taken us to live in seclusion in Emerald Valley and hasn't left in the past twenty years," Gino said, shaking his head helplessly.
"Phoenix seems to have been training in Misty Ridge all this time. Why do people from Celestia Vale like to act alone?" Ethan frowned, unable to understand.
"Previously, Phoenix helped Junior Master Uncle in Everglow City, probably because of Francis. This time, he invited you to Misty Ridge, and he might talk to you about Francis. I'm telling you about their relationship so you can be prepared. Since they are adversaries, he might say some things to discredit Francis!" Gino warned seriously.
"Phoenix is quite skilled; he wouldn't resort to slandering Francis, would he? Now I'm more curious about why he expelled Francis from Celestia Vale back then!" Ethan said, shrugging indifferently.
"In any case, you are wise enough to discern right from wrong. I was overthinking it! If you want to ask Francis about this, he will probably give you the same answer as I did. Regarding Celestia Vale, he won't tell you anything until you reach Dell!" Gino warned again.
"Alright, let's not worry about it for now. Since Francis wants me to go to Misty Ridge, I'll go," Ethan said, realizing he wouldn't get any more answers and decided to leave.
"When do you plan to return to Novaria, Ethan? I'll see you off then!" Gino asked as he escorted Ethan to the elevator.
"In the next few days. I need to say goodbye to Carlos and Percival before I leave. You don't have to see me off specifically. My visit tonight can be considered a farewell. I'll definitely contact you in advance the next time I return to Everglow City!" Ethan said.
Ethan wanted to visit Remington tomorrow and then drop by Luke's place to say hello. With that, his business in Everglow City would be more or less wrapped up.
"In that case, take care. I won't see you off." Gino nodded.
"By the way, do you know where your other friends?" Ethan asked curiously while waiting for the elevator.
"They are scattered all over the country. You will surely have the chance to meet them in the future. I'm the only one here in Everglow City," Gino explained with a smile.
"Alright then. Goodbye!" Ethan nodded and then entered the elevator under Gino's watchful eye.
Leaving Midnight Oasis, Ethan drove straight back to the Harris family.
For the past two days, Chloe, Sarah, and Alice had been busy with the group's affairs, so they naturally didn't have time to stay with Ethan all the time.
Alice was staying at a hotel, and Chloe had returned to the Miller family. Ethan was temporarily staying with the Harris family, which avoided the awkwardness of being with both girls at the same time.
After all, Sarah was already his woman, and he hadn't taken the final step with Chloe yet. If the three of them were under the same roof, Ethan really wouldn't know how to balance the relationship between the two girls.
'Looks like I need to find a time to get Chloe.' Ethan thought to himself as he walked into the Harris family home and saw Sarah cooling off in the yard, clearly waiting for him.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Ethan asked, knowing she had just returned from the banquet not long ago.
"Waiting for you. I just talked to Chloe on the phone. How about we go hiking the day after tomorrow?" Sarah asked, wrapping her arms around Ethan's and leaning half her body against him.
"You've already decided. Do I even have a choice?" Ethan shook his head with a wry smile.
"Are you unwilling?" Sarah pouted in dissatisfaction.
Seeing her cute expression, Ethan took advantage of the moment and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Stop it. What if someone sees us?" Sarah asked.
"We're practically married, so what if they see?" Ethan teased.
"Shameless!" Sarah remarked.
"I'm sleeping in your room tonight!" Ethan said.
"No way. If someone found out, It would embarrass me!" Sarah replied.
"You don't get a say in this," Ethan said with a mischievous smile as he pushed Sarah into the room.
The next morning, after having breakfast with Sarah and calling Chloe, Ethan drove alone to the military family.
Bennit confirmed Ethan's position as a special advisor to the military the day before. Although it was a nominal position without any real duties or rank, it made entering and exiting the compound much easier.
As soon as he arrived at Remington's villa, Ethan saw Lysander washing a car in the yard.
"Mr. Wilson, why didn't you call ahead? Remington is having breakfast. Have you had breakfast?" Lysander greeted Ethan warmly.
"I've already had. You look in good shape, but the morning is the best time for training. Now that you have some energy, you should spend more time practicing," Ethan reminded with a smile.
"The super energy you left in my body is long gone. Developing my super energy isn't something that can be done in a day or two. I got up at five this morning to practice and just took a break to wash the car," Lysander explained, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Although he was a good ten years older than Ethan, being lectured like a junior was a bit hard on his pride. However, Lysander wasn't upset because he knew Ethan meant well.
"That's good. I'll go see Remington first," Ethan said with a smile as he walked into the villa.