Chapter 417 Hope
The soldiers nodded, "Got it, Elijah!"
"I want to see who's talking to Oscar." Elijah was curious since he knew Oscar liked Pearl and wouldn't be interested in anyone else. He craned his neck but only saw a familiar-looking back.
Oscar's expression was gentle, just as they said.
Elijah started to worry. 'If Oscar found someone else, what about Pearl?'
A few soldiers asked, "Elijah, what do you think?"
Elijah pushed them back. "Stop gossiping! Oscar isn't like that!"
They backed off, but Elijah was still anxious. He knew Oscar was devoted to Pearl, so it seemed unlikely he'd be interested in someone else. Yet, that back looked a lot like Pearl.
Elijah thought, 'Could Oscar have found someone who looks like Pearl?'
Pearl had just finished eating when she saw Miguel running over, out of breath, with his head bandaged and his arm in a sling.
She almost forgot about him. "Are you okay?"
"Are you okay?" Miguel asked at the same time.
Pearl saw the concern in his eyes.
"I got a bit hurt, but it's nothing serious," Pearl said. "But you, why did you run over here? Have you eaten?"
Miguel replied, "I woke up and came to find you. I'm glad you're okay."
Pearl smiled. "You're worried about me? That's rare!"
Miguel looked awkward. "We're partners. Of course, I want to know if you're alive."
Pearl knew he had his pride. "You haven't eaten, right? There's some food left. You should eat something; it'll help you recover faster."
Miguel nodded and took the food Pearl handed him, eating quickly.
They fell into silence until Miguel spoke. "Who are they? They don't seem to be local. Are they from your country?"
"Yes, they are," Pearl said proudly.
Miguel had noticed they were different from the allied forces on their side. These soldiers were protecting the villagers, even though this area wasn't fully governed and had its own armies. The allied forces and government troops often clashed, hindering Eldoria's development.
Miguel had never felt protected by an army before.
"The soldiers are really good," Miguel said sincerely. "Sometimes I envy you. You must live in a great country."
Pearl felt proud talking about her country. Despite its flaws, it was safe.
"My country is pretty good," Pearl said. "Coming here has completely changed my perspective. I thought everywhere would be as peaceful as my country."
Miguel looked at the sky, wondering why there was such a vast difference between people.
Pearl patted his back. "If you get the chance, you should visit Tranquiloria."
Miguel sighed. "Will I ever get that chance? In a war-torn place like this, there's no room to grow."
Pearl felt a pang of sadness.
Just then, Oscar came out and saw them. He noticed Pearl comforting Miguel, patting his back.
They seemed close, like they'd known each other forever. Oscar's face darkened, and his brows furrowed.
Seeing Miguel with his head down, Pearl sat closer, offering her shoulder for support. "You have to believe in yourself," she said.
Miguel looked into her eyes, inspired by her positivity.
Suddenly, Oscar started coughing. Miguel quickly stood up, alert.
Pearl saw Oscar approaching. "Sorry to interrupt," he said.
"It's okay," Pearl replied.
Miguel was wary. "Who is he?"
Pearl introduced him. "This is Mr. Brown, one of the soldiers who saved the village. You can call him Oscar."
Oscar looked deeply at Miguel.
Miguel understood. "You're the guardian angel they talk about."
Oscar shook his head. "We're just a peacekeeping force."
Miguel insisted, "You saved the village. We are very grateful."
Oscar stepped closer, his voice cold but encouraging. "The future depends on young people. Surviving gives you hope. Maybe one day your country will be united, and you'll have a good life."
Miguel nodded.
Pearl said, "Let's go back to sleep."
"Okay."
Oscar looked at Pearl. "Aren't you sleeping in the tent? Where are you going to sleep?"
Pearl replied, "I need to settle Miguel first."
Oscar ordered a soldier, "You, settle this kid."
"Yes, sir!" The soldier came over.
Pearl told Miguel, "Go ahead, this soldier will take you. Rest well."
"Okay." Miguel looked at Pearl. "I remember what you said!"
Pearl and Oscar's words had given Miguel strength. He suddenly knew his path.
Pearl waved at him.
Miguel walked a few steps, then came back. "Pearl, can I hug you?"
Pearl was surprised but said, "Of course."
Miguel hugged her, making Oscar frown again.
"Thank you. I think I know what I should do!" Miguel said.
His words comforted Pearl. At least her words had an effect, giving him a goal.
"It's my honor."
Miguel let go and walked away without looking back.
Pearl watched him go, feeling emotional. They had met by chance but had gone through a lot together.
Oscar stood by her side. "I had someone prepare bathwater for you."
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