Chapter 429 Crisis
They were a bit worried about Louis.
But Louis said, "Don't worry about me."
Pearl glanced at Louis, who seemed unfazed by the villagers being massacred by the Allied forces.
It was like he already knew.
Louis turned to Pearl. "How are you settling in?"
"I'm used to it," Pearl replied. "I get along with everyone."
"That's good."
Louis's eyes flickered. "You mentioned Mr. Brown from Tranquiloria. I saw them helping build the school."
Louis added, "The people from Tranquiloria are really kind-hearted. Is there really an army that helps villagers without asking for anything in return?"
He found it hard to believe.
Pearl confidently said, "In our country, the army protects the people, not fights wars for resources. That's how we build a harmonious nation!"
She had seen the chaos here and appreciated how good things were back home.
Louis seemed taken aback. He paused, then smiled. "That's wonderful. You all must be very happy."
Compared to many countries, they were indeed happy.
"But I'm sorry. I have failed you," Pearl said. "The village was destroyed, and the school was ruined. I didn't have time to teach the children. Now that you're back, things should get back on track."
"I know," Louis said. "I'm planning an outdoor class tomorrow. You're welcome to join."
Pearl nodded.
"By the way, this is your gift," he said to Paloma.
Paloma excitedly said, "I thought I was late, but you didn't forget mine!"
Louis said, "I wouldn't forget anyone's gift."
"And yours too," Louis handed a gift to Pearl, speaking softly. "A small gift, I hope you don't mind."
Pearl was surprised.
She looked at Louis.
Louis's gentle gaze made her feel cherished, even if she had doubts about him.
How could she feel this way?
Maybe Louis saw them all as children, bringing gifts for everyone, including her, making her feel included.
Paloma was delighted, holding her gift like it was the most precious thing.
Pearl opened her gift. Inside was a necklace with an inscription.
She couldn't understand it.
"It's very pretty," Pearl said, examining it. "I just don't know what the inscription means."
"Bless you with safety," Louis said. "You know how chaotic it is here. I hope you stay safe."
Such a wish warmed Pearl's heart.
"Thank you," Pearl said. "I didn't prepare a gift for you."
"No need to be so polite," Louis said with a smile.
Pearl looked at the waterfall on the other side of the cliff.
Despite everything, the scenery was charming, with beautiful views everywhere.
It was just too underdeveloped.
If this place could be developed for tourism, it would surely become a hit.
However, their scene was seen by Carol, hiding in the bushes, seething with anger. "He usually doesn't get close to me, but he's familiar with an outsider. Does he even consider me his sister?"
"What you see might not be the truth," Jorge said, trying to comfort her.
Carol's eyes turned cold. "What's the truth then? Father recognizes me, but he doesn't? Has he forgotten how close we were as kids? How did things change so much?"
"Maybe he just needs time," Jorge said kindly. "He's been looking for you all these years."
Carol sneered. "I don't think he sees me as his sister!"
"That's not true," Jorge insisted.
"He's treating that woman well, even giving her a gift. I didn't get one, but she did!" Carol said angrily. "Why? Kill that woman, and let's see who he treats well then. If I can't have it, no one else should!"
"Yes!"
Carol watched them, clenching her fists, her eyes filled with hatred.
Louis had his own matters to attend to.
Pearl accepted Louis's gift and stayed to watch over the children as they played.
The kids liked her, often asking her questions.
Maybe she had been a mother before, giving her more patience with children.
After they finished their homework, Pearl felt tired.
She hadn't slept well the night before and took a nap on a nearby table.
When she woke up, the sun had set.
The children had already left.
Pearl didn't realize how quickly time had passed.
As she got up, she found a jacket draped over her, with a faint scent.
She took the jacket off and realized it was Louis's.
Louis was sitting beside her, his features illuminated by the fading light, holding a fan and gently waving it.
It seemed like Louis was fanning away mosquitoes.
Pearl didn't know how long he had been there, being so considerate. She rubbed her eyes. "I actually fell asleep and lost track of time."
"You didn't sleep well last night, did you? If you want to rest, you should go back. It's uncomfortable to sleep here."
Pearl stood up and handed the jacket back to him. "I just dozed off for a moment. It's time to go back now. Thank you for taking care of me."
"It's late. I'll walk you back," Louis said.
Pearl didn't want to trouble him. "It's okay. I can go by myself. I remember the way."
Louis, however, wasn't reassured. "The mountain path is rough. Trust me."
Pearl didn't argue further. "Alright."
Louis then accompanied her back.
They didn't talk much on the way.
Suddenly, Louis felt a cold breeze. He glanced sideways and said, "You shouldn't stay out too late."
Pearl looked up. "Are you talking to me?"
"Yes."
"I won't. I'll just stay in the village."
"Even in the village, it's not safe," Louis warned. "After I walk you back, don't go out alone."
His words seemed like a warning.
She responded softly and changed the topic. "By the way, where do you live? I don't know. Do you go home every time you leave?"
Louis seemed a bit indifferent, saying lightly, "Sort of."
Pearl asked again, "You don't seem to care about money. You always bring gifts for the children. You must be quite wealthy. I just don't understand why you do it."
"Watch out." Suddenly, Louis grabbed her arm forcefully, pulling her to the other side.
Pearl was stunned to find herself lifted off the ground.
What shocked her even more was an arrow flying past her cheek.
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