Chapter 286

Chapter 286Previous

Who was it?

Maxwell.

Where did you get hurt?

On my left shoulder, but it doesnt hurt that much

Walking out of the alley with Ed, Lil flipped her head from side to side for no reason. When they rounded the corner, Ed gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Lil found it more comfortable to walk with her weight leaning on him since she was in pain.

Not only did Maxwell show up all of a sudden, he also acted a little strange.

What do you mean?

Should I say it felt like he was being chased by something? He kept telling me to come back and that my brother would forgive me. He looked very anxious too. It seems like my brother planted something in Maxwells mind, but what could it be?

He went through all this effort to sneak out of the villa and find you just to say that?

Lil shrugged her shoulders.

My brother shows no hesitation when dealing with his subordinates. Hes probably giving everyone a hard time right now.

Ed said cynically.

If its Maxwell, wasnt he the one who strangled you? Whats he up to now?

Im sure its something related to my or your safety.

So that Maxwell guy knows what will happen to you if you come back, but recklessly harasses you to warn you about our safety?

I almost managed to squeeze it out of him, but that guard named Shail

..?

Lil unconsciously glanced at Ed, not exactly knowing why she sought his gaze.

suddenly popped out.

I see. Then I wonder if that guard named Shail displeased you in any way.

Not really. It isnt his fault to be immature.

Really? If so, Im glad

Not completely understanding what he was on about, Lil noticed Ed held her hand as they walked side by side. When Eds fingers, interlaced with Lils, tightened, Lil looked down at their locked hands and rubbed her thumb against Eds hand several times more.

Lil lifted her head again and looked at Eds face, but only his chin was visible from her point of view.

But for some reason, I dont really feel reassured.

..?

Ed muttered while looking sideways.

When someone keeps staring at you, tells you youre beautiful, fumbles whenever hes around you, and even tries to hold you although you insist youre okay

Its called Johns Gate or some call it Johns Arch.

Who was John?

He was a famous tax collector, and according to the legends, he was extremely vicious.

So, why was it named after him?

Smuggling ships used to often come and go in this area particularly. However, whenever they got close to that arch, they were suddenly swept away by the current and shipwrecked. It was said that it was his way to punish ships that didnt pay customs even after his death. Thats the story behind it.

Ah, then is this the forest where smugglers are said to hide?

That part of the forest is a little further east.

Lil subconsciously looked east, but she couldnt determine where such area of the forest would start yet. Lil soon followed Ed and settled down on a flat rock facing the sea. They both watched the waves beautifully shimmered by the midday sunlight.

I presume one would want to rest in the afterlife, but why is he being put to work even after his death? Were his tariffs that harsh?

Who knows, it was more than a hundred years ago.

Lil was handed a cup of boiled tea and snacks by a servant who suddenly appeared.

Looks like a bonfire has already been lit.

When she glanced back, the group had already gathered in smaller groups and were having a quick meal. Their group found their spots at the edge of the main road, so from time to time, other people and wagons could be seen steadily moving on the road.

Lil took a bite of the warmed bread. It was soft and the fruit was fresh. After all, there were plenty of market stalls and inns run by merchant associations near the Great Trade Route, so there was no need to worry about sleeping on the streets or breaking open hardened bread or beef jerky.

Lil brushed her hair which had become dishevelled by the wind.

She then tried hard to focus on her food, but Eds persistent gaze kept distracting her. In the end, Lil had no choice but to say something.

Do you keep looking at me like that to keep me from eating?

Of course not, just eat comfortably.

Yet at the same time, Ed propped his chin up as if he wasnt feeling any remorse. Lil grumpily shoved a large piece of bread into his mouth.

You eat it yourself.

Your gaze makes it feel like my heads getting pierced, so please stop.

Lil nonetheless knew that her warning was of no use. Still, she pondered on this strange feeling that overcame her. Whenever Ed looked at her intently like that, it felt foreign. Even though he didnt touch her or anything, something was itching Lil and worrying her for no reason. It wouldve been easier for her to simply reject him, but she couldnt do that either.

Ed chewed on the piece of bread that was half sticking out of his mouth and swallowed it before he opened his mouth again.

I cant take my eyes off you especially when you blend into the wind like this.

Ed grabbed her hair, which was fluttering in the wind, and brushed it behind her ear.

It suits you very well. The sky the wind and you right now.

Lil felt Eds palm cupping her cheek. Soon, her lips were lightly caressed by his thumb before falling off. Sunlight passed over Eds face as he opened his slightly closed eyes, creating a soft glow that spread across his forehead and cheeks while his green eyes sparkled beautifully towards Lil. Like a man feeling sorry for something, Ed then rested his forehead against hers and playfully rubbed the tip of her nose.

Every time the hard bridge of Eds nose brushed against Lils, her heart tightened