Chapter 1941

chapter1941

Vivian gazed at Manfred.

Soon, Manfred started to speak, "After you left back then, I finished everything in Hubril and went to Graystone. There, I found that couple.

"After questioning them, I showed them some of the things you gave me. They didn't recognize any of it. Even when I mentioned your name, they had no idea who you were. They are most likely not your parents."

He knew she had rushed back, mostly to find her parents.

Maybe just maybe a small part of her also came back for him.

Vivian's expression changed instantly. Her mind roared as if struck by lightning.

Not her parents?

If they weren't her parents... then where were her real parents?

"Once everything in Briarpatch is settled, our route back will take us through Graystone. I'll take you to meet that couple again."

Seeing Vivian so shaken, Manfred felt his chest tighten. He regretted telling her the truth. Maybe he should have kept it from her.

He reached out, wanting to hold her hand. But halfway through, he hesitated.

Looking at her porcelain-like, fair skin, just as beautiful as the first time they met― he suddenly became painfully aware of the change between them.

There was now... a distance.

Vivian took a moment to process the situation. At first, she was shocked that the couple weren't her parents. But after calming down, another thought surfaced.

Her parents had always been cautious. This was a completely foreign, ancient world, and there was no way they wouldn't be on their guard.

Without seeing her in person, they wouldn't have believed Manfred so easily. She shouldn't panic.

When she finally came back to her senses, she noticed Manfred looked a bit dazed.

She didn't know what he was thinking, but a trace of sadness between his brows made her heart tighten.

"Manfred, I'm fine. I actually prepared myself for this a long time ago.

"My parents have been missing for so long-just knowing they're still alive is already a great relief. Finding them isn't urgent.

"Right now, you have much more important things to do. After arriving here today, I went to the government office and saw so many homeless people. They need you."

She lifted her hand, wanting to hold Manfred's hand. But then, she suddenly remembered the woman who blocked her at the gate.

Everyone said that woman was the one Manfred liked.

For her, it had only been three days. But for Manfred... it had been three years.

Three years was enough to change everything.

Before, he had no one he liked. But now...

Manfred felt a warmth spread in his chest. It was as if a light had been ignited in a dark place.

So, in her heart, he was still someone worthy of being relied on.

"But you need to rest. Have you not slept since arriving in Briarpatch? Look at us—just staring at each other

with dark circles under ur

eyes," Vivian joked.

She wasn't exaggerating.

If they didn't rest soon, by sunrise, the most eye-catching thing about them would

be their panda-like eyes.

Manfred was momentarily stunned, then chuckled.

As their eyes met, seeing the laughter and each other's reflection in their gaze, Manfred had a feeling that maybe even after three years, nothing had really changed.

In her eyes, he was still the same as before.

...

Outside the door, the guards standing watch in shifts froze when they heard

Manfred's joyful laughter.

"Did I hear wrong?"

"Did Mr. Atkinson... just laugh?"

"Mr. Atkinson can laugh?"

"Bullshit! Of course Mr. Atkinson can laugh!"

"Shut up! If Mr. Atkinson hears you gossiping about him, you're dead meat!" Kemp

walked over, immediately scolding the bold guards.

But he couldn't really blame them.

These men had only been following Mr. Atkinson for the past few years. And in those years, all they had ever seen was a cold, ruthless, decisive leader.

Forget laughing—even a smile had been a rare sight.