“…What? What’s wrong with Felicity? What happened?” asked Gerald hurriedly as soon as he saw Naomi’s expression. Tears flowing down her cheeks again, Naomi cupped her mouth with a hand as she slowly began explaining what had taken place about half a year ago sometime after Gerald’s disappearance. While the Crawfords had easily prevented the first flow of news—about Gerald’s disappearance—from getting out to the public, eventually, people still managed to catch on. From there on out, rumor after rumor began popping up and spreading around like wildfire. Some of the rumors claimed that Gerald was kidnapped. Bolder rumors even stated that he had been murdered! With the rumors spreading around so quickly, it was only a matter of time before Felicity and a few other acquaintances of Gerald caught wind of it. Felicity and Naomi themselves had particularly been more anxious compared to the others. Because of that, Felicity wasted no time declaring that she would get to the bottom o
However, upon seeing how sad and lonely Naomi looked, he instantly felt sorry for her. As a result, he was able to momentarily suppress his resentment. “…Well… What about you, Naomi? What kind of illness is your mother suffering from?” asked Gerald. “Well, after returning to Mayberry under Chairman Lyle’s protection, it didn’t take long for me to realize that my mom had contracted some sort of weird illness. Even after meeting countless doctors, nobody’s been able to cure her. As you can imagine, however, hiring doctors isn’t cheap… As a result, I ended up having to sell all of my family’s properties! It was about a month ago when all my resources finally ran dry. Having no other options, I came to the Salford Province to seek help from an uncle. During my time here, I found out that a famous doctor lives nearby! He goes by Master Jenkinson! However, since I barely have enough money to survive now, I can’t really meet up with him...” explained Naomi in an embarrassed tone. Sighin
“Tanya! Mollie! You’re still here? Your grandma’s heading up the mountain now so come along and help!” said a middle-aged woman as she walked toward the group at that moment. “Oh? Alright, mom! Let’s head there together then!” said both of the girls. Seeing the two people who had just arrived, Naomi respectfully greeted, “Uncle, aunt…” “Humph! So you’re here too?” said the woman in a contemptuous manner while crossing her arms. At that, Naomi nodded before saying, “Is grandma meeting Master Jenkinson to have her illness diagnosed? Is she feeling alright?” “Hold it right there!” said her aunt in shock when she heard her question. “Ignoring grandma for the moment, I’m telling you now that Master Jenkinson charges patients individually! You better not be getting any ideas!” From what she had said, it was clear that she was afraid that Naomi wanted to bring her mother along. On the contrary, however, the thought hadn’t even crossed Naomi’s mind! “Look, Naomi. Since you wo
“We’re taking her to Joshua Jenkinson to have him diagnose her illness of course!” said Gerald with a weak smile. Gerald would’ve preferred treating Naomi’s mother himself if he could. However, he was well aware that it simply wouldn’t do to treat a patient in a hotel. Besides, he didn’t have that many herbs or medicine with him at the moment. In the end, it would be much better and convenient if Naomi’s mother was treated at Joshua’s place. “Huh? We’re seeking Master Jenkinson’s help now? But didn’t you say that you were no longer Mr. Crawford, Gerald?” asked Naomi curiously. Naturally, she hadn’t meant anything else when she asked that question. She simply hadn’t expected that Gerald would still be able to maintain such connections in his current state. “Haha! Just because I’m no longer Mr. Crawford, that doesn’t mean that all my connections are now useless! Now let’s get your mother up the mountain,” replied Gerald. With that, the trio then began ascending the mountain.
After saying that, she immediately looked at Naomi. Her action was clear enough for the staff member to instantly catch on to what she was trying to imply. “Kind ladies and gentleman, could you please present your registration number to me?” asked the staff member as he walked over to Gerald’s group. “We… We don’t have one…” said Naomi as she shook her head in embarrassment. “Ah, then do head over there to pay for one,” said the staff member as his gaze grew slightly colder. “We… Don’t have the money for that…” said Naomi as she bit her lower lip. “What? Did they actually sneak into this place?” “Hey now, take a look around you! Why would you even come here if you don’t have any money?” “That’s right! Such a beautiful girl too… Too bad she behaves this way!” Several of the businessmen in the lobby were now shaking their heads with disapproving smiles on their faces. “G-Gerald, Naomi… Why don’t we just leave for now?” said Naomi’s mother as she tugged on her daughter’s
“Grandpa!” shouted both Quest and the cold beauty nervously. “I’m fine. Sir, I’m willing to let Master Jenkinson diagnose the ill person from your group first. I can wait,” said the old man, much to everyone else’s surprise. “…What? But why, grandpa? Why the hell should we let him go first? Who the hell even is he?!” growled Quest angrily. “I appreciate it. After all, Joshua probably can’t treat a terminally ill patient,” said Gerald in a casual tone without any intention of being nice. “…Y-you!” shouted both Quest and the beauty in rage. Even the old man bore a rather ugly expression on his face at that moment. “While I admit that you certainly are very powerful, you should watch your mouth and manners. I don’t really mind since I’m already this old, but if you say such things to others, trouble will definitely come your way,” said the old man, lengthening his words to express his clear dissatisfaction. With daggers now drawn from both parties, the staff member—who had b
“…Senior?” Everyone now had their mouths gaping wide. The mighty master, Joshua Jenkinson… Did he really just call that pauper his senior?! While even Naomi was slightly surprised, the ones who were left the most stupefied were those from the Legh family. “Good day. I just came here today to borrow your place for a bit,” said Gerald in resignation. Though he wasn’t sure whether he should’ve let Joshua address him as his senior, it was too late for Joshua to retract the title anyway. “By all means, please use my facilities as you see fit, senior!” replied Joshua with utmost respect in his voice. As Gerald, Naomi, and her mother moved on, those from the Westley family could only look at each other in dismay, deeply shocked. Just as the old man had thought, the youth truly was extremely extraordinary. About half an hour later, Naomi was anxiously pacing to and fro outside a guest room door. She had been sweating profusely from the moment Gerald and Joshua had entered the ro
“I did indeed hear that, yes. However, since Mr. Crawford was able to notice my illness with just a simple glance, I’m sure he has a way to cure it!” said Bob, a faint smile on his face. “I apologize, but I’m no doctor. I don’t have the qualifications to treat you,” replied Gerald. Since Gerald was now still susceptible to outside dangers, he was trying his best not to be overly conspicuous. It hadn’t crossed his mind that Bob would actually wait for him right outside the guest room. “Hey, now! Have some self-awareness! Are you even aware that my grandpa’s never begged anybody for help? He’s even addressing you as Mr. Crawford out of respect! At least try to help him out!” growled Quest coldly. Hearing that, Gerald turned to look at the youth with a frown on his face. “Don’t be rude, Quest!” scolded Bob. “I’m terribly sorry Mr. Crawford… If my grandson’s rude behavior offended you, I’m willing to apologize for his sake…” said the old man as he slowly began bowing. Both Qu