The Wizarding World's Forbidden Book Administrator

The harbor had been plundered by pirates? Natalie was surprised.

Bourne, too, looked utterly bewildered.

But he immediately shook his head and said, "I don't know. When we set off, everything in Caogang was harmonious and peaceful."

Natalie saw the man smile:

"Hmph! It's good that you said no. If you had said yes, it would have proven that you were lying, because if you knew this, it would have been impossible for you to walk here in such a short time."

Bourne quickly bowed and pleaded, "Sir, please release me and my daughter."

"Alright, if what you're saying is true, I don't want to make things difficult for you."

"Thanks……"

"But!" the man interrupted Bourne, "leave your armor and weapons behind."

"Huh? But these are my personal belongings."

"But didn't you retire? You don't need these for farming or fishing, so why not leave them for the soldiers who need to continue fighting on the battlefield? Or were you lying all along?"

A deep gaze shot from the man's pupils, as if it could see through Bourne's soul.

Natalie saw Bourne clench his fists, but Bourne ultimately relented:

"I see."

After Bourne disarmed himself, the man left Natalie behind and departed with his army.

Byrne closed his eyes and exhaled a heavy breath, his expression showing some reluctance.

But when he opened his eyes, his expression remained resolute.

He then knelt down on one knee, grasped Natalie's arm tightly, and said:

"Miss, please don't run away again. The road is fraught with danger."

Natalie reluctantly nodded.

She felt a little guilty for depriving Bourne of his equipment, and she would agree to that.

However, if she repays Bourne's losses, she will feel no guilt and will surely run to her mother again without hesitation.

The two continued their journey.

Natalie suddenly said, "I'm hungry, this time for real."

"I'll get you some wheat crackers."

"But I want something hot."

"I'm sorry, miss, I was in a hurry to catch up with you and didn't have time to retrieve the iron pot, so I can't cook any hot dishes now."

Natalie lowered her head in disappointment, thinking to herself that she was such an unlucky girl.

They were chased, abandoned, beaten, and captured. Just when they were about to escape, they were stopped by an army that appeared for some unknown reason.

But all I want right now is to warm my stomach, Natalie thought sadly. Is that too much to ask?

"Miss!"

Bourne suddenly shouted something, his tone slightly joyful.

Natalie looked at him and saw that he was pointing ahead, so she looked over as well.

It was a stream, and a large group of rainbow trout had gathered on its surface like a whirlpool, creating a spectacular scene.

"Ah! God help us! Miss, we have something hot to eat!"

Byrne said he couldn't make stews, but grilled fish was no problem.

They came to the creek, and Bourne took off his boots and jumped into the river to catch fish.

The fish scattered in fright, but Byrne still managed to grab a plump trout with one hand.

When Natalie saw Bourne about to turn and go ashore, she suddenly froze on the spot and sighed:

"Oh My God……"

Natalie, somewhat curious, took off her shoes and stepped into the water: "What's wrong?"

"Oh! Miss, you can't look!"

But Natalie still saw it.

It was a male corpse, completely naked.

Byrne tried to cover Natalie's eyes, but Natalie pried those rough hands away.

She frowned and walked toward the corpse.

"Miss……"

Natalie knelt down and stroked the corpse's face.

To be precise, the body had no face.

Then she blurted out:

"Mother!"