Chapter 49

Captain John Stone sighed heavily. "She'll probably return to the city soon."

The number of educated youths in the village had dwindled. Many had left during the first college entrance exams, and now another group had departed.

"She mentioned it before."

When the topic shifted to Peter Wilson, Captain John frowned in thought. "We can only charge him with burglary. What do you think?"

If Michael hadn’t taught Emily some self-defense moves, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

Emily understood how crucial reputation was in these times.

"Dad, Peter was just there to steal," she said calmly, without a trace of resentment toward her father-in-law for not taking stronger action.

Captain John insisted that Mary stay with them for a few days.

"Then let Mom come over for dinner."

"No need. You’re not working now, and the rations from the village are barely enough for you and the boys."

His daughter-in-law had already used up their meat to host them today. As parents, they weren’t the type to take advantage.

After Mary finished cleaning the kitchen, the elderly couple headed home.

"Did you talk to Emily?"

"Yes, she agreed. She even invited you for dinner tonight."

Mary waved her hand dismissively. "We have food at home, no need to trouble her." Then she muttered, "Michael’s been gone for half a month now. Who knows when he’ll return?"

Captain John was also concerned. With Michael around, the Wilsons wouldn’t dare cause trouble.

"He’s not alone—Charles and Samuel are with him. I heard many places have loosened restrictions now."

That was why he had agreed to let them go and see the situation outside.

Now, no one monitored poultry farming, the militia had disbanded, and the educated youths had returned to the cities.

Rumors said some had started leasing land, though he didn’t know if it was true.

Meanwhile, Michael Stone was on a train, lost in thought.

"Michael, time to eat."

He had no appetite, his mind filled with thoughts of his wife.

"You go ahead, I—"

"You have to eat. Everyone’s lost weight on this trip, and you’ve lost the most."

It wasn’t surprising coming from Samuel, but even Charles agreed.

Charles still carried guilt. If not for saving him, Michael wouldn’t have gotten hurt.

Under their concerned gazes, Michael finally picked up his chopsticks.

Seeing him eat, the group relaxed.

At the Wilson household.

"Old man, are you just going to let our son go to jail?" Margaret Wilson lay in bed, grinding her teeth.

She would never let her son be imprisoned.

The only way out was to make Emily retract her statement.

But after today’s confrontation, the girl hadn’t budged.

And that damned captain...

When George Wilson remained silent, Margaret exploded. "If you don’t do something, I’ll make your life hell! Peter’s an honest man—he’d never steal!"

George was a man of few words.

With a domineering wife, he rarely spoke up.

But though Margaret seemed to rule the household, it was George who made the decisions—she was just the one who voiced them.

"Was Peter there to steal," George finally said, "or to do something unspeakable to Emily? Don’t pretend you don’t know."