Chapter 121: Unreliable
Night had fallen by the time the members of the Freedom Convoy returned to the camp. Cyrus stood with his head bowed. Beside him, Rex kept glancing around, avoiding eye contact with the woman standing before them.
Valentine, a silver-haired woman, stood with her arms crossed over her chest.
"So, you’re both saying that you located the monster..."
Her eyes narrowed.
"...but somehow, you still let it get away?"
"Aunt, I could have finished the job, but something unexpected happened—"
"Enough with the excuses." Valentine’s voice cut Cyrus off. "Do you realize our supplies are running dangerously low?"
"But, Aunt, Rex—"
"Enough." She let out a deep sigh. "The reason we’re short on supplies is because you had to play the righteous hero and give our supplies away to other people."
Her gaze shifted to Rex, then moved to Grandpa Jiro. She massaged her temples with a tired expression.
"Why are all the men in this convoy so unreliable ?"
The men present averted their eyes. No one dared to answer.
Atlas paused, sniffing the air.
"Hmm?" His face brightened. "What’s that? It smells really good."
His gaze shifted toward Leo’s camp. "Looks like Big Brother is having another party today!"
Without waiting for anyone else, Atlas hopped in that direction. Valentine and the others exchanged curious glances before following his lead.
As they neared the camp, the sound of laughter and cheerful voices reached their ears.
Then they saw the scene. Lily was running around playing with eight other children, ranging from about eight to twelve years old. Five boys and three girls chased one another around the camp, their laughter filling the quiet night.
When they spotted Atlas, one of the boys dashed over.
"Big Brother Atlas! Look what I got!"
He waved a packet of protein bars in the air with a proud grin. Atlas’s eyes lit up. A trace of drool pooled at the corner of his mouth. He smiled and patted the boy’s head.
"Okay. Go eat it."
The boy scampered back to the others to play.
Valentine watched the scene with growing interest. Then she called out to the children.
"Children, what are you doing out here?"
"Didn’t I tell you not to leave the vehicle?"
The children froze in their tracks. They exchanged nervous glances before gathering around Valentine. One of the girls grabbed her hand.
"Big Sister! Big Sister!" She pointed at Leo. "Big Brother Leo gave us candy and chocolate and told us to have dinner with him."
Valentine raised an eyebrow. "What did I teach you about taking things from strangers?"
The children dropped their gazes to the dirt. Their little hands tightened around the sweets they held. At first, they had been wary when Leo approached their vehicle. But when he brought out candy and chocolate—things they hadn’t tasted or seen in almost a year—their resistance vanished.
Valentine noticed their expressions, and her eyes softened.
"Alright."
"I’m not going to take them away from you."
"But let this be the last time. Next time, be more careful."
She looked around at the children. "Now go back to the vehicle. Don’t bother anyone else."
"When we finish cooking, we’ll bring the food over."
The children cast reluctant looks at the steaming pot Linda was preparing. The delicious aroma made it hard to leave. Still, they gave small nods and began walking back.
Leo opened his eyes. He glanced at Linda.
"Linda, if the food is ready, let the children eat first."
His voice carried loud enough for Valentine to hear. Linda smiled and nodded.
"Children, go get your bowls. It’s time to eat."
The children halted. They looked at Valentine.
Valentine hesitated for a moment before giving a firm nod. The children cheered and hurried off to grab their bowls. Once they returned, Linda served each of them a generous portion.
Valentine approached them.
"All of you, go eat inside the bus."
"Nighttime is dangerous."
"After you finish eating, everyone goes straight to bed."
The children nodded without complaint and carried their bowls toward the bus.
Linda then handed a bowl of food to Leo. He had barely taken it when a figure dropped down beside him, throwing an arm over his shoulder.
"Hey, best friend! How are you?"
"Do you know how worried I was about you?"
Leo glanced sideways. Rex sat beside him, wearing the same shameless grin. Leo removed Rex’s hand without a word.
"Please maintain your distance."
"I don’t have that kind of preference."
Rex’s smile twitched. His expression darkened for a split second before he masked it with a fawning grin.
"Come on. Why are you being so distant?"
Leo ignored him.
One by one, the other members of the Freedom Convoy took seats around the campfire. Their eyes remained fixed on the food. Leo didn’t even need to look up. He could feel their stares.
For a moment, he was speechless. He looked at Linda.
"Is there still food left?"
Linda nodded.
"Then please cook a larger portion."
"There won’t be enough for everyone here."
Leo paused. Then he pointed at Rex.
"It doesn’t matter if you don’t cook a portion for this guy."
Rex’s expression soured.
"Hey! Why are you always targeting me?"
He placed a hand over his heart, putting on a wounded face. "Was I the only one who thought we were best friends?"
Leo ignored his antics and started eating in silence.
Valentine turned to the blue-haired girl beside her, whose face was almost entirely hidden by a mask.
"Aldina, go and tell Jenny and two others to come over and help the lady with the cooking."
The girl gave a short nod.
"Yes, Master."
She pushed her chair back and hurried off to pass on the orders.
Unable to hold her tongue any longer, Nina leaned forward. She looked at Leo with clear concern.
"Are you okay?"
Leo met her gaze and offered a reassuring smile.
"Nothing to worry about. It’s just a small wound."
"But I saw the blade pierce straight through your chest."
Leo shook his head.
"Don’t worry. He missed all the vital organs."
"As you can see, I’m standing right here. Fit and fine."
Nina nodded without a word. She was visibly relieved, though she kept the rest of her thoughts to herself.
Valentine shifted her focus to Leo.
"Thank you for what you did yesterday."
"Nina is a very important and precious member of our convoy."
Leo waved off the gratitude.
"There’s no need to make a fuss over it."
"I wasn’t trying to save anyone."
"I was simply protecting myself."
Leaving no room for further discussion, Leo lowered his head and focused on finishing his meal.