Chapter 675

Alexander Hamilton studied Evelyn Carter's face for a moment, as if verifying the village elder's words.

Lotus Waters pressed his lips together, small hands nervously twisting the hem of his shirt. "I'm sorry, brother. I didn't take good care of Dr. Carter."

"Silly boy." Evelyn ruffled his hair. "Without you leading the way, we might still be lost in the mountains. These minor scratches are nothing—you saved our lives."

The boy's eyes brightened.

Alexander crouched to meet Lotus at eye level. "We wouldn't have found the village without you. You're more reliable than GPS."

A sudden thought struck him, and he reached for his pocket.

Evelyn swiftly pressed his wallet into his palm. "Stop fidgeting. Does your foot not hurt anymore?"

"Don't worry, Dr. Carter," Lily Waters chimed in. "My father knows bone-setting. Last time, he fixed Uncle Wang's cow's leg with just one snap."

Elder Thompson nodded vigorously. "Our village remedies work wonders."

Alexander waved his hands. "No need, I'm perfectly fine." He turned to the children. "Where are your parents? Was everyone in the village alright last night?"

"The adults are all repairing the boats," Lily said, her small face falling. "Those bad people drilled holes in the bottoms."

Alexander's expression darkened.

He pulled out a thick stack of cash and handed it to Lily. "Payment for the grass weavings, plus lodging fees."

Both children's eyes widened. They'd only seen that much money on television.

"This is too much!" Lily extracted two bills and pushed the rest back. "The weavings aren't worth this."

Alexander pressed the money into her hands. "Consider the rest a deposit. When we return to see the fireflies, we'll stay at your place again. And get a new boat."

Lily bit her lip, looking to Evelyn for guidance.

"Keep it," Evelyn said softly. "A new boat will be safer."

Lily bowed deeply, pulling her brother down with her. The adults smiled.

"Would you like to attend school in the city?" Alexander asked abruptly.

Lotus blinked in confusion. Lily's eyes lit up before dimming again. "But what about Mom and Dad?"

"The whole family," Alexander stated plainly.

Elder Thompson slapped his thigh excitedly. "Quick, say yes! This is an incredible opportunity!"

"Thank you, brother," Lily said solemnly. "But we need to ask our parents first."

"Come find me anytime." Alexander tousled her hair.

When the others had left, the clinic grew quiet.

Evelyn handed him a cup of medicinal brew. "Thank you."

Alexander downed it in one gulp. "For what?"

"For looking after my family." Evelyn met his gaze directly. "And for coming here with me. I know you were worried I'd—"

Alexander interrupted suddenly. "May I make a request?"

Evelyn took half a step back, wary. "State your terms first."

"I need a bath." Alexander plucked at his sweat-dampened shirt. "At this rate, I'll start fermenting."

Evelyn glanced at her own mud-splattered trousers. "Let's go to town. There's a budget hotel."

"Right now, I'd be grateful for a bucket of water," Alexander said wryly.

As Evelyn helped him outside, Alexander bore most of his own weight, careful not to lean on her.

Elder Thompson hurried after them. "Tomorrow's the annual temple fair in town—it's quite lively!"

"Temple fair?" Alexander arched an eyebrow.

"Yes! Stalls stretch all the way down the street..."

Alexander and Evelyn exchanged a glance.