Chapter 264: Chapter 176: Apology
Just as there’s no such thing as a perfect person in this world, it’s also hard to find someone with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
At least, Paige Summers had never met one.
Admittedly, she didn’t like May Joyce, finding her far too foolish.
But that night, after seeing another side of her, Paige felt she didn’t despise the woman quite as much anymore.
Earlier, many members of Bloodfall had overheard the conversation between May Joyce and Paige Summers, and they were privately indignant.
Throughout their journey, with every battle they fought, Ben’s popularity within Bloodfall had soared, even though he never spoke a word.
It was a product of their environment; people respected the strong.
And Ben, in the eyes of many team members, was the very symbol of someone who, despite his flaws, was relentlessly self-improving and incredibly powerful!
At the same time, it was because of those flaws that they wanted to protect him even more.
For Vice-Captain Sterling to let May Joyce off with just a few words was letting her off too easy. She needed to be taught a lesson!
So, that evening, when May Joyce and her subordinates—whose supplies had vanished along with their deceased Space Ability User—had to rely on Bloodfall’s charity for dinner, someone made a point of sending May a "special meal."
They called it, quite flatteringly, an "extra portion from the captain."
Paige didn’t know how the food tasted, but seeing the conspirators’ smug smiles, she guessed they had definitely "spiced it up."
She thought May Joyce would take one bite and refuse to eat the rest.
But she was wrong.
May not only ate it, she cleaned her plate.
Although, shortly after, she threw it all up just as thoroughly.
One of her subordinates guessed the problem was with the dinner and was about to come over and demand an explanation, but May herself stopped him. She acted very nonchalant, insisting it was just her own stomach acting up.
A potential conflict was thus quietly defused.
Paige, who had watched the whole affair unfold, had to admit the woman wasn’t entirely without merit.
At least, in that moment, she was able to read the situation and prioritize the greater good.
What surprised her even more was that not long after dinner, May Joyce came to see her alone. "I came to apologize. I’m sorry!"
Paige listened noncommittally, wondering what she was really up to.
Seeing her reaction, May Joyce lowered her head, sat on the ground opposite her, and said remorsefully, "I really know I was wrong, and I’ve reflected on it! I didn’t know he had that... that..." She repeated the word a few times, as if unwilling to say something like "disability" but unable to find a suitable substitute, ultimately just glossing over it. "...Anyway, I’m sorry!"
Paige’s heart skipped a beat. ’She knows what’s wrong with Ben, so someone must have tipped her off.’
’It was probably one of the few people on the team who know my identity.’
’Liam? Or one of the others who were in Southreach?’
She frowned, a flash of displeasure crossing her face. But regardless, she could feel May’s sincerity and nodded. "I understand."
May Joyce let out a small sigh of relief and said with frank sincerity, "I really didn’t mean to look down on anyone. I just thought the way he stared at me was creepy, and he doesn’t talk, so I figured he must be hard to get along with. I don’t know how it happened, but I ended up saying things that upset everyone. Honestly, you all saved me, and I’m very grateful. I was scared to death back there, surrounded by all those Zombies, but my subordinates were watching. I had to pretend I was ready to face death..."
As she said this, a bitter look appeared on her face.
"I know I let them down. If it weren’t for my poor leadership, we wouldn’t have ended up in such a miserable state."
"It’s so hard to try and do something. I just didn’t want to sit around in the city doing nothing all day! My second sister, for example, is incredibly capable. My eldest brother gives her a lot of his work to handle, and she always does it perfectly. Everyone praises her, and I’m so jealous it kills me. But when it’s my turn, people just say, ’Ah, the third miss, who only knows how to dress herself up!’ God knows, the only reason I dress up so nicely is to make my big brother happy! I want to do other things too, but I have to know how..."
’Why is she suddenly pouring her heart out to me? We’re not that close!’ Paige thought, momentarily distracted. But despite her internal complaints, she couldn’t help but keep listening.
She wanted to find the answers to what she considered suspicious.
Unfortunately, by the end, she hadn’t achieved her goal.
She only got the vague impression that May Joyce had been encouraged by someone to leave the city, but May never mentioned who it was.
’This woman does have her limits,’ Paige thought.
After rambling on about all sorts of things, May Joyce finally seemed to have said enough. She stretched, then laughed. "Ah, it really does feel much better to get all your worries off your chest!"
Paige’s eye twitched. "You should have said all this to a friend back in the city. It would have saved you from bottling it all up and doing something you shouldn’t have!"
May Joyce pouted. "How could I tell a friend this stuff? Of course I have to tell a stranger like you, someone I’ll never see again!"
Paige’s hands itched as she clenched her fists. "There are plenty of strangers here, not just me!"
"But you were the most convenient one, since I had to apologize to you anyway."
Paige closed her eyes and let out a long sigh.
Just as Lucian had said, the woman’s words and actions probably held no real malice. It was just that she had a habit of speaking uncomfortable truths.
’She was probably spoiled rotten.’
’Frankly, if she doesn’t have the strong resolve to change, being coddled into uselessness is her inevitable fate.’
’As long as Leo Joyce is alive and in power, she might be able to maintain this lifestyle. But once something happens to him, her best way out might be to go with him.’
’Whether by her own choice or not, her life is now tied to Leo Joyce’s.’
’In the apocalypse, there are actually many women like her.’
Paige was past the point of even feeling emotional about it. She simply had no interest in saying anything more.
"Our captain might be looking for you. He mentioned earlier he had something to discuss with you."
"Really? I’ll go over right now!"
May Joyce’s lips curved into a smile as she hastily exited the tent.
Seeing the delight on her face, Paige gave a helpless smile. ’So her type is a man like Lucian. No wonder...’
Having finally gotten rid of the nuisance, Paige decided to go for a walk.
Of course, the main reason was to survey the terrain near The Foundry.
As usual, Ben was standing guard not far from her tent. Seeing her leave, he quickly followed.
The two figures soon melted into the night.
Meanwhile, May Joyce entered Lucian’s tent.
After just a couple of questions, Lucian knew that Paige had gotten tired of dealing with her and had sent her over.
But this was perfect. Smiling at the woman, who wore a faint blush, Lucian was well aware that she had a crush on him.
’With this on our side, the cooperation should go a bit more smoothly,’ he thought.
"May, tell me about your team members. I want to know what superpowers they have and their proficiency levels. That way, I can make arrangements before we attack The Foundry. As long as we work together, I’m confident we can take that fortress!"
"Of course!"
