Chapter 78 - Arranged Marriage (2) (1/2)

Billy frowned when he heard that… was he being punished for some mistake? He didn't remember doing anything wrong or messing up during the mission. The others also looked a bit confused, but they probably couldn't question Edward's authority in front of Jean.

”Calm down, everyone, it is nothing like that,” Edward said. ”It is just… this isn't a topic that we should discuss away from home.”

Edward was being creepily ambiguous, to the point where Billy was starting to get really suspicious and uncomfortable. In the end, Edward laughed and then shrugged. There was no point in hiding that, even Drew looked troubled. It was better to solve that matter right now instead of putting doubts in everyone's minds.

”I suppose it can't be helped…” Edward said. ”I don't have male heirs, only one daughter. So, I was planning to make Billy take my place someday. He is a brilliant kid, after all.”

”I don't think you are going to die anytime soon, sir,” Drew said. ”You are in your forties and you look strong as a bull.”

”Maybe, but as you know, I am a widower, my wife died due to a rare disease that slowly drains the strength of those afflicted by it,” Edward said. ”Unfortunately, my daughter also is afflicted by the same disease and I am afraid she won't live long. So, I was planning to make them marry. I am not planning to get married again, after all.”

Billy was wondering if he was lacking the common sense of that world… to force his daughter to marry someone just for him to take his place. If she wasn't going to live for long, he should stay by her side at all times instead of making a stranger take his place. Everyone looked surprised, Natalie was particularly shocked… even her mouth was hanging open.

”See? That was why I was planning to tell this back home,” Edward said. ”Don't worry, Billy. I told her many stories about you and your talents, so she wants to meet the youngest prodigy of our town.”

”I am not sure I have that many stories and accomplishments for others to talk about me so highly,” Billy frowned. ”Regardless, things here are more developed than back home, so maybe you could find a medicine for her.”

”Edward mentioned that two days ago, we know that disease, but we don't know any method to treat it,” Jean said.

That was… even though he never mentioned her existence, it seemed that despite his actions, Edward tried to heal her. Still, the idea of arranged marriage existed in that world, but Billy was still speechless… for him to marry a girl who had a deadly disease. That was way too cruel for both parts.

”You can always say no, I am not going to force you,” Edward said. ”What do you think, Drew?”

”I have to talk about this with my wife… but I am going to respect Billy's decision,” Drew replied.