"Miranda, could you help her with the bandage?" Absolon turned to Miranda.

Before she could respond, Lilah grabbed Miranda's arm. "No, we're going to pick some wild fruits over there. I just saw someone picking wild apples, and they said they taste pretty good."

With that, the three of them hurried off, leaving no room for protest.

"I can handle it. It's just a minor thing, no need to trouble others," Joselyn said.

She understood the intentions of the others.

However, at this point, there was no need to break the delicate balance.

Once Absolon recovered, she would still return to Kuskeonga to continue her career.

"I'll do it. You can't stand the sight of blood." Absolon took out the first aid kit, laying out the gauze, iodine, and antiseptic.

Joselyn's injury wasn't severe, but the sight of blood was unsettling. Absolon was extra careful not to hurt her.

They were so close that they could almost hear each other's breathing and heartbeat, creating an intimate yet awkward silence.

Joselyn almost held her breath, watching him with lowered eyes.

To be honest, Absolon's face was truly captivating, even as he approached middle age, his charm undiminished.

His focused expression was particularly enchanting.

Joselyn understood why Alivia couldn't let go of him even after all these years.

"It's done." Absolon suddenly looked up.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, they were lost in each other's gaze.

The temperature seemed to rise abruptly.

Joselyn's face flushed with embarrassment. Feeling restless, she stood up and went to grill food for everyone.

Absolon, feeling a bit at a loss, went to gather some firewood, thinking that if they were to stay overnight, the wood would keep them warm.

"Lilah likes grilled fish fillets, and Miranda likes grilled corn. Let's start with five skewers each, and add more if needed...

Joselyn was so focused on her barbecue task that she didn't notice someone approaching from behind.

The person, pretending to be a tourist, slowly approached. Once only a few steps away, he suddenly lunged forward, revealing a knife in his hand.

"Joselyn, watch out!" In a split second, Absolon saw what was happening and rushed over, his heart pounding with fear.

Startled by his shout, Joselyn instinctively turned, narrowly avoiding the sudden attack, while also getting a clear look at the assailant's face.