Chapter Eight

As Cyril Jonas was leaving his farm, Chief Williams's booming voice stopped him in his tracks. 

"Ah, just the man I wanted to see." Chief Williams said.

He couldn't fathom why Chief Williams had traveled all the way to his farm, considering its remote location on the outskirts of the Kingdom. Cyril, curious about the reason behind this unexpected visit, speculated that it must be a matter of great significance, given the chief's effort to reach him. 

He couldn't imagine what Chief Williams, a man of average build with a noticeably protruding stomach, might have to say to someone of his humble status, other than possibly concerning an incident involving one of his own daughters.

"Chief Williams," Cyril inquired, concern etched on his face. "Is everything alright?"

"Nothing is alright, Jonas," Williams retorted bitterly. "Nothing will ever be alright until you find a way to tame that hellion you call your daughter."

Pretending ignorance, Cyril asked, "Which one of my daughters?"

Williams shot him a disdainful glare. "Who else?! Edwina, of course! Who's the troublemaker in your family?"

Cyril closed his eyes momentarily, hoping he had misunderstood. He was weary of such complaints about Edwina's behavior. 

"What has she done this time?" He sighed.

"Can you believe that girl went to my house this morning and stole my food items?"

"My daughter is no thief." Cyril protested.

"But she is," Williams asserted. "My wife told me she owes your daughter, Evelyn or whatever her name is, four thousand, and your wife owes mine 1500. Edwina came to my house, threatened my wife, and then raided my kitchen!"

"I apologize," Cyril said, setting down his farm tools. He searched his pockets for money, but found none. "How much does she owe you?"

"Don't worry about it," Williams huffed. "I went to your house myself and retrieved my food items. However, she threatened me, and I had to pay her the money my wife owed her. I won't tolerate such threats, Cyril. I'm heading to the palace now to report to the king, and hopefully, this time something permanent will be done about her."

"Please forgive her. She's just a young girl; she doesn't know what she's doing," Cyril pleaded.

"She's old enough to get married, so marry her off," Williams suggested firmly. "Or she'll lead you to an early grave. Let this incident be the first and last time she behaves this way."

Exhausted, Cyril slumped to the ground as he watched Williams walk away. This wasn't the first time someone had suggested marrying off Edwina, hoping it would curb her behavior, but Cyril had his doubts. He sensed there was a deeper reason behind her actions, and he was determined to understand why she thought behaving like a man would benefit her.

He had three daughters, not two daughters and a son. Gathering his strength, he rose to his feet, gripping his farm tools tightly, and began the arduous journey back home. Upon his arrival, weary and drained, he found Esther attempting to appease yet another person offended by Edwina. He observed the lady leave, issuing a threat to report to the King, and sighed deeply, realizing the gravity of the situation once again.

"Esther, what is it?" He questioned. 

"Welcome home, father." She swiftly grabbed his tools, placed them in their designated spot, and returned with water. He finished it in one go, sighing contentedly.

"Who was that?" He inquired.

"That was Jovita, the daughter of Mr. Emmanuel," Esther explained. 

"The bookstore owner?" He arched his brow.

"Yes."

"What did she want?"

"She had an altercation with Edwina at the market. Jovita claimed the tomatoes she bought weren't good, but Edwina refused to take them back," Esther shrugged. "Judging from the way she skirted around the story, I'm sure there's more to it."

"I see."

"You look exhausted, father. Let me fetch water for you so you can take your bath, eat, and then rest."

"Thank you, my dear," Cyril smiled appreciatively. Despite Edwina's behavior, she did her best to help him on the farm, carrying heavy loads and more. He remembered how she had helped them with Justice, despite her initial resistance. 

He wished she had come as a boy; her behavior would be justified. But as a woman, her strength might deter potential suitors.

"You can go and take your bath now, father. Should I reheat the leftover food from this morning for you?" Esther said, upon her return. 

"Yes, please. I'm famished."

"Okay."

"Where's Justice?"

"He went on a walk with Evelyn."

"He's fully recovered then?"

"I'm not sure. He went back to bed after breakfast and..." Esther hesitated, debating whether to share Edwina's rude behavior with her father.

"And?" Cyril probed. "Did something happen? I told Edwina to dress his wound before she went to the market. Did she?"

"Yes," Esther replied, her expression revealing there was more to the story.

Cyril, perceptive about his daughters, sensed there was something amiss. "She didn't behave rudely to Justice, did she?"

"Not in the way you think," Esther said cautiously. "When I returned from fetching water, I heard Edwina questioning Justice about being out the night he was attacked. I don't know what he said, but Edwina called him a fool, and I intervened then."

"My God," Cyril groaned. "This girl will kill me."

"Oh, there they are. Justice and Evelyn," Esther said, spotting them approaching. 

"Father, you're back from the farm," Evelyn greeted him. "Do you need me to do anything for you?"

"Yes. It's getting late. Go to the market and tell Edwina to start coming home," Cyril ordered.

Evelyn exchanged puzzled glances with her sister, understanding from Esther's expression that Edwina's behavior had finally crossed the line. It was only five pm, and they never left the market before six.

"Okay, father," Evelyn nodded. "Do you want to go with me, Justice?"

"Maybe another time. I'm exhausted," Max, now known as Justice, replied.

"I'll be back," Evelyn said and left.

"Justice, Esther just told me what Edwina said to you this morning. I apologize to you on her behalf," Cyril said sincerely.

"It's okay. I did say something to offend her."

"That didn't give her the right to call you a fool," Cyril shook his head. "I'll set her straight."

He knew Edwina didn't like him, although he wasn't sure why. Perhaps she resented having another mouth to feed or was averse to men. Judging from her words, he suspected she didn't want him in her house.

"I'm sure what happened today won't repeat itself. I tried to help her out with the man that came this morning wielding a machete, thinking he was going to harm her," Justice informed her father. "Fortunately, she didn't need my help at all."

"Chief Williams was here with a machete?" Cyril's eyes widened. "Did he threaten to hurt my daughter with it?"

"Not in so many words, but yes."

"That stupid man," Cyril growled. "He left out that part. Did Edwina really threaten him?"

"I don't know. She only came back twenty minutes later with money," Justice replied. And a smug smile on her face.

"I see. Thank you for telling me this, and I'm sorry again," Cyril said, appreciating Justice's honesty.

"It's not a big deal," He shrugged, though he secretly hoped Edwina being scolded wouldn't escalate into a major issue. He doubted she was vindictive, but he wouldn't be surprised if she tried to make his life miserable to hasten his departure from her house. 

He had nowhere else to go for now and refused to go crawling back to his family for help. He was determined to stay away from that life for good.