The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1277

Curious, Neera asked, "So, people still come to your fighting arts center, huh?"

Upon hearing these words, Finnley immediately felt offended. He widened his eyes and glared at her fiercely. "Hey, are you doubting me? Do you realize how many people in Phison want to learn from my fighting arts center, hoping for my guidance? If I were to accept them all, the fighting arts center wouldn't have enough room, even if they came in shifts twenty hours a day!"

Neera hummed as she gently rubbed her nose and murmured, "I figured not many people would come here, especially since the fighting arts center seems a bit worn down."

The triplets and Jean, who were listening on the sides, almost burst out laughing as they struggled to hold it in.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Finnley huffed and quickly changed the subject. "Just tell me why you're here! Quick!"

"Oh." Neera decided to get straight to the point. "Here's the thing, I have a favor to ask. This mission is fraught with danger, and I'm worried about any unforeseen incidents befalling the Cox family. So, I would like to ask you to join us to ensure their safety."

"Ah, so this is why you came over!" It all clicked for Finnley. He straightened up, his eyes narrowing into slits. "I knew it. You'd never think of me when it comes to good things, but when you need my help, you'll always come to me. You're doing this for the head of the Cox family, aren't you?"

While speaking, he cast a glance at Jean.

"Neera, I thought you said you had no interest in Avery? Why are you seeking my help on his behalf? Aren't you afraid your fiancé will be jealous?" Finnley questioned.

Neera chuckled. "It's not because of Avery. The Cox family has helped me many times before, and now that they're in trouble, I can't sit idly and do nothing. I just want to lend a hand where I can to repay their kindness. That's all."

Finnley pouted. "You want to return their kindness, so you're seeking my assistance. Does that mean I'll have a favor to call in later?"

Neera blinked. "Come on, Mr. Weaver. The Coxes are outsiders, but you're not. Furthermore, I can always find a way to repay the favor I owe you. But I don't often get the opportunity to return such kindness to others. It would weigh on me if I didn't do something for them. If I don't repay it, I'll always feel indebted to them."

Wearing a smug expression, Finnley continued to resist her request. "Why do I get the feeling I've become your caretaker? It was one thing to protect you in Mount Cloud, but now you want me to head to Adieu Island to safeguard someone who's not even connected to me. Are you not concerned that something might happen to an old man like me? Are you really putting me through this?"

Neera immediately corrected him. "No harm will befall you, Mr. Weaver, that's for certain! You shouldn't curse yourself like that. You're destined for a long and healthy life, and I have complete faith in your skills. Dealing with the Jagger family should be a walk in the park for you. Besides, you won't be going alone, so there's no need to worry. I'll arrange for a group of experts from the Gordon family to accompany you. They'll ensure your safe return!"

Finnley inquired again, "So tell me, how do you plan to repay me? I need to weigh whether it's worth it before I can make a decision."

After some contemplation, Neera quickly devised a plan. "How about this? When you return, I'll prepare delicious meals for you every day, and I guarantee a variety of dishes for each meal. Does that sound appealing to you?"

Finnley puffed out his beard and shot her a stern look. "You believe you can win me over with food alone? Do you think I can be swayed so effortlessly?"

Neera decided to pull out all the stops. "I noticed you really enjoyed the oatmeal, didn't you? I'm confident I can win you over with my culinary skills."

Her remark left Finnley speechless.

Hearing the stifled giggles of the triplets, Finnley turned his head and glared at them. After pondering for a long while, he finally agreed, albeit reluctantly. "Okay, fine. I'll do it for you, but let me be clear. I don't owe anything to the Cox family, and I might not put my life on the line if things take an unexpected turn. If that does happen, the Coxes will have to hope for the best. I want you to understand that you can't just count on me."

He did not have a close relationship with the Cox family in the first place. If it were not for Neera's visit today, he would never have agreed to assist them.

Neera comprehended his message and didn't press the matter further. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I'm very thankful that you're willing to make this journey for me. Give it your best, and please prioritize your safety."

Finnley's agreement to help lifted a significant weight from Neera's heart.

Despite Finnley's apparent reluctance on the surface, he was not entirely displeased with the task.

After all, it was Neera who requested the favor, and he saw it as an opportunity to put his combat skills to the test.

The prospect of savoring delicious meals every day swiftly lifted his childlike spirits. From that moment on, he began to closely observe the young man in front of him.

The more he examined Jean, the stronger he experienced a peculiar sense of recognition.

Having trained in combat arts for numerous years, he didn't typically concentrate on people's faces but rather on their body shapes when observing them. This made him particularly attentive to their physique. "Why do I feel like I've met him before? But somehow, I don't recall his face. This is weird."