Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne gratefully accepted the offer. The temptation was too strong to resist.

"Thank you."

"Just call me Corley."

She fell silent.

By the time they arrived in Lumina City, it was already 2 p.m. Roseanne's family of three wasn't in the same train car as Corley. After exiting the station, Roseanne was about to use an app to call a ride when she noticed Corley standing nearby, tall and noticeable with his long legs. He approached Norris with a smile, "Mr. Cole, my car's just outside. Why don't I drive you all home?"

Norris hesitated, "Oh, that's not necessary, we can just call a cab."

"It's no trouble at all, it's on my way," Corley replied, taking the luggage and heading outside.

"Well, if you insist, Sullivan. Thank you."

Roseanne quietly closed the app and put her phone away.

In the car-

Corley was at the wheel, skillfully navigating, with Roseanne in the passenger seat and Madge and Norris in the back.

copy of Empires at Dawn: The Origins of Modern Nations you're holding the 2003 reprint?" Corley asked, glancing

perked up, "You

If I remember right, later versions of Empires at Dawn: The Origins of Modern Nations

is unclear. I remember reading it as a kid when it had 36 historical units. The version I have now is

"1996," Corley interjected.

taken aback,

there was another revision, it had

sure?" Norris asked,

but since you mentioned a revision before '04, it must have been the edition my

surprised, "What was your grand-uncle's

"Shipley Sullivan."

him! How could anyone not know such a renowned

Corley maneuvered

gaze occasionally met Roseanne's

rearview mirror

are hard to come by these days. But, before my grand-uncle

I get back. Should be able to find

asked, "Wouldn't that