Velt and Rurhy kept kissing in full view of everyone, completely ignoring the stares around them, until Ky finally stepped in.

  “Hey—seriously? In public?” Ky complained, clearly irritated.

  They ignored him and continued for a few more seconds before finally pulling apart.

  “About time…” Ky muttered.

  “D-do you… do that often…?” Rosa asked, completely flustered.

  “I recommend covering your ears at night,” Ky whispered to her.

  Rosa’s face turned even redder.

  “Alright, that’s enough,” Velt said, casually stroking Rurhy’s head. “Ky, is Rychbi here?”

  “In his cabin. He’s waiting for you. Go see him.”

  Velt nodded and headed toward the cabin.

  Inside, Rychbi was seated, as calm as ever.

  “It’s good to see you again, Velt.”

  “Likewise,” Velt replied, taking a seat across from him.

  “I noticed you brought people into the village. You took quite a liberty, wouldn’t you say?” Rychbi remarked, his tone mildly reproachful.

  “Yeah… sorry. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

  “No problem. We’ve sheltered rescued slaves from orcs before,” he said, studying Velt closely. “But something tells me things didn’t go smoothly this time.”

  Velt let out a heavy sigh.

  “I won’t lie. I hit Eivan’s daughter. So… we’re probably enemies now.”

  Rychbi remained silent for a few seconds.

  “Then war is a possibility.”

  “That’s why I already asked Ky to recall everyone and reinforce the village.”

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  “Good. We’ll tighten security for the next few days,” Rychbi nodded. “But tell me, Velt… what will you do now?”

  “I started all of this,” Velt replied firmly. “I need to become stronger. I need more DNA.”

  Rychbi watched him for a moment, then gave a faint smile.

  “Then we’ll help however we can.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  “Now go to Rurhy. She’ll get upset if I keep you any longer. Tomorrow, we’ll talk properly. And tell the guards to strengthen patrols.”

  Velt nodded and left the cabin.

  Outside, he walked through the village, noticing something unusual. It was no longer a place exclusive to dark elves. Humans and other races mingled freely, talking and laughing together.

  “This is rare to see…” he murmured.

  Suddenly, something gently bumped into his back.

  “Hey, watch it,” he said without turning around.

  “I don’t want to,” Rurhy replied, resting her face against his back.

  “You’re acting like a child,” Velt commented.

  She looked up at him, staring intently.

  “Pamper me.”

  “What?”

  “Pamper me,” she repeated, puffing out her cheeks.

  “Rurhy, wait until night. I still have things to do.”

  She threw a small tantrum.

  “No. I want you to pamper me now.”

  Velt took her chin and kissed her deeply.

  “I think I pampered you too much,” he said as he pulled back.

  Rurhy smiled, completely satisfied.

  “Wait… did you just want the kiss?” he asked.

  “Yes. And I got it,” she replied proudly. “Besides…” she leaned close to his ear, “…there are a lot of women here. I need to mark you as mine.”

  Velt blushed slightly. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed several curious glances.

  “Cero… is this because of my appearance?”

  “Affirmative.”

  “Is there any way to make myself less attractive?”

  “Negative.”

  “I see…”

  He looked at Rurhy.

  “Let’s go for a walk.”

  “Really?” she asked, eyes lighting up.

  “Yes. We’re going on a date.”

  “Wait! I need to get ready!” she said, already running toward her cabin.

  A few minutes later, she returned wearing a white dress embroidered with light blue patterns.

  “How do I look?”

  “Y-you look really beautiful,” Velt replied, trying to hide his blush.

  “The girls said this is what you wear on a date.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  He took her hand, and they walked together.

  From a distance, Rosa watched them in silence.

  “Are you okay?” Dash asked.

  “Y-yes… just thinking.”

  In the forest, the couple arrived at a lake with calm, crystal-clear waters.

  “Look how clear the water is,” Rurhy said.

  “And the reflection is beautiful,” Velt replied, kissing her cheek.

  “Velt… not here,” she warned. “I won’t let you tear my dress.”

  “That’s not what I was thinking,” he said, kissing her softly. “I just missed you.”

  Time passed between kisses and laughter, until they lay back, watching the sky.

  “That cloud looks like Esmeralda,” Rurhy said.

  “It really does,” Velt smiled.

  “We should head back.”

  “Yeah. Tomorrow we’ll talk about everything.”

  “I wish Eivan didn’t have power…” she murmured.

  Velt suddenly sat up.

  “That’s it.”

  “What is?”

  “Rurhy, I love you. Let’s go back to the village.”

  Back at the entrance, Velt burst into Rychbi’s cabin.

  “I’ve got it!”

  Rychbi startled, glaring at him.

  “This better be important.”

  “We’re going to strip Eivan of his power,” Velt said, pointing toward the village. “And they’re the key.”