Four years passed in the blink of an eye.
The tiny infant who had once fit within Varinder's arms had grown into a bright-eyed boy on the verge of his fifth birthday.
Although still young, Rajiv already possessed an unusual calmness that often surprised the adults around him.
He rarely threw tantrums.
He listened more than he spoke.
And whenever someone answered one of his endless questions, he remembered every word.
The elders frequently joked that the young master had been born with an old soul.
None of them realized how close they were to the truth.
Life within the Vera Tribe remained peaceful.
Every morning, Rajiv could be found following Vicky around the estate.
Sometimes he watched blacksmiths forging weapons.
Other times he sat beside the accountants while they recorded grain stores and taxes.
Whenever warriors trained, he quietly observed from the sidelines, carefully memorizing every movement.
He absorbed knowledge like a dry sponge soaking in rain.
One afternoon, while watching workers repair part of the outer wall, Rajiv finally asked the question that had been bothering him for days.
"Uncle Vicky."
Vicky smiled.
"Yes, Young Master?"
"If Father is so strong..."
"...why does he spend so much money building walls?"
Vicky chuckled.
"Because strength alone cannot protect a tribe."
Rajiv tilted his head.
"I don't understand."
Vicky looked toward the workers.
"A single warrior can defeat another warrior."
"But walls protect everyone."
He pointed toward the bustling streets.
"The children."
"The elderly."
"The merchants."
"The farmers."
"If danger comes, they cannot all hide behind your father's back."
Rajiv silently watched the workers carrying heavy stones.
For the first time, he realized...
Power wasn't only about fighting.
It was also about protecting.
That evening, Ananya returned from patrol.
As always, Rajiv eagerly ran toward her.
"Sister!"
She laughed and lifted him into the air.
"Have you been causing trouble again?"
Rajiv immediately shook his head.
"I was learning."
"Oh?"
"What did you learn today?"
"Walls are stronger than fists."
For a moment, Ananya blinked.
Then she burst into laughter.
"Only Father and Uncle Vicky would teach a five-year-old something like that."
She ruffled his hair.
"One day you'll understand."
Unfortunately...
Peace rarely lasted forever.
One month before Rajiv's fifth birthday...
A lone rider appeared outside the gates of the Vera Tribe.
The banner fluttering above his horse caused every guard to become alert.
The symbol belonged to the Tuqluq Tribe.
One of the most powerful tribes in the entire Tribal Region.
The gates opened.
The rider entered without fear.
His name was Justin.
Personal envoy of Ronnie Tuqluq.
As he rode through the streets, Justin looked around with obvious disdain.
"So this is the Vera Tribe..."
"It has grown faster than the rumors claimed."
The roads were clean.
The markets were busy.
Warriors trained in organized formations.
Even the civilians appeared well-fed.
It looked nothing like the struggling middle-ranked tribe he had expected.
Still...
None of that mattered.
In his eyes, the Vera Tribe remained insignificant compared to the mighty Tuqluq Tribe.
He smiled proudly.
Soon...
These people would become relatives of the Tuqluq Tribe.
They should be grateful.
Justin was escorted into the chief's hall.
At the far end sat Varinder Vera.
The elders occupied seats on both sides.
Vicky stood quietly beside Varinder.
The atmosphere was calm.
Justin didn't bow.
He didn't greet the chief.
Instead...
He raised his chin.
"My Young Master, Ronnie Tuqluq, has taken an interest in your daughter."
Silence filled the hall.
Justin continued proudly.
"Your daughter has been chosen to become his tenth concubine."
Several elders frowned.
Justin either failed to notice...
Or simply didn't care.
"This is an honor."
"My Young Master has countless admirers."
"Many tribes would beg for such an opportunity."
"You should consider yourselves fortunate."
Vicky's eyes narrowed.
Several elders gripped the arms of their chairs.
Yet Justin continued speaking.
"If the marriage proceeds..."
"The Vera Tribe will naturally enjoy the protection of the Tuqluq Tribe."
He smiled.
"I trust Chief Varinder is wise enough to understand such generosity."
The hall became deathly silent.
Justin finally noticed.
Every elder was staring at him.
Not with gratitude.
With anger.
Then...
Varinder slowly rose from his seat.
The pressure radiating from him filled the entire hall.
Justin suddenly found it difficult to breathe.
For the first time...
He realized something was terribly wrong.
Varinder walked down the steps until they stood only a few feet apart.
His expression remained perfectly calm.
Too calm.
"You've finished?"
Justin swallowed.
"...Yes."
Varinder nodded once.
Then he smiled.
It wasn't a friendly smile.
"Return to your Young Master."
His voice echoed through the hall.
"And tell him this."
The smile disappeared.
"If he dares set foot near my daughter..."
An overwhelming pressure exploded throughout the room.
"...I will personally dismantle him piece by piece."
Justin's face instantly turned pale.
Varinder took another step.
"And if the Tuqluq Tribe believes threats will make me surrender my family..."
His cold gaze locked onto Justin.
"They are welcome to try."
Not a single person dared speak.
Justin could barely remain standing.
"Now..."
Varinder's voice became calm once more.
"Get out of my tribe."
Justin stumbled backward.
He didn't dare argue.
He didn't dare threaten.
For the first time since becoming Ronnie's envoy...
He experienced genuine fear.
Without another word...
He fled the hall.
Vicky quietly watched the retreating envoy.
After the doors closed, he looked toward Varinder.
"You know this won't end here."
Varinder nodded.
"I know."
He slowly turned toward the window overlooking the peaceful tribe.
Children laughed in the streets.
Merchants negotiated prices.
Families walked together beneath the evening sun.
A faint sigh escaped him.
"I only hope..."
"...they don't force me to protect this peace with blood."
Outside the tribe...
Justin urged his horse into a full gallop.
His heart still pounded violently.
He had never imagined a mere middle-ranked tribal chief could possess such terrifying pressure.
By the time the Vera Tribe disappeared behind the horizon...
Only one thought remained in his mind.
The Young Master would never let this insult go unanswered.