At the village entrance.
The journey was over. Vili and Vincent’s group were saying their goodbyes.
"I know I’ve said it many times, but I have to thank you again, Vili."
Leaning on Kariel for support, Vincent stood with difficulty and gave Vili a light hug.
This had been the most dangerous experience of Vincent’s career. Without Vili, his life would have already come to an end.
"Thank you."
Kariel also gave Vili a hug. "I hope we have the chance to meet again."
"Thank you for saving the boss, and for helping us complete this mission."
Lanni’s voice was filled with sincerity. She wasn’t shy in the slightest as she stepped forward and gave Vili a hug.
Vili sniffled. Although Lanni was only two or three years older than him, she was incredibly well-developed.
"You’re a very interesting person. I hope to see you again."
Vilin was the last one to hug Vili.
She was the first in the mercenary squad to take an interest in him. At first, she thought Vili was like a merchant’s son—steady and cultured. Now, she felt he was more like a nobleman—confident, humble, and brave.
After speaking, Vilin planted a surprise kiss on Vili’s cheek and quickly pulled away.
Her smile was mischievous, with no hint of shyness.
Vili touched his cheek. ’Feels nice.’
"Goodbye."
Watching their departing figures, Vili felt a little wistful.
The members of the Vincent Squad were the first people he’d met in this world, aside from his parents and neighbors. They had been through life and death together, so a parting like this was bound to stir some emotion.
A mercenary squad’s missions were always fraught with danger. Besides, the world was a vast place; Vili couldn’t be sure if they would ever truly have a chance to meet again.
After composing himself, Vili turned and headed into the village.
"Aunt Shana."
He had just stepped into the village when he saw a familiar figure.
Aunt Shana was carrying bundles of harvested wheat on her back toward home when she suddenly heard someone call her from behind.
"Vili! You’re back safely!"
Aunt Shana was amazed to see that Vili, who had ventured into Morse Forest, had returned to the village completely unscathed.
It was no wonder Aunt Shana was so surprised. This was the season when the beasts in Morse Forest were most active. Even skilled Hunters couldn’t guarantee their safe return, yet Vili had come back in one piece.
"Hurry home, child. Your father and mother have been worried sick for two days."
Aunt Shana urged.
"Okay, Aunt Shana."
With that, Vili headed toward his home.
Watching Vili’s retreating back, Aunt Shana muttered to herself, "What a lucky kid."
She suddenly felt a pang of envy. Vili had just taken a stroll through Morse Forest and earned five Gold Rums for his services as a guide. That was five Gold Rums! For an ordinary villager, that was a huge sum of money that would take several years of hard labor to save up, and only if they didn’t eat or drink.
But then again, Aunt Shana thought, earning those five Gold Rums hadn’t been easy. After all, no one knew beforehand if Vili would even come back alive. She still clearly remembered the worried expressions on the couple’s faces when she delivered the five Gold Rums to Lake and Shaven.
「At home.」
Mrs. Shaven and Lake were sitting at the table, fraught with worry. They were silent, and the house was dreadfully quiet.
Unable to bear the gloomy atmosphere, Vilia had gone out to play in the yard by herself.
Ever since Vili entered Morse Forest, Lake and Shaven had lost all heart to work. After hastily taking the family’s Gold Rums into town for Sopps, Lake and Shaven had been waiting at home for Vili’s return. They prayed constantly, hoping Vili would come home safe and sound.
Vilia was squatting in the yard, picking up small pebbles and tossing them at the family’s goat and poultry. Whenever one of her throws landed, a flash of childish amusement would light up her eyes. But as she played, her smile gradually faded, and a worried expression suddenly appeared on her small face.
Vili had been in Morse Forest for two days now. During that time, she had heard from her parents just how dangerous it was. It was a terrifying place, filled with all sorts of man-eating beasts.
’Vili hasn’t been eaten by a tiger, has he?’
The moment the thought appeared in her mind, Vilia shook her little head forcefully, trying to cast the absurd idea away.
Vili was so smart; he would definitely be back soon. He still had to take her to Morse Forest to pick delicious Sweet Fruits. They would sell them for money and buy white bread and candy.
Vilia decided that playing with pebbles wasn’t fun anymore. Just as she was about to go back inside, she suddenly heard familiar footsteps in the yard.
She snapped her head up and saw Vili walking through the gate, looking at her with a smile.
"Vili!"
Vilia jumped up in delight and threw herself at Vili with her arms wide open.
"You’re finally back!"
Vilia hugged Vili’s waist, bouncing on her feet as she spoke excitedly.
Vili patted Vilia’s head and smiled with satisfaction. This feeling of being missed and cared for was truly wonderful.
"Vili, my boy, you’re home."
Hearing Vilia’s cry, Lake and Mrs. Shaven hurried out of the house. Looking at their son, who seemed no different than usual, they felt as if a long time had passed.
Vili was surprised. He hadn’t expected Lake and Mrs. Shaven to be at home.
Normally, they would be out working in the fields at this time of day.
"Vilia, hurry and start a fire in the kitchen. I’m going to make Vili a meal."
Mrs. Shaven said excitedly.
Vilia nodded emphatically and trotted into the kitchen.
"Come inside, son."
The stone in Lake’s heart had finally lifted.
If Vili had been harmed because of Sopps’s situation, he would have felt guilty for the rest of his life.
"I made you worry."
Vili said after going inside and sitting down.
Mrs. Shaven’s eyes were a little red. "My child, if I had known you would make such a dangerous decision, I never would have told you about Sopps."
Vili shook his head. "My brother’s business is my business... By the way, have you already sent the money to him?"
"We’ve already given it to Sopps. He’s very grateful for what you did."
Lake felt proud of his children’s solidarity.
"It was the right thing to do."
Vili seemed to remember something. He reached for his waist and took out ten Gold Rums. "I brought this back."
When the ten gleaming gold coins were laid out on the table, Lake and Mrs. Shaven were both stunned.
A full ten Gold Rums! They had never seen so much money in their lives!