Nonetheless, I had to halt and retract my fingers as we finally entered the hut. I needed to assist her in getting to her mat and didn't want her to inadvertently release her juices all over the place, especially on someone, as everyone was still asleep.

After getting her settled, I decided to postpone our conversation until tomorrow, considering the punishment I had administered to both her and Lyra tonight.

"Goodnight," I pressed a gentle kiss on her lips, extending the same sentiment to Reena who was nearby. Then to Aunt Greta, followed by my mother, and I didn't forget to give Gina a kiss on her cheek, bidding her goodnight as well.

I repeated the process with all the women in the room, moving along until I reached Fifi, who had been observing me from the side.

However, before doing so, I requested her to fetch some water from the ground for me. I wanted to take a bath before retiring for the night and preparing for tomorrow.

"Not until you kiss me now too," Fifi retorted, her index finger grazing her lips as she stared at me with a feigned frown.

Arching my body upwards, I leaned in and pressed my lips against hers, granting her a brief and affectionate peck. "Goodnight, Fifi," I murmured, pulling away after the kiss.

When I looked at her, a radiant smile spread across her face, though she turned around, perhaps attempting to mask her flushed cheeks, and mumbled, "Come on, let's go."

.......

The Rightward Stronghold

Having waited for several hours, and even dozed off for a brief period, all in anticipation of meeting the Rightward Stronghold Leader, Caretaker Ivor finally conceded defeat.

He made the decision to head back to the farm, hoping to find a few hours of more restful sleep. With tomorrow and the days ahead promising to be some of the busiest of his life, he needed all the rest he could get.

Rising from the deep bluish carpet, Caretaker Ivor indulged in a satisfying stretch, cracking his neck and releasing a weary yawn. He then ambled towards the door, ready to make his way back.

The door swung open suddenly, as if anticipating his move, revealing a man stepping into the room, shutting the door behind him. Caught off guard, Caretaker Ivor halted, his gaze locking with the newcomer.

The man's eyes held a momentary scrutiny before he spoke, "I've heard that you've been waiting for me for quite some time now." He sighed, head shaking slightly, "Apologies for keeping you waiting. My warriors and I have been destroying some waves of three-star Vylkr vines near our borders."

Caretaker Ivor wearily shook his head, "Don't concern yourself, Stronghold Leader Drakar," he responded. "While I did have an important message waiting for you, it pales in comparison to the burdensome tasks you've tackled during these hours. And yet, you've managed to find the time and energy to see me even after returning late."

Caretaker Ivor's gaze shifted to the cutlass in Stronghold Leader Drakar's hand and the one still at his waist. He understood that the Stronghold leader had hurried to see him right after returning from across the river, even after dealing with waves of three-star Vylkr vines.

'Another reason to be thankful I'm not the Stronghold Leader,' Caretaker Ivor mused.

While he knew that if he had awakened enough potential to become a warrior, he would gladly lay down his life for the village and ensure its survival, the reality was different. The mere idea of confronting a one-star Vylkr vine, let alone a formidable three-star Vylkr vine, was enough to send shivers down his spine and quickly erase any thoughts of venturing into such territory.

Stronghold Leader Drakar merely smiled and responded, "No need to feel that way, Caretaker Ivor. Your responsibility in maintaining the farm, and providing us with essential sustenance and materials, is invaluable. Your choice to wait for my return speaks of your dedication, regardless of the workload awaiting you there."

Caretaker Ivor let out a sigh. "You're right," he replied with a nod.

"Then let's get to the point quickly so you can explain why you chose to deliver the message in person instead of sending a guard," Stronghold Leader Drakar's voice held an edge as he activated his gift. A faint, silvery glow enveloped his right hand as he extended his two index fingers toward the cutlasses strapped to his waist and in his left hand.

Quickly redirecting his fingers toward the weapon hanger across the room, close to the wooden wall, the two cutlasses obediently leapt from his hand and side to hook themselves onto the metal pegs, joining the array of weapons already present.

Shifting his attention to the tulga he had placed on the hanger earlier, Stronghold Leader Drakar beckoned it towards him. In response to an unseen force, the piece of clothing floated gently to him.

The tulga hovered close to Stronghold Leader Drakar as he proceeded to remove his sweaty, tattered garment, revealing his bare body at the edge of the room.

He exchanged it for a clean, fresh tulga, slipping it on as his previous one was discarded to the floor beside him.

The discarded clothing would later be returned to the farm by the guards for replacement, as was the regular practice.

Stepping onto the carpet, Stronghold Leader Drakar fixed his gaze on Caretaker Ivor. He took his seat atop a small wooden platform that was only a few centimetres high, making himself comfortable. "You can begin, Caretaker Ivor," he instructed, his tone blending curiosity with authority. "I want to know all the details about what led you here."

Noticing the Stronghold Leader's preparedness, Caretaker Ivor nodded and commenced his explanation. He meticulously recounted every event that had unfolded in the village, presenting a detailed report akin to the one he had provided to Stronghold Leader Zogar.

Unknowingly mirroring the reactions of those before him, Stronghold Leader Drakar's brows furrowed in thought. He interrupted Caretaker Ivor with a question that had arisen in his mind. "And if I understood correctly, all of these events took place in less than eleven days?" he asked, seeking clarification.