"I do," Orion responded, his voice calm and steady, nodding firmly.

The Village Chief handed the black crystal orb to Orion, who accepted it with a bow.

Then, the Village Chieftess turned to Reena, gesturing for her to step forward. "Reena, you have shown extreme care and dedication for our village. Do you plan to stand by Orion, to lead with wisdom and compassion, and to nurture our people?" The Village Chieftess asked.

Reena's eyes glistened with tears as she nodded. "I do," she responded, her voice firm as she fought back her emotions.

The Village Chieftess handed the beautifully crafted staff to her, and Reena accepted it with a respectful bow.

The Village Chief and Village Chieftess then placed their hands on Orion's and Reena's shoulders. "By the power invested in us," they both spoke simultaneously, "we ordain you, Orion, as the new Village Chief, and you, Reena, as the new Village Chieftess. May your reign be long and prosperous."

The crowds immediately erupted with cheers, their voices reverberating across the market square and beyond.

Orion and Reena turned to face the crowds. Orion raised the black crystal orb to the sky, and Reena did the same, lifting her staff up high. The crowd's cheers grew louder as they began to chant.

"VILLAGE CHIEF ORION!!!"

"VILLAGE CHIEFTESS REENA!!"

"VILLAGE CHIEF ORION!!"

VILLAGE CHEIFTESS REENA.!!"

As the crowds grew louder, the former Village Chief raised his hand to quieten them, and they immediately fell silent.

"Let the festival begin!" former Village Chief Brane shouted.

At once, another roar of excitement erupted from the crowd, and a wave of mixed colourful sand was thrown into the air, painting the atmosphere with a vibrant hue as it began to fall on the villagers. They, along with men and women - young or old - started removing their tulgas to begin their yearly celebration.

Within moments, everyone was nakedpartners, friends, neighbours, and even strangers who had never spoken before approached each other with the intention of having kushi together. Meanwhile, those still in their tulgas observed the scene with cheerful smiles, waiting for their turn to join in while tending to themselves.

As the ambience of festivities filled the air, Orion observed the scene with a light smile. Once upon a time, he had assumed that this was debaucheryengaging in such a lifestyle, doing whatever you could to maintain it, even if it meant being oblivious to the outside world and getting rid of anything or anyone that would disrupt it.

But he was wrong because that wasn't debauchery. True debauchery was engaging in such a lifestyle and still being able to pick up a weapon to fight tomorrow, no matter who the enemy was. Embracing life's messiness, joy, and pleasures without fear or restraint was the enlightenment he needed to escape the mindset holding him back.

Of course, although he still felt greedy about keeping what was his to himself, understanding that it was one part of him that could never change, his mentality had drastically shifted and expanded into a brand new horizon.

"I'm ready; let's go,"Reena said, her gaze fixed on Orion. She couldn't wait to show off the staff she had been given to the rest of her sisters and flaunt her status as the new Village Chieftess to them.

As for the festival, even without Orion's words, she had no interest in participating in it. After all, with the numbers in their household, it wouldn't be wrong to say that every night was a festival for them.

However, as the newly appointed Village Chief and Village Chieftess, one would have to stay to oversee the festivals until it was over, and that responsibility fell on Orion.

"I hope you don't mind if I join you guys in leaving also,"Caretaker Shani's voice sounded behind them, causing them to turn their heads to look at her.

"You won't also be staying, Caretaker Shani?"Reena asked, surprise evident in her voice.

Caretaker Shani nodded, "Yes. Unlike previous years, a lot has happened to me this year, especially discovering that someone I'm interested in selfishly doesn't want me to attend. So, unfortunately, I won't be able to stay for this year's festival,"she responded, shaking her head and exhaling heavily. She glanced at Orion from the corner of her eyes with a sharp glint.

Orion averted his gaze, pretending as though he hadn't noticed anything. He focused on the other key leaders participating in the festival and enjoying themselves together. Some of them even looked his way as if expecting his arrival.

It only took a few seconds for Reena to grasp the meaning behind Shani's words. She looked at her in surprise and exclaimed, "You found a new partner, Caretaker Shani! That's wonderful!"

Contrary to Reena's expectations, Caretaker Shani shook her head in response, "No, right now, we are only lovers and still debating on how to continue our relationship in the future without stirring up any problems,"she responded.

"Oh!"Reena nodded, her expression serious, "I understand. If you need any help, just let me know. As the new Village Chieftess, I am sure I'll be able to help you settle whatever problems you might encounter,"she responded.

Caretaker Shani nodded, "I'm sure you will be able to help, Village Chieftess Reena,"she responded, smiling lightly, before shifting her attention towards Orion, "Village Chief Orion, can you please drop me off at the farm?"she asked.

'Cunning fox,' Orion thought, understanding what Shani was trying to do since there was no reason for her to have such a lengthy conversation with Reena.

"Okay, let's leave the stagefirst,so we don't cause a commotion or disrupt the festival before we leave," Orionresponded, nodding.

Nonetheless, he knew that Shani had no ill intentions and only wanted tosafelybe among the growing family of Orion's households.

Although Orion was sure that she wouldn't be able to reach far with the presence of Seraphina, Lyra, Ingrid, Derry, Crystalia, Elysia, Meldra, and Alya, he could still use this opportunity to gauge Shani's capabilities by seeing how she would succeed or how far she could go before he steps in and does things the way he had initially planned.