Salia's expression immediately brightened up, "Tala! The Village Chief is here!" Salia shouted into their hut. She noticed her husband's confused expression and leaned in to whisper into his ear, explaining the situation.

A look of realization appeared on Thak's face as his wife finished her explanation. He looked inside his hut before refocusing on Orion.

"I never expected that the new Village Chief would be my son-in-law," Thak exhaled. "Come in then. There's no reason to keep you waiting outside," he added, making his way through the door for Orion to enter.

Salia stepped backwards. After Orion walked in, Thak closed the door.

"Why didn't you attend the festival today?" Orion asked, curious, his eyes fixed on the couple before him as he waited for Tala to emerge.

"We wanted to attend, but my wife suggested that we stay home and keep Tala company," Thak responded, smiling wryly. He already understood that his wife had suggested not attending the festival today because of Orion's arrival.

Orion nodded in understanding.

At that moment, Tala emerged from the side of the room and shyly approached them. "You are here," Tala said, trying to avert her gaze from Orion's.

"I came just like I promised, didn't I?" Orion responded.

"I thought you would come after the surprise, so I'm slightly surprised," Tala replied.

"Well, I thought about doing so, but there was no way that I would want to keep you waiting for that long. I did my best to come as quickly as possible," Orion explained.

Hearing Orion's response, Tala's expression instantly brightened up. She felt her heartbeat rapidly increase and tried to calm it down.

Noticing her daughter's shy behaviour, Salia immediately decided to lend her a helping hand.

"Why don't we set up for you two in the main room so you can quickly confirm your relationship?" Salia said, gesturing to her husband to bring out their softer mat and unfold it on the other side of the room, even before they could reply.

Thak immediately picked up on her cues and swiftly left his position to complete the task.

"Thank you, Mrs. Salia, I appreciate the help," Orion responded, inwardly smiling wryly.

Although he was used to having kushi without caring if anyone was watching, the only one he had ever taken in front of their parents was Ursa, so having his first time with Tala in the main room while her parents observed made him feel a little awkward yet strangely excited.

......

Second Border City

Orion's Manor

Gina stood before the household and cleared her throat. "Everyone, I introduce to you the new Village Chieftess of the Village, and perhaps the entire territory, Village Chieftess Reena," she announced, stepping aside and gesturing towards the doorway.

Reena entered with hercolourful staff, taking slow, regal steps before halting in front of the household.

"Ahem! At this moment, it is undeniable and a fact that my status in this household has risen to incomprehensible heights, not only as the new Village Chieftess but also as the first to share Orion's first time and bear his first child. This also means I can enact new laws in this household. If you have any disagreements or objections, you can voice them now before we begin," Reena announced her expression stern.

With her recently ordained authority, she was no lesspowerfulthan Fifi, Crystalia, or the other Prismerions, all hailing from reputable backgrounds with a touch of etiquette and elegance.Though everyone was equal within the household and treated as such outside, their backgroundswere a different matter.

Nonetheless, her focus was on someone other than Crystalia, which made her inwardly smile at Crystalia's frown and displeased expression.

"I thought Orion had already made it clear that no one is allowed to flaunt their power or authority against another. Are you trying to break that rule?" Crystalia asked, narrowing her eyes at Reena.

"Yes, he did. However, I oversee every major decision within this floating territory as the Village Chieftess. So, I'm sure Orion could bend the rules a bit if they benefit the Village and the eyes at Reena.

"Yes, he did. However, I oversee every major decision within this territory at large," Reena responded, grinning widely.

She had never felt so much satisfaction as she observed Crystalia's slowly soured expression, except when she had kushi with Orion.

Meanwhile, the other women observing the scene responded by shaking their heads. They already understood why Reena had called for this meeting and that it didn't concern them.

"Just a single day, and she is already flaunting her status. If I were the Village Chieftess, I would have taken a much subtler approach before making such an announcement," Derry remarked, shaking her head in disappointment.

"You wish! You're just bitter because Orion didn't choose you, no matter your manipulation," Lyra, seated beside her, snickered in response.

"At least I stood a chance. Ever wondered why he never considered you in the first place?" Derry responded fiercely.

Lyra's brows trembled in response to the fierce exchange.

"I just remembered I have something I need to take care of immediately. You all continue without me," Sura announced with a smile. She got up and quickly left the room, not wanting to be part of what was about to occur and risk facing Orion's punishment.

"It's almost time for me to start my training, so I'll see you all later in the day," Fifi added, standing and exiting the room with a stern expression that quickly changed to relief.

"It's not good if we keep leaving the children for Saria whenever we want to do something like this. I need to go and see if she needs any help," Vivian added, following suit and leaving with the others.

Greta also announced her departure, "I need to check on the Pixies and see the progress they are making."

At the same time, Merida, Seraphina, Ayla, and the others rose from their seats, departing the main roomone by one.

After their exit, only Celeste, Elysia, Crystalia, Ingrid, Derry, Lyra, Gina, and Reena remainedin the main room.