Ace’s POV
The mont my words left my lips, the cheerful atmosphere at the breakfast table shattered like thin ice. A heavy silence settled over the group, and I watched as expressions dimd—especially Ovelia’s. Her fork stilled mid-air, her shoulders slumping almost imperceptibly. The golden morning light streaming through the windows suddenly felt too bright, too cheerful for the weight in the room.
Philip was the first to break the silence, offering a small, bittersweet smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "I’ll be leaving the village today as well," he said, his voice steady but subdued. "I need to report everything that happened here to King Alfred."
Colt nodded, tearing a piece of bread absently. "Sa. I finished my report to Sir Ray last night, and King Raymond wants and my n back in Wildfire to help repair the bridge."
Kai leaned back in his chair, his usual easygoing deanor tempered by resignation. "Shin, my n, and I have to escort the captured bandits to Shadow Ridge Prison before heading back to Crimsonheart."
A deep sigh ca from the doorway. Chief Gareth stood there, his broad fra casting a shadow as he crossed his arms. "So all of you are leaving today." His voice was gruff, but the tightness in his jaw betrayed his disappointnt. He moved to sit beside Shin, the wooden chair creaking under his weight.
Mrs. linda followed, her hands clasped together as she took the seat next to Ann. "Now I feel sad," she murmured, her usually warm voice tinged with lancholy.
Ovelia’s fingers tightened around her fork. "Mrs. linda... Chief Gareth..." she whispered, her voice so soft I barely caught it. She bit into the longganisa chanically, as if the sweet flavor had lost its appeal.
My chest ached watching her. In the short ti we had been here, she had found sothing rare—Chief Gareth and Mrs. linda, who treated her with the kindness of family. That is why being separated from them feels so difficult for her.
Philip pushed a small plate of longganisa toward Kai, who perked up imdiately. "Can I try so?" Kai asked, his enthusiasm cutting through the gloom.
"Sure," Philip said, sliding it over.
"Thank you!" Kai grinned, already stuffing a bite into his mouth.
I cleared my throat, drawing their attention. "Before we leave, I have a favor to ask."
Every pair of eyes turned to , waiting.
"While Shin and Kai handle the bandits, Ann, Philip, and Chief Gareth—can you return the stolen items we recovered to their owners?"
Ann straightened, nodding firmly. "Of course, Sir Ace."
Chief Gareth’s expression softened. "Thank you. Even now, you’re still thinking of the victims of the bandit attack."
Philip crossed his arms, his gaze flickering to Ovelia before eting mine. "I’m not in a hurry to leave. I’m happy to cooperate with your request."
A strange tightness coiled in my chest at the way he looked at her. Jealousy—sharp and unfamiliar—flared within . But I forced it down. Now wasn’t the ti.
"Colt, Ray," I continued, turning to them. "Rember the large cage at the bandit hideout?"
Colt’s eyes lit up in recognition. "The one they used to imprison villagers?"
Ray smirked, already anticipating my request. "What do you want us to do with it?"
"Disassemble it. I don’t want the witches reusing it. The materials are valuable—give them to Chief Gareth. He can sell them to improve the village."
Chief Gareth’s eyebrows shot up. "You’re still looking out for us, even now."
I gave him a small smile. "It’s the least we can do."
Ray stretched, cracking his knuckles. "Colt, I guess we’re shifting into werewolf form for this."
Colt nodded. "I’ll have my n assist. We’ll finish faster that way."
Relief settled over . At least this task was in good hands.
Then I turned to Ovelia and Mrs. linda. "Mrs. linda, would you help Ovelia and gather supplies from the village to take back to our kingdom?"
Ovelia’s face brightened instantly, her earlier sadness forgotten as excitent sparked in her eyes. I knew she was excited to see different items she had never encountered before. The sight made sothing warm unfurl in my chest.
Mrs. linda bead. "Of course! I’d be happy to."
I glanced at Kai. "And thank you for agreeing to transport the bandits."
He waved a hand dismissively. "Consider it my punishnt for being late."
Shin shot him a dry look. "And for letting the bandits steal my supplies."
Kai groaned, rubbing his temples. "I said I was sorry! I fell asleep!"
"It’s still your fault," Shin deadpanned.
A few chuckles broke out, easing the lingering tension.
Ovelia glanced around, frowning slightly. "Sir Colt, Kai—where are your n? Have they eaten?"
Colt gestured toward the door. "Probably outside, doing their usual drills."
Kai nodded. "Mine too."
"But don’t worry—they ate before heading out," Mrs. linda assured.
Just then, rhythmic marching echoed from outside—"1, 2, 1, 2!"
"I think they’re here," I said, sensing their arrival.
As the door creaked open, we all turned, and there they were.
I stood, " "It seems everyone is here and ready," I declared, my voice steady, "Let’s complete our tasks so we can finally go ho."
The others rose, stretching and shaking off the last remnants of breakfast lethargy.
Philip rubbed his stomach with a grin. "Still full, but no ti to laze around."
Chief Gareth clapped his hands together. "I’ll speak to the victims and arrange the return of their belongings."
Colt’s voice rose above the chatter, "My n, we will team up with Sir Ray to disassemble the large cage." His team exchanged impressed glances; excitent was evident in their eager body language.
Ray smirked. "Try not to slow down."
Kai looked at his mbers and Shin. "We need to load the bandits into the wagon," he instructed. His team nodded in agreent.
As the group filed out, I reached for Ovelia’s hand. She turned to , her smile soft and trusting, and I couldn’t help but return it.
I suddenly slled the fairy heading towards Ovelia’s pocket. It looked like he was using a barrier to make himself invisible.
Please let everything go smoothly today.
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