A new morning, a new journey...or at least, that was what Luke would have said if he hadn’t woken up nearly in the afternoon.

The moment he pushed aside the curtain, the sunlight almost blinded him.

It was especially hot today, and considering Monica was no longer in bed, he could only conclude that it was already quite late. After all, just like him, she had slept late as well.

Scratching his stomach, Luke let out a loud yawn while mentally preparing himself for the day ahead.

Something important awaited him today. However, he wasn’t particularly excited about it yet. Perhaps he would grow eager once he saw the possible rewards, but for now, the dungeon simply felt like labor he had to endure in order to become stronger.

Running a hand through his messy hair, he turned and left the room.

Outside, silence greeted him.

No one was talking, nor could he smell the usual fragrance of food drifting through the house.

Curious, he approached the dining hall and found his mate currently weaving a basket alongside Ginna.

And much to his surprise, even Laila was participating in the work.

"Ah, you’re awake."

Monica spotted Luke instantly since she was seated directly opposite the narrow passage leading to his room.

Luke hummed before asking, "How long did I sleep?"

"Everyone already had their second meal, so...that long," Laila casually muttered, her eyes still focused on the basket she was clumsily weaving. Though it somehow retained its shape, it looked capable of carrying only the lightest things.

"Hmm, well, I don’t really have much to do today," Luke said. "I might just head into the forest to inspect the area."

Naturally, he had no intention of telling them about the dungeon, especially not his mate.

Telling Monica that he planned to dive into a place crawling with monsters purely for his own gain...

Yeah, he could already imagine how that conversation would end.

Besides, with the broken time difference between the two realms, he would be gone for an hour at most.

"Is that so? I would’ve preferred if you stayed home and came with us tonight," Monica said as she rose from the ground.

"Where?" Luke asked, having completely forgotten about it.

"There’s a large gathering in the village today. Remember? A messenger came yesterday to inform us," Ginna reminded him.

Luke nodded in understanding.

Right, the chief would be addressing the villagers regarding the ambush and the future measures he planned to take to prevent something like that from happening again.

"Well, I’m not particularly interested, but it might be entertaining to hear how in the seven worlds he plans to prepare this village to withstand another attack on that scale," Luke voiced his honest thoughts on the matter.

From everything he had observed so far, awakened individuals were extremely rare in this world. That meant the chief tribe would never waste their superhuman warriors protecting a village like this one.

This place wasn’t even among their four major pillars important enough to warrant such attention.

That was why Luke was genuinely curious about how the chief intended to reassure these people.

But then again...

"I suppose increasing the number of patrolling guards might help?" Laila casually added.

Just like Laila, who barely understood what magical beasts were truly capable of, the other villagers would likely be fooled by shallow assurances as well.

Still, Luke had no intention of going out of his way to reveal the true scale of danger lurking outside.

He wasn’t in the mood to create unnecessary panic and drama.

His priority was simple.

Protect the three women before his eyes, and nothing else.

As long as his family remained safe, he could watch the entire world burn without the slightest ripple crossing his expression.

That was why his focus wasn’t only on strengthening himself and sharpening his skills, but also on preparing countermeasures for the day he might not be at the right place at the right time.

"Alright then, should I serve you some food?" Monica asked, changing the topic.

Luke nodded. "Yes, please."

He was quite hungry since it had been over twelve hours since his last meal.

Walking over to the dining table, he pulled out a chair and sat down.

Laila was seated nearby on the ground, still weaving the basket.

Looking down at the brunette, Luke asked, "Trying to make yourself useful?"

Laila huffed. "It’s not like I never helped with household work before."

Luke snickered. "Well, you definitely never enjoyed doing any of it."

Ginna smiled faintly at that. "Not every woman enjoys cooking and cleaning."

Luke hummed thoughtfully. "Then where exactly does your interest lie? Last I remember, you particularly hated going outside, especially into the forest. So you can’t exactly become a hunter like the brave lady over there."

Ginna faintly blushed at the remark while Laila groaned softly.

"I...I’m good at making clay pots...and I can chop wood too."

Luke nodded. "Then start doing that from tomorrow onward."

Laila blinked in surprise. "But...the clay needed for pottery isn’t just ordinary soil."

"I know," Luke replied calmly. "It takes time and constant care to prepare proper soft clay. That’s why you should start preparing it wherever you want. If you need any equipment, ask me."

His gaze settled on her before he added,

"Just don’t spend your days cooped up in your room anymore, understood?"

Laila slowly nodded.

Truthfully, she herself preferred staying busy these days. Sitting alone with nothing to do only invited too many heavy and unnecessary thoughts into her mind.

So yes, preparing clay pots would at least keep her occupied.

"Here it is."

Monica soon entered the hall carrying a generous serving of meat stew alongside bread.

Luke smiled before immediately digging into the food.

Watching her mate eat the meal she prepared with such obvious satisfaction made Monica let out a quiet sigh.

Though, despite that, she still felt a little down.

"Hmm? Is something wrong?" Luke asked after noticing her standing there silently.

"Luke...I feel like I’m the least innovative person in the house. I love cooking, but I don’t know many dishes...unlike Dalia and Ginna."

Ginna looked startled. "That was the only unique dish I knew how to make. And trust me, Monica, I could never compare to the food you cook."

Luke nodded in agreement. "This is the best, and it always will be."

Hearing them praise her cooking made Monica feel a little better, and the expression on Luke’s face clearly showed he meant every word sincerely.

Still, she wanted to introduce more variety into their meals and keep things exciting and surprising.

That was why she suddenly said,

"You mentioned Nadia served you something unique made with mushrooms and vegetables, right? From the way you described her, it felt like she has a lot of ideas in her head."

Luke looked surprised. "Since when did you two talk so much? Last time, she only stayed here for a short while."

Monica giggled. "That was enough for me to learn a little about her."

Then, pumping her fist with determination, she declared,

"Alright! I’ll visit their house this evening and learn a few things from her."

Luke simply smiled at that.

Well, as long as it kept her happy.

And considering Nadia barely had anyone to talk to in this village, she would likely enjoy Monica’s company as well.

"Alright, I’m done," Luke said after finishing his meal before rising from his seat.

He headed to the back of the house to wash his hands and clean his face.

As he walked back inside, he noticed Monica approaching with a dry cloth in her hands.

After accepting it with a thankful nod, he wiped his hands clean.

Just then, Monica softly said,

"Hmm, since you’re only going out on patrol, I suppose I don’t need to worry."

She stepped closer before gently cupping his cheeks.

"But still...take care, Luke."

Luke fell silent for a brief moment.

After all, he definitely wasn’t heading out for a simple patrol.

So, in a way, her concern felt completely justified.

Smiling faintly, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

"Don’t worry. My safety will always remain my top priority."