After Luke, Gustav, and Terek left for hunting, Ginna, Monica, Laila, and surprisingly, Zuri gathered in the kitchen.

Normally, whenever Zuri and Terek returned home, Zuri rarely helped with cooking. No one minded. She earned more than enough to pay someone to handle such tasks for her.

In fact, there had been times when she and Terek had quietly supported Gustav’s family.

After Gustav lost his arm, his ability to hunt was greatly reduced, and his earnings suffered because of it.

At the time, Luke was still too young and timid to contribute much, so the couple occasionally stepped in whenever they could.

But today, Zuri seemed different.

She was carrying firewood into the house and arranging it beside the hearth when she suddenly spoke.

"I am trying to get used to it," she admitted. After a brief pause, a small smile appeared on her lips. "...Because we want to have an offspring soon."

Her announcement drew the attention of all three women.

Despite meeting Ginna for the first time, Zuri showed none of the awkwardness one might expect. She had always been the type to become comfortable around people quickly, speaking her mind without hesitation.

"That’s wonderful news," Monica said immediately, her face lighting up. "It’s been a long time as well. You two really shouldn’t delay any further."

Zuri nodded in agreement.

Her mate was only three years younger than Gustav, yet they still didn’t have a single child. Meanwhile, Gustav’s children were already mated, and before long, there would likely be their children running around as well.

Of course, there were reasons for it.

Pregnancy required months of commitment and care, and Zuri had spent most of her prime time of life serving as an active warrior of the Head Tribe.

Between patrols, expeditions, training, and long absences from home, there had never been a suitable time to focus on building a family.

This time, however, things were different.

For the first time in years, she had received permission for an extended leave.

A genuine one.

Not a few days.

Not a brief period of rest before another assignment.

A long leave.

Enough time to finally slow down and experience a different phase of life.

Enough time to become a mother.

"How many are you planning to have?" Laila asked curiously from the side.

Monica and Ginna were busy chopping vegetables while listening to the conversation.

Zuri chuckled as she adjusted the stack of firewood.

"Just one."

"Only one?" Laila blinked.

Zuri laughed.

"I can’t enjoy too much freedom. So we decided to have one child and leave them here in Monica’s care whenever we’re away."

She flashed a grin toward the older woman.

"I know how much she loves looking after children."

Monica immediately clasped her hands together.

"Oh, that sounds lovely."

The mere thought brought warmth to her heart.

She missed those days.

Back when Lex and Laila were little.

Back when they would race through the house with muddy feet, knock things over, argue over the smallest matters, and somehow leave every room messier than before.

There had always been noise.

Always laughter.

Always something to clean up afterward.

Life had been exhausting at times, but it had never felt empty.

A fond smile settled on Monica’s face as those memories resurfaced. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Yes, having little children around created more work.

Meals needed to be prepared more often. Clothes had to be washed constantly. There was always something broken, misplaced, or in need of attention.

But there was happiness in that work too.

The kind that filled a home with warmth.

The kind that made every day feel a little more alive.

"If you ask me," Monica said, looking at Zuri, "one child rarely stays alone for long. Once you have the first, you’ll want another."

Zuri immediately shook her head.

"No. Absolutely not."

The confidence in her response made the two mothers glance at each other.

"That’s what every mother says before the first one arrives," Monica replied knowingly.

At this Ginna joined in the laughter, and the kitchen soon filled with easy conversation, the crackling of firewood, and the comforting sounds of preparations for the evening meal.

Not long afterward, Laila and Ginna headed outside to gather herbs.

They would need plenty of seasoning for whatever game the hunters brought back, and judging by the size of the prey they were expecting, they might even have to set up the cooking area outdoors.

The moment the two women disappeared from sight, Zuri glanced toward the doorway and spoke.

"So she’s Dalia’s mother, huh? She looks quite youthful for her age."

Monica smiled faintly as she continued preparing the vegetables.

"Much like you, circumstances forced her to get blood on her hands. That’s why, she has maintained a good health."

Zuri looked over with interest.

"After her mate passed away, she had no one to rely on," Monica continued. "She lived alone in a very small village and had to take care of herself. Life wasn’t exactly kind to her."

There was a trace of sympathy in Monica’s voice.

"Thankfully, Luke noticed the difficulties she was facing and brought her here. Now she helps me around the house, and Luke gives her some toras as payment."

Zuri hummed thoughtfully.

"Your kid has really grown up, huh?" A smile tugged at her lips. "Taking care of the elderly and all."

Monica faintly paused hearing the words.

It hadn’t been long but still hearing Luke being regarded as her child felt strange.

Zuri hummed in surprise, "What happened, Monica?"

Monica shook her head.

But then, she realized it would be better if she told her.

Zuri has always been close to her so Monica trusted her with this.

"Actually..."

....

Leaving the house, Gustav felt a little down.

Usually, whenever his brother returned, Lex would accompany them on the family hunt. It was a tradition of sorts.

Yet this year would likely be the first time he couldn’t.

What saddened Gustav even more was that Lex hadn’t argued about it. He hadn’t tried to convince Dalia, nor had he tried to convince himself.

He had simply turned around and walked back to his room in silence.

Defeated.

’Haah... I need to talk to him soon.’

Gustav made the decision inwardly.

At times like these, even the smallest shred of hope could become the difference between enduring and giving up.

Back when he had lost his arm, Monica and Luke had remained by his side. They had encouraged him through his darkest days, refusing to let him drown in despair.

Now it was Gustav’s turn to do the same for his son.

"What’s all the rush about?"

Terek’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

The warrior looked around at the villagers moving through the streets. Many were heading toward the barter hub, gathering in larger numbers than usual.

"Most likely they’re excited about tomorrow’s hunting contest," Luke replied casually from a few steps ahead.

"Hunting contest, huh?"

Terek grinned.

The very mention of a competition seemed to spark his interest.

Suddenly, he threw an arm around Luke’s shoulder.

"I hope you’re participating."

Luke nodded.

"Yeah, of course."

Terek’s grin immediately widened.

"Is that so?"

A dangerous glint appeared in his eyes.

"Then how about we make a bet?"

Luke could only offer a wry smile.

Another one? It seemed the people around him had become unusually fond of betting against him lately.

••••••••

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