The Village Festival and an Unexpected Arrival

Balyaas Village was brimming with a lively atmosphere today. This was the most solemn day for the village, commemorating its founding and the birth of the great village chief who had brought the Balyaas Rabbit, their guardian deity, from the depths of the forest.

Every year at this time, the villagers of Balyaas Village would spontaneously prepare the best food from their homes. They would then gather around the bonfire in the village center, where the current chief would give a short speech before everyone shared their delicacies, singing and dancing around the fire.

For Jing, this was her very first time attending the village’s commemorative evening. She wore a new light yellow dress, specially sewn by Grandma Ila, adorned with cute little yellow chick patterns. Grandma Ila’s craftsmanship was truly exceptional.

Although the dress was simple, it perfectly accentuated Jing’s figure, highlighting her slender waist, long, shapely legs, and fair arms, making her appear incredibly pure and lovely. Coupled with a pair of flower-adorned sandals woven by Grandpa Joseph, her jade-like, delicate feet seemed irresistibly alluring.

Jing obediently followed behind Grandpa Joseph and Grandma Ila. Her beautiful, fair neck was now tinged with a delicate pink blush, for the villagers’ gazes were so fervent that Jing felt like a small rabbit, her fur bristling under the green, hungry eyes of a pack of wolves.

“Jing… I… I feel so strange. Why is everyone staring at us?” Umi said, clearly uncomfortable.

“I… I don’t… know…” Jing mumbled, her head bowed as if trying to hide her face from the surrounding gazes. The intense stares made her wish she could instantly transform into an ostrich and bury her head in the sand, just to escape the overwhelming embarrassment.

“My dear, I don’t recall things ever being so grand during festivals before. Look at that young man from the Lager family; his eyes are practically popping out. What do you suppose they’re staring at? What’s so captivating?” Grandpa Joseph, a little forgetful and standing in front of Jing, felt the villagers’ gazes and asked Grandma Ila with a smug, delighted tone.

“Hehehe, old man, it’s simply because our Jing is too beautiful and lovely. That’s why all the young men in the village are staring so intently.” Grandma Ila turned to look at the blushing Jing, smiling gently, then patted Jing’s hand lightly, indicating that everyone was merely looking out of fondness and admiration.

“Grandma Ila… but… but it feels so strange.” Detecting Grandma Ila’s thoughtful comfort, Jing knew everyone meant no harm, yet being constantly stared at still made her feel rather shy.

“You little brats! Haven’t you ever seen a woman before? Do you want me to teach you what it means to respect women? You! Still staring! Why don’t you stare at me? Do you want me to sleep with you tonight so you can get your fill?” Mr. Hake’s voice suddenly boomed from the crowd, its crude loudness snapping many of the gaping young men back to reality.

They awkwardly stared at the ground before their feet, only occasionally stealing glances at the pure, angel-like beauty of Jing.

“Hahahaha~ Old Hake, it’s one thing for you to be a bachelor, but do you want all the young men in our village to join you in lifelong solitude?” A voice echoed from outside the crowd, laughing heartily and greeting Hake in a teasing tone.

“Well, look who it is! Our esteemed village chief has arrived! Rica, if you hadn’t played dirty back then, do you think that boy of yours would have won Betty over? Betty and I grew up together, childhood sweethearts!” Hearing the teasing, Hake retorted mercilessly.

“Uh… H-Hake, don’t just spout nonsense! I won Betty over with my sincerity, not by playing dirty.” Village Chief Rica coughed twice, then spoke with a touch of awkwardness.

“You have the nerve! If you hadn’t feigned illness back then, I wouldn’t have gone into the forest to find medicinal herbs for you. And during that time, you charmed Betty into… Mmph…” Hake glared at Rica, who had walked up to him, and began to speak in an angry voice.

However, halfway through, Rica clapped a hand over his mouth. Seeing Rica’s pleading expression, Hake decided not to resist further.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Hake, so many years have passed, and with so many people around… at least save me some face!” Village Chief Rica, completely abandoning his usual dignified demeanor, wrapped an arm around Hake’s neck, looked at him pleadingly, and whispered.

Hake remained silent, watching Rica with a stern expression. As Rica’s face grew increasingly uncomfortable, Hake suddenly broke into a wide smile, then gently tapped Village Chief Rica’s chest with his fist. Rica, surprised, then excitedly returned the gesture, punching Hake’s chest back before the two men embraced each other tightly.

“Seeing how well you’re managing the village now, and how happy Betty is, I forgive you, brother! By the way, the one she’s carrying now, it must be a big, chubby boy, right?” Hake patted Rica’s back, a hint of mischief in his voice.

“H-Hake, stop teasing me. I specifically asked a priest from Morgan City to use magic to calculate it, and it seems this one will likely be another daughter. If it’s another girl, that’ll be our fifth daughter! I shouldn’t have…” Rica also patted Hake’s back, sighing helplessly.

“Don’t be glum, Rica. I’ve already prepared the dung for you. In case you forgot, let me repeat what you said last year: ‘If I, Rica, can’t have a son, I’ll eat three pounds of dung!’ Rica, I’ve known since we were kids that you’re a man of your word. To prevent your reputation from being tarnished, as your best brother, I will absolutely never forget this.”

Hake looked at Rica’s constipated expression and burst into immensely joyful laughter.

“Hake, speaking of which… what’s your relationship with that beautiful, angel-like girl? Are you perhaps thinking of preying on younger prey? Or do you see Betty’s shadow in her?” Rica looked at Jing, who was hiding behind Grandma Ila, and, still with an arm around Hake’s neck, winked at him as he spoke.

“Rica, don’t fault me for being honest. Although Betty and I grew up together, Jing’s appearance far surpasses Betty’s—even an angel might not compare. However, what I admire most about this child is her heart. Rica, Jing is the purest, kindest girl I have ever met in my life, just like… Betty… back then.”

“Frankly, you and I both know that this child’s future shouldn’t be confined to our small village.” Hake gazed at the shy young girl, a rare tender expression gracing his own face, as if subtly influenced by Jing’s aura. He spoke to Rica with a somewhat serious tone.

“Is she really that special? Hake, this is the first time I’ve heard you praise someone so genuinely.” Rica also looked toward the girl named Jing. At that moment, the girl seemed to sense his gaze, turning her head to reveal two deep dimples on her beautiful face. She smiled sweetly at him and waved in greeting, prompting Rica to nod back and raise his hand to wave.

“Though I am merely a retired old mercenary, Rica, I recall telling you that I once witnessed a being that reigned supreme over all creation, possessing power capable of challenging even the gods: the legendary Dragon, King of Ten Thousand Dragons, the Sacred Dragon Emperor, Empyreal.” Hake spoke with a tone that seemed imbued with reverence.

“It was merely a fleeting glimpse, yet I have never forgotten that sensation—the presence of a supreme being ruling over all, reigning above everything. And that very feeling… I have sensed it in a young girl. Though it is a faint sensation, that familiar feeling, I could never mistake it. That girl, she is destined to become a being who reigns over all creation.” Hake looked at Jing, speaking to Rica with utmost solemnity.

“Hake, though we are the best of brothers, I don’t doubt your words in the slightest. It’s just… when did you learn prophecy? I’ve heard you speak of the Sacred Dragon Emperor Empyreal before, but to say this young girl will become a being like the Sacred Dragon Emperor… it just feels a bit unbelievable.”

Although Hake was his best friend, Rica still found Hake’s claims overly exaggerated and fantastical. Rica knew Hake was merely an ordinary mercenary, now retired due to age. Nevertheless, to save his old friend’s pride, Rica did not entirely dismiss his words.

“Hahahaha, Rica, you’re right. I was just speaking from the heart! It looks like the villagers are almost ready, so please, my esteemed village chief, quickly deliver a bunch of eloquent words, then let everyone begin tonight’s revelry!” Hake, realizing he had perhaps spoken too much to Rica, quickly laughed it off and urged Rica to start the evening’s festivities.

Rica said nothing, merely patting Hake’s shoulder before turning and walking onto the makeshift stage by the bonfire, ready to deliver his opening address for the evening.

Standing firmly on the stage, Rica clapped his hands, drawing the villagers’ attention. However, before he could even open his mouth, the air around the stage suddenly distorted. It was as if a transparent pane of glass had shattered, and a figure clad in a mage’s robe appeared beside Rica.

“Oh? What a coincidence, the timing is perfect! The entire village has gathered here? Is today some special festival? My apologies, everyone, but on this joyous occasion, I’m afraid the announcement I’m about to make will be utterly unexpected, perhaps even causing some panic. However, you need not worry, for the great Archmage of the Peak, the esteemed Lord Bo Aibiyi of Morgan City, will protect you!” The robed figure had barely settled before looking around with mild surprise, then spoke with an exceptionally pleased tone.