Chapter 51: Setting Out Once More

Vivi’s heart raced wildly. 

Yet the screams, the disgust, even the rejection she had braced herself for never came. 

The first to break the silence was the boy still baring his teeth as he struggled with the stone. With a loud thud, he dropped it to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust, then jogged over to her with easy confidence. 

“Hey! You’ve got a good eye, spotting the boss’ greatness right away!” he said with a wide grin. “Vivi, right? Welcome to the Save-the-Kingdom Squad!” 

That carefree welcome felt like a warm current, loosening the tension that had gripped her body. 

Next, a man in his forties, bearing a resemblance to Anna, stepped forward with his arms crossed. His gaze carried no disgust, only scrutiny, yet the pressure behind it was unmistakable. Vivi had seen something like it before, among high-ranking officers of the Southern Legion. 

“This isn’t a game,” he said, his voice firm and resonant. “What can you do?” 

Before she could answer, a man dressed like an alchemist rushed forward, eyes shining as though he had found a priceless treasure. 

“Your bloodline! Oh, Mother Goddess, how fascinating!” he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together with near feverish excitement. “I’ve always wanted to know how my improved enhancement potion works on non-pure humans. Would you help me test it?” 

A younger child peeked out as well, scampering up to her and tilting his head back to look at her. “Wow, big sis, your ears are so cute. Can I touch them?” 

Even the imposing figure who radiated the unmistakable aura of a clergyman, the one Vivi found most difficult to deal with, approached her. Adjusting his glasses, he offered a small, courteous bow. “Welcome. You’ve joined the work of the divine.” 

Kayan had long regarded Nolan as a walking embodiment of divine will. To him, every decision Nolan made was an extension of the Mother Goddess’ intent. If Nolan accepted her, then so would he, without question. 

Vivi’s mind went blank. She opened her mouth, but no words came. 

Compared to the past, when the moment her identity was revealed she would be chased and cursed, Nolan’s companions were entirely different. They were a strange mix, each with their own quirks, but all of them treated her as an ordinary person. 

That alone was something people like her could never hope for. 

To be seen as one of them. That was enough. Her eyes grew warm. She wanted to cry, but she refused to show weakness, forcing the feeling back down. 

“Uh… hello, everyone. I’m Vivi.” 

At that moment, a soft hand took hers. 

Anna had quietly moved to her side and was guiding her toward the house. 

“You men really have no sense of manners,” she said, shooting a reproachful glance at the others. “Is this the time to interrogate her? Let our new companion rest first.” Then she turned back to Nolan, giving him a playful wink. “I’m hungry, Mr. Nolan.” 

Nolan understood immediately. He waved at the still-gathered group in the courtyard. “Alright, stop staring and get inside. Time to eat!” 

***

While Nolan prepared the meal, Vivi gradually learned more about the group. 

The truth surprised her. Not a single one of them was ordinary. 

A decorated veteran, an alchemist, the former chief priest of Veli City. Even Little Donnie, who still looked like a kid, was already at a high Bronze rank. A prodigy, without a doubt. 

And above all, their leader stood out the most. 

When Nolan came out of the kitchen carrying a large pot of fragrant stew, the atmosphere in the room had completely changed. 

Vivi was surrounded by Donnie and Kreil, who were pestering her to show off her skills. 

She placed her left hand flat on the table, fingers spread wide, and held a dagger in her right. The blade flickered between her fingers in rapid succession, tapping the tabletop in a blur so fast it was almost impossible to follow. Tap, tap, tap, tap. 

“Wow! That’s amazing!” 

“You’re so cool, sis!” 

The two boys stared in awe, cheering excitedly. 

Even Hank, who had been quietly polishing his longsword with a cigar clenched between his teeth, glanced up and gave a brief assessment in his rough voice. “Fast reflexes.” Coming from him, those two words were rare praise. 

Vivi stopped, sheathed her dagger, and allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. 

“Dinner’s ready!” Nolan’s voice rang out like a starting signal, and everyone erupted in cheers. 

The meal, prepared to welcome the new member, was filled with warmth and lively chatter. 

Vivi swore it was the best meal she had ever had. Nolan’s cooking was astonishingly good. The stew was tender and rich, the meat melting in her mouth, the broth full-bodied and fragrant, seasoned in the classic style of southern Elfin cuisine. She even found herself thinking that for food like this alone, following him would already be worth it. 

After eating their fill, the group lingered around the table, chatting idly. 

The mood had been light, but Hank suddenly crushed out his cigar, his expression turning serious. “Nolan, I went to see Lisbon this afternoon.” 

“Lord Lisbon?” Nolan raised a brow. “Your old comrade from the Southern Legion? The one who’s now the deputy commander?” 

“You really do know,” Hank replied with a nod, his face darkening. “He’s also still in charge of the heavy infantry regiment. I told him about Rosenberg… and the possibility of a large-scale undead invasion.” 

Nolan took one look at his expression and already knew the outcome. “Didn’t go well?” 

“Hmph.” Hank snorted heavily. “Calling it ‘not well’ is putting it lightly. If we hadn’t fought side by side back in the day, he might’ve thrown me out of the garrison as a lunatic.” He mimicked the nobleman’s tone, recounting the exchange, “‘I’ve read the reports, Hank. If the city guard can handle it, then don’t waste the regular army’s attention. Our enemies are the beastfolk in the southwest and the restless dwarves in the east, not a few brainless skeletons. If you’re looking for credit, go to the lord of Rosenberg and ask him for a recommendation letter. Don’t ruin your reputation with this kind of attention-seeking nonsense.’” 

Nolan pressed a hand to his forehead, a trace of frustration surfacing. “Expected, but still infuriating. A bunch of complacent fools. Until it hurts them personally, they won’t believe a thing.” He looked around at the group, his tone turning decisive. “We’re short on time. At dawn tomorrow, we leave Veli City and head west, straight for Demont Province. The areas near Demont are unstable, with plenty of bandits. Be ready for combat. Is everything here in Veli City settled?” 

Everyone at the table, from the newly joined Vivi to the long-time members, nodded in unison. 

“Good. Get some rest and recover your strength. From here on out, we won’t be slowing down.” 

That night, Vivi lay in a soft bed beside Anna. Anna’s breathing soon fell into a gentle rhythm, but sleep eluded Vivi. 

Everything that had happened over the past two days felt unreal. 

This was a warm, tightly knit group. 

And at its center stood that man. Mysterious… and remarkable. 

Half-awake, she found Nolan’s figure blending with fragments of her past in her thoughts. For the first time, she felt something she had never allowed herself before: anticipation for the future. 

At dawn the next morning, just as the sun began to spread its warmth, the group was already prepared to depart. 

The high-quality magical beast materials they had sold in Veli City had earned them a considerable sum. With their supplies increased, Leus had purchased a brand-new six-seat carriage the day before, drawn by two horses, with an additional cargo trailer attached behind. 

Kayan locked the courtyard gate, then turned back toward the small building where his teacher had once lived. He bowed deeply. 

“Master, I believe I’ve found my path of faith. I’m setting out.” 

By the time he climbed aboard, Anna and Leus were busy arranging soft cushions on the seats, making the journey more comfortable. Kreil had already taken the driver’s seat with practiced ease. 

The warriors had fed the horses. Everything was ready. 

Yet Vivi stood beside the carriage, refusing to get in. 

“I’m a combatant. How can I hide inside and take it easy?” she said, arms crossed, her expression stubborn. 

Deep down, she still feared that if she didn’t prove her worth, she might be rejected by this new “home” that had only just accepted her. 

But there were no spare horses for her, and she didn’t know how to ride anyway. 

An awkward silence settled over the group.

Nolan studied her for a moment, then guided his horse forward and extended a hand down toward her. “In that case, I’ll take you with me. Good opportunity to teach you the basics of riding, too. As the sharpest-eyed Silver-grade nightingale among us, you’ll need to scout on horseback sooner or later. It’s a skill you should pick up quickly.” 

Vivi hesitated, then finally nodded and reached up to take his broad, steady hand. 

Nolan’s grip was strong, but controlled. She felt a gentle force lift her effortlessly onto the horse. 

The moment she settled, though, she realized something was off. 

She had landed directly in front of him, her back pressed firmly against his chest, practically enclosed within his arms.

Vivi had never been this close to any man before. 

The scent of sun and faint sweat drifted into her senses. Behind her, she could feel the steady beat of his heart. His warm breath brushed lightly against her ear, making her tiger ears twitch uncontrollably.  She could even feel the subtle vibration of his chest when he spoke. 

“Let’s go.” Nolan’s voice sounded as calm as ever. 

The horse began to move forward. 

Vivi sat frozen in his arms, her mind completely blank, left with only a single thought. 

This… is way too close.