After Robb had defeated every opponent, silence cloaked the training field. No one dared to speak. No one dared to meet his eyes. They had all witnessed his overwhelming strength. Even the soldiers who once scoffed at him now bowed their heads in stunned admiration.
"Today," Robb declared, his voice echoing across the field, "I want everyone to work for me."
All eyes turned to him, puzzled by his command, but none questioned it.
"Vuuxi, take them for a stroll through the city of Patisia. We've got something far more important to take care of, haven't we?" he added.
Vuuxi gave a faint smile, then turned to Damerius. "Don't forget the fifteen Wit coins, Damerius."
Damerius sighed deeply and handed Vuuxi a pouch of coins. "Here. But seriously, what exactly are you planning?"
Weighing the pouch in his hand, Vuuxi replied, "With this money, we'll buy bread for everyone in Patisia who needs it."
"What?!" Damerius gasped, completely caught off guard by the answer.
Vuuxi merely shrugged and pointed to Robb. "It was his idea."
"Come on, Vuuxi. You know the city better than I do," Robb said casually, already walking ahead.
Vuuxi nodded. "I have a few shelters—old homes for orphans and those struggling to survive. But they're falling apart and need repairs. Honestly, this money won't even come close to enough."
Damerius fell silent for a moment before saying, "In that case, I'll lend you one hundred Wit coins."
Vuuxi gave a small, grateful smile. "Fine. I'll repay you—when the time comes."
Robb turned to Rogg. "Rogg, don't forget to look after my horse and make sure the saddle's ready for tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Damerius issued an order to Arkael, "Bring all the bread we have. Make sure it's enough for every orphaned child."
And so the large group set off toward the social houses Vuuxi managed. The same soldiers who had moments ago fought with fierce determination now worked with just as much passion—repairing old buildings, painting walls, and carrying in new furniture. These were men who once knew nothing but battle and bloodshed. Now, they experienced something different—something meaningful—as they watched joyful children welcome them with laughter and wide, hopeful eyes.
Vuuxi stood in the center of the shelter, watching the children run around with sparkling eyes. Once, he had been just like them. Living on the streets, digging through trash for food, struggling to survive a brutal world. Until Mother Zeeva had rescued him, giving him a second chance at life.
Robb patted him on the shoulder. "I didn't expect this from you. You've got a pretty noble heart."
Vuuxi chuckled. "Here, try this peanut bread. It's been my favorite since I was a kid."
Robb took a bite and his eyes widened instantly. "This is amazing!"
Across the room, Ophelia approached with a glass in hand. "Here's your drink, Rogg."
Robb turned to her. "Aren't you tired, Ophelia? Why did you choose to come with us?"
Ophelia smiled. "At Lord Damerius' estate, I wasn't allowed to do anything. So I chose to come here instead—to help in any way I can, and to spend time with these children."
Robb chuckled. "Ellie didn't come along? How did Lady Bilka let you go?"
"After a lot of begging," Ophelia said with a laugh. "They still treat me like a child, but I told them I was following Brother Robb. They had no choice but to let me go."
Everyone laughed with her.
Suddenly, Ophelia looked at Robb, eyes serious. "How are Brother Rogg and Brisena? Are they okay?"
Robb let out a long breath, then smiled meaningfully. "I just remembered—I haven't told any of you yet. My mother… is alive."
Ophelia froze. "What?!"
"Yes. Turns out she's been living among the Doliex tribe. She's strong, healthy… and even looks younger than before. In Smokeland, they know her as Lady Zeeva."
Robb explained everything about his mother to Ophelia.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Lady Brigita? Are you serious?! She's the one who saved me… all those years ago!"
Without hesitation, Ophelia grabbed her coat. "I'm going back to Lord Damerius' estate! I have to tell Mother and Ellie—we must meet Lady Brigita right away!"
Robb shook his head. "You can't, Ophelia. Mother won't be able to see you right now. And you won't be allowed into Smokeland. There are rules in the Doliex tribe that you can't fulfill."
Ophelia bit her lip, then said, "Then I'll at least tell them. Mother and Ellie need to know. I want to see their faces when they hear it!"
Robb gave her a faint smile. "Alright. Go back with Damerius' troops. Their work here is done."
He then turned to Valtros, who was seated atop a horse-drawn carriage. "Valtros, I'm entrusting Ophelia to you. Get her safely back to Lord Damerius' estate."
Valtros nodded. "Yes, sir."
Vuuxi added, "Tell Moglin to bring our horses. We'll be leaving this place first thing tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir," Valtros replied curtly, then signaled the soldiers to depart.
Ophelia climbed into the carriage, her eyes shining with anticipation. Robb and Vuuxi watched her go, smiles on their faces.
As the group set off, Robb let out a long sigh and gazed at the sky, now tinged with hues of orange. A long day—exhausting, yet full of meaning.
Vuuxi patted his shoulder. "So, what's your plan after this?"
Robb gave a faint smile. "We'll see tomorrow. This world still has plenty of surprises."
They both chuckled and walked toward their place of rest, leaving behind a day that had changed many lives—their own, and those of the people in Patisia.
The morning was still cloaked in darkness. A cold breeze swept across the dew-soaked grass. Before the sun could fully rise, the sound of approaching hooves broke the silence. From a distance, Moglin and Damerius could be seen riding toward Robb and Vuuxi, leading two majestic horses—Goldstrom and Snowfire.
As Damerius dismounted from Goldstrom, Robb eyed him sharply, clearly displeased to see someone else riding his horse.
"Robb, I know you probably hate seeing someone else on your horse, but I already offered three hundred Wit coins for him," Damerius said casually, patting Goldstrom's neck with admiration.
Vuuxi, standing beside Robb, widened his eyes. "Three hundred Wit coins? That's a crazy price, Robb!"
Robb arched a brow at Vuuxi. "Since when did you become obsessed with money?" he asked, half amused, half bewildered.
Vuuxi simply laughed, while Damerius still waited patiently for Robb's answer.
"Well? What do you say, Robb? Will you sell your horse?" Damerius asked again, this time more seriously.
Robb stepped forward and looked into Goldstrom's eyes, his gaze filled with a deep sense of connection. "Say his name, Damerius. He's Goldstrom—not just a horse." Robb exhaled slowly. "Some things just aren't for sale. I don't need the money... but I do need him."
"But Robb… three hundred Wit?" Vuuxi still couldn't believe it.
Robb turned to him. "Would you sell Snowfire for three hundred Wit?"
Vuuxi paused, then firmly shook his head. "No. Never."
Robb smiled. "Then Goldstrom is priceless, too."
Damerius let out a soft chuckle and raised his hands in surrender. "Fair enough. If you won't sell him, so be it. Just wanted to say—he's magnificent. You're lucky to have him."
After that light exchange, they shifted their conversation to the current state of Patisia, which had begun to stabilize. Thanks to Damerius' efforts, poverty was declining and the economy was improving—though that success didn't endear him to the wealthy merchants or local rulers. Still, as a prince, his status demanded respect.
Vuuxi turned to Damerius. "Damerius, I want Moglin to take charge of all my social shelters. I trust he can manage them well and help them grow."
Damerius nodded. "That's a solid decision. If you need help, I've got your back."
Robb suddenly chimed in. "And one more thing—Ophelia. If she's willing, let her manage one of the shelters. Teach her. And take good care of them all."
Damerius crossed his arms and gave a faint smile. "You both give me orders like it's nothing, huh? Alright. I'll make sure everything runs smoothly. I'll be here, waiting for your return to Patisia."
Robb and Vuuxi exchanged a look and nodded with certainty. They knew their journey was far from over. With a tug of their reins, Goldstrom and Snowfire sprang forward, carrying them toward Smokeland. The sun was beginning to rise, casting golden rays across the eastern horizon. If they rode without pause, they would reach their destination by midnight.
As they rode off into the distance, Robb's voice echoed faintly behind them.
"Thank you, Damerius! Goldstrom's even more powerful now—thanks to the gear and saddle you installed!"
Damerius simply shook his head with a smile, watching them disappear beyond the horizon.