Chapter 75: Share secret

After finishing his meal, Luke stepped out of the house, dressed in a new set of clothes he had bought from the system for two points. There was nothing particularly special about them, just ankle-length trousers that allowed free movement and a grey sleeveless vest, suited for the rising heat.

As he walked past several houses, he noticed something had changed. The fear and caution that once lingered in people’s hearts had faded.

Children spilled out onto the streets, people opened their shops, and farmers returned from their fields with smiles on their faces.

Truly, having a strong protector allowed a village to breathe in peace. And that was exactly why the chief collected rotation fees every week.

“Though I am sure he saves more than a thousand toras from each rotation,” Luke muttered under his breath. There were fewer than ten guards under the chief’s command, and their wages usually ranged from two hundred to seven hundred toras.

From Luke’s own household alone, nearly two hundred and fifty toras were paid every week, since four different families lived under the same roof.

And it was not just them. Many houses sheltered multiple families. Even by rough estimation, the chief would be receiving more than five thousand toras every week.

“Damn… if I had my own village, I would not need to do anything and still live comfortably for the rest of my life.”

Even so, Luke had no real interest in such a life. He preferred hunting, living freely, and enjoying things on his own terms.

Soon, he reached the chief’s house and saw several horses tied nearby, along with two men standing near the entrance besides the usual guard.

Luke spotted Gary and asked, “Where is she?”

Gary was inspecting deer meat brought by another hunter, so he replied casually, “Mind calling her out? She should be waiting inside.”

Luke sighed. “I am not getting paid enough for this…”

Gary only chuckled and said nothing.

Luke stepped into the largest house in the village and walked toward the main door.

Just as he was about to knock, the door opened from inside, revealing a woman who stole his breath.

Her slightly curly, glossy black hair fell over her left shoulder, exposing her swan-like pale neck. Her face carried a blend of fresh beauty and mature charm. Her lips matched her eyes, both a deep, captivating red.

Dressed in a black one-piece that hugged her curvaceous form, she stood there, the same woman who had caught his attention the moment he first saw her.

“Hey, beautiful,” Luke said, slipping an arm around her waist and giving her a wink.

Roxanne was taken aback by his bold greeting. She glanced around before murmuring, “Are you not afraid of being seen?”

Luke smiled, unbothered. “If holding you earns me a little punishment, it is worth it.”

A blush spread across Roxanne’s cheeks as she lightly slapped his arm, though she did not push him away. “That sweet mouth of yours might work on younger women, but not me.”

Luke hummed. “Oh? Then why are you holding on to me like you have been missing me?”

Roxanne lowered her gaze, her cheeks growing warmer.

Luke inhaled her fragrance, his hold tightening slightly. Her body felt soft and comforting in his arms. His hands rested just above her waist, tempted to wander further, but he held himself back and said,

“Will you come with me tomorrow? I want to take you somewhere.”

Roxanne’s heart skipped a beat. “In daylight? Would that not be too risky?”

Luke shrugged. “I am willing to take the risk for you… for us. Will you not do the same?”

His warm gaze made her heart restless. Memories of that night surfaced, sending a faint shiver through her.

She wanted to feel that again.

Being close to this man made her feel alive, as if every moment belonged to her.

Keeping her eyes lowered, she nodded. “I will figure something out… meet me near that tree.”

Luke grinned and placed a quick peck on her lips, leaving her stunned, before walking past her and greeting, “Morning, Lady Rhea.”

Rhea faintly nodded before asking, “Were you assigned to take me to the forest?”

Luke nodded, “I might look unreliable but I can fight decently.”

Rhea nodded, this time firmer, “I am aware of your skills, so there is no doubt on my part.”

“Glad to hear that,” he said before urging her, “If all the preparations are done, should we leave?”

…..

Back in the house,

Knock

Dalia slowly rose from the bed at the sound.

She exchanged a glance with Lex before walking toward the door, assuming it might be her mother. She and Monica had gone out to buy something… perhaps they had returned early?

But the moment she opened it, she was surprised to see Caleb standing there.

“Hmm? Do you need something?”

Caleb asked, “Can I speak with Brother Lex… alone for a moment?”

Dalia frowned. “Why alone? What do you want to say?”

Caleb replied quickly, “It is nothing serious… just some man-to-man advice.”

Dalia could not fully trust him, even after living under the same roof for so long.

Before she could refuse, Lex spoke, “It is alright, Dalia. Let him in.”

She sighed and stepped aside.

Caleb nodded gratefully as he entered. Dalia then turned to her mate and said, “I will go bring some herbs for your injury.”

Lex gave a slight nod, and she left the room, leaving the two men alone.

Caleb took a seat beside the bed and began, “How is your leg—”

“Get to the point,” Lex cut in coldly. “Why are you here?”

Caleb pressed his lips together and looked down. After a moment, he took a deep breath and said, “Brother… do you not think we should do something about Luke?”

Clenching his fist, he continued, “He has become a nuisance for both of us.”

Lex’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

Caleb explained, “There is clearly a secret he is hiding. Something that allowed him to gain such inhuman strength in such a short time. Do you not feel it? Because of that, he is making us seem insignificant in this house, as if everything revolves around him now… as if he has become the man of the house.”

Lex’s gaze sharpened as he stared at him. “What are you suggesting?”

Caleb finally lifted his eyes and said quietly, “We are his elders… so should we not also have a share in the secret he has been hiding?”

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