CHAPTER 77: VISIT TWO MYTHOLOGICAL VILLAGE

***

The next day.

In the early morning, Gideon was already awake just as he planned for today.

Even though he was going to a village he considered safe, he still had to prepare for the slightest chance of danger, especially since Gideon planned to visit the Lamia village.

A soft knock came at the door in the quiet of the early morning inside the Baron’s residence. The maids were already awake and preparing, but none of them dared disturb Gideon.

Gideon stepped toward the door, opened it, and saw Lena coming in wearing a blue floral pajama set. Lena knew what Gideon was planning to do today, judging by the gear he was already using.

"Lena?" Gideon greeted.

"Looks like you’re heading out today," Lena replied.

He nodded, fastening his vest on. Lena stepped inside, noticing some of the gear already laid out, ready to be worn.

The M4A1 rested on the bed, along with the helmet fitted with NODs and other attachments.

Lena picked up the helmet and helped Gideon put it on. Gideon smiled. Even though Lena had doubted his plan yesterday, the way she acted this morning gave him a sense of calm.

"Don’t push them too much. Let them feel comfortable and think clearly," Lena asked.

"I know."

"Don’t forget your medicine. We never know when your trauma might come back," Lena advised.

"I’ve already packed it."

The helmet was on, complete with NODs and the scope attachment. The bulletproof vest was strapped over his tactical shirt instead of his military uniform. That made Gideon’s movements lighter.

"That’s everything," Lena said.

"Thanks, Lena," Gideon replied.

They fell silent for a moment, looking at each other with care. Lena hoped Gideon would be safe on this trip, because the last time he went without his team, he ended up in a critical situation facing angry villagers during a protest.

This time, Gideon had prepared full equipment to prevent another bad outcome. Unlike the SIG M17, the M4A1 rifle with 5.56mm rounds and more mags would be much more effective.

Lena still reminded Gideon to prioritize discussion over direct confrontation. It was to keep Gideon and his team’s image as a humane unit.

"Remember my advice. Come back quickly. Don’t force them," Lena said.

"Of course. I understand, Lena."

"Keep an eye on Luke. Sometimes he slacks off with his new duties," Gideon joked.

"I’ll smack him on the head if he acts up later."

"Haha!"

Gideon left his room with Lena still in her pajamas. Together they walked down the stairs to the first floor.

Nobody was awake except the maids. Viviene, Luke, and Lyra were still sleeping soundly on the beds, not disturbed at all.

The beds in the Baron’s residence were far more comfortable than those at the inn. That was one of the benefits of staying at the Baron’s house.

At the front gate of the Baron’s residence, Gideon and Lena stopped before parting. Lena gave her reminder to always be careful of anything that could happen.

Gideon reassured Lena not to dwell on his condition. He clearly told her that he would be fine no matter what. Gideon promised not to disappoint her and to return quickly without problems.

Lena felt relieved. Gideon requested a horse for his ride to the wolf village and the kitsune village.

Traveling by horse was much more effective, saving time and effort. He could reach both villages quickly without losing much time.

Without delay, Gideon left the village before the residents had even begun their activities. The air was silent, accompanied by a cold that pierced his skin and bones.

He rode through the main road of the village that cut across the forest, heading southeast where the wolf and kitsune villages were located.

It had been days since he last visited them, and he had no idea what the situation was there.

I hope Bian and Lady Mitsuko will listen to me.

To get there, Gideon had to ride for at least an hour and a half, about the same as traveling by carriage.

By the time he arrived at the gate of the wolf village, the sun was slowly rising, and some wolf folk had already started their morning routines.

Some were preparing spears for patrols, others were hanging up laundry to dry, while some were doing light exercise. Gideon’s arrival in tactical gear and on horseback surprised them.

He dismounted, tied the horse’s reins to the gate post, and walked into the village, warmly welcomed by the wolf folk.

Still, Gideon wondered how they would react if humans other than him and his team showed up.

"Where’s Bian?" Gideon asked.

"He’s probably still resting."

"I’ll wake him," the man replied.

He went into the village chief’s house to wake Bian. The wolf man woke right up when he heard Gideon had come to visit, alone. Quickly, Bian stepped outside and greeted Gideon like an old friend.

"Lord Gideon?" Bian greeted warmly.

"Hey, Bian. How are you?" Gideon asked, shaking his hand firmly.

"I’m fine, and so is the wolf village. What’s the matter?" Bian asked curiously.

"A lot has happened these past few days. I need to discuss something with you, Lady Mitsuko, and Lady Siver."

"You’re in luck. Lady Siver is on her way here to tell us something. It’s about the swamp river you cleared before," Bian answered.

"Really? When will she arrive?"

"I think this afternoon. She left two days ago."

"How do you know?" Gideon asked.

"One of her envoys came a few days ago. She explained Lady Siver’s whole visit in detail."

"Her visit is specifically to meet you and your team."

Gideon smiled. That saved him time since he didn’t need to travel far east to meet Lady Siver. He just had to wait in the wolf village until she arrived.

As for Lady Mitsuko, Bian could handle contacting her easily since the two villages were close to each other.

That was a big help for Gideon. He explained that they would discuss everything in the village hall, and Bian agreed.

While waiting, Gideon toured the village and saw that their technology was still in use, like the waterwheel generator. It wasn’t used widely yet since Luke was still struggling to make light bulbs.

But if Luke found another way to use electricity for lighting, he would first test it here in the wolf village.

Not long after, Lady Mitsuko came quickly when she heard Gideon was in the wolf village. Sadly, Lena hadn’t come along, but Gideon’s presence alone was already good news for the kitsune race.

Lady Mitsuko thought Gideon’s arrival must have something to do with the plan to unite the myth races.

"It’s been a while. You still look handsome, Lord Gideon," Lady Mitsuko said, arriving alone.

"Lady Mitsuko. Glad to see you here."

"So? Do you have any new progress about uniting the myth races?" Lady Mitsuko asked.

"I do, but it’s a big topic. I need your wisdom, advice, and opinions," Gideon answered.

"What’s it about?" Lady Mitsuko asked, even more curious.

"You’ll find out soon. I’ll start when Lady Siver gets here."