CHAPTER 484: CHAPTER 484 - RETRACING MY STEPS (PART 1)

The three days that I decided to spend in Kolyer went by quite fast. I mostly spent my time with my husband that has become extra clingy as well as guiding the two younger brothers-in-law on how to manage their business tasks better.

By early morning of her fourth day in Kolyer, I was already traveling on my way to the opposite direction to visit my in-laws in the Larkspur Duchy. I brought some valuable gifts and had brunch with everyone. The population of the area has increased immensely after I sent some refugees in the territory as the previous citizens of the Duchy chose to come back after they heard about the re-establishment of the place.

I only stayed for a whole morning till the middle of the afternoon in Larkspur. Time really went by very fast when you are having fun. Though I was reluctant to leave, I had to continue to go on way to Rigden.

Though I have a certain time that I have to be back in the academe, I wasn’t in a hurry since I have some leeway due to the days that I did not have to spend in the northern military camp. Sure, I could have teleported since that would definitely make my trip way quicker but I wanted to enjoy the beautiful view, the fresh air and the leisurely time I rarely have these days. I continued stopping once in a while, harvesting valuable items from forests nearby since it has been several weeks since I visited these areas anyways.

Arriving in Rigden, I quickly noticed how much the place has livened up compared to a few weeks before during my first visit. It was quite noticeable how there are more travelers who are visiting, the increase in the variety of items being traded in the market and the new business establishments in the town center. I kind of expected some improvement in the economy given that a trading post has been set up but what I did not expect was how much change it can bring to this simple town.

As I met with the chief and his wife once again, I was reintroduced to the new priest that was recently assigned to the Church of Lumienere. The chief told me that only a few days after I left, Priest Clarence have also advised the chief that he needs to report something urgent to the church headquarters. He simply reassured everyone that a new priest will be sent to the town soon as his replacement. This came as a surprise to allthe town residents since Priest Clarence has been living amongst them for more than a year already.

As I heard the details of the reason of Priest Clarence’s sudden departure, I felt a bit nervous for some reason. The last time we met, he unabashedly kneeled to me and called me the "goddess" of his religion. My face was confirmed to be too similar to that crazy ancestor of mine that established the church so I think this fact alone will cause my troubles to add up even more on the near future. I couldn’t help but click my tongue un annoyance since of all the things I have done and even stories read in my previous world, I never liked the role of the ever pure and holy "saintess" especially in this particular church which treats this role as a literal "mother" for the next generations of priests.

I did not stay in the town for too long and did everything to avoid meeting the newly assigned priest in the town. I don’t want a similar thing to happen once he sees how I look I stayed for a few hours, solely spending it with the chief to discuss about future development plans for the town. After the discussion, I rode my wagon once again and left the town in a hurry.

My trip back to Ersha was quicker than expected. I am not sure if it was because my horses felt that I was trying to escape something in Rigden that they ran faster than they normally would. Upon arriving in Ersha, the whole town came out to welcome me after one of the guards assigned to the northern town gate told everyone of my arrival.

My visit somewhat turned into a festival. I had lunch with the chief’s family which of course includes their very obviously awkward son, Quintin. He couldn’t even look into me directly and he was just blushing to the tip of his ears. I continued speaking cordially to the chief and his wife but ignored the other guy who kept on sending awkward yet sticky glances my way.

I enjoyed going around the town for the rest of the afternoon. I even helped in foraging edibles and hunting small animals in the forest as well as catching some fresh fish from the lake. The cave that I raided previously was repurposed into a food storage area due to its naturally cold interior which makes preserving items easier. I still did a little tweaking to make these natural features of the cave more useful for the townspeople.

By sun down, the town started to cooking dishes for the town dinner that they are preparing for my visit. Everybody looked happy and relaxed while preparing the feast. I am glad to see that there are no more hints of fear, hopelessness and hunger in their beings especially with the children. After dinner, I went back to the chief’s to what they though was me bidding goodbyes so I can continue on my way to the capital.

Since I technically have a man in this town, I made a special exception to stay for the night to spend it with Quintin. He couldn’t hide the surprise in his face as he heard my plan. As for his parents, they giggled like children while giving me and their son who has turned red as a tomato, knowing looks. They were outright teasing us of what things we do when we are alone.

I did spend the night with Quintin but I simply did similar things I did by the lake during the first time we became intimate. Though his parents looked like they approved of me, these areas are still deemed conservative so it is better make everything official first before moving forward to the next steps.