CHAPTER 219: NOW THAT’S A DUMPLING

Leo watched the stall owner cooking his meals. The man’s focus caught his attention as he took it seriously causing him to think. ’He’s panicking, haven’t they learned that I’m not gonna hurt them for a mistake?’

He shrugged before pulling out some strong ale and started drinking while waiting for his food, making his stomach rumble. Following that, he turned to the crowds and started people watching.

Demons, Humans, Demi-Humans, and Elves mingled freely in the bustling town. Leo’s eyes widened, struck by the harmony among them. He was lost in his thoughts as the man commented. ’’My Lord, the spicy dumplings are ready. Please tell me what you think.’

’’Thank you,’’ he replied while taking the first bowl.

Leo settled onto a worn wooden bench in the heart of the bustling town, the aroma of spicy dumplings wafting from the steaming bowl in his hands. He picked up a dumpling, its golden skin glistening with a hint of chili oil, and took a cautious bite.

The flavors exploded in his mouth, savory meat, a kick of spice, and a subtle sweetness that danced on his tongue. His eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face as he savored the warmth spreading through him.

’’Now that’s a dumpling,’’ he muttered with a smile.

When the stall owner heard this, he beamed before getting back to cooking while placing bowls in front of him once it was done. He enjoyed the food and continued eating and drinking the ale.

By the time the older man was done, he was exhausted and needed to sit down, prompting Leo to cast a healing and revitalizing spell on him. Moments later, a stack of bowls was piling up beside him as he dove into another batch of dumplings.

The first was a fiery chili pork, its heat sparking a grin across his face. Next came a delicate shrimp and herb, bursting with fresh zest that made him hum in delight. He tried a mushroom and spice blend, earthy and bold, then a sweet vegetable mix that melted in his mouth.

Each dumpling was a revelation, and he couldn’t help but laugh between bites, utterly lost in the flavors. The old vendor, watching with bright eyes, clapped his hands together, his weathered face glowing with renewed vigor.

’’You’ve got a fire for my cooking, lad!’’ he said, his voice brimming with gratitude. ’’Your joy’s breathing life into this old stall, thank you!’’

Leo, mouth full, gave a thumbs-up, already reaching for the next steaming dumpling. Following that, he continued eating until everything was gone, and the owner looked shocked with wide eyes.

’’Bless the goddess, your stomach must be never-ending,’’ the older man said.

He nodded, a satisfied smile lingering as he rose to his feet. He bid the vendor a warm farewell, then melted into the vibrant crowd, wandering the bustling town. He meandered through lively stalls and colorful streets, soaking in the energy for a while longer.

When restlessness crept in, his gaze turned up. With a thought, he launched into the air, cutting through the breeze as he soared toward his new home. Below, valleys unfurled like a patchwork quilt, dotted with shimmering rivers that snaked toward the horizon.

Jagged mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow and kissed by golden sunlight. Clusters of villages nestled among rolling hills, their stone rooftops glinting like scattered jewels.

He tilted his body, catching an updraft, and grinned as the wind rushed past, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. The vastness of it all set his heart racing. ’This is freedom,’ he thought, eyes tracing every curve of the land, each vista more breathtaking than the last.

Leo glided high above the countryside, his magic keeping him steady in the late afternoon sky. Below, the landscape pulsed with life, a living mosaic that stretched far beyond the horizon.

His sharp eyes caught the winding trade roads, alive with motion, like arteries feeding the heart of his new realm. Caravans of merchants rolled along in a colorful parade, their wagons laden with crates of spices, bolts of shimmering silk, and barrels of aged wine.

The merchants themselves, a mix of grizzled Humans and Elves with flowing robes, bartered loudly as they drove their oxen forward, their voices rising in snippets of haggling and laughter.

Scattered among them were travelers of every kind: Demi-Humans, their packs slung low; Demons with crimson skin and curved horns, striding purposefully with gleaming blades at their sides; and Dwarves, stout and bearded, hauling carts of freshly forged tools.

Families trudged alongside, children darting between wagons, their giggles floating upward as they chased each other through the dust. A group of adventurers caught Leo’s eye, clad in mismatched armor, faces weathered as they marched toward some distant quest.

Further along, a marketplace sprawled at a crossroads, its chaos a magnet for wanderers. Stalls overflowed with exotic wares: vibrant fruits piled high, their sweet aroma mingling with the tang of roasted meat; jewelry that sparkled with embedded gems; and scrolls of arcane script that seemed to hum with latent power.

A vendor waved a fan of peacock feathers, calling out to a passing troupe of Gnomes, who inspected her goods with keen interest. Nearby, an Orc juggler tossed flaming torches into the air, drawing cheers from a crowd of mixed races, their faces lit with awe and delight.

Leo tilted, circling lower to catch the details. A lone bard strummed a lute under a gnarled oak, his melody weaving through the clamor, while a pair of Halfling siblings danced to the tune, their bare feet kicking up dust.

Beyond the market, pilgrims in simple cloaks trekked toward a distant temple, its spire piercing the sky, their quiet chants a soft counterpoint to the market’s din. Even the wildlife seemed part of the scene.

Following that, Leo flew toward the palace, where he noticed his soldiers bringing over logs to start building. Moments later, he landed outside the house where Agatha, Neemah, and Ysella were sitting there,

The three women lit up, their faces glowing with warmth. They rushed forward, greeting Leo with quick kisses and hugs. The young elf, eyes sparkling with mischief, tugged him playfully toward a plush sofa nearby.

’’Come relax husband,’’ the silver-haired beauty commented. ’’I know you’ve been busy at work; Astra told us about it.’’

Leo chuckled before listening to the elf and slumped down with a sigh as Agatha offered a drink with a sweet smile. ’’Would you like some tea, handsome?’’

He glanced at the brunette princess and nodded. ’’Yes, please.’’

The distant clamor of hammers and saws reverberated through the house from the palace under construction. The other girls leaned closer, their voices a lively hum of gossip, while Agatha bustled about, preparing tea for the group.

Afterward, Leo relaxed, but soon enough, Bella appeared and sat in his lap with a knowing smile. ’’Would you like to drink some blood? Your face looks pale.’’

’’Yes please,’’ he replied.

His fangs grew longer before he bit down into the redhead’s slender neck, which made the young woman tremble with delight. Warmth flooded his mouth as her blood flowed, a rich taste, a blend of sweetness and life that sent a quiet thrill through him.

Bella let out a soft sigh, her fingers curling lightly into the fabric of his sleeve, a delicate tremor of delight passing through her as she leaned into the moment while letting out an erotic moan. ’’Mmmmmmhhh~~.’’

Leo felt a surge of energy as Bella’s blood coursed through him, restoring his strength with a warm rush. He gently withdrew from her neck, licking his lips to savor the lingering sweetness.

The young woman’s chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, a giddy smile lighting up her flushed face, her eyes sparkling with delight. A few minutes later, Agatha swept into the room, balancing two steaming cups with a playful grin.

’’Here, my love,’’ she said, handing one to Leo. ’’I mixed in a touch of my blood. Tell me what you think.’’

Leo nodded with a smile before drinking the hot tea, which sent a shock through him as it made him feel better. He continued drinking it, and this pleased the brunette princess, who was smiling.

’’It’s delicious, my beautiful,’’ he said, his voice warm with appreciation.

Agatha’s face lit up, her smile radiant as she leaned in, planting a deep, affectionate kiss on his lips. With a playful swirl, she darted off to hand out steaming cups of tea to the others, their delighted laughter filling the room.

As they lounged, a sudden storm roared against the fortress, its howling winds rattling the stone walls. Demon soldiers, their armor clanking, hurried inside, shaking off rain as they sought shelter from the tempest outside.

Leo stood up and approached the nearby window as it was shaking thanks to the force of the winds. While standing there, Roxy and Luna appeared as the blonde was being sick, making him panic.

’’What’s wrong, Rox?’’ he questioned with a concerned tone.