A New Beginning

Building Guinea Village took nearly a full month—not exactly hard, but certainly long.

The effort required to reach this place honestly couldn’t compare to what it took for us to reach Tree Village back then.

At that time, it was just me, Nadja, and Aira—we only had to worry about ourselves.

But this time, I was the one who would eventually rule this land.

The one who had to lead everyone.

Traveling long distances while trying not to show any weakness…

Yeah, that part was rough.

I think I’ve had enough desert trips for a while.

But it seemed I wasn’t the only one exhausted physically and mentally.

Even though it was barely noon, once I created a House Tree, everyone fell asleep instantly.

I also slept deeply, and when I woke up, the sun was already starting to set.

I figured I’d hand out fruit to everyone and take it easy today.

We could do everything else starting tomorrow.

But then—

“Woody, let’s have a feast tonight!”

And with Wheel-san bringing in alcohol, the entire population of Guinea Village ended up holding a massive celebration.

I spent the time providing fruit and wine, running around in complete chaos.

Now that the noise had settled a little, I finally had a moment to breathe.

Divine Beasts and desert dwellers alike loved holding celebrations whenever anything happened.

Well, aside from the occasional visits from Ran-san’s traveling merchants, there wasn’t much in the way of entertainment.

With the wine we recently learned to make being practically the only fun thing around—and with it being free for today—it made sense that festivals were always welcomed.

“Hehe… yes…”

Rebecca, who had grown strangely attached to me since that battle, sat on my lap as I gently petted her.

Wheel-san’s children were apparently universally beloved; everywhere in the festival, I could see villagers feeding them or petting them.

Seeing them like this, they honestly looked like pets everyone shared.

But—

“When they can do things this incredible…”

I looked up at the mountain that had risen and grown, now almost the size of the Tycoon Wolf.

According to Wheel-san, it would function as a mine that produced various minerals.

For now, it seemed to yield iron and copper—materials humans used frequently.

Creating oases and lakes, turning desert into greenery, making mountains and mines…
Divine Beasts were truly beings that defied all reason.

“Let’s have a drinking contest!”

“Oh ho, today I’m definitely winning!”

Watching Simurg-san and Wheel-san drinking wine straight from barrels made it easy to forget—

But they were both legendary Divine Beasts.

Anyone with even a little cunning could easily see their value and try to exploit them.

If Father or Ashid found this place, they’d absolutely try to claim the Divine Beasts and the Sanctuary for themselves.

Of course, I would never allow that.

“We can finally take a breather.”

“I have a feeling we’ll be busy again soon.”

I drank the liquid Aira poured for me—wine.

Her cheeks were faintly flushed.

She was definitely already drunk.

“Yes… I feel the same. Woody-sama seems to attract many things simply by existing.”

“Hey, don’t compare me to a bug lamp.”

“But the Sword Saint… the Divine Beasts… the merchants… and the villagers of Guinea… All of them are here because they are drawn to you, Woody-sama.”

Aira placed her hand gently over my right hand.

She was so close that I could feel the warmth of her breath.

My heart skipped a beat.

“Of course, I’m the same… you know?”

Aira leaned closer.

At this rate, our faces—no, our lips—would touch.

Nadja, having foolishly joined the Divine Beasts’ drinking contest, was already knocked out cold.

There was no one to stop us.

(Is this okay? I have Nadja as my fiancée… And yes, I truly like Aira. She stayed with me even when our future was completely uncertain. I treasure her deeply.)

But precisely because of that…

I didn’t want alcohol to decide what happened between us.

If our relationship was going to change…

It should happen when we were both sober, and after I took the step forward.

“Mufufu, that won’t do.”

As I tried to gently hold her shoulders and stop her from getting closer, Aira’s hands tightened around mine.

“It’s fine… Just leave yourself to me. I’m fine with being the second woman…”

She leaned in further—

Our shadows overlapped—

“Woody! Please be careful!”

We both froze.

Rebecca, who had been drowsily dozing moments before, suddenly woke up with alert eyes.

Wheel-san and the other Divine Beasts were also staring around with serious expressions.

“Woody! Intruders! Someone has entered the Sanctuary!”

I heard the sharp click of a tongue—

Aira had already pulled away, now fully alert and composed.

W–wait.

Was she… not drunk at all!?

“Th-That’s not the point right now! Intruders? Who—”

“—Forgive the sudden visit. You are the lord who governs this village, correct?”

“Nyahaha~ Sorry to interrupt your fun~”

Before I realized it, two women stood right in front of me.

They were stunningly beautiful, with dusk-colored skin.

But the first thing that caught my eye—

was their long, pointed ears.

“We are what you people call… Dark Elves. We have a request for the one who governs this Sanctuary. Would you allow us… to live here within the Sanctuary?”

Just as Aira had warned, it seemed my peaceful days were still far, far away—