‘There was no need for that. I could have managed with basic decency and not poking my nose into others’ lives.’ Instead of saying such things, Vireta gently stroked Sharti.

“More than your mumbling about independence, it’s much nicer to see you coming to me for help and making an effort.”

The affectionate touch was genuinely tender.

“Of course, I hope my kids can live safely in my arms rather than struggling alone and muttering to themselves…”

Vireta slightly wrinkled her aged face.
As Vireta, she hoped her grandchildren, including Sharti, would grow up somewhat selfish. She wished for them to discard the harsh world and quietly live a comfortable life. She didn’t want to burden the already difficult children, dealing with their own pains, with additional hardships.

“It wasn’t just my light.”

However, she understood that all of it was greed. The children Vireta had cared for and nurtured had a warmer and brighter light than anyone else. It was impossible to confine that light only to her embrace.

‘Grandma…’

Sharti bit her lip as she lowered her gaze from Vireta’s affectionate eyes. Despite preparing herself for scolding, she was secretly anticipating understanding and support.

‘If it’s Grandma, she might understand my decision and support me.’

Saving, nurturing, washing, and putting the girl, who was neither a relative nor a family, to sleep—Sharti’s trust in Vireta was also her own way of showing affection.

Sharti tightened her fist and raised her head.

“When the hidden village is revealed to the world, attention will be focused on it.”

“That’s true.”

Even if Sharti suddenly spoke in a horrifying voice, Vireta responded without showing surprise or reluctance.

Seeing the strange reaction, Sharti smiled with relief.

‘Virena is still cautious.’

Perhaps it was due to the difference in experience. Sharti cleared her throat a bit and spoke again.

“The noble who targeted this village won’t stay quiet. It’s difficult with mercenaries alone, Grandma.”

“That’s right. That guy will try to conceal and seize the secret of this place by any means.”

The lord with a scorpion pattern, Viscount Bridend, would neither be scared nor retreat before a mere mercenary group.

He would use all the accumulated power to reclaim what he considered his own.

Thinking about the past, Vireta, with a lively expression, lifted one corner of her mouth.

“Don’t worry. I won’t passively endure it.”

It was a truth she had conveyed to the village chief.

Kugugugung. At that moment, a giant pillar of light appeared at the entrance of the village.

“Those heavy butts came pretty quickly amid the commotion.”

In the uproarious atmosphere of the village, Vireta withdrew her hand and turned around.

“Newton hasn’t become so powerful only with the Empire’s strength.”

Muttering, Vireta patted her plump waist.

The overwhelming force that led the Newton Empire to victory in every war was its powerful military. The alliance with the Newton Empire, supported by the powerful magicians of the Matob, made it possible.

However, after the great war ended, the nobles of the Newton Empire began to gradually oppose the Matob, ignorant of the favors they had received. It was due to greed for consolidating power.

“At times like this, it’s fortunate that the Matob’s interests align with ours.”

The Matob were a class that didn’t have much interest in power. The always indifferent Matob found intervening in the complexities of the world the most annoying thing.

But this time was different. There was a saying that the enemy of the enemy is a friend.
As an experienced mercenary, Vireta, hiding her bitter feelings, turned to look at Sharti.

“I should go check them out before they start crawling on the ground.”

Before the Matob’s reputation was forgotten, and they showed an embarrassing appearance, ruining the first impression for the villagers, it was necessary to intervene.

“Let’s see them in a bit.”

Leaving Sharti behind, Vireta, who had already stood up, gestured to Ren.

Thinking that Ren might have something to say, he raised his eyebrows and inclined his upper body slightly.

Ddaak! “If you’re a dog, act like one, you bastard.”

“……!”

“Don’t annoy your master.”

“…….!”

Ren glared at Vireta with a rebellious look, but his forehead turned red, and he couldn’t offer any resistance.

Vireta clicked her tongue and left.

“Are you okay?”

Because the noise was so loud, Sharti went straight to Ren.

Instead of reaching out to his forehead, Sharti swiftly removed Ren’s hood and then thrust her face in.

“……!”

Caught off guard, Ren, who hadn’t avoided Sharti’s approach, hesitated. Sharti, standing in front of Ren, leaned her upper body toward him instead of reaching out to his forehead.

“I’m not okay.”

Since it wasn’t a real face, her actions were unreserved.

As if wearing a mask, Sharti decided to ask Ren directly.

“Why do you avoid me?”

“Such a… situation…”

“Look. You still can’t look me in the eye.”

Examining Ren’s confused face, Sharti narrowed her eyes with a sigh.

“…Is it because of my face?”

“Well…”