The next morning, the soft light of dawn filtered through the cabin window, casting golden rays across the wooden floor. The scent of cooking drifted through the air; warm, savory, and unmistakably homemade.
I blinked the sleep from my eyes and realized that Josey and Daisy were already awake, moving quietly around the small kitchen space as they prepared breakfast.
Ria, being physically weaker than the other two, was still fast asleep beside me, exhausted from last night's activities.She clung to me; her arm draped over my chest, her breathing slow and steady. She looked utterly at peace, which made it difficult to wake her, but eventually, even she stirred as the smell of food grew too tempting to ignore.
"Morning," she murmured sleepily, rubbing her eyes.
"Morning," I replied, chuckling softly. "The others are already way ahead of us."
Within a few minutes, we were all up and gathered around the table. Breakfast was simple but hearty. Josey had brewed a strong herbal tea that smelled faintly of mint and citrus.
We chatted amiably as we ate, keeping the conversation light. None of us brought up the events of the previous night. It wasn't awkward exactly, more like a silent, mutual agreement to let that particular chapter rest. My guess was that they had collectively decided it was a one-time indulgence; a shared moment made possible by circumstance and proximity. Still, I couldn't help but notice Ria leaning against my shoulder as she ate, her warmth brushing lightly against my arm.
After breakfast, I stepped outside to check on the defenses. The stone walls I'd built yesterday stood firm and unblemished, the smooth surfaces catching the morning sun. I climbed the narrow staircase to the top and scanned the perimeter.
Movement.
Two goblins, filthy, green-skinned, and hunched, were poking around near the base of the wall, chattering in their guttural tongue. They seemed confused, trying to find a way to climb the smooth surface.
They didn't get the chance.
I raised my repeating crossbow, took aim, and fired two quick shots. Both bolts struck true, and the goblins dropped instantly. The weapon's accuracy still impressed me, it was precise, efficient, and eerily quiet.
With the immediate threat handled, I descended from the wall and returned to the mine to continue my work. The rhythmic swing of my steel pick echoed through the clearing, and by midday, I had filled my inventory with more stone and ore than I thought possible. The prospecting site was practically hollowed out now, and the pit I'd created was deep enough to require a ladder.
By the time lunch rolled around, I was confident that I had more than enough materials to carry out my fortification plans. I broke down the wall and cabin, and we left for the village.
The return trip to the village was uneventful, save for a brief encounter with a pair of silvestres grazing near the trail. My hand crossbow made short work of them, and I stored the corpses in my inventory before we continued.
As we neared the village gates, Daisy suddenly vanished into the treeline; her way of scouting ahead. She was back within the hour, materializing from the shadows as if she'd stepped through them.
"Any news?" Josey asked.
Daisy nodded. "The goblins are restless, but not ready yet. I'd say we've got about four days before they move."
I didn't ask how she knew. Daisy's instincts were razor-sharp, and her assassin training made her the best scout among us. If she said four days, then four days it was.
Once back inside the village, we headed straight to the mayor's office to report our findings. Mayor Chrone listened carefully, her expression serious but composed. She thanked us for our efforts and assured me that she'd already started organizing the townspeople for defensive preparations.
After that, we parted ways. The girls went to rest and resupply, while I made for the church, eager to get back to crafting.
When I arrived, Claire greeted me with a bright smile and a look of relief.
"Thank goodness you're back safe," she said. "The mayor told everyone about the goblins and that you'd be working on the village defenses. She's already gathering volunteers to help you."
"That's good to hear," I replied. "We'll need all the help we can get. I'm planning to make some equipment to support anyone who volunteers to defend the village."
Claire nodded firmly. "I'll join as a healer when the time comes. Once the alarm rings, I'll be stationed near the front lines to treat anyone injured."
That didn't surprise me in the least. From what I'd gathered, priests and priestesses in this world were the spiritual and medical backbone of their communities. It was comforting to know that Claire would be there, providing both faith and first aid.
I set up several new crafting queues at stations to be completed overnight. Then, as the sun dipped low in the sky, I took a slow walk around the village perimeter to assess the current state of the defenses.
The old wooden fence that circled the settlement was, frankly, useless. Half-rotted planks, uneven posts, and gaps wide enough for a goblin to crawl through. My plan was simple: tear it all down and replace it with layered stone walls, reinforced watchpoints, and a proper gate system. With the materials I'd gathered, it was finally possible.
As I made mental notes and sketches of what needed to be done, the village gradually came alive with evening activity; merchants closing stalls, children chasing each other in the fading light, and guards making their rounds. Despite the looming danger, there was still a sense of normalcy here. That, I decided, was something worth protecting.
When I finally returned to the inn, the familiar smell of cooked meat and ale greeted me at the door. Belle was waiting for me behind the counter, wearing her usual knowing smile.
"Well, handsome," she purred, sliding a mug of ale across the bar, "how was your little camping trip? Did you take advantage of the blessing I gave the girls?"
I chuckled and took a long drink before answering. "I did, yes. Belle, you're one hell of a woman, you know that? I'm half tempted to take you with me when I leave this village."
She laughed, a rich, playful sound that filled the room. "Tehehe, I know I am! But you'd have to fight my mother for me first."
I raised an eyebrow. "Your mother?"
"She owns this place," Belle explained, gesturing around the inn. "It's technically hers, although she is too old to look after it anymore. When she finally passes, she plans to leave it to me. Honestly, I might sell it when that happens."
"Then maybe come find me?" I teased.
Her eyes sparkled as she leaned over the counter. "Hmm… if you keep making promises like that, Abel, I just might. But for now, you'll just have to settle for my company and a hot meal."
"Deal," I said with a grin.
She brought out a plate of roasted vegetables and spiced meat, and we shared dinner together, chatting casually about the village, the upcoming defenses, and life in general.