Chapter 33: Emotions and monsters ( XIII )
After Rowan and the soldiers returned, the villagers who had refused to sleep, knowing their lord was in trouble, stepped outside their homes to welcome them with happy smiles, some even breaking down in tears. With Rowan surviving against a powerful monster, their hope for a better tomorrow grew even stronger.
Only after Rowan retired to his room did they leave for their various homes. With no worries in their hearts, they could now sleep and await a new day.
Brandon and Riela stayed with Rowan the whole time, refusing to leave his side. Brandon only left after Rowan retired to his room, but Riela, who looked very worn out from crying so much, refused to leave.
"You should go to sleep, Riela," Rowan said with a calm smile. While he would not reject a beauty sleeping next to him, he could not trust himself to stay sane during the process. Judging by her current state, such activity would only wear her out even more.
"I want to stay with you," Riela replied in her sweet, angelic voice, her head bowed shyly as she fidgeted with her fingers.
"Are you sure? You know, two adults of opposite genders can't sleep in the same room without the urge to make babies arising. Do you really want to carry my babies so soon?" Rowan asked.
He opened his door and took a step inside the hut, looking back at Riela, whose face had turned red following his words.
"I-I..." she stuttered.
Rowan noticed her difficulty in coming up with an answer and couldn't help but smile appreciatively at her innocence.
'Oh god or goddess of sex, this faithful believer prays that you make my little brother lazy tonight, for thy servant finds it difficult to control in the presence of temptation,' Rowan prayed inwardly.
Riela was still standing, and from the looks of it, nothing he said would change her mind.
"Alright, come sleep with me tonight. I know you're worried I might do something risky again," Rowan surrendered and let her in.
Riela smiled cheerfully as she walked into the room. As she passed him while entering, Rowan had to fight the strong urge to spank her.
After Riela got in, Rowan locked the door from the inside and walked closer to Riela, who sat on the bed, her innocent eyes scanning the room, even though she had been in it before.
"Riela, I have something I would like to give you," Rowan said.
"What is that?" Riela asked.
"It's a book containing a special tailoring skill."
"A special tailoring skill?" Riela's eyes lit up after hearing his reply.
"Yes, Riela, the skill will increase your efficiency in the art and also give you the ability to transfer your tailoring knowledge easily to others interested in learning. Very soon, we will have bulk supplies of raw clothing material, and I want you to be in charge of it. This skill will make your work much easier and faster."
The more Rowan spoke, the more interested Riela became. As someone who loved her art, she was always ready to use it to help Rowan and the village at large. Hearing that she would get to help made her really excited.
She became so excited that she stood up abruptly, facing Rowan with a cheerful smile and proclaiming her readiness.
Rowan nodded with a smile, already knowing she would accept.
Without wasting time, he brought out the skill book and gave it to Riela. She was so curious to observe the skills that she ignored the fact that the book had appeared out of thin air.
Immediately after receiving the book, she flipped it open, eager to see what awaited her. On the first pages, there were a series of texts and illustrations that she understood easily. She read through them in a matter of two minutes and flipped to the next page.
---
Riela
- Comprehending skill (Threadmaster Apprentice Training) - 10%
---
As she flipped through the pages of the skill book, Rowan couldn't help but notice her rapid comprehension. It was even more shocking than the comprehension speed of the captains.
At this rate, she might end up comprehending all of it in less than an hour! It was indeed a significant comprehension speed.
And just as he predicted, after one hour...
[ Riela has comprehended (Threadmaster Apprentice Training) successfully ]
[ Skill will level up the more (Riela) utilizes it and makes progress ]
As Rowan observed the prompts, Riela closed the book and turned to him with an excited look on her face.
"I have comprehended it completely!" she exclaimed happily.
"That's really fast and impressive. Come here," Rowan responded with a smile, hugging her and patting her back.
In his embrace, Riela couldn't stop smiling, happy she was able to impress Rowan and had acquired a skill to help the village.
"You can start gathering those interested tomorrow. Once we've taken over Glenwood, I'll construct a large place for you and your students. I'm certain you'll do a great job," Rowan continued, his praise making her smile even more.
Her motivation was boosted not only by his praises but also by his [Super Voice].
As her motivation grew, Riela began happily chatting about some creative ideas she had, how beautiful they would be, and how they would sustain the villagers in different weather conditions.
As she chatted with him, she felt very free and peaceful. She felt no need to hide anything from him.
They talked for more than an hour before Riela finally fell asleep on Rowan's chest.
As she slept peacefully, Rowan couldn't help but observe her face with a calm smile as his mind raced with many thoughts.
It was strange, even to Rowan, that a woman as sexy as Riela was lying on his lap, yet he didn't feel the need to sexually devour her as he did with other women in his previous life.
He wondered if it was because his feelings for her were true, pure love and not carnal lust, or if the god and goddess of sex had actually answered his prayers and made his little brother weak for the night.
After a few minutes, Rowan too fell asleep, as the weariness from the previous battle kicked in.
The atmosphere in the room was serene and peaceful, a stark contrast to the atmosphere looming over Glenwood.