Chapter 346: That isn’t Lex
Luke sat a little straighter and crossed his legs before addressing them.
"You’ve both been on a trip recently, Monica and Laila. And Ginna has spent most of her life living outside this relatively safe village."
He paused, looking between the three of them.
"Using your experiences and memories, tell me."
He let the silence linger for a moment before continuing.
"What would you prefer? Staying here, in a familiar village with very little security? Or moving somewhere unfamiliar, but with better protection, more people keeping watch, and greater access to resources?"
Monica was the first to answer.
"I would always prioritize what you need when we’re talking about moving out."
Luke hummed thoughtfully.
"And if I ask what your heart says?"
Monica lowered her gaze for a moment before answering.
"I feel a larger village would have more people who would see you as an obstacle and target us. I don’t want you to spend your life worrying about us."
Luke understood her concern.
He knew not every place would be filled with people like Mila or Manbaru, but he could understand why Monica felt this way.
She had barely left this village in years, and the first place they had visited together had already been on the verge of rebellion and an attempted usurpation. They had simply been caught in the flames at the wrong time.
Still, Luke could not ignore the fact that a larger village would also mean greater competition. He would inevitably cross paths with people like the woman he had encountered today, people who might look for one way or another to harm him.
"Hmm. What about you, Laila?"
The brunette exhaled a quiet sigh. She had already prepared her answer.
"Mother is right. Your needs come first. We don’t want to become a restraint that keeps you from reaching wherever you wish to go."
Luke smiled faintly at her thoughtfulness, but Laila continued.
"But if you’re asking what I personally think, this village is becoming increasingly cautious of you. Perhaps even afraid of your existence. Eventually, that fear will either lead them to isolate us or push them toward doing something more drastic."
Her expression tightened.
"I don’t want you to be troubled because of their narrow-mindedness."
Luke understood her point.
What had happened recently with her potter friend was likely still weighing on her, and he could not blame her for feeling that way.
The villagers were either becoming afraid of him or treating him much like they treated Baldon. Neither was particularly pleasant.
Luke wanted something far simpler.
He wanted to live an ordinary life, where people treated him like just another man instead of someone they needed to fear, avoid, or keep an eye on.
But at this point, asking for such a life was practically impossible.
His eyes then settled on Ginna.
The oldest among them had a different opinion altogether.
"I think you should stay, Luke. At least for the time being."
Luke hummed curiously. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that, considering the herbs you can gather here, the hunts available to you, and the people you’ve come to know, you should give yourself some time to enjoy these little things. There’s no need to rush."
She paused before continuing.
"And when we reach a point where this place feels too small for us, we can always leave."
Then, as though realizing how her words might sound, she hurriedly added, "And please don’t think I’m saying this because of Dalia. I promise, I’ll follow you wherever you decide to go."
Monica smiled softly.
"Luke knows that, Ginna. You don’t need to explain yourself."
Ginna nodded, her expression easing.
Luke considered all their advice.
Ginna had a point. There was no immediate reason to leave, and if he eventually decided to move, he would need to make more than a few preparations first.
Besides, there was another matter he needed to settle.
He had to make sure Lex would be able to take care of Gustav once they were gone.
After a moment of silence, Luke finally spoke.
"Okay, then. We’ll stay here for a little longer. Let’s say until winter passes. After that, we’ll move out."
Winter was only a month or so away, and traveling would become increasingly difficult once the snow arrived.
It made more sense to wait for spring before beginning their migration.
"Sounds perfect."
Laila nodded in agreement, while Monica also seemed content with the decision.
Luke reached over and gently squeezed Ginna’s hand. She smiled back at him.
Monica then remembered what he had said earlier.
"You wanted to tell us something, Luke?"
The man nodded.
"Right."
He took a deep breath, steeling himself before continuing.
Using his heightened senses, he first made certain there was no one nearby who could overhear them.
Then he rose from his seat and drew the curtains tightly shut. He closed the door as well, and for one final precaution, activated to survey his surroundings.
Only after confirming that they were alone did he turn back toward them.
The others understood immediately.
Whatever Luke was about to reveal, it was serious.
Their relaxed expressions disappeared as they straightened in their seats, giving him their undivided attention.
Luke took a deep breath before finally speaking.
"It’s like... I’m about to go through some changes. And it needs to happen soon."
"Changes?" Laila asked.
Luke nodded.
"Think of it as hibernation for development. I’ll have to sleep for an entire day, completely undisturbed and utterly vulnerable. During those hours, even a child could kill me in my sleep."
Monica gasped, while Ginna’s expression immediately hardened.
Now they understood why Luke had been so cautious about revealing this.
Ginna was the first to ask, "Have you told anyone else about it? Even hinted at it?"
"You three are the first."
Luke’s expression grew serious.
"And I don’t need to explain what it could cost me if this information gets out."
"I swear I won’t say a word."
Laila’s response came instantly.
The expressions on Monica and Ginna’s faces offered the same assurance without either of them needing to speak.
Luke had never doubted the three of them in the first place.
Taking a brief pause, Luke continued.
"I won’t be doing it until these special guests leave. There are too many eyes around us right now. But once they’re gone, I’ll prepare our new house, set up the traps, and everything else we need. Then I’ll put myself under your protection."
"With my life."
Monica’s response came instantly.
The others turned toward her as she continued, her voice firm with conviction.
"I’ll protect you with my life. I promise."
Luke gave her a faint smile.
"That’s why I told you..."
"Luke!"
A sudden cry came from outside.
Luke’s expression hardened as he frowned toward the door.
"It’s Lex," Monica said, already moving to stand.
"No. Wait."
Another cry rang out before she could take another step.
"Laila! Luke! Help me!"
Laila frowned as well.
"What happened? Lex is calling for us."
Luke slowly turned toward her.
Then he shook his head.
"That..."
His voice dropped.
"...isn’t Lex."
A shudder ran through everyone in the room.
~~~~~
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