In order to keep Vah from suddenly dropping dead when he was alone, Zoe brought Vah back to the Silvermane Guard's forbidden zone that very afternoon, planning to later take him into the city and gather some little brothers who were good at flattery for herself.
Acheron and Vera were also in a very good mood. Even though they hadn't found the snow hare, they had caught two especially plump, black, one-horned cattle.
When Emiya and the others came back, the forbidden zone was in full swing with a lively barbecue party.
The Guards seemed already used to Emiya's family handling wild animal meat. Each one held a big iron plate, obediently sitting around the bonfire, drooling nonstop, looking happier than at New Year's.
"Emiya, you're back." Bronya saw Emiya returning while carrying the sleeping Zoe, and quickly ran over in two steps, offering the strawberry cake in her hand.
"I especially kept it warm for you, so it didn't freeze hard, quickly try it!"
"Mm, thank you." Emiya didn't use a spoon, but childishly bit out a big chunk, smearing cream all over his mouth. "Smells amazing. Later, introduce me to the baker, I want to learn a bit."
"Mm, tomorrow at noon the Supreme Guardian and the others will come meet you. At that time, let's all return to the city together." Bronya took out a pure white handkerchief and skillfully wiped the corner of Emiya's mouth.
"So Lady Bronya is Lord Emiya's wife?"
Vah suddenly slid to his knees in excitement, bowing heavily to Bronya. "Thank you a thousand times over for giving birth to Lady Zoe. Please keep working hard, and aim to give birth to three more... no, thirteen more Lady Zoes!"
"Pfft!" Emiya couldn't hold back anymore, spraying Vah's face full of cake cream.
He instinctively looked at Bronya to explain, but saw her blushing so much that steam was practically rising. Then she vanished from the spot at lightning speed.
"Sigh, your brain's not working right. From now on, talk less and do more."
"Forget it, better to also do less!" Emiya helplessly picked Vah up and tossed him aside, pointing to Acheron and Vera, who were seriously roasting beef by the bonfire.
"Zoe, the two over there, and I, we're four siblings. We crashed down here from space."
"No problem, no problem, Lady Bronya at a glance is clearly the easy-delivery type, one baby per year is completely…"
"You'd better crawl back and eat dirt!" Emiya, black lines across his face, grabbed Vah by the collar and directly threw him into a snow pile, hoping that might clear up his dim brain.
The Silvermane Guards seemed like they hadn't eaten well in a long time. After finishing off two cows and all of Emiya's noodles, they were still squatting on the ground gnawing on bones, looking both funny and pitiful.
Sitting by the tent, Emiya couldn't help sighing as he watched the warriors.
These respectable soldiers risked their heads and blood, yet couldn't even afford a full meal. Meanwhile, those parasites in the city did nothing, yet ate the best food every day and enjoyed supreme privileges.
"Emiya, we really have to thank you. It's been a long time since the Guards could eat good meat." Gepard pulled his cloak tight and knelt on both knees before Emiya. Only like this could he lessen some of the guilt in his heart.
Emiya's group had come from far away. They should have been treated by the Guards, but instead Emiya worked hard hunting to treat the Guards. And shameless as he was, Gepard still wanted to pry into Emiya's secrets.
"I already said we're friends, you don't need to be so polite." Emiya pressed with his right hand and pulled Gepard up to sit on the wooden stake beside him. "If there's something, just say it straight. I'll try to help you."
"Could you… could you… never mind, I'll just kneel and say it!" Gepard dropped to his knees again.
"Could you teach me the method for handling wild animal meat? I'm willing to trade all my belongings with you!"
[Daily task: process wild animal meat for the Silvermane Guards. Each one gives 2 mana slots, 2 task points. Monthly limit 100.] The system's voice chimed in right on time.
'This really is a pleasant surprise!'
Actually, even without the system task, Emiya would still process wild meat for the Guards. This way he could not only help those hungry, freezing soldiers eat their fill, but also gain their respect, a strong backing indeed.
"Gepard, processing wild meat requires a unique power you don't have. Even if I teach you, it's useless."
"Ah, alright then!"
'Whoa, this guy trusts me just like that?'
Once again, Emiya was shocked by Gepard. By normal human nature, at a time like this people would instinctively suspect him of holding back. But Gepard showed no suspicion at all, not even a trace of hesitation.
"Don't worry. If you hunt wild animals, just come find me for help anytime." Emiya smiled brightly and patted Gepard's shoulder heavily. At this moment, he finally truly acknowledged this man.
"Really?!"
Gepard was stunned, instinctively wanting to kneel again, but luckily Emiya quickly caught him in time. Otherwise, the other Guards secretly watching nearby would probably have rushed over and fought him to the death.
"It's real. I said it already, we're friends." Emiya's expression suddenly turned serious.
"But I'm not someone who gives without expecting return. I hope you remember my kindness. If one day I'm gone, you must swear to protect my family with your lives."
"I, Gepard, swear it! The Emiya family will forever be my benefactors. As long as you need help, I'll die without regret!"
"Good, work hard. Together we'll make Jarilo prosper again."
After Gepard left, the Guards came up one by one to give thanks. After sending them all away, Emiya felt numb all over.
Rubbing his heavy eyes, he sighed deeply, lifted the tent flap, and went inside.
"Finally done talking?"
Acheron, Vera, and Zoe hadn't slept yet. Two big and small beds had been pushed together, and the three girls sat neatly at the bedside waiting for Emiya.
"What's going on with you three?" Emiya was a bit dumbfounded. Usually, these girls were eager to sleep before nightfall, so why were they still so energetic after such a long day?
"Come quick, you sleep in the middle!" Seeing Emiya still frozen in place, Zoe impatiently dove under the covers and waved him over. "I'll sleep on the left with Lady Vera, Acheron on the right."
"Oh, alright then!"
Though he'd never slept in the same bed with them before, Emiya felt that after long mental training he was no longer the same as before. Just sleeping together in one quilt should… be fine… right?
As soon as he got in, Zoe immediately climbed on top of him. On either side, Vera and Acheron each hugged one of his arms.
No time to lament the softness pressing into his hands, Emiya only felt his future was pitch black. Right now with just three, he could barely manage, but once more Guardians joined in, he probably wouldn't get any peaceful sleep at all.
Just this once as an exception. From now on, he'd better honestly sleep in his own bed.
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.