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.
