Cendrarsa's complexion was pallid, visibly unwell. As the villagers observed the couple, even those with shallow tear ducts found tears welling up. Little did they know, Cendrarsa had contracted a chill from her nocturnal ventures the previous night, her body cold to the touch, with a fevered brow.
The moment Zagonnas embraced her, he immediately sensed something amiss in her condition.
"My dear, why is your head burning up?"
"I'm fine as long as you've returned."
Although grappling with a fever, Cendrarsa's internal cultivation was profound enough to dismiss it as a minor ailment.
Furrowing his brow, Zagonnas drew her closer, then addressed the villagers before him.
"Neighbors, last night, a female warrior arrived at the Black Wind Stronghold. Not only did she save me, but she also slew the bandits. The stronghold now lies vacant. Here is the key to the storeroom. The female warrior entrusted it to me, stating it holds provisions and wealth. She asked me to bring it back for everyone and inform the villages plagued by the stronghold to reclaim what is rightfully theirs."
As Zagonnas spoke, the villagers stood frozen in shock. None dared to accept the key or utter a word. Not wanting Cendrarsa to further expose herself to the elements, Zagonnas promptly handed the key to Dave.
"Dave, take the key and summon the men from the nearby villages to head to the stronghold."
"Sir, is this... real? The Black Wind Stronghold has been vanquished?" Dave's eyes widened in disbelief as he held the key.
"It is true. I'm feeling a bit tired now, so I'll head back."
With those words, Zagonnas ushered Cendrarsa towards the thatched hut. It was only when both of them were inside that the villagers outside erupted in joyous cheers.
The jubilant sounds reverberated through the air, stirring emotions. Meanwhile, Zagonnas and Cendrarsa, each harbouring their own thoughts, pondered how to play their remaining cards.
Seated on the bed, with Cendrarsa leaning against Zagonnas's shoulder and his arm around her, grasping her icy hand, they contemplated their next moves.
Those eloquent words spoken to the villagers were embellishments crafted by Zagonnas. Both he and his lady knew the genuine circumstances. Now, it was a matter of who would breach this delicate façade first.
After a prolonged silence, Zagonnas could contain himself no longer.
"My dear, I..."
"I feel cold, my love. Could you prepare some medicine?" Cendrarsa swiftly changed the subject to avoid his confession.
"Medicine? Very well. Do we have the ingredients at home?"
"We do, in the kitchen. Despite being a physician, I've carelessly caught a cold. Silly me."
"Why speak like that? Illness befalls all, no matter one's profession. Let me prepare the medicine for you. Lie down, and I'll brew it."
"Alright."
Zagonnas assisted Cendrarsa in removing her shoes and tucking her into bed before setting out to brew the medicine.
Listening to the sounds emanating from the kitchen, Cendrarsa finally relaxed. As long as they both remained silent, they could continue their lives as Mr. Luo and Miss Yue without any peril looming over their marital bond.
Unaware of her true identity as Cendrarsa, Zagonnas, as a safety measure, must ensure that her final trump card remains concealed.
In her thoughts, Cendrarsa gradually drifted into slumber.
When Zagonnas returned with the medicinal bowl, she was deeply asleep. Setting the medicine aside, he sat by the bedside, gazing at the slumbering woman with furrowed brows.
This naïve girl, thinking he had suffered, had emasculated every man in the bandit den. Now, she should no longer worry about him facing such dangers in the future.
Bending down, Zagonnas bestowed a kiss upon Cendrarsa, ensuring she was sound asleep before softly uttering heartfelt words.
"My dear, there's no one in this world, apart from you, who can mistreat me. I am Zagonnas, after all."
Completing his words, Zagonnas planted another kiss on Cendrarsa's forehead before leaving the bedside.
Although he had only slain the bandit leader, he had assisted in moving the bodies. He needed to cleanse himself of the bloodshed heaped upon him. After changing into fresh attire and heading to the rear bathhouse, Cendrarsa, her eyes tightly shut, exhibited a hint of a smile.
That night, the village was ablaze with light. The village heads from five nearby villages had converged. The wealth and provisions brought back from the Black Wind Stronghold were now being distributed evenly.
The atmosphere resembled a festive occasion, with everyone revelling in joy. However, they all eagerly anticipated the appearance of their esteemed guest, who remained cloistered within the house.
Not only did he not emerge, but the lights inside their dwelling had dimmed as well.
Zagonnas's apprentice attempted to knock on the courtyard door several times, to no avail. Strangely, he could distinctly hear the melancholic tinkling of bells emanating from their dilapidated thatched hut.
Puzzled, the child couldn't fathom the sound, assuming the master and his wife had retired for the night.
Yet, within the darkened hut, the bells suspended from the ankles clanged against Zagonnas's shoulder rhythmically amidst his heavy breaths, their clear tones resonating through the room.
Once Cendrarsa's sweat had permeated through, the bell's chiming ceased. Cradling his delicate wife, who resembled a water-soaked beauty, Zagonnas smiled softly.
"My dear, should you catch a cold again, eschew the medicine. Your husband is far more effective than any bitter remedy."