"How do you think he did that, Haya?" young Apollo asked, looking at his friend who was panting heavily. Apollo was still counting his push-ups with ease.

"What?" Hyakinthos replied, his breath coming in short gasps as he struggled to catch up with Apollo. "Big Brother Pacificus... how do you think he got that strong?"

"I don't know," Hyakinthos replied, still trying to catch his breath. "How are you still going... my arms... I can't feel them."

Apollo grinned at his friend. "I practiced... a lot."

Hyakinthos raised an eyebrow. "There's your answer."

"Maybe you are right."

"Hey, Apollo, whose god are you going to visit when you turn ten?"

Apollo let go of the bar and landed gently on the hay. "At first, I wanted to serve Vesta... but now, I think I want to serve Gaia more... it just feels more right to me."

"I think it's kinda weird though... Guess I'll just choose to serve Vesta."

"What blessing would you want, Haya?"

"I don't know."

"Me too."

As the day ended, another barrel of yarn was with the children who were resting on the cart. Merina walked alongside Pacificus.

"You mentioned that wasn't the first time someone sent assassins to kill you?... I don't want to intrude on your privacy, Pacificus, but... what did you actually do to warrant such acts?"

"I... I really don't know... I suspect it was probably one of the nobles I beat in a duel... or worse, the family member of someone I killed."

"Killed?"

"... It happens... I don't like it... but it happened."

"... Do you remember them?"

"... I still remember their faces but I don't know their names... I buried their bodies in places marked by trees." Pacificus took a deep breath. "There must be fifteen of them buried there... yet no one has claimed their bodies, I guess."

He looked at Merina. "If you think that I'm a dangerous person and you need to remove the children from me... then I will not blame you... I think that is the most responsible thing to do... I don't want my loved ones hanging out with murderers either."

"You probably killed them accidentally," she replied, her eyes unimpressed. "You are way too soft to actually kill something with actual murderous intent."

Pacificus remained silent for a moment. "Well, I did hunt beasts for food. That's the closest I had to murderous intent."

Merina simply rolled her eyes, unimpressed by Pacificus's reply. "I doubt it," she said with a smirk.

The pair made sure to not wake up the children who were sleeping on the cart as they continued their conversation.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Pacificus," Merina said softly, careful not to disturb the resting children.

"You are still going to come tomorrow... after all of that?" Pacificus asked, surprised.

"Of course," she replied with a warm smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Pacificus."

----------------------------------------

The next day began just like the last. The children were training diligently, Merina was making yarn, and Pacificus was tending to his farm. The children, familiar with their routine, ran obstacle courses and did pull-ups. They had even started racing each other, turning their training into a spirited competition.

As Pacificus worked, a child approached him. "Mr. Pacificus," said a boy with black hair and violet eyes, "when will we hold weapons like Artemis?"

"Not yet, Young Hyakinthos," Pacificus replied gently. "You need to learn how to run away from your enemies first before you learn how to fight."

"Why?"

Pacificus smiled at the young boy. "So when you encounter a foe stronger than you, you can outrun them."

"Isn't that cowardice?"

"It's preservation, Lord Hyakinthos. You run away from a strong enemy until the day when you are strong enough to face them."

"Oh, I see."

"What weapon do you want to use, Lord Hyakinthos?"

"I don't know."

"Lord Apollo and Lady Artemis wanted to master the bow. That's why Lord Apollo is doing push-ups right now. If you tell me the weapon you want to master, perhaps I can add something to your training."

"Well... I don't like bows. I have to make more arrows to make them work. But I don't want to fight enemies up close. No... I don't like fighting at all. I just want to get stronger so I won't be afraid of bad people."

Pacificus chuckled softly. "Lord Hyakinthos, no matter how strong you get, you should still be cautious of bad people."

"But I don't want to lose to them... but I don't know how to fight them. I don't even know what weapon I should use. If I use bows, I would be dependent on arrows. If I use swords and spears, then I would be dependent on those weapons. And I really hate fighting, especially up-close."

"Hmmm... Lord Hyakinthos, our bodies themselves are weapons, but to wield them, we must learn how to use them first."

"You mean... punching?"

"Before my mother taught me how to wield a sword, she taught me how to fight without weapons. She called it an art... a martial art, and it's her passion."

"What is that?"

"Come with me, Lord Hyakinthos."

The two walked over to where Artemis and Apollo were training, one doing push-ups, the other practicing with a bow.

"Watch," Pacificus instructed.

He took a stance, a powerful and poised boxing stance. Then, he threw a punch, sending a shockwave through the air, followed by a series of rapid, precise punches and combinations. His movements were fluid and controlled, each strike executed with incredible speed and efficiency. His feet, legs, arms, and entire body moved in perfect harmony, making it almost look like a dance.

"What skill is that?" Hyakinthos asked, eyes wide with awe.

"It isn't a skill. It's a series of techniques. I don't have any skills for martial arts, Lord Hyakinthos. So you will probably surpass me in this art if you practice it."

"I want to learn it," Hyakinthos declared.

"Me too," Apollo chimed in.

"Me too," Artemis added.

Pacificus smiled warmly at their eagerness. "Artemis, Apollo, you need to master the bow first before you try to learn something new. Lord Hyakinthos, you need to condition your body first before you learn how to practice this art."

The children nodded, a mix of determination and disappointment on their faces.

"Don't worry, you will learn it," Pacificus assured them with a reassuring smile, his voice full of encouragement.

----------------------------------------

A child approached Merina, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Mom, why do you always do that?"

"Do what, Rhapso?" Merina asked, looking up from her work with a gentle smile.

"That, Mom... the thing you are doing with the... uh, umm, what are you making, Mom?"

Merina's smile broadened. "Yarn. It's called yarn. We use it to make cloth."

"It doesn't look like cloth," Rhapso said, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Want to see me turn it into cloth?" Merina offered, her eyes twinkling.

"Yes!" Rhapso replied eagerly.

Merina reached for two knitting needles and began to knit. "Watch closely," she instructed. Her hands moved with practiced dexterity and skill, the needles clicking rhythmically as they worked the yarn. Rhapso's eyes widened in amazement as she watched the yarn transform into a piece of cloth. For her, it was like witnessing magic. Her eyes filled with inspiration as she watched her mother work.

"Do you want me to teach you?" Merina grinned at her daughter's awe.

"Yes!" Rhapso said, bouncing on her toes with excitement.

"Alright," Merina nodded, pleased with her daughter's enthusiasm.

"But I have to run with them," Rhapso said, glancing toward the children training under Pacificus's watchful eye.

"I'm sure Pacificus won't mind," Merina said with a reassuring smile. "Do you enjoy running, Rhapso?"

"No," Rhapso replied, shaking her head.

Merina flinched slightly at the answer. "Then why do you run with them?"

"Because it is fun running with them," Rhapso explained, her face lighting up at the thought of joining her siblings.

"Oh," Merina said, understanding dawning on her. "Do you want to try knitting?"

"Yes," Rhapso affirmed, her excitement bubbling over.

"Alright then," Merina said, handing Rhapso a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. "Let's get started."

Pacificus returned, smiling as he saw Merina and young Rhapso bonding over their knitting. The scene reminded him of his own family, filling him with a warm sense of nostalgia. Not wanting to interrupt their joy, he quietly resumed tending to his farm.

As he worked, he heard a young voice behind him. "Umm, Mr. Pacificus?"

Pacificus turned to see one of the youngest children training under him. She had blond hair that reminded him of wheat and bright green eyes. "Yes, Lady Demeter?" he asked gently.

"I...uhmm," she began, blushing with embarrassment, "I'm hungry."

"Oh." He suddenly paled, realizing he had forgotten to prepare lunch. As a farmer, neglecting to provide food was a significant oversight. "What would you like to eat, Lady Demeter?"

"I... I don't know... a sandwich?... I don't know... I just want to eat."

"Well then, come with me, Lady Demeter. Let's prepare a meal together," he said, smiling warmly.

Young Demeter's face lit up with a smile, and she followed Pacificus enthusiastically.

In the kitchen, they found a variety of ingredients: cabbages, potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, beets, spinach, lettuce, a giant mushroom harvested from his underground basement, mandrakes, and barometz meat.

Pacificus looked around his small house and realized it wouldn't accommodate twelve children. "Let's cook outside, Lady Demeter."

"What are we cooking, Mr. Pacificus?" she asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

Pacificus smiled. "We are making hotpot."

"What's that?"

"First, let's prepare a bonfire outside."

Demeter grabbed Merina's huge cauldron while Pacificus carried the ingredients in a large basket. They worked quickly, setting up a bonfire that soon caught everyone's attention.

"Mr. Pacificus, how do we make hotpot?" Demeter asked, her excitement palpable.

"Let me show you," Pacificus replied.

Pacificus began by setting up the large cauldron over the bonfire, securing it in place with sturdy stones. He filled the cauldron with fresh water, watching as it gradually began to heat up over the crackling flames.

"First, we need to prepare the ingredients. We'll wash and chop the vegetables and meats. The hotpot is a dish where you cook various ingredients together in a flavorful broth," he explained.

He handed Demeter a small knife, showing her how to safely chop the carrots, potatoes, and mandrakes into bite-sized pieces. Her small hands worked carefully, mimicking his precise movements.

The other children gathered around, their curiosity piqued, some stepping forward to help.

"Wait" says Pacificus to the other children "Don't forget to wash your hands"

"Next, we'll prepare the broth," Pacificus continued. He placed a smaller pot over the fire, adding water, a mix of dried herbs, spices, and a pinch of his prized salt. As the mixture simmered, it released a fragrant aroma, blending the earthy scent of the herbs with the warmth of the spices, filling the air with an inviting smell.

Once the broth was ready, he carefully poured it into the large cauldron. The hot water hissed and bubbled as it mixed with the broth, creating a rich base for their meal. "Now we add the vegetables," he said, picking up the chopped carrots, potatoes, onions, beets, and mandrakes. "These will take a bit longer to cook, so they go in first."

The children eagerly took turns adding the vegetables to the cauldron, their faces lighting up with excitement as they watched the colorful mix disappear into the simmering broth. The steam rising from the pot carried the combined scents of the fresh produce, making their mouths water in anticipation.

"Next, we add the meats," Pacificus said, reaching for the barometz meat. He sliced it into thin, even strips, each cut releasing a subtle, savory scent. He also prepared chunks of the giant mushroom, its earthy aroma adding a robust depth to the broth. The children watched in awe as he added the meats to the pot, their eyes widening as the ingredients blended together.

"Now for some greens," he said, adding the spinach and lettuce last. "These will cook quickly and add a nice, fresh flavor to the hotpot." The leafy greens floated on the surface before slowly wilting into the broth, their vibrant colors contrasting beautifully with the other ingredients.

As the hotpot simmered, Pacificus stirred it gently, ensuring everything cooked evenly. The aroma wafted through the air, growing richer and more enticing with each passing moment. The children chatted excitedly, the anticipation building as they waited for the meal to be ready.

"We'll let it simmer until everything is tender and delicious," Pacificus said, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction as he watched over the cauldron. After a while, he finally declared, "It's ready."

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Pacificus and Demeter served the others bowls full of the delicious hotpot. Soon, a circle formed around the cauldron, the children eagerly digging into their meals. The rich, savory aroma of the hotpot filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

Merina sat beside Pacificus, her bowl cradled in her hands. "When are you planning to visit the temple?" she asked between bites.

"I don't know... I'll wait until the children receive their blessings, I guess," Pacificus replied, his gaze thoughtful as he watched the children.

"The youngest one is Minos, and he's five years old. You are willing to wait for five more years?" Merina raised an eyebrow.

"I don't mind... the journey to the temple takes months of travel through the never-ending forest. A month is more than enough to mess up some of my crops though."

"Oh," Merina said, understanding the weight of his responsibility.

Not far from them, the children were also talking about their futures as they shared the hotpot. "Which God are you gonna serve, Arty?" Apollo asked.

"Gaia," Artemis flatly answered. "I don't know why. It just felt right to me. You?"

"Gaia too, I guess. Maybe I'll try to ask for the blessings of an apothecary. We need healers after all. How about you, Haya?"

Hyakinthos's violet eyes looked at the flame. "I... I actually don't know. I haven't decided yet," he answered.

There was a yarn and some needles on Rhapso's lap as she ate her hotpot. "I want to be a tailor," she chimed in with her siblings.

"Like Mother Merina?" asked Artemis.

"Yes."

Apollo looked at Demeter, who was happily serving some more food to her siblings. "I guess Demy would choose the blessings of a farmer."

"What makes you say that?" Artemis asked.

"You're too slow, sis," Apollo teased.

After their lunch, the children resumed their training. Pacificus returned to tending his farm, this time with young Demeter accompanying him. The midday sun cast a warm glow over the fields, and the rhythmic sounds of the children's training echoed in the background.

"The life of a farmer isn't easy, Lady Demeter. Why choose it?" Pacificus asked the young girl as they walked through the rows of crops.

"I like to cook," she answered, her voice soft but resolute. "I don't like farming, but I like to cook."

Pacificus chuckled at her answer. "Tending to your farm is important, Lady Demeter. When you are tending to the farm, you are also tending to the ingredients that will be used to make food for others."

"But... it's too much work," she replied, her small face scrunched up in frustration.

"You will get used to it, Lady Demeter," he reassured her gently.

"Do farmers have skills that can help them with... farm tending?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Of course. I have a skill that the voice of creation calls 'Green Thumb.' It ensures that plants planted by me grow healthier. There is also 'Strong Back,' which makes me carry heavier things and increases my endurance so I don't get tired easily when I'm tending to my crops. I also have 'Intermediate Harvesting' that makes harvesting so much easier and faster."

"Oh... that sounds really handy," Demeter said, her eyes wide with wonder.

"It is. I wouldn't have time to practice and pray if it wasn't for these skills. Want me to tell you something, Lady Demeter?"

"Yes," she said eagerly.

"This farm here," Pacificus said, gesturing to the nutrient-rich soil, "was once hard rock. My father turned it into fresh soil."

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes. My grandmother was a miner, and this place was actually a mine, which my father transformed into a garden and then into a farm. That waterwheel over there," he pointed to the waterwheel by the river, "my father told me that grandfather made that waterwheel to wash the ores that grandma got."

"Is that the reason why you have a huge basement?" she asked, her curiosity growing.

"Yes, my grandfather and grandmother walked those very stairs to access the mines. My father planted mushrooms in it."

"There are mushrooms in it?" Demeter asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Yes, that is where I got the giant mushroom."

As Pacificus shared stories of his ancestors with young Demeter, they worked together, tending to the crops with care and dedication.

Meanwhile, Merina was making yarn from wool, her hands moving with practiced ease. Rhapso sat nearby, diligently turning the yarn into cloth. Though her progress was slow, her eyes were focused, and Merina chose not to disturb her, admiring her determination.

Artemis practiced with her bow, drawing it further and further, her form improving with each draw. Apollo was doing push-ups and pull-ups, his muscles straining with effort. Hyacinthus was running the obstacle course with his siblings, all of them trying their best to outrace each other.

The sun set, casting a warm orange glow over the farm as they gathered for supper. Tonight’s meal was another hotpot, but this time, it was made by Demeter. Pacificus had guided her, of course, but in the end, it was her own cooking.

"Your hotpot tastes different than mine," Demeter said, a hint of concern in her voice. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," Pacificus replied with a reassuring smile. "Everyone's cooking tastes different, Demeter. Even if you follow the same recipe and use the same ingredients, everyone's cooking will taste different and unique because we are all unique."

Demeter looked at Pacificus in confusion, then turned to Merina. "He is right, Demeter," said Merina. "That's what my mom told me too... and she was also a farmer."

"Okay," Demeter said softly, staring thoughtfully at her own hotpot.

The hotpot quickly disappeared as the children eagerly ate their fill. After supper, Pacificus pulled the cart carrying the children back to their home. The walk was silent, the air cool and still, with Pacificus pulling the cart and Merina walking beside him.

"Do you have something to do tomorrow, Pacificus?" Merina asked.

"Yes. I need to tend to my farm. The leaves are turning yellow. Winter is near," he replied.

"Do farmers have work during winter?" she inquired.

"Yes, but not as much compared to spring."

"So you will be going to the temple during the winter?" she asked.

"No... I might miss spring if I start the travel during winter," he explained.

"The travel is that long?" Merina asked, surprised.

"Yes," Pacificus confirmed.

"If that is the case... would you like to come with me during the winter?" Merina asked tentatively.

"Do you need something? I might be able to help you... do you have a prob—" Pacificus paused, remembering the assassins that had tried to hunt him down. A wave of fear washed over him as he wondered if those people had seen the children and Merina. "Is someone threatening you?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"What?" Merina blinked in confusion. "No. What thoughts have brought you to that conclusion?"

"So no one is threatening you?"

"No, of course not."

"Then do you need something?"

"Well... since you are always busy... I came to the conclusion that you have more spare time during the winter."

"I do."

"I have always seen you yet didn't bother to try to get to know you before."

"We both had our own circumstances. You had children to take care of and a house to rebuild back then."

"I actually thought we were going to die of starvation back then... and then you appeared and kept giving us food."

"If I hadn't done that, those products would have spoiled. Rather than letting them spoil in storage, I would rather give them to those in need."

"You know... sometimes I worry about you."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You are way too kind for your own good. It fears me that one day someone will take advantage of that kindness of yours."

The two met each other's gaze, Pacificus's heterochromatic eyes locking with Merina's blue ones. Both of their gazes lingered, and Pacificus's face turned red, his heart racing as if it were about to leap out of his throat. Merina blushed too, and they both looked away in embarrassment.

"Y-y-you've been growing your hair," Pacificus said awkwardly.

"Y-y-yeah... they said I look too much like a boy, so... I wanted to try to be more feminine, I guess."

"B-but you are feminine."

She looked at Pacificus with a grin. "Y-you think so?"

"Y-yes."

"Some of my siblings called me handsome rather than beautiful, though."

Pacificus blinked in confusion. "Isn't that the same thing?"

Merina looked scandalized. "No, it's not," she giggled as she grabbed Pacificus's arm, making the two-meter giant blush.

"Pacificus," she called his name, her face red, "Do... do you have a lover?"

"N-n-n-no," Pacificus replied, his voice full of panic as his heart threatened to jump out of his throat. "I never did."

"Pacificus."

"Y-yes, Merina?"

"I would like to know you more."

"I... I would like to know you more too."

----------------------------------------

Their journey ended in front of the orphanage. An old woman holding a baby greeted them.

"Lady Merina, Mr. Pacificus," she smiled at them, "You are early today. Is there something wrong?"

"Early?" Merina blinked. "What do you mean, Mother Leto?"

The old woman grinned from ear to ear and then whispered in Merina's ear, "I know a person in love when I see one."

"MOM!" Merina replied, scandalized.

"Oh my... am I wrong?" she chuckled. She then approached Pacificus. "You can take her for the night, Mr. Pacificus."

"But it's night. It's dangerous during the night."

She smiles at the man's reply. "You can keep her company near the river, dear. The stars are shining."

"M-Mom."

"Oh... did I misunderstand something?"

She then looked at Merina with a huge grin on her face and whispered, "He has a farm, a strong body, and is a strong fighter. He's a keeper, my dear."

"W-W-what? M-mom, that's evil."

"You are right. You should choose someone who actually loves you and not someone who wants to—"

"MOM, STOP!"

"You have my permission too Merina" an old man replies, he has a hammer attached on his waist belt, his apron is a mess "But Mr.Pacificus, if anything happens to her... We will hold you responsible."

"I" before Pacificus replies he then remembers the men that tried to kill him. The mere thought that Merina and the children where caught between that mess still brings him to shame. His eyes went serious, determination fills his entire being "I understand" he replies.

"Good man" The old man "Approved"

"Father Lelantos!" Merina almost shouted "We aren't even there yet!"

"ARRGGH! VESTA'S FLAME! JUST GO ALREADY!" A woman shouts her hair is black like Merina's and her eyes are as black as the night. Her dress is simple but what is eye catching about her is her abundance of bags attached to her body. "STOP MAKING A SCENE AND GO MERINA!"

"SHUT UP ASTERIA!" Merina retorts "AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE TEMPLE!"

"I never forget my roots, Sister!"

The two women clashed with each other. Their eyes interlocking in rage.

"Auntie" says a child also carrying a bag.

A smile was immediately formed in Merina's face. "Hecate. What are you doing here?" she says as she carries the young girl, she resembles the woman Asteria, she practically looks like a younger version of Asteria.

"Dad isn't home. So mama took me to work."

"He is not home?" she looks at Asteria, her face worried.

"He is a wizard, of course I expect him to go for a journey."

"Are you going home Hecate?"

"No... Mama says we are going to the walls to see the stars."

"Oh. That sounds nice."

"Come Hecate, Let us not disturb your picky Old Auntie."

"I AM NOT OLD!"

"Bye Auntie Merina"

"Bye Hecate."

An old woman smiles at Merina. "You better get going dear. The children have long enter the orphanage."

She blushes and approaches Pacificus.

"Want to see the stars with me?" she asks her voice shaky and her heart pounding on her chest as her face turns bright red.

"Y-yes" Pacificus replies. "L-let me get my cart."

"Oh it can stay here young man" Lelantos inquired.

"MOM, STOP!"

"You have my permission too, Merina," an old man replied, a hammer hanging from his waist belt and his apron a mess. "But Mr. Pacificus, if anything happens to her... we will hold you responsible."

"I—" Pacificus began, but then he remembered the men who had tried to kill him. The mere thought that Merina and the children could have been caught in that mess still brought him shame. His eyes grew serious, determination filling his entire being. "I understand," he replied solemnly.

"Good man," the old man nodded. "Approved."

"Father Lelantos!" Merina almost shouted. "We aren't even there yet!"

"ARGGH! VESTA'S FLAME! JUST GO ALREADY!" a woman shouted. Her hair was black like Merina's, and her eyes were as dark as the night. Her dress was simple, but what was eye-catching about her was the abundance of bags attached to her body. "STOP MAKING A SCENE AND GO, MERINA!"

"SHUT UP, ASTERIA!" Merina retorted. "AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE TEMPLE?"

"I never forget my roots, Sister!"

The two women clashed with each other, their eyes interlocking in rage.

"Auntie," said a child also carrying a bag.

A smile immediately formed on Merina's face. "Hecate. What are you doing here?" she asked as she carried the young girl. Hecate resembled Asteria, practically looking like a younger version of her.

"Dad isn't home, so Mama took me to work."

"He's not home?" Merina's face grew worried as she looked at Asteria.

"He is a wizard. Of course, I expect him to go on a journey."

"Are you going home, Hecate?"

"No... Mama says we are going to the walls to see the stars."

"Oh. That sounds nice."

"Come, Hecate. Let us not disturb your picky Old Auntie."

"I AM NOT OLD!"

"Bye, Auntie Merina."

"Bye, Hecate."

An old woman smiled at Merina. "You better get going, dear. The children have long entered the orphanage."

Blushing, Merina approached Pacificus.

"Want to see the stars with me?" she asked, her voice shaky and her heart pounding in her chest as her face turned bright red.

"Y-yes," Pacificus replied. "L-let me get my cart."

"Oh, it can stay here, young man," Lelantos inquired, waving his hand dismissively.

----------------------------------------

The stars and the two moons lit up the otherwise dark night. A gentle breeze caressed the pair. The river, connected to the town's moat, reflected the stars and the light of the two moons, transforming it into a literal river of stars. The sounds of crickets and the glow of fireflies added to the enchantment of their surroundings.

"The river is beautiful," Merina complimented.

"Yes, it is... but I wouldn't go closer to it. Too many man-eating fishes and frogs in the river," Pacificus replied.

Merina looked at Pacificus, her brows raised and her eyes a bit annoyed. "Why do you have to ruin it?" she complained.

"What?" he then panicked. "I-I-I'm sorry. W-W-What did I ruin?"

"N-never mind," she sighed.

"..."

"I think you could grow flowers on that river, though."

"Flowers?"

"Yes... there are flowers that grow on riverbeds... I mean, I use the river near my home to plant most of my crops."

"Plant on the river?" Her eyes widened with interest. "You mean the island near your home?"

"Island?" Pacificus thought for a moment. "That's... that is not an island... those are my crops. I just don't want to bring Demeter there because it's dangerous."

"Those are your harvest?"

"Ye-yes. It's a bunch of potatoes and cabbages, though. I might need to change my crops to herbs and berries."

"I didn't even know you can plant crops on a river," she said with interest.

"Oh, you can... there are even flowers that grow in the river... but they only grow during spring."

"I would like to see that."

"It might be dangerous, though."

She chuckled. "Don't worry... I know you would protect me." She blushed.

The pair looked away in embarrassment. Pacificus struggled to find something to talk about. "The... the yarns you are making," he gulped. "Wha-what do you want to do with them?"

"I turn them into clothes, of course," she answered with pride. "I mean, look at these rags, Pacificus. I think I can still fix them... Oh, and the children too. They need clothes."

"What kind of clothes?"

Her eyes lit up with inspiration. "I'm thinking of a tunic. I want that tunic to grow with them, so I would make a long tunic that can be worn by them as they grow. I just need to fold their tunics in a way where the folds are hidden. Oh, and each tunic must have a different pattern too. And pockets! Clothes have to be beautiful, strong, and useful. The pockets will be handy." She then looked at Pacificus, blushing. "Sorry about my rambling," she giggled in embarrassment.

"No," Pacificus replied. "It's all right. You sounded so happy when you talk about your interests... I think that is a mindset that people should have—to be passionate about your craft."

Merina looked at Pacificus, their eyes meeting. "You don't keep secrets, do you, Pacificus?"

"I-I guess not... My father told me to be honest, and my mother told me to be disciplined and tough."

She chuckled. "I know so much about your parents because you keep telling me stories about them."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be... I should be the one apologizing. I know so much about you, yet I never share that much about me."

"Y-you don't have to if you don't want to."

"No, Pacificus. It's not fair if I did that... I told you, I want to learn more about you, and you also want to learn more about me."

"There are some secrets that people simply don't want to share, Merina. You don't have to force yourself."

"Don't worry, Pacificus," she smiled. "You are not forcing me... also, this is my choice. Pacificus."

"Yes."

"My name is Merina... Merina Clíodhna Leto," she smiled. "I was born on the plains of the west, a child of the riders of Elion. My father was a hunter; he hunted bears, saber cats, and oliphants. His grandparents were sheep herders and horse breeders. My mother is a farmer, like my father's grandparents; she specializes in livestock and breeding beasts, which my father rode for hunting."

She looked at Pacificus, her tone turning serious. "My father died in battle, and we were forced to run away. My mother met Mother Leto before our caravan got attacked by soldiers. Mother Leto adopted me, and ever since then, I became a part of her orphanage. Her brother Lelantos was a warrior who protected our caravan. We wouldn't have made it to this town if it wasn't for him. The orphanage we live in was actually a part of the temple of Vesta. Mother Leto herself was a priestess of Vesta, and her brother Lelantos is a protector of Vesta... I was actually planning on becoming a priestess of Vesta myself... until I met you."

Pacificus panicked. "Wha-what did I do?"

Merina looked at Pacificus, initially annoyed, but then her heart fluttered, and she couldn't control it. Her emotions threatened to explode, so she hid it with a chuckle. "What did you do?" she grinned. "You were a kid at that time, and you've been doing this for so long, you probably don't even remember."

Pacificus sweated in panic.

"You always came with the largest cart in town, and that cart kept growing bigger and bigger. You always sold your crops to merchants and the nobles while also giving your crops for free to our orphanage. You kept saving kids and even adults who got lost in the Ever Resting Forest. There are even tales of you fighting off invaders from your farm. I saw you every few moons, and I just never had a chance to talk to you." She smiled. "Well, until now... Pacificus... I have always admired you."

Pacificus blushed, his already red face turning even redder. He realized that he had to be fair to Merina. She had shared her life, her personal life, something she wouldn’t share with just anyone. To make it up to her, he decided to be honest.

Trying to control his fast-beating heart while also trying to calm his senses, he began to tell his side.

"I am Pacificus... Pacificus Faris Azrael. I was born near the Ever Resting Forest. My mother was an Aserai. She came from the deserts of the south. She was a former mercenary in a group of women warriors called the Sword Maidens. My father was a farmer, whose grandmother was a miner who came from the east and migrated here, while my grandfather was a blacksmith with a passion for craftsmanship. I never actually met my grandparents. I lost my father to a disease, and my mother died in a war. I spent all of my life on my father's farm. I hated violence and fighting, which is why I spent all of my days in the refuge of my father's farm.... W-W-When I went to the noble's keep to pay my taxes... I-I always saw you... Y-Y-You are too beautiful for me... I always felt as if... as if it is a travesty for me to set my eyes on you... The way you take care of your children... the fact that you always cook food for the poor and needy, the fact that you make clothes for those who can't afford them... I.... I thought... I simply think that when you do those things... that... that you put other goddesses of beauty to shame."

Perhaps it was their imagination, but it was enough to startle the pair as a low thunder rumbled in the distance, interrupting Pacificus.

"M-maybe I went too far... I'm sorry."

Merina's eyes softened, her heart fluttering at Pacificus's sincerity. She took a step closer, her gaze unwavering.

"I... I-I-I... uhhhhhh I have always admired you" Pacificus continued "I-I-I just didn't have the courage to ask you... wi-will you accept me? To-to-to... Ahh.. I-"

"My answer will be yes, Pacificus," Merina said with a radiant smile, her voice steady despite the blush coloring her cheeks.

The pair blushed, then laughed, the sound blending harmoniously with the night.

"S-so," said Pacificus, "what now? Wha-what do couples do?"

"I-I don't know." Merina's eyes met Pacificus's, their gazes locking in a moment of shared uncertainty and excitement. "L-let's hold hands first, Pacificus," she suggested, extending her hands towards him.

Pacificus took her hands gently, their fingers intertwining. The warmth of their touch sent shivers down their spines, and both of them giggled, their hearts beating as one. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on their figures, and the stars above seemed to twinkle in approval, blessing the beginning of their journey together.

The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the sound of crickets serenaded them as they stood by the river, lost in the magic of the moment. The fireflies danced around them, their tiny lights adding to the enchantment of the night. In that serene, star-lit moment, Pacificus and Merina knew they had found something special in each other.