Right as Gong and I walk through the gate, Ai, Lin, and the others seem to be relaxing with a few demihumans near the original town’s well. Just chatting and having a great time, as some more children run around a bit.

Surprisingly, Lin even has a strange meat sandwich she’s munching on, courtesy of one of the local people. Something pretty similar to what I ate back in this city, at one of the stalls.

As normal, I run my scan over everyone to make sure everything is alright. Both regarding the food, people, and if there’s anything to watch out for.

Mostly green flags.

It looks like life since I’ve left has dramatically improved for the demihumans here. And once the locals heard they were part of my group, they welcomed them like family.

A glance over at Lin and Mei Lin, who are passionately debating the merits of a fish sandwich vs a strange meat one, makes me think they are almost too relaxed. But there’s still a slight air of tension here with the group. I quickly find that there’s actually two people from our group who seem quite nervous. Jin Chin and He Wen.

Though for vastly different reasons.

A glance over at He Wen reveals that he's not too accustomed to talking with demihumans. Overhearing his conversation, I can clearly see why.

“Ha… hah. Ha. Yeah, fish meat is definitely better. Rat… I mean springling meat, wouldn’t be my personal choice.”

As soon as he said rat, instead of springling, Ai, Lin, and the other demihumans flinched. For those in the slums, springling is good meat to eat, but the creature looks and is very similar to a rat. As could be assumed, most people not in a desperate situation wouldn't consider it an option.

Even though it’s clear he didn’t mean anything harmful by it and the others can tell, it just makes the situation awkward for both them and him.

Jin Chin, on the other hand, seems to watch them with unease. In particular, she’s paying special attention to their hands.

As if expecting them to steal something.

Considering my personal experiences from being suspected in such ways back on Earth, I almost subconsciously find myself walking directly over to her.

“Hey everyone! We’re back. All is well.”

Before I can say anything else, Ai, Lin, Mei Lin, and Shi practically tackle me in a hug. Their previous levity in chatting with the local demihumans disappeared instantly, as if it was a lie. But the micro stress lines that remained on their faces showed the real story.

People here and even back at home bury things deep and distract themselves, to not go mad with worry. Some people are just able to do it better than others. That tension I felt earlier wasn’t just from He Wen and Shin Jin. It was all of them.

After all, having your leader fight against thousands of people, win, and then promptly anger a higher realm cultivator would take years off anyone’s life.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Considering the situation, I hold on to them closely, allowing them to keep their grip on me for a bit. Shi is the first to separate and regather herself. Though it looks like the others won’t be going anywhere.

Shi gives a cough and speaks out.

“Ahem. Young Master James, it is good to see you well, after everything.”

… Why is she being so formal?

The reason soon becomes clear, as Ai and Lin practically jump away from me, mirroring her slight distance. A reminder of my position as core disciple.

Though Mei Lin seems still stuck to me, tears in her eyes.

Yeah… no.

I openly roll my eyes at the three people who seem to be trying to put on a show for others.

“You guys don’t have to do such things with me, regardless of who or what’s happening. I care about you guys and nothing is going to change that. And I know you all feel the same, so don’t be afraid to show it.”

Shi smiles, as she takes a quick inward breath, before moving in close to whisper.

“Thank you, James. That means more to me than you realize, but you still have an image to uphold… and may need to show yourself more as someone that the upper class and higher realm cultivators can pursue. Us being too close may jeopardize that.”

As she tells me this, she places a hand on Mei Lin’s shoulder, helping her to collect herself a bit.

Right before Mei Lin fully moves away, I ruffle her hair, giving her a grin. Receiving a small one in return, as I can physically see her relax.

Turning towards Shi, I say my next words louder, so others can hear. And most importantly, my people.

“This feels cheesy to say, but anyone who doesn’t accept you all wouldn’t be worthy of my time in the first place. Why would I give those precious to me up, just to impress someone else?

“No way.”

Behind me, Gong is nodding her head, moving her hand into mine. I give hers a tight squeeze as well. Demonstrating my affection for her in front of others. Many demihumans’ eyes widen at this and I can already sense the rumor mill churn.

Ai is shaking her head, but even she has a shadow of a smile on her face, letting me know that all of this must have been part of their plan for moving forward.

And what may have been stressing them out.

Considering this, I go around giving all of them a deep hug back. With a few words for each.

Mei Lin, a check to make sure she’s feeling okay and not overwhelmed.

Ai, a bit of reassurance and appreciation for how she constantly tries to protect all of us. Providing words of affirmation.

Lin, some playfulness and a flick to the ear. Making her blush a bit.

Shi, a more intimate hug and thanks for keeping everyone together. Not a simple thing to do, with a wrangle of new and emotional cultivators.

Jin Chin and Yalei look uncomfortable, seeing how intimately I’m referring to the others, but not directing it to them. Likely a remaining dissonance from their internal experiences with my healing self.

I’ll have to come up with a way to handle this. It’s obvious that not being romantic is causing them some pain in its own way. And even though I don’t have a romantic connection with them, that doesn’t mean I don’t have a responsibility to handle things in a better way.

Once we settle in the caverns, we’ll go through some of this.

Having comforted some of those around me, I move my attention to the next situation. One that is a bit more subtle and challenging to handle.

“Hey Jin Chin, would we be able to speak for a moment? Privately?”

Everyone in my group turns to look at us.

I almost never call anyone out.

Her eyes widen a bit and I can see her swiftly reflect on herself and what she could have done wrong. In the meantime, I walk over to one of the carriages and open the door for her.

Still a bit confused, she goes in, as indicated. Before I head in behind her, I call out to Yalei.

“Would you help everyone else get ready to move? We’ll need to do so quickly. Just follow Gong’s instructions and it should be fine.”

She gives a nod, her eyes still locked onto Jin Chin’s back.

Following into the carriage behind Jin Chin, I close the door and steel myself for this conversation.

Tackling a subject I knew would eventually come up, but was hoping not to have to deal with from my inner circle.