The neighbours didn't undercut Kamian's labour. They showed their utmost gratitude as people who barely managed to survive for a year on the diligently cultivated crops.

Nevertheless, every harvest season meant sleepless nights and exhausting exertion, which Kamian disliked. Yet, without a single complaint, they silently carried out their work. It was only natural for them to win the overflowing affection of the villagers.

"Doesn't Kamian find it challenging?"

Kamian was effortlessly moving a bundle of harvested peanuts without showing any signs of strain. Despite being occupied in the beekeeping yard all day yesterday and returning only at dawn... I marvelled at their monstrous stamina.

"Leave, take a break if it's too difficult."

"No? I'm fine."

Debra asked with a concerned tone. I resumed picking peanuts after pausing for a moment. Everyone is working, so I can't just sit idly. Picking peanuts doesn't require much physical exertion since it involves sitting still and moving only my hands and eyes.

"We're so fortunate to have Kamian. Thanks to them, our farming operation has expanded, and our family doesn't starve."

Debra took away more than half of the peanuts stacked in front of me.

"Kamian should be grateful. They suddenly appeared and settled in our home."

Debra and Jex regarded Kamian as a sort of abandoned orphan. Despite their less-than-ample means, they tenderly cared for Kamian, who had no ties to them other than their compassionate hearts.

Furthermore, if we were to delve deeper, even 'Liv' was a stranger to Debra and Jex. Liv, who was the neighbour of Jex, had lost both parents to illness, and Debra and Jex embraced Liv, who inherited that frail vitality.

"When I saw you two holding hands tightly as you descended the stairs, I thought that God had sent me to this land to look after you."

I chuckled and casually tossed the crushed peanuts to the ground.

"Why make such a fuss?"

"You may not understand, but at that time, it was truly so."

While Debra seems to preserve her first encounter with Kamian as a rather romantic memory, my perspective differed. Having been sucked into the novel's vortex, everything was frightening and bewildering. Holding hands with Kamian was only because she forcefully pulled me out of my panic.

Back then, I couldn't have imagined becoming so close to Kamian, nor could I have known that Debra and Jacks would truly become like family to me. Such transformations astound me anew, reaffirming that humans are indeed creatures capable of adaptation... These thoughts prompted a nod from me.

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"Now that they're all grown, how does it feel? I feel like I've grown them perfectly, but Kamian's growth is too much, isn't it strange?"

"Grow them all, huh? I won't be at ease until I see you two get married."

"Don't say such things. It's about me and Kamian? Please, we've grown up together since we were young... like siblings... Ah, sorry."

A thorn from the cluster of peanuts pierced my index finger. A red droplet formed like a dot and trickled downward.

"Are you hurt? Let me see."

"It's just a small prick."

"Oh, dear, you're bleeding."

I stared at the droplet of blood slowly flowing along my hand. Suddenly, I lifted my head and searched for Kamian.

Kamian, covered in dirt and sweat, was accepting the water jug extended by Jacks. With one hand on his waist, he drank the water with refined grace, like a well-sculpted artifact. His bulging neck muscles moved sensuously, and the shirt drenched in sweat revealed every contour of his impressive physique.

From him, I felt a vitality that I lacked. I marvelled at his taut body that seemed impenetrable even by a single needle, and in doing so, my gaze caught a glimpse of my own blood.

Is that the extent of his vulnerability—my blood?

But then again, doesn't he drink my blood every fortnight? Ah, come to think of it, the ritual always takes place at night. Relying solely on the dim moonlight seeping through the darkness, I offer my blood, willingly and eagerly.

"...Is it my blood that frightens you?"

The thought was so compelling that I couldn't help but rise from my seat.

"Debra, I shall briefly go to Kamian. I have something to say."

"Very well. While you're at it, wash your hands too. We mustn't let germs enter our wounds."

"Understood."

I stood before Kamian without wiping away the flowing blood. Kamian tilted their head and calmly observed me.

"Yes?"

They handed me the water container they had just used to drink. I shook my head in response. Kamian drained the remaining water and placed the container in a corner.

"Kamian."

I raised my hand, the bleeding index finger hovering before their eyes. What do you think, does it frighten you? But contrary to my expectations, Kamian showed no discernible emotion on their face, merely staring silently at my hand.

They blinked their eyes, which had fluttered for a moment, and then abruptly enclosed my hand within theirs. Lowering their gaze halfway, they brought their lips closer. I caught a glimpse of their reddened tongue peeking through their slightly parted lips.

"Hey, what are you...!"

I hastily blocked their forehead with my hand. Kamian moved only their eyes and met my gaze.

"You weren't asking for me to suck it, were you?"

"Why would I want you to do that, you lunatic."

If they were to suck my blood here, it would arouse me sexually. Only a madman would do such a thing in broad daylight with Debra and Jex watching us! It would be unthinkable to let my blood be sucked.