A month had passed since the family gathering. Kollam and Esha were visiting the dwarf healer in Brunnenheim, who spent an hour examining Esha to make sure everything was fine in preparation for the delivery, which was now just a month away.

The healer finished and said, "You've got twins, lass, so you'd better eat well and get ready. Those first years as a mother will be annoying."

Esha smiled. "I'm just glad they're healthy," she replied. "It won't be annoying. I'll raise them to be good."

The healer gave her a teasing look and replied, "Oh, sure, keep saying that until they turn three, and all hell breaks loose in your house. I've got six of my own—two useless girls and four little fools—and let me tell you, there are days I'd gladly sell a few of them."

Esha laughed as she stood up, and Kollam quickly took her arm. "I've got you," he said softly.

The healer glanced at Kollam. "Let the girl walk on her own," she chuckled. "God knows she’ll be asking for plenty of help this month."

Kollam smiled. "Yes, thank you, Healer Mon."

Mon nodded as Kollam and Esha made their way home.

Halfway there, Esha spotted a tavern and asked, "Are you hungry?"

Kollam looked confused—they had just eaten breakfast two hours ago—but he nodded and replied, "I... Do you want to eat?"

Esha clutched his arm tightly. "A lot! I'm starving," she said.

Kollam nodded. "To the tavern, then."

After finishing a meal fit for two, Esha sighed with satisfaction. "This food is delicious! I'm finally full."

Kollam smiled, but then a realization dawned on him—Esha was a ghoul, and ghouls often became ravenous during pregnancy, needing much more food at every meal.

He recalled the healer's advice—or warning, depending on how one looked at it—and glanced down at his purse, thinking to himself, *I hope this is enough... or I'll be working extra days!*

After leaving the tavern, they made their way home. Esha, content, walked alongside Kollam and occasionally glanced at him.

Kollam noticed her looks and smiled. Esha quickly looked away, pretending to ignore him while stealing furtive glances.

Upon returning home, they found the place bustling with family. Esha had decided to open a small tavern, offering free meals to the needy and half-price fare to travellers. Her aim was to do good deeds so that her children would be born healthy and blessed.

This was a family tradition, and Kollam didn’t mind—he enjoyed the lively family interactions and also the reduced sleeping hours.

They had set up the garden with numerous tables and chairs. At the front, a large wooden sign read: "Good People’s Tavern."

As they entered, they were greeted by a whirlwind of activity. Family members were running around, serving and carrying food, cleaning up, shouting, and cooking—a bustling scene with many ghouls in one place.

Iga came down the stairs and called out, "KEEP IT DOWN! The customers can hear us from the garden!"

Spotting Esha, Iga asked, "Everything alright?"

Esha nodded. "Everything’s fine, but I’m a bit hungry."

Kollam looked at her in surprise, and Iga asked, "Did she already eat?"

Kollam replied, "Yes, a lot, and not even an hour ago."

Esha glanced at Kollam in surprise. "Then? I am starving!"

Iga turned to Kollam and said, "You’d better feed her, or she’ll end up eating you."

Kollam nodded and dashed toward the kitchen, calling out, "Is there any food?"

Iga looked at Esha and said, "Try to keep yourself in check, and don’t eat more than ten people's meals in one day, alright? Otherwise, Kollam will end up losing everything just to keep you fed."

Esha nodded and replied, "I can’t help it; I’m always starving."

Iga added, "I’ll keep an eye on you. But remember, I’m not Kollam. If you pull anything funny, I’ll punch you in the face, got it?"

After a long day, many people donated what they could to help Esha’s family, contributing to the efforts to feed the community.

After a long day, the kids were still playing while the adults rested on chairs, tables, couches, and even on the ground—anywhere they could find a chance to rest their legs and feet.

Rona was talking to Esha, who was enjoying a large bowl of soup when Iga approached and asked, "How much has this fat cow eaten so far?"

Esha didn’t respond, but Rona answered, "She’s had the equivalent of ten people’s meals. I’ll make sure to stop her if she wants more."

Iga looked at Esha, clenching her fist as if ready to punch. "Remember, if you eat more, you’ll end up with a broken nose."

Esha finished the bowl, sighed with relief, and said, "I’m good now. Thank you for the food."

Afterwards, Iga helped Esha to her room, where she would sleep with her mother, Rona, and Jina. The kids settled into the available rooms, while the men went outside to find their usual sleeping spots.

Meanwhile, Kollam strolled beside Gor near the lake. "I appreciate you keeping that secret from the family," Kollam said.

Gor shook his head. "I’m keeping an eye on you. Remember to let us know whenever you leave the house so someone can watch over you."

Kollam stopped and said, "Sir, I need to work. What I have now is enough, but it won’t last us more than three years."

Gor nodded, understanding Kollam’s situation. He replied, "I get that, but if something were to happen to you during one of your episodes, who would take care of your family? Who would love your kids besides you? They need you."

Kollam thought for a moment before answering, "If I die, I know this family and you would never leave Esha alone. I’ll work hard, do good, pray, and hope for the best. I need to make sure my family is safe."

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Gor patted Kollam on the shoulder and said, "You’re a good person, Kollam. I’ll keep an eye on you and ask some friends to watch over you while you’re working. And don’t worry—this illness of yours will pass."

Kollam nodded, smiling. "Thank you, sir."

The next morning, Kollam left his house, climbed into his cart, and headed to the merchants' guild to pick up quests for delivering and transporting goods.

He accepted three quests and set off again, hoping to finish his work by the end of the day.

Back at home, the family reopened the tavern and began serving food. Rona was the chef for the day, with Iga assisting her.

On the second floor, Jina sat next to Esha, keeping an eye on her while knitting a shirt for her kids. She noticed Esha staring out the window in silence and asked, "Do you want me to steal something from the kitchen?"

Esha turned to her sister and said, "It’s still morning. I need to hold out a little longer."

Jina nodded, then placed the shirt she was knitting on the couch and left. A minute later, she returned with a large bowl of soup and a generous amount of bread.

Esha was surprised. She started to speak, but Jina cut her off, saying, "Just eat. No one will know."

Esha smiled and began eating as Jina patted her head. "We’re sisters after all. How could I leave you alone?"

On the first floor, Iga and Rona were shouting at Gor and Houn. Iga yelled, "Look at me, you idiots! The soup bowl was right there, you two came in, then left, and now the bowl is gone! Do you think I’m stupid?"

Gor tried to explain, "Dear, let me explain, I didn’t take anything. I just—"

Rona cut him off. "Father, Houn! Get out of here!"

Gor and Houn quickly exited, and Iga and Rona resumed cooking, aiming to finish before the customers arrived. Since it was still morning, most of the customers wanted eggs and milk.

A few hours later, it was midday, and many people had arrived. Rona and Iga were speaking with Lan, a poor but kind man. He smiled as he offered them a small purse. "Thank you for the free food. Please, take this as a token of my gratitude for everything you’ve done for me and my family."

Rona declined, saying, "Lan, please keep this for your family. Just pray for Esha, alright?"

Lan smiled and placed the purse in Iga’s hands. "I’ve earned plenty of silver coins, so this is just a small token of thanks. I’ve always prayed for Esha and your family’s safety. Have a good day."

Iga and Rona bowed slightly as Lan left for work. Iga then said, "He’s a good man. Rona, go rest now. Also, tell your sister Vula to start working—she’s done nothing these past few days except flirt with her man. And make sure that rascal goes out to buy vegetables!"

A young man strode into the bustling house, his presence drawing subtle glances as he surveyed the chaotic scene—ghouls darting around, serving food to the garden's diners. Then, he approached the reception area and addressed Rona with a calm tone. "Good day. I’d like meat soup and water."

Rona replied, "Coming right up, Sir. Please wait here."

The young man nodded and stood patiently, his eyes scanning the lively scene—the house, the garden, the customers eating, and the children playing. A small, mocking smile played on his lips.

Iga approached with his order and said, "That table over there is yours. If you need anything, let me know."

As she got a closer look, Iga realized she didn’t recognize him. "You’re not from Brunnenheim, are you?"

He responded, "From the west. A month’s journey from Eldoria City."

Iga’s eyes lit up with recognition. "I travelled to Eldoria when I was a young adventurer. What’s your name, young blood?"

The young man turned to face her fully, and with a confident smile, he said, "Joe... Joe Gostave."

Iga bowed slightly and said, "Welcome to our tavern, Joe. Please eat as much as you like and pay what you can. There are no set prices, and do keep my daughter in your prayers."

Joe nodded, "I will. Have a good day, my beautiful lady."

Iga acknowledged him with a smile and went off to attend to other customers, leaving Joe to enjoy his meal.

As he ate, Joe glanced around at the scene—the children playing joyfully, the ghouls smiling as they served food, and Iga and Rona sharing a laugh together.

Fire blazed beneath him, consuming the green grass and everything in its path, leaving behind only the corpses of people he knew—those he had conversed with, lived among and witnessed their deaths.

Joe’s thoughts churned with anger. *I want to burn everything you ever cherished, Dan. I want to destroy them all, yes, I do. But I can’t bring myself to do it. So instead, I’ll make you suffer. Yes, I will.*

After settling his bill with Iga and paying extra for some cooked meat to take with him, Joe left for the inn where he was staying.

Once inside his room, he closed the door and sank onto his bed, taking a moment to steady his breath. The weight of what he was about to do—taking a life, even one as deserving as Dan’s—was heavy. He wondered, *How do bandits do this, huh?*

Joe heard a monstrous voice coming from the bathroom. Sighing, he rose from his bed and followed the unsettling sound.

Opening the bathroom door, he found it empty, yet the noise persisted as if something was concealed within.

Joe knelt down, holding out the meat. "Eat up. Tomorrow, you have a mission."

Strange, guttural sounds filled the air as the meat was taken from Joe’s hand and devoured, though nothing was visible.

Joe watched the meat being consumed and muttered, "Hell hounds, you’ve cost me a small fortune."

Hidden from view were the hell hounds—massive, invisible creatures from the demon and devil kingdoms. They used magic to remain unseen and were slightly larger than a snow wolf.

They had red eyes and teeth as large as claws, with limbs ending in even bigger talons. Trained by demons and devils, though encountering them in the devil kingdom's forests was a possibility for the unlucky.

In the demon kingdom, however, hellhounds were nearly extinct. Aside from the soldiers' stations and borders, there are no traces of them in the wilderness, as they had almost disappeared during the dark era of King Karaban, the evil demon king who ruled 1,400 years ago.

Joe said, “Stay silent. I need to sleep.”

He closed the door and lay down on his bed, trying to calm himself before the day he would face Dan.

Meanwhile, at Kollam's house, Iga stepped outside and walked toward the lake, where she saw Gor, Houn, and Kollam sitting and talking.

Iga greeted them, “Boys, having fun?”

Houn nodded. “Yes, Mother. Is there something you need?”

Iga replied, “Kollam, your wife wants you with her. We’ve cleaned the room, so you’ll be staying with her tonight.”

Kollam asked, “And what about you, Mother?”

Iga said, “I’ve moved some of the kids to other rooms. I’ll be staying with my daughters in a room we’ve set aside. We have space—now go.”

Kollam nodded and left. Iga then sat beside Gor, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. Gor asked, “Is my daughter alright?”

Iga replied, “As usual, she’s hungry and a bit annoying, just like Rona and Jina were before her, and as I was before them.”

Houn said, “I’m going to take a walk in the city now.”

Gor said, “It’s night. Are you sure you want to go out?”

Houn smiled. “This is Brunnenheim City. People here don’t worry about time limits. I’ll go get something to eat.”

As Houn disappeared into the night, Iga leaned in, kissed Gor on the cheek, and said, “I love you, dear.”

Gor smiled and asked, “More than your grandchildren?”

Iga teased, “Know your place, you fool.”

Gor chuckled as he watched the lake. He was surprised when Iga sat on his lap and kissed his cheek again. Smiling, she added, “I love them all—my grandchildren, my daughters and their wonderful husbands, and my sons with their kind wives.”

Gor smiled and asked, “So, is there no special place for me?”

Iga looked at him with a warm smile and said, “You’ve given me my world, Gor—from an adventurous life to being a housewife with a wonderful family and a good husband. You’ve provided everything I cherish most, so be content with the last place, alright?”

Gor smiled, kissed her cheek, and hugged her tightly. After a moment of affection, Iga playfully said, “You’re choking me, Gor!”

Back at the house, Kollam lay in bed with Esha, who hugged him closely. She asked, “Do I look ugly?”

Kollam shook his head. “No, why do you ask?”

Esha sighed, “I feel huge! I ate 12 meals today. Don’t tell my mother.”

Kollam nodded. “Alright. Are you feeling okay?”

Esha shook her head. “I don’t know. I want to cry, get angry, sleep, do nothing, eat…”

Kollam gently patted her head. “I understand. It’s part of the pregnancy. Don’t worry, I’m here for you, just as you’ve been there for me.”

Esha shed a tear and whispered, “Thank you.”

She fell asleep quickly, leaving Kollam to close his eyes and murmur, “God, please keep her safe.”

The next morning, Joe sat near the forest of Brunnenheim City, observing the road, the gate, the soldiers, and the merchants with their carts. His hand trembled as he took in the scene.

He then walked into the forest, fully aware that the hell hounds were following him, their presence marked by subtle disturbances in the ground.

Joe walked for a while until he reached a deep spot in the forest. He surveyed the distance between the road and his current location, taking in the dense trees and thick bushes.

With a cold, commanding tone, he said, “Go now. When you see fire, begin the hunt.”

The hellhounds sneered and scattered in different directions, leaving Joe alone. He noticed his hand was still shaking.

Grasping his hand to steady it, he murmured, “See you soon, Dan.”