A boisterous laughter erupts in the surroundings, spreading throughout the crowd.

“Well done, Acolyte. You have pleased me, the god of mischief, Alfie. To this great boon, for this wonderful dance, I award you and everyone in the crowd a seed of my making; grow it and let it bear a fruit, eat it and know my joy, and let it grant each of you 200 years of life.”

Suddenly a shower of seeds rained down on the crowd and the people began to rejoice.

Edmund catches a seed in the air and smiles.

Archand and Rachel also received a seed.

This is weird. Edmund thinks.

…

…

“Well, Edmund? Are we to part ways or will you join us? Rachel could use all the help she can get on her pilgrimage.” Archand says, before looking to Rachel holding Edmund’s hand. He lets out a bitter smile. “And I fear she has taken a great liking to you.” He says with a sigh.

“I feel as if I’ve taken a great liking to her as well.” Edmund says with a smile, considering the matter.

If I go with them… On a journey… What will I see? Edmund wonders.

“Very well. I’ll go with you.” Edmund says.

“Great. Your skills will be of great use to us.” Archand says with a smile.

“And I could use your company.” Rachel says, with a caress to the arm.

Edmund gulps. This is happening. He thinks.

...

…

“I’m coming!” Edmund exclaims on the inn bed.

“Oh, hmm. What a big, strong man.” Rachel says as she relaxes her body.

Edmund looks down at the mess he’s made and exhales a breath. Well, there goes my virginity. Thank the heavens for pilgrimages. Edmund thinks with a chuckle.

…

…

Archand looks on bitterly at the happy couple. The boy stole my fruit. What a mess this turned out to be. He thinks despondently.

Edmund, his cheeks rosy and his smile happy, leads Rachel by the hand.

Rachel, her face and her heart hot, happily follows.

The enticement spirit, gloating and proud, delights in his efforts.

…

…

“Where are we going next?” Edmund asks.

“We’re off to Coral City, by the ocean. It’s the city of merchants, where trading is done with various cities across the continent.” Archand says.

“Oh? And why are we going there?” Edmund asks.

“Rachel has been invited by the merchant prince, Ericsson. For the establishment of relations between the city and her ancestral home. I hear there have been talks of a marriage alliance.” Archand says, eagerly waiting to see the drama.

Edmund’s eyes widen. “A marriage alliance? With Rachel?” He says, surprised. Well, this doesn’t sound so good. He thinks.

“It’s just talk. Don't worry, Edmund.” Rachel says.

Edmund’s brows furrow. I think I’m already worried. He thinks.

…

…

Edmund releases his arrow, and it pierced the troll’s neck in an instant, giving Archand the opportunity to stab with his sword.

Bleeding from two places, the troll began to wobble.

Archand was about to strike out again, but then, Rachel’s arm came down like a hammer and her mace crushed into the troll’s skull.

Edmund’s eyes widen. That was hot. He couldn’t help but think.

Edmund lets out a sigh as he relaxes his guard. “Are we close to the city?” He asks.

Archand nods. “It's not far. We should be there in two days.” He says.

Edmund smiles. “Great. I could use a bed to lay in.” He says.

Rachel smiles. “I could as well.” She says.

Archand shakes his head. Like two humping bunnies. He thinks.