I left the building with the weight of the bag of coins fastened at my side, but what truly occupied my mind wasn't the gold.
It was what came next.
The air in the village was different from when I first arrived. There was movement, voices, work. Nothing extraordinary, but enough to show that the place was no longer frozen in time.
I walked without haste, observing.
Lyannis came to my side. "You got quiet."
"I'm thinking."
Rai'kanna answered right behind me. "About money?"
"Not just that."
Scarlett followed with firm steps. "Then it's about the next step."
"Yes."
Elara said: "Strategic decision."
Vespera added: "Shift of focus."
Liriel looked at me attentively. "You've already decided."
I stopped for a moment in the middle of the road.
I looked around.
The village was functioning.
Not perfect, but stable.
And that was already enough.
"I don't need to stay here anymore."
Lyannis crossed her arms. "You're leaving?"
"Yes."
Rai'kanna tilted her head slightly. "You're leaving everything to him?"
I looked at the building where the minister was.
"I am."
Scarlett nodded. "Trust."
Elara said: "Delegation."
Vespera added: "Efficiency."
Liriel asked: "You really trust him?"
"I do."
We remained silent for a few seconds.
Then we started walking again, this time toward the village exit.
Lyannis spoke again. "And now?"
"Other lands."
Rai'kanna replied: "The elves."
"Yes."
Scarlett said: "Different environment."
Elara stated: "New adaptation."
Vespera added: "New challenge."
Liriel smiled faintly. "I want to see what it's like."
Before we fully left, the minister appeared again, approaching with firm steps.
"Sir."
I stopped.
"Is there a problem?"
"No."
He maintained his respectful posture.
"I just wanted to confirm… you truly are leaving?"
"Yes."
Lyannis murmured: "Straight to the point."
Rai'kanna said: "He wants certainty."
Scarlett observed: "Transfer of responsibility."
Elara stated: "Decisive moment."
Vespera said: "Continuation of management."
Liriel remained silent, observing.
I looked directly at him.
"You will remain in charge."
He didn't hesitate.
"Understood."
"Everything we've done so far… maintain it."
"Yes."
"If any problem arises, send word to me."
"Of course."
I paused briefly.
"And continue doing things your way."
He seemed surprised for a moment, but soon nodded.
"I will do my best."
Lyannis commented quietly. "You gave him freedom."
"He deserves it."
Rai'kanna agreed. "He proved himself capable."
Scarlett said: "Correct choice."
Elara stated: "Solid foundation maintained."
Vespera added: "Strategic trust."
Liriel looked at me. "You're learning how to lead."
I nodded.
"I can't be everywhere."
The minister stepped back and bowed slightly.
"Safe travels, sir."
"Take care of this place."
"Yes."
Without another word, I turned and continued walking.
The village exit was right ahead.
The carriage was already waiting.
I climbed in first.
The girls came right after.
The coachman took his position and, without delay, we started moving.
As the village faded behind us, I looked out the window.
This time, there was no worry.
No doubt.
Only… confirmation.
Lyannis settled beside me. "You didn't even hesitate."
"There was no reason to."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "You decided before talking to him."
"Yes."
Scarlett commented: "Advanced planning."
Elara said: "Direct execution."
Vespera added: "No wasted time."
Liriel smiled faintly. "You're different."
"How?"
"More… resolute."
I thought for a moment.
"Maybe."
The carriage continued along the road.
The scenery gradually changed, leaving behind the village environment and entering more open paths.
Lyannis asked: "Do you think the elven lands will be the same?"
"No."
Rai'kanna said: "Different environment."
Scarlett stated: "Different culture."
Elara added: "Distinct structure."
Vespera said: "Possible complications."
Liriel looked ahead. "But also… opportunities."
I nodded.
"Yes."
I remained silent for a few moments.
Thinking.
Not just about the journey.
But about what was coming.
Humans… now stable.
Elves… unknown.
And beyond that…
The war still wasn't over.
Lyannis rested her head against the seat. "You never stop, do you?"
"I can't."
Rai'kanna said: "There's still a lot ahead."
"Yes."
Scarlett commented: "Remaining generals."
Elara stated: "Continuous threat."
Vespera added: "Constant pressure."
Liriel looked at me. "But you're more prepared."
I took a deep breath.
"I need to be."
The carriage kept moving forward.
The sound of the wheels against the ground marked the steady rhythm of the journey.
There was no urgency.
But there was direction.
And that made all the difference.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
Organizing everything.
Human lands… resolved.
Next step…
Elven lands.
I opened my eyes again.
The road ahead seemed long.
But clear.
"Now another phase begins."
Lyannis smiled. "Finally."
Rai'kanna nodded. "Let's see how far this goes."
Scarlett said: "New scenario."
Elara stated: "New adaptation."
Vespera added: "New strategy."
Liriel smiled faintly.
"And we'll go together."
I looked at all of them.
And confirmed.
"Yes."
The carriage continued onward.
And with it…
My next decision had already been made.