The next day dawned bright and clear over Eden Village. After breakfast, Luo Feng rang the bronze bell himself and called everyone to the square. The whole village gathered quickly—two hundred souls, faces still glowing from the rich harvest and the promise of full bellies.
From the storehouse they rolled out one freshly sealed barrel of the new grape wine. Luo Feng tapped it open with a wooden mallet. The deep purple liquid poured into simple clay cups, its sweet, rich aroma drifting on the morning breeze. He passed the cups to every adult present, smiling quietly as they drank.
Chief Haru took his first sip, eyes widening in pure wonder. He drank again, slower this time, savoring it. "Luo Feng… this wine is like a treasure," he said, voice thick with awe. "In any city it would be worth a fortune—very expensive. Yet this one… it tastes better than any wine I have ever known. Sweeter, smoother, like it holds the sunlight of our own fields."
The other villagers murmured in agreement, nodding and smiling as they sipped. Some closed their eyes, letting the warmth spread through them.
Haru looked at Luo Feng with shining eyes. "Really? Then it will fetch a good price in the capital. We could buy tools, clothes, medicine—everything we still need."
Luo Feng nodded calmly. "The longer the wine remains inside the barrel, the better it will taste. Keep the rest sealed and patient. In a year it will be worth even more."
With the tasting done, the village set to work. They prepared the sturdiest cart they owned—reinforced with fresh wood and pulled by the two strongest oxen. Everyone helped load it carefully: sacks of extra maize, beans, roots, and dried fish from the pond—everything the village did not need for the coming year. Beside them they placed half the barrels of grape wine, neatly wrapped in woven mats to keep them safe on the long road.
When the cart was full and the oxen harnessed, Luo Feng stood before the gathered crowd once more. "Tomorrow morning I will depart for the capital," he announced, voice steady and kind. "But I need a guide who knows the way. The road is long—three months on foot—and I do not know it."
Miya stepped forward without hesitation, her cheeks pink but her eyes bright and determined. "I will go with you," she said softly, yet loud enough for everyone to hear. "I have traveled the trade road twice with my father when I was younger. I can guide you safely."
Chief Haru looked at his daughter, then at Luo Feng. A small, knowing smile touched his lips. He nodded once. "I agree. My daughter will go."
Kael stepped up beside her, spear in hand. "I will accompany them too," he said firmly. "And my friend Lin Wang—he is strong and quick with a bow. The four of us will be safer together."
Lin Wang, a tall, quiet young man with a ready smile, bowed to Luo Feng. "I am honored to join you."
Luo Feng looked at the three volunteers—his eyes lingering a moment longer on Miya—and gave a slow, grateful nod. "Prepare well," he told them. "Rest tonight. Pack light but smart. We leave at first light tomorrow morning."
The villagers cheered softly, clapping and wishing them safe travels. That evening the square filled with a final small feast—fresh pond fish, roasted maize, and one more cup of the new wine for the travelers. Miya sat close to Luo Feng again, their shoulders brushing, stealing shy glances that made his chest feel warm in a way no forest herb or B-rank strength ever could.
Night fell gently. The village slept soundly once more, bellies full, hearts hopeful. Inside Chief Haru's hut, Luo Feng lay on his mat, listening to the quiet breathing of the family. Tomorrow he would leave the place he had quietly begun to call home… but only for a while.