Aya and the Gravekeepers around her were stunned, staring at her in disbelief.
“My territory is vast, but sparsely populated. Much of the land lies fallow, towns need rebuilding, and roads need paving.” Eileen spoke quickly, painting a vivid blueprint. “Each of you Gravekeepers is a skilled builder—strong, tireless, and resolute. There, you can have a new home, cultivate your own land, and build a new life. No longer just Gravekeepers, but… pioneers, builders, my subjects. I will provide you shelter and aid, just as you guard the Holy Sword, so you will guard your new homeland.”
Her words rippled like stones thrown into water, stirring wave upon wave.
In the eyes of the Gravekeepers, the confusion slowly gave way to a faint glimmer of light.
A new home? A new life? No longer living in shadows and endless battles as Gravekeepers?
“Miss Eileen… is what you say true?” Aya’s voice trembled with hope and disbelief.
“Of course!” Eileen nodded without hesitation. Then she pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill from her satchel, placing it on a relatively flat stone nearby and quickly began writing.
Her handwriting was elegant yet carried a hidden strength. When finished, she blew on the ink to dry it and solemnly handed it to Aya.
“This is my personal letter. Take it to Raven’s Territory and find a clerk named Clarette. Give her this letter; she will arrange proper settlement for all of you, distribute land and homes, and tell you what to do next.”
Aya took the heavy letter with trembling hands, as if grasping the entire future of her people.
She looked at Eileen, placing her right hand over her heart. “Miss Eileen! Thank you for taking us in!”
The surrounding Gravekeepers also knelt one after another, their deep vows echoing through the valley, filled with the power of rebirth.
Watching Aya lead her people and hope along the rugged path out of the valley, turning back every few steps, Eileen let out a long breath, feeling the burden on her shoulders lighten somewhat.
Serena, who had somehow appeared beside her, glanced toward the direction Aya disappeared into, then at Eileen’s triumphant, “found treasure” smile, and couldn’t help but purse her lips, whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear: “Hey, Eileen, you’re so enthusiastic… don’t tell me you’ve got your eye on that new clan leader girl? Though she is pretty nice-looking…”
Eileen froze for a moment, then turned to see the faint awkwardness in Serena’s eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle.
Leaning close, almost brushing Serena’s ear, warm breath caressed her sensitive earlobe as Eileen spoke with a mischievous smile, “Serena… you don’t mean…”
“W-what? Don’t mean what…” Serena’s cheeks instantly blossomed into two bright red clouds. Like a cat with its tail stepped on, she jumped back half a step, glaring at Eileen with a mix of embarrassment and anger. “I-I just think your motives aren’t pure!”
Helga quietly nodded in rare agreement with Serena’s words—she knew Eileen all too well.
As the saying goes, Eileen’s heart is an open book to all passersby!
Eileen laughed even more heartily.
“Don’t overthink it. I really just feel sorry for the Gravekeepers suddenly losing their purpose in life, and it just so happens my territory needs more people!”
Helga’s gaze was sharp as she looked at Eileen, making her feel somewhat guilty.
Night draped over the Gravekeeper Village at the edge of the Valley of Death.
The exhaustion from battle swept over them, and Eileen, Serena, and Helga were settled to rest in a relatively intact stone house within the village.
After a simple dinner, the three took turns using the small bath behind the house, constructed from huge stones and filled with warm spring water.
Mist drifted, carrying a unique scent of sulfur mixed with herbs. The stone chamber was dimly lit, with only a small oil lamp flickering in the corner, casting shadows over the smooth, damp stone walls and the rising steam.
Eileen and Serena soaked in the warm spring water, its gentle flow wrapping around their weary bodies, washing away the grime and bloodstains of battle.
Eileen leaned against the pool’s edge, eyes closed, her long silver hair damp and clinging to her smooth back.
Serena sat opposite her, equally savoring this rare relaxation. Her cheeks flushed rosy from the heat, her eyes occasionally flicking toward her equally unclothed friend. How long had it been since they shared such an honest moment?
Silence filled the space, broken only by the soft babble of water and their quiet breaths.
Suddenly, Eileen opened her eyes, amber orbs shimmering faintly in the dim light, carrying a trace of laziness and barely perceptible aggression.
She slowly shifted her body, sending gentle ripples across the spring.
Silently, she edged closer to Serena…