Chapter 25: Decision
Veyi’s Concern Winger confirmed Veyi was unharmed. She feigned nonchalance, as usual. “Teacher, where were you? Uncle Aiden came back, looking for you…” Veyi trailed off. Aiden confided that Winger might blame him. She didn’t want to stir trouble by telling her. He trusted her as Winger’s student. A lord needed dignity, but also a place for weakness. Winger was that place for him. Wasn’t Aiden still unmarried? Veyi’s thoughts wandered. “I checked the mountains. Things aren’t peaceful. I don’t want our home gone.” Winger’s reason was simple. She never spoke of protecting anything. To Veyi, it was just her teacher’s tsundere act. Winger had lived here so long. She was kind, owed no one. The village’s gratitude couldn’t repay her. “Oh—” Veyi giggled, eyeing the blasted alchemy pot.
Tidying the Treehouse They cleaned the treehouse, catching up. The room’s furnishings overwhelmed Winger. Vick’s sword sheath had been blown out. It fit her sword perfectly. The cold-white shell wasn’t icy. Polished edges held a tiny red gem near the hilt. It was understated yet elegant. She sensed a solidified energy within. Was it craftsmanship or “enhancement”? The ruined alchemy pot meant workshop time. She assigned Veyi herb garden tasks. Then, she sought Kailos and Rhine. Aiden left his guard squad behind. He’d send help later, deciding then whether to stay. Kailos guarded the mine’s camp. A gust brought Winger. “Madam,” he saluted, others following. She waved them up with magic, keeping only Kailos. “No need to guard here. Train the village militia. Send scouts for intelligence. I’ll handle the mines.” Without materials, the workshop couldn’t run.
Planning for Stability Winger needed materials first. The workshop could then operate. She’d test [Forging]’s enhancement. Maybe the alchemy pot could improve. The Church wouldn’t take years to arrive. Such inefficiency hinted at hidden motives. Professionals should train the militia. Maple Whisper Village had ample reserves. Grain surplus drove prices down. Their output exceeded norms. Years of savings piled up. How else could Veyi afford silk skirts? Winger saw the fields during her trip. Low yields faced constant blight. A sudden snow could kill many. Refugee unrest would rise. Manpower was needed for aid and control. Glennmbak’s lord wasn’t her concern. Maple Whisper never got outside contact. Relying on ideals was foolish. Winger looked beyond the valley. She felt compelled to act. Perfection wasn’t possible, so she’d take bold steps. Kailos led the men away.
Village Adjustments The camp emptied, soon to house workers. Hunters would rest there, too. Normalcy would return gradually. Winger leaped toward the village. She found Rhine talking with others. Her sudden arrival startled them. “Lady…” “Divine Envoy…” “Teacher.” “What’s happening?” Rhine explained it was about budget allocation. Winger needed to adjust village plans, too. Roads and infrastructure needed upgrades. Logistics couldn’t be ignored. Isolation hindered progress. Hiding like a turtle required strength. Winger didn’t think she moved fast. Steady progress was key. Time was her asset—and her shortage. Hiring Finrod needed money and mines. Skilled people demanded good conditions. Delays were fine; she’d restore order. Too many tasks loomed. She didn’t want to overwork anyone. She dismissed the others, sitting with Rhine. They discussed schools, hospitals, ranches. Current manpower sufficed for stability. But growth needed more.
Winger’s Burden Winger wasn’t noble enough to teach. She took students on a whim—or pity. Few stayed; most were gone. Rhine was busy with village affairs. Veyi was her only helper now. Reila taught due to Church tradition. Asking more felt shameless. Hiring outsiders was temporary. Few would come to this “backwater.” She might need Aiden’s help. Everything circled back to her. If she’d done nothing, she’d be alone. Reserves would eventually run dry. Grain was reliable but lacked edge. Planning everything herself was daunting. She wasn’t trained for this. An external brain was needed. Who was clever enough? She couldn’t think of anyone. “Teacher, let me handle this,” Rhine said. Winger stared out the window, distracted. His tired face didn’t ease her guilt. “Alright, it’s yours.” Gentle words stuck in her throat.
A Fading Legacy The room’s candlelight flickered, rusted. A faded flag hung like a forgotten oath. Faith’s light once shone here. The Lord and Holy Sword’s legend was buried in history’s dust. Rhine watched Winger leave, his heart calm.