Chapter 265

Chapter 265: Chapter 265 "Thank you," she managed to say, her voice thick with emotion. "I... thank you."


"Tonight we feast!" Satou announced, raising his voice so the entire settlement could hear. "Everyone is invited! We’ll celebrate our victory, welcome our new family member, and enjoy being together!"


More cheers erupted, and people immediately began dispersing to prepare. Goblins ran to start cooking fires. Orcs began hauling out tables and benches. Others went to gather food from stores and begin preparation.


The settlement transformed into organized chaos as everyone worked together to prepare for the celebration.


Jessica took Satou’s hand, squeezing it gently. "This is nice. Having you home. Seeing everyone happy."


"It is," Satou agreed, squeezing back.


Lyra took his other hand, creating a complete circuit between the three of them. "Let’s never be apart that long again."


"Agreed," Satou and Jessica said simultaneously, then laughed.


The afternoon passed in a blur of activity. Satou took time to properly greet everyone in the settlement who wanted to welcome him home. He checked in with the warriors who’d stayed behind, making sure there had been no issues during his absence. He verified that Loki’s promised guards had maintained good security.


He also made sure his companions from the journey got proper rest. Kelvin, Grimnir, and Urgot were all exhausted despite Jessica’s healing, and they needed actual sleep in real beds rather than a moving carriage.


Sylvara was given a private room in one of the better buildings—not as large as Satou’s own quarters, but comfortable and secure. Several of the settlement’s women immediately adopted her, bringing her fresh clothes, showing her around, treating her like a long-lost sister rather than a stranger.


By the time evening arrived, the settlement’s central square had been transformed. Long tables had been set up in rows, each one laden with food that smelled absolutely amazing. Roasted meats, fresh bread, vegetables prepared in various ways, fruit, and multiple barrels of ale and wine.


Magical lights had been strung up, creating a warm glow that made everything feel festive and welcoming. Someone had even convinced a few of the musically-inclined residents to bring out instruments—drums, some kind of stringed instrument that looked like a lute, and wind instruments.


As the sun set and the twin moons rose, the feast began in earnest.


Satou sat at the main table with Jessica on one side and Lyra on the other. Kelvin, Grimnir, and Urgot sat nearby, enjoying having proper food after days of travel rations. Sylvara had been seated with a group of younger residents who were determined to make her feel welcome.


The food was excellent—simple but well-prepared, using ingredients from the settlement’s farms and stores. Meat that had been seasoned and roasted to perfection. Bread that was still warm from the ovens. Vegetables that were fresh and crisp.


"This is amazing," Urgot said through a mouthful of food, his youthful appetite making quick work of his portion. "I missed real cooking so much!"


"Agreed," Grimnir added, his normally taciturn nature loosened by good food and better company. "Travel rations are practical, but they can’t compare to this."


Kelvin raised his mug of ale. "To Lord Satou! Who led us to victory against impossible odds!"


"To Lord Satou!" the others echoed, raising their own drinks.


Satou smiled and raised his own mug in return. "To all of you! I couldn’t have done any of it without your support and skills!"


They drank deeply, the ale strong but smooth, warming them from the inside.


As the feast continued, the atmosphere grew more relaxed and jovial. People were laughing, telling stories, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together and safe. Children ran between the tables playing games. Adults shared food and drink and conversation.


Musicians began playing, and some people started dancing—simple folk dances that required more enthusiasm than skill. The music was cheerful and energetic, perfectly matching the mood.


Satou found himself relaxing properly for the first time since leaving for the mission. The tension he’d been carrying—the weight of facing Merc Assault, the responsibility for his companions’ safety, the pressure of the mission—all of it slowly dissolved as he was surrounded by his people celebrating.


Jessica leaned against his side, contentedly nibbling on a piece of fruit. Lyra had her hand on his thigh under the table, a possessive but comfortable gesture.


"This is perfect," Jessica said softly, just for him. "This is what it should always be like."


"Agreed," Satou replied, kissing the top of her head.


He noticed Sylvara across the way, and what he saw made him smile. The dark elf had clearly had too much to drink—her violet eyes were slightly unfocused, her cheeks flushed, her movements loose and uncoordinated.


She’d been convinced to join a group of young women—a mix of goblins, orcs. They were all laughing and talking, and Sylvara was... crying?


"My father was such an asshole!" Sylvara declared loudly, her words slightly slurred. "Do you know what he said to me? Even when I had my blade at his throat, even when he was dying, he called me useless! His own daughter!"


Fresh tears streamed down her face, though she was also laughing in that way drunk people do when emotions are overwhelming.


"He killed my mother! Trapped her in nightmares for three days! And you know what his reason was? She was making him ’soft!’ Can you believe that?!"


The women around her made sympathetic noises, several of them hugging her.


"That’s horrible!"


"You deserved better!"


"What kind of father does that?!"


"The worst kind!" Sylvara agreed emphatically. "The absolute worst! And you know what? I’m glad he’s dead! I’m glad I killed him! Is that bad? Am I bad for being glad my father is dead?"


"No!" the women chorused immediately.


"He was a monster," one of the orc girls said firmly. "You did what needed to be done. That doesn’t make you bad—it makes you strong."


"You’re not alone anymore," a goblin girl added, squeezing Sylvara’s hand. "You have us now. You have this whole settlement. You’re part of our family."