Village Head's Debauchery

"But I don't think it's something you should feel burdened about because rather than harming you, it had healed you and brought you to full health. If it had any plans of harming you, it would have done so at that very moment. Also, while you were unconscious, I took my time to look at it again carefully, and it appeared weaker than it currently is," Aerialia responded.

Hearing Aerialia's response, Orion immediately looked at the weakly burning White Flame in his heart, noting that it appeared less vibrant than it had previously been. He retracted his senses.

"You are right. It is less vibrant than it was previously. I'll just have to be more watchful of it in case it reacts more intensely like that in the future," Orion responded.

"Also, did you truly mean everything you said previously?" Orion asked, recalling Aerialia's explanation about true debauchery and freedom.

Ever since entering this world, he had always wanted to live unbothered by what was happening within it. Even as his horizon kept expanding, he unconsciously narrowed it.

After Aerialia's words, he realized that his mental constraints had made him nothing more than a child and a fool.

Aerialia nodded in response. "Yes, I meant every word I said. True debauchery isn't just about the excesses and indulgences; it's about embracing life's pleasures and joys without shame, free from fear and restraint. If you must give up those you hold dear or neglect those who depend on you just to indulge, then it's not true debauchery but a hollow pursuit of selfish desires. I've witnessed many misguided individuals on that path to self-destruction."

"And if you can't follow your heart's desires without fear or hesitation, running from challenges or pain, that's not freedom but a delusion, a form of cowardice. After being with you for a while now, Orion, I know you are neither of those,' Aerialia responded.

Orion stared at Aerialia in a daze, silent as he digested every word she spoke.

Aerialia leaned in abruptly and kissed Orion's cheek, pushing him forward before he could react. "Go. The rest are waiting for you out there," she said with a smile.

Orion felt himself being pulled out of the space within the small Crimson Greatsword mark. In the next moment, he opened his eyes again and looked around.

He glanced to the side and saw Greta, Fifi, Reena, Celeste, Ingrid, Fiona, Elysia, and several others asleep beside him. It only took him a moment to realize that he was currently at home and in his master bedroom.

Suddenly, as if sensing his movements, they all began to wake up one by one.

Fifi opened her eyes wide as she stared at him, then swiftly jumped into his arms. "Orion!" Her voice awakened the others from their sleep.

"Orion, you're finally awake!"

"Orion!!"

They all leapt into his arms one by one, surrounding him from every angle and holding him tightly. Some cried, tears streaming down their faces, while others clung to him emotionally.

"I'm okay now, so you all calm your hearts down," Orion reassured them, gently wiping away their tears.

They nodded in understanding and slowly released their hold on him.

"How are you feeling?" Fifi asked, wiping the last of her tears.

"I feel much better now," Orion replied, attempting to stand up only to be pulled back down.

"What are you doing?" Celeste asked, her tone serious.

"I said you don't have to worry. I feel much better now and can walk normally, so please believe me," Orion responded, smiling wryly as he observed his mother's stern expression.

However, Celeste shook her head. "Whether you're alright or not is something we'll judge. We've watched you unconscious for the last six days, after all. I'd rather not take any chances," shestated,a fierce glint in her eyes.

"Rest for a bit longer, and if you need anything, just let us know so we can take care of it. You may be a warrior, but what you attempted was dangerous. We shouldn't unnecessarily risk anything," Fifi added, agreeing with Celeste's concerns.

Greta also said, "Even if we know you're healthy and there's nothing wrong with you, as the healer here, I suggest you rest for another day to ensure everything's truly alright. I'll also delay the announcement of your recovery to ensure no one disturbs you in the next few hours," she advised.

Reena, Lyra, Gina, Ursa, and the others echoed similar sentiments, urging him to rest at least another day and ensure everything was okay before resuming his activities.

Observing their concern, Orion relented with a nod. "Okay, I'll follow your advice," he said, settling back onto the soft pillow behind him.

He welcomed the break, using the time to reflect on Aerialia's actions before she had pushed him out of the space within the small Crimson Greatsword mark and to properly process everything she had told him.

Suddenly, Lyra darted to one side of the bed, clutching Orion, while Gina mirrored her on the opposite side.

"I'll stay close to ensure nothing happens to Orion. Fiona, please help me and breastfeed Alden. He'll be waking soon, and I won't be leaving until Orion's fully recovered," Lyra said, her gaze fixed on Fiona.

"Okay, I make sure to do so," Fiona nodded.

"Me too," Gina interjected, but just as she was about to complete her sentence, she stumbled over her words. "Ahem! I'll remain here fornow,tomake sureno one disturbs Orion until he feels much better."

Lyra clicked her tongue, biting back the retort she wanted to make. She was sharp-tongued but wouldn't stoop so low, especially not in front of her daughter and Orion.

Out of nowhere, Sura leaped onto Orion, snuggling against his chest. "I'm not causing you any discomfort, right?" Sura asked, her eyes fixed on Orion with a coquettish gaze.

"You aren't," Orion shook his head in response. He leaned down to kiss her forehead and then repeated the gesture with Gina and Lyra. He embraced them all and closed his eyes, thinking deeply about Aerialia's words.