Chapter 738

Chapter 738: The Return of Fire

On the Western Continent, in the ancient Gufya grassland.

In the undulating wilderness, a group of warm-blooded horses galloped across the ground.

The hooves of the horses stirred up clumps of soil and light yellow dust. Nearly a thousand horses shook their robust muscles and their smooth, glossy hides shimmered in the sunlight as they ran.

These horses, raised by the Beastmen, were agile and full of vitality, racing through the vast wilderness. Not far behind them was a lush forest.

The trees had light yellow leaves and white trunks. In the summer breeze, they rustled, and the leaves flickered under the sun, reflecting bright and mottled light.

Amidst the dry yet warm scent of grass, a figure wearing a felt hat rode on horseback. As he saw the distant light yellow forest, his pace gradually slowed down.

The horse ambled forward leisurely, and this figure looked around at the unfamiliar yet familiar scenery in the gentle warm wind.

Afterward, when he finally approached the yellow forest, he dismounted from the horse.

He removed his hood, revealing a pair of curved goat horns. His face was youthful yet mature, and his close-fitting leather armor accentuated his good figure.

She led the horse into the refreshing forest where the sound of rustling leaves could be heard. Several tall wooden houses appeared in her field of vision not far away.

The paths between the trees were spacious and clean. Scattered wooden posts were visible for resting. When she approached this settlement, the intermittent sounds of roosters crowing and cows mooing brought a sense of life.

When this woman reached the center of the settlement, several aunts were sewing clothes under the shade of the trees while chatting idly.

“Recently, how’s your child doing with their studies? My little treasure says the teacher has taught so much that he can hardly remember it all,” one of the aunts with curved goat horns spoke about recent concerns.

“Oh, my child too. Later, I told him to write down what he didn’t understand in the notebooks given by the school. Don’t be stingy; we can buy more later,” another aunt said.

“But aren’t those notebooks usually used to record the words of Prince Lolan Hill? Isn’t writing other things a bit inappropriate?” asked another aunt hesitantly.

“This…”

“Don’t worry about it. Prince Lolan Hill would be happy to see such scenes,” the woman said gently as she approached. She wore brown leather armor on top, with several leather straps bound around her thighs, slightly digging into her skin to carry some items. Behind her was a crimson hooded cloak.

“Is this… Nia? You’re back,” the aunts exclaimed in surprise, standing up one by one.

“I’m back,” Nia smiled at the familiar faces, looking left and right, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

“I’m back.”

“It’s good you’re back. We’ll have a good meal prepared for you later,” the aunts were excited. Nearby children also gathered happily around her.

“Nia sister is back! Nia sister is back!” Joyful cries echoed through the village in the forest. Laughter and excited footsteps sounded throughout the village.

That night, bonfires rose in the open spaces of the village, and hundreds of people gathered around to celebrate.

They roasted fragrant skewers, sprinkled with cumin and salt grains, emitting oily gleams. They held large wooden cups filled with refreshing beer, some playing Cithar, others beating time, tapping small drums, and singing along.

The flames were bright, laughter never ceased, and the sound of clinking glasses filled the air.

Several burly men stood up with wine glasses in hand, calling out in the evening breeze.

“Let me raise a toast to Nia! Celebrating our clan producing a great hero.”

“Good~”

“Good!”

“Agreed!”

“One glass isn’t enough, three glasses.”

“No, ten glasses.”

“Hahaha, let’s drink until we’re drunk tonight.”

In the noisy night, Nia was surrounded by a crowd. These people wore colorful fur coats and short sleeves, with strong bodies and curved goat horns on their heads.

“Thank you, thank you,” Nia looked at these enthusiastic fellow tribespeople, feeling as if she was enveloped by flames. Although she wasn’t much of a drinker, the familiar, dark faces were so welcoming, warming her heart deeply.

“Haha, another glass.”

Seeing Nia finish the fine wine in her cup, the crowd erupted in loud cheers, then began to tease her loudly.

Nia couldn’t refuse and drank several more glasses. Only then did the crowd disperse under the persuasion of several aunts, allowing Nia to rest.

Looking at Nia’s flushed face, one of the aunts helped bring her some soup to sober up, then sat beside her.

“You child, don’t let them lead you astray,” she helped Nia straighten her hair, admiring the face that had grown up from childhood.

“As expected, you are a beauty, just like I said. But back then, they didn’t believe me. Hmph.”

“Mmm,” Nia’s face reddened slightly, smiling bashfully.

“Why did you suddenly come back today? Weren’t you in Solande before?” the aunt asked curiously.

“Before, in Solande, I was needed to contact various tribes on the grasslands. My identity suited the role, so I stayed there to help.”

“Now that things have stabilized, Solande has many mature people and Beastmen, so I don’t need to mediate as much as before.” Nia sat up slightly, drank some soup, and gradually regained her clarity.

“So now, what about… Don’t say you gave up your position just to return home to herd sheep and horses. In my opinion, holding office in Clancia is impressive.”

“Herders are everywhere, but only you are a seventh-tier Sage’s friend. You are our clan’s pride.”

“Mm, I know,” Nia nodded, having matured compared to the past.

“In fact, this time I came back on a mission from the nation.”

“The ancient Gufya grassland will be divided into six administrative regions, setting up various institutions to assist in construction and management.”

“I consider myself lucky to have been appointed as the governor of one of the administrative regions, so I came back this time.” She spoke somewhat embarrassedly, feeling her age and experience were insufficient for such an important position.

“Wow, this is great news, great news.”

“Our Horned Tribe has made progress, producing a great figure.” She stood up to share this news with those around her.

“But…” Nia tried to stop her.

“There’s nothing to worry about, Nia. Have confidence. It’s just the first time, everyone goes through it. Even if one fails, there are many people in the tribe to help you. Even if they aren’t smart, three shepherds can match one rider. We’ll find a way.”

“Just go ahead boldly.”

Soon after, louder cheers echoed in the village surrounded by trees. The eager figures threw Nia high into the air in the firelight, then let her down again.

This repeated, the enthusiastic waves reverberated across the wilderness, reaching the distant sky.

(The chapter ends)