Chapter 257

Zack spent some time conversing with Nicole, and the others nearby. Helena was fascinated by the centaurs, and they seemed to enjoy answering her questions. A woman named Corra even offered to let Helena sit on her back.

Typically they wouldn't allow such a thing, but with an innocent child asking, and wanting to catch Zack's eye was sufficient motivation. Corra was part of a convoy from Quinn's village, and since her arrival, she's been taking over many of the livestock duties. They also brought a few of their trainers to help with assembling a sufficient stable for training more cavalry forces.

Corra has curly chestnut hair and blue eyes that kept glancing in Zack's direction. She is wearing a blue blouse that exposed her delicate collar bone. Zack's eyes trailed down to the cleavage bouncing as she trotted in his direction.

The look on Helena's face as she asked Corra questions made Zack smile. Everyone has been so welcoming to his daughter, and it was something that didn't go unnoticed. Raising a family in Eden was something Zack looked forward to, and they had his mother to thank for it.

"You didn't have to do that," Zack told Corra.

"I don't mind at all. You could ride together if you want." Corra smiled.

'What would I hold onto?'

"How are the others adapting to the city?" Zack asked.

"They are glad to have so much free space. Things back home were starting to get cramped, and I always wanted to manage my own stable." Corra replied.

"You know I'm rooting for all of you, and if you need any more help with getting something started just let us know," Zack announced.

With the steady income from his business with Mephisto and the mages guild, Zack's fortune was steadily increasing. Eden was self-sufficient, and they even considered funding another city to help expand their efforts at change. Once they heard about this residents have been coming forward to try their chance at achieving their dreams, and Corra was one of them.

"Sorry, it took so long," Dyna told Zack.

"It's okay Helena got to meet some more of our people. Thank you for letting us come back here." Zack replied.

"It's your city after all." Dyna teased.

"Everyone here makes this place function, and we are building a place for the generation to come after us. That makes it our city, and I figured our diplomat would know that best." Zack replied while walking up to embrace her.

Hearing this put a smile on everyone's face to know Zack was thinking of their futures. Seeing the two embraced inspired many to start searching for someone to share that future with. A few nearby were still determined for that person to be Zack after watching him with Helena, and Dyna.

"We should head back if we wanna make it in time," Dyna told Zack.

Zack walked up to help Helena down from Corra and thanked them all for being so kind to her. While walking away they began discussing ways to get Zack by the stables. Nicole watched them walk away with Helena on his shoulders, and Dyna resting against Zack's arm.

'They really are a family.' Nicole smiled.

As the group approached the stands of the auction Dyna distanced herself. When they came into view of Julius he waved them back over.

"When I saw Dyna walking around without you I thought you had other matters to tend to," Julius told Zack.

"Not without seeing things through first," Zack replied.

As the auction continued Zack made several purchases, and only one of them was for Eden. The rest were purchased while thinking of his new allies in the hopes of improving the quality of life. Zack wanted them to all be prosperous so they can focus on protecting their families, and aiding their neighbors.

The crowd from the auction was quickly dispersing, but Zack lingered to check on the workers. Julius followed them with the others to get a better look at the operation and tip those who helped out during the auction. All the council members were standing around praising Dyna for her efficiency today.

"Our earnings today have already surpassed our expectations for the season, and it's all thanks to you. You did a wonderful job at getting this started, but I think it's time you come home." Julius told Dyna.

Those words caused Dyna's heart to sink, and Helena immediately sensed the discomfort. She looked up at Dyna with concern. Why was Dyna leaving? They had a great time today, and Helena was looking forward to learning to ride together.

'Maybe I can convince him to let me work a little longer.'

Dyna was preparing to open her mouth, but the look on her father's face caused hesitation. Almost every request Dyna ever made was denied by her father, and why would now be any different? As sadness was starting to set in she felt something grab her waist. Dyna looked down to see Zack pulling her into his embrace.

"There's no easy way so this, but I know you're a busy man so I won't waste your time. I love your daughter, and she will be staying here with us." Zack declared while kissing her on the cheek.

A few members of the council have feared the day would come where Dyna would find a man and set off Julius. They always expected him to cut the man down but given the suitor that wasn't easily done. Each of them was prepared to endure the wrath in Zack's place upon the return to the village for they swayed him to position Dyna here.

Julius reached for his sword and drew it. Zack had expected this reaction someday from his actions. Dyna was preparing to step forward, but Julius was working at something on the handle. After a minute of tinkering, Julius removed the insignia embedded into the hilt.

"This is our family crest, and it deserves to be passed onto an heir. It seems my other sons have no intention of putting down roots so that task lies on you now. Don't disappoint." Julius told Zack while handing him the crest.