Chapter 62: The Arrival of the Caravan

Sean flipped open Northern Passion, one of Lodin's romance novels. Before he could read, Matthew entered the tent-library. "Lucio sent me to inform you—" He paused, eyeing the thick tome Sean offered.

"A tear-jerking romance—Wild Passion? Odd title." Matthew flipped through pages as his kitten watched intently.

Five minutes later, Sean slammed the book shut. "It's… unconventional."

Matthew grimaced. "Not my taste." He handed it back, but the kitten pounced, dragging the book to a corner and flipping pages with her paws.

Sean gaped. "Your cat can read?!"

Matthew shrugged. "Maybe she likes the smell."

…

"The caravan's here!" Matthew remembered. "Lucio needs you at the gate."

Sean tossed the book aside. "Lodin, keep writing. The kitten loves it!"

"But I finished the series—"

"Expand it! Add… pastries!" Sean called over his shoulder.

Lodin blinked. Pastries in a romance?

…

At the camp entrance, Lucio pointed to Thorn Ridge. A long line of wagons descended—farmers, slaves, and mercenaries.

Sean rode to greet them.Steward Henry stepped out of his carriage. "Your Highness! No trouble—Olga's mercenaries handled the monsters."

He introduced Olga, a grizzled Silver Rank warrior. "I came for the necromancer. Lilith of the Dark Gold Rose and Sean of the Silver Hourglass are already scouting the Elven Forest."

Sean spotted Paladin Sean and scantily clad Lilith in the distance. "Welcome, Olga. Your presence honors us."

Olga bowed. "My daughter Sophia also joined. She's eager to serve."

A petite girl peeked from behind a wagon, blushing when Sean smiled.

…

That evening, Sean reviewed territory plans with Anduin. "Prioritize housing and farms. We'll need a militia."

Anduin nodded. "The residents are traumatized. Security is key."

Sean yawned. Tomorrow, the reconstruction officially begins. He glanced at Lodin's bookshelf. Maybe the romance novels will distract them…