"He stayed with me... I mean, we stayed together," Dariya replied. Although Orion couldn't understand why he could almost hear Dariya's voice chuckling at her own words, even if it was just his imagination, he still felt a sense of susceptibility under Mrs Shani's scrutinizing gaze. However, he saw no reason to contradict Dariya's statement, as he didn't want anyone to discover his recent escapades involving intimate encounters with a tree nymph. Considering all the stunts and surprises he had been involved in lately, adding any more information would be overkill for him.
"So instead of returning to your hut for the night, you chose to sleep outside here with Dariya," Mrs Shani inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Orion took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, "Well, I actually fell asleep on my way back, and Dariya kindly offered to create a comfortable sleeping spot for me so as not to disturb my rest." As Mrs Shani listened to his explanation, she had a multitude of questions swirling in her mind.
She had been led here by a group of excited tree nymphs who seemed to be aware of Dariya and Orion's whereabouts. However, she decided to set aside these questions for the time being. There was clearly something going on involving the young man standing before her, and even though she had missed out on some of the events of yesterday, she was determined to uncover the truth today.
"Very well, let's not keep the village chief and Miss Greta waiting any longer. They have been searching for you," Mrs Shani expressed, her tone urgent as she turned on her heels and gestured for Orion to follow. With a nod of acknowledgement to Dariya, she set off briskly, indicating for him to keep pace.
Orion silently trailed behind Mrs. Shani, his gaze lingering on Dariya who winked at him mischievously. As he focused his attention back on Mrs Shani's swift steps, his mind couldn't help but dwell on the forbidden nature of their relationship. While he had already experienced numerous seductive encounters and impregnated many women, this newfound connection with a non-human entity felt uniquely thrilling and enticing, adding an extra layer of excitement to his already adventurous taste.
After a few minutes of walking, Orion finally arrived at the bustling hub of the farm, a place he had visited during the awakening ceremony. Mr Tog had explained that this area served as the production centre and residence for many villagers who chose to make their homes here. As he and Mrs Shani stepped into the streets lined with huts nestled together, Orion observed the villagers respectfully greet Mrs Shani, their nods acknowledging her presence.
Undeterred, she maintained her brisk pace, further affirming Orion's belief that she held a position of great importance and respect in the community. Eventually, they reached their destination, and as they knocked on the door, it swung open to reveal Gina, who immediately leapt into Orion's arms upon recognizing him.
"How are you, Gina?" Orion asked, returning her hug as she embraced him tightly. "Not good," Gina replied, her face filled with anger. "Everyone forgot about me! Only Sister Reena and Grandma Derry remembered to include me when Mom was packing up our things for the move."
Orion let out a deep sigh, contemplating how he should explain to her that he hadn't forgotten about her but had been occupied with managing everything and ensuring that things were in order.
And honestly, this situation reminded him of when his married colleagues would complain about the challenges they faced at home. Their partners often felt ignored while they worked tirelessly to pay the bills. Although Orion's circumstances were different, he shamelessly compared them to his current situation in this world. After all, he was contributing to the village's economy and ensuring their future survival by impregnating numerous women with his semen. Surely, that had to count for something, right?
"I didn't forget about you, Gina," Orion whispered softly, his hand gently patting and rubbing her back. "I was just preoccupied with certain matters, as you're probably already aware." Gina nodded, understanding dawning on her face, yet she couldn't completely shake off her lingering anger.
Orion couldn't help but smile at her expression, finding it somewhat amusing. "Where are the others? Are they inside?" he inquired eagerly. Gina's head bobbed up and down in response. "Yes, they're all inside, anxiously waiting for you. Come on, let's go!" With that, she grabbed his hand and enthusiastically pulled him into the hut, while Mrs Shani followed closely behind, her face adorned with a knowing smile.
"What's happening here?" Orion inquired, stepping inside the hut and being greeted by a peculiar sight. All the women were reclining on mats, being attended to by unfamiliar faces who were carefully feeding them with strange leaves and crushed herbs. Perplexed, Orion directed his question to Mrs Shani. "The village chief went to meet with some of the farm's caretakers since you were not around," she explained. "He should return in a few minutes, or maybe an hour."
Orion nodded, acknowledging the information, but his focus remained on the women and their peculiar meal. "Alright, but what are they being fed?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. While he knew it was some kind of medicinal herb, he desired a deeper understanding of its purpose and effects.
Mrs Shani observed Orion's expression and heard his response simultaneously, prompting her to reassure him, "There's no need to worry. They are simply being fed plants that will keep them healthy and strengthen their bodies until the day of delivery. The herbs also have beneficial effects on the baby, ensuring a smooth delivery without complications. After all, anything can happen on that day."
Orion grasped Mrs Shani's explanation, and before he could inquire about how he could assist, Aunt Greta interjected, "Furthermore, to ensure the herbs work effectively, I will be here to monitor their progress every day until they're ready to deliver." Aunt Greta rose from her seat near Reena and made her way towards another woman. Having overheard Orion and Mrs Shani's conversation, she felt compelled to share her own perspective, as it directly concerned her as well.
