They each planted a warm kiss on Orion's lips before heading back into the hut to fetch a clay pot and water, intending to refresh themselves. Later, they planned to share their experience with the other women, eager to convey how it surpassed even Celeste and Vivian's descriptions.
"Ahem!" Aunt Greta cleared her throat, wanting to regain Orion's attention.
Orion swiftly redirected his focus toward her.
"If the Village builds it, doesn't that mean they'll also be in charge of the gains?" Aunt Greta repeated her question.
Orion nodded in agreement.
"Yes, you're right. But I have a way to convince the Village to build it for us and then hand over everything to us, so there's no need for you to worry about that; instead, leave it for me to handle," Orion responded.
Aunt Greta's eyes widened in surprise as she heard Orion's words, contemplating how he planned to persuade the Village Chief to hand over such a project to him after they had constructed it themselves.
While acknowledging Orion's merits and his close relationship with the Village Chief, she couldn't shake off the scepticism. Though there was a slight possibility, it seemed more likely that other key figures would strongly oppose such a move, making the chances of success slimmer.
Nevertheless, she couldn't help but marvel at Orion's life—from a weak young boy in a struggling family relying on his mother and elder sister to a warrior who could now speak with key figures as he pleased, despite not having fully achieved his star potential yet.
Aunt Greta suddenly recalled that Orion's change in character had begun after she healed him from his head injury, continuing through his extraordinary performances during his graduation ceremony and until now. Recognizing his potential for even more remarkable achievements in the future, she couldn't help but sigh internally before shaking her head, a smile slowly spreading across her lips.
Regardless of Orion's future accomplishments, she vowed always to be there to help and support him and the family.
"What are you thinking about? Didn't I tell you not to worry?" Orion said, noting Aunt Greta's deep, pondering expression.
Snapping out of her daze, Aunt Greta stared at Orion, who met her gaze with a worried expression in his eyes.
Though he attempted to conceal it, she saw right through him.
"Don't worry, I'm okay. I was thinking about how much you've grown and how much potential you have to achieve more," Aunt Greta responded.
She stretched her hand and held his jaw, reciprocating his actions.
"And regardless of what happens in the future, I will always be by your side," she added, her lips leaning toward his.
Orion observed her movements and leaned in, their lips meeting and tongues mingling momentarily before gently pulling apart. Noticing her glazed eyes, Orion slowly guided her towards the mat, allowing her to lay down comfortably.
As he raised her tulga to her waist, he watched as she pulled up the piece of cloth covering her breasts.
Apart from parting his legs wide open, he positioned himself in the centre and then gradually entered the entrance in front of him with his spear.
…....
"Alright, I gathered you all together because there's someone I'd like you to meet," Orion said, surveying his partners, each standing in front of their large hut, all freshly cleaned and dressed in their tulgas.
"Who is that 'person'?" Gina asked with curiosity.
The women shared a collective interest in Orion's mysterious introduction, prompting them to freshen up and dress nicely. Some wondered if Orion was taking them to meet the Village Chief, but they dismissed the thought, finding it odd for the Village Chief to invite Orion and all of them right after their arrival with Saria today.
However, Ayla and Aunt Greta exchanged a brief, thoughtful glance.
Though they had a clue about whom Orion might be introducing, they had entertained doubts several times before, given Orion hadn't previously mentioned anything about it when he last arrived at the Village.
But at this moment, the doubt in their hearts only intensified, especially for Aunt Greta. She had an urge to open her mouth and ask whether Anara's child was the one Orion intended to introduce, questioning if he was the father. However, a glance at Ayla, shaking her head in refusal, immediately sealed Aunt Greta's lips. Since Orion hadn't disclosed the identity yet, it implied he intended it as a surprise.
She had to await the revelation patiently, questioning the accuracy of her doubts. After all, the likelihood of her being wrong was high. No matter how potent Orion's semen might be, even impregnating someone like Grandma Celia, who had passed her fertility age, the idea of him impregnating a tree nymph, especially one like Anara, was utterly impossible, right?
In response to their curiosity, Orion shook his head.
"I won't be revealing it here. We'll have to move quickly so that you all can see for yourselves," he replied.
Observing her brother's insistence on keeping who they would be meeting a surprise, Gina bit her lip in frustration.
This marked the third time she had posed the question, and the third time Orion had refused to answer.
Was this person they were about to meet so important that he couldn't share their identity even with his own sister?
Gina couldn't help but ponder, her thoughts racing as she felt a gradual sense of losing her connection with her elder brother. In the blink of an eye, his partners had become such a prominent part of his life that he barely had time for her.
Unlike them, all she received were a few forehead kisses and questions about her day before he swiftly moved on to spend time with his other partners.
Sure, she wasn't his partner, and that was the problem.
No matter how hard she tried, he only saw his sister, devoid of any partner potential.
Sometimes, she wondered if it was because she wasn't as beautiful as Reena. However, she quickly dismissed those thoughts when remembering Orion's chosen partners.
If Orion could have women like Ayla, Greta, and even Grandma Vivian and the others as partners, she couldn't fathom why it was difficult for him to see her in the same light.
Nevertheless, she knew Orion would be leaving soon again, so she resolved to make him see her as a partner before that time.
