"Nula… Nula…" Rana called out, his tone loud and commanding.
"Ye—yes…" Nula responded, feigning a slight surprise, as if taken aback by his sudden address.
"What are you zoning out for? Is something troubling you?" Rana asked, having clearly noticed her mind wasn't in the present conversation.
"Th—that's nothing. Nothing's wrong, everything is fine…" Nula said hurriedly, a bit startled, but she quickly regained her composure. She cast a quick glance at Fuyu, only to see he was focused on Rana, so she turned her full attention back to her husband.
"Well, something definitely feels wrong. Tell me what is bothering you?" Rana persisted, his voice calm yet carrying the cold tone he often used. Nula looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.
"How can I not worry? You are leaving for such a long time! I'm afraid… it's making me worried about what if something happens?" Nula confessed, her expression filled with distress as she turned slightly away from him.
"Oh, come on, Nula, don't be so concerned. It's not the first time I've left for this purpose, and to secure a good life for us, these things must be done," Rana said with a sigh and a gentle smile.
"Hmm… I know, but…" Nula replied, looking down in distress. Rana moved closer, gently pulling her to face him, and held her hands.
"Nula, I know how you feel, but don't be sad. You need to take care of the children, so be strong. I promise I will return safe and sound, and I'll try to come back as early as possible," Rana reassured her, his voice softening as he looked directly into her eyes. Nula met his gaze before withdrawing her eyes, and they embraced for a few moments before separating.
"See, bro… just like my father, I'm also going to take care of my wife like that someday," Manu declared to Fuyu with an odd smile. Fuyu only nodded in understanding, continuing to watch their parents as the conversation progressed. Soon after, Rana left the hut, fully equipped with his gear for protection on the journey.
He wasn't traveling alone; many other men were accompanying the patriarch to the other tribe for a peace agreement. Going to someone else's territory to forge a good relationship was inherently dangerous. However, with so many powerful figures traveling together, the other tribe wouldn't dare initiate a war, as it would cost them many lives as well.
Upon learning the reason for his father's departure, Manu became worried and freaked out. Rana told him to be strong, like Fuyu, who wasn't showing any emotion and remained calm even after hearing the news. This was likely due to Fuyu's growing control over his emotions, possibly influenced by Vasana, and his general learning.
Rana tasked an emotional Manu with the responsibility of protecting and taking care of his mother and sister in his absence. He told the boys that when he returned, he didn't want to see them failing in this vital task.
After Rana left, Nula sighed before turning her attention to her sons. Manu immediately stepped forward, looking at her.
"Don't worry, Mother. Even if Father isn't here, this warrior will protect you from any threat!" Manu said dramatically, which made Nula giggle slightly. She then told him to bring some goods from the hut's storage room. Manu saluted her before rushing off.
"Hah… this kid," Nula chuckled with a smile as she finally turned her attention toward Fuyu. But before she could speak, Fuyu posed a question.
"Mother…"
"Hmm?"
"What recently occurred that necessitated Father's trip to the other tribe's area? It will take them nearly a week of long travel from here."
"It's because recently, several of our tribe members at the borderline were killed by the Hague tribe. To prevent this conflict from escalating, the patriarch and other members are going to meet with them. With winter approaching, survival is already tough, but having those killers openly roaming around would only create a greater survival threat. That's why this situation needs to be resolved as quickly as possible," Nula explained.
"Oh, I see."
"Mom, here are your goods!"
"Why are you in such a rush?"
"Well, Rani is here, so I'm going to meet her," Manu declared before leaving immediately, the eager lover.
"Okay, well, return before it's too late!" Nula shouted loudly after him. She was genuinely happy that her son was engaging in finding himself a mate.
"He truly is crazy about Rani… Hah, my baby," Nula said as she returned her attention to Fuyu.
"He sure is. But Mother, where is Sister Lara? She doesn't seem to be home. She didn't even come out to say goodbye to Father," Fuyu asked.
"Ah, she's not here. You know Karl came to take her with him for a talk or something. You already know Lara has a lover like Karl; he's a genuinely good boy. I can be at ease with Lara being with him," Nula said with a relaxed expression as she sat down on the ground.
"I see."
"By the way, Fuyu, close the door and come here. I want to talk to you about something," Nula suddenly declared. Fuyu followed her instruction, locking the door before sitting in front of her to hear her out.
"What do you want to talk about, Mother?" Fuyu asked calmly, unsurprised by Nula's sudden request for a private conversation.
"Are you finding yourself a mate? You know, everyone your age starts looking for a spouse. So, are you interested in someone? If you are, tell me, and your father and I will arrange a meeting for your relationship with that girl," Nula clarified. Fuyu raised his eyebrows before calmly stating:
"Well, it's nothing like that, Mother. I don't want to marry anyone."
"Huh… but why? Don't you want a girl for yourself? You know, Lara told me that you are having erections every day, so it's a sign that you should get married and start a family," Nula explained as best she could.
"No, Mother. It's true that I'm having erections every day, but I don't want a burden."
"What? It's not a burden to have a wife! It's only natural for you to marry," Nula countered.
"Well, Mother, I guess I'm clear that I don't want to marry. And let me ask you this: why do you want me to marry anyway?"
"Of course, because you would get someone to rely on. She can take care of you, and especially that erection of yours—it would be hard to focus on things with that troubling your mind. And let me ask you this: most boys show attraction toward girls from a very young age, but you still aren't. Why is that?" Nula asked with a clear tone.
Fuyu was confused about how to respond. He genuinely needed someone to have sex with, but in marriage, it would be restricted to only one wife, which, according to Vasana, was not enough to activate the Nadia.
"Well, Mother, I am attracted to them."
"Then why not find someone for yourself?"
"That's because…" Fuyu was at a loss for words. He didn't know what to say. But he remembered that prostitution existed in this world. Even married women could have sex with you in exchange for crops and goods, though this typically only worked with poor people, not the wealthy. Fuyu was momentarily confused: should he just use that method to gain power?