Gideon's decision was firm and indisputable. Lena realized this, yet for some reason, she found herself agreeing with him.

Princess Hannah's identity as part of Moko's royal family was far too valuable to discard lightly.

Gideon was naturally avoiding any potential suspicion of betrayal that the people of Moko might direct at Hannah.

At this moment, Luke was still in the inn room with Hannah. Gideon was certain that Luke was speaking with her, trying to persuade her.

Their relationship had grown so close that it had culminated in them being caught in an intimate moment.

"Let's head back," Gideon said, and Lena nodded.

After finishing their visit to the fountain in the center of the village, they turned and walked away to return to their inn.

Lena didn't know how Hannah would respond to Gideon's decision. Still, Hannah was mature and understood what was best and worst for her own life.

Upon arriving at the inn and heading up to the second floor, Gideon and Lena stopped right in front of Gideon's room.

Sobbed cries came from within, joined by Luke's voice attempting to calm Hannah.

Gideon took a deep breath. He raised his hand and knocked lightly on the door, causing the crying to pause and footsteps to become audible.

The door opened, and Luke looked at Gideon in surprise while Gideon regarded him with focused seriousness.

"Captain?"

"What's going on?" Gideon asked, pretending ignorance.

"It's about Hannah. She's decided to return and leave the team," Luke explained.

Oh, I didn't expect her to make that decision. In that case, I don't need to give orders.

"I see. I'm sure that was a difficult choice for you. But it can't be helped. Hannah's identity as Princess of Moko must be protected. It would be disastrous for Moko if they knew she defected to Luthe."

"She fully understands that, Captain," Luke said.

Gideon offered a faint smile and lifted his hand to lightly pat Luke's shoulder. He knew Luke had feelings for Hannah, but in this situation, there was little he could do except focus on the team's crucial mission.

Hannah would be completely safe in the Kingdom of Moko, protected by her brother and Commander Ashfield. According to Gideon, Luke didn't need to feel guilty or sorrowful about it.

"Don't linger too long in Nikua. I'm concerned that Luthe's soldiers might arrive at the canyon first. You need to get there before them."

"We?" Luke asked.

"You'll be escorting Hannah. Lena and I have some business related to the village of Nikua," Gideon explained.

"Can you take care of her until she gets home?"

Luke smiled, nodding while bowing his head. "Of course. I'll protect her, even if it costs my life."

Gideon nodded. He ordered Luke to prepare all his gear, and Hannah the same. He requested that Luke and Hannah depart tonight, since no Luthe soldiers had yet reached the canyon.

Luke obeyed immediately, while Hannah wiped her tears and agreed to Gideon's orders. Both began donning their gear, with Gideon assisting Luke and Lena helping Hannah.

Initially, Gideon expected Luke to be angry, upset, and sad about having to part with Hannah. But Luke's heart was strong; he accepted Hannah's decision calmly, showing no resistance. Gideon felt proud of him.

Once everything was ready, Luke mounted his steed, separated from Hannah. Gideon and Lena waited outside the inn to see them off.

"Be careful. Minimize weapon contact with any enemies."

"Understood, Captain," Luke replied.

Swiftly, Luke and Hannah spurred their horses, leaving Nikua Village behind and heading east. The canyon was about two days' ride away, and with the supplies they carried, Gideon was confident they would reach it safely.

"So, what do we do now?" Lena asked, turning to look at Gideon.

"We rest. Tomorrow, we will go to the village and meet the chief. He might be able to help us start a business."

"Understood, Captain."

***

The next day.

Nikua Village.

As planned, Gideon and Lena arrived at the headman's house, wearing black t-shirts and brown pants.

They had purchased the outfits solely for camouflage, preventing anyone from suspecting them if they wore casual tactical shirts.

They knocked on the door, and an elderly man appeared. He wasn't alone; he was accompanied by a 28-year-old woman, his youngest daughter.

"Good morning."

"Can we help you?" the woman asked, acting as her father's spokesperson.

"Ah, yes. We're both refugees from Moko and have decided to settle in the village. We realize we need to restart our lives from scratch. That's why I came to consult with you," Gideon explained.

Gideon's handsome face and confidence impressed the woman. Few men in her village had both the physique, looks, and intelligence of Gideon.

"Of course. Please, come in."

Gideon and Lena sat on wooden chairs as the woman approached to explain. They listened attentively.

"Nikua is a small village; there isn't much we can produce," the woman said, introducing herself as Nira.

"I understand."

"The village is also quite far from the city—about five days on horseback," Nira continued.

"Many villagers migrate to the city, thinking it's better. Gradually, the village population has dwindled."

"Forgive me for sharing so much that may not be necessary," Nira said.

"That's fine. It helps us understand what kind of business the village needs," Lena replied.

"I'm glad you want to settle and start a business here."

"What kind of business do you want to establish?" Nira asked.

Lena turned to look at Gideon; he hadn't explained yet what business they would pursue. He had said they would decide after hearing the headman's concerns.

"We haven't decided yet. I'm concerned that the business we start might compete with existing village businesses," Lena explained.

"I understand."

"What the village needs are a blacksmith, tailor, clergy, and farmers. All are available in the city, but it would be inconvenient to travel there just for these services," Nira said.

Gideon nodded in understanding. Nira added that there were many shortages in the village and hoped Gideon and Lena would take on one of the needed businesses. Gideon nodded, comprehending the village's deficiencies.

"What about the villagers' health conditions?" Lena asked.

"That's also a problem. There's no doctor or clinic. If someone gets sick, we must go to the city at great cost," Nira replied.

Lena turned, holding Gideon's hand. He nodded, understanding. A health clinic could be established in the village, but that alone wouldn't be enough. More was needed.

"What about transportation?" Gideon asked.

"There are only two horse-drawn carriages, owned by someone from the tavern. Borrowing them comes at a high cost."

"I understand."

"What kind of business are you planning to create?" Nira asked.

Gideon glanced briefly at Lena, who nodded in agreement. They would discuss Nikua's deficiencies with their team. But one thing was certain: he knew what needed to be done.

Without lingering, they bid farewell. Nira nodded, expressing that she looked forward to Gideon and Lena starting a business in the village with them.

They stepped outside to return to the inn. There was much information to process, but Lena insisted on establishing a clinic to help the villagers and provide affordable herbal medicine.

"A clinic could be a good idea. We'll discuss it in more detail back at the inn."

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