Two days later, after walking non-stop and camping in a heavy, stifling silence—since none of the girls, including Eva, would say a single word—they finally reached a massive barbarian settlement. It was worlds apart from the last village.

Although it was fortified by a wall of sharpened logs and towering watchtowers, the surrounding land was covered in sprawling fields. Many villagers worked as farmers, living in small cottages just outside the main gates.

When they reached the entrance, Claudia stepped forward, and the gate was opened almost immediately. A sturdy, middle-aged man with white hair and a long white beard tied in a ponytail walked out. He had kind eyes and a wide grin. Claudia leaped into his arms, confirming for everyone that this man was Osgrelf, the high chief of the largest barbarian tribe.

Ard didn't look shocked; he knew the man well from his fourth life. Eva, noticing Ard's calm demeanor, walked up beside him. It was her first time speaking since the silent journey had begun.

"He... he's the chief of this tribe... the one I—"

"Yeah, the one you wiped out. Don't talk about it," Ard cut her off, his tone sharp and brief.

Eva went quiet instantly and retreated to join the other girls. Claudia then introduced her travel companions one by one and explained why they had left the academy. Osgrelf took the news seriously and invited them into the village hall for a private conversation. As they walked in, the villagers cheered for Claudia like she was a celebrity; she was clearly beloved in her hometown.

Ard just smiled as he looked around, feeling a deep sense of nostalgia. He had spent nearly fifteen years living here during his fourth life. Inside the spacious hall, Osgrelf treated everyone to a lavish feast at a long table. After formal introductions, they ate and chatted comfortably. Eventually, Claudia explained everything—the events at the academy, their escape, and their ultimate goal—with help from Mirea, Ard, and Eva.

"I see. So the war between the Ateras Kingdom and the Orthus Empire was manufactured by a dark sect at the academy... and the First Prince is the mastermind," Osgrelf said, twirling the end of his beard.

"Correct. That's why we plan to flee to the Rellios Kingdom for safety," Ard said.

"Hmm... I understand. And you... you're the third prince of Fredonia, aren't you?" Osgrelf asked suddenly.

"Wait... you know me?" Ard asked.

"Of course I do. I once visited the Fredonian palace with a royal envoy from Ateras to discuss a partnership. It seems the prophecy was true," Osgrelf replied, still playing with his beard.

Osgrelf then turned his gaze toward the black-haired Eva, who was sitting between Claudia and Mirea.

"Second Princess of the Orthus Empire, you might as well stop hiding your hair," Osgrelf remarked. His tone was friendly, but the reveal made the air turn cold with tension.

Eva, who had been looking down, snapped her head up in total shock. She looked at Ard, who gave her a small nod. Eva ran her hand through her hair, and the color shifted back to its original silver. Osgrelf didn't seem guarded; he just leaned back in his chair, completely relaxed.

"How did you know, Papa?" Claudia asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"They claim their names are Ard and Esmeralda. Ard is short for Arden, and Esmeralda was a hero from 3,000 years ago. That legend belongs only to our tribe, because our ancestor was their traveling companion," Osgrelf explained.

"Bledvolf," Ard and Eva both whispered. The name of the barbarian forefather slipped out of them at the same time.

Osgrelf understood immediately. He stood up straight and pulled two axes from his belt. He crossed the axes over his chest in an X-shape and bowed his head.

"Welcome back, Heroes Ashton and Esmeralda," Osgrelf said with deep respect.

Ard and Eva recoiled in shock. They never expected a barbarian chief to recognize their true identities. After asking Osgrelf to sit back down, they shared the real purpose of their journey, including the truth about the goddess Ophelia and the demon god Malekh. Osgrelf listened intently, but he didn't look surprised, as if he had already known what they were going to say.

"Our shaman once channeled the ancestors," Osgrelf said. "He told us that two heroes from 3,000 years ago would return to change the world. They would tear down the gods and goddesses who have thrown everything into chaos with their teachings. So... I'm not surprised you're heading to the Rellios Kingdom. That's where it all started."

Ard and Eva went quiet immediately. They couldn't deny the truth; three thousand years ago, back when the world had very few kingdoms, the villages destroyed by the demon race were located exactly where the Rellios and Fredonia kingdoms stand today.

It turned out Azroth had a very specific reason for building Fredonia so close to Rellios. Three millennia ago, a village in the Fredonia region was decimated by a demon raid, and the survivors moved to the village next door—the place that eventually became the Rellios Kingdom.

That was Ashton's first home, the place he lived before he had to flee to Esmeralda's village after the demons destroyed everything he knew when he was just a child.

"That... is true," Ard muttered, confirming it.

"Don't worry. As the head of the largest barbarian tribe, I will support you. And of course, if you decide to establish your own kingdom, we will all gladly stand behind you," Osgrelf declared.

Everyone turned to look at Ard and Eva. Osgrelf then looked at Claudia, who had moved to sit beside him. He placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll speak with Gleld to officially cancel your engagement to Drago. From this day forward, I am asking Prince Arden Larsen Fredonia to make you one of his queens. I've seen this coming for a month, ever since the shaman told me," Osgrelf said.

Claudia snapped her head toward her father so fast people thought it might fly off. Then, she looked down.

"About that, Papa... I already canceled the engagement myself. I stopped by that village before coming here," Claudia answered.

"Oh, that's good. I'll send men there to make it official," Osgrelf murmured. He turned back to Ard. "I hope you are willing, Prince, because I truly want to bind our tribes to the Fredonia Kingdom... to you."

Before Ard could even get a word out, "thud," Eva suddenly stood up, drawing everyone's attention.

"Regarding that... we will explain everything to you," Eva said, speaking for all the girls.

Without further ado, Eva laid it all out. Osgrelf was surprised, but only for a moment; he looked like he had suspected as much and nodded along with a faint smile. Meanwhile, Ard was completely stunned, his mouth hanging open. It turned out every single girl traveling with him was fully committed to being his fiancée. He stared at the eight girls with a look of pure confusion and shock.

He then turned to Geoffrey, Ainsley, and Irwin, who just crossed their arms and nodded, smiling without saying a word.

"You guys... you knew?" Ard asked.

"Of course we knew," Irwin said, giving a thumbs up.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ard grumbled.

"It wouldn't be any fun if you knew beforehand, so... sorry," Ainsley replied, adjusting his glasses with a wide grin.

"Relax, bro. The three of us have your back," Geoffrey added, patting Ard on the shoulder.

"Yeah, we're not jealous at all. I have a girl back in the Orthos capital; she's a baker's daughter," Irwin said.

"I have a fiancée of my own, and for me, one is plenty," Ainsley added.

"And well... I'm the same. So go ahead—take them all on," Geoffrey said, putting his arm around Ard and giving him a wink.

"You guys... this isn't a joke, you know," Ard muttered, clearly annoyed.

"Nobody's joking, bro. Can't you see? Ever since we were at the academy, the two demons who started the sect have been backing you as king. When we met Count Dimitri, it was the same. Vahn the pirate is on board, and now all the barbarians are ready to join you. Haven't you realized it yet?" Ainsley asked.

"Don't forget Cain—uh, I mean Reese—and his crew, or the elves. They've been waiting and watching over this world for a thousand years. Who else would they be waiting for if not you? Right, Pyria?" Irwin added, glancing at Patricia, who gave a firm nod in response.

"You're going to be the King of the World, bro. Having multiple wives is perfectly normal for someone in your position. And as your brothers, we'll always have your back," Geoffrey said.

Ard was struck by the realization. Throughout his nine lives, he had never once thought about founding a kingdom that would one day rule the entire world in peace. He turned to look at Eva, Alicia, Milia, Patricia, Beatrice, Rosalind, Mirea, and Claudia. They were all looking at him with smiles on their faces, their eyes telling him they were ready to support him to the end.

"We're going to the Rellios Kingdom to run away... and to figure out our next move... was I wrong all this time? I never once thought about becoming a king... not 3,000 years ago... not 1,000 years ago... and not in my nine current lives. All I ever wanted was to live a peaceful, happy life until I grew old. Is this really my destiny after all lives?" Ard wondered to himself.

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