Netori Harem: New life as a hunter and gatherer

Luke helped Gary settle down beside him.

For a while, the two men sat in silence, their attention fixed on the cleanup taking place beyond the village perimeter. The traces of violence were still fresh, and even from a distance, the sight was enough to leave an uncomfortable weight in the air.

"It sends a chill down my spine." Gary shook his head. "Can’t decide what scares me more, the bloodshed or what could have happened."

Luke chuckled. "As long as I’m here, you only need to worry about the bloodshed." He groaned almost immediately. "That sounded bad. Forget I said that."

The last thing Luke wanted was to spend the rest of his life surrounded by danger. He enjoyed hunting, certainly, and he had never been one to shy away from a fight, but even a hunter needed time to return home, be with his family, and simply enjoy the company of his lovers without having to worry about what might come next.

After all this, he wanted nothing more than a few peaceful days in the arms of his mates.

"Well, that’s exactly what I fear." Gary sighed. "With so many important people setting their sights on you now, I can barely think of a reason for you to stay here." A faint smile touched his lips. "Unless you treasure our relationship enough to stay."

Luke snickered. "Don’t make it sound gross... but yeah, I won’t be leaving right away." His voice lowered as his expression grew more thoughtful. "But before I leave, I’ll do something about this place."

He already had a few things in mind. This was the village where he had been raised, and he had no intention of simply turning his back on it now that his circumstances had changed. More importantly, Lex, his father, and several other people close to him would continue living here.

Whatever happened next, Luke would make sure he left something behind for the people who had once called this place home alongside him.

"Luke," Gary suddenly spoke, his voice heavy. "Baldon is dead." He tilted his head and glanced toward Luke. "This village no longer has a leader."

Luke nodded, his expression melancholic. "I know. And I sympathize with his family."

He knew Roxanne would not be devastated. Well, she had spent years with the man, so she would undoubtedly feel some measure of grief. His greater concern was Thea, who had spent her small life here like a true spoiled princess, constantly coddled and protected by Baldon. Unlike Roxanne, Thea did not seem to come from a particularly strong background, which meant returning to her hometown would likely be difficult for her as well.

Staying here would be difficult for her too, especially after Baldon’s death.

"I’m talking about the next leader," Gary clarified. "I liked Baldon. He was a good leader, and aside from a few occasions, he never disrespected me. But we need a leader now more than ever, and a strong one at that. Someone who won’t be swayed by the opinions of others and has the courage to make bold decisions. Someone willing to risk his life for the sake of his people, yet compassionate enough to care for the villagers as he would his own family."

"..." Luke stared at him for a moment.

Why are you looking at me while saying all that?

Luke scratched his head, already beginning to understand where this conversation was going.

"Do you really think I have any of those qualities?" he asked. "I can’t bring myself to care about people I don’t even know. And, in the first place, these people don’t even like me."

Luke had heard the whispers surrounding him, and by now, it was clear why people avoided him or lowered their heads whenever he passed. They feared him.

Well, he could hardly blame them. They had witnessed enough in the past to understand exactly what could happen if they ever tried to go against him. Luke’s natural temperament had only contributed further to the reputation he had built over the months.

Not that he cared.

"People will know who saved them," Gary continued, as though he could read the thoughts running through Luke’s mind. "If there is anyone who has the first say in the matter, it’s you. Whether they like it or not, they’ll have no choice but to obey you."

Luke exhaled slowly but offered no response. It wasn’t as though he failed to understand the situation they were in. He knew perfectly well what his position meant and why Gary was suggesting it.

But Luke had never been meant to settle in one place and concern himself with governance.

He wanted to continue growing stronger, meet new people, and wander the world. There were still countless places he wanted to see and countless things he wanted to experience. He couldn’t simply abandon all of that because the people here needed a strong ruler.

"Well, I’ll leave the decision to you." Gary suddenly said before hopping down from the carriage. "Soon, someone from the head tribe will arrive once my message reaches them. They’ll surely provide enough funds for the reconstruction and..." He paused, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Something to reward you."

Luke gave him a wry smile. "What could they possibly give me now?"

Gary shrugged. "Who knows? But I bet it won’t be as petty as Toras."

Luke hummed thoughtfully. "Then I’m interested."

Gary chuckled.

It hadn’t been all that long ago that this young man had come to the Hub looking for any work he could find, taking up the most insignificant jobs and hunting moles just to earn a few coins.

And now...

’Well, at least someone is making progress in his life.’

Not so long after, Luke realized he has healed enough.

He thought of saying his bye to Ilya but then refrained and headed straight to home.

Can’t let his mates worry for him any longer.

~~~

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