Velt lay on the “bed,” still recovering. Night had already fallen, and Rurhy was feeding him while keeping watch over him.

  —Come on, say “ah” —she said, bringing a wooden spoon with soup and chunks of meat closer to his mouth.

  —Rurhy, you don’t have to do this —Velt said, a little embarrassed.

  —But I want to. Your bones are still broken, Velt. I don’t want to leave you alone, especially like this —she replied, moving the spoon a little closer.

  With few options left, Velt opened his mouth and ate.

  —By the way… Velt, how are you going to face the orc? —Rurhy asked nervously.

  Velt thought for a moment. She was right.

  —Zero, how bad is my condition? —he asked, looking for a full report.

  —Analyzing… —Zero replied suddenly—. Many of the bones in your body are still in poor condition. Your body heals quickly, but since you lack regeneration skills or similar abilities, there is little more I can do —it reported.

  —Any estimate on when I’ll be fully recovered? —Velt asked.

  —According to my calculations, four months will be enough for you to be in optimal condition —Zero answered.

  —That’s not good news —Velt muttered.

  —It’s strange when you talk to Zero. It looks like you’re talking to yourself —Rurhy commented.

  —Do I really look that strange? —Velt asked.

  Rurhy nodded in confirmation.

  —I have an idea, but I won’t be able to do it alone —Velt said, thinking out loud—. According to Zero, I’ll recover in four months, but the orc arrives tomorrow. We’re out of time.

  Then he looked at Rurhy.

  —I need your father —he said.

  —Right away —she replied, leaving to get him.

  Once alone, Velt focused again.

  —Tell me, Zero. Can you maximize my natural regeneration? —he asked.

  —I can, but I do not recommend it. Maximizing your regeneration without a direct healing ability could leave your bones weakened —Zero warned.

  —It doesn’t matter. As long as I can hold out for a while, it’ll be enough. Maximize my healing and focus on the areas that would cause problems in combat —Velt ordered.

  —Understood. Maximizing healing… focusing on critical areas —Zero responded.

  Shortly after, Rychbi entered the hut with Rurhy.

  —Velt, how are you feeling? —Rychbi asked.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  —I’m fine. Don’t worry —Velt replied.

  —You say that, but my daughter has been here almost all day —Rychbi countered.

  Velt let out a light laugh, then quickly grew serious and looked at Rurhy.

  —Could you step outside for a moment? I need to speak with your father alone —he asked.

  —Wait, I want to stay. If you’re going to talk about the orcs, that concerns me too —Rurhy replied.

  Then her father’s voice rang out, dry and firm:

  —Rurhy, wait outside.

  She tried to say something else, but held back. She stomped lightly on the ground in a small pout and left the hut.

  —Tell me, what do you need? —Rychbi asked.

  —I need your help with the orcs —Velt replied seriously.

  —I thought the deal was that you would handle them —Rychbi said, his expression unchanged.

  —Look at me. I can’t do it alone. But together, we can. It’s the best option —Velt said honestly.

  Rychbi observed him for a few seconds, weighing his words. Finally, his expression softened and he smiled faintly.

  —Now I understand why Rurhy chose you —he said.

  —What do you mean? —Velt asked, a bit nervous.

  —I know what happens in my own village. I know what you and Rurhy did —Rychbi replied bluntly.

  Velt felt a little embarrassed, but Rychbi raised a hand to reassure him.

  —Don’t worry. Rurhy is an adult and free to choose whom she loves —he said calmly.

  —I understand… but I want to propose something —Velt added.

  Rychbi showed interest and stepped a little closer.

  —If I defeat the orc, I want your blessing and your approval to be formally with your daughter.

  Rychbi let out a short laugh. Velt’s determination felt sincere.

  —We have a deal. Tell me, what do you need us to do?

  —I’ll explain tomorrow. For now, I need you to prepare all the elves capable of fighting —Velt replied.

  Rychbi nodded without another word and left the hut. The moment he did, Rurhy came back inside.

  —You heard everything, didn’t you? —Velt asked.

  She didn’t answer right away. She stood still for a few seconds, then stepped forward and hugged him.

  —Idiot… why would you ask him for something like that? —she said with a trembling voice, torn between embarrassment and emotion.

  Velt hugged her back.

  —I don’t know. I guess it was an impulse… the impulse to want to be by your side officially —he replied.

  Rurhy said nothing. She just hugged him tighter. Outside, Rychbi had already begun preparing the elves for the battle the next day.

  Velt kept holding her until he whispered:

  —Rurhy… please, be my wife.

  Her eyes widened in surprise. Then she looked at him and smiled with genuine emotion.

  —Yes —she answered without hesitation.

  —I’ll give you a ring tomorrow. You have my word —Velt said.

  Rurhy leaned in and kissed him gently. Velt returned the kiss, and they shared the moment in silence.

  —I love you —she whispered.

  —I love you too —he replied, before hugging her again.

  After a while, Rurhy and Velt pulled apart. Both were out of breath.

  —I’m sorry… sometimes I can’t stop myself —she said, embarrassed, her voice unsteady.

  —Don’t worry. I like that —Velt replied with a playful smile.

  Rurhy smiled shyly.

  —You’re an idiot —she said, still smiling.

  Then she headed toward the door, but turned back before leaving.

  —See you tomorrow, Velt —she said softly.

  —See you tomorrow, Rurhy —he replied.

  Alone again, Velt looked outside.

  —All right, Zero. There’s no turning back now. Tomorrow, we give it everything, my friend —he said firmly.

  —Understood —Zero replied. Then it paused briefly—. Sir Velt…

  —Yes, Zero? —he answered.

  —Congratulations on your engagement —Zero said.

  Velt smiled softly before replying:

  —Thank you, my friend… thank you.