The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

While floating on the gentle waters, Desmond's thoughts drifted towards Vesta's performance after their departure. Despite this being Desmond's first encounter with Vesta or any Guardian for that matter, the demeanor Vesta displayed earlier didn't quite match that of a Guardian.

It wasn't just the commanding presence, directing soldiers and orchestrating their formations, but also the lack of sorrow in Vesta's eyes when the soldiers met their unfortunate fate.

This left Desmond perplexed, contemplating whether Vesta's previous words about the soldiers were merely falsehoods or if they truly reflected Vesta's genuine sentiments. However, Desmond quickly dismissed the possibility.

After all, humans are capable of forging strong bonds when they face life-and-death situations together, and he reasoned that perhaps Vesta's actions were influenced by something else entirely—perhaps even Vesta's daughter.

Suddenly, Desmond noticed the crackling bonfire growing distant, its warmth fading away along with the fading echoes of laughter from both the mercenaries and the royal troops. Glancing at his own position, he realized he was too far from the ground.

With a determined swing of his arms through the water, he propelled himself closer to the shoreline, eliciting a mix of surprise and relief from the onlookers.

"As long as this journey proceeds smoothly, the means employed matter little to me," Desmond muttered under his breath, then gingerly planted his feet on the chilly clay beneath the lake's surface. A resounding splash followed as he emerged from the water, shaking his head and causing droplets to scatter in all directions.

In that instant, his body pulsated with warmth, dispelling the frigid sensations brought on by the cold wind and water.

Casting a glance towards the tents of both the mercenaries and the royal troops, Desmond retrieved his garments and climbed into his horse carriage, ready to continue the journey.

...

Meanwhile, within Vesta's own horse carriage, Desmond's earlier speculations proved accurate once again. Vesta now donned an apron, hands busy brewing and sifting tea leaves. The aromatic scent that wafted from the freshly brewed leaves brought a contented smile to Vesta's face.

Just as Vesta lifted their gaze, they noticed their daughter peering out the carriage window, pressing her face against the glass in delight.

"What are you up to, my princess?" Vesta asked, a hint of confusion in their voice as they observed their daughter's joyous expression.

Diana, however, remained oblivious to her father's question, her attention fixed on the scenery outside the window. Her gaze lingered on the young man emerging from the water, his masculine physique glistening and his damp hair adding to his allure.

"He truly possesses a striking figure," Diana murmured, her heart pounding in her chest as she beheld the sight.

Furthermore, the boy's gaze seemed to possess an uncanny power that rendered Diana's legs weak and unsteady. In that moment, a sizable hand gently rested upon her shoulder, accompanied by a deep voice whispering into her ear, "Hey... hello."

Startled, Diana swiftly spun around, her reflexes propelling her fist forward with full force, connecting with the intruder. She then quickly retreated, maintaining a cautious gaze fixed upon the man standing before her.

"Ouch... that hurt, my princess," Vesta grimaced, clutching his stomach and muttering in pain.

"Oh, Father, are you alright?" Diana's concern swiftly replaced her wariness as she approached him, ensuring his well-being.

Vesta gradually straightened himself, producing a cloth-wrapped box adorned with a delicate ribbon in the center. "Tada... give it a try."

Diana, still bewildered by her father's actions, skeptically pinched his stomach and snorted before opening the cloth.

Nestled within the fabric was an earring featuring a long chain, silver intertwined with several exquisite purple gems. Her eyes instantly shimmered with delight as she promptly adorned herself with the earrings and positioned herself before the glass. "What do you think, Dad?" Diana beamed, sweeping her hair behind her ears to reveal how the earrings perfectly complemented her hair color.

Observing his daughter with immense affection, Vesta smiled warmly. "You are forever beautiful, my princess."

Hearing her father's praise, Diana blushed slightly but then playfully remarked, "Hehe, you're just being a typical dad, good at telling white lies." With that, she relished the tea that her father had thoughtfully prepared at the table.

Witnessing this scene, Vesta took a seat across from his daughter, joining her in savoring the tea he had brewed. "I can't imagine a world without you and your mother," he softly murmured, his gaze directed towards the enchanting night sky above.

Deep within the encompassing darkness of the surrounding forest, a group of menacing creatures lurked, their eyes filled with hunger and anticipation as they fixated upon Vesta's entourage camp. Yet, strangely, they remained eerily silent, biding their time. They seemed reluctant to launch their attack, their gazes now fixed upon Desmond's horse carriage with a mixture of worry and uncertainty.

Ultimately, they maintained their stillness until the sun finally rose.

As the sun's rays bathed the creatures in its warm glow, their true forms were exposed, revealing their abnormal size and razor-sharp teeth, which glistened with a thin layer of saliva.

Meanwhile, Desmond had just concluded his reading, and he witnessed the morning sunlight streaming through the glass window, casting a gentle glow upon his surroundings.

Desmond's gaze shifted towards the window, and with a satisfied nod, he gently set his book aside. "New day, new experiences," he remarked, his voice filled with anticipation. Rising from his seat, he stretched his muscles and engaged in a brief warm-up routine within the confines of his room.

"System, check the date," Desmond requested.

[Spring, 11th | Month, 01 | Year, 430], the system promptly responded.

Taking note of the date, Desmond settled back onto the sofa, wiping the perspiration from his bare chest. Just then, Laura entered the room, presenting him with a bottle of red wine and a dry cloth to mop up his sweat.

"Thank you," Desmond acknowledged, accepting the wine from Laura. He took the cloth and gently dabbed away the moisture on his forehead. However, realizing the cloth wouldn't suffice to dry his entire body, he set down his wine glass and rose from the sofa.

With a subtle wave of his hand, Desmond activated his spell, summoning a gentle gust of wind that enveloped him. The breeze gracefully whisked away the remaining moisture, leaving him feeling refreshed. "Ah... incredibly comfortable," he expressed, relishing the sensation as the breeze gently ruffled his hair.

Suddenly, a deep rumbling sound pierced the air, accompanied by the panicked neighs of horses. Both the royal soldiers and mercenaries fell silent, sensing the disturbance. Desmond, too, felt the vibrations within his own horse carriage, indicating that their journey was once again in motion.