Vivi and I decided to spend the night at a nearby inn. Before that, I went to the boarding house while Viviana stayed at the inn. I told my guardians, Ms. Saddler, Mr. Raza, and Mr.& Mrs. Odine about me impregnating Viviana. They were upset with me which I understood, but not to the point where they wanted to hit me like Mr. Caprine. I informed them that her parents were told, and I had to get a room at the inn for the night; they said we all should talk about it tomorrow at the boarding house meeting room. Then, Mr. Odine asked me a question that I never knew he would ask.

“Do you love this girl?” he asked me.

“…Yes, sir. I do.” I replied.

“Since she’s pregnant, do you want to marry her?” He asked.

“Yes. I asked for Mr. Caprine’s blessing, but…”

“We understand. He was caught up in the moment, so there would have been no way you would have reasoned with him.” Mr. Raza stated.

“Yeah. I had to use my Inochi to stop him from grabbing me and she and I walked away. Vivi couldn’t handle the tension he was giving off.” I spoke.

“Did Viviana agree to marry you?” Ms. Saddler asked me.

“I didn’t get an answer yet. I decided to give her time along with if she wanted to keep the baby or not.” I added.

“That’s wise to do, Landon. I guess you have grown up.” Mrs. Odine said.

“The reason I’ve been able to is because of Viviana. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would’ve passed sophomore year.” I spoke.

They all had surprised looks of how I talked about her.

“So, she has given you a reason to strive. That’s great. Even though of the news we weren’t ready for.” Mr. Raza said.

I then told them that I was going to take some clothes and belongings from my room and get back to Viviana. As I did, I went to a store and bought some things for Vivi and walked back to the inn to be with her.

*The Next Day*

Viviana’s parents were sitting in the meeting room with my guardians along with me and Vivi. My guardians defended me and told them what I said. Mr. Caprine was calm this time and Mrs. Caprine was much stable; even talking more about it than the latter. As they were speaking, Vivi held my hand; she was scared. All six adults turned to look at us.

“So, what verdict did you two decide?” Mr. Odine asked Vivi and I.

“Well, we decided we wanted to get married, but we can’t do so without your blessing Mr. & Mrs. Caprine.” I stated.

In that moment, Mr. Caprine slightly nodded, Mrs. Caprine smiled.

“Now understanding you more, Mr. Endreas, you are the one to be with our daughter. We see that you want to change your life and Viviana is certain she wants to be with you.” Mrs. Caprine stated.

“Viviana. What are you going to do with the child?” Mr. Caprine asked.

Now I already said my piece on what I wanted to say about the baby. It was up to her on what she wanted to do with the him or her.

“I decided… to keep the baby.” She replied.

Mr. Caprine rolled his eyes in irritation, but Mrs. Caprine was more merciful and gave us a serious look.

“If you’re willing to keep it, we will help you with the child. Every step of the way.” She stated.

It made Viviana smile, and I was happy to finally see her smile after the tears and the fears she had. It made me hold her close.

“Landon. If I may bring this to your attention…” Mr. Raza said to me. “Well, to everyone’s attention if no one knows, our queen, Queen Askari, passed away yesterday at the age of 72. Lady Donna is retiring as well from being Safekeep of Life. So, there’s an opportunity if you want to take it.

Hmm. If I do try out for being a Safekeep of Life, Viviana can live in the temple with me along with our child. But it also means Oreads is my responsibility. Spreading the wealth to its people and others in the neighboring lands, especially Elienta. Do I feel that’s it’s too much to put on my plate? Yeah. But it does give me the opportunity to make Oreads steady just like Lady Donna; maybe even make it better and give my family and friends a greater life, even for my unborn child.

*Three Weeks Later*

Viviana and I got married in a nearby chapel and had a memorable time along with our reception. Her family and my guardians’ family came to the wedding and the reception, and afterwards, my new wife and I got a room at the inn to have time for ourselves. One week before, I did sign up to enter in the tournament for the Safekeep position. I just hope I can give it my all.

*One Week Later*

Today is the day of the tournament. I would have to perform on the second day though, so I could see and enjoy the festivities with Viviana. I could see the new queen; 11-year-old Furia Nyle, her parents; Lord Kivu Nyle and Lady Faye Nyle, her brother; Sir Kai Nyle who looks my age, an elven woman; Yenish Darsha; who is their advisor, and a… short guy who looks like a kid and is the new Safekeep of Time from Satori; 21-year-old Senuo Mika. The queen announced Lady Donna’s retirement and told us to give it our all in this tournament. After the announcement, Viviana and I decided to get some things as souvenirs, also things for the child when he or she is born. When the showcases started, Viviana was explaining to me how people could use their Inochi in different ways, and there were moves I could imitate, but I’d have to make them into my own. Forming a rock barrier, using vines to form, even making the ground shake, anything that correlates to that. I actually see some familiar faces in the tournament as well; Richard Engle, Terrence Danley, and Lance Dunn; those three pricks that kept saying rumors about me. Even though I shouldn’t feel this way because they’re jerks, it does feel personal.

*My Day to Perform*

I performed my showcase along with using my favorite weapon which is a katana. I performed both with flying colors. Along with the battles, there were a few slip ups on my end, but I won them so I can make it to the semifinals. I noticed none of the guys wasn’t in the line of contestants to compete today, but I’m sure one or more of them might have succeeded or hadn’t competed yet. We’ll see when I have to compete again.

*Fourth Day*

On this day, I find out my opponent is Lance Dunn, one of the high school gossips I need to get rid of. He really thinks he can represent the people of Oreads? He is sorely mistaken. I see he has a smile on his face; he’s feeling cocky right now.

“Well, Landon. I never thought you’d be able to get this far.” He commented.

“Well, Lance. I’m surprised you have as well.” I said back.

“You’re not going to beat me, Endreas. I’ve been sending my opponents back to their mothers. You’re next—oh, wait. I forgot. You don’t have a mother. Do you?”

He thought that would anger me. It made me chuckle and smile. I readied my stance.

“You’re just picking at straws, Lance. Try to find something else to insult me with.” I said with a smile.

Lance looked at me confused and began to ready himself.

***

It was too, damn, easy to win against Lance. Just. Wow. He talked all that stuff but did not deliver. I knew that’s how he was going to lose, because throughout the hand to hand, weapons, and Inochi battles, he just talked and talked which just made me laugh throughout these fights and made me focus more. So many open spots I was able to expose, I started taunting him and delivering my hits on him. So, in the end, he was all bark, and I was all bite which made me the victor.

*Fifth Day- Finale*

I’m now down to the final two. My opponent? Richard Engels. I found out he fought Terrence and won of course. Actually, Terrence would never do anything wrong to Richard, so I’m certain Richard won by default because Terrence forfeited the fight. So, he was standing before me with a smirk on his face.

“So, Landon. I hear you got married.” He stated.

“Yeah. What of it?” I asked.

“To Viviana, huh?” He implied.

“And what’s that to you, Richard?” I asked.

“Married to the slut of Aito High. How do you like that? I didn’t know you like your girls that way, especially with your history. I don’t think anyone in Aito nor the temple needs that.” He spoke.

I slowly shook my head because of his remark. He should’ve known better than to say that; bringing school affairs into this; especially talking badly about my wife. I made sure my focus didn’t turn into tunnel vision and readied my stance to fight him.

“You’re one to talk, you damn hypocrite. Out of all the girls you’ve been through, who knows what you might’ve contracted or transmitted to them. You’re no better than those type of girls: screw anything with a pulse. My life is set. How’s yours? Oreads doesn’t need a child to lead. You aren’t man enough. Also, deep down, I know you’re jealous that I have Viviana. Aren’t you? Another thing, you outnumber me with girls; 14 to 1. Right?” I said with a dark smirk on my face.

Richard actually got mad when I said all of that and kept his mouth shut making me chuckle.

“I’m about to make you eat every rumor that has come out of your dumbass mouth.” I stated.

***

One, two, three strikes, Richard is out. I won the title of Safekeep of Life, and I couldn’t be happier. My wife came to embrace me and kiss me along with my guardians. My guardians were proud of me, and Viviana said the same along with her saying she loved me.

“I love you, too, Vivi.” I spoke. “It’s because of you, I won. I couldn’t do it without you.” I added.

When I said that, she held me close, and I felt her tears touch my skin. Happy tears this time, not sad.

*Initiation*

For a weapon, I chose the katana, the beasts I chose to support me were Nahtaivel, a dragon, and Sveld, a giant snake. I gave the heart of Oreads, Oreada, a full bloomed black and white flower with a curled stem, my essence and vow to protect her. Along with that, I asked the queen, Lord, and Lady permission to have Viviana live in the temple with me since she is my wife; they agreed.

*Two Years Later*

Vivi gave birth to our son who is now 2. Vincent Endreas is his name and he’s an easy-going child. I’m sure he got it from his mother; I’m certain I was a rambunctious child back then. Viviana has been a good mother as well with him. I thought traveling would’ve been my worst enemy, luckily, it’s not. So, I’m able to spend time with my wife and my son. He has my hair color, her eyes, but the face… I can’t determine whose though.

For the land, Oreads and Oreadians are well taken care of. The other lands have their share of resources from Oreads. No complaints. All is well. I never thought it would be this easy maintaining a family and land. Oreada isn’t an ordinary flower and has to be watered every two months. If not watered. She can last for two years, but she will wither to the brink of death to the point her plant life will wither or die. She can be given Safekeep essence if there is no water nearby. Luckily, Haliaen water is best for Oreada and that’s what I use for her, also new Safekeep of Water, Oma Warrens, is much better than Hanchia. Along with that, Viviana was buying Oreadian flowers and decorating the temple. At this time, one of my soldiers came to me with a serious look on his face.

“Sir! We have a problem!” My soldier exclaimed.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I received intel that Queen Furia is in trouble and needs your help. The other Safekeeps are on route to her location. There has been an ambush at the castle!” he stated.

“What?! Is it Yenish?!” I asked.

“Our sources have confirmed it is Yenish and four others.” He replied.

Something in my gut told me that that witch was coming back ever since she disappeared. I looked to Vivi and my son, then looked to my soldier, Marco.

“Marco, put the land on shutdown. I think we’re going to be in an all-out ambush, get your men to guard my family, warn the people, and guard the temple. I’m going to Nora.” I commanded.

“Yes, sir!” Marco replied.

As he walked off to sound the alarm, I walked toward Viviana as she picked up Vincent.

“Vivi, looks like I’m needed. I… have a feeling that I’ll be gone for a while, so you be safe, and I will come back to you both soon.” I stated.

Viviana smiled confidently.

“No need to worry about us, love. You do what you have to do. Your men and I have the temple. You be safe as well over there. Okay?” She asked me.

I gave her a kiss and embraced her along with my son.

“I will. I love you.” I stated to her.

“I love you, too, Landon.” She replied with a smile.

I then kissed my son on his forehead.

“Love you, little man.” I said to him.

Vincent gave me a bright smile; making me remember my reason for becoming the safekeep of life. I left them and went down to the antechamber that is underground in the temple. I made sure to keep the antechamber doors locked behind me. I was inside surrounded by flowers with Oreada positioned on a pillar in the middle of the antechamber. I looked to Oreada.

“I will come home soon. The antechamber doors will stay locked until I come back.” I stated to her.

I walked to the back wall and raised my right hand.

“Buraito!” I called out.