Evolution Paradox

"Well, there are no restrictions for people from the outside world, including nobles, so…," Lulu answered

"Then it's settled. You are coming with us. Right, Fia?" He looked at Fia, who nodded.

The old village chief sighed, "This is her decision, and if she chooses to go, then I won't speak against it." He left the decision to Lulu.

"What about you, father-in-law?" she looked at him, her concerns clear; if she goes, there will be no family member left to take care of him.

"You should go. This is what you wanted, and it's the wish of your late husband too. Don't ruin this chance." He stood up.

"I won't die soon. When you are out, contact Malosi, now that my elder son is gone." His voice was low with grief. "It's Malosi who should take my position as village chief."

Although they hadn't started their journey, tears came to their eyes as Fia and Lulu thought about leaving the old village chief.

"I will, Father," Lulu spoke.

"Grandfather," Fia said, hugging the old village chief.

"During your journey, you should also go and meet your family, Lulu. Your parents must have realized their mistake. Give them one more chance."

The old village chief's voice was filled with care as he patted Fia's head.

"Yes, Father," Lulu spoke as she wiped away her tears.

Seeing this, Xerxes felt emotional and tried his best to stop his tears as he missed his own family.

His mother was bedridden, and his elder sister became the family's sole provider after their father abandoned them when he was just eleven years old.

Their mother had cared for them both, but after an accident, she fell into a coma.

Since then, his sister has worked tirelessly to support him and pay for their mother's medical care.

"I miss them," he thought as he looked at the three in front of him. The old village chief, with a sorry tone, said, "Sorry, you have to see this family drama." He offered a small smile.

Xerxes smiled back. "No, it's fine. Seeing you all makes me miss my own family."

[Silence]

"Did you remember your family?" Lulu asked when she heard Xerxes mention them.

Xerxes realized he had made a blunder. Trying to cover up, he said, "Well, I don't know who or where they are, but they must be like you, loving and caring like you guys."

His smile widened as he tried his best to make them believe his lie.

"They must be," the village chief said.

"Then you three will travel together." He looked at Xerxes. "Please take care of them during the journey."

Ye Yang nodded. "Likewise, they should take care of me during the journey, as I'm new here." He tried to lighten the mood.

"Of course, we should watch each other's backs," Lulu said with a smile.

"Being the furthest from the formation, you should start your journey soon, maybe the day after tomorrow," the old village chief suggested.

"Yes, father-in-law, I'll make preparations." Then, looking at Xerxes, "Let me take you to your accommodation. You should rest after such a day."

Xerxes nodded.

The accommodation was behind the village chief's hut, and beside it was the broken hut which was resurrected by the villagers in the meantime Xerxes was talking to the Village chief.

"You can rest here; sorry it's not as comfortable as what nobles are used to living in." Lulu entered the hut while Xerxes followed her.

"It's okay, I don't know what it's like to live like a noble." Xerxes spoke while looking at a little bed, a table beside it, and a jug of water beside it.

"There are a few clothes of my husband from when he was in the outside world. You can try them. Though they aren't like what nobles are used to wearing, they are still in good condition."

Xerxes nodded and started looking at the clothes, where he chose a pair of pants and a t-shirt.

"Rest well, Fia will let you know when the food is ready." Lulu left. Xerxes laid on the bed while thinking about how life had suddenly become like this.

After changing.

"Am I enjoying this? Well yes, because it's better than boring schools, but…" he thought about his family, his mother's illness, and his elder sister's struggle.

"Hope you are doing well…." With those thoughts, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

"Xerxes"

"Xerxes"

"Sister!"

Xerxes opened his eyes, but instead of his sister, it was Fia who was calling him.

"Oh,"

"Sorry, I thought it was my sister." Xerxes smiled at Fia.

"Come, the food is ready…" Fia replied, still quiet and reserved.

Xerxes noticed her reserved nature and at first, he thought she was simply like that, but being up close, he noticed a sadness inside her.

He didn't question her and just followed her; they reached the bonfire in the middle of the village where all the villagers were gathered.

Seeing Xerxes, they cheered and welcomed him, while young girls blushed seeing him, and the kids looked at him like a hero as he moved and sat beside the village chief and his family.

"If not for this young man, we would have had a hard time against those two villages. I want to thank you, Sir Xerxes." The village chief held the small cup filled with wild berry juice and drank.

After him, others followed suit and drank it. Xerxes also did, and he felt refreshed after drinking it.

"The day after tomorrow, Fia, Lulu, and Sir Xerxes are going to start their journey to the outside world. This feast is also for them. Hope you'll bring glory to our mountain tribe." The old village chief took another sip.

Again, others followed suit.

The villagers, who were at first wary of Xerxes, now saw him as a hero and saviour of the village.

Soon the feast began, and they started eating wild fruits, chicken, and boar meat, while Xerxes was noticing Fia, who didn't seem to be enjoying it.

Lulu, who was beside Xerxes, saw him staring at Fia. "She wasn't like this, but after the death of her father, she became like this. Maybe in time…. she'll heal."

A shadow of sadness crossed Lulu's eyes as she observed Fia, who was lost in her own world.