Chapter 27 — Housewarming and Their Feelings

Part 1 — Exile, Then Saving the Nation

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Only ten days after the foxkin started building, our new house stood finished.

“Already?” I sputtered when the foreman strode over. He just grinned and ushered us toward the two-story log structure. Broad wings flanked the main entrance; a stone terrace jutted off the left wing. Someone had even carved a shallow basin beside the patio.

“Pool?” I asked.

The foreman scratched his cheek. “Miss Mimi insisted—said you’d want a place to cool off after fieldwork.”

Mimi whistled innocently. I let it slide.

Behind the house, a new barn stood twice the size of the old one. “More room for cattle,” Mimi murmured, tail swishing. I thanked her; she promptly turned crimson and muttered “you’re welcome.”

Bill tugged my hand toward the rear grove, where training dummies, balance poles, and a proper sparring platform filled a clearing. “Riza and the fox warriors helped!” he said proudly.

“Don’t rush,” Riza told him, ruffling his hair. “Master Dan’s strength comes from steady effort.”

Inside, Meg unveiled a round dining table large enough for everyone. “Shared meals are more fun,” she said shyly. I rubbed her head; she beamed.

Elza showed off a dedicated workshop. “We’ll brew potions and scribe scrolls here,” she said. “Meg can learn safely.”

I hadn’t even thought to ask for that. “Thanks,” I said. “I already have a list for you.”

Then there was the bath. I’d requested a tub big enough to stretch out in. Instead I found a hot spring-sized pool.

“What is this?” I groaned.

“Cro—someone demanded it,” the foreman said.

Chloe put tiny fists on her hips. “Bigger is better.”

“You heating all this water,” I muttered.

She tsked. “Men and their pettiness. Didn’t Ellie say everyone should soak together?”

“No she didn’t!”

I declared Chloe the official bath attendant. She stuck out her tongue.

Finally, Ellie dragged me into the kitchen. “Behold! My domain!”

Spice racks lined the walls; an industrial-sized stove dominated the back. She took my hand without thinking, chattering about the double ovens and counter space. I nodded dumbly, still replaying last night’s kiss in my head.

“We’re doing a housewarming dinner,” she declared suddenly, cheeks pink. “Right, everyone?”

No one dared refuse. Her face went beet red the moment she realized she was still clutching me. Mimi cackled. “Game on,” she whispered.

***

The foxkin refused to stay, saying they’d only get in the way. “Take care of our miss,” the foreman said before marching his crew back to their village. We loaded them down with vegetables anyway.

Mimi and I watched them disappear.

“They left fast,” I said.

“Probably embarrassed,” she replied. “We aren’t used to gratitude.”

She squeezed my fingers. “But you’ve always been kind.”

I looked away, throat tight. “I’m just doing what I can.”

She leaned in as if to say more, then shook her head. “Nothing. Let’s head back before Ellie explodes.”

Her back seemed smaller than usual as she ran ahead.

----- End of chapter -----