The dust of battle finally settled, revealing a scene even the most optimistic among them had not dared to imagine.
What began as a dangerous purification raid ended up becoming the largest "harvest" the city had witnessed in decades.
The forest had been swarming with an overwhelming number of beasts, but the pleasant surprise was their weakness; they collapsed beneath the swords of knights and blades of adventurers like wheat during harvest season, offering barely any resistance.
In the blink of an eye, the looming disaster transformed into an open gold mine.Every beast that fell meant more hides, fangs, and small energy crystals—resources that quickly accumulated into a fortune beyond measure.
The wagons overflowed until their wheels groaned under the weight, and the soldiers were forced to carry the rest on their backs.
Their return march resembled a royal triumphal parade; the fear that once hung over the city was replaced by cheers of joy and the excited chatter of merchants whose mouths watered at the sight of such enormous spoils.
Baron Lorin wiped the sweat off his forehead as he watched the carriages stacked with bodies and precious materials. Then he turned to James with a wide smile he couldn't hide.
"Who would've believed this, James? I was mentally preparing myself to write condolence letters to the knights' families, and now it seems we'll be busy counting gold coins and dividing profits instead."
James looked at the mountains of loot with calm, analytical eyes, then sheathed his sword with a sharp metallic click.
"Numbers will never replace strength, my lord. These creatures were nothing but a large, lost herd with no commander. The city was lucky the only strong beast fell at the start… enjoy this victory. The barony's treasury will overflow tonight."
Baron Lorin laughed heartily and clapped James on the shoulder with sincere gratitude.
"And your coffers as well, High-Rank Knight. Trust me, your share of this loot will be the talk of the city for years—you're the one who opened the doors to this wealth with a single swing of your blade."
And indeed, everything proceeded just as planned.James received half the spoils—worth tens of thousands of gold coins. He wasted no time; he immediately headed to the merchants and converted the stockpiles into pure, clean gold.
He stood before the small cart now filled with gleaming pieces of yellow metal, counting his fortune with eyes shining in triumph.
"Hmmm… 150,000 gold coins, plus 10,000 from the baron… that makes 160,000. And with the new manor, my total wealth exceeds 200,000 gold coins."
He ran his hand across the coins with a sarcastic smile.
"It seems I've become filthy rich in this world… why didn't luck ever favor me like this in my original world? Damn the whims of fate."
With a long sigh, he climbed onto the cart and gently urged the horse forward toward the mountain where his home awaited.
The moment the cart entered the yard and came to a stop, Filin spotted him.She'd been playing with Rin and Jin, but once her eyes fell on James, she placed Jin down with lightning speed and ran toward him like a bird returning to its nest. She threw herself into his arms with such force he almost lost balance.
She lifted her head from his chest, her hands trembling as she checked his face and body with eyes overflowing with fear and longing.
"James… you're not hurt, right?"
He didn't answer with words.Instead, he gave her a sly, calm smile, wrapped his hand around her neck…and without warning, he devoured her lips in a deep, hungry kiss—one that silenced all her questions and set fire to her veins. His kiss was fierce and dominant, as though he meant to steal her breath entirely.
James couldn't restrain the blazing desire surging through him. With their lips still locked, he slid an arm around her waist and pushed her down onto the soft grass, following her instantly and pinning her beneath his body, trapping her between his arms and legs.
Filin melted beneath his weight, returning the kiss with equal heat. Their tongues intertwined in a slow, intimate dance.
In the midst of that feverish moment, James's free hand began to explore her curves boldly. His rough fingers slid down to her chest, kneading her softness through the fabric with hungry intent, drawing shaky breaths and muffled moans from her.
Growing bolder, he toyed with the ties of her dress until the upper part slipped loose, revealing her pale, perfect chest under the sun.
James nearly drowned in the sight…until Filin's shaky voice pulled him back as she weakly pushed at his chest.
"J-James… s-stop… the children…"
James froze.Slowly, he lifted his head, still breathing hard, and turned.
There they were—Rin and Jin—standing a few steps away, watching with wide, innocent eyes and mischievous little grins.
James exhaled sharply, trying to gather what remained of his dignity. He rose from atop his wife and said in a half-scolding, half-teasing tone:
"Damn it… do you two ever sleep?"
Filin shot to her feet, cheeks burning, hastily adjusting her dress while avoiding James's eyes. She then gave him a shy smile filled with hidden promises.
"Just be patient… their time hasn't come yet."
James burst into laughter, loud enough to echo through the yard, and Filin joined him, still trying to hide her embarrassment.He bent down and scooped little Rin up effortlessly.
Looking into his sparkling young eyes, James asked playfully:
"Tell me, little warrior—have you started sword training yet?"
Rin flexed his tiny arm, proudly showing off his imaginary muscles.
"Yes, Father! I'm very strong now!"
James roared with laughter, swelling with pride.
"Hahaha! Indeed you are—just like your father."
He gently set the boy down, then turned to Filin with a serious, joyful expression.
"By the way, Filin… Baron Lorin gifted me a luxurious manor in the center of the city. We're moving there."
Filin's eyes widened in shock.
"A… a manor? What do you mean—a manor?!"
James didn't bother explaining.He simply smiled confidently and walked toward the house, saying without looking back:
"A real manor. Now start packing—we're leaving soon."
It didn't take long for the family to gather their belongings.James carried the luggage himself and placed it on the cart: a few simple dresses, some perfumes, and the children's clothes.
But the moment Filin peeked inside the cart to arrange the items, she froze—along with the kids.The cart was overflowing with piles of gleaming gold coins, a fortune beyond anything they had ever imagined.
James didn't explain, leaving them to absorb the shock.He walked toward the stable, fetched his favorite white horse, adjusted the bridle, and stroked its neck gently.
He turned to his children and said in a firm, playful tone:
"Rin, Jin—get in the cart. Understood?"
Still dazed by the sight of the gold, the children replied in unison:
"Yes, Father…"
They climbed into the cart.James then glanced at Filin, who stood hesitantly nearby, and motioned for her with eyes full of warm mischief.
"And you… come ride with me."
Blushing softly, Filin approached and mounted the white horse, holding the reins delicately.With the fluid grace only expert knights possessed, James leapt up behind her.
As soon as he settled behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her gently yet firmly against him. His solid chest pressed against her back, his warmth enveloping her entirely.He leaned forward, his breath brushing her neck, whispering words only she could hear—words that sent shivers through her body—while his hands held the reins over her own in a firm, intimate embrace.
"Move out," James commanded, his voice strong.
The small convoy set off.Throughout the journey, Filin leaned her head against his broad chest, eyes closed, savoring his closeness as though the world had vanished and only the two of them remained.
After nearly an hour of peaceful travel, a majestic manor gate rose into view. As they approached, two armored guards stood at attention—low-rank knights judging by their posture.
One immediately blocked the path, slamming his spear onto the ground with a loud thud.
"Who are you?! This is private property—leave immediately!"
James didn't flinch nor dismount.He simply stared at him coldly and spoke with a calm voice carrying the weight of mountains.
"I am James."
The name worked like magic.The moment the guards heard it, their faces drained of color. Their expressions shifted instantly from arrogance to terror and deep respect.
They bowed so fast and so deeply their heads nearly touched their knees.
"W-We greet Sir James! Our apologies, sir—we didn't recognize you!"
Filin and the children watched with wide, astonished eyes.Never before had they seen James display such overwhelming presence—one that made men bow from a single word.