Owain nodded knowingly. "It’s not easy to see, is it? To see that they've been conditioned to react in such a dreadful way. Thankfully, I didn’t give up. I approached her slowly, offering my hand as a decision rather than necessity. I spoke in a soft manner as I introduced myself, making sure to point at myself. I did everything I could to show her I meant no harm. Eventually, she trusted me enough to let me help her back to the infirmary."

  He smiled faintly. "That night, after making sure she hadn’t reopened any wounds, feeding her, giving her water, and tucking her back into bed, I went to take my exit, thinking my job was done. However, just as I was about to leave, she spoke for the first time. She ended up copying my introduction and said her name: Tsubasa. Right after, she then gave me such a beautiful smile—one that ensnared me that very moment, in retrospect."

  Dama’s eyes widened, the clear correlation between Owain and Tsubasa versus him and Giona not unfounded. "That must have been a relief."

  "It was!" Owain admitted, his expression lighting up before softening again. "After that night, I visited her every day. I checked on her recovery, helped Donnel teach her our language, and little by little, we became close. It didn’t take long before I found myself looking forward to seeing her smile every time I walked into that room."

  Owain chuckled, shaking his head. "A year and a half later, when she fully recovered and was able to speak our language, she first stayed with Donnel and his wife. Then, after a few years, she told me she wanted to move in with me. Said she," Owain chuckled once more, a chuckle that revealed his feelings of fortune, "liked me."

  Dama grinned, as he could hear a story's worth of emotion in those last words, as if Owain treasured her confession above all else.

  "I didn’t mind of course, but my parents did." Owain said, his expression becoming a bit jaded. "They didn’t want me, as the next in line to be chief, to end up with an outsider—and a demi-human at that."

  Dama frowned. "That must have been tough."

  "Indeed..." Owain admitted, his tone resolute. "But I stood my ground. Tsubasa had already become such an important part of my life—someone that always greeted me with that very same smile she gave to me that first night—and I wasn’t going to let anyone take that away from me, not even my own parents. Thankfully though, my parents eventually gave in, and Tsubasa moved in with me at the shrine. Not long after, we got married. She became the chiefess, and we’ve been side by side ever since."

  Dama was stunned. "Wow, I…I never knew…"

  Owain faced Dama again in response. "It’s not something we talk about often. Tsubasa doesn’t like dwelling on the past, and I respect that. Hearing about you and Giona though, it brought back memories—memories of when I met Tsubasa and promised to give her a new life in Enohay, memories we both cherish."

  After a brief silence, Dama looked at the flowing water, his heart heavy from the story, yet hopeful as well. "Gramps, do you think Giona will find her place here, like Granny Tsu did?"

  Owain’s smile widened. "With you, Mumu, Nini, and the rest of us by her side? I’ve no doubt about it. I’m really glad to see history repeating itself. You’re such a good person—such a good kid, too, you know that lad?"

  Dama blushed, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "Aw, come on, Gramps, you’re making me blush." He then looked up at the sky. "Everyone says that and wonders why, but it's simple: I had my mom, my dad, Granny Tsu, and you. You’re all the reason I grew up this way. I’m grateful to have you."

  Owain’s expression softened further before taking Dama into a loving hug. "And I’m grateful to have you, Dama." After a brief pause, he added, "You’re like the child I never had..."

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Dama froze, stunned by the unexpected confession. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.

  Owain, realizing what he had said, pulled back on the hug and chuckled nervously, waving a hand dismissively. "Ah, s-sorry, lad. That came out of nowhere. Didn’t mean to put you on the spot."

  "No, it’s okay!" Dama replied, shaking his head. After a moment of silence though, he hesitated before asking, "But…if you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t you and Granny Tsu have kids?"

  Owain looked at him thoughtfully before answering. "Well, we tried, trust me, but it turns out humans and beastmen aren’t so compatible."

  He then placed a hand on his forehead and let out a soft chuckle, clearly amused by a fleeting memory.

  Dama tilted his head, confused. "What’s so funny?"

  Owain glanced at him with a smile. "It might sound weird, and maybe I shouldn’t tell you, but… I was just remembering one day when Tsubasa was seriously upset. She told me, in all seriousness, that I should look for another partner because she couldn’t give me a child."

  Dama’s eyes widened in disbelief. "She really said that?"

  Owain nodded, his smile growing. "She did. And the reason I find it kind of funny now is because, even after all these years, I still can’t believe she thought I’d leave her for something she couldn’t control. She’s my one and only, Dama. She always has been, and she always will be. Not having a child of our own—that's alright with me. My job and duty have always been to this village, not to my bloodline. To me, everyone here is like my child. They’re my family, and they’re hers, too."

  Owain’s tone grew even more tender as he continued. "But when it comes to you, lad, Tsubasa and I have always thought of you as our own. You might not realize it, but we talk about you every day. We’re proud of you, of everything you’re becoming."

  Dama felt his chest tighten as he listened. Despite already hearing this from Tsubasa, for a moment, he wasn’t sure whether to smile, cry, or both. "I…I don’t know what to say," he finally murmured.

  "You don’t have to say anything," Owain replied, patting his shoulder, "all you need to do is just keep being you, Dama. That’s more than enough."

  Owain turned his attention to Mumu and Nini, who were standing behind Dama. "And as for you two," he said warmly, "I’m so grateful for you both. Because of you two—Mumu with your strength and gentleness, and Nini with your speed and gracefulness—I never have to worry about Dama’s safety or well-being. I know you’ll always make sure he’s safe, just like Joel and Madima before you. In truth, I have no idea how you came to be, but it doesn’t matter. You’re as much a part of this family as anyone else. I love all three of you."

  Mumu’s eyes widened before his face broke into the widest smile. Without hesitation, he lumbered forward and wrapped both Dama and Owain in a massive bearhug. Nini slithered up and joined in, her smile just as radiant as Mumu’s.

  Dama and Owain couldn’t help but laugh, overwhelmed by the warmth and love shared in that moment. They embraced the two with equal affection, the bond between them all palpable.

  After what felt like forever, Mumu finally set them down. Owain straightened himself with a groan, cracking his back. "Mumu, lad, you’re strong as an ox, and I could feel how much you love me in that hug, but you’ve got to be careful with me. I’m just an old fossil, you know," he said with a chuckle.

  Mumu nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.

  Owain then turned back to Dama. "I’m sorry for keeping you, lad. You must have some place to be."

  Dama shook his head with a bright smile. "Are you kidding? Meeting you today just might be the best thing that’ll happen to me all day! Thank you for everything you said, Gramps Owain!"

  Owain grinned back and ruffled Dama’s hair. "You’re a good kid, Dama. Remember, don’t ever change." He said before his whole body perked up, his face paling a bit.

  "Uh, Gramps...?" Dama asked, noticing the reaction.

  With no words, Owain stepped closer to Dama, scanning the surrounding area before talking. "I trust you won't tell TsuTsu this conversation ever happened. I'm afraid I might not make it to the next day if she found out." He said grimly, but the following mischievous chuckles said otherwise.

  Dama chuckled himself in response. "Just as long you keep your previous promise of telling no one of Giona."

  Balancing himself on his walking cane, Owain copied Dama's smirk, stretching out his hand. "It's a deal then."

  A gesture and contract Dama accepted gladly. "Deal!"

  With that, they said their goodbyes, and Dama, Mumu, and Nini headed off toward Kina’s farm, their spirits lifted by the heartfelt meeting.

  -

  Next: (Extra Chapter 25) The Enohay Spirit Festival Commences!