Chapter 7: The Hero’s Welcome

"Teacher Manaia! Good morning, Teacher Manaia!" "J-Jax!" Manaia exclaimed, her face a volcano of embarrassment. She shot me a furious look, though the color of her cheeks made her look more adorable than angry. Turning her back, she began to comb her hair and adjust her clothes to pretend nothing was happening. As the young girls entered, their eyes scanned the hut, searching for something. Their gazes then fixed on Manaia, who had finished tidying her clothes. Despite successfully hiding all the evidence, beads of sweat ran down her cheeks. "Teacher, why are you so nervous? Did something bad happen?" asked Lira, her big, innocent eyes looking at both of us as she crossed her arms in front of her small chest. "No, it’s nothing! It’s just... young Jax startled me. We were... discussing plans for the village." Her voice sounded a bit strained, and I had to bite my lip to keep from bursting into laughter again. The girls nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation, though I could tell that behind their kind smiles, there was a touch of distrust. Their gazes then fell on me. "Wow! Mr. Stranger is much better now! Yesterday we thought you were on the verge of death," said Leila, her eyes shining with astonishment at seeing my wounds appear almost completely healed. "Yes, Mr. Stranger, how do you feel? We thought you wouldn’t be able to get up for days; we’ve seen several warriors unable to stand for months with lesser injuries than yours," added Zela with a timid expression. I shrugged with a mischievous smile. "I’m pretty tough, little ones. Besides, I had a very attentive nurse last night who made sure my wounds were... thoroughly cleaned and cared for. Let’s just say her healing method is very effective." I cast a sidelong glance at Manaia, who choked on her own saliva, discreetly coughing as her cheeks flushed again. The girls, of course, didn’t catch the double meaning, or at least I think so. "That’s great! It’s good that you’re well. Everyone has been waiting to meet you and thank you, Mr. Jax. Do you want to come out and see everyone?" Lira asked, excited. I would have loved to refuse to keep intimidating Manaia, but there was no valid excuse to do so, so I just had to agree. "Of course. I’d love to meet everyone I had the pleasure of protecting." I looked at Manaia, with a suggestive smile. Manaia, still trying to regulate her breathing, quickly said: "Yes, of course! You go ahead. Young Jax needs a walk, and... I need to get ready a bit. I’ll catch up with you in a moment." Her look of "please, get me out of this situation" was almost palpable. "As you wish, leader," I said, giving a small, exaggerated bow just for her. The girls giggled as I left the hut with them, leaving a flushed and agitated Manaia behind. The cool morning air was a relief; the sea breeze seemed to carry away all my worries. In my previous world, I also used to live in a coastal area when I was a child, so seeing that beautiful blue sea filled me with nostalgia. The girls guided me along well-maintained and compacted sandy paths. Around these paths, which functioned as streets, were the tribe’s huts, made of wood and palm leaves, looking like something from an old castaway movie. We arrived at a wide area in the center of the village where there was a small, rustic wooden platform. My eyes scanned the place. Several women, five or six small girls, plus three boys, were gathered, observing me with curiosity and respect. It was a bittersweet sight; I didn’t want to judge without knowing the people’s situation, but there was a clear difference in their complexions: the women on the far right looked full of life, while as I looked to the left, the women appeared more haggard, as if they hadn’t eaten enough for several weeks. "These are all the inhabitants of this village, Mr. Stranger," said Leila softly, noticing my gaze. "Call me Jax, no need to be so formal. Are you sure no one is missing?" "Of course, Mr. Jax... no, no one is missing. Everyone has been here since last night praying for your safety. This place is the clan’s altar, although only Matriarch Manaia can light it. We all believe we can connect with the gods here, so everyone was praying all night, and it seems our prayers were answered." Meanwhile, back in the hut... Manaia collapsed onto the cot, her breathing still erratic. She brought a hand to her forehead, then lowered her gaze to her skirt. The fabric, which moments earlier had revealed its secrets, now concealed unmistakable dampness. Her own honey, a product of Jax’s anticipation and brazen request, had soaked her underwear. "By the gods, how embarrassing!" she murmured, feeling the sticky trail between her thighs. She sprang up and, with quick movements, shed her skirt and panties, which were visibly wet. She tossed them into a corner, promising to wash them later, and looked for a fresh, dry outfit. She dressed in a new skirt and cloth top, feeling the cool air against her skin, but the heat in her cheeks remained. She forced herself to calm down, combed her long hair, and left the hut, her pulse still racing. Upon reaching the center of the village, she saw Jax. He was standing on the wooden platform, smiling and greeting all the women and children of the tribe. His charismatic aura filled the space, and the women looked at him with admiration and evident curiosity. He was the center of attention, as if he had always belonged there. And Manaia couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief... and a pang of excitement as she remembered why her underwear was now in a corner of the hut. "I truly hope he stays. If the price for the village to prosper is my own body, then so be it..."