Kidnappers

Iyare could no longer switch back with her brother because of the bandage applied by the royal physician. After the round of competition, the men and women split into two groups to continue celebrating.

"Iyare really knows how to play. She didn't even show up all afternoon," Eloho complained, feeling uncomfortable with Uye's newfound favoritism toward Iyare. She hoped that by pointing this out, Uye would become disappointed in Iyare.

"That's true. Is there any girl who leaves her family's stand all day? How can she wander around like she doesn't have any proper upbringing?" Emu joined in. Her goal was not to target Iyare but Uwa. After all, since Efosa had won three matches that afternoon, Uye had been praising Uwa for giving birth to such an outstanding son.

"What do you mean, acting like someone without proper training? Iyare is already a sick child. Are you trying to ruin her chances of marrying a good husband in the future by saying such things?" Uye was furious and glared daggers at her daughter-in-law.

Emu was stunned. She hadn't expected her mother-in-law to scold her instead. "Mama, it's not that. I was just worried that—" Emu tried to defend herself. Over the years, with Uwa taking the spotlight, she had rarely been scolded by her mother-in-law, and she couldn't tolerate seeing Uwa do well.

"You're not worried; you just want to ruin my granddaughter's reputation and sabotage her chances of marrying into a good family. Let me warn you—this is the Edosa family, not a place for your tricks," Uye said angrily.

Uwa couldn't help but lower her head and laugh. For years, the junior wives had shown her no respect as the senior wife, so she was pleased with Emu's misfortune. Most importantly, she was no longer the target of her mother-in-law's fury.

"I'm sorry, Mama. I spoke without thinking. Efosa is so popular now, and I'm sure many young girls will want to befriend Iyare," Emu apologized reluctantly, swallowing her grievances.

"Of course. If you don't know how to speak next time, just keep quiet," Uye said. After a pause, she added, "Let your daughters also go and find their friends."

Iyare was supposed to return to the women's side after the competition, but she didn't. Because the men and women sat apart, Uye wasn't aware of Iyare's injury. Deep down, Uye was worried their secret might be exposed. Hearing Emu and her co-wives bring up Iyare made her angry. After all, there was something to hide. Normally, no one cared about a daughter, but now their chatter might draw attention.

To deflect suspicion, Uye sent the other granddaughters away so Iyare's absence wouldn't be so obvious.

Shortly after, Efosa, dressed as Iyare, hurried to his mother's side. He had been hiding all afternoon, but since Iyare hadn't returned, he decided to come out, hungry and tired.

"Mother," Efosa acted spoiled as usual when he saw his mother.

"I'm really spoiling you too much. You were gone all afternoon. Who are you learning such bad behavior from?" Uwa turned and scolded him. Although she knew Iyare hadn't been aimlessly playing, she never hesitated to scold her. It was only because others were around that she didn't curse at her.

"Mother..." Efosa was frightened by his mother's stern expression, a look she had never shown him. Noticing his reaction, Uwa immediately realized the person before her was her precious son.

"Your mother is saying this for your own good. Why are you acting so spoiled? You're sick, so you can't do much work. Having a good character is very important as a girl," Emu chimed in, seizing the opportunity to vent her frustration.

"Emu, I don't need you to teach my child how to behave," Uwa snapped. That was her precious son. She couldn't bear for anyone, not even her mother-in-law, to scold him, let alone a co-wife.

Emu was shocked by Uwa's attitude. Normally, Uwa wouldn't care if Iyare was insulted in public.

"Come, my child. You have to take your medicine," Uwa said softly. Seeing the mother he was used to, Efosa walked over and sat beside her.

"I haven't been playing all day. After watching the match, I wanted to return, but I heard my brother had injured his hand. I wanted to bring him over for Grandma to take a look, but I learned he was called by the palace servant to meet the royal physician at the king's command," Efosa explained. After hearing this, Uwa's heart ached for her son.

"You're a good child. Mother blamed you for nothing," Uwa said lovingly.

"Uwa, give the child food. She is sick and can't stay hungry," Uye said. Upon hearing Efosa's explanation, she understood who had returned. Unlike Uwa, who could differentiate the two even if they wore the same attire, Uye couldn't. She was relieved their secret hadn't been exposed.

Meanwhile, Iyare decided to mingle in the crowd after getting her hand treated by the royal physician. Since she could no longer switch places with Efosa because of the visible bandage, she avoided sitting with the youths who kept asking her questions.

"You fought well," a young man said, approaching her. Iyare noticed he was older than Efosa, probably by at least four years.

"I'm still learning," Iyare replied meekly, knowing that showing off wouldn't help her.

The young man was surprised. Although he hadn't interacted with Efosa directly, he assumed he would be boastful given his earlier victories.

"It's good to be humble. Here, have some fresh palm wine," he said, handing her a cup.

Iyare accepted it. Though she had never had palm wine before, she couldn't refuse given the occasion. After two cups, she felt the need to relieve herself and excused herself.

She couldn't go to the men's side, as she risked exposing her identity. She also couldn't go to the women's side while dressed as a man. Left with no choice, she headed for the secluded bush.

Just as she turned to leave, someone bumped into her. "I'm sorry," the girl apologized, clinging to her. Iyare looked at her, puzzled by her reaction.

"Let go of me. Why are you running?" Iyare asked as she freed herself.

The girl hugged her again, looking terrified. Iyare, seeing her fear, refrained from pushing her away forcefully.

"Let go and tell me the problem," Iyare said firmly.

The girl hesitated, then stepped back. "I think I'm being chased by kidnappers," she whispered fearfully.

Iyare was shocked. Just as she was about to ask more, she heard approaching footsteps. Thinking the kidnappers had caught up, Iyare quickly pulled the girl behind a large tree. Her plan was to assess the situation before acting.

"Efosa!" Iyare froze upon hearing her grandfather's voice calling out her brother's name. Before she could respond, the frightened girl suddenly pulled her down, causing both to fall.

"Please let me go. I don't want to!" the girl cried out loudly.