Chapter 185

The midday sun was shining brightly in the city of Sedona.

"The weather now really doesn't feel like winter is coming." Lucas said, standing in front of the western city gate and looking up at the sun.

Today marked the fifth day since Mina left the castle. They had received news that she and her group would be returning soon.

"Master, five years ago, it didn't snow here in winter," Nicole explained softly. "Since the 'Wrath of the Snow Goddess' arrived, every winter, as the cold winds blow over the Forbidden Mountain Range, it has started to snow and get cold here."

A cold wave, Lucas thought. Only a cold wave could cause such sudden climate changes. This was something he couldn't alter, not even back on Earth. It was weather change, sometimes a natural disaster.

"Is the country beyond the Forbidden Mountain Range by the sea?" Lucas turned to ask Annie.

"The sea?" Annie tilted her head, searching her memory, then shook her head. "I don't know. I rarely went out before and never heard of the sea."

"I see. I wonder what it's like there." Lucas said, curious.

"It's all ice and snow. Without a campfire to keep warm, many people would freeze to death in a day, and there's nothing to eat," Annie said, looking down, a bit disheartened. "It's a place cursed by heaven."

"Don't talk nonsense," Lucas lightly tapped Annie's head and said, "Actually, it's possible to survive in the ice and snow; it just requires survival skills and equipment."

"Really?" Annie looked up suddenly, her brown eyes sparkling as if discovering a new world.

"Of course. If we have the chance, I'll take you to experience survival in the snow and ice." Lucas nodded affirmatively.

"Is it a promise then?" Annie asked seriously, looking up.

Lucas smiled lightly, "Yes, it's a promise."

"Young Master, why hasn't Mina arrived yet? Is something wrong?" Ayesha asked, fidgeting anxiously.

"With a bunch of kids, how could they move that quickly?" Lucas sighed.

According to the intel, Mina, Helen, and others had only returned with a group of beastkins children, and some adults, mostly women as men had died on their journey from the injuries and a few old beastkins, which surprised Lucas. Although he had anticipated many things, he hadn't expected a group of beastkins children. This was even better, as elite talents are cultivated from a young age. When the city of Sedona reaches a bottleneck, having these children would help bridge the gap and avoid a talent shortage.

After all, relying solely on the children from Sedona City is a bit insufficient, and education and welfare for the children need to be prioritized. Lucas already had a plan in mind.

As for why Lucas was personally at the city gate, he had just returned from inspecting the fields and was waiting here.

"Here they come." Ayesha shouted excitedly, "Wow. So many little beastkins."

Lucas saw them too, and from afar, he noticed the slender figure still brimming with vitality, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Wow. It's the lord himself, coming out of the city to meet us." Helen exclaimed, her earlier worries eased in an instant as her light red eyes grew misty.

"Lord? That noble?" Mary squinted her cloudy eyes towards the city gate and faintly saw a young man in splendid attire.

As they got closer, Mary's eyes widened in surprise before she quickly lowered her head. The noble was dressed so magnificently and was also quite handsome, making it easy to see why Helen was drawn to him. Mary was taken aback that a noble would wait at the city gate for them, feeling quite overwhelmed.

"Welcome home."

Lucas met Mina's eyes and said softly, "It's been a hard journey."

"It's not hard."

Mina shook her head, her tense face relaxing as she walked over to Lucas; she turned to look at his profile, and the familiar, refreshing scent instantly lifted her tired spirit.

"Mina, are you hurt?" Annie asked with concern.

"No, just some minor issues along the way." Mina replied softly.

"Welcome back."

Nicole said softly, pulling a piece of pastry from her pocket, and quickly popped it into Mina's mouth after glancing around with her eyes.

Ayesha, with her sharp eyes, noticed this, her purple eyes sparkling. She leaned over, only to be smacked on the boobs by Annie.

"Mm…" Mina's eyes opened slightly. She chewed instinctively and realized it was a red bean cake. Was this Nicole's way of showing concern?

"Here, give me your backpack." Ayesha pouted and grabbed Mina's backpack, slinging it over her shoulder.

"You don't need to…" Mina thought about the cola she was reluctant to part with in her backpack.

"Don't be polite with me." Ayesha waved her hand dismissively, glancing occasionally at Nicole's pocket. Ayesha had only had two pieces of the red bean cake earlier that morning.

"…"

Lucas chose not to interfere with the beastgirls' interactions for now. He looked at the thirty-odd people before him, mostly beastkins children, and offered a warm smile. "Welcome to Sedona City."

This sunshine-like smile soothed the previously anxious beastkins children. Many of them would remember this smile from the city lord for years to come.

"…" Mary fell silent. No matter what she said now, it wouldn't change anything; she had to witness it all herself.

"Lord, I can work to support these beastkins children. Please take them in." Helen said, taking two steps to Lucas and bowing at a ninety-degree angle at her request. "Please don't turn them away."

"Why would I turn them away?"

Lucas looked momentarily surprised, then reached out to pinch the rabbit-eared girl's ears with a smirk. "They don't need you to support them. Do you think I'm just going to be burdened by a few extra mouths? They won't eat me out of house and home."

"No, it's not like that. I, I…" Helen looked up, her lips trembling and tears welling up, unable to find the words.

Helen remembered Lucas's words from before: as long as the beastkins were willing to work, they wouldn't starve. But now, with a group of beastkins children, most of whom were around seven or eight years old, it was difficult to imagine how they could support themselves.

"You're such a silly rabbit." Lucas chuckled and lightly flicked the rabbit-eared girl's nose with his finger. Are there tasks suitable for children? Of course, there are many, such as simple, non-strenuous crafts. But did Lucas need children to work for him? Absolutely not. He wasn't at the point of making children work.

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