(Refresh the previous chaps for the bonus words)

After such a warm meal as a family for the first time. The whole hero household went to the village together, enjoying the simplicity and beauty of the Somer Isle. Of course their presence brought too much attention as only few knew of Xhemin and none of the children. The Somer Isles had changed for good and if previously, only few people lived there, not their population had tripled as many families decided to migrate there from other villages.

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As Willow and Wolfe walked hand in hand, they had been amazed how their Appa had been greatly respected. The people always bowed to him and their mother and some even went to bring flowers and garlands to their mother as a simple gift. The people who knew Xhemin couldn't help but welcome her in their simple ways and so many who recognized her honored her in the way. The news of the healer appearing again on the Somer Isle spread like wildfire in the whole Manggan Island and although she came with no parades whatsoever, people were deeply glad of her return.

When they came to the horse market, Xhemin dotingly held onto his husband, trying to sweet talk him for the horse she liked. As she grew up in the farm, she had great taste for horses and so the breed she chose came out so expensive that Darryl raised a brow at it to annoy her.

"Milady, you are drying out my treasures," Darryl commented, making it appear that she was being so demanding.

"My husband said he was rich so why should I hold off?" She rolled an eye at him. She knew pretty well that Darryl was just annoying her. It had always been his way that when he miraculously turned obedient and silent one day, then sure thing, he must be sick.

"We have children to feed now," Darryl pressed on. "We should save more for their future,"

"If you can't afford my horse then just bring me back to the Chieftain's household. I'm sure my brother Enoch can afford me a horse. I might as well live there and be a spoiled princess all my life" Xhemin grimaced and pushed him a little to stop him from whispering things to her. She then turned her head to where her children were and saw them enjoying themselves with the horses. The merchant who owned the stable was kind enough to give the two some rides on the horses and they seemed to enjoy it. Back in Hampshire, Huzey had taught the two how to ride the horse and they caught up with the lesson well.

"I didn't say I can't afford you a horse," Darryl retreated at her announcement but of course his throwback was wild, "I'm just making you see how expensive it is so you know how to compensate,"

"Compensate?" Xhemin turned and raised her brow immediately at her grinning husband.

"On our 'later'. Make sure to compensate expensively," Darryl announced and his face went from gorgeous to seductively handsome that Xhemin wanted to throw herself a pail of cold water immediately. Damn that promise of 'later'. Was he seriously going to tease her all day with it?

"Can you just buy me a horse?" She almost groped him to stop his folly. If the market wasn't full of villagers and his husband wasn't a respected hero, she wouldn't hesitate to kick him hard on his balls. "Buy it or there will be no 'later'"

"Aye aye milady," Darryl walked away smiling. It seemed that her threat came pretty useful and she just shook her head and watched her husband talk to the merchant with great excitement. It had been long since she had seen him with such brightness and smile that the view came out pretty emotional to her. However she didn't want to cry over it or she might have a hard time explaining to the kids why she was crying so suddenly.

Soon Darryl came back dragging the horse she loved with Willow and Wolfe riding on its back. The two decided to jump on its back knowing that the animal was now owned by their mother. Darryl wanted to buy them too but they said they had taken likes on the horses that were already in his household stable so he didn't need to buy them another.

"Imma looked beautiful and she's soo smooth and silky," Willow invited her to caress Wolfe's back and she did so gently.

"Satisfied?" Darryl asked, the grin on his face was still there with no intention of leaving.

"Yep," Xhemin was sincerely touched with his gift even though she was the one who demanded it. " I liked it very much, thank you tatta," She added and gave Darryl an unexpected smack on the lips.

"Ahahahah, Appa is blushing," The children sure noticed it and Xhemin too that immediately she felt like she had won over him with his teasing game. Darryl's face did go crimson at Xhemin's sudden kiss but instead of feeling shy, he felt utterly proud at it.

"I just got a kiss from a beautiful woman, sure I would have a blush," Darryl reasoned smartly that Willow and Wolfe cheered on it.

"Wow...Appa is a legend," Wolfe was complimented. When it comes to gallantry, his Appa was sure of his bet and felt the need and passion of growing up like him. He dreamed that when the time comes, he can love and be gallant to women just like how his Appa was.

"Let's go and buy some rice cakes," Xhemin invited as she felt had taken some likes on the food earlier when she saw someone selling it. "It had been long since I tasted one,"

"I wanted to try it too," Willow seconded.

***

"Let's head for some rice cakes then," Darryl concluded and grabbed Xhemin's hand while gently dragging the horse where his children were loaded.

That afternoon, they had rummaged through the village market, shopped, ate and explored many fun things together, something they had never once done on the mainland. Thinking through it, Xhemin thought the busy mainland had caused them to be too occupied with many things that it was hard for them to spend quality time with each other. However in the Manggan Island, things were simpler and she didn't have a hard time focusing on what's best and important knowing she was free from all the caress of being the LGC's CEO and Leigh heiress. She was glad then that she decided to take this path as although the road toward Darryl was rough and rocky, it somehow felt worth it in the end.