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.