Witch Monastery

Chapter 403 403: Willowwind Town

Charles's eyes widened. He knew these tribes had a lot of issues, but he hadn't expected things to be this bad. "What's going on? Tell me the details."

Nidalee explained, "Even though last winter wasn't harsh and there was no cold snap, so none of the big tribes suffered heavy casualties, their supplies were already running low."

"The Mountaineer tribe and Stonehide tribe are faring a bit better. The former at least has my father making Goodberries to feed people, so they can hold on. The latter can choose to hibernate—so as long as they aren't raided, they'll pull through one way or another."

"But the Highmountain tribe and the Chimeras are in real trouble. The Highmountain tribe's population is huge, and the Chimeras require a lot of resources to keep their beasts under control. Their shortages are enormous—so even the strong adults only get one meager meal a day."

"They had no choice but to start hunting in early spring—but that violates the rules of the mountains. Spring is when animals put on weight and breed, so hunting is forbidden. They've made a lot of enemies because of it…"

"The result is, not only do they face all kinds of external pressure, but they're also fighting amongst themselves: the Mountaineer and Stonehide tribes are accusing the other two of breaking the rules, while the other side shoots back that it's easy to criticize with a full belly. They're on the verge of outright civil war…"

Charles tried to keep a straight face, but hearing how those troublemakers were now suffering, he couldn't help but let a smirk tug at his lips.

He knew it was kind of unkind, but honestly, he couldn't help himself.

Merciful Goddess of Life, I swear I'll recite some extra prayers and do good deeds to make up for today's lack of compassion. Amen!

He thought this silently, but let his smile show at last. "Tragic. I feel so sorry for them. Really, truly touched over here."

Nidalee shot him a look, pretty sure her Master was being sarcastic. "So, lately they've sent people to ask, as former allies, if we'd donate some supplies."

Charles's smile disappeared in a flash. He was about to say, "Please, we're not a charity," but caught himself at the last second.

"Well, we certainly can't stand by and let them starve," he said instead.

Nidalee's beautiful eyes widened. "You're really that generous, Master?"

In her heart, she'd wanted to help her father, but she knew this was Charles's town, not hers, so she had to ask first.

She'd imagined he'd be the grudge-holding type, never letting go of a slight. She never expected him to show real mercy.

Unexpectedly, Theresa also looked surprised at this answer, while Hattie's shock faded quickly; she spoke up, looking thoughtful. "So here's the real question—who's actually going to distribute and manage these supplies?"

Nidalee blinked. "Does it matter?"

Charles shot Hattie a look of approval, then turned to the druid in his arms. "Nidalee, what's the current status with the Highmountain tribe succession?"

Nidalee put aside her confusion, answering first. "The old chieftain is on his last legs, and now that Torun—the best candidate—is gone, the fight for succession is full-on."

"The frontrunner is his second son, Motta Highmountain. He led the minotaurs in the spring hunts and kept everyone from starving, so he's got huge popularity inside the tribe… though he's also taking all the flak from outsiders for breaking tradition."

"There are a few other strong contenders as well…"

She listed them one by one; Charles listened, then suddenly asked, "Is there anyone who seems like a total long shot, no hope at all, but actually qualifies and might just be quietly ambitious?"

Nidalee was startled, but had a feeling what he was up to. After a moment's thought, she said, "Actually… I guess there's one."

"His name is Garon Highmountain. He's Torun's cousin, was always close to him… After Torun died, all the others with no ambition picked a side, but Garon hasn't made a move yet. People think he's clueless since he's young, that he couldn't possibly take over as chief…"

Charles nodded. "Sounds perfect. Nidalee, give him a full background check—see if he's got any drive."

"Torun was my comrade in arms. It's not too much to hand these supplies directly to his little brother, is it?"

Nidalee's eyes lit up. "Master, are you going to use this succession war…"

Charles smiled and nodded; behind him, Hattie also grinned. "Best to keep things deadlocked, right till the old chief breathes his last. No clear winner!"

Charles shot Hattie another look of approval. The Highmountain tribe's sins can't be erased just because Torun died! He wanted to see the tribe split, fight, tear itself apart—until no one even remembers it ever existed.

Nidalee nuzzled against Charles's chest, lips curling in satisfaction. She was happy with this, even if Charles's motives weren't "pure"—at least, this would really help her father's tribe.

And that was enough for her.

"Any other problems for me? I'm here, may as well handle them all at once," Charles said.

Nidalee paused, then added, "Actually, there's one more thing."

"Go on." Charles smiled, pulling her in closer.

"It's about naming the town. We've got over a thousand residents now, and the daily traffic is huge—but passing adventurers all call us something different."

"It's not causing any major issues yet, but I think it's better to settle it sooner than later."

As she spoke, she squirmed for a comfier spot, pressing her chest into his, snuggling against his shoulder. "We discussed it and everyone agrees—you should be the one to name it. No matter what, you're the one who led us to this milestone."

It was true enough—he'd been the one to kill the Abyssal Lord, pick the site, and build the first houses. As both founder and angel investor, he was the only one with the right to name the place.

Nobody would dare overstep before he gave the word.

Charles understood this, and didn't bother with false modesty or deflecting. These were his people—no need to put on airs.

But coming up with a name genuinely stumped him. He'd wanted to call it "Purity Mountain Town," after their goal of purifying the mountains.

But then again, the "Mountain Purifiers Alliance" had more than ruined its reputation, and even a name like that was better avoided.

So what to call it?

He remembered the early days: Willo, himself, Anno, and a whole chain of people had entered the mountains with one purpose—to purge evil and monsters, to bring peace to the peaks.

Not just monsters, but troublemakers like the Mountain Purifiers too would be targets for justice.

So—

After thinking for a moment, he finally said, "We'll call it Willowwind Town ."

"To honor those heroes who gave everything—even their lives—to bring peace back to these mountains."

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