In record time, theypleted their day’s work. After removing their protective gear and cing it in the washer for cleaning and sterilization, they all walked back to their usual break spot, exchangingughter and conversation along the way.


    As they walked along the road, the other participants still toiling away at their tasks noticed Hera strolling leisurely with the vigers. Some assumed she was merely lounging and socializing with the locals to evade her own duties.


    Especially Minerva, who was tasked with pulling weeds in the fields, found herselfboring over acres ofnd for a meagerpensation barely enough to afford a bottle of milk and a loaf of bread. She couldn’t help but overhear the vigers gossiping about Hera and her team enjoyingvish meals together during lunch, a rumor that soon spread to the other participants as well.


    The other vigers firmly believe that theirmunity resonates with Hera and her team due to their down-to-earth demeanor and effortless rapport. They’re eagerly anticipating the moment when Hera will be assigned to their plot, eager to see if the rumors about their interactions hold true.


    In a close-knit vige where everyone knows each other and time moves slowly, gossip bes amon pastime, and rumors spread like wildfire. It’s only natural that in such a setting, every little detail bes a topic of discussion among the vigers.


    Bry rushed to Hera’s side after lending a hand with the manure transportation. Afterpleting his task, he briefly returned home for a shower, only to swiftly rejoin Hera. Despite having fulfilled his duties as a guide, Bry chose to stay with Hera, finding herpany exciting and enjoyable.


    Hera frequently praised him for doing a great job, inadvertently igniting his determination to exceed expectations. Although Hera didn’t intend to burden him with additional tasks, Bry’s enthusiasm led him to go above and beyond. Hera could only chuckle affectionately as she watched Bry embrace his youthful energy with enthusiasm.


    "Sister, should we go see Diamond? Father mentioned he’s been restless this morning, probably missing you," Bry said, strolling alongside Hera with his hands casually resting behind his head.


    The uncles and aunties all turned their heads toward Bry, surprised to hear him suggest visiting the "ck beast." Usually, he would be the first to make excuses to avoid Diamond at all costs, having a history of avoiding the horse like the gue. But now, it seemed as though he hadpletely forgotten his past trauma regarding the horse.


    This is the remarkable aspect of children; they can be deeply traumatized by events, yet once they ovee it and heal properly, they often forgive and forget almost instantly. However, if the damage inflicted is severe, the healing process may take much longer and leave asting scar that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.


    Even Hera was uncertain about what she had done to earn Bry’s trust to such an extent. Nheless, she felt gratified that she had yed a role in helping Bry ovee his fear of Diamond. "How about we bring Zen and Xavier with us?" Hera suggested to Bry, who readily agreed.


    Due to the overwhelming stench of manure that clung to Hera’s hair and skin after spending two hours in the barn cleaning, she decided it was imperative to take a thorough shower first. She seized the opportunity while everyone else was still busy in their tasks. She instructed Bry to invite Xavier and Zen, along with his older brother, while she cleansed herself.


    In truth, Hera’s sense of smell had been numbed by the overpowering stench, and she didn’t want Xavier and the others to endure difort because of her odor. As she entered the cabin, she swiftly grabbed a fresh set of clothes and headed straight for the bathroom. However, she noticed Xavier nearby, his hair still damp and a towel draped around his neck.


    He nced at her briefly before resuming the task of drying his hair. Hera suddenly felt a surge of insecurity, wondering if she still smelled of the manure. Unable to detect her own scent, she hurried toward the bathroom. However, just as she reached for the doorknob, Zen emerged from the bathroom, catching her off guard. Instinctively, she took a step back, creating a bit of distance between them.


    "Whoa! Did you fall into a manhole or something?" Zen blurted out, taken aback by the sudden assault on his nose as he stepped out of the bathroom.


    Hera’s brows furrowed, and she pouted at Zen, feeling offended by his remark. Despite wanting tough, Zen couldn’t bring himself to do so, as the smell was genuinely unpleasant. He instinctively stepped aside, giving Hera space to enter the bathroom.


    "Don’t pretend that you didn’t smell as bad earlier." Xavier interjected, attempting to offer Hera some dignity. However, his words inadvertently underscored just how strong Hera’s current odor was.


    "Hmph! What do you know?! Just hope that you two won’t end up in my shoes, or else, you’ll understand the full extent of the smell," Hera retorted, sticking her tongue out yfully before disappearing into the bathroom but then she stuck her head out again. Surprised by her unexpected action, Zen braced himself, half-expecting Hera to retaliate by hitting him or some kind. However, she instead rolled her eyes and added, "I’ll be going horseback riding with Bry after this. You can tag along if you want."