Stark's Regret

In the evening, Stark followed Wirbel very slowly.

In keeping with the atmosphere of Frieren's Party, every evening, or even before evening, Dugu Qing would stop, jump into the pool, take a bath, and catch a big fish along the way.

Fern would then start a fire, fetch water, and prepare delicious food; the aroma was simply irresistible.

Frieren wandered through the forest, gathering edible wild vegetables, mushrooms, and other mountain delicacies based on her thousands of years of experience.

At the time, enjoying the care and Stark of everyone, eating, drinking, and having fun, he was completely oblivious to it all.

Now, having followed Wirbel for half a day without even getting a sip of hot water, Stark especially misses the warmth of the Frieren's Party.

"Wirbel, when are we going to rest?"

"Let's walk for another three hours! A real man doesn't complain about being tired."

"What!"

Stark roared in anguish, "What kind of dark, slave-owning squad is this?! We've been walking all day and they won't even let us rest. They have absolutely no human compassion!"

Compared to this place, Frieren's Party is simply Aureole filled with milk and honey, something I could only dream of!

Stark's face was ashen, his mouth full of bitterness, and he wished he could turn around and leave.

The reason he didn't leave immediately was because he couldn't imagine how Dugu Qing, Frieren, Fern would treat him when he returned...

They'll definitely swear! How scary!

Late at night, in the jungle, the group was about to arrive at the port and board a boat to head to the border.

Wirbel stopped everyone in their tracks, took out a hardened piece of black bread from his bundle, and handed it to Stark.

"Hmm~"

Stark took a bite, and his front tooth almost broke.

How many months has this bread been sitting there? It feels harder than iron; could it be leftovers from last year?!

Oh my god! I'm going to be poisoned!

Stark bit into the hard, iron-like black bread, waiting for Wirbel to bring out pickles, side dishes, and other condiments.

But Wirbel disappointed Stark, as he hadn't even prepared hot water.

He took out a tattered, damp, and musty bedding, casually spread it on the ground, and invited Stark to lie down.

Stark clutched the black bread, staring at the bedding, feeling as if lightning were striking his head, as if the sky had collapsed!

"I'm going to sleep. Do as you please."

Wirbel lay on the bedding, eyes closed, and soon began to snort.

Although the sound wasn't loud, it was completely unbearable for Stark was used to eating coarse grains.

He clenched his fists, wishing he could punch himself twice.

I'll teach you to be jealous and to be so foul-mouthed. Now you've got what you deserve!

They couldn't even get a bowl of hot water, or a bite of hot bread, let alone taste the delicious food prepared by Dugu Qing and Fern!

Why did I agree to Wirbel in the first place?!

Has he gone mad? He must be crazy!

"Stark, eat up! A real man can endure any hardship."

His teammates seemed to be used to it by now, taking small bites of their black bread.

Upon hearing this, Stark's inner volcano finally erupted.

What's wrong!

Men have to endure hardship! Men have to swallow their pride and live a tough life!

Who made these rules?! Go to hell!

I, Stark, quit!

"I can't take this anymore. Tell Wirbel I'm not going to the border region. Tell him to take care of himself. Goodbye."

Angrily slamming the black bread on the ground, Stark strode forward, his figure disappearing swiftly into the jungle like an arrow.

Cross Town, Hotel.

After seeing off Stark, Frieren's Party was unable to adjust for a while.

After discussing it Frieren, Dugu Qing, Fern decided to buy more ingredients in town and cook a big meal to soothe their wounded hearts.

Inside the room, Dugu Qing stood before the table, calmly preparing the ingredients, and one delicious dish after another gradually took shape.

Fern washed vegetables, cut fruit, and made her favorite desserts. She secretly took a bite, and her mood instantly improved.

Frieren sat in the hall, lit a candle, and the warm yellow light illuminated the entire room.

A moment later, a table full of delicious dishes was laid out on the table.

The three of them sat down, raised their lemonades, and drank heartily.

Fern picked up a chicken wing and chewed it heartily; his figure was gradually turning into Fatty Philon.

She subtly inquired about Dugu Qing's preferences to determine whether or not he wanted to lose weight.

"By the way! Dugu Qing, do you prefer voluptuous beauties or slender beauties?"

"Everything is fine."

Slim and healthy.

A full figure, pleasing to the eye, both are good, Dugu Qing is not picky.

"I think it's better to be thinner; there are endless possibilities! Once you gain weight, it's very difficult to lose it."

Frieren blinked and slowly spoke.

The three discussed ambiguous topics, creating a lively atmosphere.

Stark emerged from the forest, panting, his hair covered in green leaves.

He looked out the window at Dugu Qing, Fern, and Frieren sitting together.

Scratching his head awkwardly, unsure how to begin, he returned to Frieren's Party.

Some things, once broken, can never be repaired and can never return to their original perfect state.

A faint aroma of meat wafted through the air, Stark was afraid that if he waited any longer, Fern would devour all the delicious food.

He gritted his teeth, abandoned all pretense, and braced himself as he rushed into Frieren's room.

Dugu Qing looked at Stark, a smile of joy at their reunion appearing on her quiet face.

"Oh, who do we have here! It's the King of the North!"

Stark lowered his head in shame, finding Dugu Qing's voice so warm and friendly, even his teasing was full of charm.

"Stark is back! Come, sit down, we've made lots of delicious food."

Fern moved a chair and placed it next to Dugu Qing.

Frieren took out her chopsticks and placed them on the table.

A gentle smile appeared on everyone's face.

The imagined torrential punishment did not come.

Stark felt even more guilty and ashamed.

Why did I betray such a group of kind and lovely friends back then?

That's a bastard, an absolute bastard.

"Dugu Qing, Frieren, Fern, I'm sorry, I was wrong, you can scold me! I'm so sorry."

Stark stood frozen by the table, his chest tight with a heavy feeling, his eyes stinging, and his voice trembling.

Dugu Qing looked calmly at Stark.

"Stark, we're all adults. Leaving or staying is a matter of personal choice."

"Yes! Even family members argue and have conflicts, let alone us."

"It's good that you're back! From now on, we'll still be friends."

Fern and Frieren picked up slices of meat and placed them on the plate in front of Stark.

Stark sat at the table, picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of fish, and tasted the familiar flavor. His tense heart warmed.

Thank you.

He found a sense of family in everyone and closed his eyes happily.

Tears streamed down her face, and she sobbed uncontrollably.