Exiled Villainess Becomes Ruler (Republished/Edited)

Orion's Warning

The morning after the villagers discovered that the Honorable Healer Marick Rolfe was missing, Village Leader Orion Taylor called a meeting at the village center. Nearly all 500 residents of Beggar's Village gathered, their faces a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

Among the crowd were the Becketts, Eve, the Farling brothers, and Melody. Everyone's attention was fixed on Orion Taylor, who stood on a wooden stage in the center of the village.

"We are facing a serious predicament," Orion began, his voice steady but somber. "Most of you know that the Honorable Healer Marick Rolfe has gone missing. It appears he has been gone for weeks, as no one has heard from him. It is unfortunate that we only discovered his disappearance yesterday."

A murmur of shock and anxiety rippled through the crowd. The villagers exchanged worried glances before turning their attention back to Orion.

"What we know is that Marick mentioned he was going to The Kooky Forest. He regularly visits a few times a month to gather ingredients for his medicines, returning within a day or two without incident. But this time is different," Orion continued, his tone grim.

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the crowd. "I have gathered you all here to find volunteers for a search party. The Kooky Forest is known for its dangers—there are many creatures that can pose a threat. In the past, we have even experienced a few fatalities. However, we urgently need to find Marick, as he is our only medical expert. I believe that with enough people, we have a better chance of navigating the forest and locating him. I doubt the empire will provide us with a replacement doctor if the worst should happen," Orion said, trailing off.

The crowd fell into a heavy silence, their unease palpable.

Orion took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the anxious faces. "I hope that we will find Marick safe and sound. Any volunteers for the search party will be greatly appreciated, and you will be rewarded for your efforts. Please, raise your hand if you are willing to join the search."

For a moment, no one moved. Then, ten hands slowly rose into the air.

Eve, Kyle, Mason, Julia, Jeremiah, Jon, Zeke, Melody, and two others stood out among the volunteers.

Orion's expression softened into a relieved smile upon seeing the raised hands. It seemed that the courage of these ten individuals would help their cause. "Alright, those of you with your hands raised, please come forward to speak with me. The rest of you may return to your duties," he instructed.

As the majority of the villagers dispersed, Arlene and Julia's parents, David and Catherine, remained behind, their faces set in stern disapproval.

"Boys, I forbid you from entering that forest! We'll discuss this immediately after you've spoken with the village leader!" Arlene scolded Kyle and Mason, her voice sharp with concern.

"Julia, you cannot go into that forest. It's far too dangerous for someone your age! We will talk about this later," Julia's mother, Catherine, said firmly, her husband David nodding in agreement.

Eve, who had taken in the scene with a growing sense of awkwardness, turned to Arlene. "Um... we need to talk to Orion. He's waiting for us."

"Right. You can head home first, dear. We'll return as soon as we've finished with Orion," Jeremiah said to his wife.

Arlene nodded in agreement. She, David, and Catherine left the village center, their expressions still troubled.

"Come on, let's go," Jeremiah said, guiding his sons towards Orion, who stood surrounded by the other volunteers.

Eve and Julia followed silently, the weight of the situation hanging heavily in the air.
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The ten volunteers gathered around Orion Taylor, who sat on the edge of the stage, his expression a mix of fatigue and concern.