Yvette exclaimed, "Irrigurd Whare! This happy occasion! It looks like you all are taking it very seriously."

Sheldon pointed toward a house. "See that one? That's my uncle's house. In three days, my cousin Navian is marrying Bonnie, the special woman from Dungo Village."

"It's going to be the grandest wedding in our village. The whole village is looking forward to this day," he added.

Yvette raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. Sheldon, noticing Martin's interest, was pleased. He quickly explained to Yvette, "Bonnie is the guardian goddess of Dungo Village. Every few years, she must marry a man chosen from the village, and Navian was recently selected. If you're interested, you can stay here."

"Normally, outsiders aren't allowed to attend the wedding, but since you're my friend, I can talk to my father. He'll probably agree." Sheldon's thoughts were no longer hidden. With Yvette in Dungo Village, he had ample time to win her over. His plan was to keep her there.

Yvette nodded. "Alright."

Sheldon, accustomed to her reserved demeanor, nodded back. "I'll make arrangements. Let's go back to my place."

The Jacobs residence displayed a typical medieval style—luxurious and exuding ancient charm. As Sheldon entered, Gideon, a man in a gray suit, appeared. "Mr. Jacobs, welcome back."

Gideon's gaze shifted to Yvette; his frown deepened, revealing suspicion and distaste. He wondered, Has Mr. Jacobs lost his mind? Doesn't he know women always bring trouble? A beautiful woman is nothing but a disaster. If this continues, Mr. Jacobs will surely meet his end because of a woman.

Yvette glanced at him indifferently, hands in her pockets, her eyebrow raised in subtle rebellion.

Gideon hesitated. "Sheldon, Mr. Jacobs is asking for you. I'll arrange a room for this lady." Clearly, Gideon had experience with such situations. Sheldon nodded, satisfied. "Thank you, Gideon. Please ensure Ms. Zeller is well cared for. She's an important guest."

Turning to Yvette, Sheldon said gently, "Ms. Zeller, please rest. I have something to attend to."

Yvette nodded, her hands still in her pockets, her expression cold. Her slightly rolled-up sleeves revealed slender wrists. She remained silent.

Gideon's dissatisfaction was palpable. What an arrogant woman! How dare she be so disrespectful to Mr. Jacobs! he thought.

After Sheldon left, Gideon coldly addressed Yvette. "Ms. Zeller, follow me. Your room is on the left."

As they walked, Gideon casually questioned her, and Yvette responded. At her door, Gideon spread his hands. "Ms. Zeller, this is your room. I won't disturb you further."

"Thank you," Yvette said quietly, then turned to close the door. Their eyes met, and Gideon's gaze darkened with malice. Does he want to kill me? she thought.

After the door closed, Gideon paused before leaving. It doesn't matter what kind of woman she is. In the end, she's just fertilizer. Nothing worth paying attention to, he mused.

In the study, Sheldon straightened his clothes and knocked. After permission to enter, he walked toward his father, Holden Jacobs, seated at the desk.

Gideon bowed respectfully. "Dad, you're back from Southeast Aploth?"

Holden Jacobs, fifty-five years old, had led Dungo Village for thirty years. His power was absolute; none dared defy him. The villagers revered him. His lined face and narrowed eyes conveyed a stern demeanor. Sheldon strongly resembled him.

Holden put down his work and looked at Sheldon coldly. "You brought back another woman?"

Sheldon knew he couldn't hide anything. "Yes, Dad. She's incredibly beautiful. I fell for her instantly."

"But relax. She's just a frivolous woman who loves money. Once I'm done with her, she'll serve as fertilizer for the crops. Don't worry about it."

Holden knew Sheldon's ways. His weakness for women was well-known. He nodded dismissively. It was nothing new.

"Just keep a low profile," Holden warned. "In three days, it's Navian's wedding with Bonnie. You'll need to help. Bonnie's been causing trouble, refusing to eat."

"Do whatever it takes to stop her. She can't stir things up before the next special woman arrives."

Sheldon spat on the ground. "Dad, Bonnie's insane. She thinks a bit of schooling means she can escape Dungo Village—utterly delusional. If it weren't for her role, I would have killed her and tossed her into Deathworm Hell."

Holden's expression darkened. "Watch your mouth! Do you think you can speak of Deathworm Hell like that? Keep it secret from outsiders, or you can leave Dungo Village." Seeing Holden's anger, Sheldon apologized.

With a wave, Holden dismissed him. "Get out. Stop making trouble and keep an eye on that woman."

Sheldon nodded, muttering, "Yes, Dad. I'll leave now."

After Sheldon left, Holden gazed pensively at his bookshelf.

At the westernmost house, the door opened, revealing Bonnie in wrinkled clothes, motionless on the bed, her eyes dull, a cold meal untouched on the table. Janice entered, glanced at Bonnie, then closed the door.

Janice approached, her voice gentle. "Bon, please eat something." (The following sentence is unintelligible and has been omitted.)

A flicker of concern crossed Janice's eyes. After a silence, under Bonnie's hopeful gaze, Janice nodded and took Bonnie's hand.

Janice persuaded, "Bon, you're the special woman. It's your destiny. You can't escape it. You know Holden's temper. If you continue, the consequences could be disastrous. Marrying Navian could bring you happiness, respect, and admiration. Isn't that..."

Bonnie weakly pulled away, looking up. "Janice, did you call Yvette with the number I gave you?"