Three days later, settlers from Elysian Haven were nearing Qin Yu’s territory.

“Shikari, what kind of person do you think our lord will be?” a tiny voice asked.

Two solitary figures traveled the road. A pink-haired fairy, no bigger than a palm with transparent wings, landed on the shoulder of the light-green-haired Sylvan Elf carrying luggage for a brief rest.

A trace of unease flickered in Shikari’s lake-clear eyes. “I don’t know,” she replied softly. “Let’s hope he’s not a bad person…”

The fairy swung her legs on Shikari’s shoulder, gazing skyward. “We won’t be this unlucky again, right?”

Before departure, they’d drawn lots—and landed a low-tier territory. Shikari’s strength and rank shouldn’t have warranted it. She suspected jealousy from her kin. But it didn’t matter. Leaving was for the best.

Within the territory, Qin Yu and others prepared a welcome ceremony.

“Little Angel, you’re here too?” Qin Yu called.

A quiet purple-haired girl had appeared at the crowd’s edge. Seeing him approach, Angel flinched slightly, wanting to retreat—but he was already before her.

She shared Hong’s aptitude of 8. At eleven or twelve, her mind wasn’t battle-ready. Yet in Fate Paradise, not fighting meant death. These children had steeled themselves, little by little.

“My lord… I just wanted to see the elves…” Angel murmured.

Curiosity about the arriving elves had drawn her from her room—a rare step. Usually, she stayed secluded in dim silence.

“Of course it’s fine to look,” Qin Yu said gently. “But Little Angel, try spending time with others. Staying alone gets boring.”

After the merchant left, Qin Yu had found her sitting in shadows, hugging her knees, staring blankly at the floor.

“I will…” Angel whispered, fingers instinctively clutching his hand. He smiled, patted her head, and led her forward.

“I see them…” Silver Crimson Snow murmured, spotting distant figures with ease.

“I heard elf sisters are super pretty~”

“How many will come?”

“Maybe a dozen?”

“Too few!”

“We’re a small territory. Less than ten, probably.”

…

As children chatted, Qin Yu squinted. One… and… only one? He’d expected at least three Sylvan Elves. Whispers rippled through the crowd—just a single elf?

Spotting the territory ahead, Shikari quickened her pace.

“Shikari, look! The lord prepared a welcome ceremony!” Nanafu, resting on her shoulder, pointed excitedly.

“Resting well? Can you fly on your own now?” Shikari asked.

“No way! I flew so long my legs ache,” Nanafu complained, stroking her smooth legs with a pained face.

“How can legs hurt when you fly with wings?”

“Well, you wouldn’t get it, Shikari! Fairies fly using phantom limbs!” Nanafu declared proudly.

Shikari knew she was bluffing but said nothing. When Nanafu tried to leave, Shikari gently pressed her back. “Didn’t you say your phantom limbs were tired? Rest properly.”

“Hehe~” Nanafu giggled. Shikari’s lips curved faintly.

Soon, they stood before their lord.

“My lord, we are settlers sent by Elysian Haven to assist you,” Shikari introduced herself. Nanafu fluttered up and bowed mid-air.

“My name is Shikari.”

“I’m Nanafu! My lord, please take care of me from now on!”

Nanafu beamed—thrilled with the territory, especially the lakeside villa. Far nicer than their old place in Elysian Haven.

“Welcome. I am Qin Yu, lord of this land. These are our settlers, like you. Most are children—but never underestimate them.”

Shikari’s gaze swept the group. She’d wondered at the many children, but now saw their promise—especially the wolf-eared girl with dark red hair and the purple-haired child holding Qin Yu’s hand. Strongest of all floated beside him: the silver-haired Bloodkin.

“Understood, my lord.”

Qin Yu noted Shikari’s earnestness. Nanafu? A cheerful mascot. Most importantly—Tier-5 strength. His mild disappointment eased. Focusing resources on one high-tier fighter beat scattering them thin.

The ceremony unfolded warmly. Shikari and Nanafu felt genuine welcome. Favorability toward Qin Yu rose to 50—a solid success. Here, settler favorability hinted at loyalty: high favorability didn’t guarantee loyalty, but low favorability surely meant disloyalty.

With only two newcomers, Qin Yu housed them in the lakeside villa. As Elysian Haven residents, human-style homes would feel alien.

That evening, settled in their new rooms:

“Shikari, we’re so lucky! The lord seems really nice~” Nanafu chirped.

Shikari merely nodded.

“Aw, Shikari! Won’t you say anything? Those kids totally admire you—their cool older sister!”

Though Nanafu’s novelty drew curious glances, Shikari was the true object of admiration. Nanafu felt more like a fascinating toy to them.

“Nanafu… didn’t you notice? The lord feels… unfathomable,” Shikari murmured.

“Really? I just found him kind…”

Nanafu didn’t grasp her concern. But anywhere was better than Elysian Haven’s constant hostility.