The next day was especially hot. The sun's rays scorched anyone who lingered too long in its glare, while the air hung heavy with salt and sweat. The oppressive heat made it difficult to breathe. On days like this, being a farmer or training for combat felt torturous. Workers were drenched in sweat, their skin nearly burnt, and their throats parched for a cool drink. Fortunately, Wendy and her servants brought jugs of fresh water to the laborers, offering relief from the sweltering conditions. This tradition, started by her father, was a way to show appreciation and care for all his subjects.

"How did you get mud in your ears?" Macao, Romeo's father, asked as they took a break to drink and clean up. "Son, we farm with our hands and feet, not our heads."

"Father, stop!" Romeo complained, squirming as his ears were scrubbed. "You're messing up my hair!"

"Your hair is full of dirt; it was already a mess."

"I'm sure it's not that bad."

Suddenly, a jug of water was poured over him.

"Hey! Who did that?!"

The answer came from Jellal, who chuckled.

"There, all clean," he declared with a smirk.

Romeo glared at him.

"Alright, boys, take fifteen minutes to rest under a tree, then it's back to work," Macao said.

"But Father, I've been working since sunrise!" Romeo whined. "If I work any longer, I'll die of heatstroke. Can't I call it quits for today?"

"Yes, please," Wendy chimed in. "Today would be perfect for a swim in the waterhole. Can we go, Grandeeney, please? I've finished all my lessons and training."

"Hmmm..." the giantess pondered, glancing at Romeo's father. "What do you think, Macao? Have these children earned the privilege of goofing off for the afternoon?"

"Well... it is pretty hot, and Romeo has worked hard this morning. I suppose it's alright with me."

Wendy and Romeo cheered excitedly.

"As long as Jellal goes with you."

Their excitement deflated.

"No, not Jellal," Romeo complained. "Why does he always have to tag along?"

"Because, as your older brother," Jellal replied, turning to Wendy, "and as your bodyguard, it's my sworn duty to keep you both out of trouble."

"He can't go with us, Grandeeney," Wendy insisted. "He just bosses us around and ruins our fun like he always does."

"Now, Wendy," Grandeeney said gently, "I know Jellal can be a bit arrogant about his position."

"Arrogant?" Jellal protested. "I most certainly am not."

Macao thumped him on the head.

"Ow!"

"Don't lie, boy; you most certainly are," his father scolded. "Your duty is to keep these children safe, not to order them about. Keep it up, and I'll ask Grandeeney to replace you."

"Anyway," Grandeeney continued, "he can be arrogant, but he's also very loyal and caring. Always has been. There's no one else I trust more with your protection, and you may not see it now, but someday you'll recognize that he's your greatest ally."

"Thank you, Grandeeney," Jellal said respectfully.

But Wendy wasn't convinced. From what she had seen, he was a serious, pompous know-it-all who seemed to take pleasure in spoiling everything for her and Romeo. She suspected he resented being assigned to babysit instead of being a heroic soldier, a reward he felt he deserved after winning the annual games years ago. The death of Wendy's father had demoted him to watching over the orphaned heir, and she believed he took his frustrations out on her.

"Do you really think that's why Jellal acts so bossy?" Romeo asked as they walked to the watering hole.

"That's what Uncle Faust says," Wendy replied. "He claims Jellal is a proud social climber and glory hog who resents having to keep me safe all the time."

"I don't know about all that," Romeo said. "I mean, I know he can be a jerk, but I think he really does want to keep us safe. He's my brother; he loves me."

"Okay, so maybe he wants to keep you safe, but I doubt he cares about what happens to me. Uncle Faust says I shouldn't trust him."

"Your uncle gives me the creeps. He always has that crazy look in his eye."

"What crazy look?"

"I don't know how to describe it exactly, but it's like when a hyena sees fresh meat."

"Romeo, you're afraid of hyenas. You've never gotten close enough to look one in the eye. How would you know?"

"Well, I'm afraid of hyenas, and I'm afraid of your uncle, so I feel like there's something off about both of them."

Wendy laughed, and Romeo joined her. Jellal, who was leading the way, looked back and smiled at the sight of them laughing together.

"Just look at you two. Little seeds of romance blossoming in the savannah. Father and Grandeeney will be thrilled, what with your being betrothed and all."

"Be-what?" Romeo asked.

"Betrothed. Intended. Affianced."

Wendy and Romeo exchanged confused glances.

"Meaning?" Wendy inquired.

"One day, you two are going to be married," Jellal explained.

Romeo and Wendy slowly turned to face each other.

"I'm going to marry her?" Romeo asked.

"No, a rhino. Yes, her! You chuckleheaded little oik!"

"Yuck!" Romeo spat.

"Eww!" Wendy gagged.

"I can't marry her. She's my friend."

"It would be too weird," Wendy added. "When did this happen?"

"It's been arranged since Romeo was one and you were a baby. After seeing how remarkably gifted I was physically and mentally, your father thought it would be wise to bring some of that talent into the family. So he decided you and my brother would make a perfect pair."

"Why me? You're the oldest," Romeo argued.

"Well, I was considered, but you were closer in age, and I'm supposed to join the tribe's army once Wendy reaches adulthood. I won't have time to be a husband or a chief. You were clearly the better option," Jellal said. "Besides, I'm not into younger brides."

"Forget it, Jellal!" Wendy said. "Romeo and I don't have to get married if we don't want to."

"Right!" Romeo nodded.

"Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but you two lovebirds have no choice. It's a tradition going back generations," Jellal said. "Nearly everyone in the tribe is betrothed to someone."

"Then how come you're not?" Romeo asked.

"Men who prepare to go into battle, like myself, try to avoid marriage to prevent leaving behind a wife and children."

"And Father just allows this?"

"Indeed he does. We talked about it years ago; I told Father it was best I not marry because I wanted to devote my life to protecting the tribe. He understood my reasons and accepted my choice."

"Then he'll do the same for me."

"I don't think so. You're not going into the army. You've chosen to stay here and continue the family business of hunting and farming. Therefore, a wife is a must for you. And to be honest, you have the best deal there is. You're engaged to the future chieftess, which means someday you'll be chief."

"Can't I be chief without marrying her?"

"Of course not, dodo. We don't have the right bloodline. She does."

"This doesn't make sense. Why do I even have to marry anyway?" Wendy asked.

Why indeed. The Kiwanja Tribe was one of the few civilizations that didn't require a male leader. A man or woman could rule as long as they were the firstborn child of the former ruler. However, heirs were essential to any monarchy, and Wendy wouldn't live forever. When the time came, she would need someone to produce an heir with.

"I don't think I should be the one to answer that question," Jellal said. "Talk to Grandeeney about it, and I think it would be best if we dropped this conversation now before it leads to something very awkward."

The children didn't understand what Jellal meant, but they were happy to change the subject.

When they finally reached the watering hole, Wendy and Romeo dove into the cool water, finding the perfect relief from the heat. Nothing felt better than swimming on a scorching day. After cooling off, they engaged in water-themed games like splash wars and backflips, while Jellal stood watch, ensuring their safety.

"Lay off the splashing, Romeo! I don't think my hair can take much more!" Wendy shouted.

"Not until I'm declared the winner!" he insisted.

"Okay, okay, you win! Now stop!"

Romeo ceased splashing, and Wendy took the opportunity to catch her breath. As she emerged from the water, a sudden noise filled the air—a pained squeal coming from deep within the savanna. Curious, Wendy went to investigate.

"Wendy, come back here!" Jellal called, but she didn't hear him. He started to follow but was interrupted by a scream.

"Jellal, help!" He turned to see Romeo flailing in panic, something dragging him underwater. He fought against it, but soon he disappeared beneath the surface.

"Romeo!" Jellal shouted, diving into the water to rescue his little brother.

...

Wendy had followed the squeal to the center of the tall grass, discovering a baby wild pig caught in a trap.

"Hello there, little piggy," she said softly.

When the piglet saw her, it squealed louder and struggled more, fearing harm.

"Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."

Carefully, she untied the piglet from the trap and set it free. It darted off into the grass, likely never to be seen again. But before Wendy could return to the waterhole, someone in a cloak and a wooden jackal mask emerged from the grass and grabbed her. She tried to scream, but he covered her mouth. She fought back, managing to tear off a piece of his cloak, but he dragged her into the wild without anyone noticing.