The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate-Chapter 155: Distributing Supplies

The snow had already begun to descend in soft, drifting flurries, and it cloaked the landscape in a delicate white veil as twilight deepened.

Their carriage rolled into the heart of the town square, which was a wide expanse surrounded by modest, stone-built cottages. Thin tendrils of smoke curled from the chimneys, a sign of life within as the evening chill settled over the town.

This square was the town’s communal hub, and it was a place meant for gathering; where villagers would come to collect their necessary supplies and hear important announcements from the village elders. Yet, under Thadius’s leadership, it had fallen into disuse, save for those rare moments when news had to be shared.

Esme gracefully got down from her carriage, pulling her thick, fur-lined cloak tighter around her shoulders. She looked behind her to see the elders were nowhere in sight, just a plain narrow path, whilst Orion and Atticus stood behind her.

"I guess those old bones couldn’t keep up," Orion commented, his voice lacking any sort of amusement, and Esme glanced at the northern warriors who had helped with the sleds. With a subtle, yet commanding gesture of her hands, she directed them to verify if elders had indeed managed to trail behind. Without hesitation, the warriors set off to carry out her silent request.

"Do you think they actually followed us?" Esme asked her two companions, and they exchanged glances before shrugging in unison, clearly unbothered. She hoped the elders knew that she didn’t really say that for them to truly follow her here, but they were starting to grate on her nerves in ways she didn’t like.

Despite seeing the sleds weighed down by provisions, they questioned her intentions, and it was an insult she refused to overlook. If the elders had struggled to keep pace on foot, then it’s their problem, cause she certainly didn’t force them, nor made any promise of lenience.

"Let’s set up," Esme instructed, her voice edged with finality. Orion and Atticus shared their usual looks before nodding in unison. They both moved to inspect the sleds and access the supplies.

"Esme?"

Hearing her name, Esme turned around to see Cora approaching. The young woman waved with a warm smile and hurried to close the distance between her and Esme, and she lowered her head in a slight bow.

"It’s good to see you again," Cora said, her eyes bright with familiarity. "After that night, we haven’t had the opportunity to meet again since you were mostly occupied with your new duties in the North. Are you here to see someone?"

"No," Esme replied with a gentle shake of her head. "And it’s good to see you too. I’m here to distribute the supplies. There’s a blizzard predicted for tonight, so I wanted to make sure everyone gets this. If you don’t mind, can you assist with the distribution?"

"I’d be glad to," Cora agreed.

Since they arrived early, it provided them with a head start as Esme and Cora began to set up the space. Orion and Atticus kept watch nearby, their eyes scanning for any signs of disturbance as the two women worked.

Under the shelter of a large canvas tent reinforced to withstand the wind, Esme and Cora moved quickly, arranging tables and sorting baskets brimming with essential supplies.

They organized designated spaces for firewood, food, and thick blankets, their hands moving in practiced coordination to ensure everything was ready before the people started arriving.

The first few villagers trickled out of their homes after sighting what was happening, and the look of astonishment on their faces only grew. Just yesterday, they were hearing from the neighboring villages that their new Luna sent a few guards to hand out an ample amount of materials and supplies to them. They didn’t really believe it when the news circulated, but now, after seeing their newly appointed Luna before them, it was difficult to avoid the truth.

The Northerners couldn’t help but find her consideration suspicious, yet, it didn’t stop them from going closer to get a better understanding of what was really happening.

Soon enough, a steady stream of villagers began to approach, a look of confusion and wary etched on their faces. What terrified them more was the sight of cursed warriors flanking behind Esme like silent sentinels, the dark runes on their neck making them fidget.

Esme was tempted to let Cora speak in her place, since she knew the Northerners better. It would have been easier, perhaps wider, but such a decision might undermine her standing as their Luna. Even though she had no wish to stay as their Luna permanently, she needed to gain their loyalty, for the sake of Donovan and his people. She was still worried about him, but she knew she knew in order to fully support him, she needed to get stronger.

Yesterday, she had delegated the distribution task to Orion and Atticus, including a few Northern guards Lothar had selected. They had conveyed her speech to them, since she couldn’t go on her own due to Donovan’s situation. But today was different, and she was starting to get a bit used to addressing a crowd.

The whole thing still felt unreal to Esme. This was her first time in the North and this was her first time ruling afterall. Ruling a bunch of people she barely knew.

Letting out a deep breath, Esme stepped forward with her head held high.

"I doubt this is all of you," was the first sentence that left her lips as she surveyed the growing crowd. "But I shall say what needs to be said, and you can pass the message along to your friends and families. A blizzard will occur tonight, and it’s necessary for each of you to remain indoors. We’re not exactly sure how long it’ll last, but just like yesterday, these supplies are to be given orderly."

The village elder, whose name was Torvald, finally stepped forward after considering her words. His presence was pivotal, and as the leader of the village, his response would guide the others. To Esme’s surprise, his face softened into a warm smile, and his gaze shifted to the supplies, then to Cora, before resting on her.

"We will help you with the distribution," he said before inclining his head. "Thank you for your kindness and generosity."

Esme was taken aback for a moment, but she returned his smile. Cora’s smile was filled with pride as she introduced him to Esme. "This is my uncle, Tolvard, and he’s our village elder. Just tell us what to do and we’ll gladly assist you."

As the lines formed, Esme stationed one of her guards, Atticus, the one with a no-nonsense attitude, to take down the names of each villager. "Write their names and tally what they receive. If they return for more, we’ll know."

As the villagers gradually moved, collecting their rations and blanket, Esme’s gaze swept over each face. She stood beside Cora, and they handed out the supplies together.

"I hope you know that, though not everyone shows it, the North is actually glad to have you here," Cora said. "I can’t remember the last time we got this many supplies or any supplies at all. By now, we would be getting sold and paying off taxes to that vile man. I’m glad he’s gone for good."

Esme’s brow furrowed in confusion, "But how did you end up as a courtesan’s quarters?"

Cora’s eyes darkened as the memories resurfaced, "when I was fifteen, I couldn’t pay off tax, so they forced me to work for Thadius," she said, her lips curling in disdain. "They trained me to master the art of seduction, but I never actually had to follow through. The night I was supposed to meet my first client was when I discovered Thadius’s scheme."

She shook her head and continued, "He sent his guards after me, ordering them to execute me, but then...I was saved by this priest. He was a cursed priest actually, but strikingly handsome!"

"Cursed priest?" Esme blinked in stupefaction, wondering if she was referring to Leonardo. There was a faint blush on Cora’s cheek, and Esme couldn’t tell if it was from the cold or because she was thinking about Leonardo.

"Anyways," Cora shook it off, "He saved me and we ended up checking the weapon rooms together. I haven’t found the time to thank him for sparing my memories. It’s a shame he didn’t come with you."

"If you want to thank him, you can always visit once the blizzard stops," Esme offered. "It’s actually nice to know that you see past their cursed marks. I just wish everyone else was like that."

Cora nodded thoughtfully, "That is true. I did my personal research on them, and realized they’re not all as dangerous as people believe. But I fear that one day, everything will spiral out of control, leading to endless war."

She glanced at Esme, "Your father was an extraordinary man as well. I wish I had the chance to meet him even once. The stories about him are legendary. You and your family truly are blessed by the moon goddess. The tale that amazed me most was the one where your father could summon his wolf using fire."

"Hm?" Esme paused in what she was doing, her attention captured. "I’m sorry, can you repeat that?"