Free Web NovelChapter 96: Chapter 96 Lord of the territory.
"I’ll be marking your villa now. From this moment onward, I’ll protect you and your family, and I’ll also reward you with supplies since you’ve agreed to work for me. You can continue living in the villa," Ivy finally said, her tone calm yet authoritative, causing Mr. Smith’s eyes to widen in shock.
"Thank you so much. And yes, I’ll work for you," Mr. Smith replied immediately, bowing deeply in respect.
Without another word, Ivy stepped closer to the villa. She dipped her brush into the thick black paint before boldly writing her name across the outer wall, officially claiming ownership over the Smith family’s residence.
From this moment onward, the Smith family belonged under her protection.
Ivy stared at the mark for a few seconds, her expression unreadable. Deep down, she already knew this was only the beginning. In the future, there would be many more families under her rule....people seeking safety within her territory, survivors desperate for protection, and ability users willing to pledge loyalty in exchange for security.
It was only a matter of time before her influence spread across the mountain.
But for now, her priority was simple. free𝑤ebnovel.com
She needed to finish securing her territory first.
Just then, the villa door slowly creaked open. fгeewebnovёl.com
Mrs. Smith stepped outside with Pearl beside her, both of them wearing relieved smiles. It was obvious they had overheard the conversation between Ivy and Mr. Smith, and judging from their expressions, they fully supported his decision.
Honestly, who wouldn’t?
Only a fool would reject the protection of someone capable of defeating monsters several ranks above ordinary survivors.
Ivy’s cold expression softened slightly as she looked toward the little girl.
"How are you, little one?" Ivy asked gently, kneeling down to Pearl’s height. A faint smile appeared on her face as she studied the child carefully. "You’re about the same height as Aria."
"Bark! Bark!"
Sunny wagged its tail excitedly before rushing toward Pearl. Startled, Pearl instinctively stepped backward at first, hiding partially behind her mother. However, after seeing Sunny’s harmless excitement, she slowly stretched out her trembling hand and gently patted the dog’s head.
"I’m fine," Pearl replied shyly, a bright smile gradually spreading across her face. "She’s really cute."
Sunny barked happily again, clearly enjoying the attention.
Seeing the little girl relax made Ivy chuckle softly. She reached forward and gently patted Pearl’s head before standing back up, allowing the child to continue playing with Sunny.
"Alright then," Ivy said, crossing her arms lightly. "You’ll have to come with me so we can get your supplies. That way, you’ll also get familiar with my base."
"Can I go with you?" Pearl asked almost immediately, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she continued rubbing Sunny’s fur. "I’ll help carry things back too!"
"Huh?" Mrs. Smith immediately tightened her hold around her daughter protectively. "Pearl, the roads are filled with monsters. There’s no way you’re going."
"But I want to go with Sunny," Pearl protested with a small pout. "And I’m sure the pretty lady will protect me too."
Ivy couldn’t help letting out another amused chuckle at the child’s words.
"The road I used to reach this mountain has already been cleared of monsters, so it’s relatively safe for now," Ivy explained patiently, her voice calm and reassuring. "Besides, if I take your daughter to my base, I’ll personally bring her back safely myself."
Mrs. Smith still looked hesitant.
Mr. Smith glanced at his wife before speaking quietly.
"She’s right. If we’re going to work under her protection from now on, then eventually we’ll have to get used to moving between both territories."
Pearl’s face instantly lit up with excitement.
"Does that mean I can go?" she asked eagerly while hugging Sunny tightly.
"I also have two children at home," Ivy continued calmly. "They’re six and eight years old, and I’m very sure they’ll be happy to meet Pearl."
A faint smile appeared on her face as she spoke about her daughters.
"I haven’t allowed either of them to leave my base since the beginning of the apocalypse," she admitted. "But now that I’m building a safe territory, they might finally be able to go outside again."
Mrs. Smith listened quietly while tightening her hold around her daughter.
"And if you’re still worried, I completely understand," Ivy added gently. "Parents naturally worry about their children. So if it makes you feel more comfortable, you can come along with me, Pearl, and Sunny."
"Oh no," Mrs. Smith blurted out immediately as she stepped forward and waved her hands lightly. "You’ve already explained that the road has been cleared of monsters and that you’ll personally bring Pearl back safely, so there’s no need for me to worry anymore."
Her expression softened afterward.
"You see... I gave birth to Pearl at an old age, so I tend to be overly protective of her," she confessed honestly. "But you’re clearly a good person... and also a mother yourself."
Her gaze shifted toward Pearl before she smiled warmly.
"If she wants to go with you to get supplies, then I accept."
