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Chapter 401: Chatting With Friends

After answering Mark, I quickly got a message back, seems he has been waiting for my response, which only made me feel worse... Ugh, I am really ghosting him sometimes without realizing.

[Mark]: [Got it. I have a lot of souvenirs for your parents, I'll bring them as well. I've got a car myself too so I'll come with it and tail your daughter's friend car.]

[Elayne]: [Okay Mark! Thank you for being so patient with me...]

[Mark]: [Don't worry about it.]

He's so considerate...

Ah, wait, why am I getting all red by thinking about him?

Ugh... Now that I recall, I think I did said some pretty bold things in the heat of battle last night.

Such as that... I-I love... loved him.

He didn't heard that, right? I think I said that before I helped him recover.

I... still have to sort that out too.

I kind of... yeah, I do have feelings for him. Let's admit that.

I've always felt so guilty about my husband's passing that I never thought about love for years.

Now that I feel like I am finally getting better... Is this really okay?

Ugh, maybe I need to chat this with Rita and maybe Lily, they're my two female friends.

And does Mark likes me back?

I wonder... Would he be okay with an older woman?

Maybe I need to get prettier for him!

Ah, wait, what am I thinking, trying to seduce a young man!

Ugh... But... might... might as well, right?

Ahhh...

"M-Mom?"

Elena noticed how I was getting all red and embarrassed while checking on my phone.

"E-Eh? Ah, what is it, dear?"

"You're all red..."

"A-Ah! It's... nothing."

"Huh..."

I do wonder what my daughter thinks of him... I do remember she disliked him.

"S-So... What do you think of Mark, Elena?" I asked her, as she felt slightly surprised.

She looked at me angrily, but then calmed down.

"I guess... he's okay." She said, looking elsewhere.

"Eh? But... I thought you disliked him?" I asked.

"Hmmm... I didn't really disliked him, I was just being... kinda dumb." She sighed. "But he's... a pretty alright guy. He seems down to earth. As long... as you're happy mom."

"D-Dear..."

"I... I've been thinking for a while, you don't need to feel alone anymore, and you don't have to... keep faulting yourself for what happened. I want... you to be happier. So if that guy... can make you happy..." Elena muttered. "I think that's alright."

"Uwaah! Elenaaaa!" I jumped over her and hugged her tightly. "You don't have to worry so much about your mom! Hehehe. I was just asking something!"

"Y-You're awfully touchy today mom..." She complained but didn't fought back my hugs.

I never thought having my daughter's approval would make me feel so happy.

But maybe I am jumping into conclusions too fast, I better... take this slowly.

And anyways, the other messages...

[Rita]: [Hey girl! How's it going?! I'm going to make a group chat for us guys that know the truth! I wonder if it's possible to use magic in this world too?! Can I become a witch now? I've been trying for a while but nothing works! Maybe we need to research dark spells! Anyways hop on the group chat. I invited your boyfriend and Lily.]

[Elayne]: [Mark's not my boyfriend! ...And also, are you coming to my parent's house?]

[Rita]: [Hell yeah I am! I am waiting here in my house. Already told my kids and my husband and they're alright with me being out a few days. They even said it would "bring them much needed peace"! Those damn brats... So anyways, come pick me up! We can talk about the other world stuff later.]

[Elayne]: [Okay, I'll go once I regroup with everyone.]

She's... still the same as always. I guess even learning about paranormal things being real won't change how she is.

[Lily]: [Hello Elayne, I hope you're alright... A lot happened... I hope we can get the time to discuss everything with everyone else. Ah, your friend invited me to a group to talk about this stuff. For now I am feeling like resting for a couple of days though. Have a good time in the countryside though! ]

[Elayne]: [Thank you Lily! Please take care too! Let's meet up once I'm back.]

[Lily]: [Sure thing, take care. ]

Lily's so polite in comparison to Rita... She's really a cinnamon roll.

And then... the group chat.

[Rita]: [Hello everybody! We're now a paranormal gang! We know magic exists and stuff! This is awesome! I've been trying to cast a spell for hours but nothing happens. Does someone knows how to bring magic from the other world? Anyways seems like some demon king mana leaked into the world, looks dangerous. Isn't it the best time for us to become the heroes? Who's with me?!]

[Mark]: [Rita you should take this more seriously. I don't think it's a good idea to interfere with public affairs. We should lay low and slowly figure things out.]

[Lily]: [I agree with Mark here...]

[Rita]: [Geez! You guys are so boring! I bet Elayne's with me though!]

[Elayne]: [Actually, no. Don't you dare go out telling people what we know, Rita! We'll be in deep trouble if anybody figures out! So keep your mouth SHUT!]

[Rita]: [ Ok...]

[Elayne]: [Actually, I do have magic... The great spirit came with me. Maybe I can figure out something... to help you guys get some. But for now, just calm down and pretend everything's normal, alright?]

[Rita]: [OH. MY. GOSH. FUCK YEAH!!! WITCH GALS FOREVER! I AM GONNA BUY A WITCH GETUP SO HARD!]

[Elayne]: [-_-]

Knock, knock.

Just as I typed that, the door knocked and Elisa and Anna greeted us, accompanied by Mark who was right behind them.

"Miss Elayne! We're here for the trip!" Elisa said excitedly, she was wearing a cute, white-colored summer dress and a straw hat. She was really getting into the country girl vibes.

"Hey what's up~!" Anna greeted us too. She was more modest, jeans and a red jacket. Quite tomboyish, I liked her style.

"Good morning." Mark greeted us from behind the girls with a sleepy face.

I guess it's time to go to the countryside now... Let's sit back and relax.

...I hope.

"Meow!" Suddenly, I heard a telepathic meow.

"Looks like the little one wants to come with you!" The great spirit said.

Oh, Blackie's inside my shadow.

Yeah, this trip is definitely not going to be normal.

Chapter 402: Moving To The Countryside

"Heeeey! Would you look who's here! Mark, right? Nice to meet cha!" Rita happily greeted Mark after we went to pick her up.

"Oh yeah, nice to meet you too Rita." Mark smiled back.

"I've heard a LOT about you from my friend. She really likes to talk about you, sometimes I get bored of it, hahaha." Rita laughed, she was an explosive extrovert, so it put Mark, an obvious introvert, slightly nervous.

"I-It's that so?" Mark laughed a bit.

"Oh! And who's here? Elena's friend Anna And, huh?" Rita already knew Anna for a while now, and so Elena, who greeted her. But then she realized there was a big, pricy-looking car here, and a beautiful blonde girl greeted her.

"It is nice to meet you Lady Rita!" Elisa greeted her with a heartwarming smile.

"Oh my who is she?!" Asked Rita. "You're so cute!"

"She's my friend my new friend. We meet up at high school She offered me EXP potions." Elena resumed it all up very quickly.

"Huh?" Rita seemed confused.

"Yeah it is quite the way to make a friend When I heard it myself, I was a bit surprised too." I laughed a bit.

"W-Well nice to meet you as well Elisa. I hope we can get along!" Rita said with a smile. She was around my age yet still acted with the same personality she had so many years ago, like a teenager girl.

"S-Sure!." Elisa smiled back, even Elisa who was already an extrovert felt slightly surprised by an even stronger one I guess there's power levels even between extroverts.

With Rita on the limousine, we got going. I gave Elisa's driver the google map coordinates of my parents' house and he quickly set off there, I did the same with Mark who was on his own car, and we made our way back to my childhood's home.

Because Baie-Saint-Paul in Quebec was already a city near the countryside, my parents' house wasn't more than just a few hours of travel. We arrived at the outer part of the city, which had developed a lot in the last ten years, growing up to five times its original size back in 2020s. This whole city used to be a small countryside town already, but as it expanded, it became more like a normal city in the center of Canada.

Nonetheless, this is perhaps one of the most peaceful places in the world even after its expansion. It is no joke that Canadian people are often calmer and better mannered, which makes things easier overall. People in the countryside is slightly rowdy but just as nice. Coming to my old childhood town, where I was raised until going to be big city's high school, filled me with tons of nostalgic memories.

Because I wanted to talk privately with Mark, I ended coming on his own car, sitting at his side.

"Elayne, about what happened last night If possible, I would prefer if we keep it a secret from the rest of people, even our own families, if possible." Mark said.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. I've already told Rita to shut her mouth. Honestly I was going to keep it a secret but she was the one talking all the time about stuff She's still a kid even after all these years." I giggled a bit.

"Usually we are quite different from our game personas, but she's just like inside the game, huh?" Mark laughed a bit, finding his new friend quite amusing.

"Yep! And she's just as pretty, isn't she?" I winked back.

"Hey, are you trying to get some sort of response out of me about that?" He laughed. "I am well aware she's married and with kids."

"Hehe, I know, I was just teasing you a bit. We've been slightly tense" I sighed.

"Yeah Well, it's a lot to process and everything." Mark said, looking into the endless green horizon of the countryside.

"That's right" I sighed, patting his shoulder. "Thank you for being with me through all of that, and even now It means a lot to me."

Mark looked back at me with a bit of surprise, his handsome face quickly growing redder, so cute.

"I-Is that so" He said while looking elsewhere, avoiding making eye contact out of embarrassment. "Well, now that the game's reality. I suppose the role I had back then still applies here, no? I am your guardian, Elayne. So I'll stay at your side and protect you and help you in anything you need."

"Aww, so corny" I giggled.

"C-Come on, you made me say that!" He laughed back.

"Though this is where I would say the line "I can protect myself" I kind of like having people I can rely on. The world's changing a lot, even now. What happened with the Demon King and everything I don't think we'll ever go back to the good ol' days again I'm glad I've got Rita, Lily, and you to share these secrets." I sighed.

"Yeah, we've got one another. Though I am not really as friends with them as I am with you, after everything we've shared in-game, I suppose I've formed a bond with them as well." Mark sighed. "So how's Lily? Is she your age too?"

"Oh, Lily?! No, she's like over fifty!" I laughed.

"Eh? Really?" He asked in surprise. "I couldn't tell"

"She really likes her avatar though; she's probably playing right now. I wasn't able to invite her, she said she didn't wanted to bother me She's quite nice, but often thinks lowly of herself, she lacks self-esteem I guess." I sighed.

"Oh" Mark sighed. "Kinda like us, huh? we're like a club of low self-esteem people. Rita's the weirdo, hahaha."

"Yeah! She always stands up like a sore thumb between us!" I giggled. "But she's nice too"

"I can tell, if she's your best friend, she must be someone worth keeping around." Mark said.

"Hm, yeah She was always there for me, always She's my bestie." I smiled back, looking at Rita in the other car talking non-stop with the girls about any gossip she had heard around the streets. Everyone aside from Elisa were bored of her endless chatter.She really never changes, huh?

Chapter 403: Getting A Little Awkward

"Elayne, I wanted to talk you about something That has been in the back of my mind." Mark sighed, getting slightly serious.

"Huh? Yes?" I asked.

"It is about what happened last night. When I was attacked by the demon king and my soul was hurt" Mark sighed. "This morning I woke up like nothing, even when I logged off, I was completely fine. Yet I still can't forget that experience, it was traumatic. The pain, the despair I felt back then I was sure I would die. And then what happened? How did you save me?"

"Oh Maybe your memories are a bit fuzzy?" I wondered.

"Kinda Sorry for asking this." Sighed Mark.

"Oh no, don't worry dear." I smiled back.

"Dear?" Mark got a bit red.

"O-Oh, my bad! I just that slipped off my tongue" I sighed. "So anyways! What happened is Err, well"

"Come on! Just tell him already! Why are you getting so shy? Tell him "Mark I love you! Marry me!", it's obvious he likes you!!!"

The Great Spirit was annoying me through telepathic messages.

"Shut up!"

"Huh? Elayne? Did I said something wrong?"

"Ah! No, no, so anyways"

I quickly began to explain Mark what happened. I had utilized the powers of my Magic, the Skills, and the Great Spirit's assistance to cut a piece of my soul and use it to patch his own soul, which had been shattered.

"So the Demon King ended eating almost all of my soul Damn. I've never been this close to death before. It's kind of scares me to go back into that world." Sighed Mark. "Ah, no, never mind. It's not like I won't go back."

"Honestly, I get it. I was also very scared. I tried many times to log off panicking about it It was so scary, I thought I couldn't do it, that I couldn't do a single thing" I sighed.

"Yet you did." Mark smiled back. "I know I am nobody to say this but You should try to have a higher self-esteem from now on, you've accomplished so much it just doesn't make any sense you don't."

"I kind of am getting a bit braver. Sometimes I just get so pissed off I lose my fear and just confront danger head-on. But now that I've cooled down, I can't help but see what happened with a lot of fear." I sighed. "Sorry, I just am like this"

"Makes sense, we're humans after all. Sorry." Mark apologized.

"Oh no, you didn't said anything wrong! You were right as well." I smiled back. "But well, let's leave that at the side for now After that, I used a Skill and converted you into a Guardian of the Forest, provoking your evolution. It also boosted your stats temporarily."

"Yeah, I remember that but My mind's a bit fuzzy, I remember that when I fell unconscious, I had a very long dream." Mark said.

"A dream? How was it?" I asked.

"It was strange. I was living inside a forest, and every day there would come this mass of darkness Always attempting to devour the forest. Yet the forest stood its ground, protecting me and embracing me on its branches and leaves. It healed me slowly, protecting me from something malicious that was trying to devour me." Mark recalled the dream with a pained expression. "At the end, both darkness and the forest clashed, the darkness was defeated but"

"But?"

"It cost the forest its life, as it slowly died, it left with me a small amount of light, which when I took it It helped me wake up." Mark said. "I don't really know what it all meant but it felt so magical yet so real"

"Interesting It probably meant that the power of the demon king was still trying to parasitize his soul! Yet your own soul fragment protected Mark and fought the demon king's power. It actually managed to fend him off but it also weakened in the end, losing the last bit of will it held." The Great Spirit explained to me.

I explained Mark what she said, and he found a lot of sense out of it.

"You're right, that might had been" Mark said. "Well it also- Ah, no never mind."

He suddenly was about to say something that might had happened there but then he held back What could it had been?

"Well, its nice to know you're alright Mark, I was really worried." I sighed.

"Yeah That I am alive is all thanks to you, I am forever grateful." Mark smiled back, his smile made me smile as well.

For a moment, we ended staring at one another silently, before Mark quickly glanced back at the road.

"D-Don't worry about it! You can just repay it with being at my side as the best friend you've always have been." I said with a smile.

"Y-Yeah!" Mark said.

This totally wasn't awkward.

Okay it was!

It felt like we wanted to say way more but we held back.

Ugh, it feels a bit frustrating.

"So, anyways, I read you got magic. Is this is this actually true?" Mark wondered. "I did heard the demon king brought monsters, but they were promptly beaten. And all Is there magic in this world too? I am like super outdated."

"Yep there is And the Great Spirit of Harvest is with me too!" I sighed. "She's like worse than Rita, she never stops talking inside my head, ugh."

"Woah, you're just amazing, Elayne. You've got a great spirit with you and you can use magic Aren't you like I know this sounds cringy, but like a superhero?" He wondered.

"Uuuhhh I really didn't wanted to think about it like that." I sighed.

"Hahaha, sorry, it just my inner nerd just surges up." Mark laughed.

"No, its fine..." I giggled.

It's one of his cutest characteristics, to be honest.

"Hmmmm!" The Great Spirit suddenly began to scan Mark. "I can sense a lot of internal Mana within him! Especially inside his soul! The soul fragment you gave to him might help him awaken Mana super easily!"

"She says I can awaken your Internal Mana pretty easily. You've got plenty of talent!" I told him.

"Huh? Me?! Really?" He felt so happy he looked like a child receiving his favorite toy at Christmas day.

Chapter 404: The Gods' Council

Within the vastness of a world separated from ours, yet very close and connected to it, within the Heavenly Realm, entities known as Gods existed. All of them gathered together, discussing what has happened only hours ago. The many events that brought the end of the Demon King were too far from their own expectations. Not even them knew what exactly was occurring half of the time.

Perhaps because they were not truly the Gods everyone thought they were Alas, they did what they could, with whatever power or authority they held, and managed to somehow help the brave heroes defeat the Demon King, even though their own powerlessness also brought the First Contact to Earth, something they were trying to stop, yet could not.

"Was granting Planta the Authority of a World Boss the only way we could had handled things?" Gaia spoke, her figure unleashing a dazzling, shining aura around herself. The other gods sitting around the table glanced at her with meaningful eyes.

"Gaia, there was no other way." A god covered on flames spoke, demon-like horns growing from his forehead as a blazing third eye shot a ferocious glance at her from within his forehead. "Stop protesting against it, this is already done, we cannot pull back now. The system was also compromising itself."

"The System this, the System that!" Gaia angrily said. "Giving Planta such a big responsibility Aren't you all too shameless?! Stop blaming the system, you're also to blame for your shamelessness."

"There's no reason to go this far, Amanda, please." Sighed a beautiful lady wrapped in darkness and the night, the patron of Dark Elves and the ruler of the night and darkness, Nyx.

"But Kimiko! This is the first time we've introduced the power of a World Boss into a player, and every simulation we've ran always ended in them growing corrupted by the Title's powers!" Sighed Gaia, crossing her arms.

"Isn't Planta different though? She has proved herself to be quite worthy." A beautiful lady covered in ice, with a long hair made of flowing water spoke, her shiny aquamarine eyes and the gills in her neck easily shown she was the Goddess of Oceans and Winter, patron goddess of the mermen and mother of the spirits of water, Aquamarine. "You, as her patron, should be believing the most on her, no?"

"Gaia, we've chosen her because we deem her worthy." Said a tall lady, resembling a giantess, made of stones, jewels, and volcanic lava. Her eyes resembled two shiny rubies, and her long hair was made of molting stone, she was the patron of Dwarves, Gnomes, and Brownies, Terra, the Goddess of the Earth. "You've already proven to all of us that she was strong and worthy. Are you not trusting her now?"

"I do trust her! I am merely quite concerned. And it doesn't make it any easier when the next Demon King is going to free himself from the Underworld in a month from now, all while Earth will no longer be the same." Gaia lamented.

"It was beyond our capabilities, Gaia. Stop blaming yourself for everything." Sighed the God of Creation. "We came to an agreement over this matter because we truly needed a being that could go against them, even if not equally. Planta had all qualifications. Unlike other Players, she had created a body within our world that was not just a lump of Data, she had become part of our world, and even more, a pillar for all life. Who else to grant this Title than her, it will only bring her great benefits on her future endeavors. We did this as a way to thank you for having brought her here as well I never imagined you would take this so badly."

"W-Well, certainly! Planta's the best." Gaia smiled proudly. "Even while logging off, she still exists in our world, so I guess she's the most fitting for it but I can't help but worry. I suppose I do have to trust her"

"Now, to more important matters, we need to quickly try to fix the cracks left behind by the previous Demon King, these ones connect to Earth. We've closed most of the larger ones, but small ones remain They're too small and scattered for us to be able to close them properly. If we do not do something about this, things might only begin to get worse." The God of Creation sighed.

"We can't ask the Players for help or we'll risk more of them learning the truth. We can only trust Planta and her companions, but who knows what others could do if they knew the truth?" Sighed Aquamarine.

"True we can't make this into an interactive Quest- Wait, we could always just as them nicely then, no?" Terra suggested.

"Are you suggesting giving even more work to my Planta?!" Gaia angrily said.

"Certainly, there's nobody else that could do this like them. They're also in the other world, developing magic slowly. That world might also change promptly. The enormous quantities of Mana left behind will surely mutate living beings into monsters, and that's not even the worst that could happen." Nyx lamented.

"Those that share the connection between both worlds are ideal for the task." Sighed the God of Flames and Blacksmiths, Hephaestus.

"You're right." Gaia sighed. "I guess there's no helping it-"

DING! DING! DING!

[WARNING! WARNING!]

Suddenly, several system windows emerged around the Gods, startling them.

"What's happening?! System!"

The Gods quickly began pressing invisible buttons around them as they input several passwords to access the system's inner workings, finding out something happening!

[WARNING! WARNING!]

[A Mysterious Entity has found the cracks leading to the other world and has begun infiltration!]

[Attempting solution]

[ERROR]

[Impossible, not enough Divine Power to deploy automatic defenses.]

"Shit" The God of Creation muttered, sweating bullets.

Meanwhile, within the confines of the Underworld, the Demon King of Death's blue colored flames flickered, as his empty eyes began overflowing with joy.

"Kehahaha! Well done, my underling! This other world All of its souls shall be mine to feast on!"

Chapter 405: Arriving At Home And Meeting Elayne's Little Brother

"Woah, this place's sure beautiful. I can't believe some years ago the entire of our city was smaller, and surrounded by so much nature." Sighed Mark as he glanced at the endless green hills of the countryside.

"Yep! And it is even prettier when its spring or summer. We're still halfway through winter but when the flowers being to bloom is when things get the prettiest!" I said with a smile. "Anyways, I think we're here! Look, that are over there, can you see it? That's where my home is."

I pointed at the direction of our house. In the countryside most houses were not close to one another and were rather separated by large plots of land which each person owned. Mark opened his mouth wide as he realized my family owned everything in there, which were kilometers of land.

"Oooh, the cows and the chickens are out! Hahah! Wait, is that him?! My lil brother!" I said happily, as the cars finally stopped in front of the house's wooden walls.

"Little brother? You've got a sibling?" Mark acted slightly surprised. No wonder, I often never talk about my own family mostly because I remember getting mocked at by people for being from the countryside.

"Y-Yeah" I said. "Sorry for never talking about them, but you can meet them all!" I quickly ran out of the car to greet my little brother, as I called him from the other side of the wooden walls.

"Heeeey! Harryyyy!"

A handsome young man with brown skin and sharp emerald eyes glanced back at me, his long brown hair fluttering by the wind. His eyes opened wide as he began running towards me while dropping everything he was doing.

"Is that you?! BIG SISSSSSSS! HEY! EVERYONE! ELAYNE'S BACK!"

As my brother reached me and quickly opened the large door leading to our home, he jumped over me and hugged me tightly.

"Elayne, I've missed you!!"

"Hehehe, how have you been, Harry? I've also missed you!"

I gave him a kiss in his forehead as he smiled happily. He might look adorable, but he was already over 23 years old! He was quite the midget though.

"I've been good! But why did it took you so long to come see us?!" he angrily said, pouting cutely.

"Hehehe, it has only been three months" I sighed. "I've been busy working and stuff! Come on don't get angry with me when I just got here." I crossed my arms and reprimanded him.

"Ugh, fine but you better stay for the rest of the week!" He protested. "Anyways where's the little princess at?"

"Hi." My little daughter showed up right behind me. "Uncle stop calling me like that"

"She came this time!" Harry celebrated, quickly hugging Elena and lifting her up. "How have you been Elena?!"

"I am fine! Uagh! Stop it!" Elena tried to fight my brother's affection but she could not. Ultimately he let her go as she was even more irritated than before.

"Come on! You used to be such a sweet girl! Don't be so grumpy with your uncle that loves you very much!" He sighed while pouting. "Oh! And who are these people- R-RITA?!"

He quickly grew redder as he saw Rita rushing in. Yeah, since he was a baby that he had a crush with Rita. Sadly the age gap was a bit too big, and Rita already had her husband as her boyfriend back the anyways. Still, he always get embarrassed when she shows up.

"Heeey lil' Harry!!! You've grown so tall now! I remember you were such a midget! Well you're still smaller than Elayne, hahahahaha!" Rita began to laugh her lungs out, embarrassing my brother.

"I-I am still growing!" Harry protested.

"Nah, what age are you anyways? Like 23? You're not growing taller now!" Rita laughed evilly.

"Geez stop bullying my little brother now!" I sighed, smacking her head softly.

"Ouch! Okay, fine! So where are the other kids at?!" Rita wondered.

"Yeah!" I said.

"Well we should get in. Mama was preparing some food and papa's going to grill a whole lamb today! The girls are- Huh? You brought more people than usual!"

My brother was surprised when he saw Elisa, Anna, and Mark coming in. Elisa's driver was also her Bodyguard, named Steiner. He was a very silent, tall, handsome man who looked to be over thirty, with a small black beard and short black hair, with two sharp gray eyes and a menacing scar around his face.

"Yep, hello~ Name's Anna, I am Elena's bestie." Anna greeted my brother.

"N-Nice to meet you, Harry! It is an honor to meet Lady Elayne's sibling" Elisa blushed a bit.

"Aye, nice to meet cha girls!" Harry said with a relaxed smile, finding both girls cute. "Elena finally got herself some nice friends! Makes me happy our little girl's growing up!"

"Yeah right?" I smiled happily.

"And who who are these guys?" Wondered my brother, glaring at the two men behind us.

"A-Ah, sorry about late introductions" Mark said nervously. "I'm Elayne's-"

"BIG SIS YOU BROUGHT YOUR BOYFRIEND?!" Harry angrily said, looking at me with eyes filled with despair? Wait, what?

"Eh?! He's not my boyfriend!" I complained. "Geez We're coworkers and good friends!"

"Y-Yes Name's Mark." Mark sighed. He was way taller than Harry, so he had to look down to greet him, which only angered my little brother more.

"Tch Yeah, yeah." He said rudely, without even greeting him properly.

"Harry be polite!" I angrily said. "Give him a handshake at least!"

"Ugh, only because you ask" Harry gave Mark a handshake, but his hand was gripping on Mark's one very hard yikes.

"And who's this dude?" Harry looked at Steiner.

"He's my bodyguard and driver, Steiner." Elisa said. "He usually doesn't talk but he's trustworthy, he has been protecting me since I was a baby!"

"Bodyguard?! Are ya rich or something gurl?" Asked Harry.

"Well, my family is, but yeah!" Elisa said without even faltering.

"Huh?" Harry felt flabbergasted.

Chapter 406: Elayne's Family

After calming down my brother who still couldn't believe my daughter made a rich friend, we quickly made our way home. Seeing all the horsies and cows made me feel filled with nostalgia. And the adorable chickens walking around freely while eating grains. Oh, and the ducks in our nearby pond too! So cute! I really wanted to grab one and pet it like I used to do when I was younger.

"Elayne just how big is your family?" Mark wondered.

"So you haven't even introduced us to him?!" Harry felt attacked by this.

"W-Well Yeah," I sighed. "Anyways, I am the eldest sister, then there's Harry who's the only male sibling. Then there's my other two sisters, Mary and Henrietta. Mary is around 27 and has two twin daughters named Camilla and Tereza, and Henrietta is our youngest baby sister at around 21! Oh and that's without mentioning our two uncles living with us, and also their kids! Oh yeah, and mama and papa too."

"A-Amazing, the family's bigger than I could had expected" Anna muttered.

"Such a big family" Elisa seemed amazed as well, but in a different way. "I wish my family could be as big I would never feel alone"

"Young lady" Steiner sighed, looking at her with a bit of pity.

"You get really tired of it." Elena said, breaking the tension. "Especially because everyone is corny and clingy like mom."

"Geh That hurts!" I said with my brother, almost synchronized.

"I don't know but I would just never get tired of it!" Elisa said.

"Well, if you're our Elena's good friend then you're part of the family already!" Harry said with a smile, giving her a head pat. Steiner glared at him with a killing stare but allowed him to give her a head pat.

"R-Really?!" Elisa asked, her smile was like a sunshine.

"Y-Yeah" Harry said, quickly whispering me a question. "Hey sis, is she like an orphan or something?"

"Oh no, it's just that her parents are separated and Elisa has lived most of her childhood without them, being raised by her servants." I whispered back.

"Oh my, poor girl." Harry sighed. "It is just like those novels mom reads! Is the life of rich people this tragic?!"

"Shut up you're talking too loud now!" I reprimanded him, giving him a rather hard smack in the head.

BONK!

"Ouch! S-Sorry"

"So many animals! Cows, horsies, even ducks!" Elisa was enchanted by the scenery and the animals. "Elena you never told me about your family having all of this!"

"Yeah, talking about being a country girl is not something that would be good in the school we're going, Elisa." Elena said.

"Y-Yeah, some of the girls at our class are really classist. If they were to know she was a country girl they would bully Elena to no end." Sighed Anna.

"HUH?! What's there to be bullied about something so wonderful? They're all braindead idiots!" Elisa said while pouting.

"Like she said, this place's quite inspiring to be honest." Mark sighed. "Can we go see the animals later?" He seemed excited about petting the farm animals.

"Sure thing!" I said happily. "I can even teach you how to get milk from the cows, and how to grab eggs from the hen's nests stealthily!"

"And how to clean poop." Harry glanced back at Mark with a creepy smile.

"Y-Yeah, sure" Mark said while feeling slightly pressured.

When we arrived at our home, we were greeted by two little girls, only four years of age, who offered us some flowers they picked up. Both were like angels, with long blonde hair and shiny blue eyes, although they still had our brown skin. They were the twins Camilla and Tereza, my sister's daughters.

"Auntie!"

"Flowie!"

"Awww, for me? How have you been? Where's your mama at?"

I quickly hugged the two of them, who were so sweet they reminded me of my Elena when she was a little toddler too.

"Guud" Camilla began munching a cookie she retrieved from her pouch.

"Mama's kitche!" Said Tereza, trying to make up her words. The two girls pointed at the kitchen.

"Elayne! Are you there? Come right now! We need your help with this thing!" My mother's voice echoed from the kitchen.

"Come on mom, can't we leave this aside for a bit?!" My sister asked, this was clearly Mary's voice, the eldest of my siblings at 29 I think. Though I always say she's younger because that's how we are.

"Fine, fine!"

My mother and Mary quickly ran towards us. Mama's hands were all covered on blood though, while Mary at least washed her own.

"Hey there! Elayneeee!" Mary ran to my side and hugged me, kissing me all over my face. "Big sis I've missed you for a while now! You're looking gorgeous as ever~!"

"Hahaha, you too Mary! Did you change your hair? It's way more shiny!" I said.

"Yeah you noticed?!" Mary laughed.

We got along quite well with my sister, we shared a lot of similarities.

"Oh my, Rita!" Mary greeted Rita.

"Mary!" Rita and Mary were obviously good friends.

"Alright, who's here making so much fuss around- Huh? Hey, you brought a bunch of uninvited people here!" My mother got slightly angry.

Mom was already almost in her sixties yet she still looked quite young and gorgeous. Tall, with only a few winkles, sharp emerald eyes, long brown hair, she had always been very strong physically as well.

And a bit grumpy.

"D-Don't be rude now mommy!" I sighed, quickly telling her to go wash her hands, as I decided to slowly introduce everyone to her.

While that happened, papa also came, he was definitely smaller than mother. I don't know where mom got her genes, but all the women of our family had always been taller than the males. Father was slightly older already over sixty but looked just as handsome as I remember him. He had a way longer gray bear now though.

"YOU BROUGHT A BOYFRIEND?!"

And the two reacted the same way my little brother did when I presented them Mark.

"Geez, I said he's not my boyfriend!"

Chapter 407: Elayne's Family Love To Make Her Feel Embarrassed

"My precious daughter, you can't just bring a young man here and think we won't assume the worst!" My father said. He had always been a very dotting parent. Mom too, but she's a bit grumpier. "I was panicking thinking my princess was going to be taken away again!" He cried while hugging me as if I was still his baby girl.

"You've not changed at all daddy." I sighed, giving him a head pat. "Stop being so annoying!"

My father gasped.

"How can you say that to me?!" He cried.

"Alright, alright dear. Stop with the show for now." My mother sighed. "Elayne brought an army of people here but its not like we can tell them to go home now, right? Luckily we've got rooms to spare. The girls can sleep together in the big room, right? The males in a different room. Rita can sleep at Elayne's room like she always does."

"Sounds fine to me!" I said happily.

"It's going to be a bit tight" Sighed Elena. "But sure, we've done sleepovers already."

"Fufufu, then its all decided!" Mom said, quickly getting up from her seat.

Sixty years? This woman is as energetic as she was in her twenties!

"I'm glad you've made new friends, dear." My father said, hugging Elena.

"Yeah, it makes me so happy! I always thought you would be a loner forever!" Mom said.

Elena's two grandpas hugged her and spoiled her, but she was only growing more tired of them

"She even got herself two friends to boot!" Said Harry.

"And one's rich?!" Mary reacted.

"Come on I already told you two to stop talking about Elisa's money!" I reprimanded the two greedy siblings I had.

"It is nice to meet everyone Thank you for your hospitality." Mark smiled calmly back at everyone. Mom and Mary looked at him while nodding, while dad and Harry seemed to squint their eyes every time he spoke a word.

"I'm gonna be watching you." My father said, pointing his index finger at Mark's chest.

"Yeah." Harry nodded.

"D-Did I said something wrong?" Mark felt intimidated.

"No dear, they're just like that. Every time the girls bring a guy, they get all defensive and overprotective!" Laughed mom. "Don't worry, I already kind of like you! You're a big city kid but you're pretty alright, you got your manners and stuff! Just make sure to give my girl a raise alright?"

"S-Sure, she works very hard so I was already going to do it anyways." Mark smiled back.

"Good!" Mary said, giggling. "Elayne you've got yourself a nice catch!"

"Nice catch? W-What do you mean by nice catch dummy?" I sighed, trying to ignore her teasing. "Also Mark don't feel forced to agree with them please"

"Eh? Ah Well I had decided it anyways, don't worry." Mark smiled back.

"Nice catch!" Mary insisted.

"Sigh"

Like that, I decided to go help mom and Mary prepare the lamb. It had been already skinned and its innards were also taken care of, but they were now marinating it with tons of spices like we like to make them. Roasted lamb is really delicious, though I always get sad when I remember this used to be a cute lamb

"There Elayne, add more of that in there." Mom said.

"Do we really need to cover the entire poor thing with spices?" Mary complained.

"Yeah, I think this is enough" I sighed.

"Your father really likes flavorful meat, the older he gets the more flavor he wants, his tastebuds are probably getting fried." Laughed mom.

"Hahaha, right." Mary laughed.

"Heh Daddy's been working hard every day still? Can't he take a break?" I wondered.

"Well, we've gotta keep working. If we ever take a break this farm's going to fall apart!" My mother said. "That's why your kids are going to be a good asset for the future, hehe." Mother glanced back at Mary.

"Huh? No way! Camilla and Tereza are not going to stay in the farm!" Mary reluctantly said.

"What?! So you're going to raise them like little Elena now?!" Sighed mom. "Geez, at this point the only one that'll inherit this is that lazy bones of Harry! I was planning on giving this to Elayne but she has no intentions of having it either"

"Sorry mom I just got really used to the daily life at the city. I've got many friends there too, and so my little daughter." I said. "But maybe once I grow older and retire I'll take the farm out of your hands, heh."

"Huh! So you're still thinking about it? I remember you were just not even thinking about it back then!" My mother said. "Ah well, since your dear husband passed away I guess you've changed your mind a bit?"

"Mostly" I sighed. "Working all by myself to keep us afloat has been quite the experience Things changed so much from back then."

"Huh, are you really okay with how things are now, Elayne? I can still help you monetarily if you need." Mary sighed. She was actually a very successful businesswoman working at a printing company. She was also a so-called "city girl" like our parents liked to call us.

"How could I ask for money to my little sister?! Geez, Mary, you've got your own husband and your girls, don't even think about giving me any cent! I am fine, don't worry about a single thing!" I said with a smile, trying to calm her down.

Mary and mom looked at me with a worried gaze, but then smiled teasingly.

"Huh, I can tell!" Mom said teasingly. "That big catch is what got you so confident now, huh?"

"He's really handsome and also quite young, right?" Mary said. "You're surprisingly good at fishing some good catches big sis! I've always envied that of you!"

"Eehhh?! S-Stop with that! I've got nothing going on with Mark! Geez We're just really good friends." I smiled a bit, without realizing that I was blushing.

"Sigh, you're really in love with him, huh?" My mother saw right through me.

"Yeah, yeah~ You can't hide it from us big sis!" Giggled Mary.

"Cut it out already!" I cried.

They really like to get into my nerves sometimes

But I still lo

ve them.

Chapter 408: Elena's Horse

Elena never really enjoyed much coming to the countryside. It was always nasty, it smelled like farm animal poop all over, and her family was always overly clingy with her. She never really had a time to breathe by herself. She had even stayed at home a few times, while her mother came to visit alone. She never really thought why her mother always got upset because she disliked seeing her family, it wasn't as if affected them or hurt them somehow, right?

Yet as time went by, and as her mind cooled down and she went through many things, today was somewhat different. Even though she thought that this was a pain, it didn't felt like a pain anymore. And even if it felt tiring, it wasn't really tiring.

And even when she expressed her discontent with her family for being so clingy and corny, she didn't really disliked them either. Deep down she she felt happy.

Why?

Why did she never felt happy before though?

Or did she?

Perhaps due to all the things she had went through, and how her teenager girl mind was growing up a bit more, she was realizing a lot of things.

She was finally beginning to think of the many gifts she had, and how valuable and important they were for her, which she always gave for granted so much she ended growing bored of them, or even tired.

Maybe playing Brand New Life Online, which helped her talk with many new people, experience many new landscapes, and make new friends helped rethink her life a bit, just a bit, perhaps.

The endless green hills, the soothing wind. The sound of the ducks at the distance, the cows munching grass, and the hens eating grains

"This is so relaxing" Elena sighed, looking at the beauty of her home, the home that was always there for her, but that she often ignored.

"Huh? Elena?" Anna felt surprised that her friend said that. She had been seeing her making bored and disgusted faces all the time, and really thought she hated this place.

Yet why did she said that out of the blue?

"You like it too?" Elisa smiled happily. "I am glad you can see how amazing this is, Elena!"

Elisa was currently feeding some peas mixed with water to a group of ducks. They all gathered around her eating the peas almost desperately. While she had the opportunity to pet and caress their soft white feathers.

"Hehehe, you're all so cute and squishy!" Elisa was so happy she began giggling like a little girl.

Steiner, her bodyguard couldn't help but smile from the distance as he saw her smile so happily.

"I guess I've been just thinking about stuff for a while." Elena sighed. "Was I always this kind of stupid person?"

"Stupid how?" Wondered Anna.

"I don't know, grumpy? Like I think the last time I came here was two years ago. I its all so different now to me. Why?" Elena couldn't really believe her own mind had changed.

"Well, maybe being with us makes it different too? Like we're in the game again having an adventure! But in real life now." Anna said, giving her an apple.

"What's this for?" Elena asked.

"Let's go feed the horsies! I really want to ride one!" Anna quickly held her hand and dragged her towards the horses.

The horses quickly smelled the bag of apples they had, given to them by Harry, Elena's uncle. They all approached. The family had a small business raising horses and selling them, so they always had over ten year round. The whole family naturally knew how to ride one too.

"Nyeeeheh!"

Suddenly, an adorable, gray-colored horse with white patches approached Elena, sniffing her entire face, and licking her.

"Uuuggh Is that you Patches?" Elena wondered.

"Nyeeeheheh!" Patches was his name, a horse that was raised with Elena when she was younger.

They haven't seen in years yet he still remembered her.

"You still remember me?" Elena wondered, feeling touched.

"Nyeeeheh!" Patches began munching her hair.

"Gyaaah! Okay take the apple, don't eat my hair!" Elena panicked a bit, giving patches the apple, which he happily stole out of her hands.

"Crunch, crunch, crunch"

"He's named Patches?!" Anna asked, fascinated by the horse. "Is he yours?"

"Kinda" Elena said. "I thought they would end up selling him, but they keep him"

"Hahaha, that's a long story." Suddenly, Harry showed up behind the girls.

"Uncle?!" Elena felt slightly surprised.

"Patches is like a kid! He doesn't let anyone except father ride him, so we couldn't really sell him." Sighed Harry, filling the water container for the horses to drink. "Well, he loves you so he probably would still let you ride him if you ask nicely."

"Oh" Elena sighed, feeling slightly guilty that Patches was too attached to her to become someone else's horse.

"So cool! You know how to ride horses?!" Asked Anna.

"Kinda I learned when I was eleven." Sighed Elena.

"So young?!" Asked Anna.

"I am kind of rusty right now Patches! Come here boy." Elena called Patches, as he slowly walked back to her. "Here, can you let me ride you with a friend?"

"Nyeeeheh! Munch, crunch" Patches happily agreed, beginning to munch two apples that Elena gave to him as an offering. He was quite the shameless horse and wouldn't let anybody ride him without an incentive. He loved apples so it was easy to convince him with one or two though.

"Let's go." Elena said with a mild smile.

"E-Eh? Really?! Can we ride it?" Anna freaked out.

"Yeah, let's try at least." Elena said, as Harry quickly brought some riding equipping and placed it over Patches back.

"Alright! Let's see how rusty you are Elena!" Harry said.

Elena quickly crawled over Patches by the side, barely managing to position herself in the seat.

"Aahh, this feels a bit stiff but I think its fine, ugh." Elena said. "Patches, you okay?"

"Nyeeeheh!" The horse seemed happier than ever before, beginning to gallop around.

"Alright, come, Anna! Let's have a ride." Elena quickly brought Anna up, sitting her in front of her.

"Uwaaah! We're so high right now! T-This is freaky!" Anna panicked.

"Relax." Elena whispered to her ears. "Alright Patches! Let's go on a little ride!"

"Nyeeeheh!"

Patches began galloping around slowly, the two girls having a great moment together.

And Elisa in the back was looking with a bit of jealously.

"I also want to ride Patches!"

Chapter 409: Mark's Abduction

Mark was abducted before he could do anything else. Elayne's father and her brother quickly brought him to the grilling area, where the two men of the family were preparing the fire for the lamb they were going to roast.

Both of them were glaring at him with deadly eyes. Mark was feeling as if their glares pieced his entire body. He was definitely nervous. He had thought to just have a good time, but he never imagined he would get caught in between Elayne's family's father and brother's overprotective natures.

"So my daughter has been talking a bit about you." Elayne's father said. "She often send us messages that she had a good time with you, or that you're a nice boss and friend" He said, while adding more firewood to the fire.

"Yeah, you seem to be able to do the bare minimum. At least we can say you're winning her over really quickly" Harry said, sharpening a large knife.

"E-Elayne is a very hard working employee. She's always doing her best." Mark said. "I am happy to have her as a friend That's all."

"Is that really all, boy?" Elayne's father asked. He was actually smaller than Mark, who was towering the two of them, yet his glare was quite intimidating.

"Yes What else could there be?" Sighed Mark.

Both father and son glanced at one another, squinting back at Mark.

"So you haven't touched big sis, right?" Harry asked.

"You're just good friends?" The father asked.

"Yes" Mark nodded. "I Well"

"Just tell me things straight!" Elayne's father said. "Is she Is my daughter Is she"

Elayne's father began to feel rather pained.

"Is she asking you out?!"

"Yeah, did you go in a date already?!"

Father and son freaked out.

"W-Well!" Mark began stuttering. "Yes She has asked me out a lot"

"SHE?!"

Father and son were once more surprised.

Mark began to believe they were going to kill him right there and then bury his body in the forest outside.

"Yeah" Mark sighed, accepting his fate.

However, instead of more yelling, father and son sighed.

"My man, and you're still believing you're just friends?!" Asked Harry.

"Did you fell off your mother's arms when you were little or something? Why are you this dumb?" Elayne's father protested.

"What?" Mark felt surprised by their sudden reactions.

"My daughter is all over you and you haven't even invited her to a date?!" Father angrily said. "How come you're this dense!?"

"Well, big sis always has liked the dumb dense guys." Sighed Harry.

"Ah Eh? I I haven't thought about it. I don't want to be like creepy or something." Mark said.

"Creepy?! What are you talking about?!"

"Are you stupid? You're stupid!"

Father and son were killing him not with a knife, but with words

They simply couldn't believe their beloved Elayne was trying so hard with this guy yet he has not done the same for her yet

"You really mean it? I've always wanted to be bolder but, I have not much experience in the field..." Sighed Mark.

"A virgin, huh?"

"Can tell, look at his baby face. Big sis always likes these kind of guys, sigh"

Mark was once more murdered.

"You're hopeless, mun."

"If you keep it like this you two won't get anywhere! Just tell us how do you feel."

"Do you even like my daughter?! If you dare play with her heart I'm gonna rip yours apart!"

At this point father and son began to think Mark was just playing around with her

"No, I Please, help me ask her out then!" Mark suddenly got bolder. "I I really want to make her happy, Elayne deserves the best things in the world, she deserves everything! We've gone through a lot together Every time I see her face when she gets sad, it hurts my heart so much I want to make her life better, to make her as happy as I can."

Father and son smiled, nodding.

"Well said!" Elayne's father said. "I guess we can give you some tips, there's no person here that knows her better than the two of us."

"Big sis went through a lot after her husband passed away I was really surprised when you showed up. It meant she's trying to move on. She's no longer stuck in that time anymore." Sighed Harry. "Mark, please promise me you're not going to leave her alone, you've gotta be with Elayne so she can always rely on you! Big sis has gone through a shit ton of stuff!"

"Yeah, you've gotta promise us that at least!" Her father said.

"I know" Sighed Mark. "I will."

"Good!"

"Alright!"

The two quickly patted Mark's shoulders and then decided to help out.

"Alright, so"

"And this and that"

Mark never thought that Elayne's father and her little brother, who seemed so hostile, were actually willing to even help him on asking her out from all things.

Perhaps people was more than they seemed to be.

For Mark, who had gone through a rather cold and loveless childhood, he felt slightly relieved to know that Elayne had such a nice and warm family.

And that perhaps, these people might also become his family.

He no longer cared for them just because of Elayne, but slowly started to understand that he really wanted these people to recognize him as one of them

And while the three men were getting the fire ready, the girls showed up. Mom, Elayne, and Mary, alongside Rita, who had joined them recently because she was busy dealing with Camilla and Tereza that didn't let go of her, brought the lamb already well seasoned and ready to be roasted.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Mary asked.

"Are you guys getting along already?" Mother said.

"Seems like you do!" Elayne smiled happily. "See? They're not that scary once you get closer to them!"

Mark felt slightly moved when he realized she was right.

"Yeah, I think they're pretty amazing people, they care a lot for you."

Chapter 410: Bonding With My Little Sister

Without realizing the day went by very fast. After leaving the lamb roasting, I went to visit all the farm animals one by one. I had a nice time checking on the ducks, who always seem so friendly and adorable. The hens pecked me as usual, the horsies happily munched on my hair, the cows mooed, and gooses were as aggressive as I remember them! Although some of them remembered me and approached friendlily.

At some point Blackie went off into the forest and I felt a bit worried he would get lost. But the Great Spirit told me I was able to sense where he was and call him back if necessary by utilizing the [Familiar Sense] spell. After using it and finding out he was hunting rats, I left him be for now.

The lamb meat was so much that we had even for dinner. The meat was specially delicious for some reason, even more than I had imagined or remembered. Now that I remember that too, I also remember that the food I've cooked since last week has been quite amazing.

Could this be related to magic?

"This meat is so tasty, it's to kill for!" Said my father, laughing a bit. "Seasoning alone wouldn't make this so good, just what kind of magic did you use on this?"

"Hahaha, it is just what you see in there, dear." My mother giggled. "We've added the usual mix of herbs, some chili and also a bit of soy sauce. But it hasn't changed much."

"Hmm, I can't stop eating!" Mary was delighted. "But I think that big sis added her touch in this! She's amazing at cooking after all."

"Certainly, she really is." Mark agreed. "I've enjoyed many of her meals, each one has been amazing. She adds a lot of love to what she prepares."

"Miss Elayne's food is just the best there is!" Elisa praised me too.

"Mom's food is good, yeah." Elena agreed.

"It is exactly connected to your magic!" The Great Spirit said. "Since you've begun to develop your magic powers that part of your strongest skills effects manifest as "magic effects" although rather weak, the passive effects do work, somewhat."

I see, so I guess magic does affect my food positively. It makes it tastier, and maybe it helps people feel better or more satiated? I hope it doesn't have any bad effect though.

This moment with family was quite heartwarming, but I also felt slightly worried about my little sister, Henrietta. She had refused to join us today because she was vegetarian, and disliked when we had to butcher animals, never helping.

I can understand her really well to be honest, though mom and dad treat her a bit too harsh sometimes because she's a bit selfish with her way of being. But she hasn't showed up at all since I came here, and it is worrying me.

"I'll go bring some food to Henrietta, I've prepared her this apple pie and some vegetarian burgers" I said, quickly packing things for her.

"Eeh? Do you have to spoil her this much? She's been really rude lately." My mother sighed.

"She screamed at your mother that she hated her! And only because she said she should try to eat meat a bit." Sighed father.

"Come on you two! She's vegetarian, asking her to eat meat is just going to anger her, are you even thinking the words you say? It was obvious you were going to get that response!" I reprimanded the two.

"Ah but" Sighed father. "Ugh, maybe"

"We're getting older, raising her has been harder than we thought." Mother apologized. "Perhaps I don't have as much patience"

"Alright, you two come here with me and apologize to her." I ordered them.

"Eh?! But Elayne" My father complained.

"No, its fine We should really apologize." My mother said. "Isn't Henrietta as precious as all our children? Dear, don't be so harsh, she's your most spoiled girl after all."

"Ahhh" My father sighed, quickly getting up from his seat.

Like that, we walked upstairs and knocked the door, finding her there over the bed with her laptop.

"Hey you didn't even tried to wait for me to open the door!" She complained.

My little sister, Henrietta was the youngest daughter of my parents, she was born 21 years ago when they were a bit over 40, so it is quite obvious they were past their prime for patience in raising children.

Because of this, she grew more spoiled than the rest, my parents didn't taught her everything well enough, and she became rather rude and self-centered. Nonetheless, she's still my baby sister, so I can't just leave her alone.

She might be rude and a bit selfish, but its not like they're not in fault for her getting this angered.

"Sorry" I sighed. "How are you, sis?"

"Elayne" She looked at me with a bit of surprise. "What do you want?" She asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

"E-Eh? Don't be so rude, geez. I made you some apple pie and veggie burgers! Try them out!" I said, quickly putting them over the nearby table.

"Ohh" She looked at them with a clear hunger in her eyes. However, she remained defensive, glaring back angrily at our parents behind me. "W-What do they want though?"

"We came to apologize." My mother said.

"Yeah" Father sighed.

"Huh? Apologize?" Henrietta was taken aback.

"Sorry dear, I shouldn't had been so annoying overeating meat" Sighed mother.

"Y-Yeah, and sorry as well. I probably got a bit too angered." Father apologized too.

"Come on Henrietta, want to come down and eat with the family? Everyone miss you. We brought new friends too." I said. "I I want my friends to meet my entire family."

Henrietta pouted a bit, looking into the floor.

"Ugh, fine, whatever" She sighed, shrugging as she walked downstairs with us. "Only because you asked, sis." Although her attitude needed a bit of an improvement, she ended agreeing.

Like that, she stuffed herself eating the veggie burgers I made for her and then ate most of the apple pie. She was really hungry

"This is so good! Big sis makes the best apple pie!" She cried happily. "And these burgers are so amazing too! What the heck?! You should definitely open a restaurant!"

"That's what I ALWAYS say!" Laughed Mary.

"Right? She's just amazingly talented." Harry agreed.

"Hahah, come on, you'll make me blush" I laughed happily.

These warm moments I'll always keep them inside of my heart.

I love you all so much.