Chapter 129 - A Joyous Return

— Ariel Anemoi Asura —

Languidly resting on my throne, I glanced out the window, watching the streets of the capital, crowded with citizens going about their daily lives, and closer were the royal gardens' trees tinted brown and red as the leaves turned to the colours of autumn.

It was expected, as it was now the tenth month of the year.

Sharia even had its first snowfall of the season a couple of days ago.

"Your Majesty…" a voice called from below.

Ah… right.

The reason I was here instead of in my office, or back at home…

"Yes, Luke… you wished for a meeting, yes?" I asked, looking back to him. "Speaking of, how are things with you and Tristina? I believe there was news that she was pregnant, correct?"

Luke had grown up ever since he took over his father's position, with a scruffy beard and narrowed eyes, yet also maintaining that sense of youth that always charmed the passing ladies.

But, of course, he had not set his sights on another woman since meeting Tristina, instead focusing all his efforts on his first true love while maintaining his territory as a respectable noble.

To think that Luke would have grown up into such a family man… well, it was the same for me as well.

Just as he had his Tristina who showed him the love of family, I had found Leon… yes, I had found it…

And then I lost it.

"Oh, yes… that is right. She is expected to give birth near the start of next year," Luke responded, nodding his head with a slight grin.

"I see… then, if you wish, I shall visit at the time to meet the little one," I said, returning a smile.

A fake smile.

Just like always.

"I… you don't need to go out of your way, your Majesty," he said, shaking his head.

"There's no need to be so formal… you are one I consider a close friend, even if we haven't been in contact lately," I replied, waving off his worry. "So, Luke… for what matter did you ask for an audience with me? And so officially as well…"

With the words that he had written in the letter delivered by his messenger, it noted that this talk was meant to be a serious one, rather than a meeting between friends.

So what, exactly, could be the topic at hand?

"That… I requested a formal audience, as I believe what I am about to say may anger you… but regardless, as your loyal subject, I must broach the topic," he said, keeping his head down as he remained kneeling.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Oh? You think that your words will anger me? Well… out with it," I said, gesturing toward him. "I do need to return home."

Eris was practically bursting, after all.

And without Leon there, it was even more important for me to be there for her.

For everyone…

"T-Then… I will say it plainly," Luke said, raising his head as he looked into my eyes. "Ariel… with Leon's untimely death… I believe you should look into obtaining another husband."

My veins ran cold as the hall fell into a tense stillness, the few moments it took to regain my voice passing in utter silence.

"Isolte," I said coldly.

"Yes, my lady," she said from my side.

"I…"

My words trailed off as I suddenly brought my hand to my forehead, gently massaging it in order to relieve the headache I felt coming forth.

Haa… I nearly ordered her to cut him down right there.

That wouldn't be very good.

While I felt quite angry, I had to remember that he was speaking to me as the Queen of Asura, and not Ariel, and by all accounts, in terms of the good of the kingdom… he was right.

A Queen needed to leave descendants, especially since the rest of the royal family had been culled, and while Emilia was growing up, who was to say that she might die or end up on a path opposed to royalty?

But… getting another husband?

What a ridiculous notion.

Even if the fire of my love could somehow burn for another man, which I highly doubted, I knew that I would never act on such urges as long as our family remained as is.

"Luke… while I understand your concerns, there is no need for that," I said, releasing a sigh. "Emilia is already more than enough as an heir, and besides… I would never betray Leon like that."

We were, and are, promised to each other, and only each other… well, and our other wives, of course.

So no… I would not be taking another husband.

Not now, and not ever.

Despite being a widow, I was still a woman madly in love, after all.

"Betray him… excuse my impertinence, Your Majesty, but how would that be a betrayal?" Luke asked, tilting his head. "As he has… departed… so I simply do not understand."

I would have gotten quite angry at those words, but seeing that he was speaking purely out of confusion rather than aggression, I decided not to fault him for it.

"I don't expect you to understand, Luke… I doubt anyone could," I said, shaking my head as I looked back out the window. "I told him that I would wait for him forever, and I will hold my words true… Even if it means that we meet again only in the afterlife…"

"I… see," Luke said, looking back down at the red carpet. "You seem to have changed a lot, Ariel…"

"And I can say the same to you," I said, standing up as I stretched my arms.

Such a long day… it was definitely time to get back home.

Maybe I could even take a bath…

"But you are right… I am no longer Ariel Anemoi Asura, the previous princess turned the Queen of Asura. I am also Ariel Greyrat, the simple woman who loves her family and enjoys folding laundry while watching the kids run around," I said, my hand unconsciously reaching for the necklace that I always kept hung on my neck as proof of my love. "He is the one that made me like that… and the me who I am right now would not exist without him… so please, do not bring up such a topic again."

"Ah… of course, your Majesty…" he said, also getting to his feet.

"Is this all that you wanted to speak with me about?" I asked, turning to look at him.

"Yes… there are some issues with the southern lands' harvest this year, but I have already explained that to Aisha," he said.

"I see… be sure not to put too much on that girl's shoulders. She has more than enough on her plate with her current emotions, even if she is skilled at pretending otherwise," I said with a frown. "Send me a written report before you go. I'll be sure to see if anyone at Sharia can be of help, as they are quite adept at making the most of their farmland despite unfavourable growing conditions."

"It will be done," he replied before turning to head towards the door.

As it closed behind him, Isolte, who had been standing firm at the throne's side, turned to me.

"So will you be going back?" she asked.

"Yes… I believe our family will be growing once more in the coming days," I replied, a small smile forming on my face.

"Eris' second child, right? I hope that we can meet again some time soon," she said with a smile.

"Indeed. Ars has been asking to see you as well, so I'll bring it up to her," I said, heading for the back room. "Then, I will see you sometime soon. Be sure to be ready for Aisha, as she will be coming tomorrow."

Isolte was a good girl, and a loyal knight, but I hoped that she would soon find another purpose in life other than the sword and serving me.

I had noticed how she had acted quite smitten with that newest guard… Dola, was it?

Well… I could only hope such things came to fruition… and that should she fall in love, she would not end up with a depressing story like mine.

"By your will," she replied.

And with that, I made may way through the small hallway leading to my room, and then to the hidden door next to the wardrobe that contained the teleportation circle to lead me back home.

Grabbing the magic crystal, I pressed it against the magic circle as I felt the familiar sensation of weightlessness overtake me before I found myself in the familiar room of the basement.

Ah… that smell…

I guess Sylphy decided to make some quiche tonight.

How wonderful… I always loved that dish.

Opening the hidden door, I headed for the stairs leading to the basement, momentarily stopping as I looked to the corner of the room, where a sword was resting on the wall by a rack.

"Haa… another reminder," I mumbled to myself, walking over to gently trace my finger along the blade.

This was Leon's personal blade before he switched to the unbreakable one received from the Sword God.

The one that Eris had got him all those years ago… the one he used when he first saved our group in that forest… and the blade he held when I eventually started falling in love with him.

While it had been four months since his death, we still had yet to hold a funeral.

Honestly… I doubt that we even could.

Our family, while full of love, and strong enough to recover from the despair… we were weak like that.

We didn't want to let go of the man that had unquestionably changed our lives for the better… the one that had shown us all the love a woman would need… the one that started this wonderful family…

"If only you could come back…" I muttered, rescinding my outstretched hand as I pressed my fingers to my lips.

The faint scent of oil wafted into my nose, and the taste of metal briefly flashed through my mind, but to me… that was wonderful.

After all, it was a scent and taste that was connected to him, even if only barely.

Yeah… even if it was just a reminder of better days, it was still enough to brighten my mood.

"Aah! Fuck!" a shout resounded from above.

Widening my eyes, I instantly headed up the stairs, opening the basement entrance to see Eris waddling to the couch, holding her belly with a displeased expression as liquid dripped between her thighs, while Roxy and Sylphy began moving from the kitchen.

"I'll get some warm water. Should we call Zenith and Lilia over?" Sylphy said, instantly taking charge.

"I'll go get them. I already had Aria take the kids upstairs, so make sure they don't come down for a while," Roxy replied, glancing over at me. "Ah, Ariel. You're home just in time."

"Yes… it seems so," I said, making my way over to Eris. "Are the contractions coming on?"

"Grk! N-No… no they aren't," Eris said in a desperate tone, closing her eyes as she tried to control her breathing.

A lie.

So she was going into labour… but what was wrong with her, lying like that?

As Sylphy came over to place down a pot of warm water that she generated with magic, as well as a large pile of cloths, the two of us looked up to watch as Eris tensed her body, keeping her legs firmly pressed together as she began to tremble.

"Eris… what are you doing? You've done this before, so you know it's better to relax," I said, sitting down beside her, reaching out to grasp her hand.

"F-Fuck off," she said, swatting my hand away as an expression of guilt flashed across her face a moment later before it grimaced in pain. "Sorry, just… not right now."

Not right now…?

What did she mean?

With the sound of Roxy heading out the door, I went to get a pillow for whoever would be kneeling on the floor to receive the newborn.

I guess we would be doing it here in the living room, huh?

Almost all of our family's births had happened in the main room for its impressive size and the barriers for blocking sound, but… well, I could completely understand why Eris didn't want to do it there.

Just another reminder… another stinging pain of loss…

"-iel… Ariel!" Sylphy said, suddenly gaining my attention.

"Oh… my apologies, I seemed to have been lost in thought," I replied, shaking my head.

"It's fine… but, what happened? Is it something to do with your meeting in the palace?" Sylphy asked.

"No… no, it wasn't," I replied, averting my eyes.

Sylphy simply pouted in response, having obviously seen through my facade.

I guess I was getting weaker with that mask… or perhaps it was only around my family that I was unable to maintain my persona as well as I usually could.

How aggravating… but also, how lovely.

As Sylphy began to massage Eris' slightly swollen feet despite the woman's protests, I was able to grasp the red-haired woman's hand, this time without her swatting me away, as I began rubbing gentle circles into her palm in an attempt to ease the pain.

She was trying quite hard to hide it, but it wouldn't be able to escape me.

Eris was much too open like that… and it was part of why I loved her.

"We're here!" Zenith said, entering through the front door with Roxy and Lilia followed behind her. "Well, I think we're all pretty experienced at this point, so let's make this quick and easy!"

Normally, Eris would say something like 'ha, this'll be nothing for me,' but instead, she was completely silent, chewing on her lips as she continued to tense her legs.

"Eris… what's wrong?" Zenith said, walking over to kneel in front of Eris. "Are you in pain? Does something feel strange?"

"N-No… I just… don't want to," she muttered, closing her eyes as a grunt escaped her mouth.

"What? What does that-"

"It means that she is trying to force herself to stop going into labour, Zenny," Lilia said, moving to sit next to Zenith. "Eris… just why are you doing this? This is unusual, even for you."

Trying to stop herself?

What… why?

It didn't even take me a moment longer to realize why.

Ah…

So, even though we tried our best… Eris was still stuck in the past.

"B-Because… he promised," Eris muttered, a small tear escaping the corner of her eye. "If I have it… it'll really feel like he's gone."

I felt her grip on my hand tighten, her palms becoming slick with sweat due to her physical exertion.

"Eris…" I said, not knowing what exactly to say.

"I know it's stupid! But… I can't… stop feeling like this," she said, looking down with a frown. "I… I'm scared…"

Both Zenith and Lilia gave her a sad smile at that, the two of them patting her leg reassuringly as Sylphy went over to sit on her opposite side.

For that Eris to admit that she was scared… I would say that I was shocked, but I already could tell.

And I had a feeling that fear of really letting go of Leon wasn't the only thing… I wasn't able to put my finger on it.

Something related to the baby itself, at least from how she was always eyeing the bassinet with a troubled frown as of late.

But if she was going to show so much vulnerability… then I should try to comfort her to my best ability.

"Eris, I-"

My voice paused in my throat as I suddenly felt that something was off.

A shift in the air… a subtle tension… a momentary difference in pressure.

And Roxy and Sylphy had seemed to notice it too, as they both stood up while looking towards the basement door.

"Were we expecting anyone?" Roxy asked with narrowed eyes.

"No… I don't believe so," Sylphy replied, taking out her short sword from her side. "Everyone, stay back for the moment while I-"

Her words were interrupted as we heard the sound of feet thumping up the stairs, and as Sylphy seemed to prepare a wind spell in her hand, the door to the basement then swung open.

What was revealed was no intruder, nor a sudden visitor.

Well… one could say it was a sudden visitor… but most people wouldn't consider someone a visitor to their own home.

Leon… Leon was there.

He looked absolutely filthy, covered in dirt, sand, blood, and some kind of black liquid.

His clothes were tattered and worn, and his face was covered in an overgrown stubble, with hair that went down to his shoulder.

A truly messy sight, as if he had not taken care of himself and his appearance in ages.

But to me… he looked like the most handsome spectacle in the world.

Was I dreaming?

I had to be… right?

But… if this was a dream… I did not want to wake up.

"Ah… looks like I made it in time," he said, his voice the same beautiful tone as ever, even if it was slightly rougher than usual. "So… did you guys miss me?"

Oh, Millis… please… please don't let this be a dream…

— Leon Anemoi Greyrat —

Thankfully, after but a few days of constant running through the destitute lands of the Demon Continent, I was able to find the position of the teleportation circle quite quickly thanks to a mix of luck and my demon eye, and even more fortunate, was the fact that it was still intact.

And so, arriving at the floating fortress after using it, nearly completely draining my mana in doing so, I quickly greeted an extremely surprised Perugius before asking him to send me back home, which led me to now.

I had no doubt that we would need to talk about what took place while I was 'dead', but there were more important things at the moment.

Yes… my four beautiful wives, and my mothers… they were all looking at me with shocked expressions.

And from how they were all positioned around Eris… I really did cut it close, huh?

Honestly, I was extremely lucky with the timing.

But I did it… I kept my promise… the one I made to myself, and the one that Kaito reminded me of.

Shrugging off my makeshift bag, the stone book inside thumping against the wooden floors, I slowly walked over to the stunned women, their wide eyes beginning to brim with tears.

"Roxy… Sylphy… I'm back," I said, moving in to plant a kiss on both of their mouths.

Of course, I made sure to wash my face with some water magic when I met Perugius, so it wasn't unsanitary, but my scratchy, unshaven face might have been uncomfortable.

But I didn't care.

After being apart for so long… there was no way I wouldn't kiss them upon meeting them again.

"L-Leon?" Roxy said, taking a short breath as she reached out to grab my shirt. "You're Leon… right?"

"Would any other man kiss you like that?" I asked, leaning in to press another kiss on her face, this time on her forehead. "I'm sorry for taking so long… but I'm home now."

I then leaned down over the couch, giving Ariel a hug from behind as I kissed her cheek, the wetness of her tears spreading across my lips.

"You… you're here… you're actually here…" she muttered in shock, her hand reaching up to caress my cheek.

"Yeah… again, sorry… for worrying you all," I said before moving over to Eris, who had been staring at me in stunned silence.

"Eri… I'm here, sweetie," I said, reaching down to take her hand.

"Leon…?" she muttered, unlatching her other hand from Ariel's as she reached up to touch my face. "You're… alive. I… didn't fail…"

"You wouldn't have failed even if I didn't come back, silly," I said, moving my face to kiss her hand. "You did the most important thing… keeping our new little baby safe… and it's about to come out, right?"

I looked over to Mama and Lilia as they moved in front of Eris' now-open legs with a towel prepared to take the baby, both of them smiling wide as tears ran down their faces.

I wonder if it would be a girl or a boy?

"You… you idiot!" Eris said, frowning as she slapped my cheek.

Not hard, of course… but something in her sad and exhausted tone made it hurt more than any serious strike she could have delivered.

"I… I waited! I waited and waited!" she cried, her expression flinching in pain as another contraction set it. "W-What…! What took you so long?"

Now how to explain this… the Dragon World, the sacred treasure… there was quite a lot to cover.

"I'll tell you about it later… but I'm sorry," I said, squeezing her hand in reassurance. "I'm here now… and I don't plan on scaring you like that again."

"Good… you dummy…" she muttered, giving me a wide smile as her hand squeezed mine with quite a bit of force. "I'm… glad you're home… and welcome back."

"Yeah…" I said, a wide smile also forming on my face as we stared into each other's eyes. "I'm back."

I felt Ariel, Roxy, and Sylphy move to hug me as I continued holding Eris' hand, the five of us sharing a moment together before Mama spoke up.

"Eris! I can see it's head, so push for me!" she said.

"Agh! G-Got it!" Eris said, shifting her focus to her body as she looked down with a frown. "You little trouble-maker… you caused your mother here a lot of grief, so get out!"

Arching her back, Eris grunted in exertion, the grip of her hand increasing even more as she pushed out.

And then…

The sounds of a crying child.

"That… was awfully fast, Eris," Lilia commented, taking the baby into her arms as she had already wiped her face of tears. "I'm impressed."

Yeah… most of the births of the house took at least a few hours, but Eris seemed to have popped this one out in but a few minutes.

How amazing.

"Honestly… this… was nothing…" Eris huffed, leaning her head back on the couch as she took a few deep breaths.

While the other three watched on in amazement, I leaned over to take a look at my newest child, a wide smile forming on my face as I watched Mama clean her off.

Yes… her.

I had been blessed with yet another daughter.

To be honest, I felt a little bad for Ars at this point, but I knew that Sylphy and Ariel wanted a second child as well, so… there would have to be another boy in there, right?

"Do you want me to help cut the cord?" I asked Mama.

"No, we have that covered. You're much too filthy right now," Mama said, looking up at me with a smile. "But you're back… I'm going to give you a big hug once this is all dealt with, okay?"

"I… would expect nothing less," I replied, watching as Lilia worked to remove the umbilical cord.

With the little girl cleaned off and set free, Mama cautiously bundled her up with expert hands as she slowly brought her over to Eris, my wife taking her into her arms with a smile.

"There… do you have any ideas for a name?" Mama asked.

"Uh… a girl, huh? Yeah… I have one," Eris said, looking over to me before her smile bloomed even wider. "Alice sounds nice, doesn't it?"

My eyes widened in surprise.

Alice… Mom…

"Yes… that's… a wonderful name," I said, taking a breath to calm my emotions. "Thank you… for everything…"

She accepted my words with a huff before looking back down at the crying baby… baby Alice… and running her fingers along her bald head.

"I guess we won't know whose hair she got for a while, huh?" she muttered.

"Yeah… I think she would look good in red, though," I said.

"Damn right she would," Eris replied as yet another smile formed on her face. "But… I hope she has your eyes."

We could agree to disagree on that, but there was something I needed to do first.

That, of course, was washing up and changing my clothes.

I wanted to hold my new daughter as soon as possible, of course.

"Ah, Leon…" Sylphy said, holding my shirt as she looked up at me.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You… you should see the kids first," she said. "I want nothing than to hold you right now, but they… they really missed their father… so how about you go on upstairs while we handle this?"

"Ah… alright… you're right, of course I'll do that," I said, shaking my hand.

Indeed.

Alice could wait.

Right now… I needed to give those five a big hug.

"And take off your shoes!" Mama called.

"Got it!" I said, flicking the ragged, tattered boots to the side as I headed up the stairs.

Activating my demon eye, I was easily able to tell that all the kids were gathered in Aria's room.

I wonder… how would they react?

I was a bit excited, but also… scared.

Did I want them to cry?

If they did, I would be happy to know that they loved me enough to feel relief at me returning, but on the other hand… if they felt so much relief and happiness… just how sad had I made them from my time away?

I didn't know… but right now, all I wanted to do was see them again.

Taking a breath in front of the room, I gently knocked on the door before opening it, coming across the sight of all five of them sitting in a circle around a set of toys as their heads all simultaneously turned towards me.

"Huh? Is it already… over…?" Aria said, her words trailing off as her brown eyes widened into saucers. "Da… Dada?"

"Yeah… it's me," I said, kneeling down as I widened my arms. "Sorry it's been a while, but… can you guys give your father a hug?"

Aria and Anna both stood up, their faces blank as their eyes began to water, the two of them simultaneously taking a step.

And then another.

And before I knew it, I had two little girls slamming into my chest, wrapping their arms around my neck in tandem.

"Dada! Dada!" Aria cried, her voice getting nasally from her snot.

"Papa…" Anna said, simply burying her face in my shoulder a moment later.

Oof… they had gotten bigger.

I felt another pair of impacts as Ars and Emilia both ran over, wrapping their arms around the three of us… or, trying to, at least.

And lastly, lifting my head, I watched as Roana slowly waddled over, her face a little confused as she hesitantly joined in, reaching her hand up to grab my nose before her lips spread into a wide smile.

Ah… so I had missed her first steps…

It makes sense, since she was a few months past a year old by now, but to think I missed that… it was painful.

But I wouldn't miss anything else.

Never.

"D-Dada," Aria said, sniffing back her tears as she looked up at me.

"What is it, sweetie?" I asked.

"Y-You're dirty…" she said, a wide smile on her face.

"I know… sorry," I said, smiling as well.

"A-And… you smell bad," she continued.

…

I guess I needed to clean off, huh?

"So… do you guys all want to see your new little sister?" I asked.

Needless to say, I got a chorus of agreements in response.

But first… I needed to change, and then wash off with some soap.

Haa… but it was good to be back home.