Leah, who had been stroking Kalexias back with her fingertips, slowly turned her head and looked towards the forest.
She spoke in a soft voice as if reassuring him.
And I missed all of you so much.
My children.
Kalia, who was running towards the Primordial Tree, stopped abruptly.
Everyone who ran with her stopped and looked at Leah, who was sitting like a goddess on the burned tree.
Ah.
Ganini seemed as if he had forgotten how to breathe.
His usually composed expression crumbled, revealing how shocked he was.
It was Gaia, who often trailed behind him, that reacted first.
Oh, Mother!
Trembling, Gaia called out to her and darted towards Leah, brushing past Kalia.
As Gaia nestled into her mothers embrace, she shed tears as if pouring out an inexplicable sorrow.
Only then did the other siblings come to their senses and gather around their mother.
Leah hugged her family in her arms and extended her hand as she looked at Kalia.
Come here too. Lets embrace once, daughter of Gaia. My granddaughter.
Kalia hesitated and cautiously approached her.
Leah gently caressed Kalias cheek and hugged her.
The whole family was finally gathered together.
Even in the midst of the urgent situation, their hearts swelled with emotion.
Then suddenly Kalia stepped away from them.
Without hesitation, she stepped back and approached Simon, who was silently observing them.
Come here, Simon.
What?
Then, without hesitation, she clasped her hands together, took his hand, and led him.
Why me Kalia?
Perplexed, Simon hesitated and faltered, but Kalia glanced at him briefly.
Wherever I am, whoever I am with, you are my first family.
The gaze towards Simon was grave, yet steady.
It felt so beautiful that it made her eyes go cold.
So wherever you go, stay by my side.
Only then did Simon realize what he meant.
It was not his mind but his heart that felt it first.
Do not go away from me.
If you want to die at the same time, you have to stay close. Isnt that so?
The hand that held onto her tightened firmly. Simons heart trembled at the firmness.
Like intertwined fingers, it felt as if their lives and his life had become one.
Perhaps can you be this lovable in so many different ways, Kalia?
He felt her concern, as if she worried that he would feel bitter when they were apart.
At the same time, her words, calling him her first family, deeply pierced his heart.
Strong yet tender, Kalia.
Blunt yet honest, seemingly dull yet lovable, she was his woman.
Simon placed his lips on the back of her hand, responding as if it was only natural.
Not apart. Never.
The two of them smiled at each other and, belatedly, turned their heads to look where their family was.
Ah.
Hmm. Um.
There, seven pairs of eyes shone brightly, as if expressing great interest, watching them intently.
* * *
In truth, the Primordial Tree cant bear fruit anymore.
Awakened, Leah first examined the state of the tree. Her expression was not pleasant.
Then, what about the fruit I received?
The tree depleted its life force to produce those fruits. It suffered greatly. It had guilt for making me sick.Discover new chapters at novel35.com
Leah cleaned the outside of the burnt tree with a sorrowful touch.
Black soot spotted on the rough bark of the tree.
Due to drinking the water infused with the trees roots, she fell into a deep sleep.
Originally, it was just a mild poison that would have caused her to sleep for about seven days and then awaken. But in the middle of that, Kanal used his hand to make her fall into a deeper sleep.
The roots were infused, infused again, and once more to create a concentrated extract.
After mixing it with a plant called Hwaincho, which prevents blood circulation, Leah made her consume it once again before awakening.
To mix with demons, you need a high-level fairy magic stone that can withstand it.
But its not easy to obtain a high-level fairy magic stone, you know.
Well, why bother mixing demons and fairies? If were going to confront those creatures, we can jump in with our bare bodies.
Lets leave the fairies alone for now. As promised, the first thing to do is to overturn the Empire. You said you wanted to see a country of humans without gods, didnt you?
Leahs eyes narrowed as she looked at the man who had entered.
A demon wearing the remains of a kings corpse and a middle-aged man in a white robe.
The authors.
A chilling coldness entered her shimmering eyes.
At that moment, the two men stopped and turned their heads towards Ahim and Leah.
As Leah and the two men locked eyes, the space shattered and the darkness receded.
As Ahim regained consciousness as if being sucked into reality, he blinked his eyes and gasped.
Ah!
Ahim gasped for breath and quickly stood up.
Then, a gentle embrace pulled him in and comforted him.
Its alright. This isnt the palace.
A hand patting his shoulder, a soft voice.
It was the same voice that guided him in his dreams.
Ahim looked at the Queen of the forest who was holding him with trembling eyes.
She was completely different from the noble ladies he had seen in the castle.
Her gaze had a strange power that drew people in, emanating strength.
I
Hush. Its okay, my child. You dont have to say anything. Thanks to you, I have come to know many things.
As a token of my gratitude, from now on, I will protect you in the forest. So that you wont be afraid, and youll be safe.
Saying that, Leah looked at Tokan.
Tokan, realizing the mothers will, went to the boys side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
At the comforting touch, Ahim moved closer to Tokan.
In case he might slip away, Ahim quietly grabbed onto the hem of his clothes.
Leah looked at Ahim like that and gave him a slight smile before standing up.
Thanks to that child, we have seen clearly whose throats we need to cut.
Her words stiffened the expressions of the family members.
There were the grim-faced sisters and the brothers with cold gazes.
Even Kalexias broad shoulders seemed to tense up.
She placed her hand on her husbands chest and spoke with a voice full of conviction.
War is coming.
I know.
Are the forces prepared?
Kalexia sighed and held his wifes wrist, which she was gently stroking, with a pained expression.
Dont rush into things as soon as you wake up, Leah.
Upon his words, Leah chuckled softly.
Her gaze, which had been scanning each of the children, met with Gaia and Kalia.
Im not rushing. Do you know how long Ive been sharpening my blade and waiting for over twenty years?
Leah
Dont stop me, Kal.
With a whisper-like warning, she stomped her foot firmly.
And then, a huge spear, reminiscent of Kalexias Ektarion, materialized in her hand.
It was the spear of guardianship, Nation, which protected the forest alongside Ektarion.
For those who dare to harm our family, they will pay the price
Leah smiled slyly and addressed her children, who were looking at her with fiery eyes.
Thats right, my darlings?
Clank, clink.
Hoa, Nua, Ganini, and Furiosa, as well as Tokan and Gaia, unsheathed their weapons without hesitation.
Similarly, Kalia also grasped Nuas sword and displayed an even more fierce determination than ever before.
Indeed, the inherited bloodline is strong.
Simons eyes, who had been closely observing Leah, Gaia, and Kalia, met with Kalexias.
The Fairy King nodded, as if understanding everything.
Seeing the slight embarrassment in Simons eyes, Kalexia smiled and nodded his head.
It seemed like there was no turning back for him.
Hmm.
Simon couldnt help but feel a happy yet slightly fearful anticipation that their future married life wont be easy.