Chapter 179

The end of spring.

Day 55 has arrived.

A gentle breeze wafts through the window, carrying a pleasant fragrance as I tenderly adjust the flowerpot on the sill. Opening the door for ventilation, the early summer air—slightly humid and heavy—wafts in softly. Spring may still linger, but the warm season is creeping closer. It’s also time to fire up the air conditioning for some coolness.

“Mmm…”

In bed lie two women, sound asleep under the covers, their beauty serene. The tousled hair framing their faces creates an enchanting morning scene—one only visible at this hour. Strands of golden silk contrast beautifully with flowing crimson locks.

Though not particularly tired myself, it feels natural to slip back into bed and gently embrace them. Rubbing their bellies, I share warmth, feeling the faint pulse of new life—a joy that fills me with indescribable happiness. My bloodline, my legacy… it stirs something deep within.

“Are you awake?”

Emerald eyes open slowly, meeting mine. Anne adjusts her disheveled blonde hair, burrowing into my chest to take in my scent. She seems delighted by whatever she finds there, playfully making a fuss over it.

“Yeah.”

Her soft reply warms my heart every single morning.

Evan gelin joins us, her clear gaze sparkling as sunlight filters through the window, painting her hair a fiery hue.

“Is today the day?”

“Yep.”

“I can’t wait!”

Today is special—it’s when Evan gelin prepared a fish-special course after days of anticipation. As spring wanes, fresh catches brought by clones pile up, leading to this grand occasion.

“I’ll head downstairs first and get ready…”

Still groggy, Evan gelin rises from bed, her movements aided by a subtle magic boost I cast upon her. A soft smile graces her lips as she acknowledges the gesture.

“Thank you…”

Watching her graceful retreat toward the kitchen, Anne turns to me with unmistakable expectations. I stop her playful approach with a flick of my finger before casting the same rejuvenating spell on her lips.

“Wow, energy flows through me now.”

“Shall we go down too?”

“Sure!”

We rise from bed as dawn breaks outside. The world glows faintly red under the rising sun, marking the start of our day.

“Abba!”

Little Yul bursts out of her room, clinging to me with childlike affection. Her milky aroma fills the air, soothing and sweet.

“Did little Yul sleep well?”

“Yes!!”

And so begins her daily chatter, a routine before breakfast. Yesterday, demons treated her kindly, even offering rides on horses. Apparently, they’re all very nice and obedient when asked.

“Horses too?”

“Yes!”

“As your father, I can’t let them outdo me.”

Parenting alongside children inevitably brings out one’s inner child. Though trivial, such moments hold significance. Lifting Yul onto my shoulders, I grant her a higher vantage point.

“Whoa!”

“How does it feel?”

“It’s great!”

Her joyful taps on my head bring a smile to my face. Just then, Jack emerges, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

“Did you rest well?”

“Yes, thank you. Did you sleep well too?”

“Yes.”

His calm voice mirrors his sister’s composure, spreading quiet normalcy among us. Last but not least comes Bell, preferring her dragon form to human guise. Stretching her limbs lazily, she lumbers over with half-closed eyes.

“Well rested?”

“Heh, yes. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes.”

“Hi, Bell!”

“Hello.”

Despite limited language skills, Bell and Yul communicate earnestly. While I secretly wish for their innocence to last forever, reality dictates otherwise. For now, I cherish these fleeting memories eternally.

Soon enough, sunlight floods the room, warming everything with its vibrant hues. Yul and Bell squint against the brightness, their expressions adding to the cuteness.

“Anne, could you help out?”

“Sure! I’ll come!”

Evan gelin calls for Anne’s assistance, setting the stage for what promises to be a delightful meal. Their culinary skills improve daily, heightening anticipation.

Dishes are neatly arranged on the table, including a dedicated spot for Bell. With a flourish, Evan gelin announces the feast.

“Here’s what we made!”

Fish dishes abound: slices of sashimi, a refreshing clam-based soup, tangy steamed fish, chewy sushi rolls, and perfectly grilled fillets sans bones. Each dish shines uniquely.

“It smells amazing! Let’s dig in!”

Yul gazes expectantly at me, waiting for me to lift my chopsticks first. Slowly, I begin the meal with a piece of sashimi.

Yul stuffs her cheeks full of food, giggling happily. Evan gelin wipes away any spills while encouraging slower eating, occasionally placing more food on her plate. Jack follows suit, quietly enjoying the spread despite receiving similar attention from Evan gelin.

“Abba, let’s play outside!”

“Alright.”

“Let’s go!”

After breakfast, Yul dashes excitedly out the front door, leaving Jack behind today.

“Not joining?”

“I’m going to play with spirits.”

Jack smiles brightly, filling me with pride. His once hesitant speech has improved remarkably, showcasing growth. This lively version suits him far better than his former quiet demeanor.

Stepping outside, two demons stand respectfully nearby.

“Ma…”

Smack!

One demon silences the other mid-sentence, preventing the utterance of “Demon King.”

“We’ve come to escort Lady Yul.”

“Yes! Let’s go!”

Since demons first entered the village, accompanying Yul became their primary duty. These two spots rotate daily after fierce competition—an amusing detail Yul likely remains blissfully unaware of.

Apparently, having access to the Demon King himself grants significant prestige among demons. Though selection processes claim fairness, frequent changes hint otherwise.

“Where’s Lucy?”

“She sends word that she isn’t feeling well today and regrets not being able to join.”

“Hmm? Shall we visit Lucy then?”

Another fixed part of Yul’s morning routine unfolds.

Around this time, Berdetto arrives for his daily report.

“Good morning, my lord.”

“Lucy’s unwell?”

“I fear troubling you unnecessarily. She’s resting comfortably after taking medicine.”

“That’s fortunate. Anything unusual?”

“Routine matters remain consistent, though…there was slight activity near the sea…”

Morning reports stay largely unchanged: department updates, workforce allocation, recent happenings.

Without specific directives from me, subordinates rarely initiate independent projects. Even proposals require preliminary sketches from me, ensuring proper guidance.

“No major issues.”

“Yes, my lord. That concludes today’s report.”

“Any signs of unrest in town or external political pressure?”

“The growing population makes monitoring difficult. Should we divert resources to gather information?”

“No need. I’ll handle it. Keep doing what you’re doing—you’re doing great work. Look after Lucy during her illness; loneliness worsens sickness.”

“Much appreciated, my lord.”

“Hard work pays off.”

With that, a hospital visit seems necessary, just in case.

Creating a clone to send to the lake ensures three hours of free experience points—a crucial daily task.

“Dear.”

“Yes~”

“Yeah!”

“I’ll be back soon.”

Returning home briefly, sharing hugs—and sometimes kisses—with everyone has become second nature.

Walking alone through the bustling streets, familiar faces greet me politely while strangers pass without notice. No harm done; those who recognize me likely reside here long-term.

Approaching Berdetto’s house reveals an unusually crowded scene.

“What’s happening?”

“Someone… Lord!”

Spotting me, someone clears a path. Inside, a small figure rests peacefully in bed, flanked by Berdetto holding her hand, tearful Yul, and a weary-looking Bell.

“Berdetto?”

“My lord…”

Tears brim in Berdetto’s eyes upon seeing me. Sensing abnormality, I immediately scan Lucy using system diagnostics via magical means.

[Divine Plague]

So, divine plague…

“What exactly is this?”

“Excuse me…”

A priest from the Great Abbey arrives promptly, entering the room.

“Please hurry!”

“Yes sir.”

The priest steps inside, exuding holy resonance. Placing a hand on Lucy’s forehead, I lower her fever slightly to ease her discomfort.

“Priest sir, please help the child…”

“Yes…”

Dressed immaculately in white robes, the priest carefully examines Lucy. Holy emblems appear unexpectedly on his palms, responding to the resonance—a previously unseen phenomenon.

“Holy marks! Indeed, divine plague!”

“Divine plague!”

“This signifies divine selection.”

“How could this happen…”

Berdetto’s expression darkens dramatically. Uncertain about implications, I quietly question the priest.

“What is divine plague, and what does ‘selection’ mean?”

“Divine plague stems from heavenly choice, manifesting as fever. Once chosen, the affliction subsides, granting a monumental mission and role.”

“And what mission is that?”

The answer doesn’t come from the priest but Berdetto himself, whose knowledge appears extensive. Biting his lip, he utters a startling revelation.

“A saintess.”

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To Be Continued —

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