Chapter 73: Father-Daughter Reunion

Chapter 73: Father-Daughter Reunion

“I am very good friends with Ailia!”

Arthur replied to Crown, irritation already creeping into his tone. As mentioned earlier, Crown was definitely overstepping his bounds.

This matter was personal.

Besides, these people didn’t even know the truth of the situation.

If this Elven Queen wasn’t actually Ailia, he wouldn’t be thinking about participating in some selection competition but would rather focus on developing his territory and finding Ailia.

After all, it was you all who were trying to steal my bride!

I’m already generous enough not to blame you, yet you come over with some inexplicable attitude!

Despite his annoyance, Arthur ultimately chose not to confront Crown.

He could tell that Crown was only looking out for Ailia, believing him to be a heartless scoundrel.

So, Crown was doing it for Ailia’s sake, too.

It’s just that, like everyone else, he didn’t know Ailia was the Elven Queen.

Seeing Arthur still being stubborn, Crown felt disappointed. “Axi, you’ve really changed, or perhaps you’ve always been like this.”

With that, Crown stood up and left.

Arthur watched him go without saying a word.

At this point, whatever he said wouldn’t change anything; Crown had already formed his conclusions.

With thoughts of his situation with Ailia swirling in his mind, Arthur let out a sigh.

If only he had sufficient strength, everything wouldn’t be such a hassle.

The afternoon rolled around.

After their nap, Airael, with Celia and Aurora accompanying her, took Anna out of the Avalon Royal Palace.

The trio wore cloaks to cover themselves tightly, with the little one nestled among them.

They walked through the streets of the royal city and soon arrived at the inn where Arthur was staying.

They stopped in front of their old room.

What they found was an open door alongside a chaotic room.

After a moment of stupor, they quickly realized what had happened.

Arthur had been caught up in last night’s attack as well.

It made perfect sense that the room was a mess.

Just then, Karina emerged from her room.

“Are you all looking for your master again?” she asked, glancing at the familiar group.

Though there was now an extra little one, the other three looked just like they did yesterday.

“That’s right! Miss Maid, could you tell us where Axi’s room is now?”

“The master is staying in the room next door,” Karina pointed.

“Thank you!”

With Airael’s words, Celia went to knock on the door.

Knock, knock, knock!

Very quickly, the door swung open, revealing Arthur inside.

When he saw Airael and the others, especially the small figure in Airael’s arms, his joy overflowed.

So happy he forgot to speak, he just gazed at the little one.

The little girl felt a bit scared under such an intense scrutiny and buried her head in Airael’s embrace, seeking safety.

On the side, Karina observed her master’s reaction, deep in thought.

“It seems she’s a little afraid of you.”

Looking at Anna’s performance, Airael smiled as she explained.

Arthur’s expression promptly froze.

Seeing Arthur’s awkward demeanor made Airael even more amused.

Then she spoke up, “Are you planning to keep us standing outside?”

“Please come in!”

Arthur hurriedly stepped aside.

Airael carried Anna inside.

Just like yesterday, Celia and Aurora stayed outside.

Karina, witnessing everything, prudently refrained from intruding but was quite curious.

That little one must have something significant to do with her master’s current state.

Inside the room.

Once the door was closed, Airael set Anna down.

Although Arthur’s gaze was no longer as intense as before, it still lingered on the little girl.

Anna tightly hugged her mother’s leg and buried her head against it.

Arthur felt a pang of disappointment.

His daughter was already this big, yet she was so unfamiliar with him.

They had never met before.

Airael knelt down and gently stroked Anna’s head. “Anna, don’t be afraid, this is your papa.”

“Papa?”

Anna met Airael’s eyes, filled with confusion and curiosity.

Though she understood the word ‘papa,’ she scarcely used it.

Or rather, she had never used it at all.

“Yes! To Anna, papa is just as close as mama.”

Airael explained to Anna.

The little one seemed to grasp it quite well.

After Airael finished speaking, she turned Anna’s little head towards Arthur, and the fear in her eyes faded away.

Arthur eagerly stared at Anna.

He had just heard Anna say “papa,” and he now wanted to hear her call him “papa.”

His intentions were quite clear, but Anna couldn’t decipher them.

And she still wasn’t entirely familiar with this sudden “stranger.”

At that moment, Airael chimed in, “Anna, call him papa.”

Anna glanced at Airael, then obediently turned to Arthur and called, “Papa!”

Arthur instantly burst with uncontainable excitement.

He quickly walked toward Anna.

Upon seeing his sudden approach, Anna dashed behind Airael, peeking out her little head.

Arthur awkwardly halted.

Airael, stifling a laugh at Arthur’s awkwardness, said, “Arthur, don’t scare Anna. She’s still little; just let things progress naturally.”

Though this was the result of her leaving him, she had had no other choice at the time.

Arthur nodded.

Airael began to comfort Anna.

“Anna, don’t be afraid. Papa won’t hurt you.”

With that, Airael picked Anna up and sat down on the sofa.

Arthur, who had initially wanted to hug his daughter, felt a pang of envy watching this scene.

“Ailia, what should I do next?”

Arthur sat down beside Airael and asked.

“Just take your time to get familiar. What else can you do?” Airael replied, looking at him with a perplexed expression.

Arthur thought about it and realized he had no other choice.

His gaze returned to Anna.

Anna, snug in Airael’s embrace, felt more at ease.

Then she fixed her eyes on the papa sitting beside her mother.

Seeing his daughter’s clear gaze, Arthur wore a gentle smile.

Though they weren’t close yet, being able to meet at such a short distance was a joy for Arthur.

This was a moment he had long awaited.

And just moments ago, Anna had called him “papa.”

Anna smiled at Arthur.

This time, without any overzealous excitement from him, she wasn’t afraid and was rather pleased.