Brazenness Tames the Workaholic Trash

XXXVI

Lucas turned around as a bright light shone down on the parent and child. At the same time, Cale, who had arrived after successfully securing the bastard Uncle Ana, stared at the bright white light.

"Eh... So that's how Dark magic didn't corrupt his Majesty faster than expected."

"It's such a warm light," Cale said, remaining silent.

They can sense the affection and warmth in that light.

[*****]

"M....?"

Don't tell me...

"Mom?"

Athanasi shrieked the moment the beautiful woman kissed her.

"You're adorable!"

She was taken aback when the woman embraced her tightly.

"Aw, I forgot you were pregnant! My adorable baby is having her own baby! Please forgive me, you're just lovely."

Athanasia's tears welled up and fell onto her cheeks because she didn't know what to feel. It's the first time she's ever been treated like a precious gem, the first time she's felt affection just from their touch.

"Don't cry, Darling; it must have been difficult shouldering everything by yourself until now; you must be scared and tired."

Her mother was the woman in front of her. The person who gave her birth.

"Don't cry, Darling... I've always been watching over you," the woman said, her eyes welling up with tears. When she looked at her, she had conflicting emotions. "I'm so proud of how much you've grown."

Athanasia couldn't hold back her tears. Even though she was an adult on the outside, she felt like a helpless child seeking refuge for comfort.

She just felt the sadness and pain she'd been carrying around in her heart, one she couldn't even tell her husband about.

Diana, her mother, explains why she remained in this world. But Athanasia couldn't be careless as she sobbed in her arms.

"I never imagined your father would do that to you."

She looked at her. Diana was also looking at her.

"Don't be too hard on him, but don't forget to forgive him when you're ready," Diana said. "He may have been a cruel father, but he is still your father... make him learn his lesson but never hate him, and you'll be able to live a more blissful life than we both had."

"He... still saved me... I need to save him too."

"Don't worry, His Majesty is fine," she said, her smile wide and warm, "he's been with me ever since he lost consciousness, and he's aware of everything that's going on outside, as well as what you and your lover boy have been through so far."

Her mother looks at her with interest, as if this is the first and last time they'll ever meet.

"I just wanted to tell you how much I love and worry about you, Darling."

Athanasia fixed her gaze on her.

"His Majesty was touched but also upset; seeing his pregnant baby daughter come all the way here to save him made him feel really miserable; he had been telling me, he deserved all of this and that he didn't deserve you coming here to save him."

Her mother gripped her hands tightly.

"I'm so happy to see you well and bravely facing his majesty who has hurt you so much; you've grown well, my darling."

Diana then pointed to the black orb that was floating nearby.

"Make use of whatever you brought with you."

The white branch of the world tree glowed brilliantly. She looked at her mother and waited for her mother to say something.

"It's okay to make it difficult for him... but I want you to live peacefully and happily... even if you can't forgive him, remember not to resent him; for you to be truly happy, don't harbor ill feelings, Darling."

Her mother's smile widened even more.

"When you return, please thank Lillian and Sir Robane for keeping you safe and taking care of you."

Diana hugged her yet again.

"Athanasia... Darling, my baby..." Her words rang beautifully in Athanasia's ears, "From the moment I felt your existence, there hasn't been a single moment that I didn't love you... I love you... live and be happy, My Daughter, Athanasia."

[*****]

Cale stood outside the magic formula that Lucas was tinkering with. He couldn't take his gaze away from the two figures on the ceremonial altar.

After coming this far, surviving all alone, and having nothing in his mind...

He realized how much he despised the prospect of losing someone.

He still doesn't understand what it means to have a family. But the thought of not being able to see a certain someone, and the unbearable loneliness that awaits...

Cale reflected on how miserably lost he is in this abyss known as love.

Both he and Lucas were struck by the shattering sound. Their vision was filled with a flash of bright light.

Cale was aware that the curse had been broken.

It was then that he heard a soft, sweet voice call out to him.

"Seek out the living water... and thank you."

He turned around to see who was speaking inside his head, but no one was there. He chose to ignore that fact and examine the ceremonial alter.

But...

"huh?"

Only the emperor awoke from his slumber. Athanasia remained motionless on the altar.

Cale took a step forward but was stopped by the emperor's hushed gesture while patting his wife's head.

"She's fine," Lucas explained, "she's just sleeping."

Cale breathed a sigh of relief and approached the father and child slowly.

He looked at his wife. She could be dreaming.

He took her carefully into his arms and carried her out of the ceremonial hall.

Of course, it'll be peaceful if it weren't for the blood grandaddies whistling like Ron's bulky muscle project.

Cale is not trembling like a newborn fawn while carrying his wife.

*These damned old men,* says Cale.

He ignored them and escorted his wife to her room.

Ron: My hard work has finally paid off. *proud of his Spartan love classes for regaining Cale's muscle for both quality and quantity! *

Eruhaben: He... the unlucky bastard is carrying someone?

Fredo: That's my son! The sun may rise from the east! Hallelujah!

Deruth: *became a paparazzi. Currently considering changing careers. clicking the memory-saving device like crazy.*

Claud: *stoic face but definitely not like it."

.

.

.

Vicross looking at Lily, "Want me to carry you?"

Lily, "No thanks."

Lucas, "My little elf! You miss me!!!??? I miss you too!"

Alver, reaching out for Taerang, about to load it with murderous intent.

Rosalyn and the rest of the girls: *waving a Vicross and Lily banner.* Go Vicross!!!!!!!"

TBC