After the feast concluded, everyone gathered in the living room. Yuan and his wives settled on a large sofa, while Madam Layla and Issac took another sofa facing them. James sat beside his father.
“So, Yuan. My wife mentioned that you’ll be leaving for the capital tomorrow morning, and my daughters will be going with you?” Issac inquired, a hint of disappointment in his expression. He had just recovered from his illness, and now his daughters were set to depart.
“Sigh. You’re right, Uncle Issac. We will be departing for the capital tomorrow. Our stay in this village has been prolonged, but we can’t delay any further,” Yuan responded, understanding the sentiment behind Issac’s words.
Initially, Yuan and his wives had planned to spend only a night in the village, resuming their journey the next day. Yet, their involvement in battling the Lord of the mountain and the ensuing bond with Rose, Julie, and Ava had extended their stay. They wished to nurture their relationships before moving forward.
‘I’m sorry, Uncle, but I can’t linger in this village any longer. My ultimate goal lies in finding ancient relics of civilizations past. It’s the only way I can return to Earth. The longer I stay, the further I am from achieving that goal,’ Yuan mused privately. ｂｎ𝚘ｖ𝚕．𝚘𝚛𝚐
“Sigh. I’ve just recovered, and now my daughters will leave the house tomorrow. It’s regrettable that I won’t have more time with them, but I understand,” Issac expressed in a disappointed tone, stealing glances at his daughters seated with Yuan and his wives.
Madam Layla wrapped her arms around her husband, resting her head gently on his shoulder. With a tender voice, she reassured him, “Honey, don’t be saddened by our daughters leaving. They’ve chosen Yuan as their husband, and it’s their duty as his wives to be by his side. Besides, daughters eventually leave the nest, one way or another.”
Anna’s face contorted at Madam Layla’s sugary words. She mumbled inwardly, ‘Aren’t you the one who proposed this union between all three of your daughters and my dear? This cunning woman truly has a thick skin!’
“You’re absolutely right, Layla. It’s a bittersweet moment when daughters leave their parents’ home after marriage,” Issac sighed, gently holding his wife’s hand.
“Don’t worry, Father and Mother. We’ll make sure to visit whenever we have the time. It’s not like we won’t see each other again,” Rose assured, noticing the sadness in her parents’ eyes. However, she couldn’t predict exactly when they’d return to this village after departing.
“That’s correct. We’ll make a point to visit, so there’s no need to be sad about our departure tomorrow,” Julie chimed in with a cheerful smile.
Deep down, she also felt a pang of sorrow about leaving her family behind to embark on this new journey with her husband and sisters.
Ava nodded in agreement. After a quick glance at her brother James, she added, “Besides, you have big brother James here. He can handle most of the village affairs on his own now. But it would be even better if he got married soon and blessed you two with a grandchild or two. Isn’t that right, Mother?”
“Of course, you’re absolutely right. It would be best if my foolish son brought a daughter-in-law home to help manage the household and give us many grandchildren to dote on. Although, it’s a shame that our boy is a bit hesitant when it comes to approaching girls. Only the heavens know when I’ll get to cradle my son’s child,” Madam Layla responded with a sigh, sneakily glancing at her son.
“Mother, can’t you at least have some faith in your son’s abilities!? I’m making an effort, you know!?” James suddenly retorted, frustration evident in his voice after his mother openly questioned his ability to win a lady’s heart.
Madam Layla looked at her son with an amused smile. “Well then, why don’t you bring a daughter-in-law home? That way, you can demonstrate your manliness to me…”
“I’ll prove to you just how capable I am when it comes to matters of the heart,” James declared, his tone resolute. His mother’s insistence had spurred him on to find a suitable match as soon as possible.
Issac beamed at his son’s determination. “I have full faith that my son will bring a wonderful daughter-in-law home.”
“Thank you for believing in me, Father,” James responded, a smile playing on his lips, while sending a teasing glance towards his mother.
Yuan and his wives observed this exchange with amused smiles, sharing a quiet chuckle among themselves.
A moment later, Yuan turned his attention to Madam Layla, his expression becoming more serious. “Madam Layla, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“What is it, Yuan? What favor can I do for you?” Madam Layla inquired, intrigued by what Yuan might request.
“Well, you’re aware that we arrived in this village by flying, correct?” Yuan began, prompting a nod from Madam Layla. Issac, however, appeared puzzled.
Ignoring his father-in-law’s confusion, Yuan continued, “Rose, Julie, and Ava don’t possess the ability to fly like us. It wouldn’t be safe for them to travel through the air with us carrying them. That’s why I’d like to request a spacious carriage. Please don’t concern yourself with the cost; I’ll cover it myself.”
Madam Layla’s thoughts ran along the lines of, ‘So, he simply wants me to arrange a roomy carriage for their comfortable travel, huh? I had thought he might ask for something far more challenging. It’s evident he cares deeply about my daughters’ well-being. He could have asked for horses, but no, he chose to request a carriage. How considerate.’
“You can leave it to your mother-in-law. I’ll make arrangements for the finest carriage, ensuring it arrives in a timely manner. And you needn’t worry about payment; consider it a gift from me to you,” Madam Layla assured Yuan with a warm smile.
“Madam Layla, are you absolutely certain about this? It’s quite a considerable sum,” Yuan questioned, concerned about the significant expense.
“Don’t fret, dear. There’s no need for you to worry about us. Thanks to you and your wife, our profits have soared. Just relax,” Madam Layla reassured him, her tone firm.
“If you insist, Madam Layla,” Yuan conceded, a smile playing at his lips. He understood that arguing further would be in vain.
“Excuse my interruption, but could someone explain this ‘flying’ matter? I feel a bit out of the loop,” Issac interjected, his expression one of genuine perplexity. The concept of flying seemed foreign and confusing to him.
Yuan and the others turned their attention towards Issac, realizing he had missed out on crucial information.
Madam Layla smiled and addressed her husband, “Ah, I forgot to mention. Yuan and his wives possess the extraordinary ability to soar through the sky. It must have been rather puzzling for you to hear us discuss flying, hasn’t it?”
Issac nodded in agreement. “Indeed, I find myself quite bewildered. Could you enlighten me on what you mean by Yuan and his wives being able to fly?”
Madam Layla took a deep breath and began to elucidate to her husband the unique capabilities of Yuan and his wives, powers that differed significantly from those of mages.
She explained how when Yuan and his wives had first arrived in the village, they had descended from the heavens, leading the villagers to mistake them for gods.
As Issac absorbed this information, he was astonished. Despite being non-mages, they possessed incredible strength and the ability to achieve what seemed impossible.
Even more baffling was the fact that they didn’t use Mana, and there was no trace of it in their bodies, a fact confirmed by his fruitless attempts to detect any signs of Mana.
Looking at Yuan and his wives with a mix of wonder and unease, Issac commented, “It’s still hard to believe that you all have this ability to fly. Many mages have attempted it, yet none have succeeded. And yet, despite not being mages, you’ve achieved what was once thought impossible. At this point, nothing about you surprises me anymore.”
After that, Rose gracefully rose from the sofa and addressed her parents, saying, “Mother, Father, it’s already getting quite late, and I need to pack some of my belongings for the journey. So, I’ll take my leave now.”
“Oh, dear! I haven’t packed yet either. I’ll go to my room and take care of it,” Julie chimed in, realizing she, too, had some preparations to make.
Ava hastened to her feet, declaring, “I’m in the same boat, I need to pack my things as well.”
Madam Layla let out an exasperated sigh at her forgetful daughters. “You girls do have a knack for leaving things to the last minute. Go on, pack your belongings. You’ll be leaving for the village early tomorrow morning.”
Rose, Julie, and Ava all nodded in agreement, promptly leaving the living hall to attend to their packing.
Once her daughters had departed, Madam Layla turned her attention to Yuan and his wives, advising, “Yuan, Mrs. Yuan, it’s getting late. You should get some rest, especially since you’ll be departing for the village early tomorrow morning. We’re also quite tired and will be heading to bed.”
“Of course. In that case, goodnight, Madam Layla, Uncle Issac,” Yuan bid them farewell with a warm smile. He turned to his wives, and they, too, stood up.
“Goodnight to you as well, Yuan,” Madam Layla returned his sentiment with a smile, then left with her husband.
James followed suit, departing for his own bedroom.
“Let’s go and get some rest. Tomorrow promises to be a long day,” Yuan suggested to his wives.
Lily nodded in agreement. “Indeed. With Rose, Julie, and Ava joining us, the carriage ride will be enjoyable. It’ll keep us from getting bored.”
Grace, with a mischievous glint in her eye, added, “And who knows what other fun we can have inside that carriage…” She playfully licked her lips, grinning at Yuan.
“Alright, that’s enough of that. Let’s focus on getting some sleep,” Yuan chuckled, shaking his head at his wife’s suggestive words.
His wives nodded, and they made their way to their bedroom. Soon, they were all asleep, saving their energy for the journey ahead.