Without Rygar noticing, Linia had become part of his family. After all, she was Ghislaine's niece.
The main lineage of the Doldia and Dedoldia clans was considered the royalty of the beast races' territory.
Now, with Gustav occupying the nominal throne of the Kingdom of Gaia, Linia still carried that status, although it was more symbolic than real. Unlike traditional kingdoms, in Gaia, noble lineage was not the most important factor.
Strength was what truly commanded respect. Almost nothing had changed in that regard.
Everyone knew that Gustav sat on the throne only because Rygar, the Beast God, willed it so. Gustav was like a regent, dealing with bureaucracies, audiences, meetings, and all the administrative functions befitting a king.
Of course, he had extremely competent advisers, and his authority was undeniable. But everyone knew that the true loyalty of Gaia's people lay with Rygar.
He was the hero of the beast race, the Third Beast God, the warrior who destroyed the sacred country.
As long as he was present, no fool would dare raise a rebellion. No one would be stupid enough to challenge Gaia's government.
Would there be assassination attempts against Gustav? Probably.
But Saint McEarntown, the same legendary warrior who once protected the old king of Milis, was now the personal guard of the king of Gaia.
That meant not even seasoned assassins could breach security easily.
But it was evident that Rygar held more power than the nominal king. And that was not questioned by absolutely anyone.
As Verdia, Linia, Pursena, and Rygar crossed the forest with quick steps, Rygar felt a familiar presence. Immediately, he raised his hand, asking everyone to stop.
Seconds later, Eris leapt from within the bushes, flying toward Rygar.
He caught her in midair with a single fluid movement, enfolding her in his arms and planting a kiss on her before she could utter a single word.
Pursena wrinkled her nose and grumbled:
"Tch, such cheesiness!"
Verdia laughed at the scene, and the couple ignored the comment.
Eris broke free from the embrace, eyes judging.
"Rygar! Nina and Jino arrived at the Temple today! Why didn't you go?!"
Rygar set her down with a calm smile.
"They arrived? Well, it can wait until tomorrow. Today we have something more important..."
He looked ahead and resumed walking. The others followed him. Eris, curious, furrowed her brow. For him to simply ignore their arrival, it must be something truly important.
"And what is so important?" she asked.
Rygar cast a brief glance at Verdia before replying:
"You will know soon. Don't be in a hurry."
Linia then spoke to Eris:
"Eris, how strong are Jino and Nina now?"
Eris seemed pensive for a moment before answering:
"Hm... they're quite strong. Both defeated two of the Gaia's Twelve Kings. But I think Clint might end up challenging Nina soon..."
She laughed imagining the scene.
"Her position won't last long!"
Verdia and Rygar immediately picked up the key information. Verdia asked, surprised:
"Wait... Clint was defeated?"
Linia and Pursena also stood agape. Pursena stepped forward:
"Who defeated him? Jino or Nina?"
"It was Jino!" Eris replied without hesitation. "He's become much stronger. It wasn't even that hard for him to defeat Clint!"
She looked at Rygar and added:
"Actually, seeing him fight reminds me of how you fight with only swords. He practices all four swordsmanship styles!"
Rygar smiled with satisfaction.
"I see... if he's that strong, do you think you would lose to him?"
Eris puffed up her chest with pride.
"Of course I would win!"
Verdia, somewhat concerned, commented:
"Aaah, Eris... are you sure? If he defeated Clint easily, I think it's better to be cautious..."
Pursena nodded, supporting the concern. But Linia retorted:
"Eris will not lose!"
Despite her confident words, her expression did not convey such certainty. She turned to Rygar and asked:
"Wasn't Jino the youngest? He must be a year younger than me, right? How is he so strong?"
Rygar answered:
"Jino is a rare genius of the sword. As long as he has a clear goal, there are few things he cannot conquer with his blade."
Eris seemed slightly irritated by the assessment. Rygar, noticing, added:
"But as for a fight between the two of you, I cannot affirm anything until I see it with my own eyes. I still believe you have a better chance of victory."
Eris seemed to relax upon hearing that.
The group continued walking, chatting about trivial matters as they crossed the forest. Soon they spotted the building in the distance.
The house was protected by numerous sealing magical barriers. But with Rygar nearby, none of them activated.
They passed through unhindered and entered the house, which was already filled with voices and laughter.
Everyone was already seated at the huge table. The food was being kept warm by magic by Aisha, since the group had been a bit delayed.
The seasoned and welcoming aroma filled the main hall of the house, mixing local spices with rare ingredients from the Great Forest.
The table was laden with steaming dishes: roasted meats, stews, seasoned roots, fresh fruits, and artisanal breads.
Seated at the table were Hontar, Selene, Ruby, Zenith, Aisha, Norn, and Ghislaine.
Leo sat on the floor beside Ghislaine, leaning against her leg like a loyal guard, but as soon as Rygar entered, he got up immediately and ran to him, eyes shining.
Ruby also perked up upon seeing her brother and ran, exclaiming:
"Brother! Brother!"
She leaped into his arms with a joyful jump, and Rygar caught her in midair, lifting her with ease and spinning once before hugging her to his chest.
With a playful smile, he tousled her hair and said:
"Feeling guilty, are you... What did you get up to today, Ruby?"
The little girl blushed instantly, eyes avoiding his as she fiddled her fingers nervously.
"I... I used Intermediate-Level magic and Mom scolded me... and Sister Aisha too..."
She was already ready for another scolding, shoulders tense, but Rygar only smiled and said calmly:
"Well, if you've already been reprimanded, then remember this lesson."
Ruby looked confused for a moment, but soon nodded cheerfully, with a mischievous grin:
"Alright! Next time, I won't get caught!"
Aisha burst into laughter, covering her mouth to stifle it, but Selene quickly intervened, in a firm tone:
"Ruby, disobey me again and I'll ban you from using magic for six months!"
She gave her daughter a stern look, and Hontar, beside her, nodded with a serious expression.
"Listen to your mother, child. Magic is something dangerous to handle. Be patient and you'll learn everything in your own time."
Ruby puffed out her cheeks in discontent, making a small pout, but in the end, she nodded quietly.
Meanwhile, the women who had come with Rygar sat down at the table alongside the others. The atmosphere was cozy and familiar.
As soon as everyone was settled, Aisha dispelled the warming magic with an elegant gesture, and everyone began to eat. During the meal, conversations and laughter echoed around the table.
Eris and Verdia went to sit beside Ghislaine. The three chatted about various things, mainly about training and the challenges she was facing during her pregnancy.
Linia and Pursena were conversing with Aisha, and Zenith also joined in with occasional remarks.
Ruby and Leo, now with full bellies, had gone to play in a corner of the room, and Norn watched them attentively.
Meanwhile, Hontar spoke with Rygar about the recent movements of the Iron Legion. He was still a born warrior, and as commander of the Third Assault Division of the Iron Legion, his responsibilities did not cease even in times of peace.
"Extermination missions have increased a lot recently near the Hobbits' territory," said Hontar in a grave, serious voice.
"We discovered a Phalanx Ant colony. It grew too fast. Now it's a small catastrophe."
Rygar raised his eyebrows, interested:
"Do you want me to take a look tomorrow?"
Phalanx Ant colonies, when they reached "Disaster" level, were at least Rank S threats.
Normally, these areas became Risk Zones and were avoided by travelers and merchants. After all, who would be foolish enough to enter the Great Forest to face lethal insects en masse?
But Hontar shook his head slowly.
"There's no need. I'm not suited for it, but Rufus was already heading there when I left. He can handle it."
Rygar nodded, satisfied. Rufus was extremely proficient with Earth and Fire Magic. If necessary, he could generate enough lava to consume the entire colony.
His mastery of Earth Magic made him impenetrable. Even if thousands of ants gathered, he would be like hitting an unbreakable wall.
Beside them, Verdia advised Ghislaine to take it easy. Since she had been caught training again, even during pregnancy.
Eris, of course, agreed with Ghislaine.
"I will also continue training even while pregnant!" said Eris firmly.
Verdia only sighed tiredly, without insisting. There was no point in arguing with stubborn people like them.
It was a large group, but familiar. Rygar observed everything around him with warmth in his chest. He remembered when he was a child, moments like these were rare.
Peace was an illusion in the surroundings of the Great Forest. Slave traders lurked and fear was constant.
Now, his little sister Ruby played with Leo, laughing without a care. Despite being born during the conflict with Milis, she grew up never knowing real adversity.
And that was how the new generation of the Kingdom of Gaia would be born: free, protected, and full of hope.
Basically, the childhood a child should have.
Rygar had made it happen.
The Kingdom of Gaia was only in its early days now, but Rygar was confident that, even if he died, this kingdom would not fall easily.
Of course, he didn't plan to die to test it... There were still many goals to achieve.
He wanted to have many children with his wives. He wanted to see his little sister Ruby grow up healthy and strong. He wanted to see the Kingdom prosper.
And more than anything, he wanted to see with his own eyes whether the changes he had promoted would impact this world positively or negatively.
There were many places to explore: the mysterious Celestial Continent, the feared Demon Continent, the unknown depths of the Oceans, and the frozen regions of the Northern Central Continent.
There were also enemies that needed to be eliminated.
The Kingdom of Asura was one of them. Rygar wanted to purge all corrupt nobles and characters to the core. It was a rot that had spread for generations.
The Dragon God Orsted was another target. Rygar needed to defeat him to avenge his deceased friend, Eidar.
Besides that, there were Rudeus and Sylphiette. Even living in distant lands, they were still mage of the highest level and therefore a potential threat to the Kingdom of Gaia.
Rygar could not afford to ignore them.
And there was Hitogami.
Rygar was sure it was he who manipulated Lucios Galard, granting him Divine Visions. Lucios had attacked Verdia and Ghislaine, and his influence culminated in the Crusade against the Great Forest.
Many lives were lost, friends and allies fell, all because of Hitogami's machinations.
That is why, along with Verdia, Rygar was developing a magic capable of making him invisible to the divine gaze. But progress was slow.
They did not even know how to detect the Vision itself. Without understanding its workings, there was no way to defend themselves properly.
Even so, Hitogami was nearly at the top of Rygar's death list. His unpredictability and cunning made him a constant threat.
Apart from the more serious matters, there were personal curiosities. Rygar wanted to meet the third and the first-ranked among the Seven World Powers. Both out of desire for combat and pure curiosity.
He still had much to do in his life. But he had already done so much...
He glanced briefly at Verdia and then whistled with the aid of Wind magic, calling everyone's attention at the table.
One by one, everyone turned their gaze to him. Verdia, beside him, blushed slightly, anticipating what would come.
Rygar stood up and spoke calmly:
"I have called you all here for a very important announcement..."
He paused, ensuring everyone was paying attention. Then he looked at Verdia, his third elf wife, and announced:
"Verdia is pregnant too."
The initial silence was followed by an outburst of reactions. Surprised looks, joyful smiles, expressions of astonishment and happiness filled the room.
"Hey hey, you work fast, huh, boss!" joked Linia, laughing.
"Congratulations, Verdia! I'm sure it will be a beautiful child!" said Selene, radiant at the idea of another grandchild.
Ruby furrowed her brow, confused:
"What does that mean?"
"That there's going to be another baby in the house, Ruby," explained Aisha, with a smile.
Everyone offered their congratulations. Even Eris. But her eyes were fixed on Rygar, like a wolf's.
He had expected that. Eris wanted a child by him more than anything. Verdia only got pregnant first by chance.
But now, with Verdia temporarily out of commission, Eris would have Rygar all to herself.
The night passed in a celebratory mood. Smiles, conversations, and laughter filled the house. Two new children would soon join the family.
---
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