We entered the village through the main gate to avoid drawing suspicion about our arrival from the depths of the forest.
The guards stood at the entrance, their eyes falling on the girls. But thanks to the enchanted cloak that bore a Presence-Reduction charm, they paid us little attention and allowed us to pass without any inspection.
And once we crossed the gate—I was taken aback.
I had never seen so many people in one place. Hundreds strolled through the streets—creatures of many different races. But not a single human among them.
The village was clearly part of the "Demi-Human Kingdom," and it seemed humans were not welcome here.
Still, the place felt far more civilized than I had expected.
The buildings were made of brick, wood, and stone, designed with a blend of medieval architecture and refined magical elegance.
The streets bustled with shops and carts pulled by tame beasts that looked like lions or bulls—like something out of a fantasy tale.
I looked at the girls. Their expressions were full of awe… and fear.
So I smiled, gently patted their heads, and said warmly:
"Don't worry… we're just here to buy dresses for my beautiful princesses."
My words soothed them, and their steps grew steadier.
We wandered a bit until we reached a clothing shop that appeared to cater to nobles and aristocrats.
Its glass front was elegant, and the shop was of moderate size. Without hesitation, I stepped inside—I wanted only the best for my daughters.
We were greeted by the shop owner—a half-spider woman, just as I had expected from a place that sold fine silk.
She looked at me and the girls with visible unease and said:
"Welcome, dear customers… How may I help you?"
Her expression was confused and tense. No doubt my strange appearance and the girls' timid behavior made her think I might be… a kidnapper.
To ease the tension, I smiled and said:
"I'm looking for clothes for my lovely daughters."
She glanced at the girls, clearly unsure—until Kathy softly called out:
"Papa..."
Time froze for a moment. Then the shopkeeper visibly relaxed and let out a sigh of relief.
It seemed the enchanted cloak was still effectively concealing my human features.
I spoke gently:
"I want the finest clothes you have for them."
She leaned in and whispered shyly:
"Forgive me, but... our clothes are quite expensive. I understand you came out of love, but—"
There was pity in her eyes… or maybe doubt that I could afford it.
Without a word, I quietly pulled out a pouch filled with gold from my spatial box and placed it on the counter.
"Price doesn't matter. I want the best… in every quantity."
Her tone instantly shifted to professional warmth, laced with a hint of greed:
"As you wish, dear customer."
She led the girls to the fitting rooms with two assistants.
Thankfully, the protective charms I had given them concealed their old wounds and scars.
Still, they were nervous. So I called out from behind the curtain:
"I'm right here... don't worry."
Ten minutes passed… then they came out.
My God.
Aisha wore a short silver dress that shimmered like starlight—she looked like the full moon.
Kathy looked like a violet gemstone, in a long dress that deepened the mystery of her dark hair.
Donna wore a custom-tailored outfit that accommodated her wings—a fiery emerald red. She looked like a living painting of beauty and flame.
And Stazia… she stepped out in a medium-length golden dress, walking with angelic grace.
My heart melted.
"I've never seen anything more beautiful than you girls."
They blushed and smiled shyly.
The shopkeeper, still staring at them in awe, said:
"Do you like the clothes? Honestly… your daughters are what made them beautiful."
But it didn't stop there.
The girls continued trying on more dresses—each more stunning than the last.
When they were done, I said with a smile:
"I'll take everything they tried on, along with comfortable clothes for sleeping and homewear."
We ended up buying over twenty pieces for each of them.
The shopkeeper now looked at me with warmth, the doubt in her eyes completely gone:
"Thank you, dear customer. We're expecting new designs next week… don't forget to visit us again."
I answered:
"I'll be back… as long as it's for my daughters."
We left the store, the girls wearing their favorite outfits, joy painted across their faces. That joy alone… was enough to heal my weary heart.
I stored everything in the spatial box. The girls looked happier, more at ease, their smiles a balm to my soul.
"So… what now? Shall we continue our beautiful adventure?"
I was just about to let them choose… when I spotted something.
A large statue stood in the village square—unfinished.
Its face had no features.
It stood five meters tall, carved with incredible precision.
I walked closer, eyes widening.
"What is this…? Whose statue is this?"
As I stared, one of the workers noticed and approached me.
"Hey there, stranger! You look new. Intrigued by the statue?"
I replied calmly:
"A bit… Why does it have no face?"
He laughed.
"Don't tell me you don't know the story of the legendary hero! Were you born in a prison?"
He noticed the girls and quickly added:
"Ah, sorry—I was joking!"
Then, proudly, he said:
"Let me introduce you to our savior—the hero of all races.
He ended the suffering of demi-humans, drove the humans to the far side of the continent, freed us from the wrath of the gods, and gave us a homeland free of tyranny—over 5000 years ago!"
I asked:
"Then why doesn't the statue have a face?"
He replied:
"No one knows his appearance—not even his gender. Out of respect and reverence, we leave the face blank."
Then he asked:
"So, do you like the statue?"
I looked at it, then said coldly:
"In the end… it's just a statue."
I turned away, holding the girls' hands.
"Let's forget the statue's nonsense… Shall we explore some more?"
Kathy beamed:
"As long as Papa's with us—we're in!"
I chuckled:
"Your wish is my command."
We wandered the village, the girls' eyes sparkling as they looked around.
Then, I spotted a small local restaurant.
"How about we have lunch here today?" I suggested.
They nodded in agreement.
The place was packed—we barely found a table for four.
I sat down, holding the girls close. Kathy sat on my lap, Donna to my right, Aisha and Stazia across from me.
A kind elven waitress approached us and said warmly:
"Welcome, dears… My, what beautiful children. They look like little angels."
I had removed their cloaks, though I still wore mine. I smiled and said:
"Thank you. They're my daughters—of course they're lovely."
The girls blushed deeply.
The waitress asked:
"Shall I bring the special kids' meals?"
"Yes. Four plates with berry juice for them. And just tea for me."
She blinked:
"Only tea?"
I smiled:
"Yes, just tea."
Stazia looked up at me, concerned:
"Did you run out of money, Papa? You can have my portion..."
For the first time in so long… something stirred deep inside me. A warmth. A light I had forgotten.
I answered gently:
"No, sweetheart… I'm just not hungry. I only want to watch you enjoy your meals."
The food arrived. I fed Kathy a bit, then helped the others with their plates.
It was a simple dish—small pieces of meat, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauce.
While I fed Kathy, a spoon suddenly moved toward me. I looked up to see Stazia smiling shyly.
"At least have a taste, Papa..."
I took a bite, smiling:
"Thank you. That was the tastiest bite I've ever had."
They finished eating with joy.
As we prepared to leave, the waitress leaned closer and whispered:
"You're a kind soul. Thank you… for treating those girls with such love."
I looked at her seriously, but she quickly added:
"Don't worry. I know they're not your biological daughters—and I won't ask for details. Just… don't lose that light in you."
I replied calmly:
"They're my daughters. And I'll protect them, no matter what."
Before we left, she patted each girl's head lovingly.
"Did you have fun?" I asked.
"Yes, Papa!" they replied with shining eyes.
We continued walking, stopping by toy shops. I watched their interests closely:
Aisha admired a small weapons store.
Stazia was drawn to a massive magic library.
Kathy couldn't take her eyes off enchanted tools and dwarf crafts.
Donna was mesmerized by flowers and plants.
So I bought them gifts matching their passions:
For Aisha: light armor and a small wooden sword.
For Stazia: books on magic and history.
For Kathy: magical tools—cooling gems and communication crystals.
For Donna: rare flowers and medicinal plants.
Their smiles lit up my weary heart.
Before we knew it, night had fallen.
We decided to head back—but at the city gate, we found armed guards gathered.
Their captain was a young demoness, clad in silver armor with high-ranking insignias.
She stopped us:
"Where are you going? It's dangerous outside. A cart was attacked recently by a monster. Better stay in town."
Stazia gripped my hand tightly. She was scared.
I almost lost my temper, but instead I said calmly:
"We're heading home. It's nearby."
She narrowed her eyes:
"There are no homes nearby. Are you hiding something? Are you… doing something shady with the children?"
She nearly drew her sword—but Aisha shouted:
"Don't hurt our Papa! We're just going to our house!"
The captain froze, embarrassed.
"Hmph… I may have misjudged you. But it's still risky."
"Don't worry," I said. "I can protect my daughters."
A guard called her over. While she was distracted, I pulled out a rune stone and activated it.
In a blink, we appeared in front of our cottage.
The girls looked at me, amazed:
"How did we get here so fast?"
I smiled:
"A magic rune stone. It teleports us instantly."
We entered the house. I hugged Aisha:
"Thank you… for standing up for me."
She replied softly:
"I just don't want to see you get hurt…"
I chuckled:
"No one would dare, not with you girls beside me."
I made dinner. We ate together. Then I unpacked all the things we bought and laid them out in the living room.
I helped the girls into their sleepwear… and each of them curled up beside me.
Ah… if only life could stay like this… forever.
As I watched their sleeping faces, I too surrendered to sleep.