One week later, on the 15th of October,
In the dimly lit backrooms of the Lusty Draconian Maid Brothel, Selena sat nervously in Miss Maria's office, glancing at the ornate clock on the wall. Each tick echoed her rising anxiety as she awaited Damien's return. This day marked the end of a promise he had made a week prior, a promise that felt like a fragile thread—the promise to seek his parents' blessing for their marriage. Yet, with every passing hour, that thread frayed more, pulling at her heart with dread.
Three days ago, a revelation turned her world on its head: she discovered she was pregnant. The knowledge seized her with equal parts joy and fear, emerging from the depths of their passionate night together. As the weight of her situation settled in, she couldn't help but wonder what would become of her if Damien failed to fulfill his promise. How would she navigate this unforgiving world as a mother-to-be, stripped of support and power?
Unlike Damien, a formidable martial artist, Selena was merely a Martial Junior, albeit one skilled and incredibly close to the pinnacle of her rank. In the martial hierarchy, Damien reigned above her as a Martial Adept, a distinction that amplified her feelings of vulnerability. As a demon, Selena possessed greater power than a typical human at her rank, yet her current state left her feeling diminished. The knowledge that every pregnancy, irrespective of one's strength, exacted its toll on a woman's body only heightened her anxiety.
Each race had a unique duration for pregnancy: Humans typically gestated for around 8 to 9 months, while demons carried for 9 to 10 months. Dwarves endured even longer, often 10 to 12 months, while the lengths for angels and dragons remained shrouded in mystery. Selena understood that after giving birth, mothers typically regained their strength within two days; however, those days before would require protection, especially from anyone yet to break through the Martial Master rank.
As thoughts of her precarious situation cloaked her in apprehension, the atmosphere shifted to that of quiet determination in the Salarian household. There, Damien, in secret, was gathering the last of his belongings. In just five short days, he had amassed an impressive collection of spirit stones—over 550,000—an amount sufficient to sustain a family of four for centuries.
He had attempted to engage his parents in discussions about his future with Selena, yet their vehement refusals, even in the face of his elder brother's support, had led him to one conclusion: he must flee. Alone, armed with courage and a dream of a tranquil life with Selena, he honed in on Dalton Town—a remote village nestled in the far south of the kingdom.
As he strategized their escape, he envisioned traveling with a cart, a means to transport them to their new life. Fifteen minutes later, Damien emerged through a secret passage he had discovered in his youth, which led him away from the confines of his family's estate and into the bustling streets. Cloaked in a hood and mask, with sunglasses shielding his eyes, he felt like a ghost set on a mission as he navigated the thronging crowds and vibrant stalls brimming with sugary treats, fresh meats, vibrant vegetables, and finely woven clothes.
After scanning the street for a bank, he spotted the imposing structure of The Central Bank of the Lunar Empire, a five-story edifice known for its reliability throughout the realm. With a heart racing from both excitement and anxiety, Damien entered the bank and headed straight for an empty reception area. There, he exchanged 10,000 spirit stones for an astounding 10 million gold coins—a sum that could change everything for him and Selena.
The exchange rate was incredible: one spirit stone equated to 1,000 gold coins, which in turn could be further subdivided into silver and bronze coins. Holding the bank card with the impressive sum securely stored within it, a sense of newfound resolve washed over him.
With his preparations complete, Damien purchased a sturdy cart and stocked it with enough provisions to last a month, ensuring they would be well-equipped for their journey ahead. Finally, standing before the vibrant brothel, Damien took a deep breath, steeling himself for what awaited inside. Evening had settled into the world outside as the sounds of laughter and music filtered into the dimly lit corners of the establishment.
In the reception area, Miss Maria awaited him, her expression a blend of concern and warmth. After exchanging pleasantries, she guided Damien to her office, where Selena had spent countless anxious hours, waiting against the backdrop of worry and hope.
As he stepped into the room, Damien rushed to Selena, enveloping her in a tight embrace, breathing in her familiar scent. "I'm so sorry for being late," he murmured against her hair. Drawing back, they settled onto the plush sofa, the atmosphere now interwoven with tenderness. Meanwhile, Maria brewed coffee in the background, the rich aroma filling the air as she placed three steaming cups on the table.
"Sir Damien, you seem to have taken your time," Maria remarked, a hint of playful mischief dancing in her eyes as she took a sip from her cup.
"Well, Miss Maria, I was busy gathering supplies for our departure to that certain town," Damien replied, a flicker of determination igniting within him.
Hearing his words, Maria regarded him with a knowing look. "So, they still refuse to support your marriage to Selena," she said, her voice softening with understanding.
"Indeed," Damien sighed, feeling the weight of their disapproval.
With a genuine smile spreading across her face, Maria leaned forward and declared, "Now that you're here, Sir Damien, there's something we should discuss…"
"Please tell me," he said, his voice thick with anticipation.
Maria's genuine smile radiated warmth as she turned to Damien, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"CONGRATULATIONS, SIR DAMIEN! YOU'RE GOING TO BE A FATHER!"
"What?" Damien exclaimed, a whirlwind of joy and tension flickering across his face simultaneously.
Selena stood at his side, her own smile broadening with happiness.
"Ma'am, are you sure... sure that my Selena is pregnant?" he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and hope.
"Yes, sir Damien, we're absolutely certain," Maria replied, her tone firm yet gentle. "Three days ago, Selena felt very uncomfortable and was unable to keep anything down. When I found her sick on the floor, I immediately called for a doctor. When he arrived and examined her, he confirmed that she is indeed pregnant. He congratulated me on the wonderful news," Maria continued.
"Thank you, ma'am, for taking care of her during that time," Damien said, his gratitude evident.
After that, for a full twenty-five minutes, Damien and Selena engaged in earnest conversation, the weight of the news settling around them like a warm blanket. Maria excused herself, granting them the privacy they needed to sort through their emotions.
When Damien and Selena finally emerged from the office, they bid farewell to Maria. Damien gathered Selena's clothes and other essentials, which she had packed in a bag. Before departing, they donned masks to conceal their identities.
Damien then stored her belongings in his spatial ring—an artifact that provided endless storage—and together they set off on their journey to the village he had chosen.
Just before leaving the Viscounty through the towering gate, Damien discreetly handed a spirit stone to the guard stationed there, ensuring their passage would be smooth and uneventful.
The journey outside the Viscounty stretched on for three grueling months as they traveled to Dalton Town. The time it took to reach this destination far exceeded Damien's expectations. Along the way, they ventured aboard a spirit boat, a vessel imbued with magical properties that helped them traverse approximately 20,000 kilometers—the journey that would have taken them months on foot was shortened considerably, yet they encountered numerous challenges along the way, strengthening their bond as they finally approached their destination.
Dalton Town emerged before them, a quaint and small village, devoid of martial juniors and brimming with tranquility. Only a couple of martial apprentices were stationed at the village chief's house, with five more serving as guards around the settlement.
As they approached the entrance of Dalton Town, Damien and Selena suppressed their auras, projecting themselves as mere peak martial apprentices.
The imposing gate of Dalton Town bore an emblem—D&T—gracefully entwined with flourishing tree branches. Before crossing the threshold, Damien presented five bronze coins to the guard as an entry fee.
Once inside the village, they maneuvered their carriage toward a charming pastry shop, its enticing aroma wafting through the air. Upon entering, Damien inquired with the owner, a cheerful woman named Rose, about settling in the village and purchasing a home.
"To explore your options, you must visit the village chief," Rose advised with a warm smile. "He can provide you with information about available houses. Here are the directions to his home."
After purchasing some delectable pastries as a token of gratitude, Damien directed his cart toward the village chief's residence. The chief's house stood as a sturdy two-story wooden structure, watched over by two low-tier martial apprentice guards stationed at the entrance.
Stepping out of his cart, Damien approached the guards, politeness radiating from him as he said, "I would like to meet the village chief." As he subtly relaxed his aura, the guards exchanged glances, recognizing the formidable strength emanating from him. One guard hurried off to summon the village chief, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Moments later, the village chief, Ryan, emerged from his home, his presence exuding authority balanced with approachability. He looked to be in his late forties or early fifties, his martial apprentice (peak) aura perceptible even from a distance.
Seeing the strikingly handsome couple awaiting him—a man with flowing purple hair and piercing blue eyes, alongside a radiant woman with luminous white hair and enchanting pink eyes—he greeted them warmly.
"Are you the village chief of this town, sir?" Damien inquired respectfully.
"Yes, I am," Ryan replied, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening with a smile as he sized up the couple.
"May I know your names?" he asked, genuine curiosity lighting his features.
With a warm smile, Damien introduced himself, "I am Damien, and this is my wife, Selena."
"May I also know your name, sir Village Chief?" Damien added, extending the courtesy back to Ryan.
"Oh, my apologies! I should have introduced myself sooner. My name is Ryan. Please, enter my humble home. We can discuss your matters inside," Ryan invited, beckoning them in.
"Anya, we have some guests! Please prepare some coffee!" Ryan called out as they entered, directing his request to his daughter, who was seated on the sofa, engrossed in a book.
"Okay, Father," Anya responded cheerfully as she made her way to the kitchen to prepare a warm beverage for the guests.
Once seated on the inviting sofa, Selena and Damien exchanged looks, each silently appreciating the new chapter of their lives as they awaited their discussions with the village chief, the smell of coffee wafting through the air like a welcome embrace.
"Sir Ryan, my wife and I are interested in purchasing a house in your town," Damien stated, his voice filled with earnestness.
"Hmmm, you wish to buy a house in this town?" Ryan mused, observing them with a mix of curiosity and consideration.
"Sir Damien, I have an empty house available in the town that I can sell to you for 400 gold coins. It comes with a lovely attached garden," Ryan explained, his eyes lighting up with the prospect of a sale. "The house is two stories high, much like mine, and features three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cozy living space, and a large kitchen. If this description interests you and you can afford it, you can purchase it directly from me right now. What say you, Sir Damien?"
Eagerly considering the offer, Damien listened intently to the details and felt a surge of excitement as he realized the price was quite reasonable. "I'll take it," he replied, a broad smile spreading across his face as he readily Agree to offered the 400 gold coins to the village chief.
Seeing Damien's swift agreement, village chief Ryan rose from the sofa with enthusiasm, rushing off to his office to procure the ownership transfer documents. Meanwhile, Anya returned with three steaming cups of coffee and some freshly baked bread for Damien and Selena, adding a touch of warmth to the moment.
After about ten minutes, village Chief Ryan returned, carrying the necessary paperwork. He placed the ownership documents in front of Damien and asked him to sign, reminding him to make the payment of 400 gold coins for the house.
With swift precision, Damien and Selena signed the documents, and Damien handed over the coins. After reviewing the paperwork, village chief Ryan affixed his signature and seal, finalizing the transfer of ownership.
A lively conversation ensued for another half hour, during which village Chief Ryan shared stories about the town and its people. Finally, he graciously led Damien and Selena to their new home and presented them with a map of the community. After bidding them farewell, he returned to his own residence.
The couple's new home was slightly neglected, coated in layers of dust from being unoccupied for some time. With a nod toward Selena, he gestured for her to take a seat at the table that Damien had conjured from his space ring, and he set to work on cleaning their new abode.
After an hour of diligent cleaning, Damien transformed the house, placing all the essential items—beds, sofas, tables, chairs, and kitchen accessories—comfortably in their new space.
Once satisfied with the setup, he motioned for Selena to come inside and take a moment to rest. Exhausted from the day's efforts, they both sank into their bed, instantly falling into a deep slumber. Before drifting off, Damien cast a small protective barrier around their home, ensuring their safety from unwanted visitors.
And so, seven months passed. During this time, Damien and Selena forged bonds with the townsfolk, becoming a familiar presence in the community.
Today, the 12th of August in the year 101 of the Aerthos calendar, held special significance. It was the day when Selena would bring their long-awaited child into the world.