Chapter 62. A New Family Member Joins!
The old man walking along the road was lost in deep contemplation.
The only nobles he'd ever seen were those he occasionally glimpsed from afar when visiting large cities on business, but he could instantly tell the person before him was no ordinary noble.
Sky-blue hair, a stature so tall one might mistake her for a man if not for her beauty, natural grace accentuated by luxurious garments, and the imposing black warhorse she rode.
The old man agonized over whether this woman might be royalty-whether he should immediately kneel and press his forehead to the ground.
"Excuse me, sir? May I ask you something?"
"Oh my, what could someone of your stature possibly need from this humble..."
As the old man spoke with exaggerated deference, the woman swiftly dismounted and gently stopped him.
"Please don't, sir. I'm no noble-just an ordinary adventurer. The only reason I stopped you was to ask for directions."
"Ah... I see... Is that so...?"
The old man found it difficult to drop formal speech when faced with a woman who appeared to be at least a noble lady.
After persistent encouragement from the woman, he finally gathered enough courage to hold a proper conversation.
"Would you happen to know if there's a Church nearby? One run by a blonde nun..."
"Ah, if it's that Church, just follow this forest path and take the side trail midway. But are you injured? Why seek a Church..."
"...I have someone to meet there. Thank you for telling me, sir."
"Don't mention it... No need to thank me for simple directions. Travel safely now."
The woman nimbly remounted her horse. Despite carrying a heavy-looking large pack and its rider, the black steed walked forward without faltering.
The old man wondered who could make this woman smile like a lovestruck maiden when answering why she sought the Church.
"Heh... Whoever that person is, they're truly blessed. To receive affection from such a fine lady."
He reminisced about first meeting his elderly wife long ago and continued his journey with a contented smile.
* * *
Having risen at dawn, I quietly stepped outside to chop firewood without waking the others.
Though my high Health Stat allowed full recovery from fatigue with minimal rest, this also robbed me of the pleasure of sleeping in.
Might as well stay busy and use my time efficiently.
"Hup!"
Snap!
The log split cleanly in half. I marveled at my own strength-splitting wood barehanded like an apple.
Initially, I'd used a hand axe, but my excessive strength kept shattering logs or breaking axe handles. So I began practicing force control by splitting wood manually.
Through repetition, I'd learned to split logs without pulverizing them-though my precision still needed work.
Hmm... I wish someone could teach me proper training methods... Maybe I should visit the Adventurer's Guild training grounds.
As I cleared splintered wood and set up a new log, something caught my eye in the distance.
Black below, white above... Toweringly tall-ah, it's a rider. A figure in white Formal Uniform approached on a massive black horse.
A soldier? No. Nobility perhaps? Though unclear, the body contours suggested a woman.
Those long legs suited the fitted trousers perfectly. And the impressive chest even luxurious garments couldn't conceal.
But her most striking feature was hair blue as a cloudless sky.
...Blue hair?
"Rita...ssi?"
"Triae."
"Is it... really you, Rita-ssi?"
"Yes, your scabbard Rita. My master."
Only when she dismounted, approached me, and said my name did I fully grasp Rita-ssi's presence.
Stunned by this unexpected reunion, I employed the universal method to confirm reality.
-Squish.
"...Eek. How mischievous. Really..."
Hoho, this overwhelming volume spilling from one hand. Adorable inverted nipples needing no pasties even braless. Definitely Rita-ssi.
"Rita-ssi... I missed you. I'm so happy we've reunited."
"I missed you too, Triae. Though I haven't quit adventuring, I've settled all affairs. Now I can stay with you."
"Adventurers do wrap things up quickly. But what's with this outfit? You look like nobility-so dashing."
"While living as a Wanderer, my status remains noble. This Formal Uniform is for meeting dignitaries or important events... I wore my finest to meet you... Is it strange?"
"Not at all. You're breathtaking."
Rita-ssi sighed in relief at my answer.
This adorable woman-likely unfamiliar with fashion-had dressed in what she considered most proper.
Though noble-born, her Half-Dragon heritage made her avoid social events. Adventuring left even fewer reasons to dress up.
With her self-confidence at rock bottom, my compliment must have elated her.
Naturally beautiful without adornment, she seemed unaware of her looks' worth-much like how I underestimated my own strength.
"But... Hmm... No one's around. Did I arrive too early? Not that I expected fanfare. Don't misunderstand. I simply thought I should greet your daughters and other wife first."
"Everyone's still asleep. I woke early, so I started training by chopping wood."
"Hmm, these logs are quite mangled. Training for force control and precision?"
"Huh? How did you know?"
"I did similar training long ago. If you need help, I could instruct you."
"Really? Oh, let's unpack your luggage first. You must be tired from traveling since morning-why not come in for breakfast?"
"Very well, I'll accept your hospitality."
Rita-ssi handed me the reins without protest. The well-trained horse followed obediently despite the unfamiliar handler.
After tying the reins to The Wall post, I confirmed the horse's calmness before unloading the pack from its flank.
Rita-ssi wore a guilty expression as I carried her luggage-apparently still feeling unworthy of family status.
Perhaps she believes formal introductions must precede acceptance. I should introduce her properly soon.
As I thought this, Licoris emerged rubbing sleep from her eyes-perfect timing.
"Mother...? Do we have a guest?"
"Ah, Rico! Perfect timing. Come meet someone. Rita-ssi, this is my second daughter Licoris. Rico, this is Rita-ssi-your new mother starting today."
"Pleasure to meet you, Licoris. May I call you Rico?"
"Rico is my nickname. I'd be delighted if you use it. May I call you Mother Rita?"
"Of course, Rita Moth... Mom."
Licoris nuzzled Rita's chest affectionately. Goodness-I've never received such treatment!
"Mmm... Though lacking, I'll do my best. Thank you for becoming my mother, Mother Rita."
"I'll count on you too... Daughter."
Just as warmth filled the air, Licoris subtly turned and winked at me.
After brief confusion, I understood.
Licoris had foreseen Rita-ssi's arrival. She'd pretended to wake naturally, warmly welcoming Rita to cement her family status.
Her actions melted Rita-ssi's stiffness, and we three began a simple breakfast together.
"This atmosphere... It's been so long since I've felt family warmth. Too many years as a Wanderer."
"Really? Since you've sampled family love, how about trying marital love?"
At my risqué joke, Rita-ssi smirked while locking eyes with me.
Her gaze resembled a predator spotting prey.
Her next words filled me with instant regret for speaking carelessly.
"Let's save that for tonight's entertainment. Since you suggested it, we'll need at least ten rounds. I've starved for days without you...♥"
Gulp.