The Warm Embrace and the Goddess's Blessing
But at the same time, a premonition struck me that an even more perilous adventure was about to begin.
The journey to Purshers Village, and the unknown situations awaiting me there.
I exhaled deeply and steadied my resolve.
'Stay calm. Stay calm! Once I reach the village chief's house, I'll be safe! I just have to endure twenty-four hours without any... complications.'
Yet in that moment, I had gravely underestimated the determination of the village youths.
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"Phew, seriously. How long has it been..."
I muttered with a heavy sigh.
Once again riding in the human palanquin formed by the male students linking arms, the situation felt unbearably embarrassing.
Still, thanks to them, I arrived safely at the village.
The moment we reached Purshers Village, I broke into a run toward Puyor's house.
Tap-tap-tap—
As I hurried through the narrow alleyways, I took in the familiar scenery: cozy stone houses, windows brimming with flowers, and weathered wooden signs. Everything stirred a deep sense of homesickness.
"Woohoooo—is that the place?!"
One male student shouted excitedly.
"My mother-in-law's house!!!"
Another chimed in. I let out a sigh at their antics.
"Ugh...!"
Leaving the crowd behind, I stood before the door of Puyor the village chief's home. I raised my hand to knock, then hesitated. Stepping back, I turned to the male students and warned them.
"Until I come out, don't try anything foolish. If you do, I'll erase the marriage waiting list immediately. Understood?"
Their faces twisted in dismay. One asked cautiously, "Urgh... Then what number am I?"
I thought for a moment before answering offhandedly. "Uh... You asked first, so... number one?!"
At once, the student's face lit up with pure joy.
"Woohoooooot! I'm Sera's groom candidate number one!"
I was dumbfounded, but decided not to dwell on it. I stepped inside.
A moment later, chaotic shouting erupted outside.
"Kill that bastard!"
"If I take him out, I'll be number one!"
I sighed at the noise. 'When will those idiots ever regain their senses...'
Entering the house, I hesitated briefly before calling out softly, "Um... Mom? I-I'm back from the academy~"
My voice trembled with unshed tears. 'Why did you send me to a place like that... Sob...' The urge to cry welled up, but then Puyor's bright figure came into view.
The moment she saw me, she smiled—only to shake her head at the youths gathered outside the window. Then, with tears in her eyes, she pulled me into a tight embrace. In that instant, every complaint died on my lips.
"Oh, my daughter... Sera... How much you must have suffered."
Her voice was thick with worry and relief. Held in her arms, I felt a rush of memories flash through my mind like a whirlwind. I could no longer hold back.
"Mom... I don't want to go back to the academy...!"
"Why...?"
"B-because I miss you!"
My voice shook. Puyor looked at me in surprise, warmth flooding her tone. "Oh my, look at you. Did you miss Mom that much?"
I burst into tears. "Waaah, Moooom~♡"
Overwhelmed, I buried my face between her ample breasts and sobbed. Her warmth and gentle scent wrapped around me, and for a fleeting moment, I felt utterly safe.
Puyor patted my back soothingly. "It's all right now. It's all over. You must have been through so much..."
I looked up at her, noticing the tears glistening in her eyes as well. A question rose to my lips.
"Mom... why did you send me there?"
She hesitated before answering gently. "Sera, there's an important reason—one you need to know. But right now, you need rest. We'll talk later, slowly."
I nodded. Though curiosity lingered, simply being with her was enough for now.
"Mom, can I rest a little?"
She smiled warmly. "Of course, my dear. Your room is always ready. Go and sleep well."
I nodded and made my way to my room. When I opened the door, the familiar sight greeted me: a cozy bed, small plants on the desk, and the peaceful village view beyond the window. A wave of calm washed over me.
Lying down, I let out a long sigh. Thoughts of the academy and what lay ahead drifted through my mind, but for now, I simply wanted to rest.
'What will tomorrow bring... I hope I wake up in the dragon's body...'
With that thought, I enjoyed a rare, peaceful rest until evening.
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"Home really is the best!"
From that evening onward, Puyor prepared a lavish feast. The savory aroma drifting from the kitchen made my mouth water. The scent of home-cooked food after so long brought an unconscious smile to my lips.
"Here, Sera~ Say ah~"
Puyor approached with a ladle, her voice full of affection.
"Ahhh~~~"
I opened wide and accepted the soup. The hot broth slid down my throat, warming me from within.
'I do love beautiful girls.'
The thought surfaced suddenly. 'Even if the target is... Mom?'
Deciding on impulse, I cast the magic on Puyor as she blew gently on the steaming ladle—the Goddess's Grace skill.
The result was dazzling.
Puyor had always possessed a striking middle-aged beauty, but in an instant, she transformed into something breathtaking. Her golden hair flowed like a waterfall over her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkled with compassion and love, evoking the depths of a pristine sea. She looked like a goddess who had stepped straight out of myth—pearlescent skin glowing as if rejuvenated to her teens, lips as alluring as rose petals.
[Charm Value: 10,000,000.]
'Originally, Puyor's charm value was around three hundred thousand...?!'
I was stunned. It had increased thirtyfold. 'She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen... Even the idols from Earth couldn't compare...!'
In that moment, I realized this power was no curse—it was a blessing. With it, I could create as many transcendent beauties as I desired. My opinion of the game's developer soared.
'Hehehe... That developer really knew what they were doing, giving me a skill like this.'
With this, I could build the ultimate harem of unparalleled beauties...
But then I glanced at the ceiling.
Three faint male figures were reflected in the circular glass window above. Someone was watching.
'Somehow... tonight feels ominous...'
A chill ran down my spine. At that moment, Puyor approached and patted my shoulder.
"Sera, are you all right? You look pale."
I forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Just a little tired."
She regarded me with concern. "Then you'd better get to bed early. I'll make your favorite pancakes in the morning."
My face lit up. "Really? I can't wait!"
She smiled and stroked my hair. "Now go rest. Sweet dreams."
I nodded and returned to my room, sinking into the cozy bed with a contented sigh.
'Mmm... Home really is the best... ♥'
After three days of relentless harassment—even during sleep—just lying undisturbed felt like pure luxury.
'Tomorrow morning...! Finally, I'll wake up untouched. And then I'll transchange into the mightiest dragon form on earth.'
A vengeful grin spread across my face. 'Hehe. Then it's over for them. Everyone who tormented me will suffer tenfold!'
Lost in sweet fantasies of revenge, I smiled—until a strange sound from the window made me jolt upright.
It sounded like someone scratching at the glass.
'Surely not...'