Chapter 1334 - 571: New Home (Part 2)

Chapter 1334: Chapter 571: New Home (Part 2)

"That place is called the Pale Courtyard."

The long walls of the Lake Fairy Tower were shrouded in thick mist, which automatically parted to clear the way for everyone as Laine appeared.

With a heart full of excitement, Laine quickly entered the Lake Fairy’s Tower, pushed open the door made of high-quality cherry wood, and sought his wife: "Surya!"

"Laine?! You’re back?" Surya, already with a big belly, was sitting on the soft bed reading a book. Seeing Laine approach, the Knight’s elegant and noble face radiated with stunning brilliance: "And Father! You’re all back? I thought you wouldn’t arrive until the day after tomorrow!"

Even with an eight-month pregnancy, Surya’s face still radiated with astonishing beauty. Her appearance and figure hadn’t been affected in the least. Instead, her face had a maternal glow, and seeing her husband return, she became even more spirited: "That’s wonderful."

"I returned early!" Laine was filled with an indescribable excitement upon seeing Surya. He quickly approached, wanting to give his wife a hug, but immediately reconsidered, not quite knowing what to do. After thinking for a while, he could only hold Surya’s hand and sit by the bedside: "Surya, you’re now a Duchess!"

"Hahaha~" The Knight laughed charmingly, her face blushing. If she claimed not to care about the recapture of Musillon or her becoming a Duchess, it would undoubtedly be false. In fact, ever since receiving the news from the Lake Fairy, she had been immersed in joy. However, she obviously cared more about Laine’s safety. After all, they both had long lives ahead, and the Lake Fairy had promised Surya that she need not worry about the future, but still, Surya didn’t want the child to be born without a father.

For Surya, nothing was more important than Laine being safe. She placed the book aside, gently caressed Laine’s face, and said earnestly: "Laine, it’s good that you’re safe. That’s more important than anything, be it the Duchess or the future Queen - those are secondary. I just want you to return safely."

Laine was deeply moved, thinking of the little life inside the Knight’s belly. He held Surya’s hand and said earnestly: "Rest assured, my lady, I will protect you and the child forever. Whoever tries to harm you, I will guard you to the end!"

"I know, and I believe you, my husband~" The Knight was pleased at Laine’s serious expression. She gently leaned on Laine’s shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Hey, hey, hey, you two, have you forgotten I’m still here?" Francois stood aside, smiling: "I’m glad you both share such a strong bond, but do take note!"

"Father!" Surya called shyly, unable to move much with her eight-month pregnancy. She adjusted her sitting position and said: "Thank you, Father, for your help in the war!"

"Hehehe, it’s good you’re alright." Francois also found a chair to sit down on, asking with concern: "How’s your health? Is there any issue with the child? Do you need more assistance?"

Radiating with maternal glow, Surya shook her head: "No issues at all. My health is good; apart from some mobility inconvenience, there’s no impact on daily life."

"As for the child, it’s a very lively one~" Surya gently touched her belly.

Indeed, as if responding, the fetus moved gently for a bit. Strangely enough, Surya’s unborn child seemed to react to external stimuli, frequently moving, especially restlessly since Laine’s return.

Fortunately, Surya possessed extraordinary physical attributes, being blessed not only by the Lake Fairy but also by the Emperor. Her physical condition was far superior to an ordinary person, and no matter how excited the fetus became, it had no impact on Surya.

"That’s good, that’s good." Seeing his daughter unfazed, Francois felt reassured. He deeply cherished his daughter, and the child was crucial for the alliance between him and Laine: "If there are any issues, inform me or Laine, and don’t suffer in silence."

"Yes, I understand." The Knight nodded, her golden curly hair cascading like a waterfall, her ocean-blue eyes brimming with happiness: "I’m very well, Father. I’m very happy, truly happy."

"Alright, then." Francois pondered for a moment before asking: "Won’t you feel lonely being here by yourself?"

"No, the Lady often comes to chat with me." Surya shook her head, her spirit incredibly uplifted: "And Sylvia and Ollica are here too. Especially Ollica, she’s taught me a lot, and I’m grateful to her. Sylvia keeps me updated on the estate matters, and the Lady nurtures my body daily with divine power; she even plays music and sings to me and the child. She calls it prenatal education? We also have afternoon tea together, where she informs me about Laine’s battle situation. With the Lady’s companionship, I don’t feel lonely at all."

"...You’re welcome, Madam. It’s my duty." The Dark Elf maid standing in a corner nodded slightly.

"Oh, well, if that’s the case, I won’t worry." Francois said this but felt somewhat puzzled inside.

Doesn’t the Lady of the Lake pamper Surya a bit too much?

So much that... it no longer seems like a deity-and-devotee relationship, more like... a pair of good sisters?

Typically, a Holy Grail Knight might have a few occasions in their lifetime to meet the Lake Fairy, but the number wouldn’t be many. Even if greatly favored by the Goddess, seeing her a dozen times in a lifetime would be an unimaginable honor.

But this rule doesn’t apply to Surya. From his daughter’s tone, it seems like the Lake Fairy and Surya see each other almost daily, living as if they were close friends?

This situation feels unusually odd; Francois felt that while his daughter is indeed outstanding and beautiful, there have been other noble women in Brittani’s history of the same caliber, like the famed Shepherdess Duchess Huameisi of Leonais, who similarly received the Goddess’s favor, yet she never met the Lake Fairy so frequently!

Could it be due to Laine? Francois then pondered.

The Duke decided to stop thinking there, for as a devout follower of the Lake Fairy and a Holy Sanctuary Holy Grail Knight, Francois would never doubt the Lake Fairy’s power.

Never mind, it’s a good thing anyway, the Duke quickly dismissed his confusion, considering the attention his daughter received as beneficial, reducing worries.

After speaking with Surya for a short while, Francois took his leave, giving time and space to the reunited couple.

However, before Laine and Surya could start a conversation, the room suddenly illuminated with the golden light of the deities.

"Laine, welcome home~" The Lake Fairy appeared wearing a lotus-colored chiffon pleated dress with slight luminous details, adorned with the entire set of platinum jewelry gifted by the Emperor to Surya. Her neckline was elegantly raised, revealing her goddess’s extremely beautiful and tender visage to Laine, Surya, and the Dark Elf maid. Her long legs covered in sheer flesh-colored stockings, delicate feet floating in the air, her hands holding the Holy Grail. The goddess appeared gracefully from the air, descending before Laine and Surya.

"Lady!"

"My Lady!"

"Good afternoon, Surya, and Laine." The Lake Fairy smiled charmingly.

"I have some good news to share with you."