"Theresia..."
Wilhelm looked at his wife standing before him, completely stunned.
He couldn't believe that the person he saw was real. Could it be an impostor, or perhaps an illusion from some wicked mage?
Theresia looked at her aged husband and said with a helpless smile, "It seems a long time really has passed, Will. You've turned into an old man."
"No, this..."
Seeing Wilhelm's look of disbelief, Caelus pulled an ordinary iron sword from somewhere and threw it to Theresia. He said, "A friend once told me that combat is the best way for two warriors to communicate. Through fighting, both can understand each other's methods and skills, and recognize each other's character as quickly as possible. For the two of you, this is also the best way."
"That's true. Then let me see how your swordsmanship has fared after all these years, Will."
Theresia gripped the iron sword and swung it a few times. After getting used to it, she spoke to Wilhelm with a smile.
This couple, who looked like a grandfather and granddaughter, began a battle, a reunion after an unknown number of years.
Rather than saying the two were fighting, it was more like they were dancing together.
Mem emerged from the side, watching their battle and offering this assessment.
The moves in their fight weren't aimed at vital points, or even body parts at all. They were completely using the swords in their hands to clash, as if the swords were extensions of their limbs. Every clash of sword against sword was like joining hands for a dance.
Amidst the sparks of those collisions, their deep gazes at each other made this dance appear even more beautiful and intimate.
Even if, purely from outward appearances, the gap seemed a bit large.
Caelus thought that with her current physical condition, Theresia might live longer than Wilhelm. The "longevity theory" common in stories might occur between them.
One side grows old early, while the other must hold on to that buried affection, living every day after losing their lover.
Longevity theory, huh?
Caelus slightly raised his hand, and at that moment, a green light bloomed within it.
Merciful Medicus.
During the waltz of swords, Theresia was surprised to find that her white-haired husband's hair was turning from white to pitch black bit by bit. The wrinkles on his face were gradually fading, and that aged countenance began to transform back into the young man in her memories.
After another clash of swords, Theresia was momentarily distracted, causing the longsword in her hand to be knocked away. Everything was like a scene from the past repeating itself as the longsword in Wilhelm's hand pressed against Theresia's throat.
Everything seemed to have returned to that day.
During this waltz, Wilhelm confirmed that the person before him was indeed his wife, the lover he thought of day and night, the inseparable other half.
He lowered his longsword and embraced his wife, and the two kissed passionately.
Mem manifested her notebook, took up her pen to record it, and even spoke.
"Kissing. Simple. I learn!"
Caelus, Mem, and Crusch, who was watching from upstairs, quietly watched the sappy couple kiss for nearly half an hour.
Reinhard and Heinkel's wife, who had rushed over after receiving the news, looked at the embracing Wilhelm and Theresia. Heinkel's eyes nearly popped out as he said incredulously, "I remember I quit drinking? How am I drunk again?"
It couldn't be helped. Anyone seeing their deceased mother and aged father now embracing in their youthful appearances would think they had either eaten poisonous mushrooms or drunk too much today.
The Astrea House...
Heinkel sat at the desk with a solemn expression, asking his father and son seriously and earnestly.
"So we really can't just directly support Caelus as the new king and swear fealty to him?"
"Father, please stop talking nonsense."
"But the problem is, he wants neither money nor power. He's even finished reading all the books in our house, and the power he possesses is likely far beyond our imagination. In that case, how on earth are we supposed to repay this benefactor? Anyway, the Royal Selection is happening now. We can find a way to fake it later, just make a fake insignia and have Caelus hold it so it glows. We can muddle through, and with the support of the kingdom's strongest forces, I don't think those old fogies will have any objections."
Although Heinkel was trying his best to find the shadow of his past self, the slacker-like nature created by so many years of decadence hadn't been polished away yet.
"Grandfather..."
Reinhard looked at the silent, now-youthful Wilhelm sitting to the side.
"Although I originally swore fealty to Lady Crusch, the favor Lord Caelus has bestowed upon me is simply too great. Moreover, if Lord Caelus were to serve as King, many regrets would be mended, and the entire country might even achieve unprecedented prosperity!"
"Heinkel, although your plan is a bit crude, if we just adjust the details slightly, I think the probability of success is very high."
Watching the two already plotting to help Caelus seize the throne, Reinhard let out a helpless sigh.
"Father, Grandfather, Caelus has no intention of being a king at all. He is a Traveler who loves traveling. Perhaps before long, he will leave this country and embark on his never-ending journey."
Hearing this, both Heinkel and Wilhelm leaned back, somewhat discouraged.
Could it be that they were just going to accept such a massive favor from someone with a clear conscience and then offer no repayment at all? That would be far too disgraceful for the Astrea family.
"Can our strongest Sword Saint not come up with a single plan?"
Because his own plan was rejected, Heinkel could only throw the problem back to Reinhard.
"Sigh! I've been troubled by this as well. These past few days, I've spoken directly and asked indirectly, but Caelus just acts like he doesn't need to accept any reward. It was only because I couldn't think of any other solution that I called the two of you over."
Otherwise, these two would probably still be nestled in their wives' gentle embraces, unwilling to come out.
"Don't you have many Divine Protections? Find a way to get a Divine Protection that changes gender and just offer yourself in marriage."
Heinkel said so, and after being glared at by his father, he lowered his head and hunched his shoulders sheepishly.
Reinhard also looked at his father with a mix of laughter and tears. Even though his mother had awakened, his father wouldn't be able to return to his childhood self overnight.
At this moment, Caelus...
He was sitting beneath the giant tree where he had dealt with Pandora, the Witch of Vainglory. Lying in his arms was an extremely cute pink-haired girl.
Mem, no, Cyrene, was leaning in Caelus's arms with her eyes closed and a sweet smile on her face, enjoying this leisurely afternoon.
Now Cyrene could maintain her permanent form. The little pink mascot had evolved into a beautiful pink-haired girl!
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)