Garius and Alf test out new motion-controlled knights, marveling at their capabilities. Garius, initially thrilled by the technology, begins training with Alf for an upcoming operation.
Meanwhile, Garius's wives watch from an observation room, commenting on his rare display of childlike excitement.
Francesca offered a smile and shook her head, her gaze drifting to Mylezra, who remained fixated on Garius with an adoring look.
"Mylezra..." Francesca called out gently.
"Hm? Yes, Big Sister?" Mylezra turned her attention from the window to face Francesca.
"You are already married to Garius. There's no longer a need to watch over him like a lovesick maiden. He isn't going anywhere, you know."
Mylezra simply smiled, turning her gaze back out the window. Garius and Alf were visible in the courtyard, intently directing the knights maneuvering through the sky. She murmured softly, her voice imbued with tenderness.
"I waited for him for such a long time, Big Sister. Decades passed filled with longing, hope, and dreams. Now that I am finally his wife, my love for him has not waned. If anything, it has only intensified. Every moment spent with him, every glimpse of his smile, each time I hear his voice... it feels as fresh as the very first time."
Francesca shook her head, a fond smile gracing her lips.
Meanwhile, Garcinia let out a light chuckle. "Well... just let her be, Big Sister. It's not every day we witness our husband behaving like an excited child. It’s quite a refreshing change. Besides, love doesn't need to fade with the passage of time, especially for an elf. Their hearts are eternal."
Phenelopie smiled and gracefully moved towards a long cushion, settling down as a maid offered her a cup of aromatic tea. She took a delicate sip before speaking.
"Love does not age, Big Sister. It merely deepens with time. What Mylezra experiences is not the fleeting passion of youth, but the enduring warmth of a connection that has weathered both time and distance. It is truly a beautiful thing to observe."
Francesca smiled, taking a refined sip of her hot chocolate. She then cast a playful, teasing glance at Garcinia.
"Garcinia, my dear, you must take exceptional care of yourself during your pregnancy. After all, Aelius and Athine are already wed and expecting their own child. It would be delightful if they were to have a younger brother or sister to welcome into the family, wouldn't it?"
Garcinia's head snapped around, her cheeks blooming with a deep crimson hue as she mumbled shyly. "I... I hadn't planned it... it just happened..."
Phenelopie emitted a soft laugh, covering her mouth with her hand.
Francesca’s smile widened as she turned her attention back to Phenelopie. "So, tell me, Phenelopie, when will it be your turn? I believe Macia is already seven years old, and Eridith's daughter, Vivica, is six."
She then glanced at Eridith, who was still engrossed in her substantial portion of roasted meat. "And you, Eridith? When should I anticipate another little one joining our family?"
Eridith sputtered, choking as she fumbled for her drink and downed it in a single gulp.
"Gaaah~ I nearly died from that question!" she gasped, slamming the cup down. "What's with this sudden interrogation?!"
"Ara~?" Francesca directed a sweet yet intimidating smile at Eridith. "Are you raising your voice at me, Eridith?"
"Ah..." Eridith grinned sheepishly, shrinking back into her seat and focusing on her plate. "Ehehe... I... I'm not..."
Francesca surveyed her co-wives, including Mylezra, her expression softening.
"You are all well aware that our husband lost his entire family when he was just a child. He endured such prolonged solitude. Now, he possesses a family that he cherishes above all else. He adores having children and never hesitates to welcome more into our home. He views each child as a precious blessing, a manifestation of the family he once dreamed of possessing."
Phenelopie nodded in agreement, a gentle smile on her face. "I understand. I have been anticipating the time when he would give me another child. I wish to share that joy with him as well."
Eridith's cheeks flushed as she glanced away, murmuring softly. "I... I don't mind either. If our husband desires more, I am certainly happy to provide them."
Mylezra smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I wonder when my turn will come to bear his child, our first child together."
Francesca looked at her, then offered a soft smile. "Do not worry. I am confident you will have your opportunity soon. Our husband's love knows no bounds, and he will treasure every child you are blessed with."
Garcinia let out a soft chuckle, her hand resting tenderly on her stomach. "And what about you, Big Sister? I believe your youngest son is already seventeen now."
Francesca looked up, leaning back against the cushion, her gaze drifting into the distance. A soft, wistful sigh escaped her lips.
"My branches have already yielded their fruit. Three strong sons, each an immeasurable blessing. The garden is fertile, but my season has passed. The blessings I received were more than enough, and now my purpose is to watch over the family he has lovingly built. I am content with this."
Francesca observed her co-wives, noticing that a thoughtful silence had fallen upon them, their expressions pensive.
A smirk played on her lips as she surveyed them all with a mischievous glint before speaking. "But don’t mistake me for being complete just because I can’t bear more children. I still relish the experience, you see. Every moment, every touch, every night spent with our husband remains as cherished to me~"
A delicate blush spread across the cheeks of each wife present, a silent understanding passing between them. They were all acutely aware of how... devoted and energetic Garius could be in that specific regard, even with his demanding schedule.
"In any case..." Francesca announced, clapping her hands lightly and tilting her head, her enthusiasm reignited. "Don’t forget, our husband is still anticipating the arrival of two more young ladies whom he promised to take as his wives. I’m quite certain you are all aware of this, correct? Especially the two of you~" She cast a playful sideways glance at Eridith and Mylezra.
Eridith let out a huff, impaling a piece of meat with her fork before taking a defiant bite. "Hmph! I know. That demon girl. She’s arriving this week, isn’t she?"
Mylezra beamed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah~ I do wonder how she will react upon discovering that our husband wedded Eridith first, fathered a daughter with her, and then went on to marry me, all prior to her joining us. I suspect she will have quite a bit to express."
Garcinia and Phenelopie shared gentle smiles.
"Mm... we are all aware of the promise," Garcinia stated, her hand resting on her abdomen. "Big Sister informed us. We don't mind. Besides, I am the second wife~"
Phenelopie chuckled softly, taking a sip of her tea. "I hold the position of third wife, so I have no concerns regarding that matter. Furthermore, we are all aware that our husband is... more than capable of managing all of us."
Eridith continued to huff, diligently working through her meal.
"Ugh! I’m certain there will be pandemonium when she arrives and learns the details. She’ll be absolutely livid and brimming with wrath. I detest how she’s perpetually so guarded and quiet, only to suddenly erupt like a volcano. It’s incredibly irritating!"
"Well..." Francesca commented with a smile, her tone serene. "She may be reticent and possess a soft voice, but her temper is indeed legendary. It would be prudent to be prepared."
Mylezra smiled, her gaze thoughtful. "It appears that things are poised to become rather tumultuous. It would be most wise if we guide her to the training grounds, allowing her to release her frustrations there rather than generating disturbances within the estate. That way, she is less likely to damage anything of significance... or cause injury to anyone."
Francesca emitted a soft laugh and directed a glance toward Eridith and Mylezra. "It seems the two of you will be quite occupied with managing her~ soon~"
