Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son Chapter 790: Order For Slayer

Drayce and Seren had made their way back to Megaris, returning to their home. Instead of proceeding to the main palace, they materialized directly within the Crystal Palace, belonging to Theodora.

Their arrival was late into the night, and they chose not to inform anyone of their return. They rested in their designated chambers. The following morning, they finally made their presence known, dispatching a servant to apprise the elderly lady of their homecoming.

Theodora hastened to meet them. The couple was situated in the garden, savoring the familiar ambiance and surroundings they had yearned for over the preceding year.

Perceiving her approach, Drayce turned towards her, bestowing a smile. "Grandma."

The old woman's joy was unrestrained. She appeared more frail than before.

"Let me see if you are truly here, or if I am merely dreaming, as I often do."

With trembling fingers, she touched Drayce's face. "You are truly here."

"I am," he affirmed, and her gaze shifted to Seren.

Seren took her hand and declared, "It's not a dream, Grandma."

Theodora's eyes welled with tears. "It is good that you have returned; I was afraid I would depart before you two came back."

"Do not speak such words, Grandma," Seren said, embracing her. "And we shall not leave you again. Everything has concluded now."

"Has it?" the old lady inquired, stroking Seren’s head.

Seren looked back at her, her own eyes glistening. "Yes. Now, we can live in peace without any further disturbances."

Drayce and Seren opted not to divulge the specific events that had transpired. Matters concerning other realms were not to be shared with mortals, and it was deemed best for her well-being.

"As long as you two are safe and leading a happy life, that is all I desire," she stated.

While they were spending time together, Drayce had dispatched a message to the palace regarding his return. By noon, Slayer and Jasper had arrived at the Crystal Palace.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

In response, Drayce approached them. He looked at Slayer. "How have you been?"

"Everything has been stable," Slayer replied. "It is good to see you back."

Drayce acknowledged this with a hum and then heard a complaining voice. "Someone certainly enjoyed a lengthy vacation while burdening poor servants with an overwhelming workload. My only hope is that these servants will also receive a respite."

Drayce turned his attention to him. "Consider it granted."

Jasper's eyes widened in astonishment. "What did you say?"

"A break, for as long as you desire," Drayce responded, meeting Jasper's surprised look with composure.

Jasper promptly stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug. "My friend, I cannot express how overjoyed I am to see you return. I missed you so much that I was on the verge of losing my sanity..."

"Cease the theatrics," Drayce asserted, pushing him away. "Save those pronouncements for your lady. And indeed, conduct yourself properly, or I may be compelled to retract my words."

Jasper quickly retreated, emitting a nervous chuckle. "You are a magnificent king, Drayce Ivanov, a man of his word. He would never go back on his promises."

"It depends," Drayce countered. "Receding from my word does not diminish my manhood."

"Alright! I shall behave myself," Jasper conceded. "I am in dire need of that break. I wish to marry and start a family now."

Just then, Seren arrived, and Jasper instantly reverted to his usual professional demeanor. Both men offered her greetings.

"What are you discussing?" Seren inquired.

"We are returning to the palace tomorrow," Drayce informed her. "Today, we shall spend it with Grandma."

Seren readily agreed with the plan.

Another party arrived at the palace upon receiving word of their return: Keiren, accompanied by his wife Edith and their son Thaddeus.

"Seren," Edith called out the moment she alighted from the carriage and spotted her in the garden alongside Drayce and the others.

"Edith?" Seren murmured with delight and moved towards her.

Keiren followed discreetly, holding his son, allowing his wife to hasten towards her friend.

The two women embraced.

"I missed you terribly, Seren. You were away for such a long time. A whole year has passed," Edith exclaimed, finally releasing Seren from her embrace.

"I am back now. I will not be departing again," Seren assured her and then turned towards Keiren to offer her greetings.

"Thaddeus has grown so much," Seren commented as she approached him. Keiren handed the infant to her. "Oh my goodness, he is as soft as a bunny," Seren chuckled, holding him gently, careful not to squeeze him. "You haven't forgotten your aunt, have you?"

The baby merely gazed at her, observing her features.

"If he has forgotten, then it is his aunt's fault," Edith remarked playfully.

Drayce reached their vicinity, and the brothers exchanged greetings. Drayce took the baby from Seren, cradling him in his arms.

"He is destined to be a handsome young man," Seren observed.

Drayce hummed and gently caressed his nephew's soft, chubby cheeks. "After all, he is a prince of Megaris."

Grandma also joined them. "I invited them here so we could enjoy some family time together."

"You did well, Grandma," Seren reassured her. "Now I can dote on Thaddeus and make up for this lost year."

Following their family meal, Edith and Seren found themselves occupied together while their grandmother retreated for some rest.

"You appear considerably healthier now, Edith," Seren remarked, observing her with a keen eye. While Edith was undoubtedly beautiful, she now possessed a radiant and lively aura, a stark contrast to the frailty Seren had witnessed previously.

"I believe the climate here agrees with me," Edith replied. "Since giving birth, believe me, my body feels entirely transformed. I no longer fall ill, unlike my persistent sickness for so many years. This place truly feels magical. The same applies to Thaddeus; unlike other children his age, he never gets sick. I am so relieved, as my own childhood was plagued by illness."

Seren offered a warm smile, pleased and aware that this well-being was a result of her powers exerted during the delivery. However, she saw no need to disclose this fact.

"I am delighted to hear it. Then, why not remain here permanently?" Seren inquired.

"I would like that, but it ultimately depends on Ren," Edith responded. "And I am content with whatever he decides. If he believes we should depart, then we shall."

"Edith, you are aware of the truth now. You are one of us, our family," Seren stated gently.

"I am aware, and I am overjoyed to be related to individuals like you and that my son carries the bloodline of the Ivanov family. However, nothing surpasses Keiren's desires. I have no intention of influencing his decisions. My happiness stems simply from having him and my son by my side, regardless of our living location."

Seren understood her sentiments perfectly. "Should he choose to leave, we will certainly maintain our connection."

"We will. You are, after all, the only friend I have."

Meanwhile, the two brothers were engrossed in discussions concerning kingdom affairs that had transpired during Drayce's absence. Slayer and Jasper eventually joined their conversation.

"...I doubt the Thevailes will ever dare to confront us again," Jasper commented, a note of finality in his voice.

Drayce turned his attention to Slayer. "And the barrier I erected there?"

"King Samer sought assistance from dark supernatural forces and managed to breach it. However, he could not sustain it for long, as it proved ineffective against me," Slayer explained.

Jasper and Keiren were now privy to certain supernatural matters, though not in exhaustive detail. They refrained from probing further unless Drayce chose to elaborate.

"Furthermore, thanks to Prince Keiren's astute strategies, we were able to decisively defeat his formidable military without significant casualties among our own soldiers. He has also agreed to a perpetual peace treaty with us," Jasper added, elaborating on the diplomatic success.

Drayce regarded Keiren with understanding. "I am not the least bit surprised."

"I merely fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to me during your absence," Keiren replied with customary politeness.

"And our esteemed Commander of Knights has, once again, managed to elude his estate duties," Jasper remarked with a knowing smirk directed at Slayer. "He disregarded your command, Your Majesty."

Drayce looked towards Slayer. "You did not attend to it?"

"There were pressing matters here requiring my attention in your absence, particularly concerning the Thevailes," Slayer responded with a serious demeanor. "Had I departed, it would have likely invited further trouble."

"Now that all is settled, you may proceed with your plans to leave," Drayce instructed.

"Given your recent return, it could perhaps be postponed a little longer," Slayer countered.

"There he goes again," Jasper sighed deeply. "Calhoun Sanders, I must remind you, I serve the King, not you. I will no longer oversee your estate's affairs. You must handle them yourself."

Before Slayer could interject, Drayce added, "I shall address any remaining matters. You, Slayer, should concentrate on fulfilling your journey."

Slayer found himself unable to defy the King's direct order.