My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 94: GIFT?

Arriving at Faerielight left me utterly bewildered as I beheld a scene that seemed like a cruel distortion of what the city once was.

The city, once vibrant, lively, and brimming with a natural, welcoming atmosphere, had been replaced by a sight that was almost beyond belief.

The once-green surroundings, reminiscent of a forest paradise, had vanished. Instead, black miasma oozed from the ground, and the trees that once held life now stood as mere skeletons, stripped of their former vitality.

This sacred land of the elves had undergone a transformation that was both shocking and disheartening.

The air carried a heavy weight of darkness, a stark contrast to the once-refreshing breeze that whispered through the leaves. It was as if the very essence of nature had been corrupted, replaced by an ominous force that seemed to taint everything it touched.

In the midst of this desolation, the only source of life clung desperately to the colossal world tree in the distance.

Even this majestic entity, a symbol of life and continuity, appeared to be struggling against the encroaching darkness, its vitality slowly withering away.

As we strolled through the desolate streets, Elaniel clung to me, holding my hand and pressing her ample breasts against my shoulder. Though her affectionate gestures usually wouldn't go unnoticed, my attention was completely absorbed by the shocking scenes around us.

The once-charming houses now stood in ruins, a stark contrast to the lively streets that had once been filled with elven activity. Lifeless bodies lay scattered at random intervals, and demonic creatures resembling dogs feasted on the remains, their slow consumption a grim reminder of the city's fall.

Passing demons bowed their heads in deference as they observed us heading toward the castle, an indication that Elaniel held dominion over them and this corrupted city.

"So, all the elves here were either devoured or possessed?" I queried.

"Yes, Father," Elaniel replied with a sinister delight. "It took me some time, but after I decided to summon those beings behind us, conquering this city became quite easy. Everything and everyone in this entire city is mine now"

"Well, except for the people you personally blessed, Father. I didn't harm them... well, with the exception of the queen, that is. But don't worry, Father; she's still inside me. Hehe. You don't mind, right?" she asked me with feigned innocence.

'Seriously, why is she asking me that? When did I ever bless anyone here? What does she mean, except for the queen? Did she kill her? Is that why she has her form now? I can't believe this is the same monstrous beast I fought not too long ago. No, she... he? She is truly different from what I remembered, and now she's even taking the form of Elaniel.'

"I don't mind," I replied to her, attempting to brush off what she had done. A part of me harbored the desire to end her, yet as I observed her treating that demon with indifference earlier, even with my sister's authority at hand, I doubted my ability to defeat her.

Moreover, she bore no animosity toward me. The only emotion I sensed from her was an overwhelming, unfiltered love. The situation was perplexing, and my conflicted feelings left me unsure of how to navigate this strange and disturbing encounter.

"Are Elowyn and Iselia alive?" I inquired, suddenly reminded of the elf princesses.

"Like I've told you, Father, I didn't kill anyone you blessed."

'So, they are the ones I've blessed? Since when? She keeps saying bless, but I don't remember doing any of that to them. I guess I better ask her later.'

"I've actually got a big surprise for you later in my room~ hehe," she declared seductively.

"What do you mean?"

"Like I said, it's a surprise. Let's not ruin the fun, okay~" she whispered in my ear, leaving me both intrigued and unsettled about what awaited me in her room.

As she whispered, my body was slightly affected by the seductive scent emanating from her.

'Is she doing this on purpose?'

The Sword of Light might pose a threat, and my sister's authority could potentially be effective if unleashed at full force. Yet, with Elaniel's formidable adaptation ability in play, any recklessness on my part could jeopardize not only my fate but the fate of this world. Thus, I chose caution, unwilling to entertain even a one percent risk that could lead to our undoing.

"I'll explain later," I assured Meralda, though her confusion lingered. The weight of what had happened to her brother rested on my shoulders, a conversation we needed to have when the time was right. With a heavy sigh, we proceeded deeper into the castle's halls, the atmosphere thick with uncertainty.

Walking alongside me were the two striking figures, each clasping one of my hands. Their beauty, however, was overshadowed by the palpable animosity that crackled between them. It was a silent yet intense rivalry that added an unspoken layer of tension to our journey.

As we reached the grand throne room, a familiar sight unfolded before me. It was just as I remembered, with one noticeable difference—the place appeared slightly brighter and cleaner than in my previous visit. The additional effort put into maintaining cleanliness here struck me as peculiar, raising questions about the changes that had transpired since the last time I was here.

"How do you like my gift, Father?" Elaniel inquired, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she gestured towards the throne. I regarded her with perplexity, uncertain of the nature of this peculiar gift.

"Hehe, everything that belongs to me essentially belongs to you, Father. The elves, the demons, this kingdom, and also me—everything is yours." With a subtle burst of energy, she gently pushed Meralda away, drawing me closer to herself. Her ample bosom pressed against my chest, and she cast a seductive gaze in my direction. "So, how do you like it?"

Caught off guard by her provocative demeanor, I struggled to find words. The situation was far from ordinary, and the weight of her claim left me speechless.

I turned my gaze toward the throne, but a sense of detachment washed over me. Despite Elaniel's grandiose offer, I found no temptation to claim dominion over the elves, demons, or the kingdom.

The allure of power and possession didn't resonate with me. Just as I was about to express my indifference, my sister's telepathic message intruded upon my thoughts.

"Say yes," she urged through our telepathic link.

"What do you mean, sis?" I questioned.

"It's the perfect place for the others, especially that majestic throne over there. It looks perfect, good for mom, right?"

"Yes, I mean, Mom looks perfect on any throne, though. And what do you mean, perfect place for the others?"

"The others are coming soon. It's only natural for a whole kingdom to be gifted for their arrival, right?" she responded with a serious tone.

"Wait, you don't mean?" My heart pounded with excitement.

"Yes, they're coming soon."

Happiness welled within me, and a triumphant smile stretched across my face. I tightened my grip on Elaniel, pulling her closer, and, with a mischievous touch, grabbed hold of her buttocks.

"Ah~" she moaned in slight confusion, yet seemed to enjoy the moment.

"It's perfect!" I exclaimed, reveling in the anticipation of the imminent arrival of those special to me.

In that moment of triumph and anticipation, Elaniel, still somewhat perplexed, mirrored my infectious smile.

Her confusion quickly transformed into a radiant expression as she responded by embracing me even tighter. As our eyes locked, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in hers.

"Ah, it's my face," I acknowledged. Not the facade of Adrian that I had grown accustomed to, but the genuine me – Ian Astrea. It had indeed been a considerable span since I last confronted the raw reality of my appearance: white, flowing hair, a complexion resembling death's pallor, and black miasma oozing from my eyes and mouth. The authentic version of myself, Ian Astrea, suddenly emerged into the world.

In that moment of elation, Elaniel's smile widened as she gazed at me, and she kissed me passionately. As our lips parted, she appeared utterly entranced, showing no signs of fear or hesitation even in the face of my true, otherworldly visage.

"Father~ you look beautiful" she uttered lovingly, and without reservation, she kissed me again. I allowed her to take the lead, not caring about the monstrous aspects of her or myself.

This intimate exchange felt like a fitting reward for everything she had provided me in this tumultuous journey.