Free Web NovelChapter 204: Christmas
Selvarum Mansion was a spectacle of light and color on Christmas Eve. Outside, the facade of the mansion was decorated with pine garlands and twinkling lights that snaked around the tall windows and marble columns. A huge Christmas tree dominated the front yard, its branches laden with gold and silver ornaments that sparkled in the moonlight. freёwebnoѵel.com
These decorations were like Christmas on Earth, since the celebration of December 25th was something introduced by the heroes’ coming to this world.
Upon entering the mansion, the air was filled with the scent of fresh pine and spices, mixed with the delicious smell of freshly prepared food.
The entrance hall was a dazzling sight: garlands of winter flowers and red ribbons adorned the spiral staircases, while scented candles in crystal holders cast a warm glow throughout the room.
The joyous sounds of Christmas music played on the piano by Gracela Selvarum echoed through the hall, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere. She wasn’t one to show this side of herself to everyone, but this was a special day.
In the great ballroom, the decorations were even more impressive. A huge fireplace, decorated with Christmas stockings and holly sprigs, crackled merrily, providing a comforting warmth. In the center of the room, a Christmas tree even larger than the one in the garden was majestically decorated with lights, colored baubles, and shining stars. Under the tree, a multitude of presents wrapped in festive paper were waiting to be distributed by Luisa.
The tables in the hall were covered with red and gold linen tablecloths, and centerpieces of candles and Christmas flowers adorned each one. Fine china plates and silverware were arranged with precision, ready to serve the festive meal. Traditional Christmas dishes such as roast turkey, glazed ham, and a variety of side dishes and desserts were being prepared in the adjoining kitchen, filling the mansion with delicious aromas.
The guests, dressed in their best, filled the hall with laughter and lively conversation.
Luisa Selvarum, the hostess, moved gracefully among the guests, many of her merchant friends and family present. She exchanged kind words with them and made sure that everyone enjoyed themselves. She wore an elegant black dress with gold details that reflected the candlelight, and a warm smile lit up her face.
Victor and Aluella were among the guests, both dressed in formal attire. Victor, in a black suit with silver details, was more relaxed than usual, his eyes shining with the joy of the celebration. Aluella, next to him, looked stunning in an emerald green dress that contrasted beautifully with her dark hair.
"This party looks amazing," Aluella commented as she took a glass of wine from a passing waiter. "Luisa really knows how to put on an event."
"She’s an exceptional hostess," Victor agreed with a smile. "I’m glad we’re here together."
As the evening progressed, the festivities continued with a series of events planned to entertain the guests. A children’s choir entered the room and sang Christmas carols, drawing applause and smiles from everyone present. Soon after, there was a dance performance where couples moved gracefully to the music, their elegant steps enchanting the crowd.
In one corner of the hall, a special table had been set up with Christmas sweets and treats. Children and adults gathered around it, munching on gingerbread cookies, fruit tarts, and cakes decorated with colorful icing. A chocolate fountain bubbled merrily, dipping fruit and marshmallows to add a touch of indulgence to the celebration.
Near the fireplace, a group of elderly people gathered to tell stories and reminisce about Christmases past. Their soft, nostalgic voices added a layer of tradition and memory to the festive atmosphere.
But the most special part, at least for Victor, was yet to come.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the great ballroom, interrupting the lively conversation.
All eyes turned to the entrance, where an unexpected figure had just stepped through the door. It was a woman with slightly dirty blonde hair, dressed in simple, worn armor. There was something wild and untamed about her appearance. Her pointed ears indicated her elven ancestry, and a sword rested in the scabbard attached to her hip. His eyes, sharp and watchful at first, immediately softened when they landed on Victor.
"Wanda?" Victor’s voice came out in a whisper, and he dropped his glass of wine on the nearest table and hurried toward the newcomer.
His steps, once relaxed and measured, were now urgent and anxious.
Wanda, for her part, paused for a moment, almost hesitant, as if she feared the sight of her father was just an illusion created by fatigue and nights of longing. But when she saw the unmistakable gleam of recognition and joy in Victor’s eyes, all her hardened warrior stance melted away. She ran to meet him, and father and daughter met in a tight embrace.
"Daddy..." Wanda murmured in a choked voice. "I’m home."
Victor held her tightly, almost as if afraid she would disappear if he let go. "You’re here. You’re home."
Yes, Wanda was home, for she was in her father’s arms.
Wanda’s face was flushed and tear-streaked, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Victor’s heart ached at the sight, his concern evident in his furrowed brows. He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch soothing against her trembling skin.
"I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to you," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of relief and lingering worry. His hands tightened their grip on her shoulders, as if to anchor himself to the reality that she was safe in his embrace.
The surrounding guests, sensing the intimacy of the moment, politely stepped back to make room for the reunion. The room, once filled with laughter and conversation, was now enveloped in a respectful silence, everyone watching the scene with tender smiles.
Luísa, standing nearby, approached silently, a warm smile on her lips.
"Welcome, Wanda," she whispered, her eyes shining with a mixture of joy and relief.
Wanda nodded in thanks, her eyes still on Victor. "Sorry for my condition," she said, laughing nervously and pointing at her dirty, worn-out clothes. "I came straight from the trip and didn’t want to waste another minute without seeing you."
"Don’t worry about that," Victor replied, his voice full of affection. "The important thing is that you’re here now."
With a gentle gesture, Luisa indicated that Wanda could go to one of the rooms in the mansion to clean up and change, but Wanda hesitated.
"I can do that later. I want to stay here, with you."
"You must be exhausted, Wanda. Let’s find a more private place to sit and talk."
Wanda nodded, still holding on to her father’s hands. Victor led them through the hall, past the invited guests, who watched them with smiles of joy and respect. When they reached a more private room, where a red velvet sofa was set up near a fireplace, Victor motioned for Wanda to sit down.
"I’ll get you something to eat and drink. Stay here for a moment," Victor said, stroking his daughter’s hair.
Wanda watched her father walk away. She sighed deeply, feeling the welcoming warmth of the crackling fire and the comforting presence of the house she hadn’t seen in so long. Her hands were still trembling slightly, and she glanced at her reflection in a nearby mirror, seeing the signs of her arduous journey.
"Wow, I really need a shower."
Not long after, Victor returned with a tray. He placed a glass of red wine and a plate of fresh fruit and bread in front of Wanda. He sat down next to her and watched her with a fatherly look.
"Wanda, I want to introduce you to someone," Victor began with a hint of hesitation in his voice. "Someone very special."
Before Wanda could answer, Victor turned and motioned to Aluella, who was standing near the door.
The orange-haired woman smiled at Wanda as she entered the small room. She was beautiful, very beautiful, and had a different aura than Victor.
"Aluella, this is my daughter, Wanda," Victor said, his tone full of pride. "Wanda, this is Aluella, my... wife."
Wanda raised her eyebrows in surprise and looked at Aluella with curious eyes.
"W-wife?"
Aluella leaned forward slightly, her movements as graceful as ever.
"It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Wanda," Aluella said in a soft, melodious voice. "Victor has told me so much about you."
Wanda blinked a few times, taking in the information. Surprise gave way to a shy smile, and she extended her hand to Aluella.
"It’s a pleasure," Wanda replied as she shook the elf’s hand. "Forgive my appearance... I didn’t expect to meet a heroine." fгeewebnovёl.com
Aluella laughed lightly, a sound like a tinkling bell. "Ah, so Victor has already told you about me?
"Yes, always. He always said that I would love to meet you because you were amazing. But I never thought that the reason he talked so much was because you, well..." Wanda hesitated, a bit embarrassed.
