Free Web NovelChapter 548: Where It All Began (XXVI)
Three months later...
The Divine Realm had entered a rare period of uneasy peace.
After Chronos’s complete erasure, the power balance among the gods shifted dramatically.
Many factions that once relied on the God of Time’s influence either collapsed or went into hiding.
Aestrea’s organization, Crimson Moon, continued to grow stronger in silence, solidifying its position as one of the most feared and respected forces in the realm.
The sun was warm and golden over the floating gardens of Aestrea’s personal palace.
Cherry blossoms and glowing star-lilies drifted lazily through the air as a gentle breeze carried their sweet scent.
Soft music played from crystal chimes hanging between ancient trees.
Vivian walked beside him, her long, wavy-styled red hair swaying elegantly with each step.
Her entirely black eyes glanced at him with affection as they walked, making both of them look like the perfect couple.
She wore a simple yet graceful crimson dress that hugged her mature figure perfectly, accentuating her poise and beauty.
"You’ve been working too hard lately," she said softly.
"I’m glad you finally agreed to take a day off. Even gods need rest, my love."
Aestrea smiled faintly, offering her his arm. She accepted it without hesitation, leaning lightly against him as they strolled along the flower-lined path.
"I suppose I do," he replied.
"There are three months until the full moon alignment... I’ve been pushing everyone, including myself. But today, I just want to be with you."
Vivian’s lips curved into a gentle smile. She squeezed his arm affectionately.
"That makes me very happy. The other girls have been worried about you too, you know. Christina especially. She’s been pacing around the palace like a mother hen."
Aestrea chuckled lightly.
"She’s always been like that. How is she doing lately?"
"Better," Vivian answered fondly.
"She’s been managing the organization as always. She looks very mature and commanding there..., but still spoiled when it comes to you, though. Yesterday she complained that you hadn’t hugged her in three days."
Aestrea shook his head with a small laugh.
"I’ll make it up to her soon. What about Zeva and Yara?"
Vivian sighed, though there was amusement in her eyes.
"Still competing like always. They had another duel in the training grounds yesterday. Broke three arenas before Alaine scolded them. Those two are going to drive poor Alaine crazy one day."
They reached a beautiful pavilion overlooking a serene lake.
Crystal lanterns floated above the water, casting soft, colorful reflections. A table had been prepared with light snacks and wine.
They sat down together, Vivian gracefully pouring them both a glass.
"And Lumi?" Aestrea asked, taking a sip.
"Lumi is Lumi," Vivian replied with a soft laugh.
"She’s been trying to learn how to cook. The kitchen is still recovering. But she’s so earnest about it. She wants to make something special for you."
Aestrea smiled warmly.
"She’s grown fond of domestic things lately. It’s cute."
Vivian nodded, her black eyes gazing at him tenderly.
"All the girls have changed because of you. Even the wild ones like Zeva and Yara have become more... grounded. They still fight, but they fight for you now. For us. For this family you’ve built."
She reached across the table and gently placed her hand over his.
"And me... I’ve never been happier. Being your wife, watching over everyone... it’s just something that I never expected to happen... but I’m very glad it did."
Aestrea turned his hand and intertwined their fingers.
"You’ve been the anchor for all of us, Vivian. I don’t say it enough, but I’m grateful. Truly."
Vivian’s cheeks gained a faint blush, rare for someone as composed as her. She looked down at their joined hands, smiling softly.
"You’ve become so gentle lately. Ever since you killed Chronos... It’s like a weight has been lifted from your soul. I can see it in your eyes. You also started smiling more."
Aestrea looked out over the lake, watching the floating lanterns drift.
"I feel... lighter. Like I can finally breathe. Revenge kept me going for so long that I forgot what peace felt like. Now that he’s gone... I can focus on what comes after. On all of you."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s presence. Vivian eventually spoke again, her voice gentle.
"The girls talk about you constantly when you’re away. Christina wants another date. Mia and Maria keep asking when you’ll join them in the bath again. Lumi wants to sleep in your arms every night. Even Chaerin, despite being so grown up, still calls you ’Papa’ when she thinks no one is listening."
Aestrea chuckled.
"Chaerin will always be my little girl, no matter how strong she becomes."
Vivian smiled knowingly, her black eyes warm with affection as she watched Aestrea’s gentle expression.
"She really does adore you. Even when she’s training hard or acting all grown up in front of the others, she still looks for your approval. It’s quite endearing."
Aestrea nodded, a soft smile lingering on his lips.
They continued their leisurely walk through the gardens, the path eventually leading them toward the edge of the palace grounds.
As they approached, a beautifully designed building came into view, elegant, warm, and intentionally nostalgic.
It was a café.
Aestrea had bought the land and designed it himself several months ago.
The architecture was a near-perfect recreation of a place from his memories, the original Lavousier’s Café from his very first life on Earth.
Wooden beams, soft ambient lighting, large windows that let in natural light during the day and glowed warmly at night, and a charming outdoor terrace with hanging flower baskets.
The sign above the entrance read in elegant golden letters:
Lavousier’s Café
Vivian’s eyes lit up as they arrived.
"Oh... you finally opened it," she said softly, squeezing his arm.
"I’ve heard the girls talking about this place, but I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. It’s beautiful."
Aestrea led her inside.
The interior was cozy and refined, with dark wood tables, comfortable cushioned seats, soft classical music playing from crystal orbs, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filling the air.
A few high-ranking members of Crimson Moon were quietly enjoying their time there, but the moment they saw Aestrea and Vivian, they bowed respectfully and gave them space.
They took a private table near the large window overlooking the gardens. Aestrea pulled out the chair for Vivian before sitting across from her.
"I wanted something that reminded me of simpler times," he explained calmly. freewebnøvel.coɱ
"Back when everything was... smaller. Less complicated. I used to visit a place like this with the other little guys from Silverleaf Academy..."
Vivian reached across the table and gently held his hand.
"I’m glad you made it. It suits you. A quiet place where you can just... be Aestrea, not the God of Karma or the leader of Crimson Moon."
A waitress, a polite young spirit attendant, approached and took their order. Vivian chose a floral tea and a slice of strawberry cake while Aestrea ordered black coffee and a simple almond croissant.
When their order arrived, Vivian took a small sip of her tea and hummed in appreciation.
"This is wonderful. The taste is very refined. You really put a lot of thought into this place, didn’t you?"
"I did," Aestrea admitted.
"I wanted it to feel like home. Not just for me, but for all of you. Somewhere we can come... and simply relax."
Vivian smiled, cutting a small piece of her cake and offering it to him on her fork.
"Here. Try this."
Aestrea leaned forward and ate it from her hand. The sweetness spread across his tongue.
"It’s good," he said.
"Though I still prefer your cooking."
Vivian chuckled softly.
"Flatterer. But I’ll take the compliment. Speaking of the girls... have you thought about what we’ll do after Arcadia? After everything is settled?"
Aestrea leaned back in his chair, gazing at her thoughtfully.
"I promised you all a long vacation. No battles or responsibilities. Just us. Maybe we can visit some of the lower realms together. Or create our own private world... somewhere simply peaceful."
Vivian’s eyes softened.
"That sounds perfect. I think the girls would love that. Especially Lumi and Chaerin. They’ve never really had a normal family life. This palace is beautiful, but sometimes I worry they’re growing up too fast because of the constant tension."
"They’re stronger than they look," Aestrea replied.
"But you’re right. They deserve more than just training and war. I want them to experience normal things too. Dates, festivals, lazy days... all of it."
Vivian nodded, a gentle smile on her face.
"Christina told me the other day that she wants to go on another date with you soon. She’s been getting new outfits. Mia and Maria are planning a ’surprise hot’ spring trip for all of us. And Zeva and Yara... well, they say they just want to spar with you again, but I think they miss your attention more than they admit."
Aestrea let out a low laugh.
"I’ll make time for everyone. I’ve neglected you all too much while preparing for Chronos and now Arcadia. Once this is over... things will be different."
