Chapter 247: Chapter 247: Meeting With Saintess Lumenaria
Aria was amused by Tina's question.
"Yes, he is. Why? Do you think I'm not a match for him?" Aria asked playfully.
Tina shook her tiny head. "Nah, you're perfect too. You've become so beautiful. I just feel like you two are opposites somehow... I don't know how to say it."
Tina looked confused by her own words, which made Aria smile.
"You're just imagining things, Tina. I know he has flaws, and so do I. But accepting each other's flaws shows the love between us," Aria answered and stood up.
"But I wasn't talking about that..." Tina mumbled, her tone turning lower.
---
By now, Aengus had finished healing the rest of the children. His small gesture of kindness made others see him in a new light. They initially thought he was cold and heartless.
Aengus, however, was reminded of his past with Emily and her mother as he watched the kids. That was why he showed this rare act of care for someone else.
He hadn't forgotten the deaths of Emily and the others at Beelzebub's hands in the slightest. The time would soon come when Beelzebub would be begging for death.
"Ethan, everything is ready now. Let's leave," Aria said, understanding that Aengus must have put something aside just for her sake.
"Mmm... Okay. Tell the others to gather in one place," Aengus replied.
Quickly, the Silvermoon Clan and Quin gathered beside Aengus, looking on in confusion.
They wondered how they would be leaving. Was their Emperor about to display another of his incredible skills?
As the sun began to set, they waited with bated breath, along with City Lord Zane and the Axel Clan leader.
Aengus extended his hand, creating a spatial portal that led directly to their camp.
They were astonished—it was similar to the treasure that had saved them from certain doom at the hands of Beelzebub.
"Let's go, children. This will take us to our new home... and don't worry, nothing will happen to you," Aria said gently, noticing that some of the children were nervous.
The portal was dark, but with full confidence, Aria stepped forward, leading the way to reassure them.
Aria disappeared completely, and the children began entering one by one, hesitating slightly.
Quin, with unwavering confidence, also entered, bidding farewell to his father.
The adults followed, casting a final glance at the house they were leaving behind.
Finally, Aengus also entered with a whoosh, and the portal vanished instantly.
Zane and the Axel Clan leader exchanged glances.
"Haha... Clan leader, it seems your youngest son has the brightest future among all your children. How unexpected is that?" Zane laughed heartily.
The Axel Clan leader smiled as well.
"Yes, I never imagined my foolish youngest son would be blessed with such luck and potential... It's all thanks to Heavenly Grace."
"Mmm... Now we'll have to see how much he can grow beside the Emperor," Zane added, patting the Clan leader's shoulder.
---
Aengus appeared at the camp through the portal, instantly surrounded by the Three Generals, who looked alarmed and worried.
"Your Imperial Highness, she is here. You should go and hear what she has to say," General Felix said cautiously.
Aengus gave them a curt nod. "Sure."
Turning to Aria, he spoke gently, "Aria, please settle your family here temporarily. It won't be long before we secure our rightful territory and throne."
"Okay, but who is she? Who are you all talking about?" Aria asked, puzzled.
Her thoughts turned to the Succubus woman, Bella. Perhaps she was here. If so, Aria was curious to meet her as well, to find out whether Bella had truly "charmed" Aengus or if it had been genuine affection.
She wanted answers.
Reading her expression, Aengus replied, "She is Saintess Lumenaria. Perhaps you've heard of her?"
Aria looked a bit relieved.
"Ah, yes, I know her. But be careful," she reminded him before moving forward to settle her family.
Saintess Lumenaria was know for maiden for eternity. So, Aria was not worried.
Her father and uncle were already conversing respectfully with General Leon, astonished to see the Three Great Generals personally working for their son-in-law.
They were even more amazed at the sight of millions of soldiers under the Liberation Empire's banner.
"I'm glad to see you both safe and healthy, Silvermoon Clan leaders. I assume it's thanks to Ethan's efforts," Leon said with a slight smile.
"Oh, yes, General, " They replied, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Leon was amused to see this.
Leon could still remember their disdain for Aengus in the past, but now the situation had completely reversed. It reminded him that nothing in this world was set in stone; rise and fall are two sides of the same coin.
Yet, as he glanced at Aengus's departing figure, he found himself questioning that statement.
"Does it apply to him as well?"
Leon wondered inwardly.
He chuckled to himself.
"Haha... What am I even thinking? Of course not."
General Leon shook his head, leaving Aria's father confused.
----
Aengus entered a well-built cottage made of iron and stone. It his current temporary residence. Only he and Aria could enter without permission.
He sat down on a black iron throne and waited patiently for the unexpected guest to arrive.
His mood was calm, showing neither fear nor eagerness, as he leaned his head slightly to the side, resting on the arm supported by his right hand on the armrest.
"Step, step, step!"
Soon, footsteps echoed on the smooth, rocky floor.
Aengus watched as a stunningly fair maiden, dressed in white holy robes bathed in a soft, divine radiance, approached.
Saintess Lumenaria appeared to be a mature woman, as if she had lived through years filled with life's ups and downs. Her presence held both wisdom and grace, a testament to her years of experiences.
"Won't you welcome us, o young Emperor?" Saintess Lumenaria asked with a displeased expression as she halted a short distance from Aengus.
Aengus gestured to the seat on his right.
"You can sit there and speak your mind. I don't see why I need to welcome someone who trades innocent human lives for so-called divine commands, do I?" he replied in a mocking tone, not swayed by her beauty in thr slightest.
The air between them grew tense, as Aengus's disdain clashed with the saintess's calm but unyielding presence.