Chapter 263: Nightmares…?
Maelona, with her weak, tired eyes, stared at her left palm where a newly formed tattoo itched incessantly.
She wasn’t entirely sure what had just transpired, but seeing Aether wield such extraordinary powers, powers that could hold her very soul back from the brink of oblivion, she understood just how unique and special her daughter’s chosen partner was.
Witnessing Aether’s unwavering concern and dedication to her well-being filled her heart with an inexplicable sense of happiness and gratitude.
[+500 AP]
Her gaze drifted downward to her frail, skeletal frame, her body resembling that of a mummy.
She was completely naked!
No Mother-in-law wanted to show their body to their son-in-law!
She wanted to cover herself, but even the thought of moving her hand was exhausting and filled her with a sense of helplessness, ‘I suppose it’s something inevitable then…’ she mused, resigning herself to her current state.
Despite her physical frailty, she felt a warm swell of emotion as she considered Aether’s relentless efforts to save her. It was enough to understand the depth of his love for Aria.
This realization made her both incredibly happy and profoundly sad….. She had never experienced this kind of love from her own husband.
In truth, she wouldn’t have minded if her husband had had an affair, but as a woman, she too had yearned for a small measure of love that she never received.
Unlike her, her daughter had been fortunate to receive love from both her parents and was now experiencing the deep, genuine love of her future husband. Maelona felt a deep sense of happiness for her daughter…. She had once worried that Aria might end up like her, but her daughter had found her happiness.
Thousands of years spent in solitude and one-sided love had left Maelona feeling pitiable. “Lonely love…” she murmured in her raspy voice, the words carrying the weight of her long, sorrowful existence.
The way Aether had looked at her at that time was not with pity, but with a deep understanding and empathy that almost brought her to tears. An old woman crying in front of a young man, she felt pathetic, yet relieved that someone finally understood her burden and her unrequited love.
If there was to be a next life, she wished to be reborn as her daughter’s child, to experience the love and warmth of a family firsthand.
‘W-What am I even thinking…’ she thought, an awkward smile forming on her lips. Just then, Aether arrived with a hurried expression, holding a small bottle in his hand.
‘Time is running out!’ Aether thought frantically as he saw her body on the verge of collapse.
“Open your mouth,” Aether instructed gently, lifting her head and placing it carefully on his lap.
“Wwffhhh,” Maelona tried to speak but found herself too weak.
Aether’s lips trembled as he slowly parted her mouth and carefully poured the bottle’s contents into it.
‘Gulp’
Aether gently rubbed her chest as she slowly swallowed the sticky, viscous fluid.
After emptying the bottle, Aether’s face turned pale with worry when nothing seemed to happen immediately. ‘So it’s not?’ he thought in despair, but then,
“Grrrrrrr”
A low, growling sound emanated from Maelona’s stomach. Suddenly, her mummy-like body began to rejuvenate, as if time itself were reversing.
“Ha… haha…” Aether let out a joyous laugh, tears welling up in his eyes as he watched her body slowly returning to a healthier state.
Maelona gently opened her eyes, feeling her body becoming healthier and more vibrant. Her once dried and cracked lips turned soft and supple as she asked, “W-What is happening?”
She was beyond shocked. She knew she had given up everything, and yet…
“T-Thank–” Before she could finish her sentence, Aether placed his finger on her lips and said, “Thank you for giving everything for me!”
[+600 AP]
Maelona blinked for a moment, then smiled and nodded her head in understanding… She should accept this geninue emotions!
Then they looked at her log:
Name: Maelona Zephyr
Sex: Female
Race: Moon Elf [-]
Level: 0
Title: The Last Moon Elf, Mother of Aria Zephyr, Temporary Ruler of High Elf Tribe, A Sacrificial Pawn, Bound to Aether, Decaying [Halted].
Attributes:
Strength: 0
Agility: 0
Intelligence: 0
Magic Affinity: 0
Charm: 0
“Halted… ah,” they both mumbled in unison, realizing that this was not a permanent solution.
“Anyhow, we have been able to stop it for now,” Aether said thoughtfully.
Though his efforts had stabilized her, it was clear that this was only a temporary reprieve.
Aether chuckled softly to himself, his thoughts a mix of amusement and relief amidst the tense atmosphere. ‘Looks like I need to increase my ‘pee pee’ powers’ he mused inwardly.
Maelona, her curiosity now piqued to its peak, leaned closer towards Aether. “What exactly did you give me?” she inquired, her interest growing stronger by the moment. She could sense something from him…. happiness and relief—that spoke volumes about his feelings.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Aether adopted a serious expression. “It’s called Yang Energy,” he replied, if cultivation novel spouts that bullshit then he could do so!!
“Yang? What does that mean?” Maelona furrowed her brow, feeling an unexpected sensation stirring within her.
With a slight cough, Aether maintained his composure. “That’s a secret I can’t reveal!” he declared with a hint of playfulness, ready to leave. However, before he could make his exit, Maelona caught his hand in hers.
“But then, what is this sensation I’m feeling?” Maelona pressed, her curiosity unabated. She couldn’t ignore the strange yet intriguing feelings coursing through her body.
Now that the immediate crisis had passed, Aether’s mind returned to its usual state, though his gaze involuntarily drifted to Maelona’s still-recovering body…
Maelona’s eyes widened as she felt an unexpected surge of arousal. Glancing down, she realized she was still naked. Blushing deeply, she quickly covered herself with a bedsheet, her face glowing with embarrassment.
[+600 AP]
She composed herself quickly, refusing to react like a young girl. She was way too old for that.
Aether, amused by her dignified reaction, smiled warmly and kissed her forehead tenderly. “Rest for now. Your body still needs time to fully recover,” he advised gently. Maelona nodded silently, feeling too flustered to speak further.
As she lay there, the embarrassment still lingering, Maelona couldn’t help but wonder how she would face Kaelith after this. Her eyes grew heavy with sleepiness, and soon she drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
Aether watched over her for a moment longer, ensuring she was comfortable, before quietly leaving the room.
“Oh, you’re healed!” Liora exclaimed with surprise as she saw Aether emerge.
[+4000 AP]
Aether blinked, momentarily taken aback. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his confusion evident.
“Really? How rude!” Liora replied with a hint of displeasure. She had expected a more appreciative response from Aether after saving him. “Of course, I’m the one who saved you guys!” she added, her tone slightly defensive.
Aether’s eyes widened in realization, his concern shifting immediately to Aria, “Where is Aria?” he asked urgently.
Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Liora pointed towards the adjoining room. “She suddenly fainted, so I laid her down there,” she explained, her irritation evident.
Her words were true, Aria had collapsed from sheer exhaustion…. while they were in the middle of heated talk!
Without hesitation, Aether hurried into the room and found Aria lying pale and exhausted, her brow furrowed in discomfort.
“Aria?”
Upon hearing his voice, Aria stirred awake, her eyes widening in relief and recognition. “A-Aether?”
“Yes,” Aether confirmed softly, his heart clenching at the sight of her distress. Aria immediately threw her arms around him, tears streaming down her cheeks. “M-My mom… she’s gone! She’s left us, Aether!” she sobbed uncontrollably.
Aether blinked in confusion then, his voice gentle yet firm. “Your mother is safe, Aria.”
“…” Aria stooped crying and blinked in confusion.
Aether smiled reassuringly, brushing a tear from her cheek, “It was just a bad dream. Your mother is fine; she’s resting peacefully, waiting for her daughter,” he assured her.
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