Aria’s father, Ashter, woke up first, followed closely by Astrid.
Both men felt as though they had been asleep for ages.
Their gazes fell on Aria and Noelle as they rubbed their eyes, trying to clear their vision and shake off the heavy feeling lingering in their bodies.
“Father!”
“Husband!”
Of course, Ashter and Astrid were given no time to rest as the two women rushed to them, burying their heads against their chests.
“Husband, you’re awake… I was so worried! I thought you’d leave me forever!” Noelle cried, clinging tightly to Astrid, her voice filled with raw emotion.
Ashter gently stroked Noelle’s hair to comfort her as he looked around, trying to process everything. He recalled fragments of the past and then noticed his brother beside him, healthy once more, which filled him with relief.
Finally, his gaze settled on Aengus, who stood quietly observing their reunion, a trace of longing in his eyes, as though he, too, was missing someone.
Ashter and Astrid, like Noelle, could hardly recognize Aengus—the transformation was that profound.
Besides, there wasn’t enough light in the room to see his face clearly, and their heads were still muddled.
Aria’s father and uncle slowly stood, feeling their strength return as their bodies regained their former vitality. However, they had unfortunately lost some levels, having fought on the frontlines against Beelzebub’s Devouring Force.
They were overpowered, but the thought of their children had driven them forward. Of course, the sacrifices of their clan members and the contribution of the Void Treasure had been undeniable.
Aria and Noelle fed them water, and they gulped it down to quench their thirst.
“Aria, who is this? Is he the one who saved us?” After drinking, Aria’s father felt refreshed and asked the question on his mind.
Astrid had the same curiosity flickering in his eyes.
“Brother-in-law, his name is Ethan—the same boy you didn’t approve of being close to Aria two months ago.”
Aria was about to answer, but her aunt beat her to it. Noelle seemed excited to announce this personally.
“What!”
“What did you say?”
Aria’s father could accept that they had been in a coma for that long, but the identity of the striking young man surprised him.
Noelle added, “Not only that, he is now our son-in-law.”
Aria fidgeted slightly in nervousness, but all she could see in her father’s eyes was an incredulous expression.
“Father-in-law, welcome back! And I apologize for ‘snatching’ your daughter without your permission,” Aengus said, after stepping forward with a hint of a taunt.
Aria nudged his waist to stop him, not to make her father too uncomfortable at the moment. She couldn’t bear to see him disrespected further.
Aria then held her father’s hand in a pleading motion.
“Father, please forgive me as well. Ethan and I are now officially married,” Aria said, looking her father in the eye, feeling a tinge of guilt. “But we decided to hold a marriage ceremony with you present.”
Aria’s father was still processing everything. His daughter was already married—to a commoner boy, no less, even though Ethan seemed strong now.
He thought a person without a powerful background was still nothing in this world. But he waited to hear the full explanation and story.
Who knows? Perhaps the young man did have a powerful background.
But he didn’t know that Aengus didn’t need a background to survive; he created his own legacy.
Astrid suddenly spoke up while remaining seated on the bed.
“Ethan, what is your rank now? Why can’t I see through you?” he asked, puzzled.
In the past, he could gauge Ethan’s aura and level easily, but now it was almost impossible. It felt as though he was trying to gauge a vast mountain, unfathomable and shrouded in chaotic fog.
Aengus hesitated to speak. If he told them his level was 267, who knew if they might even have a heart attack? He was trying to avoid that.
Besides, he never liked to show off or boast about these things.
Fortunately, Noelle and Aria came to the rescue.
“Husband, he is now a Transcendental, a newly risen Emperor with millions of soldiers under his rule. Even the King of Araknis has acknowledged his reign…” Noelle announced enthusiastically, unable to hide the awe in her eyes.
“What?!”
The two men stood up in shock.
“Is it true?” Aria’s father asked Aengus directly, looking straight into his eyes.
In reply, Aengus released some of his aura, confirming their statements.
“Yes. I hope this eases any reluctance you have about our relationship,” Aengus replied calmly.
Aria’s father and uncle’s hearts skipped a beat as they stared at each other, wide-eyed and incredulous. The overpowering, chaotic aura radiating from Aengus made it clear—they were mere ants to him now.
“Phew…”
They sat back down, feeling utterly defeated.
It dealt a considerable blow to their pride as leaders of a noble clan, a position they once held with arrogance.
In the past they had looked down on Ethan as a weakling and a commoner, which now made them feel ashamed.
Now, in Aengus’ royal presence, they themselves seemed like commoners.
“Your Imperial Highness, please take your seat…” Aria’s father said, offering a respectful bow to their new emperor, as a true noble would.
Aengus was now their protector, ruler, and the supreme leader.
However ironic it may sound, it was true, and they accepted it.
Aengus shook his head, rejecting their bows.
“There’s no need to do this. It only makes things more awkward between us. Besides, I’m not an emperor with a proper territory or etiquette like yours…”
“Father, what are you doing? He’s your son-in-law,” Aria reminded, feeling bad for her father and uncle.
Aria’s father and uncle straightened their posture slightly after hearing her words, though their respect for Aengus didn’t wane despite the close relationship.
Ashter looked at Aria and said seriously,
“Aria, my daughter, whatever our relationship might be, an emperor should always receive the respect and honor they deserve as our protector. Being an emperor is not just about etiquette and territory; it’s about having the power to dominate the masses. I’m sure His Imperial Highness has done just that… Now, tell me everything I’ve missed.”
Aria could only stare at her father with helplessness.
“Aria, you explain everything… I’ll take care of a few things outside,” Aengus said before heading out of the house.
Aria gave a small nod, then began telling their story in brief.
