...
{3rd Pov}
After Ember finally reached Shawn Village, he was immediately greeted by Jason, who was on guard duty.
Jason had recently married Maria, roughly six months ago, and Ember remembered they matched the timing of their wedding deliberately when he was returning at that time, so he attended their wedding, while staying for a few days to celebrate the joyous occasion.
"Tet! You're back! Goddess Aurora is going to be so happy to see you again!" Jason exclaimed energetically, his face lighting up with genuine excitement.
He was truly thrilled that Tet had returned.
After all, ever since Ember had left, Aurora had been noticeably less cheerful than she used to be.
While she still cracked her usual silly jokes and maintained her laid-back, carefree attitude that anyone could see through, it was clear to everyone who knew her well that she deeply missed Tithonus.
Marthon, who was standing nearby, chuckled slyly and added, "Tet, did you know? Apparently Maria is already pregnant ahem with Jason's child," he said in a teasing tone, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Ember raised a brow at the unexpected news, while Jason immediately turned crimson with embarrassment.
"Damn it! What the hell are you spreading?!" he exclaimed, flustered and sputtering.
Ember, on the other hand, smiled warmly and responded bluntly, "Impressive. There's nothing to be shy about. It only proves that the bond between you and Maria is strong and genuine."
His calm, logical statement left both Jason and Marthon momentarily stunned, and they both let out a resigned sigh.
It was a familiar realization—Ember's dignity, presence, and composure far surpassed theirs, as mere random NPCs, something Aurora herself had often pointed out.
The way he carried himself, even when speaking casually, always commanded a quiet respect, a stark contrast to their more impulsive, emotional reactions.
Somehow, Ember always managed to maintain the moral high ground, and his natural charisma made it feel as if Jason and Marthon were in the presence of a king rather than simply interacting with a fellow member of the familia.
The way he carried himself, the calm assurance in his voice, and the precise timing of his words gave off an air of authority and respect that was impossible to ignore.
Jason shook his head in awe and patted Ember on the shoulder.
"Damn, bro, you always manage to say something so impressive. I really have to commend your courage. If I had said something even remotely like that, I'm pretty sure I would have ended up slapped and called a complete pervert," he admitted, a mix of admiration and exasperation in his voice.
Jason sulked for a moment, clearly frustrated by the unfairness of the situation, but Ember simply patted his back lightly and said with a small, polite smile, "My condolences."
That brief remark was enough to make Marthon burst into laughter, his amusement filling the space around them, while Jason himself stood frozen, completely at a loss for words.
He wanted to call Ember shameless for his audacity, yet somehow, Ember always had a way of saying things that made him appear dignified, composed, and even wise, rather than indecent or crude.
It was as if Ember himself embodied the perfect combination of knowledge, tact, and wisdom—always knowing exactly what to say and precisely when to say it.
Every word he spoke, every gesture he made, carried the weight of someone who understood the world far beyond the ordinary, leaving those around him both humbled and bewildered.
"Damn it, I don't want your condolences," Jason muttered, shaking his head, though a small grin tugged at his lips.
"Anyway, you better go meet the Goddess. She's going to be extremely happy to see you again," he added, his tone a mixture of teasing and genuine excitement.
Marthon nodded in agreement and added with a sly smirk, "And I might add, very energetic as well, if I may."
The three of them suddenly coughed almost simultaneously, an awkward, synchronized sound escaping them.
They all knew exactly what 'energetic' implied in this context.
Ember's reputation, especially regarding his unmatched prowess in more intimate areas, was well known among them.
Even Jason, who had now reached Level 2 and gained significant stamina, could barely compare with Ember's remarkable endurance.
Compared to Ember, Jason would tire out in only half the time, despite his enhancements.
Thankfully, Maria was a regular human, and Jason, even with his superhuman levels of stamina, had always managed to satisfy her fully, which brought some relief to their otherwise amusing conversation.
Ember raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued, and asked, "Also, Jason, it's a bit strange to see you guarding the door again. I thought you were Level 2 by now."
Jason ruffled his hair sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.
Marthon, who was older than Jason and now in his early fifties, nodded gravely and explained, "There's nothing we can do about it. Recently, the influx of monsters has increased significantly, and with the latest news about the Behemoth rampaging through the Empire territories, we decided to reinforce our security measures. So, while Jason and I are stationed here guarding the main gate at certain periods, the security around the farms has also been increased, and we've reinforced the fences to prevent any unwanted intrusion."
Ember, who was already well aware of the Behemoth and the recent surge in the monster population, furrowed his brows and asked with a serious tone, "How serious is the situation?"
His face carried a weighty expression, reflecting the concern he felt for Shawn Village and its surrounding areas.
Jason let out a small chuckle, attempting to ease the tension.
"Don't worry too much, dude. The strongest monsters we've actually encountered so far have been orcs, nothing beyond that," he said, his voice a mix of reassurance and amusement.
"And now, with the Aurora Familia having five Level 2 members, including you, plus our other Level 1 members who have decent parameters, we're in a much stronger position. On top of that, over the past few years, we've had a steady stream of younger males and even females joining the familia, so our numbers have increased considerably."
Hearing that the strongest monsters encountered were only orcs, Ember felt a small measure of relief wash over him, though he could not fully rid himself of tension.
Orcs, while formidable, were far from the top-tier threats that could decimate villages on their own.
However, he knew that even these surface-dwelling orcs required a coordinated group of Level 1 adventurers just to hunt one effectively.
He also considered that these surface orcs were significantly weaker than their dungeon-dwelling counterparts, which brought some comfort—but the recent surge in the monster population was troubling.
Many of the monsters causing the increase were bred from escaped dungeon creatures, meaning they could be stronger than normal surface-level monsters and potentially more dangerous.
'Since I'm staying here for a month, I'll make sure to clear out all the nearby monsters, just to be safe,' Ember thought, a determined glint in his eyes.
He knew, however, that eliminating monsters often created a temporary vacuum, which could attract more in the future.
Still, with Shawn Village being surrounded by major cities on all sides, and Argon Town absorbing much of the previous monster incursions, he reasoned that exterminating the current population would make Shawn Village far safer.
The village would be better protected with the immediate threats neutralized than leaving them unchecked and risking further escalation.
Ember thanked Jason with a small nod of appreciation, then immediately started walking briskly toward the Aurora household.
As he moved along the cobblestone path of the village, many villagers spotted him and, recognizing him, greeted him loudly.
They waved their hands enthusiastically, calling out questions about his well-being and asking how he had been for the past six months.
Ember was forced to slow down his pace, stopping a few times to respond politely to their inquiries, offering brief but courteous answers.
Though their attention delayed his journey somewhat, he wasn't angry—only mildly irritated at the repeated interruptions.
In truth, it was heartwarming to see the genuine concern and familiarity the villagers held for him.
Eventually, he reached the market area, where he spotted Aurora buying some fresh chicken for the household.
The moment she noticed the commotion behind her and caught sight of Ember's familiar figure, she didn't hesitate.
With a sudden burst of energy, she practically charged across the small street, running as fast as her legs could carry her.
"Tet!" she shouted, her voice filled with joy and excitement.
She leapt toward him with arms wide open mid-air, her chest bouncing noticeably under the fabric of her dress.
Ember, already anticipating her approach, caught her effortlessly and held her close in a warm embrace.
Aurora buried her face against his chest, exhaling deeply as she snuggled into him.
"I missed you!" she murmured, her voice soft yet filled with affection.
"Your Goddess missed her Hero!" she added, inhaling his familiar scent and closing her eyes in contentment.
Her breasts pressed tightly against his chest under the cloth as she hugged him even more snugly, as if trying to convey all the months of longing in that single embrace.
Ember smiled warmly, holding her gently yet firmly.
"I missed you too, my Goddess… And in fact, I have a present for you," he said, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
Aurora's eyes lit up instantly, her joy palpable.
"Really?!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement and curiosity.
Ember nodded affirmatively, reaching into his inner pocket and pulling out a small, shining stamped coin.
The coin was not ordinary by any means; it was a special token given exclusively to those officially recognized as Magic Craftsmen.
Its rarity was extraordinary, and the value alone exceeded ten million valis on the open market, making it both a symbol of status and an incredibly precious gift.
Aurora, being a Goddess who had spent countless centuries immersed in books and knowledge of Genkai, immediately recognized the coin Ember held.
Her eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed, "Tet! Isn't that the Magic Craftsman Coin? You… you actually have one? Wait a second—are you telling me that you're a Magic Craftsman now?!"
Her voice was a mix of shock, disbelief, and joy.
She fully understood the difficulty of the exam; even she, with all her knowledge and experience, would have found Athena's exam challenging.
After all, as a goddess who had lived for millions of years, Aurora was familiar with scientific concepts and magical knowledge a century ahead of the current mortal world, yet she knew that cracking such an exam was no small feat for a mortal.
"Yes," Ember replied casually, a small grin forming on his lips.
"Apparently, I studied hard over the past few months and managed to pass."
Aurora could hardly contain her excitement.
She jumped up with sheer joy, throwing her arms into the air and shouting, "My son is a Magic Craftsman now!"
The words struck everyone present, freezing them in place.
Even Ember himself was left momentarily flabbergasted, watching as his Goddess—his beloved Aurora—leaped and celebrated as if he were truly her cherished son.
Her reaction was so heartfelt, so unreserved, that it left the villagers and onlookers staring in awe.
A villager, sweating nervously, cautiously spoke up, breaking the tense silence.
"G-Goddess… you do know that Ember is your lover, right?" His words immediately cast a wave of awkwardness over the entire group, leaving some unsure how to react.
Aurora, however, barely faltered.
She turned to him with a serene smile, completely unbothered by the comment.
"Yes, yes," she said calmly, her tone unwavering.
"It doesn't change anything. As a member of my familia, Ember is like my child. And, at the same time, he is also the man I love."
Her words were spoken without even a hint of embarrassment or shame, and the confidence with which she declared them left no room for doubt.
The villagers and onlookers could only stare, impressed and slightly awed by the composure and the depth of affection in her statement.
Everyone who heard Aurora's words exchanged awkward glances, some shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
One villager even raised his voice, nervously trying to rationalize, "Well… this actually reminds me that Elves do have a tradition of… well, incest."
Ember instantly felt his face heat up, caught in a wave of embarrassment as he was reminded of another delicate and awkward fact about his race and, more specifically, his relationship with Aurora.
He had always known that Elves had unique customs, but being reminded of it so openly made him squirm internally.
In fact, the Royal Family of Elves, as well as many Elves in general, maintained a tradition of inbreeding.
His own parents, for example, were distant cousins.
Elves were unique among the world's races in that their genetic makeup allowed for inbreeding without the problems that plagued other species.
While incest was uncommon even among Elves, it was by no means impossible.
Some outsiders might frown upon such practices, viewing them as morally questionable, but for the majority, it was simply accepted as a cultural norm.
After all, this was a world where multiple races coexisted, each with their own traditions, and even the Gods themselves appeared unconcerned with the matter.
Aurora, with a gleam of pride in her eyes, declared boldly, "~Fufu, indeed, incest is Wincest."
Her words carried a weight of authority, reinforcing the idea that even divine beings had no objection to this practice.
The villagers and onlookers were left to ponder why Elves, of all races, seemed capable of such a thing.
Whenever mortals had asked the creators of their world, the Gods' enigmatic reply had always been the same: "Incest is Wincest."
The meaning of this statement remained a mystery to mortals, including even the most learned scholars and adventurers, leaving them to accept that the Gods themselves would always remain beyond the full comprehension of those who lived under their world, despite walking among them daily.
"People, you already know how the Goddess is," Ember said bluntly, his words cutting through the awkward tension with surprising directness.
"There's really no need to take her statements too seriously."
His straightforward manner caused Aurora to pout slightly, while the others around them nodded in quiet agreement, finding sense in what Ember had just said.
Aurora, however, chose to remain silent.
She understood Ember well enough to know that he didn't care much about how others perceived him, yet he always cared deeply about her image and reputation.
After all, the fact that she had a sexual relationship with one of her own familia members was already a highly debated and scandalous matter within their ranks.
Her reputation had always been under scrutiny, and she had long learned to tread carefully around those who might misunderstand the dynamics of her relationship with Ember.
Despite all this, Aurora could not help herself.
In private, within the intimacy of their shared moments, she often played the submissive role, relishing the comfort and closeness it brought.
Yet, she also explored other sides of her personality with Ember, taking on more playful and surprisingly maternal roles at times, such as adopting the persona of "Mommy."
She was both a wife and a partner to Ember, even though they had not yet formalized their union in marriage.
On top of that, she had secretly taken a sacred vow of marriage, an ancient binding sanctioned by the Heavens themselves, which she had not revealed to anyone.
Few knew the full extent of her devotion to Ember—not only as a lover but as a figure of nurturing care.
She treated him as a cherished son in many respects, guided by her own limitations as a Goddess.
Being immortal, she could never physically bear children, neither with other Gods nor with mortals, and the thought of a childless eternity had led her to decide that she would shower Ember with the love, care, and guidance of a mother, even while fulfilling other intimate roles in their relationship.
To outsiders, viewed purely through the lens of human morality, such behavior might appear questionable or even depraved, yet for Aurora, it was a natural extension of her affection, devotion, and the complicated layers of her immortal existence.
"Anyway! Everyone! My Tet has passed the hardest exam in the entire world! And now that he has returned to us, it's time to celebrate properly and call for a party!" Aurora exclaimed with infectious excitement, her voice carrying through the village square.
Instantly, everyone around her erupted in cheers, their happiness and admiration for Ember evident in their enthusiastic reactions.
"Haha! A party, and without me? That's impossible!" a sudden, boisterous voice rang out across the area, making heads turn in surprise.
To everyone's amusement, it was Maria who had arrived, accompanied by her mother, Martha.
Maria's rounded belly was immediately noticeable, a clear and undeniable sign of her pregnancy.
It was proof of Jason's capability, something that left some of the villagers quietly impressed, even if slightly embarrassed.
Clearing his throat politely, Ember greeted them with a warm smile.
"Maria! It's nice to see you again, and I also extend my greetings to you, Aunty Martha," he said, bowing slightly to show respect before turning his attention fully to Maria.
Fufu, Maria responded with an unabashed grin, leaning forward slightly.
"Ember! Can you see just how capable Jason is? He has already impregnated me, and I am expecting a little junior Maria soon!" she said proudly, her words bold and shameless, leaving little to the imagination.
"Ouch!" Maria cried loudly, hopping slightly as Martha smacked her again, though still gently due to her pregnancy.
Martha's eyes narrowed, and she scolded her daughter, "Do you have no shame at all, girl?! Why do you keep spouting this nonsense in public? Really, this is completely inappropriate! Goddess Aurora, I must say this is all your fault!"
Martha glanced at Aurora with a sharp glare.
Aurora, however, looked utterly innocent, tilting her head slightly with a soft smile.
"But all I did was introduce her to the Heavenly Way~," she replied innocently, as if she had done nothing wrong, which only made Martha huff in disbelief.
Maria, completely unabashed, nodded vigorously and added with pride, "Indeed! I am a woman of culture! And I must dominate my man!"
Her words, delivered with the utmost seriousness, drew a collective sigh from the villagers who were watching.
They had expected that marriage might tame her, that she would become more reserved, but alas, Maria's boldness and shameless confidence had not diminished one bit.
They shook their heads quietly, muttering among themselves, resigned to her unchanging antics.
The villagers of Shawn, being local and well-accustomed to the Goddess and her unique students, didn't openly say anything.
They simply accepted it as another part of life in the village.
However, Ember knew that if outsiders from other regions were to overhear such statements, they would likely find her words scandalous, indecent, and possibly question her honour.
"Do not worry, Miss Martha," Ember said with a calm smirk, giving a small wink in her direction.
"I am confident that Maria will change naturally. After all, with being a great mother comes great responsibility."
His tone carried a subtle wisdom, hinting at the transformation that parenthood inevitably brings.
Martha's expression softened at his words, and she nodded approvingly, a small smile forming on her lips.
She knew all too well how challenging it was to raise a child, and she understood that once Maria truly experienced motherhood, she would inevitably grow more mature and responsible.
Maria shuddered slightly, glancing nervously between Ember and her mother, feeling a wave of panic at the implications of his words.
Her eyes then darted to the Goddess for help, hoping for some intervention.
Aurora, however, simply gave her a look of quiet pity.
Her gaze seemed to convey an understanding that transcended words—an awareness of how motherhood could change a woman's priorities and mindset, despite the fact that Aurora herself had never experienced having a child in her million-year-long life as a Goddess.
Maria could only gulp, realizing that the gentle yet firm judgment from both Ember and Aurora left her little room to argue.
"Anyway! Prepare for the party, everyone!" Aurora exclaimed, her voice filled with joy and excitement.
The villagers erupted in cheers, clapping their hands and shouting in delight at the announcement.
Ember smiled warmly at their enthusiasm.
Though he had witnessed grand celebrations countless times in his life as a prince, the happiness of these villagers struck him differently.
They were overjoyed not because he was a prince or held some lofty title, but because they knew him as Tet—their friend, their protector, and a familiar presence in their lives. T
hat genuine sense of connection made their reactions feel far more meaningful than any royal spectacle he had ever experienced.
The celebration that evening was nothing short of magnificent.
Lights were strung across the village square, the scent of roasted meats and baked goods filled the air, and music echoed warmly through the streets.
Ember mingled with the villagers, sharing laughter, stories, and the occasional playful jest.
Everywhere he looked, smiles and excitement radiated from the crowd, giving him a profound sense of belonging he rarely felt outside of Altena.
Meanwhile, at the village entrance, Jason and Marthon stood watch, their eyes reluctantly observing the lively festivities from afar.
Both men could not hide the pang of jealousy they felt, their expressions a mix of frustration and longing.
"Damn… I want to join in so badly," Jason muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with unshed tears, his hands gripping the edge of the post they were stationed at.
Marthon nodded solemnly, nearly fighting back his own emotions.
"Alas, as men, we have responsibilities. Our duty is to ensure the safety of the village, even if it means missing out on the fun," he replied, his tone resolute yet tinged with melancholy.
Alongside them, several other adventurers of the Aurora Familia stood in formation, maintaining the night watch.
They too felt the sting of envy as the cold night air bit at them, their breaths visible in the darkness, while the majority of the villagers below reveled in the festivities celebrating Ember's triumphant return. The laughter, music, and clinking of glasses carried faintly to the guards, a reminder that the world has never been fair.
To be continued…
💬 (A/N: Support the Author!)
Hey everyone! 💖
If you're enjoying my stories, check out my Re:Zero fanfic — Re:Zero: The Great Sage!
You can also join my Membership Program to get early chapters, exclusive stories, and cool illustrations!
🌟 Membership Tiers
💠 $2.5 — Trial Tier
You'll receive:
5 advance chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
3 advance chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
3 advance chapters of Versatile Mage: Infinite Resources.
5 advance chapters of In Mushoku Tensei With Unique Skill Great Sage
💎 $5 — Respected Member
12 advance chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
7 advance chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
7 advance chapters of Pride if Alternative
12 advance chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with Unique Skill Great Sage.
Exclusive Illustrations unseen by the public
Discord Role — gain entry to the inner sanctum of Akros Zero's followers
🔥 $10 — Loyal Member
20 advance chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
15 advance chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
All available advance chapters of Pride if Alternative
20 advance chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with Unique Skill Great Sage.
5 advance chapters of the Wives Reboot.
All Available chapters of the Sloth if: Starting life in another world from zero
Exclusive Illustrations unseen by the public
Discord Role — gain entry to the inner sanctum of Akros Zero's followers
👑 $15 — Royal Member (Sold Out!)
30 advance chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
25 advance chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
All available advance chapters of Pride if Alternative
All available chapters chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with Unique Skill Great Sage.
All available advance chapters of the Wives Reboot.
All Available chapters of the Sloth if: Starting life in another world from zero
Exclusive Illustrations unseen by the public
Discord Role — gain entry to the inner sanctum of Akros Zero's followers
💫 $20 — Mommy Minerva's Sugar Child (Sold Out!)
35 advance chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
All available advance chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
All available advance chapters of Pride if Alternative
All available chapters chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with Unique Skill Great Sage.
All available advance chapters of the Wives Reboot.
All Available chapters of the Sloth if: Starting life in another world from zero
Exclusive Illustrations unseen by the public
Discord Role — gain entry to the inner sanctum of Akros Zero's followers
⚔️ $30 — King Arthur Tier(Sold Out)
All previous perks
Special small animated scenes from my fanfics
My eternal thanks 🙏)
https://discord.gg/Xb47VnFUpQ