When Paul arrived at the ladies' camp a while later and told them what happened, they were all furious.
Not only were their man and sisters insulted, but he was even wounded.
The ladies wanted to go back and teach the women from the Yuki clan a lesson, but Paul stopped them.
-You can't defeat them.
The one I fought with is at a sorcerer stage already, while her mother is at the magus stage.
-You took one of them down alone.
Natalie argued.
-That's only because I'm an arch mage and my mana is way purer than that of most people; otherwise, there is no way I'd win against her.
As for her mother, I'd have at most a ten percent chance to win with her, and that's if I'm lucky.
Hearing his words, the ladies changed their minds.
Since he could not defeat that woman, they had no chance, even in a group.
-So what's the plan now?
Do we stay here for the night?
Anna asked, hoping that they wouldn't, since she wanted to get back as soon as possible.
-We will stay here and go back tomorrow.
Paul answered after a moment.
Not that he didn't want to go back as soon as possible, but he was tired after what happened, and even if they moved out at this moment, there was no way for them to arrive at the Storm Wave City before nightfall.
Moreover, it was safer to stay where they were, since there were a lot of people returning from the capital camping around that area.
Once he explained to them why he wanted to stay, they agreed, but they were not happy about it.
That night, they held watch as usual, just in case; besides, they all understood that in the upper realms they would most likely travel a lot, and there it would not be as calm as here, so it was a good idea to get used to it.
The next morning, they left after breakfast, using the transportation spells.
With the combination of spells and walking, they arrived at Storm Wave city in the afternoon.
They were a bit tired, but happy to return.
Paul sent the ladies to the mansion, while he went to visit his aunt and get Rina, Rin, and Ran.
Liu Lili welcomed him back happily, asking him about the events in the Capitol.
As he was telling her everything, Xiao Su also came and even hugged him.
Both ladies were pissed when he told them about the women from the Yuki clan.
-These guys are always arrogant and unreasonable.
Xiao Su said as he finished speaking.
-True, but your father owes a favor to their patriarch, so I won't be surprised if they come back with him, especially since it looks like they want something from Paul.
Liu Lili said, as pissed as her daughter.
-Be that as it may, I don't have to agree to anything, and truth be told, I'd rather avoid seeing them.
Paul said, with a dark expression.
-It's not surprising after what they did to you.
Lili said.
She understood that he was pissed at them, and she could not blame him for it after hearing the whole story.
However, she doubted that the Yuki clan would simply take no for an answer.
Soon they ended this topic, and Paul informed them about the rewards from the emperor that he, Natalie, and Xiao Han had received.
Both ladies were a bit stunned to hear that Xiao Han had received a count title and a small fortune to boot.
The money was not important to them, as they were already wealthy enough.
However, the status that came with the higher noble status was a different matter.
-Oh, he is going to be insufferable for a while when he returns.
Liu Lili giggled, while her daughter didn't look too happy.
-Does that mean I need to get more etiquette lessons and other stuff?
She asked, hoping that wasn't the case since she hated to learn these things.
Seeing her, Paul was reminded of Alice, who also hated school and lessons.
Luckily for her, that was unnecessary, so she heaved a sigh of relief.
After some more talking, Paul excused himself, and the ladies didn't mind, since they were sure he was tired after all he'd been through during the last few weeks.
Rina, Rin, and Ran were waiting for him at the entrance, already packed and ready to go back.
They had a good time at the province lord's mansion and learned a lot from other maids and servants, but they wanted to go back to their own mansion, and they missed Paul and the rest of the ladies.
As soon as they arrived, all the ladies hugged them, and before anyone knew it, they were sitting in the dining room catching up on their experiences during the last weeks.
Paul left them to it since there was a servant from the Yang family waiting for him.
He was surprised when Anna told him about it, since the time he had was not up yet.
-Welcome back, Lord Marshal, and I apologize for disturbing you right after you returned, but there was an accident, and my mistress requires your presence as soon as possible.
Hearing that, Paul informed the ladies and went with the servant.
-What happened?
He asked as they went.
-Four days ago, one of the servant girls accidentally touched one of the needles and soaked the device you placed on Madam's neck with water, when she panicked about it.
Since then, Madam has been in constant pain.
The servant explained.
-Master, invited another healer, since you were not in the city, but she refused to touch this case when it was explained to her.
The girl added.
-Good, at least she has some common sense.
Paul commented.
It was a good thing that the other healer didn't move anything, since it might have worsened Madam Yang's state.
-Young man, you finally returned.
Yang Feng said with relief visible on his face.
-Sorry it took so long.
Paul apologized as he was led to Madam Yang's room.
-No need to apologize, a mobilization is unavoidable unless there is a special case like mine, so you had no choice in the matter.
The patriarch shook his head.
-The moment she saw Paul enter her room, Madam Yang felt a bit of hope that this pain would soon end.
Not waiting, Paul immediately used the diagnostic technique to see what was going on.
When he saw the reason for the pain Madam Yang felt, he sighed in relief.
-Thankfully, the spell was not damaged.
He said, trying to reassure the patient and her family.
-Then why does it hurt so much?
Madam Yang asked, through clenched teeth.
-The needle was moved slightly, making it press on a part of the spinal cord it should not be even touching, that's why it hurts.
Paul said while delicately correcting the needle to its correct position.
As soon as the needle was back to where it should be, the pain disappeared, and a moment later, Madam Yang fell asleep.
-She had no sleep for the last four days, because of the pain.
Yang Feng said, while sighing in relief.
-Then let's let her rest.
Besides, there is nothing more that I can do for now.
Paul said as they left the room.
-Also, please tell the servants to be more careful around the neural bridge.
He added as the patriarch closed the door to his wife's bedroom behind them.
-I'll make sure they know.
-Good, if there are any more problems, contact me.
Paul smiled.
-I will.
Now, how much do I owe you for this visit?
Yang Feng asked, sure that this time Paul would charge him.
-Lord Yang, I said it before, I don't take payment for an incomplete treatment.
This is no different, as what happened was simply an accident.
Paul answered calmly.
-Now, if you excuse me, I need to return to my cultivation, if I'm to finish the treatment any time soon.
The young man excused himself and left.
The Yang family's patriarch personally walked him to the gate, thanking for his assistance again and again.