EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC41: Second Circle
Chapter 41: Second Circle
Lorraine closed the door of her room behind her and turned the lock until she heard the faint click.
Only then did she allow herself to breathe out and lean against it, shoulders sagging with exhaustion.
The tray she had served her father earlier had already been cleared away, and she'd dropped off Azel's food too.
Now, finally, she was alone.
She crossed the small space in a few steps and collapsed face-first onto the bed.
It was soft.
Softer than anything she'd slept on in months — no, longer than that.
The mattress practically swallowed her weight, its clean sheets cool against her cheek.
For the first time in what felt like forever, she could almost pretend she was back in her old room in Aegis, surrounded by silken drapes and gilded windows.
Almost.
She rolled onto her back, staring blankly at the wooden ceiling above her.
It had been eight months since they fled Aegis.
Eight long, grueling months since her aunt's coup shattered everything she'd ever known.
Eight months since she and her father had barely managed to escape with their lives, leaving behind their home, their name, and every shred of comfort they'd once taken for granted.
Starbloom was different, yes, but it wasn't better.
The same rules applied here as they did back home: no one helped unless they wanted something.
Trust was currency.
And trust was always spent at a loss.
Her father had drilled that lesson into her since she was young.
She closed her eyes.
She remembered when she was little, wandering the halls of their mansion with books clutched to her chest.
She'd always dreamed of exploring beyond those walls — of the bustling streets and open skies she'd only ever read about.
The outside world had seemed so thrilling then, so free.
But when she'd finally gotten her wish, when she and her father had been driven out and forced to survive beyond the safety of their estate, with the countless attempts on their lives, the romance of it all evaporated.
The world wasn't kind.
It was sharp-edged and merciless.
She wanted nothing more than to go back, back to those days when her biggest worry was whether her tutor would praise her spellwork.
Instead, she and her father spent months scraping by — job after job, barely making enough ares to keep them fed.
She'd studied harder than she ever had in her life, pouring over magic texts late into the night, until her hands cramped and her eyes burned.
She'd carved her first mana circle through sheer grit and willpower, piecing together the theory she'd once learned as idle amusement.
All of it just to be strong enough to survive.
Her acceptance letter to Astralis Academy had been her single shining victory.
A promise of a future — a stipend, an education, a path forward.
If she could claw her way to the top ten, she could finally support her father properly.
She'd done all of this alone.
Alone.
And then Azel appeared.
She bit her lip, fingers curling into the bedsheets.
He'd said they were the same age, but it didn't feel that way.
He was composed, absurdly capable, terrifyingly strong.
His aura control alone put him leagues above even some seasoned adventurers she'd seen back in her homeland.
And then, without hesitation, he'd offered her the Shadow Wraith's core — a Rank 4 monster's heart, something that could take her months to earn on her own.
Why?
She didn't understand him.
People didn't help without wanting something in return.
Not in this world.
Yet every time she braced for his angle — his demand, his price for the help, it never came.
Her hand drifted toward the nightstand, where the crystal rested.
It gleamed faintly in the dark, its light soft and alive, like moonlight caught in glass.
He said, take it if you want, leave it if you don't.
She exhaled sharply through her nose, almost laughing at herself.
Rude.
That's what she'd been.
Rude and suspicious.
And yet he'd brushed it off without anger, without resentment.
"Idiot," she murmured, sitting up. "I'll apologize tomorrow."
But tonight? Tonight she had work to do.
She swung her legs off the bed, and sat down in the middle of the room.
If she was going to reclaim her clan, dethrone her aunt, and take back everything she'd lost, she couldn't waste a single opportunity.
Her aunt was already at the Fifth Circle — a monster of a mage.
Lorraine wasn't even at her second.
She clenched her fists.
'I need more power.'
Taking the crystal in both hands, she studied its glow one last time.
It pulsed faintly, almost like it was breathing.
"...Alright," she whispered.
She poured mana into it. The surface resisted at first, hard as stone, but then —
Crack.
It shattered like brittle glass.
In an instant, mana flooded into her.
It roared through her veins like a raging river, a tide so forceful she gasped aloud, knees shaking.
Her grip tightened, fingers digging into her thighs as she grounded herself.
'So this... this is Rank 4...?'
Her mind sharpened, instincts taking over.
She guided the surge toward her heart, into her existing circle.
It thrummed violently, swollen to its limits, glowing brighter and brighter until —
Pulse.
The circle shrunk and stabilized, bursting with energy.
At the same time, a black liquid seeped from her pores, foul-smelling and viscous, staining her skin.
She barely registered it, too focused on harnessing the residual mana to begin the painful next step.
The second circle.
She gritted her teeth, drawing in breath through clenched jaws.
The process was agony.
It felt like carving runes directly into her soul, etching them in burning lines of light across her chest.
Sweat beaded on her forehead.
Her nails dug crescent marks into her palms.
Every inch of her screamed at her to stop.
But she didn't.
She couldn't.
Minutes stretched like hours, but finally —
Pulse.
The second circle locked into place, faintly glowing beneath her skin.
Her mana flow shifted dramatically, smoother, stronger, like a river channeled into wide new paths.
Her reserves doubled, tripled even.
Spells she'd once labored over now seemed like they'd form effortlessly.
Lorraine exhaled, trembling.
She looked down at the black residue smeared across her arms and hands, wrinkling her nose at the stench.
Impurities.
The texts had mentioned this: the body purging its flaws, refining itself with each rank.
It was disgusting, but she smiled anyway.
Her skin already felt smoother beneath the grime, her senses sharper.
A mage's lifespan even lengthened with each breakthrough.
Tears pricked at her eyes.
She hadn't cried in months, not since they'd fled, but now —
"Thank you..." she whispered, voice cracking.
Her fingers tightened around nothing.
"...Thank you so much."
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC42: Spinning The Wheel
Chapter 42: Spinning The Wheel
If there was one thing Azel hated to the deepest pit of his heart — something that transcended frustration and veered straight into a kind of primal rage...
it was a Gacha wheel.
Years of gaming had taught him this one universal truth: nothing good ever came from trusting your luck.
He'd been through this dance before.
Hours of grinding for currency, the anticipation of finally earning that one big pull... only to get trash items over and over until his willpower cracked.
He still remembered the time he'd nearly smashed his old console into the floor out of sheer fury.
No matter what he did — different console, different account, it didn't matter.
It was always the same outcome: despair.
Azel scowled at the glowing wheel in front of him, the faint hum of its magic reminding him all too much of those cursed games.
He could handle literally anything the game world could throw at him, anything except for Gachas.
"Why do I even bother?" he muttered.
He shoveled the last few bites of Lorraine's food into his mouth, chewing mechanically.
As an aura user, he didn't even need to eat all that often — his body could run off aura for weeks, even months if necessary.
But there were two reasons he didn't: first, food tasted good, and second, why deny himself the one simple pleasure he had left?
He set the empty plate aside and pulled up the Fate Wheel interface again.
[40 Fate Tickets]
[Would you like to see the rules for spinning the Fate Wheel?]
"Rules? For spinning a damn wheel?" Azel raised a brow but sighed. "Sure. Why not?"
The interface shifted.
[Welcome to The Fate Wheel, where every spin is bound by luck and fate.]
Azel nearly scoffed aloud.
Luck? Yeah, that was a joke.
If his luck were a person, he would have strangled it to death years ago.
And he wasn't even joking, perhaps his luck in Gachas was coming to the real world, maybe this was why he was having a lot of unfortunate encounters today.
[The Fate Wheel operates on two types of tickets:
Fate Tickets: Initiate the regular spin, with rewards ranging from FFF Rank to SSS Rank.
Golden Tickets: Unlock the Hidden Fate Wheel, guaranteeing rewards of A Rank or higher.]
Azel's brows shot up. "Now that's more like it..."
He would rather get golden tickets than risk 40 spins on the fate spin, with his luck, he would be getting trash items everytime.
[You may convert 20 Fate Tickets into 1 Golden Ticket.]
He stared at his 40 tickets and felt no hesitation whatsoever.
"Convert them. Two golden tickets — let's go."
The wheel morphed instantly.
Gold replaced its previous bronze sheen, glowing with runes he couldn't even decipher.
Strangely, the sections were sealed off, blank spaces hiding their prizes.
No teasing glimpses of possible rewards, no flashy icons.
Just mystery.
[Would you like to spin the Hidden Fate Wheel?]
"Yes," Azel said, already bracing himself.
The wheel spun.
At first, it turned slowly, but then its speed climbed until it blurred into a streak of light.
The soft hum deepened into a resonant buzz, vibrating faintly in the room as the arrow whirred around in dizzying circles.
Finally, after a few long seconds, it slowed... and stopped.
[Congratulations! You have obtained: Box of Children's Clothes (A Rank).]
Azel blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then...
"FUCKING SCAM!"
The roar ripped out of him before he could stop himself, loud enough to shake the rafters.
From the bed, Lillia jolted awake with a squeak, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
"Papa?" she mumbled, voice small and muzzy. "Did we... get attacked?"
Azel slapped a hand over his face and groaned. "No, sweetheart. False alarm."
With a flick of his wrist, he pulled the prize from his inventory.
A box materialized midair, gently lowering itself onto the floor with a faint shimmer.
[Item: Box of Children's Clothes]
[Rank: A]
[Description:
A carefully woven collection of thirty enchanted outfits for young girls. Resistant to flame, immune to water, untouched by blade or claw — they are garments forged to endure both play and peril, wrapping their wearer in comfort and unyielding protection.]
Lillia's eyes widened as the box opened on its own, revealing neatly folded dresses and tunics in a spectrum of colors: soft blues, gentle pinks, warm yellows.
Her small hands clutched the edge of the box, fingers trembling with wonder.
"Papa... these are... for me?"
Azel crouched beside her, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. You could use some new clothes, right?"
He didn't get to say more before she launched herself into his arms, tiny arms looping around his neck.
"Thank you, Papa! I love you!"
Her giggle rang out like a bell, and Azel couldn't stop the chuckle that bubbled up in his chest.
He hugged her tight, resting his chin on her soft pink hair.
[Ding!]
[Bond: 30 → 70]
'...She's so damn cute.'
For a fleeting moment, all thoughts of his "terrible pull" vanished.
He could live with this.
Lillia squirmed free only long enough to pull out a pale lavender dress from the box, hugging it to her chest like a treasure.
Within minutes, she was yawning again, curling against him as he tucked her beneath the blankets.
Azel smoothed her hair down, his fingers brushing against the warmth of her small hand.
"Sleep well, princess."
"'Kay..." she mumbled, already half gone, her tiny fingers clutching his sleeve even as she drifted off.
He sat there for a while, just watching her breathe.
Peaceful.
Untouched by the world's filth.
And he would keep it like that... she deserved it.
Then he exhaled and pulled the interface back up.
"Alright. One more spin. Let's see what else you've got for me."
The wheel shimmered again, golden and inscrutable.
He pressed his hand to it, initiating the second spin.
Once more, it whirred faster and faster until it blurred out of sight.
His heartbeat picked up — not because of hope, but because of that masochistic thrill he knew too well from every gacha he'd ever hated.
Slower... slower... and stop.
He looked at the item he received, he blinked once, blinked twice then dismissed the screen.
He couldn't even be angry.
He turned off the runic lights and tucked himself into bed.
Before long Azel was fast asleep.
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC43: Breakfast
Chapter 43: Breakfast
The morning began with the scent of freshly cooked food filling the inn's common room.
Lorraine moved with practiced ease, placing steaming plates of breakfast on the wooden table.
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, warm light pooling across the floorboards.
Today marked another step in their journey.
After breakfast, they would pack their things and continue down the road.
If everything went smoothly, they would reach Starbloom City in just two more days.
Lorraine's heart fluttered faintly at the thought.
Two more days.
Her father, Gerome, settled himself into a chair, studying her face with keen eyes.
His brow furrowed slightly.
"Is it just me," he said slowly, "or do you look... more beautiful than you did yesterday?"
Lorraine hesitated, her cheeks coloring faintly under his scrutiny.
She knew what he meant. After her breakthrough last night, she had noticed the change too.
Her skin seemed to glow with new vitality, her hair had grown thicker and silkier, and her features were sharper, more defined.
She could almost feel the mana flowing through her veins like liquid sunlight.
"I advanced to the Second Circle last night," she said softly, placing a plate of food in front of him. "Sir Azel gave me the Shadow Wraith's core."
Gerome blinked, visibly impressed. "Already? That's... fast."
She nodded. "It was thanks to him."
Gerome leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Azel had helped them more during yesterday than most people had in their entire lives.
The money, the lodging, the Shadow Wraith... and now a gift strong enough to push his daughter to the Second Circle.
As much as Gerome wanted to believe Azel was simply being kind, part of him couldn't help but be wary.
"He's helping us quite a lot," Gerome said carefully.
His voice hinted at suspicion, though not outright accusation. "Almost too much."
Lorraine didn't argue. She, too, had wondered why.
Still, she prepared two more plates — one for Azel, and one for... the little girl with intense magical pressure.
She wanted to know where the girl came from.
But before she could question it, the door creaked open.
"Papa! You should let me do your hair more often!"
The voice was bright and bubbly, and a moment later, the source appeared: Lillia.
She was perched happily in Azel's arms, her pink hair gleaming in the sunlight.
Azel followed, looking tired but composed, his long silver hair now tied neatly into a ponytail.
Clearly, Lillia's handiwork.
"You've already done enough," Azel sighed, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Besides, don't you want to eat?"
"I'm totally hungry!" Lillia declared, throwing her arms up dramatically.
Lorraine blinked, taking in the sight of the girl.
She was even more beautiful than yesterday and instead of the plain black dress, she was wearing a lavender dress that made her look like a pretty doll.
Even Gerome's brows lifted faintly, though he wisely said nothing.
Azel settled into his chair, Lillia perched neatly in his lap.
He greeted them both casually.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," Lorraine replied smoothly, masking her curiosity.
His life was none of her concern didn't mean she wasn't interested about it.
Gerome only gave a nod. His gaze lingered briefly on the pink-haired girl, but he said nothing.
Neither asked the question burning at their lips: Who is she, really?
Instead, Azel spoon-fed Lillia with patient care, as though this were the most natural thing in the world.
The girl ate happily, kicking her legs lightly beneath the table.
When she finally pushed the plate away, she let out an innocent little burp.
Azel chuckled, gently patting her head. "What did I tell you about burping, huh?"
Lillia giggled and ducked her head sheepishly, and Lorraine found herself staring despite herself.
'He's... good with her,' she admitted inwardly.
The image of Azel — stoic, silver-haired, deadly with a sword feeding a small child like a doting father was strangely disarming.
Didn't that make him a good father? That earned a lot of points in her books.
As he continued, Azel's thoughts drifted.
'I need more missions. A whole lot of fate tickets. The wheel's been good so far despite my bad luck with Gachas, and I need everything I can get... especially for her.'
His mind flashed briefly to the item he'd won last night.
[Item: The Witch's Wand]
[Rank: S]
[Description]
[Once wielded by one of the greatest magi ever to grace the Delmarva Continent, this wand hums with a life of its own. Playful, mischievous, and dangerously potent, it awaits the hands of a master worthy of its secrets.]
Azel smiled faintly to himself.
The timing was perfect. This wand had belonged to that witch — from the same game Lillia had come from.
Fate itself seemed to be aligning their paths.
When breakfast ended, Azel set his utensils down and turned to Lorraine.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough," he said simply.
Lorraine blinked at him, startled.
She hadn't expected him to notice, let alone comment on it.
"How does it feel?" he asked, leaning casually back in his chair.
Her face went pink almost immediately. "I... feel amazing," she admitted, her voice quiet. "Like my mana's doubled, like I could cast twice as fast as before. Thank you for the core, Sir Azel. Truly."
He waved her off. "No need to thank me. Instead... I want a favor from you."
Both Lorraine and Gerome stiffened. This was it — the first time Azel had openly asked for something.
Lorraine swallowed nervously. "A... favor?"
Azel nodded, smiling faintly. "Yeah. I want you to teach magic... to Lillia."
For a heartbeat, silence reigned.
"W-what?" Lorraine blinked, staring at him.
Even Gerome looked dumbfounded.
From Azel's lap, Lillia's head popped up.
"Magic?"
"Yes, sweetheart," Azel said, brushing her hair back. "You're smart — just like your papa. I think you'll be a natural."
He KNEW she would be one, after all she was a magician genius.
Lorraine looked between them both, speechless.
Lillia was young — far younger than most anybody began formal training.
But... there was something about her.
Her mana.
The sheer weight of it.
Lorraine remembered it vividly from last night.
The aura rolling off the girl had been enough to make even her heart skip a beat.
Though it had vanished now, that feeling still nagged her.
Slowly, a small smile tugged at Lorraine's lips.
"Very well," she said finally, bowing her head slightly. "If that's what you wish... I'll teach her."
Lillia clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling. "Yay!"
Azel smirked, reaching over to pat Lorraine lightly on the shoulder. "Knew you'd agree. Don't underestimate my daughter."
Lorraine snickered softly despite herself, her earlier tension melting away.
She was thankful that he wasn't angry at her.
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC44: Return To Starbloom City
Chapter 44: Return To Starbloom City
The next two days passed in a blur of travel and routine.
Lorraine had expected teaching Lillia magic to be slow and painstaking, but instead, it was terrifyingly effortless.
The girl was a natural, gifted, talented.... Words alone couldn't describe how much of a prodigy she was with magic.
With just a single demonstration, Lillia would replicate a spell near-flawlessly, her tiny fingers weaving mana patterns in the air as if she had been born doing it.
It looked like she understood magic completely, even Lorraine hadn't reached that level because nobody truly understood what magic was, it was said that you could only start grasping what magic truly was when you reached the 6th circle.
And when you truly gasped the meaning of magic, you would be able to perform high level spells that could lay waste to towns in a single attack.
One could reach the level of an Archmage... so yes, Lorraine was jealous of the fact that the girl learned quickly but it also pushed her, She didn't want to lose to the girl.
After all she had already decided, she wanted to be a mage that Azel could trust on the field of battle... She would aim to reach that before she could stand alongside him.
"Again?" Lorraine asked after watching the girl cast a Flame Whip spell perfectly on her second attempt.
"Yes, Mama!" Lillia chirped innocently.
Lorraine's cheeks flushed at the title, but she didn't correct her.
She couldn't deny it: this child was frighteningly gifted.
Most children her age could barely sense mana, let alone manipulate it with this level of precision.
Lillia's single mana circle burned like a star within her, overflowing with raw power that even seasoned mages would envy.
Meanwhile, Azel hunted.
Monsters prowled along their route to Starbloom — Rank 5 wolves, Rank 5 stone-armored bears, even a swarm of biting insectoid creatures that moved like a tide.
Azel dispatched them with brutal efficiency, his blade glowing with aura as he racked up more Fate Tickets from each kill.
Though Fate Points still only came from missions, the steady influx of tickets was satisfying.
Even though it was one ticket for so many kills... he had to use the fate wheel again.
Every spin brought him closer to his goal: another Summoning Card.
If he could pull another summon — maybe even a warrior, he could teach them the Dragon Saint Style and forge a living contingency plan.
He could almost see it now: himself, Lillia, Lorraine, and a loyal summon by their side.
A small, deadly unit.
His lips curved slightly.
By the morning of the third day, the walls of Starbloom City finally rose on the horizon.
Even from a distance, they were awe-inspiring: towering fortifications adorned with ornate sigils and polished white stone.
Mana cannons gleamed atop the battlements, aimed outward toward the wildlands.
Soldiers patrolled the walls in perfect formations, their armor flashing beneath the sunlight.
The closer they came, the busier the road grew.
Carriages and travelers crowded the path, merchants calling out their wares, guards barking orders to keep the lines orderly.
Gerome clicked his tongue as they rolled into formation, joining the long queue leading to the gates.
"Once we reach the checkpoint," he said, turning to Azel, "the guards will check identification. Sometimes they'll just verify and wave us through. Other times..."
"They demand a bribe," Azel finished dryly. Surprisingly it was exactly how it worked in the game so he wasn't surprised.
Gerome gave a wry nod. "Exactly. Starbloom's gates aren't cheap unless you know the right people."
Azel's crimson eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't reply.
When they reached the checkpoint, a broad-shouldered guard lumbered over.
His armor strained around his belly, his gait sluggish from years of indulgence.
Gerome exhaled sharply, already familiar with the man and his tendencies.
"I'm a hired driver," Gerome said smoothly, gesturing toward the carriage. "My client wishes to enter Starbloom."
The fat guard nodded lazily, but his expression twisted faintly — disdain flickering at the edges of his features.
He barely hid it.
Lorraine stiffened, her hands clenched around her skirt.
She'd seen that look countless times since leaving Aegis.
Here the sight of people with dark skin was rare, while some were fascinated, others hated it.
Then the guard stepped toward the carriage window and leaned in.
His eyes met Azel's.
Everything froze.
The guard's pupils widened, his breath catching in his throat.
The man looked as though he'd seen a ghost — or rather, a specter from his past.
Azel's face had changed a lot but that wasn't the most of the changes, he now had long silver hair tied into a neat ponytail, sharp crimson eyes gleaming with quiet confidence, and that aura of a swordsman..
The guard knew that aura.
Four years ago — no, closer to five, he had stood near the arena, looking at the small event from the garden
He had watched a young Azel dismantle the Crown Prince in a duel that shocked the royal family themselves.
The memory was burned into his mind: the effortless precision, the sheer skill.
And afterward, the order came.
The Second Empress herself decreed that any knight stationed near the gates who saw Azel Everhart return must treat him with utmost respect and deliver him to the palace without delay.
She paid them double — sometimes triple or even quadruple their stipend to ensure this.
Now, here he was.
Lillia tugged lightly on Azel's sleeve. "Papa? Who's that guy?"
Azel tilted his head slightly. "No idea," he said flatly.
He genuinely didn't know this guy, was it someone he was supposed to know?
The fat guard swallowed hard and spun around, barking orders to the other sentries.
"Clear the way! Move those carriages aside!"
The other guards blinked in surprise. "Sir? What—?"
"Do it!" he roared. "Sir Azel has returned!"
The name rippled through the checkpoint like wildfire.
Carriages scrambled aside, merchants pulled their goods back, and soldiers snapped to attention.
Within moments, the once-crowded line split cleanly in two, opening a direct path straight into the city.
Gerome stared, jaw slack.
Lorraine's brow furrowed, confusion flashing in her eyes.
Even Lillia tilted her head curiously.
Two guards approached the carriage — a portly one and a wiry, sharp-faced man who looked far more disciplined.
Both bowed low, their armor clinking.
"Welcome back to the capital, Sir Azel," they said in unison, their voices laced with deference.
Azel leaned casually against the window frame, crimson eyes unreadable.
Since when had he become a celebrity?
He didn't miss the way Lorraine and Gerome were staring at him like he'd sprouted wings.
Inside, Lillia gasped softly, tugging his sleeve again. "Papa... are you a prince?"
Azel chuckled lightly, brushing her hair back. "I'm not..."
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC45: Goodbye
Chapter 45: Goodbye
The carriage wheels clattered softly against the paved stone road, their steady rhythm filling the quiet air as two guards flanked them on horseback.
One was the fat knight who had nearly fallen over himself at the sight of Azel, and the other was his sharp-eyed, wiry companion.
Both rode with a sense of formality now, their posture rigid, every glance toward Azel carrying a faint reverence.
Lorraine, however, could hardly sit still.
Her brow furrowed, her fingers tapping lightly against her thigh.
Finally, she leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Azel.
"Why is it such a big deal that you came back to the capital?" she asked, her tone sharper than she intended.
Her cheeks puffed slightly, an unconscious habit she had whenever she felt frustrated or curious.
And if Azel had to admit, it looked cute on her.
Azel glanced at her calmly, his expression unreadable.
He gently adjusted Lillia, who was seated on his lap, her small hands tugging at the ends of his silver ponytail absentmindedly.
The truth was simple.
Too simple, in fact.
The fat guard chuckled at her question and turned his head. "You really didn't know?"
Lorraine blinked. "Know what?"
The guard grinned as if he were about to reveal some grand secret. "Azel is the son of the Sword Saint."
The words dropped like a thunderclap inside the carriage.
Lorraine and Gerome froze, exchanging looks of disbelief.
Lorraine instinctively raised a hand to her forehead, fighting the urge to smack herself.
"Of course," she muttered. "That explains... everything."
Azel didn't deny it.
He just shrugged casually, as though it were the most mundane fact in the world.
His swordsmanship.
His aura.
His overwhelming presence. It all clicked into place like the last piece of a puzzle.
Lorraine slumped back against the seat with a faint groan.
No wonder he was so terrifyingly skilled.
He had been trained by the strongest swordsman alive — the current Sword Saint himself.
Gerome exhaled deeply, shaking his head with a low whistle.
"You could've mentioned that sooner," he muttered under his breath.
Azel smirked faintly but didn't reply.
Lillia tilted her head and tugged lightly on his collar. "Papa, what's a Sword Saint?"
"It's just someone really good with a sword," Azel replied, ruffling her pink hair gently.
She beamed at his answer, satisfied.
As the gates of Starbloom City finally opened to them, the sheer scale of the capital unveiled itself in breathtaking detail.
The carriage rolled past towering walls inlaid with enchanted runes that shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
Within, gleaming spires rose toward the sky, their crystalline surfaces glinting like polished jewels.
Bustling streets lined with shops and colorful banners stretched far and wide, packed with citizens from all walks of life — merchants shouting over their stalls, adventurers haggling over weapons, children darting through alleys with laughter trailing behind them.
Mana lights floated in the air like tiny stars, illuminating every corner with soft brilliance.
Lorraine couldn't help but stare in awe.
For someone who had once been confined to her family's estate and later thrown into survival in foreign lands,
Starbloom felt like another world entirely.
Gerome smiled faintly at her reaction, then turned to Azel.
"Well," he said softly, "I guess this is where our paths split."
Azel nodded, his crimson gaze briefly softening.
He shifted Lillia onto his shoulders, the little girl giggling with delight as she wrapped her arms around his head.
"Thank you for everything," Azel said sincerely.
Gerome waved it off dismissively. "Think nothing of it. You paid me fair, and more than that, you kept us safe. If you ever need a driver again, I'll ride for you for free next time. No questions asked."
Azel smiled faintly. "I'll remember that."
Lorraine fidgeted in her seat, her eyes darting toward Azel as if mustering courage.
Finally, she reached into her pocket and held out a small, circular orb that glimmered faintly pink in the sunlight.
"What's this?" Azel asked, taking it into his hand.
"It's a communication crystal," she explained, her voice a little too fast, her cheeks faintly pink.
"Even if we're really far apart, when I pour mana into it, we can talk. So... don't lose it."
Azel looked down at the crystal, then back up at her flustered face. "I won't."
Lorraine's fingers twisted nervously around the hem of her dress, but she quickly pushed away her embarrassment, forcing her usual composure back into place.
"And I wanted to ask," she added after a moment, "do you have any plans to join the Astralis Academy?"
"Of course," Azel replied without hesitation. "Astralis is one of the leading academies in the entire empire. It'd be strange not to."
Of course he couldn't say that the reason he was there wae to stop the bosses that were going to appear.
Lorraine's lips curled into a smile, faint but genuine.
"Good. Then the next time we see each other like this," she said with quiet confidence, "I'll be your senior."
The thought clearly pleased her.
Azel chuckled lightly, and even Gerome grinned at his daughter's determination.
Before long, the carriage slowed to a stop at a plaza near the city's central district.
It was time.
Lorraine stepped out first, followed by Gerome.
Then Azel descended with Lillia perched happily on his shoulders, her bright pink hair bouncing in the sunlight.
Lorraine hesitated for a heartbeat, then stepped forward, surprising Azel by wrapping her arms around him in a brief hug.
Lillia giggled, leaning down to hug her "Mama" as well.
"Stay safe, alright?" Lorraine murmured.
"You too," Azel replied.
Gerome joined in, pulling all three of them into a quick but warm group embrace.
When they finally stepped back, Lorraine and Gerome climbed back into their carriage.
With a final wave, their driver cracked the reins, and the Carriage of the West rolled away, vanishing down the bustling streets without looking back.
Azel watched them go for a moment, then turned his attention forward.
Another carriage waited for him.
It was unlike any he'd seen before: its body seemed to shimmer like translucent glass, faintly glowing runes dancing across its surface, pulled by sleek, white-maned mana-steeds that exuded elegance and raw power.
The insignia of the royal crest was emblazoned on its side.
One of the guards dismounted and gestured respectfully.
"Please, young master Azel," he said, bowing slightly, "step aboard. The Second Empress is very eager to see you."
He wondered how Edna was doing... was she excited to see him after all this time?
[A/N: I'll post the last Chapter a bit later, give me a few hours, I'll go take a quick nap]
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC46: Flustered Empress
Chapter 46: Flustered Empress
The imperial library was quiet.
The towering shelves, gilded in silver trim, loomed over the Second Empress like silent sentinels.
Morning sunlight spilled in through crystalline windows, casting a beautiful glow over polished marble floors.
Rows upon rows of books lined the shelves, ancient tomes and enchanted volumes stacked neatly like a treasury of knowledge untouched by time.
Because that was what books were.
Edna sat alone at one of the carved oak tables, her fingers idly tracing the edges of an open book.
She hadn't turned a page in over ten minutes. Instead, her mind wandered elsewhere — toward him.
The distant sound of hurried footsteps and excited chatter drifted faintly from the east wing of the palace.
Her daughter and her friend, Naelia and Ira, were rushing about their rooms, preparing eagerly for Azel's arrival.
Their laughter was bright and innocent, yet it only deepened the storm within Edna's chest.
She exhaled slowly, setting down the book.
Her gaze shifted toward her reflection in the glass pane beside her.
She smoothed out her crimson gown, fingers brushing over fabric that shimmered faintly in the light.
It clung elegantly to her figure, its high slit and jeweled belt accentuating her form in a way that almost felt... dangerous.
Her raven-black hair, braided and draped over one shoulder, framed her sharp yet graceful features.
Even she had to admit, she looked seductive, like she wanted to be eat up.
Was this too much?
Perhaps she had overdone it.
Perhaps he would think she was trying too hard.
For years, Edna Starbloom had been composed, poised, a pillar of imperial grace.
Yet today? Tonight she felt like a girl again — she wae nervous, heart thrumming uncontrollably in her chest.
He had made a promise to her. She wondered how he would keep that promise, if he was strong enough...
Would he fight the Emperor for her?
Would he make himself an enemy to the empire so that he could lead her away?
Maybe they could settle down in Aegis, it wouldn't be that hard to do... Azel could probably open a store and then she could help out.
When they were done they would retire to her home and spend the night together where he would fill her to the brim with his seed...
Edna slapped her cheeks, a crimson blush painting them.
What the hell was she just thinking?
'I've been reading too much romance novels.' She thought with a sigh.
She clasped her hands together, whispering softly into the empty library.
"Azellll... when are you coming?"
Her words hung in the air, almost pitifully.
She laughed at herself under her breath. "Listen to me... like some love-struck fool."
A voice answered her.
"What are you talking about? I'm here."
Edna froze.
Her head snapped toward the sound, and there he was — leaning casually against the doorway as if he owned the place.
She hadn't even heard the door open with all that thinking.
Azel stood tall, the faint sunlight glinting off his silver hair tied neatly in a ponytail, his crimson eyes carrying that same disarming warmth that made her heart squeeze painfully.
He looked effortlessly handsome, dangerously so, and when his gaze met hers, her pulse quickened without permission.
"You—!" Her words caught in her throat. "The guards didn't even announce—"
"I ran," he interrupted smoothly, stepping closer.
His pace was unhurried, each stride confident yet unassuming.
Edna blinked. "...You ran?"
Azel yawned lightly, scratching the back of his neck. "I was too excited to waste time sitting in a carriage. So I ran straight to the castle."
Her breath hitched.
'Excited... to see me?'
It took every ounce of her imperial composure not to crumble right there.
When he finally reached her table, she noticed something else — there was a small figure in his arms.
A child, no older than seven, nestled comfortably against his chest, pink hair falling in soft waves as she dozed contentedly.
Edna blinked.
A daughter?
He just turned to an adult and he already had a daughter?
'What happened all these years?' She wondered, though her eyes drifted back to his face... He was more handsome now.
She resisted the urge to gouge out her own eyes just because of the thoughts she was having now.
Azel set her gently onto his lap as he pulled out the chair beside Edna, sitting with the ease of someone who belonged there.
"I wanted to read with you again," he said softly, his crimson gaze holding hers with unflinching sincerity. "I promised you something else last time, didn't I?"
Edna's face burned hot.
She turned away abruptly, clutching her gown to steady herself.
'What is wrong with me?' she scolded herself inwardly. 'He's the same age as Naelia, and here I am blushing like a fool!'
Before she could speak, a small, curious voice piped up.
"Papa," the girl murmured, tugging lightly on Azel's sleeve. "Is this my second mama?"
Edna blinked. "S-second mama?"
The words struck her like a thunderbolt.
Her eyes darted to Azel sharply, her heart twisting with sudden irrationality.
Azel sighed, patting the girl's head gently. "Not everyone is your mama, Lillia."
But Edna's curiosity was already piqued.
"Second mama?" she echoed. "Does that mean there's a first?"
Lillia looked at her with wide, innocent eyes and giggled.
Before Azel could reply, Edna leaned forward slightly, her lips curling into a deceptively sweet smile as she extended her arms.
"Lillia, was it? Come here, sweetheart. Let me hold you."
The girl tilted her head, then extended her arms without hesitation.
Azel passed her over, and Edna gathered her gently, the warmth of the small child settling against her chest in an oddly comforting way.
Lillia giggled, her voice bright and playful. "You're so pretty. You are my mama now!"
Edna's lips curved further, her arms tightening slightly around the girl as she shot Azel a sideways glance, mischief dancing in her eyes.
"You hear that, Azel?" she said sweetly, brushing a strand of pink hair from Lillia's face. "I'm her mama now. Her only mama."
Azel blinked, rubbing his temple. "You're already spoiling her."
Edna smirked faintly, rocking Lillia gently in her arms as if she had already accepted the role entirely.
The girl nestled against her comfortably, humming happily, while Edna's heart thrummed in ways she hadn't felt in years.
Perhaps it was the warmth of the child in her arms... or perhaps it was simply him sitting so close, crimson eyes watching her with quiet amusement.
But she was happy... genuinely happy.
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC47: Teasing
Chapter 47: Teasing
Edna knew she sounded ridiculous — no, worse than ridiculous.
She sounded like a jealous child.
And even a bit possessive.
But even so, she couldn't stop the thought circling in her head like a vulture:
Who was this woman Lillia called Mama before me?
The idea gnawed at her. It wasn't logical. It wasn't imperial.
But her chest twisted painfully at the thought of Azel being so close to another woman that his daughter would grant her that title so easily.
Her arms tightened instinctively around the pink-haired girl sitting in her lap, hugging her close.
Lillia was so warm, so soft, her giggles feather-light against Edna's ear.
The feeling was alien yet intoxicating.
'It's been so long since I felt this way,' Edna thought, almost dazed.
She was feeling... Happiness.
Actual happiness.
She loved her daughters, of course.
Watching Naelia and her sister grow strong filled her with pride, but this — this quiet warmth bubbling in her chest from Azel simply being here, this was something else entirely.
It felt like youth.
Like the young love she had read of.
Like the impossible dreams she'd abandoned when duty had bound her in chains of silk and gold.
If she'd been younger... Gods, if only she had been younger.
Maybe around Naelia's age.
Then she could have clung to Azel shamelessly, stolen every ounce of his attention, and never let go.
But she wasn't.
She was supposed to be dignified, poised — the mature one between them since she was older.
And yet, despite every ounce of restraint she'd built over the years, she found herself feeling jealous of a faceless woman she didn't even know.
"Erm... she calls every beautiful woman 'Mama,'" Azel said casually, clearly misinterpreting her silence.
Edna blinked and forced a faint chuckle, her lips curving upward in what she hoped was an effortless smile.
Of course he'd think that.
He always had this maddening ability to read her wrong at the exact right time, disarming her before she even realized it.
It had happened many times before.
Still, his words didn't truly soothe her.
If anything, they made her heart thrum harder.
Beautiful woman.
He'd called the mystery woman that, hadn't he?
Had he called her beautiful to her face yet?
Instead of answering, Edna lowered her gaze to Lillia, who peered up at her with wide, curious eyes.
"Lillia," Edna murmured softly, her voice warm but teasing, "is your first mommy prettier than me?"
The little girl tilted her head, as if the question was the most serious thing in the world.
For a brief moment, she pouted thoughtfully, and then her expression lit up with radiant joy.
"No!" she exclaimed, hugging Edna's neck tightly. "You're far prettier, Mama!"
Edna's heart melted.
The laugh that bubbled out of her throat was light and unrestrained, and she hugged Lillia back fiercely, delighting in her tiny arms squeezing her shoulders.
The sound of her laughter — the innocent, unrestrained joy was so pure it made Edna's lips tremble.
She brushed her fingers gently through Lillia's silky pink hair, savoring how soft it felt, while Azel — seated right next to her leaned lazily back in his chair, his crimson eyes studying them both with amusement in his eyes.
He was grateful that he made Edna smile, the events of the game had made her lose her smile once... and even if she wasn't a heroine, he didn't want to see her lose this smile.
Seizing the lull, he reached out and plucked the open book from the table beside her, flipping it casually in his hands.
"I wondered what you've been reading since I left," Azel said lightly, flipping to a random page.
"The last time we read together, it was The Tale of the Ninth Circle Mage and the first Great War."
Edna froze.
A prickling heat shot up her neck.
He was holding that book.
Her fingers twitched uselessly at her side.
That particular novel wasn't one of her "innocent" reads — it was one of the more deliberate ones.
A romance novel dripping with tension, commissioned privately because the palace shelves lacked what she truly craved.
And worst of all, she had insisted the male lead's name be "Azel."
She couldn't help it... he couldn't get out of her head...
Her breath hitched.
Azel flipped through a few more pages, scanning the ornate handwriting as his expression shifted faintly before he closed the book with a quiet sigh.
"I see..." His tone was even, neither mocking nor scolding.
It was almost resigned, as if he'd expected this outcome the moment he saw her library.
Edna's face burned hot. She couldn't meet his eyes.
Of course he'd figure it out.
In her desperation to escape the tension, she focused instead on Lillia, brushing her hair gently to soothe her own frazzled nerves.
"Are you... disappointed?" Edna asked at last, unable to keep the tremor out of her voice.
She hated how fragile it sounded, but it slipped out anyway.
Azel glanced at her, and for a moment those crimson eyes softened.
"No," he said firmly.
"Not at all. Honestly?" He smirked faintly, leaning an elbow against the armrest. "Sometimes I check out things like that too."
Her head snapped toward him, stunned. "You do?"
He chuckled, the sound low and infuriatingly self-assured.
"Sure," he admitted, resting his chin on his hand. "Though compared to some of the novels I've seen before... this is mild."
And he wasn't lying, the smut novels on his world made this look like a night time story, those were incredibly detailed.
Edna blinked rapidly, her blush deepening.
Her lips trembled faintly before she forced out the only word that came to mind.
"P-pervert..."
But inwardly she barely restrained herself for asking from recommendations.
Azel only grinned wider.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping into that dangerously teasing tone she'd come to dread and crave all at once.
"Though I am curious," he said slowly. "Why is my name the name of the male lead?"
Her entire body jolted.
"I-I-I d-d-don't k-k-know w-w-what you're t-t-talking ab-b-bout!" she stammered violently, tripping over every syllable as her fingers curled helplessly into the fabric of her dress.
She wanted to die.
Right there.
And of course, fate chose that exact moment to throw her into further hell.
The library doors creaked open with a loud groan.
"Mom?" Naelia's voice rang out, brisk but curious. "Did you see Azel yet? He hasn't come—"
The words died on her lips.
Naelia stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the room — only to freeze the instant her eyes landed on him.
Azel turned his head toward her calmly, their gazes locking.
Naelia's breath caught.
Her heart skipped a beat.
He was...
Beautiful.
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC48: Important Mission
Chapter 48: Important Mission
It wasn't that Azel was ugly the last time they met — gods no.
Even at the time when he saved her, he had been handsome.
The kind of boy you noticed once and remembered for a long time.
But now... something had changed.
Naelia couldn't take her eyes off him.
After he left the estate all those months ago, she'd spent time talking with other noble girls her age.
They had whispered and giggled in private salons, comparing lists of handsome young men they wouldn't mind marrying one day.
At the top of that list had always been her older brother — Aegon Starbloom.
The crown prince.
The golden-haired genius swordsman destined to sit on the throne of the empire.
His handsomeness was talked about like myth; a blend of noble bearing, a sharp mind, and sculpted looks.
But now...
As Naelia stood there at the door of the library, staring at Azel's face, she knew the truth.
If Aegon was first on that list... Azel had taken that spot now, without question.
His beauty had transcended "handsome."
There was an otherworldly sharpness to his face, a wildness barely hidden beneath well-kept poise.
His long silver hair, cascading down to his shoulders in a ponytail, caught the sunlight from the open window behind him and shimmered like strands of woven moonlight.
She wanted to run her fingers through it, to see if it felt as silky as it looked.
And his eyes... Crimson.
They looked like rubies that burned softly.
She could barely conceal the heat rushing up her cheeks.
"It's been a while, Azel," she said, doing her best not to look flustered, though she felt like her entire face had turned scarlet.
She hoped he noticed her dress — she and her maids had spent the last thirty minutes tailoring it just right for this moment.
Elegant but not too formal.
Pretty, but not desperate.
Azel gave a small smile and nodded politely.
"Nice to see you again, Naelia. You look rather stunning."
The compliment hit harder than expected.
She didn't know if it was because it came from him, or if her mother's light nudge into his ribs had made him say it, but her stomach flipped like a dancer mid-spin.
Her face flushed deeper, and before she could stop herself, she let out a tiny yelp.
Without a word, she spun on her heels, rushed out of the room, and slammed the door behind her with a loud bam.
Inside the library, Edna watched the entire interaction unfold, a satisfied glint in her eyes despite the soft pout that formed on her lips.
"Don't go seducing my daughter," she said teasingly, her fingers not stopping their movement through Lillia's pink hair.
The little girl was curled against her lap, humming contentedly as Edna began to plait her hair into neat rows.
"She asked me to tell her she looked good," Azel said with a shrug. "I didn't want to lie."
Lillia giggled, kicking her small legs, then said in her sing-song voice,
"Mama, plait it like the braids from the fairy princess story that Papa was telling me about!"
Edna smiled warmly. "Of course, darling."
Still, as her fingers moved with practiced ease, she tilted her head slightly and mumbled under her breath.
"You have the mother opening her arms wide for you too..."
Azel blinked.
He caught it.
Of course he did, he had enhanced hearing after all.
He looked at her — at the way the sunlight caught in her soft blond curls, at the way her lips trembled just slightly after saying that.
And suddenly, he understood.
It wasn't just a passing crush.
Somewhere in the quiet, in the stolen glances and shared smiles, Edna had truly developed feelings for him.
And Azel... didn't know what to do about that.
He wasn't a womanizer.
Hell, in his past life, he'd barely known how to talk to women outside of gaming forums.
He had no experience — none of the suave moves or smooth words other guys had.
What was he supposed to do now? Flirt? Tease her? Pull her close?
She was still officially another man's wife after all.
"Hm, did you say something?" he said honestly.
Edna'a cheeks redenned. "Forget it."
Even her voice sounded cute now.
She finished the last braid, tied it off with a pink ribbon, then leaned down and kissed the top of Lillia's head. no,
The little girl turned to show Azel proudly, her eyes shining.
"Look, Papa! I look like the princess now!"
"You always have," Azel said, ruffling her hair gently.
There was a brief moment of silence and warmth.
And then...
[New Quest Detected]
[Quest: Protect the Heroines and Edna Starbloom as well as her other daughter from the Assassins]
[Rewards:]
[100 Fate Tickets]
[1000 Fate Points]
[5x Fate Stat Rolls]
[1x Special Dungeon Key]
[Time Until Attack: 24:00:00]
Azel's eyes narrowed as he read the glowing interface only visible to him.
'So it begins...' he thought.
Meanwhile...
[Assassins of the Fog – Eastern Headquarters]
Two people sat in a dimly lit room.
The first was a man dressed in tight black leathers, his face partially covered by a dark veil.
His aura was like a blade — silent, sharp, and deadly.
He was known only as Whisper, he was a descendant of the most feared assassins on the continent.
A killer of kings, of ministers, of emperors — if the coin was good enough.
The second was a woman whose very presence demanded attention.
She was dressed in regal robes of deep maroon, trimmed with gold and spider silk.
Her black hair flowed freely down her shoulders, and her eyes gleamed with veiled contempt.
Behind her lace fan, the First Empress of the Empire spoke in a voice as smooth as silk but as venomous as a snake.
"I need you and twenty of your finest," she said, her fan hiding the smirk on her lips. "In exactly twenty-four hours, you will break into the Starbloom estate and remove the head of Edna Starbloom."
Whisper leaned back in his chair, unimpressed.
"You're asking us to storm a royal estate," he said, voice flat and cold. "That's suicide, not a contract."
The First Empress hummed. "I don't recall asking for your opinion."
He raised a brow but said nothing.
With a flick of her fingers, she dropped a storage ring onto the table between them.
Whisper arched a brow, then tapped it.
Golden coins poured out in a glimmering cascade.
Jewels followed.
Rare metals.
Enough wealth to fund a private war.
Only then did he smile.
"Well," Whisper said. "I suppose we're now in agreement."
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC49: Meeting The Emperor
Chapter 49: Meeting The Emperor
Azel sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
'Is there any more information about this mission?' he asked inwardly.
But the system gave no answer.
As expected.
The [System] loved throwing him into death pits without explanation, then patting his back for surviving with rewards.
He wasn't new to this.
Still... assassins inside the royal palace?
In the original, they wore the robes of one of the opposing Empires so the suspicion was on them but the thing was that these were trained assassins...
Did the author not want to flesh out the backstory properly? Well since it was a minor arc, it was probably so.
And there was only one person bold — and petty enough to pull off something like hiring assassins was...
The first Empress, Clara Starbloom.
Azel turned to Edna, who was seated near the sunlit window, still gently braiding Lillia's hair.
The little girl was giggling every few seconds, kicking her legs as her "Mama" tried to keep the strands neat.
"Well... where's the First Empress?" Azel asked, keeping his tone light.
The effect was instant.
Edna's blush faded, her smile flattened, and her entire face darkened like a curtain being pulled shut.
"Why are you asking about her?" she said slowly, her fingers pausing in Lillia's hair.
"I just have a suspicion," he replied. "Something's off."
Edna stared at him for a moment, her expression unreadable.
Then, with a sigh, she looked out the window.
"She left the palace two days ago for some kind of business. Didn't say where. Just packed her things, took some knights, and vanished. But..." she trailed off. "She's returning today."
Azel nodded slowly.
So it lined up.
Assassins were being hired.
Ares was moving hands.
And the key suspect was conveniently absent just before it happened, returning right on time to enjoy the chaos — or blame someone else for it.
Typical imperial politics.
Edna continued, "She doesn't have to report her comings and goings. Not like me. I can't even visit the gardens without filing paperwork."
Her words were laced with bitterness.
Not just envy.
Resentment.
Azel glanced at her.
Even while braiding Lillia's hair, even while smiling at the girl's babbles, Edna's heart wasn't here.
It was somewhere deep in the empire's twisted web of palace rules, protocols, and politics.
And she hated it.
She deserved better.
'So that confirms it,' Azel thought, a quiet breath escaping his lips. 'Then tomorrow... everything changes.'
He straightened up. "I want to see the Emperor."
Edna blinked, momentarily caught off-guard. "Why?"
He hesitated for half a second, then smiled. "To ask for permission."
She tilted her head, clearly confused. "Permission for what?"
"For us to go out together," he replied without hesitation.
That earned a full blush.
A real one.
Edna's lips parted slightly, stunned. She opened her mouth to say something — but nothing came out.
Beside her, Lillia clapped excitedly. "Mama and Papa are going on a date!"
Azel's eyes twitched.
'Where did this girl learn that word?' He thought.
"Lillia!" Edna scolded softly, her voice more flustered than angry.
"Will you be okay here with Mama?" Azel asked, squatting down to the girl's level.
"Yes, Papa!" she said, beaming with full cheeks. "We'll do girl stuff!"
Azel laughed and ruffled her hair. "Then I'll be back soon."
He turned to leave but paused when Edna stood, her hands trembling slightly from the braid.
"You... You don't have to ask him," she said quietly, almost whispering. "You're not a subject. You don't need permission..."
"But I want to," Azel said. "Because if I'm taking you out, then it should be official. Not something stolen in shadows."
And then he left.
...
Azel strode through the polished hallways of the imperial palace, accompanied by a servant who hurried ahead to lead the way.
He already knew the route to the Emperor's office.
But he followed the formalities anyway.
He wasn't some rebellious upstart trying to throw his weight around, he was just a very honored guest of the Emperor and both of them knew it.
By the time they reached the golden staircase that spiraled toward the tower where the Emperor worked, Azel could already sense the weight of presence ahead.
Two royal guards stood flanking the door.
Both were high-level knights. Azel could tell just by sensing their aura.
The Empire didn't mess around when it came to protecting its crown.
If he fought them both head-on... he'd win, but barely.
"I'm Azel Thorne," he said calmly. "I'm here to see His Majesty."
The knights didn't hesitate.
At once, they parted, and one of them pushed open the tall gilded doors, letting Azel through.
The Emperor's office was a grandiose blend of war and wisdom.
The walls were lined with bookshelves that stretched to the ceiling, crammed with ancient tomes and magical scrolls.
Maps were scattered across a massive table, lit by a glowing chandelier carved from sunstone.
At the desk sat the man himself — Emperor Aldric Starbloom.
His golden hair had dulled slightly with age, and his once-pristine beard was broader and heavier now, tinged with a few streaks of grey.
But his eyes — sharp and perspective hadn't lost a spark.
"Ah, is that you, boy?" Aldric said, smiling broadly as he rose from his seat. "You've grown into quite the man, haven't you?"
Azel bowed slightly. "Your Majesty."
"Come, sit. Drink? Wine? Tea?" The Emperor waved toward a side table loaded with refreshments.
"I'm alright," Azel said. "I came to ask something important."
Aldric arched a brow, amused. "So serious, eh? Well, what is it?"
Azel stepped forward, his expression composed.
"I'd like your permission to spend time with your second wife."
"..."
Author's Note:
Phew, I was owing this Chapter, I would have posted it I finished it since but I was out visiting my Grand dad.
I also want to ask for golden tickets, a lot of them if you're enjoying the book, it helps keep me motivated.
Thanks and I'll work on the rest of the Chapters now.
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC50: Date [I]
Chapter 50: Date [I]
Edna couldn't believe what was happening.
She looked down at her hand — her dainty, well-kept fingers interlocked with his.
Azel.
She was walking through the lower districts of the capital — dressed in a plain brown dress with ivory lacing, her long hair loose and flowing, untouched by the usual castle creams or perfumes.
To anyone watching, she was just another pretty commoner out on a stroll with her lover.
Her lover.
Gods, that thought alone made her want to bury her face in her hands and scream.
She wasn't supposed to feel like this. She wasn't some fluttery girl caught up in silly fantasies.
Yet she entertained them anyway, on a daily basis...
And now here she was.
Not in a silk gown.
Not on a royal carriage.
But on foot.
On the street.
Holding hands.
With him.
She'd been trying to process how it had all happened.
One moment, Azel had asked the Emperor for permission — just like that.
Even though usually people had to write to the office and request for a hearing, he had returned in under twenty minutes, flashing a casual smile like it was nothing at all.
And next thing she knew, the maids were swarming her like a flock of crows, dressing her in "commoner" wear.
At first, she had protested — what if people recognized her?
But when she looked into the mirror and saw herself... she had paused.
She looked happy.
Free... from everything...
Now, as they walked side-by-side down the cobblestone street, her palm warm against his, her thoughts began to unravel in embarrassing directions.
Was he taking her out here because he wanted privacy?
Was this really a stroll?
Or was it... a date?
'No. No, stop it.'
She shouldn't jump to conclusions —Azel was far too polite to make moves like that.
But why ask for no guards? Why leave Lillia behind? Why walk through the street like a couple?
Her cheeks flushed.
What if he had... other plans?
Her heart raced at the thought.
She glanced sideways at him — his silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, his eyes steady and calm as they scanned the shops and food stalls ahead.
There was a grace to him, a quiet confidence.
Not the kind that came from privilege, but the kind earned through hardship.
And gods, was he beautiful even though he was wearing the same commoner clothes as her, he easily outshined her.
She remembered their first meeting well — he had been handsome back then, sure.
But now that she got a good look.
His features had sharpened since then. His jawline more defined, his eyes more intense.
And that hair — longer now was the kind of thing she secretly wanted to run her fingers through when no one was watching.
He was beautiful.
She tugged at her sleeve to hide the redness rising up her arm.
"Calm down, Edna," she whispered under her breath.
Suddenly, Azel came to a halt.
She nearly walked past him, lost in her thoughts.
Her heart skipped as she realized they'd stopped in front of a small, wooden food stall on the side of the road.
There were people gathered around it, the scent of spices and roasted meat thick in the air.
The vendor — a burly man with a thick beard and scarred arms flipped skewers over an open flame.
"We're here," Azel said casually, his voice carrying a playful note.
Edna blinked.
This wasn't a secluded alley. Or a romantic garden.
Or a quiet inn.
This was...
A food stall?
Her face scrunched in confusion, her romantic imaginations crashing like waves against a cliff.
But then — oh.
The smell hit her.
Rich, sizzling, savory.
A blend of fire-grilled meat, charred apple, and something unfamiliar — peppery and slightly sweet.
She watched Azel exchange a few coins and accept two skewers.
The wood was hot to the touch, the meat glistening with juice and seasoning.
He handed one to her with a smirk.
She hesitated, lips parting in curiosity.
Then she took a bite.
And the world... changed.
The moment her teeth sank into the first piece, it exploded with flavor.
Juicy...
Tender...
Spicy.
She tasted a lot of things in that single bite, the sauce, the brew... it was fucking amazing.
The meat — what was it? It was like poultry, but richer, more succulent.
It melted in her mouth.
"Mmm..." she let out before she could stop herself.
Azel chuckled. "So? How is it?"
Edna didn't answer.
Instead, she leaned forward, wiped the little smear of sauce from the corner of his lip with her thumb... and then boldly licked it.
He froze.
She pretended not to notice the slight tremble in his shoulders.
The way he stared at her with wide eyes.
"It's decent," she said with a straight face, even though her heart was racing.
"I'll take fifty more," she told the vendor, straightening up like a noblewoman at court. "What kind of meat is this?"
The vendor grinned, clearly impressed. "It's chicken. But not your ordinary bird. My wife breeds 'em herself — special Aegis stock. Tougher birds, more meat, richer flavor. Got a whole coop down by the marsh."
"Chicken?" she repeated, eyes wide.
She had eaten chicken before.
Dozens of times.
But never like this.
It had never had this delicious.
She looked down at the empty skewer, then back up at Azel.
"You brought me here just for this?" she asked, voice slightly breathless.
Azel shrugged, the corner of his lips twitching upward. "Figured you'd enjoy it."
"I did," she admitted, and then added softly, "I still am."
Were the chefs wrong?
Did they not know how to spice?
Or was this just the wonders of street food..
For a moment, they just stood there, the noise of the street fading around them.
People passed.
Children laughed.
Vendors called out their goods.
The city moved on.
But Edna was still.
Her heart throbbed more painfully now... right now she was no longer an empress, at least for today.
She was a woman.
Sharing food with a man who made her feel alive.
And gods... did she want more.
She looked at the vendor. "Well? Are you getting the rest or not?"
"Right away, ma'am!" he said, scrambling to work.
Azel handed him another pouch of coins without hesitation, and soon a small paper bag was filled with sizzling skewers.
As they walked again, Edna munching on her second stick with satisfied hums, she finally asked the question brewing in her mind.
"Why did you do this?" she said, softly. "Why go through the trouble?"
Azel didn't answer right away.
His gaze flicked up to the castle in the distance, then down to her hand still wrapped in his.
"I just thought... you deserved to breathe," he said finally. "To laugh. To eat food that makes you happy. Without anyone watching."
"It must be really hard being in a place that you're tired of, I don't really know much places since this is my second time in the capital but I promise to make this date one of the best you've ever had."
Her face turned red as a tomato and she looked away.
"This is my first date, you idiot." She muttered but Azel caught it.
"....Oh."
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC51: Date [II]
Chapter 51: Date [II]
"Well... it's my first time too," Azel said, his voice even but his eyes flicking sideways toward a nearby wall as though the wooden grain patterns were suddenly the most fascinating thing in the capital.
Edna blinked at him.
Then, like an echo bouncing through her skull, his words repeated: It's my first time too.
Her lips twitched into the faintest smile, her heart skipping as the realization struck her.
'Right... I forgot... it's his first date,' she thought, warmth creeping up her neck.
And then, inevitably: 'His first date... is with me.'
A strange giddiness bubbled in her chest.
She congratulated herself inwardly as though she'd just been awarded some grand royal honor.
But just as quickly, the thought tripped over itself and landed face-first into reality.
...Neither of them knew what to do next.
This was, after all, both of their first dates.
Her fingers tightened on the hem of her sleeve.
'Gods above... what do people even do on a date?'
"We aren't nobles," Edna muttered aloud without thinking, still reeling in her thoughts — completely forgetting that barely minutes ago she had ordered around a flustered skewer seller like a duchess with a bad temper. "So where do commoners go to recline?"
"I'm not sure commoners call themselves commoners," Azel murmured dryly under his breath.
Her eyes narrowed. "What was that?"
Before he could repeat it, she punched him lightly in the arm.
Or at least, she thought it was lightly.
The startled way he winced, eyebrows shooting up, made her blink.
He rubbed his arm with a half-incredulous look.
Azel had good stats.
Very good stats.
A normal punch wouldn't have even registered to him.
But that one... actually stung.
She couldn't tell if she was proud of herself or worried.
"Well, come on," he said, reclaiming the lead by slipping his hand back around hers without hesitation.
The casualness of the gesture sent another flush across her cheeks. "I saw a small tavern up ahead when I was running earlier. Let's go there."
A tavern? She tilted her head.
She'd read about those in books — usually smoky, rowdy places full of shouting drunkards and fistfights.
She'd never stepped into one herself.
Was it... like a commoner's restaurant?
...
The tavern was modest but not at all like the grimy image in her head.
Instead of stale ale and grime, the air was laced with the rich scents of grilled meats, fried dough, and simmering broths.
The building's beams were darkened from age but polished to a shine; the stone floor had been swept spotless.
It wasn't the ornate marble of the palace, but there was a quiet, lived-in charm that tugged at her curiosity.
They stepped inside, and the hum of conversation swelled around them.
Azel steered them toward an empty table near the wall.
The chairs were wooden but sturdy, and the table bore faint knife-scratches but it made it look even more mature..
Before she could even glance at a menu, two sheets of parchment floated toward them.
She followed their path with wide eyes to the man behind the counter.
He wore a wide-brimmed hat she recognized only from adventure novels about dusty frontiers and duelists who spoke with their eyes.
His smile was faint but knowing, and with a flick of his fingers, he tipped his hat at them before turning to serve another group of customers.
She was still studying him when a gentle tap at her hand made her look back.
Azel's gaze was fixed firmly on her.
"It's not nice to stare at another man while you're on a date with me," he said evenly, but there was a faint, unmistakable edge in his tone —
Her breath caught.
Jealousy.
He was jealous.
She didn't know why that tiny flicker of emotion from him made her feel like she'd just been wrapped in the warmest, most dangerous blanket in existence... but it did.
He broke eye contact to skim through the parchment menu, picked up the small pen provided, and underlined his choices before letting the enchanted page drift back to the counter.
Edna suddenly became very careful with her own parchment.
She had the distinct impression that if she pushed her luck and kept trying to provoke that jealous look, she might find herself abandoned mid-date — and she didn't put it past Azel to actually do it.
He was a mean man after all.
A few minutes later, their food arrived.
The server, a wiry young man with sleeves rolled to his elbows, set down two steaming bowls in front of them.
Azel's order was a deep, earthen bowl brimming with braised ironboar ribs over fragrant rice, the meat lacquered with a glossy, savory glaze.
Edna's was... a challenge.
She had decided — perhaps foolishly to try something outside her comfort zone: a bowl of Drakefire Noodles, the tavern's spiciest dish, rumored to be "tamed" from an eastern recipe involving peppers that could make a grown man cry.
The broth was a molten crimson, flecked with blackened chili seeds, and coiled within were long, silken noodles.
A small dish of cooling herb-water sat beside it, presumably for mercy.
Azel took one glance at her choice and raised a brow. "Brave."
"I can handle spice," she said with a tilt of her chin, though her confidence was already cracking under the heat rising from the bowl.
It was far more than she expected.
He didn't argue.
Instead, he leaned forward slightly. "Alright, here's how you eat that without burning your tongue off in the first three bites."
He took her chopsticks, dipped them into the noodles, and swirled them gently through the broth before lifting them out and dunking them briefly into the herb-water dish.
"This cuts the heat just enough so you can taste the other flavors," he explained, his tone slipping into something oddly careful, almost intimate.
"Once you get used to it, then you slurp it straight."
He demonstrated with his own bowl — though his method was... decidedly less cautious.
Lifting his entire bowl of ribs and rice, he took a mouthful as though the searing temperature was nothing, then chased it with a spoonful of broth.
Edna blinked. "You didn't even blow on it."
"Not my first time with drake peppers," he said, though the slight tightening around his eyes told her the spice had hit.
He just refused to admit it.
"Now you try," he added, a teasing curve in his voice.
Edna took her chopsticks, dipped and cooled the noodles as instructed, then lifted them to her lips.
She was cautious with the first bite — until the broth hit her tongue.
It was heat, yes, but layered.
Smoky, then tangy, then the slow, creeping burn that built at the back of her throat.
Her eyes widened despite herself.
It was tasty
Azel smirked. "Not bad, right?"
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EXTRA'S REBIRTH: I WILL CREATE A GOOD ENDING FOR THE HEROINESC52: Date [III]
Chapter 52: Date [III]
Edna had to admit it — reluctantly, of course that apart from the fact the brew was immensely spicy, it was also... divine.
It wasn't the delicate refinement of the palace's banquets.
It wasn't even the precise elegance of the capital's high-class restaurants.
This was different.
The taste was raw, bold, and unapologetic, an explosion of heat and flavor that clung to her tongue like fire dancing in her mouth.
The broth seemed alive — spices searing through her taste buds, tenderness in the noodles offset by the sharp bite of the sauce.
Simply saying that it was delicious, could not cut it... It was a literal work of art, it deserved to be in the museum.
It was beautiful.
Far better than she'd expected.
She took a sharp breath in through her mouth to calm her protesting tongue.
The moment she thought she'd mastered the heat — conquered it like the Empress she was, her pride whispered a dare.
A stupid dare.
Without thinking, she tilted the bowl, downing the rest in one go.
One.
Single.
Suicidal.
Go.
The fire hit her like a blazing drake to the face.
Her whole body jolted, and the taste — oh heavens above, the taste was still glorious, but the heat was so intense her soul might just try to escape her body.
"Woah, calm down!" Azel's voice cut through the haze of pain and pride, sounding both impressed and concerned.
She couldn't look at him.
Absolutely not.
She kept her eyes fixed on the table, setting the bowl down with a clatter that might've been a little too loud.
Her cheeks were burning — not entirely from the spice and she could feel the stares of other patrons brushing against her skin like invisible fingers.
'Don't look weak.'
'Don't look weak.'
'You're an Empress.'
'It's just a little pepper,' she told herself in a desperate attempt at mental stability. 'Nothing compared to all I've suffered. This is... fine. Totally fine.'
Her tongue felt like molten iron.
Her eyes wanted to water.
She absolutely would not give Azel the satisfaction of—
Something touched her lips.
She froze.
Cool liquid slid past her mouth, down her throat, extinguishing the inferno in the most blissful rush she had ever known.
Her lips parted instinctively to let more in, and when she finally dared to glance up —
It was him.
Azel was holding a cup to her mouth, pouring the water gently like he was afraid to spill even a drop.
His silver hair caught the tavern's warm light, and his eyes... his eyes were fixed on her in that steady, calm way of his, a quiet concern that made her chest clench painfully.
Her heart didn't just flutter.
It pounded.
No — pounded wasn't enough.
It thrashed inside her ribs like it was trying to escape and wrap itself around him.
By the time she had swallowed the last sip, he took the cup back and sighed.
"Idiot..." he muttered softly, shaking his head.
Edna wanted to be offended.
She really did.
But the way his voice carried just enough warmth to soften the scold made her want to hide her face behind her hands.
She noticed the people around them now — some watching with mild interest, others with smiles.
Her pride stirred again.
She straightened her back, determined to reclaim her composure.
"I'll go get another plate," Azel said, standing before she could object. "This time we'll eat together."
Her eyes flicked to his empty bowl. "You already finished yours?"
He didn't answer — just gave a small shrug and walked toward the counter.
When he came back, it was with a steaming bowl whose aroma announced itself before it even hit the table.
The rich, spicy scent was familiar, yet more refined, and the broth's surface shimmered faintly with a reddish-gold sheen.
Drake Fire Noodles.
Just like the one that she had nearly killed herself over now but she could see it, it wasn't as hot or as spicy as before.
One of her eyebrows was raised.
'Did he do it out of consideration for me?' She wondered or was it that he couldn't handle the spice as well?
Azel set it down with a small grin. "Now we take turns."
"...Turns?"
He picked up the bowl with ease, holding it in one hand like it weighed nothing.
"At slurping," he clarified, his tone almost teasing. "Go on. Ladies first."
Edna hesitated.
Then, with a small breath, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to the rim of the bowl.
The heat rushed up in a fragrant wave, but she ignored it.
She took a mouthful, letting the broth coat her tongue.
The spicy taste was still there like before even though it was less — but by now her body was adjusting to the heat.
She even found herself chasing the flavor instead of avoiding it.
It was delicious as the last time, that was what she didn't understand about this street food... why... just why... why did the second bite always retain the same feeling as the first?
If they ate something new in the palace, usually it was due to the the First Empress or the prince wanting to try something new, sometimes even Naelia but the first bite and the second bite didn't taste the same.
The first was always filled with a new feeling, some kind of euphoria at eating something good and the second bite couldn't feel the same, but right now, it was like she was tasting it for the first time all over again.
She could ignore it.
What she couldn't ignore, however, was the way Azel's eyes stayed on her the entire time.
Not her hands.
Not the bowl.
They were on her.
Her grip on the bowl faltered slightly.
She quickly set it down before she dropped it, the tips of her ears going red.
Azel took the bowl next, drinking with the same calm composure he always carried.
But Edna wasn't paying attention to the noodles anymore.
Her mind was too busy screaming.
He used the part I used.
'Wait... does that mean...'
'This is... an indirect k... k...'
Her thoughts tripped over themselves and came to a crashing halt in the most humiliating way possible.
'—an indirect k-k-k-kisssssssss?!'
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