Back in Distancia, everything was similar to how it had been when Yasenia left. The only thing different was that the children were much more grown, showing physical maturity due to their quick development. Of course, they were still around 16 years old, and none of them had started their breakthroughs or cultivated the Spiritual Path. However, they had managed to find their own preferred weapons and many more things.
Cecile was in a training room with all the children and Mirrory. Since Tatyana and Valeria had been gone, Mirrory took over their training. She took it seriously, and all the children learned many things under her tutelage.
Skye approached them. She had grown greatly during these years, revealing that she had grown well past Evelyn's size in all aspects. She was a head taller than Evelyn, with a voluptuous body and long dark blue hair, and her golden eyes shone with a mix of mischievousness and seductiveness.
Cecile looked at her and smiled. "What's wrong, Skye?"
Skye asked, holding a beautiful spear. "Mama Cecile, I don't understand. Why am I so good with the spear but not with other weapons?"
Cecile explained, her usual cold and elegant voice tinged with a shred of tenderness. "Well, some people are born with an affinity toward weapons. For example, I am good with swords, but that is nothing compared to how I manage with bows and other projectile weapons."
Skye nodded, understanding. "Right… But why does Mommy use so many weapons? When fighting with her phantom, she sometimes uses the sword, other times a halberd, other times daggers…"
While almost three years had passed since Yasenia left, the children didn't feel resentment. They had been taught since very little that cultivators had long lives and that being apart for many years was normal. Of course, that didn't take away from their loneliness, but since their family was so large, it was difficult to feel lonely for long.
Somehow, Yasenia's absence strengthened the ties between the children, as they all found support in each other to cope with the feeling that their Dragon Mother's absence caused.
While they talked, Mirrory blinked and looked skyward. "Oh? Why is she returning alone?"
Skye looked at Mirrory, and her heart sped up. She asked loudly. "W-Who is returning, Aunty Mirrory!?"
The rest of the children paused their training and looked over with widening eyes.
The ancient weapon smiled faintly and gently chopped Skye's head. "Don't be too excited. The one returning is Tatyana, not Yasenia."
While she would probably never admit it, Mirrory had become slightly fond of these children. They were all talented, well-behaved, obedient, and intelligent. They never really complained when training was too hard, only looking forward with determined eyes.
Of course, they were children, and they had their moments of laziness or depression. After all, growing up meant going through good and bad experiences. Still, they were receptive to teachings and asked questions while learning. Mirrory liked everything she saw in them, including their potential.
Her eyes went toward the side of the room, looking at Estrella. It could be said that of all the children, she was the most average in terms of talent. She could be called a martial genius, but she had almost nothing else going for her. 'Well, she has inherited Yasenia's talent in weapon aptitude. She can practically use any weapon with the same talent as long as she learns. She also absorbs martial arts like a sponge. Although, it seems that scythes are her preferred weapon, similar to Yasneia using the giant broadsword as her weapon of choice.'
Still, Mirrory couldn't help but feel that Estrella was not simple. 'Will she remain the same when she breaks through the first time? I feel like she won't.'
Estrella approached with a faint and relaxed smile. She was also a tall woman, her body much more slender than Skye's, but she had generous curves nonetheless. Her fit, athletic build was matched by an elegant face with sharp but feminine angles. Her eyes, resembling Tatyana's in shape, commanded a certain level of respect.
"Aunty Mirrory, I couldn't hear because I was focused. What did you say?"
Her voice was somewhat deep but pleasant, like a cold mountain stream. Skye bumped into Estrella, pushing her a few steps. Estrella complained. "What are you doing, Little Sis?"
Skye grinned. "Big Sister Estrella! Mama Tatyana is returning!"
Estrella's eyes widened, and her calm and mature face lit up like that of a child. "R-Really!? That's great! I missed Mama so much!" Estrella started bouncing up and down in excitement, making the others laugh.
Their big sister Estrella was always calm and rational, with a slight bloodthirst when in battle. However, she always had a mature aura around her that only broke when either Yasenia or Tatyana were mentioned.
Dianna plopped on the ground, her large fox-dragon body making a thump. "Lucky…"
The other sisters approached and started petting her. Dawn spoke gently. "There, there. Mama Kali and Mommy will return soon."
Aurelia also soothed her. "Right, right. We can also ask Mama Tatyana about where they are and how they are doing."
Katarina plopped herself on top of Dianna, using her wings to hug her. "Big Sister Dianna, don't be sad!"
Dianna's three tails wagged while receiving her sister's pampering. "Hmhm~. Since all of you say so, staying depressed would be a waste!"
She stood up, her six wings and three tails flaring outward. "Let's go see Mama Taytana!"
With her exclamation, everyone moved toward the backyard. When they arrived, everyone was there. Angel, Evelyn, Andrea, Sierra, Zephyrith, Ebirah, Kaleina, Flame, the maids that remained in Distancia, and even a few leaders like Tengliu, Coraline, the Mermaid Queen, and others.
When Tatyana landed on top of her flying sword, she saw Estrella rushing over. "Mama!"
Tatyana laughed and opened her arms, allowing her to fall into her arms. "Oh dear, you've grown so tall! Even taller than me!"
Estrella hugged Tatyana tightly, her white tail wagging rapidly behind her as she buried her face in Tatyana's neck. "I missed you, Mama."
Feeling the wetness on her neck made Tatyana's heart feel slightly squeezed. She hugged Estrella back and gently patted her back. "Sorry, Little Light. Our journey extended a bit more than what we planned because of a few complications."
Estrella nodded a few times, and then she separated and sniffed once. Tatyana cleaned her tears and snot with her handkerchief and giggled. "My little darling is so beautiful~. You've grown well, love."
Estrella smiled and said, her voice still a bit creaky. "You have to see how big Luminaria got! Hahaha. We needed to expand the pond so it didn't feel too small for her!"
Tatyana grabbed Estrella's hand, guiding her toward the rest while she answered. "That big, huh? That's a bit outside my calculations! How is she, by the way?"
Estrella babbled. "Well, at first, she was normal. Later, I noticed that Lumi was super clever! Because of that, I asked Aunty Mirrory to check, and she discovered that Lumi was actually a sapient beast! So, I've been teaching her lots of things, even Beast Cultivation! She is a fast learner!"
Tatyana laughed and squeezed Estrella's hand once. "That's great, Estrella. Let's speak a bit about what happened to your Mommy before we continue, okay? I am sure everyone is eager to hear."
Once Tatyana looked toward the others, she smirked. "Not bad. Not bad. You've steadily advanced in cultivation during these last years."
Andrea shook her head. "To be honest, I've realized how much Yasenia's Dual Cultivation technique has helped us. Now, I feel like I am advancing at a crawling speed."
Evelyn snorted. "Tell me about it. During the first six months, I was so upset at the fading effects that I couldn't focus, feeling that I was doing something wrong! Yasenia better prepares herself because I'll milk her dry when she comes back!"
Skye looked at Evelyn with a pout. "Mama! Don't be a pervert in front of all the aunties and uncles!"
Evelyn looked up at her well-endowed daughter with a jealous look. "Why did you grow like this, eh? Do you want to make your mother bald from pulling my hair!? They are my head-sized!"
Skye looked down at her large breasts and then looked at Evelyn with a smug smirk. "Sadly, Mama, Mommy's genes seem to be strong in me~. I would share if I could, but you can only look!" She puffed her bountiful chest and laughed loudly, making them jiggle. "Hahahaha! What a shame! What a shame!"
Evelyn's eyebrow twitched a few times, and she started pursuing her. "I am going to slap your butt red! Come here!"
Skye fled while laughing. "Follow me! Follow me and enjoy the body Mommy gave me as you pursue your dreams without success! Waaaahahahahaha!"
Evelyn screamed. "Don't flaunt your butt while I chase you, you stupid daughter!"
Tatyana looked at the two people running away with a somewhat speechless look. "What just happened?"
Estrella chuckled. "When Little Sister Skye developed, Mama Evelyn would always look somewhat resentful, and Little Sister caught on to it. Since then, Little Sister Skye and Mama Evelyn have been like this."
Tatyana rubbed her forehead. "Well, they are having fun, so whatever."
Angel was about to run forward at this time, but Aurelia held her back by the edge of her robe. "Don't run forward, Mama."
Angel looked up at Aurelia with large blinking eyes. "Daughter… I am an adult woman that can take care of myself, you know?"
"I do. But without Mommy around, you are like a child. You even hit your head against a door the other day. A fifth realm cultivator being so distracted to hit a door is probably a first in the story of the Universe. So, be careful, or you'll do many new 'firsts' not to be proud of."
Angel blinked a few times, somewhat unable to retort. So, listening to Aurelia, she stayed put and looked at Tatyana. "Hello, Mommy Tatyana!"
Tatyana's eyebrow spasmed. "Say, who is the mother, and who is the daughter?"
Aurelia, with Angel and Yasenia as parents, had the most voluminous body. Her curves, while not as prominent at Yasenia's level, were curvy enough to make almost any lustful person drool.
Unlike Yasenia, though, her face was that of an intellectual, with an intelligent vibe and a mature presence all around. She was also decently tall, almost a head taller than Angel. So, when they were side by side, distinguishing who was the mother and who was the daughter was actually complicated.
Tengliu at the side sighed. "I love this family."
Coraline chuckled. "They are all so adorable."
Tatyana looked around and smiled faintly. "It seems that Yasenia's absence didn't create any problems."
The Mermaid Queen crossed her arms. "As if. She had stomped the continent not long ago. No one dares disrespect the Celestial Dragon Queen."
Tatyana blinked a few times. "Celestial what?"
Andrea coughed. "It seems that this title has spread around without our knowledge. Now everyone calls her that way, so we can't really do much about it…"
The Death Empress looked skyward. "Ah… I see." Then, she shook her head and smiled. "Well, I am back. Let's go inside, and I'll tell you about what happened in our little journey…" Tatyana looked at Sierra and coughed. "Call Evelyn and Skye to come back." Then, she looked at Aurelia and spoke strangely. "You can also release your mother…"
Aurelia nodded. "Okay, Mama Tatyana."