Nate took a deep breath, savoring the crisp, fresh air as he and Gwen finally arrived at the entrance to Mildew Village. The sun peeked through the canopy of leaves overhead, casting dappled light on the dirt path beneath their feet. As they walked further in, the familiar scent of earth and wood smoke filled Nate's nostrils, instantly bringing back memories of his childhood.
"Ah, it's good to be home," he said, a smile stretching across his face.
Gwen looked around, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the humble wooden cottages and the villagers going about their daily tasks. She nodded, her gaze fixed on the lush greenery surrounding the settlement. "It's so different from what I'm used to, but it has its own charm."
As they strolled towards the center of the village, various villagers greeted Nate warmly, clearly happy to see him again after so long. He exchanged pleasantries with them, asking about their families and how things had been since he left. Some even cast curious glances at Gwen, which Nate noticed but didn't address just yet.
Finally, they reached the small cottage that Nate grew up in. The modest structure stood proudly amidst a vibrant garden, tended to by Nate's parents over the years. Before they could knock on the door, it swung open, revealing Henry and Cathy, who had evidently been eagerly awaiting their son's return.
"Nathaniel!" Cathy exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop her son in a warm embrace. Her eyes shone with unshed tears as she held him tightly, not wanting to let go.
"Welcome home, son," Henry said gruffly, but his eyes betrayed the pride he felt as he patted Nate on the back.
"Thanks, Dad," Nate replied, returning the pat before gently extricating himself from his mother's arms. "Mom, Dad, I want you to meet Gwen," he said, gesturing towards the slightly nervous girl standing beside him.
Gwen stepped forward, her hand outstretched. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," she said, her voice steady and polite despite any trepidation she might be feeling.
"Likewise," Cathy replied, shaking Gwen's hand with a warm smile. "We've heard so much about you from Nate's letters."
"Ah, yes," Gwen murmured, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Nate has told me quite a bit about both of you as well."
As they exchanged more pleasantries, Nate couldn't help but feel his heart swell with happiness. He was finally home, surrounded by the people he loved most.
As they walked into the house, the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. Nate led his parents and Gwen into the cozy living room of his childhood home. The familiar surroundings brought back a flood of memories, and he couldn't help but smile as they all settled down onto the comfortable, worn couches.
"So," Cathy began, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, "tell us everything about your time at the academy."
Nate leaned back, his gaze drifting to the ceiling as he recounted his adventures. "Well, I closed a realm portal that was causing a monster surge. It was pretty intense, but I managed to get it done." A hint of pride colored his voice, and his parents exchanged glances, their own pride evident in their smiles.
"Wow, that's incredible!" Henry exclaimed, clapping Nate on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Dad," Nate replied, grinning. "And there's more good news. I've been granted the title of Viscount! When I turn eighteen, I'll be given the land surrounding our village."
"Viscount Nathaniel Cromwell," Cathy mused, her eyes shining with joy. "It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"
"Indeed," Nate agreed, before hesitating. He knew he had to share all the news, including the part that might not be so well-received. "There's something else... I'm engaged to Princess Chloe."
Cathy's eyes widened, while Henry furrowed his brow. "Well, that's... unexpected," Cathy said cautiously, her excitement giving way to concern.
Before Nate could elaborate further, Cathy stood up and gestured for Gwen to follow her. "Gwen, dear, why don't you come with me? I'll show you around and we can chat while these two catch up."
"Of course, Mrs. Cromwell," Gwen replied, rising gracefully from her seat and following Cathy out of the room.
With only Nate and Henry remaining, the air in the room grew tense. Henry studied his son for a moment before asking, "What are your intentions towards Gwen? She's clearly more than just a friend."
Nate didn't hesitate this time. "She'll become my third wife. We haven't had an engagement ceremony yet, but it's going to happen." He braced himself for his father's reaction.
To his surprise, Henry merely chuckled and shook his head. "Three wives, huh? You're certainly going to have your hands full, son."
"Hey, I can handle it," Nate retorted playfully, relaxing at his father's casual response.
"Speaking of handling things..." Henry glanced at Nate's arms, smirking. "Your muscles are still too small, you know."
"Who needs muscles when I'm already this handsome?" Nate shot back, grinning cheekily as they both shared a hearty laugh.
Soon Gwen and Cathy returned to the living area just as a knock sounded at the door. Cathy hurried over to answer it, revealing a young woman with chocolate brown hair cascading down her back, warm hazel eyes, and sun-kissed skin dotted with freckles. Sam beamed at the sight of Nate, rushing forward and enveloping him in a tight embrace. As she pulled away, she placed a quick kiss on his lips.
"Welcome home, Nate," Sam said softly, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy.
"Sam," Nate murmured, returning her embrace. "It's so good to see you." He had already sent her a letter detailing his newfound relationships, so her reaction to Gwen was tempered by prior knowledge. However, that didn't prevent the tension from rising when he introduced them.
"Sam, this is Gwen," Nate said, slightly apprehensive about the interaction between the two women. "Gwen, meet Sam."
"Nice to meet you, Sam," Gwen said politely, offering a small but genuine smile.
"Likewise," Sam replied, her tone cordial, though both women couldn't help but silently appraise each other with veiled competitiveness.
As everyone settled down, Sam began regaling Nate with tales of her recent adventures. "You won't believe what happened a few months ago, Nate! An old woman wandered into our village, and after seeing me, she decided I would make a good disciple."
"Really?" Nate asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. He couldn't help but feel a pang of familiarity at the mention of the old woman, but he brushed it aside for now. "What kind of mage is she?"
"An incredibly powerful earth mage," Sam replied, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "She's been teaching me so much already and says that I have great potential."
Nate smiled, genuinely happy for Sam. "That's fantastic! I'm glad you found someone to help you grow stronger."
As they continued to share stories, Nate silently observed Gwen and Sam's interactions. Despite their polite smiles and amicable conversation, he could sense the underlying tension between them. A part of him worried about the dynamic among his future wives, but he hoped that with time, understanding, and love, they would learn to coexist harmoniously.
Deep down, Nate knew that life would never be simple, especially with three strong-willed women by his side. But he was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead with resilience and unwavering resolve. After all, as long as they were together, there was no obstacle too great to overcome.
The warm glow of the fireplace painted flickering shadows on the walls, casting an intimate atmosphere over the small living room. Nate watched as Sam and Gwen exchanged pleasantries, their words polite but their body language guarded. He could almost see the invisible sparks flying between them, and he knew it was only a matter of time before they began sizing each other up.
"Your earth magic must be quite impressive by now," Gwen commented, her voice light and airy despite the subtle challenge in her eyes. "How fascinating that you were able to find such a powerful mentor here in the village."
Sam's hazel eyes shone with pride as she met Gwen's gaze, unfazed by the veiled slight. "Yes, I've been very fortunate. My earth magic has grown stronger than ever under her guidance." She paused, tilting her head slightly as she studied Gwen. "I heard you're very talented in wind magic. It must be satisfying to know you'll be able to assist Nate in fights."
Gwen smiled sweetly at Sam, but Nate caught a glimpse of defiance in her eyes. "Yes, being able to watch his back is a pleasant feeling."
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, the tension between the two women palpable. Nate shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his mind racing for a way to dissipate the brewing storm. But before he could speak, Sam broke the silence with a seemingly innocent question.
"So, Gwen, how did you come to meet our dear Nathaniel? I'm sure there's a wonderful story behind it."
Nate held his breath, bracing himself for whatever reaction Gwen's answer might provoke. But to his surprise, Gwen's response came smoothly and without hesitation. "We met while on our way to the academy, and we've been inseparable ever since."
As Gwen recounted their meeting, Nate couldn't help but notice the way her eyes softened when she spoke of him. Despite their current situation, it was evident that genuine affection lay beneath her words.
Sam listened intently, her expression unreadable as she absorbed Gwen's tale. When Gwen finished speaking, Sam nodded thoughtfully, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It sounds like fate brought you two together. How wonderful that Nate has someone like you by his side."
Nate exhaled quietly, relieved by Sam's response. But he knew that the true test of their relationships was yet to come. Only time would tell if these remarkable women could find a way to coexist in harmony, and Nate was determined to do everything in his power to ensure their happiness.
"Thank you, Sam," Gwen replied graciously, her smile warm and genuine. "And I'm glad that Nate has you here as well. Your presence clearly means a great deal to him."
The exchange of compliments seemed to soften the atmosphere between them, and Nate found himself feeling hopeful for their future. As the conversation continued, he silently vowed to be the best husband and partner he could be, to honor the love and support that each woman provided him.