Anna looked haggard, her spirit flagging. Seeing the concern in the others' eyes, she managed a smile.
Her smile seemed forced, and as she smiled, she yawned widely, looking utterly exhausted.
The holy light energy around her had faded to almost nothing, as though it had been overused and not had time to recover.
"Anna, here, drink this tea!" Zhao Lun handed her a cup of invigorating tea.
Ignoring the tea's heat, Anna drank it in one gulp. Her energy seemed to surge, quickly dispelling her fatigue. Her eyes brightened and regained their sharpness.
"Was it because of your brother that you're this exhausted?" Zhao Lun asked, once she appeared to feel better.
Given Anna's current strength, it was clear that only someone dear to her could cause such exhaustion, and Zhao Lun easily guessed it must be her brother.
"Yes, I've finally made it through the toughest part, and he's recovering now." As she spoke of her brother, who was on the mend, her face lit up with a radiant smile, one that conveyed genuine joy.
"Congratulations, Anna!"
Seeing that there was no crisis with Anna, the others were relieved. They didn't bring up her brother again but instead congratulated her.
The congratulations from the others made Anna even happier, and soon she was full of energy.
"By the way, Anna, here's your gift, and a letter from someone else."
Zhao Lun handed her a gift bought by Nikola and also gave her a letter from Count Nikola. The letter was written on parchment, with golden-red patterns that made it appear quite luxurious. Anna opened it indifferently, read it on the spot, and then put it aside without another word.
"Could you tell us about your journey?"
The three women were like a play with multiple roles, and now the scene had grown beyond just the three of them. The conversation was flowing effortlessly, with no need for Zhao Lun to say anything. They were talking enthusiastically, sharing knowing smiles when the topic excited them and listening intently when it took a more serious turn.
Seeing how lively their conversation was, Zhao Lun decided not to interfere. He found a comfortable spot to sit and waited for the meal.
Among them, only Mulan preferred silence. Whenever possible, she would stick to her own tasks on time. While the others were chatting away, Mulan had already gotten up to prepare dinner.
As the conversation reached a peak, the aroma of food suddenly stopped everyone in their tracks, and their stomachs growled loudly.
Not caring about their own embarrassment, they stopped talking and, mouths watering, hurried to the kitchen to urge Mulan to hurry with the meal.
After the meal, they resumed their previous conversation.
"I never expected the world outside to be so exciting."
"Yes, it's very interesting. Anna, would you like to come with us to see it?"
"Well, after I finish dealing with things, I can go out with you."
"We're heading back soon."
The news of their departure was a bit of a surprise to Anna, and she fell silent for a moment. "When? Tomorrow?"
"Yes, tomorrow. We've been here for quite some time, and there are many things we need to handle at home."
The family business was too vast to leave unattended. They needed to return to stabilize things. Moreover, they had stayed here long enough and seen enough bloodshed, so they longed to go home and find some peace.
"Will you be coming back?"
"Yes, we will! As long as you're willing, we'll come back. We can even take you to our place. Would you like to come?"
"Of course I would."
"Wonderful! We have so many fun things at home, so many..."
This parting was just a temporary one, so there was no sorrow in the goodbyes. The conversation remained pleasant until someone yawned, and the yawns spread like a chain reaction. Soon, they all followed suit, and that was when the talking stopped. They went back to their rooms to rest.
The next day, outside the town.
Zhao Lun and his group walked out, with Anna following them to see them off.
After a night's rest, Anna had fully recovered, and the holy light around her shone brilliantly, like an uncontainable beacon.
She had regained her energy and completely internalized the holy light, advancing her power further. The road ahead seemed even broader and more promising.
At this moment, her fair face was flawless, her skin glowing like delicate porcelain. She looked not only more beautiful but also exuded a more refined air. Her figure, with its perfect proportions and tall, graceful stature, combined with the pure aura around her, gave her an almost ethereal beauty, as though she had stepped out of an anime world.
Her holy light power was now fully available, capable of healing wounds and erasing scars.
The women around her gazed in awe at her appearance and the holy light, filled with admiration.
Zhao Lun couldn't help but look at her a few more times, capturing the scene with his mind's eye.
Until it was time to part.
They had already said their goodbyes yesterday, and though there was much to say today, no one spoke a word. They simply embraced tightly, exchanged a brief "Goodbye!" and then began their journey home.
Zhao Lun took out his flying broom, just as they had done upon arriving, and mounted it.
"Who wants to go first?"
With so many people, only he and Penelope could carry others. Maria could also fly on her own, while the others—Nico and the rest—needed two trips.
"I'll go first," Maria said.
"Alright!"
It didn't matter who went first; there was no real competition for it.
The broom soared steadily into the air, and in less than an hour, they returned, dropping off the last two passengers before soaring high once again. From above, they could see Anna, who hadn't left yet.
"Anna! Goodbye!" Zhao Lun called out as he waved.
Anna, standing below, waved back, "Goodbye! Allen!"
Zhao Lun circled in the air, waved once more, and then flew off. Anna watched their figures disappear into the distance before she finally turned away.
Previously, they had flown quickly to hasten their departure, not taking in the scenery. This time, they slowed down, allowing them to see the surroundings more clearly from above.
The environment had been purified, and now the sky was clearer, the temperature warmer, and the winds more pleasant. Animals were more active, as their innate senses allowed them to avoid danger and thrive.
The demons on the mountain had just been vanquished, and the evil forces purified. This place, in contrast to its surroundings, was like a paradise for the animals. They sensed the changes and were beginning to migrate here.
From above, Zhao Lun spotted some rare creatures. He was certain that in less than half a year, this place would become a sanctuary for birds and beasts.
"Brother, you're so slow!"
Before Zhao Lun could enjoy the view any longer, Maria came to urge him. The young girl, full of energy, couldn't wait long and rushed up to him.
"Didn't I tell you not to move around?"
"Brother, you're too slow!"
Maria pouted, and Zhao Lun, not wanting to scold her, relented. After all, he didn't think there was any danger nearby. Her rare display of affection made him enjoy the moment.
"Since you want to get back quickly, let's speed things up!"
They quickly reached the mountain, found the two waiting, and without paying attention to Nico and Angela scolding Maria, Zhao Lun took everyone to the stone door.
"Alright, everyone, gather closer, hold hands, and follow me."
He activated the protective shield and guided everyone to the portal. Stepping through, they entered the passage.
The black, decaying energy still lashed at their shield, but it held firm, like a rock against the crashing waves.
After tossing a stone outside, it quickly decayed, and though the danger was known, they still proceeded cautiously behind Zhao Lun.
Soon, they emerged from the perilous place.
"Phew! Every time I pass through here, I get so nervous!" one of the women remarked.
"This isn't the first time, is it?"
"Hmph, what's wrong with the second time?"
The "black hole" passage was oppressive, and they couldn't help but bicker once they were out, alleviating the tension. Zhao Lun smiled at them and led them down the smooth path, where he took out the car and got in.
"Get in."
The others stopped arguing, with only Mulan remaining indifferent while everyone else cheered and hopped in.
"Home is so much better; no bumpy roads!"
"We've only been gone a few days, and the flowers are so beautiful."
Zhao Lun drove back home, with the women looking out of the windows, chatting merrily as they went.
Upon their return, several pets eagerly greeted them, chirping in excitement.
The maids were also there to welcome them.
"Prepare hot water for us and a hearty lunch."
Once home, Zhao Lun's heart couldn't help but rejoice. He longed for a warm bath, a delicious meal, and a restful nap in a bed that smelled of sunlight.
Of course, if there was the chance to bathe together with someone beautiful, or share a pillow, that would be even more relaxing.
As he thought about this, several images of the women crossed his mind: the gentle and graceful Angela, the curvaceous and stunning Monica, the long-legged Nico, even the usually indifferent Mulan, and finally, the radiant Anna with her holy light. Their figures in the water came to mind.
Hiss! The scene is too beautiful! (To be continued.)