NOVEL NEXT Chapter 172: A Reasonable Request
Feng looked at the two of them… although his face was blank on the outside, his thoughts were far more colorful than he let on.
'Master has rizz,' he thought, repeating the strange word Azel had taught him about a month ago.
When he asked what it meant, Azel had explained it meant charm, the power to attract women.
Back then Feng hadn't understood fully, but now he did.
His Master had not only won the heart of Lady Edna, who carried his child, but also Lady Veyra, a Winter native whose standards for men were notoriously impossible.
Feng's respect for Azel, already higher than the heavens, grew even more.
'Truly boundless. He is unrivaled. Master doesn't only defeat enemies with strength — he conquers hearts as well. This is true greatness.'
He had to stop himself from smiling. He kept his face blank and calm, but deep inside he was already making plans.
'I will live long enough to see my Master's children grow. I'll be there when his name spreads across every world. And when that day comes, I'll be the one to record his feats, the one to tell everyone how amazing he truly is. Yes… the world will remember him forever.'
With that oath burning in his heart, Feng finally spoke aloud. "Master, the food you wanted."
He held out the tray he had personally gone to the kitchens to request.
The maids had prepared rice and a thick stew rich with spices, and they had even brewed water with herbs that would soothe Azel's body.
Feng had thought of everything.
Before Azel could reach for it, Veyra smoothly took the tray into her own hands. She looked at Feng with a soft smile.
"Thanks," she said gently. "As your Master's new wife, it's my job to feed him."
The word wife slipped so naturally from her lips, but it made Azel glance at her with a faint smile of his own.
Feng's brows rose, though he didn't comment.
In his heart, he cheered loudly.
'Another victory for Master!'
Veyra placed the tray on the low table by the bed, then sat carefully on the edge. She hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath.
This was the first time she had ever fed someone like this.
Her hands weren't used to such delicate movements; she was more comfortable with blades and blood than spoons and bowls.
But this was for Azel. She had to be perfect.
Slowly, she scooped some rice, dipped it into the stew, and lifted the spoon to his lips.
Azel leaned forward without complaint and ate. The taste of the food wasn't anything special, but coming from her hand, it felt different.
He swallowed and nodded.
"Not bad," he said.
That simple praise made Veyra's heart flutter. Her chest felt tight, and she bit her lip to stop a smile from stretching too wide.
Carefully, she gave him another spoonful, and another. She fed him slowly, making sure each scoop was just right.
When the food was gone, she lifted the herbal water to his lips and helped him drink.
"You're good at this," Azel murmured, lying back on the bed.
"I-I'll get better," she stuttered, her cheeks flushed.
Then, with effort, she gathered her courage and spoke softly, "Please rest now… Da… Dar… Darling."
The word came out awkward and broken, but it was still sweet.
Azel raised a brow at her, amused, but didn't tease her. Instead, he simply nodded. "Thanks."
"I'll… go keep the plates," Veyra said quickly, her heart racing.
She stood up with the tray, almost fumbling, and left the room.
In truth, she wanted to run straight to the others and tell them everything — how she had confessed, how Azel had accepted, how she had fed him like a real wife.
She had promised to tell them, and her chest was bursting to share the news.
As soon as she left, Azel's eyes grew heavy. His body was still exhausted.
He let his head sink into the pillow, breathing slowly, and soon he drifted into sleep.
A faint shimmer of light filled the room. From above his bed, a soft pink glow appeared, and then a small figure dropped gently down. Lillia, his daughter, landed with a giggle, hugging her papa tightly.
She buried her face in his chest, her little arms holding him like she never wanted to let go.
Within moments, she too drifted off into sleep, cuddled against him.
When Veyra returned, she stopped at the sight.
Her lips softened into a smile.
...
Later that evening, Azel sat in the Patriarch's office. Lillia was wide awake again and perched happily in his arms.
She was in a playful mood, tugging at his hair and laughing each time he groaned.
He had to admit — he missed her a whole lot.
Across the desk, his father Azariah sat, watching them with a grin that didn't match his usually stern appearance.
His rough voice carried a rare warmth.
"My second grandchild is coming~" he declared proudly.
Azel almost rolled his eyes, but before he could, Lillia wriggled out of his arms and ran to her grandfather.
Azariah bent down, scooping her up with ease. She immediately began tugging on his long beard, fascinated by it.
"You like that, huh?" Azariah chuckled, letting her play.
Azel leaned back, arms crossed. "So, Father… what did you think I came here for?"
Azariah looked at him knowingly. "You're moving fast, aren't you? Do you want to change things already? Going back to the Empire?"
"I'd rather not," Azel replied calmly.
His thoughts were on Edna. "Once she has the child, then we can move. Until then, I want things to stay steady."
Azariah's eyes gleamed, full of approval. "Good. You're thinking properly. A man shouldn't rush, especially when his family is involved. I'm glad."
"But," Azel continued, his tone changing slightly, "there's something else I came to ask."
Azariah raised a brow. "Oh?"
Azel leaned forward. "That slash you used against the Rank 2… the one that cut through the world itself. I want to learn it."
For a moment, the office was silent. Then Azariah nearly choked. His beard twitched in Lillia's tiny hands.
"Eh?!" he blurted out, stunned.