Chapter 9: Chapter 9: The Gift of Ice Element
In the castle's attic, David, Leah, and Amy were enjoying a meal together.
Although Amy had agreed to marry David and officially become a part of the Frostwolf family, her identity as a witch remained a sensitive issue that had to be carefully concealed.
To ensure her safety, David had declared the entire third floor of the castle off-limits, forbidding anyone from entering. Following the earlier punishment of the maid Jessie, no one in Frostwolf Castle dared defy the lord's orders anymore.
At the dining table, Amy appeared uneasy, clearly not adept at navigating such complex social interactions.
Leah noticed this and gently reassured her, saying, "Amy, there's no need to be so reserved. From now on, we're family, and you're also the lady of this house."
David nodded with a smile, echoing Leah's words. "Leah is right. Amy, you're now part of the Frostwolf family. Even though I can't announce your status as the duchess of Frostwolf to the outside world yet, you are, in every sense, the mistress of this castle."
Hearing this, Amy shyly nodded, her anxiety visibly easing. She relaxed and began savoring the delicacies on the table, foods she had never tasted before.
---
After lunch, David followed his usual routine, heading to the back garden for knight training. This time, Leah stayed behind to bond with Amy and build their sisterly relationship.
Leah had noticed that Amy was as pure as a blank slate and likely had no idea what duties came with being a wife. She decided to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Amy.
After all, the lord's needs were overwhelming, and as his strength continued to grow, so would his demands. Leah was beginning to struggle with keeping up and knew she needed a good sister to help share the load.
---
By evening, David returned to the castle and went directly to the third floor. Amy's shy demeanor and Leah's look of relief told him that the bonding session had gone well.
"Lord David, let me assist you with your bath," Leah offered, taking his arm and leading him into the adjoining bathroom.
Amy sat on the bed, her thoughts racing.
What exactly are they doing?
She couldn't imagine. Was this what being a wife entailed?
Before long, the two reappeared from the bathroom, freshly groomed. Leah's face still bore a rosy flush from her earlier joy. Spotting Amy, Leah quickly approached her, leaning close to whisper something in her ear.
David leaned against the doorframe, watching the warm scene unfold. His lips curled into a smile.
He had been worried that tensions might arise between the two women, but with Leah mediating, it seemed such concerns were unnecessary.
---
The three enjoyed dinner in the attic again, without the presence of servants or attendants. For David, the absence of formalities was unexpectedly relaxing.
When the meal ended, night had fully descended.
In this otherworldly realm, nighttime activities were practically nonexistent. Most people stayed indoors, and for many, procreation was the sole form of evening entertainment.
David was no different. Normally, he would spend his nights with Leah, training together and sharing intimacy before falling asleep in each other's arms.
"David, don't keep Amy waiting," Leah said with understanding.
She was well aware that tonight was Amy's first, and she wanted to ensure there was enough time for her.
David was touched by Leah's thoughtfulness and kissed her forehead. After personally escorting her to the master bedroom on the second floor, he returned to the attic and gently opened Amy's door.
Inside, Amy curled up under the covers like a startled rabbit.
"Amy, is it okay?" David asked softly, approaching the bed.
Amy hesitated for a moment before shyly nodding. Summoning her courage, she lifted a corner of the blanket.
Having accepted her role as his wife, she was ready to fulfill her duties.
The next moment, she felt a sharp pain course through her.
---
[You have completed a session of dual cultivation and obtained the Ice Element Talent.]
[Ice Element Talent: Basic (1/1000)]
David heard the system notification in his mind.
As he had speculated, the system allowed him to acquire unique talents through dual cultivation with his wives.
Leah's Frostwolf bloodline had helped him awaken and strengthen his own Frostwolf bloodline.
Meanwhile, Amy, a natural-born Ice Witch with extraordinary control over ice and snow, had granted him the Ice Element Talent.
Though the Ice Element Talent was currently at its weakest—basic level—it still opened up incredible possibilities for David.
Elemental affinity was a crucial talent for wizards, a rarity among humans. Even someone like David, who possessed the Frostwolf bloodline, didn't naturally have an Ice Element Talent.
Yet through dual cultivation with Amy, he had acquired it.
Although it was still at the basic level, David knew that continuous cultivation could elevate it to intermediate, advanced, or even higher levels.
Taking a deep breath to calm his excitement, he glanced at the trembling figure of the witch beside him and pulled her closer.
Despite her magical abilities, Amy's physical strength was no greater than that of an ordinary person. She would need time to recover.
Looking at her sweet and delicate face, David spoke gently. "Amy, one day, I'll make it so that witches like you can live freely in this world, without fear or hiding."
"This is my promise to you."
Amy lifted her head from his embrace, her eyes shining with resolve. She nodded firmly. "I believe in you."
With this heartfelt exchange, their bond deepened further.
---
That night, they stayed up talking about the world of witches and their dreams for the future.
---
In the morning, David carried the petite witch to the bathroom to freshen up.
When they emerged, fully dressed, Amy's face was still flushed.
Before long, Leah arrived at the door, dressed in her training attire and carrying breakfast.
Since David had forbidden anyone else from entering the third floor, Leah had taken on the task of delivering meals herself.
The three of them shared a cheerful breakfast together.
Afterward, David encouraged the newly initiated Amy to rest, while he took Leah to their secret garden for training.