Chapter 145: Huh?

[Daniel’s Private Estate.]

​"Lord Daniel, you’re back," Zion muttered, relief washing over his tense features as Daniel touched down softly on the blood-stained driveway. Zion immediately shifted his gaze toward the wounded Awakened officers receiving emergency medical care.

​"How is everyone faring?" Daniel asked, his voice laced with deep fatigue.

​"The severe bleeding has been stanching thanks to our squad healers, but... every single one of them has permanently lost their left arm," Zion reported grimly.

​"Send an urgent dispatch to Guild Leader Tyson," Daniel commanded, rubbing his temples. "Tell him I specifically require the presence of his Vice Guild Leader here immediately. Her specialized regeneration abilities should be capable of restoring their limbs."

​"Understood, Lord Daniel," Zion nodded, before pausing hesitantly. "What about... Lord Asher and his demands?"

​"Don’t worry about that situation anymore; everything has been settled," Daniel exhaled softly, sounding completely exhausted as he turned and began walking toward the main entrance of his residence.

​’I wonder what grand design he is truly orchestrating... Asher Aetheldawn... You are as utterly ruthless as you are exceptionally cunning. It seems the balance of this world is about to undergo a massive shift once again. He might genuinely be the sovereign destined to change everything,’ Daniel thought to himself, stepping inside as the massive double doors swung shut behind him.

__

​[Aetheldawn Estate — 8:45 PM.]

​Asher stepped through the main entrance into the warm, spacious sitting room, abruptly bringing his steps to a halt as a rich, mouth-watering aroma hit his senses. He clearly recalled giving strict instructions to the domestic staff not to interfere in the kitchen, and given their absolute loyalty, none of them would dare disobey his directive. Which meant that one of his wives was actually... cooking?

​Curiosity piqued, Asher moved casually toward the grand dining hall, pausing right at the archway to survey the scene. Juliana, Kelly, Viper, and Tang were all seated around the long mahogany dining table, their collective attention completely fixated on the open kitchen doors.

​"...?!"

​Asher slowly raised his eyes toward the kitchen counter, and his breath hitched in genuine astonishment.

​There stood Sara, looking absurdly adorable while busily preparing dishes. She wore a simple, elegant apron over her casual clothes, her long, pristine white hair styled neatly in a high ponytail. Asher stood completely frozen; this was the absolute first time he had ever witnessed any of his high-status wives preparing a meal, and... she looked breath-takingly beautiful.

​Juliana happened to turn her head away from the kitchen, instantly spotting Asher standing near the doorway in an entranced daze.

​"Oh! Husband, you’re back!!" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ

​She sprang up from her seat, her joyful call drawing the attention of everyone at the table toward Asher, who blinked rapidly as he snapped out of his trance.

​"What exactly is going on here?" he asked, taking a step forward into the hall.

​"The renowned, legendary Fire Goddess is personally preparing a meal for me! I am so unbelievably happy right now," Viper murmured in a low, thrilled voice meant only for the table, a broad, triumphant grin spreading across her face.

​Asher completely ignored her antics, keeping his eyes locked on Juliana: "Did Sara decide to cook on her own, or did you ask her to?"

​Juliana pouted her lips slightly, offering a defensive look: "I asked her to... but only because Sara is undisputedly the absolute best cook among us! Well... except for you, of course."

​’If she turns out to be a better chef than me, I am going to mentally slap my system.’ Asher thought with amusement, stepping closer to her.

​"Alright, take your seat. I’ll go inside and assist her," Asher said with a gentle smile, lightly patting Juliana’s soft hair before walking past her toward the kitchen.

​"Hmm..." Juliana nodded obediently, sinking back into her chair with her glowing eyes remaining glued to his back.

​"You really don’t have to stare at him that intensely, you know," Viper said with an amused roll of her white eyes.

​"Do you have a personal problem with me?!" Juliana snapped, whipping her head toward Viper as her eyes flared with dangerous heat. "Why do you care so much if I look at my own husband?!"

​"Because for the entire afternoon, I haven’t heard a single word out of your mouth other than: ’Where is my husband?’ ’I hope my husband is completely safe.’ ’Why did my husband leave without telling me?’ ’Where is my husband, I miss him so much!’ You just kept going on and on non-stop..." Viper retorted, looking visibly exasperated.

"Now that he’s actually standing right here in front of you, what now?"

​"You...!" Juliana was left utterly speechless, her cheeks flushing red.

​Beside them, Tang desperately held back a burst of laughter, keeping his head ducked low and not daring to make eye contact with either of the arguing ladies.

__

​[Kitchen.]

​Sara paused mid-motion, turning her head toward Asher as he calmly stepped into the kitchen. He had already unequipped his formal overcoat into his system storage, now clad in his comfortable casual attire.

​"Can I help you with anything?" he asked softly.

​Thanks to the potions Juliana had been providing her daily, Sara’s auditory senses had significantly recovered, allowing her to hear his voice clearly. She offered a subtle nod, pointing a delicate finger toward the steaming pots on the range, then toward the stack of porcelain plates, and finally gesturing out toward the dining hall.

​Asher easily caught her meaning and walked over to the stove, efficiently plating the freshly cooked meals. Sara paused for a few seconds, her quiet gaze lingering on his sharp, flawless side profile as he worked.

​Sensing her gaze on him, Asher began to turn his head, but Sara quickly looked away, hastily refocusing her attention on stirring the simmering stew in the pot.

​’I have to admit... her culinary skills are truly exceptional,’ Asher thought, a subtle smile touching his lips:

’In the past, I wouldn’t have even dared dream of a scenario where she would be comfortably cooking dinner for our household. It seems everything within our home is progressing remarkably smoothly... Now, I just need to fulfill my end of the bargain by securing her cure.’

​He gave a firm nod to himself, carefully setting a full plate onto a serving tray before picking up another.

​"I have found a way to purge the toxin lingering inside your body," he blurted out quietly.

​The sudden revelation caused Sara to freeze completely in place, her hand coming to a dead stop over the pot.

​"After dinner, I will come to your room and help you purge the poison from your system..." Asher continued, his eyes fixed on the array of dishes before him. "I know this won’t completely restore your shattered core just yet, but I hope it will at least relieve the constant pain you’ve been enduring."

​He shifted his head, looking straight into her calm eyes: "I also wanted to consult you on a few matters before I take Juliana out to clear a few high-rank rifts tomorrow... What do you think?"

​Sara remained silent for a long moment, staring down at the bubbling stew on the range. Then, with a soft, subtle breath, she simply nodded her head in silent agreement.