"Do you think I'm terrible?" Earl asked his mother. They were on their way home, seated in her personal white carriage. Through the window, the scenery outside was quickly being passed.
"There is no right answer to that question," Ari shook her head.
"Your opinion is the most important to me. Please tell me," He pleaded.
He thought of the earlier interaction with Saryll and Alea that his mother witnessed. His relationship with Alea was already approved and there was nothing to worry about that. The main concern was how she would perceive his relationship with Saryll. He told her prior of his intentions with Saryll but some thoughts need to be vocalized.
She looked at him and her eyes softened. "Come here."
He did as she said and changed his seat from across to beside her.
"I think you'll hurt the feelings of many," She said. "All parties have made their decisions and it's up to you to do what is best for them,"
"I see."
"Those are my thoughts. What about you? You've already come to a decision, haven't you?"
His face steeled with resolve. "I will be taking responsibility, of course. There is no turning back for anyone."
"That was quite manly." Ari smiled. "No matter what doubts come to your mind, remember that I will always be by your side. I'll always be proud of you no matter your insecurities."
The sunlight shone through the window, casting a divine brilliance on Ari's silhouette. Earl's heart twinkled and he soft said from the bottom of his heart. "Thank you. You'll always be my most important person."
She embraced him and his face was pushed deep inside her cleavage. "That's what family is for."
"I love you."
The difficulty of maintaining several intimate relationships might be huge but the reward and payout were worth walking through this uphill battle.
The warm, gentle love of his mother was what he yearned for. The way she would accept him despite the questionable things he would do. This was a true reward.
The carriage came to a stop and Earl found himself in the residential districts of Artasia.
"This is..?"
Ari chuckled at Earl's surprised face. "Fufu. I figured it was more convenient for us to get a permanent residence here."
The clean streets, well-manicured gardens, and exquisite architecture reminded him of life back in Ablax.
"This is an unexpected surprise."
"I was going to tell you in the carriage but..."
"Yes, yes, I understand."
"More surprises are coming, fufu."
They followed a paved path outlined by colourful flowers. Their destination was on a hill so they had to walk on a slight incline which was of no issue to the physically fit Earl and Ari.
The sight of the recently purchased house emerged bit by bit as they reached the end of the paved path. It was a medium-sized home being at 2 storeys tall. The roof was made of dark green tiles and the wood that supported the entire structure was lighter in colour. The windows were large and stylishly framed. A chimney with a rising cloud of smoke finished the house. Well-manicured bushes surrounded the house and at the entrance, two familiar figures stood.
On the left was a petite girl with crimson red hair in a frilly maid uniform. She had goat-like horns and a heart-shaped tipped tail. Her eyes were bright and bi-coloured. On her flawless, doll-like face, she wore a cute smile. She had a unique charm that gave people an uncontrollable urge to hug her.
On the right was a dark elf with silver hair in the same maid uniform. She looked like a refined lady in all aspects. Her body had all the appropriate curves that ignited the lust of men. Her face was equally gorgeous featuring long eyelashes, red-tinted lips and mischievous yellow eyes.
The two stood side by side with perfect posture. At the arrival of Earl and his mother, they simultaneously sounded.
"Welcome home!"
The faint smile on Ari's face was enough to let Earl know that she planned this for him. He was filled with happiness.
"Lily, Aria! I've missed you." He laughed.
In response, they ran into his embrace and hugged his left and right arm respectively.
Lily stuffed her face into his arm and held it excitedly. "Master!"
On the other hand, Aria squeezed her ample breasts into his arm. She knew him well. Her eyelashes fluttered and she had a small smile on her face.
Sniff.
"Have you been taking care of yourself well these days, Master?"
"Of course! Who do you think I am?"
"Hmm... Is that so?" Lily eyed him suspiciously.
"Not believable at all," Aria shared her sentiment with Lily.
"Come on, you three," Ari interjected. "I'm sure Earl wants a warm bath right now."
The two maids held their heads down. "Sorry, Master, Madam."
Ari waved her hand and laughed lightly. "I can't blame you two for being excited. Where's my hug?"
"Right away!"
The two girls nodded and left Earl for Ari at lightning speed. Lily stuffed her face in her Madam's huge jugs and exclaimed, "Wow, this is so much more comfortable than Master."
The comment made Earl look down and evaluate his chest for a second. "Lily is so mean to me."
Aria reached her hand out and sweetly said. "Master, come join us."
They all joined in an enthusiastic, warm embrace. Earl made eye contact with Ari and they both had knowing looks on their face.
At this moment, all four were thinking the same thought.
"This is family."