Raegar stepped back and finally spoke. ''My name is Raegar Blackwood now, Auntie. I have a new life here.''
''I know, love,'' the older woman replied. ''I've been watching you since the day you were born, something told me it was you, and look where we ended up?''
The duo laughed just as Drusilla's strained voice rang out from his pocket. ''You're squashing me, Rae!''
Raegar jumped back only for the Dark Fairy to fly out of his pocket, transforming into her bigger form before glancing at Tracy. Her blue eyes narrowed as she questioned the older woman. ''How do you know all that? A Dark Goddess conspiring to bring down my boy?''
Tracey giggled, then looked at him. ''This girl loves you dearly, doesn't she?''
''Yes, and I love her,'' he responded, making Drusilla go bright red as she sputtered.
Without warning, Raegar wrapped her arms around the Fairy, pulling her into a tight hug. ''No need to be embarrassed, Dru, she's my beloved Auntie who was the only adult who loved me unconditionally back on Earth.''
Upon hearing his words, the blonde softened, her shoulders visibly relaxing as she gently pushed him away. She turned her gaze toward Tracy, her eyes narrowing with a mix of suspicion and guarded concern. ''Swear to me,'' she demanded, her voice low but firm. ''Swear you're not here to harm him. Far too many nobles and Devils already hunger for his life, drawn like moths to the flame of the power he wields. Can you promise me his safety?''
Her words hung in the air, laced with both a plea and a challenge, as she awaited Tracy's response. The older woman gave the Dark Fairy a warm smile, answering. ''Of course I can, how do you think the empress heard of him in the first place?''
Raegar's eyes widened as Tracy covered her mouth and laughed. ''I knew Dahlia was a lovely woman, more caring than I could ever be, but also powerful and outright scary when she gets angry. No other woman could keep him safe like she can,'' she revealed.
The couple was in shock, but Drusilla was the one to speak first. ''What about you? You're a Tier Nine mage, why don't you marry him?''
When Tracy heard this, her eyes widened, but then the laughing intensified before she hugged the stunned blonde, who let her do it. Raegar watched this as the older woman continued. ''I am married to Alfred, Dahlia's advisor, and even if I wasn't, I wouldn't go near Arth.. I mean Raegar, I see him as my nephew even in this life.''
Raegar was about to reply, but a voice did it for him. ''So it was you who helped me find the one I want to marry? Isla, or should I call you Tracy, as my fiance does?''
They all turned around only to see Dahlia standing there, her hands on her hips with a serious expression. He was just about to respond, the brunette beamed as she rushed toward Tracy and suddenly hugged her. ''Thanks for such a suggestion, and it must be the work of the goddess that this came together.''
Raegar was baffled but stepped back with Drusilla following suit as the two women hugged, but Tracy soon replied. ''I'm sorry I hid it, my empress. I had to make sure it was him and not some imposter.''
''How could you tell?'' Dahlia questioned, a curious glint in her amber eyes.
''His soul,'' the older woman revealed, smiling. ''Once I saw him, I could sense it was my Arthur.''
Just then, the other girls appeared, all staring at him, including Yuki, who kind of knew he was different but wanted the answer either way. Raegar sighed, deciding to tell them all about his secret as he spoke. ''We'd better sit down and get comfortable.''
Following that, Dahlia led them to a nearby lounge room as Tracy went to get them tea alongside Alfred, who appeared out of nowhere. Once everyone was seated, he stood in front of them. Zahara, Dominique, Selene, Yuki, Alice, Drusilla, and the empress stared at him, waiting for the explanation.
Raegar sighed and questioned the group. ''Does anyone think there are more worlds out there?''
Everyone nodded as Selene interrupted Zahara. ''Yes. I learned that there are gates that open between worlds, dragging people either way,'' she answered.
He was shocked, but Dahlia added. ''It's been reported that some races have their own worlds.''
Raegar let them talk before continuing. ''Well, I come from one of those worlds, where there isn't any other race apart from humans, it was nice to live in, as the technology is far different compared to this one.''
Once he finished talking, the group of women looked shocked, but Dahlia looked fascinated as she excitedly questioned. ''What was it like living there?''
''Did you have a girlfriend?'' Zahara asked.
The girls peppered Raegar with questions, prompting him to dive into a detailed explanation that stretched on for hours. Tracy kept everyone fortified with sweets and tea, ensuring no one went hungry. By the time he wrapped up, he was exhausted and collapsed onto a nearby sofa.
''So you died a virgin?'' Selene questioned mischievously. ''So, Yuki was your first? Ever?''
''That's would you're focused on?'' he chuckled. ''But yes, it was her, Drusilla, Selene, and Alice.''
When the three in question were named, their faces went red, and Tracy couldn't help but laugh. ''This is too personal for me, Rae. I'm going to go check on Alfred and see if his bad mood has waned.''
Raegar was about to stand up, but the older woman waved him away. ''No need for goodbyes, I'll see you once the sun sets.''
She walked out of the room as Dominique and Zahara were looking at him. A smile appeared on his face as he reassured the duo. ''Pick whose turn it is tonight and we'll go out, it's only fair after all.''
When Drusilla heard this, she jumped up, protesting. ''Downright unfair! We didn't get dates, you just ravaged us like a wild Goblin and left us be.''
Raegar felt his cheeks go bright red as Yuki started giggling along with the others. But he shook his head and answered her slander. ''No, it wasn't like that as I'm going to take you all on dates.''
The room grew quiet until Dahlia broke the silence. ''You can visit the capital, there's so much to do there. But that includes me too, right?'' she asked, her tone hopeful.
''Yes, empress, you're included in the dates,'' he answered, but countered with a question of his own. ''Do you happen to have a disguise? Don't want you being swamped by your people.''
''Call me Dahlia!'' she demanded before revealing a knowing smile crossing her pretty face. ''I do, it's how I watched you in Drakenwood.''
Moments later, Dahlia mumbled under her breath, and her body shimmered with Aether, transforming her into a younger version of herself. Sporting glasses and a nerdier look than he had anticipated, she stood before him. When the glow faded, the empress fixed him with a nervous glance, awaiting his reaction.
Raegar found her gorgeous but also adorable as a memory sparked in his mind of one long night in the library.
***
Raegar was engrossed in one of Drakenwood's many monster books, its pages worn from countless readings. He'd stayed up late after training with the girls and his friends, the library's quiet hum his only company as he relaxed from all the classes the school was putting him through, thanks to his power.
Suddenly, a girl appeared out of nowhere and settled across from him. Startled, he looked up, struck by the unexpected beauty of the nerdy-looking girl with glasses perched on her nose. ''Oh, hello,'' he said, managing a smile. "I didn't hear you come in. I thought I was alone.''
''So did I,'' she nervously muttered. ''I didn't expect to see Drakenwoods' guardian reading in the student part.''
Raegar chuckled and began explaining. ''I may be its protector, but I'm still a first-year student with three more years here.''
The girl giggled and happily questioned. ''What are you reading? If you don't mind me asking.''
''About monsters that roam the northern part of the empire,'' he replied, showing her the old-looking book. ''It's interesting, I love reading about all kinds of things. What about yourself?''
''Trying to figure out how to make a health potion,'' she eagerly replied. ''Can I sit next to you, please?''
He nodded, unbothered by her request. The brown-haired girl scurried around the table before sitting next to him. That's when the smell of sweet flowers and something else hit his nose that pulled him out of the memory.
***
Raegar came to only look at Dahlia, eyes wide, making the older woman beam as she teased. ''I see you remember our first time in the library, did you like the cookies I used to bring?''
''Of course I do,'' he answered smiling. ''You better make me some more, I've missed them.''