“Calling me a kid,” Liz muttered, her frustration knitting her brows as she settled into her bed. “And doing something so horrible to Michael, who was just being nice!” She clenched her fist, her voice a whisper in the quiet of her room. “That guy… is just a senseless punk! I don’t like him!” She…

“Liz, you can head off to sleep. There are things I need to discuss with Van,” Amoria said, the evening of chores winding down. Liz gave a silent nod. “Good night, Mom…” Her eyes flicked to Van, laden with the shadows of unspoken words, remembering his recent harshness toward Michael. Van offered her a gentle…

“Who’s that?” Van inquired casually as Liz seemed to struggle with the visitor at the door. “That’s Michael Evenbrown. He grew up with Liz, Anne, and Mel—good friends, always together… Almost became childhood sweethearts, even. But recently, he’s become quite persistent,” Amoria explained, watching her daughter with a mix of concern and frustration. “Persistent like…

“So… The elves. Why did you and your father went there to begin with?” Liz asked after shaking off her initial surprise learning about the secret. “…To try their game, as I said. We just liked to travel, so there wasn’t a major reason. Since they let the forest animals eat the best food, their…

“Uhm… So, Van… Where did you and your dad come from? Were you living near the capital after he separated from the party?” Liz asked as they dined. “Well… Uh…” Van hesitated, glancing at Amoria as if looking for cues. She simply smiled back, clearly enjoying watching him squirm. ‘She’s getting a kick out of…

Van returned to the dining room, fully dressed this time. “Sorry for the show, wasn’t quite ready yet,” he apologized as he took a seat at the table, adjusting the shirt slightly. Liz, overwhelmed and still processing the scene, barely managed a response. “A-ah… N-no… Don’t worry about it…” She stammered, her gaze flickering away…

Several hours later… “Mom… I’m back… Hehe…” Elizabeth’s voice drifted through the house as she entered, her posture relaxed and tired from the day’s work. Amoria, standing in the kitchen, was surrounded by the aroma of cooking food. “Ah, Liz… How was your day at the guild?” she asked cheerfully yet gently, not turning from…

“Thanks, the clothes fit well,” Van commented as he emerged from the bathroom dressed in the casual clothes Amoria had given him. Amoria gave him a quiet smile. “Glad you like them,” she replied softly. “Were these Magus’s?” Van inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice as he adjusted the fit slightly. ‘I swear…

After Van had finished the additional servings, Amoria led him to the bathroom. “Take as much time as you need. Let’s just say you’re not exactly the picture of cleanliness right now,” she teased playfully. “Right…” Van muttered, scratching his head awkwardly after catching a whiff of himself. “…I can help you bathe, if you…

“Alright, here we are!” Amoria announced cheerfully as she opened the door to her home, ushering Van inside. “Nice place,” Van commented, stepping in after her. He inhaled the scent of an enclosed space, his gaze wandering curiously around the spacious living room. ‘I somehow expected a mansion, with all of Magus’ harem living side…