A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1554: Just Like Your Mother

Archer appeared in a nearby alleyway only for ten Oathkeepers to appear from the Domain, led by Thalion, who knelt in front of him. He rolled his eyes but agreed. ʼʼYes, you can guard us, Thal, it will be good to be seen by the people.ʼʼ

At that moment, Freya floated toward him by the gentle pulse of his mana to keep the six babies close. Among them, a white-haired girl, her tiny hands reaching with unbridled affection, leaned forward and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek. Her giggle was a melody, pure and unguarded, warming the air around them.

The sight sparked a chain reaction. Neoma, Kela, and Evelyn, their eyes sparkling, swarmed him in an instant. Their small forms clambered over one another, each vying to shower his face with a flurry of kisses, their soft lips leaving a trail of saliva across his cheeks. Laughter erupted from him, a sound drawing the curious gazes of the Oathkeepers nearby.

Their stoic expressions softened for a moment, captivated by the scene of joy. But just as his laughter reached its peak, the two youngest of the six, barely old enough to toddle, made their presence known. With gummy determination, they latched onto his arms, their toothless mouths nibbling at his skin in what they must have thought was a fierce display of affection.

The sensation, more ticklish than painful, only deepened his laughter before he grabbed his cheeky daughters using his mana. Archer smiled at them, speaking in a love-filled tone. ʼʼCome on, girls, stop attacking me and letʼs get some ice cream.ʼʼ

Following that, he put Freya, Evelyn, and the twins on his shoulders while carrying Elise and Amelia. The two youngest enjoyed every moment as they stepped out of the alley surrounded by the Oathkeepers, but he commanded. ʼʼDonʼt be rough with them, weʼre here to visit and show off these little princesses.ʼʼ

A chorus of babble echoed out at his words before Archer began walking toward the cafe as the girlsʼ heads swiveled around, taking in all the sights. He loved their reactions and bopped Amelia on her nose. She started giggling, her pink eyes glowed thanks to the mana roaming through her tiny body.

Ten minutes later, he spotted the cafe they had visited before and headed toward it as the crowds got thicker, forcing Thalion to bring out more knights. They were gentle but firm with the people. After some pushing, the Draconians backed off just as the Homeguard arrived to calm the crowd down.

Archer walked into the quiet but bustling café, the soft chime of the doorbell heralding his arrival alongside his two young daughters. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries enveloped them. It was the sight of the trio that instantly drew every eye in the room.

Conversations hushed, and heads turned as staff and patrons alike paused to take in the endearing scene. The girls, perched gleefully on Archerʼs broad shoulders, giggled with uncontained delight, their bright eyes sparkling under the cafeʼs cozy lights. Their infectious joy softened the atmosphere, coaxing warm smiles from everyone present.

A young barista, her apron dusted with flour, approached with a respectful nod, her expression a blend of admiration and warmth. ʼʼMy Lord,ʼʼ she said, her voice carrying a hint of awe. ʼʼItʼs an honor to have you and your little ones here today. How may we serve you?ʼʼ

ʼʼBring me six different flavors of ice cream and a milkshake for me, please?ʼʼ he asked politely as she led them toward a table that would fit him and the girls.

The young woman happily nodded and wrote down their orders before leaving them behind. Once she was gone, he placed the babies in a high chair, displeasing most girls, but Amelia and Elise happily sat there. Freya, Neoma, Kela, and Evelyn were trying to escape, only to stop when they saw their younger sibling behaving.

Archerʼs laugh filled the cafe, a warm sound that seemed to bounce off the walls and further lighten the roomʼs atmosphere. He reached up with both hands, playfully ruffling the soft, fluffy hair of his daughters perched on his shoulders. Most of the girls sported his distinctive snow-white locks.

But Neoma stood out with her motherʼs striking grey hue, her hair shimmering faintly like moonlight on a still lake. Her vibrant violet eyes, full of mischief and adoration, locked onto her fatherʼs face, and she flashed him a wide, gummy smile that melted the hearts of onlookers.

His own eyes softened, crinkling at the corners as he leaned forward, his movements gentle yet deliberate. With a playful grin, he tapped Neomaʼs tiny nose with the tip of his finger, a soft boop escaping his lips. The little grey-skinned girl erupted into a fit of giggles, her high-pitched laughter bubbling like a melody, drawing chuckles from the nearby patrons and staff who couldnʼt help but be captivated.

Archerʼs senses sharpened as a familiar aura brushed against him, a subtle yet unmistakable ripple of energy approaching. His happy smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. He rose from his seat, the wooden chair creaking softly under the shift of his weight, and turned to Thalion.

ʼʼGuard the girls with your life,ʼʼ he commanded, his voice low. ʼʼIʼll be back in a minute.ʼʼ

Before Archer could step away, a small hand clasped his using surprising strength. He glanced down to see Freya, his eldest daughter, gazing up at him with her wide, sapphire-blue eyes. Her white curls framed her delicate face, and her grip tightened as if to say she wasnʼt staying behind.

ʼJust like your mother,ʼ he thought, grinning.

His stern expression softened, a sigh escaping his lips as he gave in to her unspoken request. With ease, he scooped Freya into his arms, her small form nestling against his chest as he strode toward the cafeʼs glass door. As he stepped outside into the morning air, the crowd gathered on the cobblestone street erupted into cheers. The sight of their emperor cradling the beloved princess in his arms sent a wave of excitement through the onlookers.

Freya, ever the spirited princess, waved enthusiastically, her bright smile mirroring the joy of the people who called out blessings and praises, their voices full of admiration for the father and daughter. He turned to the little girl and teased while tickling her belly. ʼʼLooks like youʼll be more popular than me.ʼʼ

Her bright giggles, bubbling with innocent joy, still echoed in Archerʼs ears when a jarring thud sliced through the festive clamor of the crowd. His head whipped toward the sound, every muscle tensing. Clutching Freya in his arms, he hurried toward the source. A white-haired woman crumpled on the cobblestone street, motionless.

As he drew closer, the sight struck him like a blade: it was Larka, his mother. A bitter wave of resentment swirled in his chest, memories of her cold cruelty from his childhood resurfacing with stinging clarity. Yet, before he could dwell on the old wounds, Freyaʼs tiny arms stretched out toward the fallen woman, her small face full of concern and compassion, softening the edges of his anger.

Archer knelt beside Larka, the Oathkeepers quickly forming a protective ring around them, holding back the crowd. His motherʼs face was pale, a stark contrast to the red trickling from a horrible gash on her head where sheʼd struck the ground. She was out cold, her breathing shallow, and the sight stirred a conflicting storm inside him: hate for the woman who had tormented him.

His daughterʼs hopeful gaze fixed on him, her blue eyes unwavering, and for her sake alone, he extended a steady hand. Softly, he cast a Healing spell. ʼʼThank your granddaughter for saving your life, mother. Sheʼs the only reason Iʼm showing you any emotion,ʼʼ he said, quietly so only the three of them would hear.

A warm, violet glow pulsed from his fingertips, weaving over the older woman, knitting the wound closed and coaxing color back to her ashen cheeks. The act was not born of forgiveness, but of love for the child whose heart saw only a grandmother in need, and for that, Archer would set aside his pain, if only for a moment.

Seconds later, Larka opened her blue eyes, ones that reminded him of Siaʼs and their daughters. She smiled before thanking the little girl. ʼʼThank you for helping me, Freya. You will make your father proud.ʼʼ

Archer couldnʼt help but smile as he kissed his daughter who turned to him with the biggest, gummiest smile she could give him. She giggled and turned to the older woman, watching her as if she knew what his mother had done in the past. This made Larka giggle as she spoke. ʼʼLooks like youʼre already a better parent than I ever was. Iʼm happy knowing Freya loves you so much.ʼʼ

When the little girl heard his words, she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, sending his heart racing. He gently wrapped his arm around her in return, but Freya pointed at her grandmother and babbled a command, her intent clear to him.