Epic Of Caterpillar

Chapter 2773 2774: Mercenary Family

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When I awoke the next morning, I still felt soreness throughout my body.

Whatever that Wasp fiend did to me with that needle left me feeling both invigorated and wracked with agonizing pain.

I could barely move—me, a cosmic goddess, an outer deity capable of shattering planets.

My body ached all over, and I was powerless to stop it.

I had already tried a dozen elixirs to alleviate my pain, along with spells and skills.

Nothing worked.

The pain would persist until it faded on its own.

What… What did he do to me?

Seeking answers, I moved slowly, like an elderly woman, and shuffled to the bathroom.

There, Ismena and Acelina eased my discomfort with medicinal salt baths, abundant medicinal soap, and spirit-infused water.

The bath was slow yet soothing, and the soreness diminished significantly compared to how I felt upon waking.

”Ugh, even now, my body feels as if flames are burning within, as though Iʼm constantly ablaze.”

”Awakening your Meridians is a painful process, young lady,” Ismena said. ”Thereʼs no escaping it except to endure. As you train, cultivate, and grow stronger, the pain will subside naturally.”

”Yep, I still remember when our family awakened ours at twelve, haha!” Acelina laughed. ”Good times.”

”Your families…” I murmured.

Though I knew of their families from Genesis and Athetosea, I remained largely unaware of the new families they had formed here.

”Can you tell me more about them while I recover from this pain?” I asked, sipping tea and sighing softly.

”Ah, well, if you insist,” Ismena replied.

”We belong to the Athetosea Family, a mercenary clan from Europe,” Acelina explained. ”Itʼs said we descend from a knightly lineage from the ancient Medieval Ages, or so the stories go.”

”Yes, though Iʼm not entirely certain myself, we did inherit some Breathing Methods from our ancestors,” Ismena added.

”Breathing methods…” I echoed. ”And that Knight Aura, right?”

”Yes, what you call Cultivation is known as Body Tempering in our homeland,” Ismena clarified.

”Whatʼs your homeland, though? Are you reluctant to share?” I asked.

”We hail from England, if you were curious,” Ismena said with a smile.

”Oh!” I nodded. ”That sounds intriguing.”

”Living in England while tied to the Underworld is quite chaotic. Dozens of Magus Families and Knight Families are scattered everywhere. Mercenary clans like ours struggle to thrive amid fierce competition for resources and territory,” Acelina explained.

”So thatʼs why you came to Japan?” I inquired.

”Yes, we actually met your mother,” Ismena said. ”When we were younger, we encountered her. She was a young noble from her family, and she hired us after we connected remarkably well.”

”We were mere children compared to her,” Acelina added. ”But she cared for us deeply… then she met your father, and we relocated to Japan, where our lady gave birth to you and… passed away with a serene smile.”

”…”

I fell silent, gazing at the ceiling for a moment.

So that was their life here…

Iʼm sure thereʼs more to it, but…

That must be the connection. They didnʼt appear out of nowhere. It was through my mother.

Perhaps this also explains why these two powerful members of our organization almost exclusively look after me instead of pursuing personal missions.

Itʼs likely why my father trusts and cherishes them so deeply.

They probably remind him of my mother, evoking memories of their younger days.

”Your father was like a father figure to us too,” Acelina said. ”He warmly welcomed us into his organization.”

”When our lady passed, we vowed to protect and love you unconditionally,” Ismena said with a gentle smile.

”…Girls,” I said, feeling slightly embarrassed by their heartfelt words. ”Thank you…”

As I exhaled, I felt a bit better.

”Come to think of it, you havenʼt shared much about your family, like your parents or other siblings…” I said.

”Jonette is our eldest sister,” Ismena explained. ”Through the bond we forged with your mother, she began working for your family, particularly your aunt and her children.”

”Our father is the family head. He safeguards our territory and manages our business,” Acelina said.

”Our mother is a magician who tends a vast field of spiritual herbs that our family sells. Several of our aunts and uncles are alchemists, crafting potions as well,” Ismena added.

”Two of our other siblings excel at monster taming and forming contracts with familiars. They sell tamed magical beasts to magus families, especially to young lords seeking protective pets that grow alongside them,” Acelina said.

”Wow, your family does just about everything, doesnʼt it?” I asked.

”We had to diversify to survive and stay afloat,” Acelina replied. ”Lifeʼs tough if you just stagnate! But Iʼm certain weʼre making our parents proud by working here. The pay is exceptional.”

”We always send a portion of our earnings back home,” Ismena said, massaging my legs. ”So donʼt worry about them, young lady. I know your heart is kind and compassionate, but theyʼre doing well.”

”Iʼm glad to hear that… Ah, the pain is mostly gone,” I said, surprised. ”Did you do something?”

”No, perhaps you simply needed to stop dwelling on the pain to recover gradually,” Acelina replied.

”Your body is remarkable at healing, young lady, so this was only natural,” Ismena said. ”Shall we dry you and choose some clothes? Oh, right! You have scheduled classes with your teachers today. Three sessions daily.”

”Wait, what?” I asked. ”Teachers?”

”You requested your father to arrange lessons with them,” Ismena nodded. ”Wasp, Medea, and Doctor Frankenstein.”

”Oh…” I fell silent for a moment. ”Right… I suppose I should go then. I didnʼt acquire those manuals for nothing. Should I read them now or during the lessons?”

”Take your time, young lady. Thereʼs no need to rush this,” Acelina explained. ”Are you feeling better now? Your breakfast should be ready.”

”Alright, letʼs go eat then,” I nodded.

While drying my body with large towels, Ismena rubbed a bit too firmly in sensitive areas, stirring some excitement.

”Oh my… It seems the young lady has regained her vigor,” she said with a smile, licking her lips. ”Shall I serve you this morning as well?”

”I can help too~!” Acelina said, sitting beside her sister as they began their task together.

”Ahh… you two are wonderful at this…” I murmured, letting out a small moan.

It didnʼt take long for their combined efforts to bring me relief. Their actions clearly reflected the love they spoke of earlier.

”Oh my, was that not enough?” Ismena asked.

”Heh~ Young lady, youʼre a bit mischievous, arenʼt you?” Acelina teased. ”Getting so excited for your maids?”

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