Chapter 12

Upon waking from their slumber, Aster and the girls were greeted by an astonishing sight atop the World Tree.

Various creatures now populated the surroundings of Celestria.

Dragons and phoenixes soared through the skies, while on the land below, elves, ogres, lizardmen, and a bunch of other beings and monsters traversed the terrain.

As they observed the diverse array of creatures, Aster noticed a woman close to them with golden hair, emerald green eyes, and a voluptuous figure.

Introducing herself as Luminara: The Tree of Life, she explained that as Aster continuously radiated his aura, she gradually developed consciousness. After approximately ten years, her ego emerged, prompting her to fashion a physical form to interact with others out of sheer boredom while awaiting Aster's awakening.

Aster engaged in conversation with Luminara, attempting to dissuade her from addressing him as master, but she remained steadfast.

Employing his charm and a touch of flirtation, Aster eventually succeeded in persuading her to address him by his name, Aster, rather than Master.

After that they returned to their flying island, Aster and the girls were taken aback by the scene below.

Their mansion remained, but it was the surrounding houses and bustling streets that left them in awe, resembling a flourishing kingdom. Laughter and play echoed as children frolicked, and people strolled along the streets.

Descending to the island, they were greeted with cheers from their nephalem citizens. Abaddon, Elara, and Aurie were the first to welcome them, bowing in reverence.

After the citizens celebrated their king and queen's return, Aster spent approximately two hundred years enjoying the company of the girls and exploring his realm.

Now, above the world tree, Aster could be seen having a delightful picnic date with Yue, Trihexa, and Alora, relishing in the serene view and delicious food.

-

Present time

As Aster enjoyed his date with his three wives, reveling in their company and the breathtaking scenery, a playful moment unfolded.

"Say aah~" (Trihexa)

Trihexa exclaimed, reaching out to feed Aster.

Before she could, Alora intervened, playfully vying for Aster's attention. 

"No, Aster, here, say aah~"(Alora)

she insisted, attempting to feed him herself.

Aster could practically feel the tension crackle between their gazes, like lightning ready to strike.

Unexpectedly, Yue gently guided Aster's head onto her lap, interrupting the playful banter between Alora and Trihexa.

"Enough, you two." (Yue)

She scolded gently. 

"Stop troubling Aster." (Yue)

"Sorry," (Alora & Trihexa) 

both murmured, lowering their heads in apology.

Aster chuckled at their interaction, enjoying the soft comfort of Yue's lap.

"I love you guys," (Aster)

He murmured extremely quietly, almost to himself.

The girls immediately halted their actions, their eyes widening in surprise. It was the first time Aster had expressed his love for them.

Aster couldn't blame their reaction. He had pondered his feelings for them for a long time and finally realized he had loved them all along.

However, Aster was gripped by fear when it came to love. To love someone meant entrusting them with the most vulnerable part of oneself, placing your heart and soul in their hands.

This terrified Aster, who had always been alone, never truly relying on anyone.

Yet, as he reflected, he realized that Yue, Alora, and Trihexa were worth the risk of being hurt. He couldn't remain a coward forever. 

Even if there was a possibility of being hurt, he resolved to keep moving forward with his head held high.

After all, he was a king.

"A-Aster, can y-you repeat that?" (Yue)

Yue's voice trembled as she spoke.

Her eyes betrayed her emotions, shaking with the weight of Aster's words.

Yue, who knew Aster better than anyone else, understood the significance of what he had just said. She had seen his memories, witnessed his actions during the creation of the Realm of Origin, and knew that he rarely sought help or relied on others. He simply didn't trust himself to anyone.

So when Yue heard Aster confess his love for them, it struck her to the core. His words, though simple, felt like they carried the weight of the entire world to her.

When Aster uttered those words, it wasn't just affection, but an understanding. Understanding that despite being two separate souls, they seemed to fit together perfectly.

Unnoticed by Yue, tears began to trickle down her cheeks.

Aster gently reached out his hand to wipe away the tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to say this, but I wanted to make sure that when I did, I truly meant it from the depths of my heart." (Aster)

He expressed sincerely.

He knew he could have said it earlier, but it wouldn't have held any genuine meaning. So he chose to be a bit selfish and waited until he was ready.

"But now, I can say with absolute certainty , I love you guys!" (Aster)

He exclaimed with a bright smile.

Upon hearing his heartfelt confession, the three girls couldn't contain their joy. They leaped onto Aster, causing him to fall onto his back, each resting their heads on his chest, reveling in the warmth of his love.

"Hmp, it took you long enough! I love you too!" (Trihexa)

"I love you too! And see, you bastard, I said I'd make you fall for me! Hehehe!" (Alora) 

"Umu, Umu! I'm so happy! I love you too, master!" (Yue) 

Trihexa, Alora and Yue exclaimed with happiness, their voices filled with joy and love.

With lips stretched wide in a big smile, Aster leaned in to kiss each of them gently on the forehead.

They remained in that embrace, relishing in each other's warmth and the comfortable silence that enveloped them.

The four of them knew that their love story was evolving into something new.

Now that all four had declared their love for each other, their story had begun anew, a story written by none other than themselves.