Lu Ming quietly read Ilena’s inner thoughts.
She wanted to say something, but didn’t know what.
“Your Highness, I heard from others that the one who truly ended the war between the two Empires was actually you.”
Ilena suddenly spoke, her rosy lips parting as she gently uttered these words.
“It was that Pope Sislia of the Church of the Dawn who said it herself. I heard she even appeared in the newspaper… yes, the newspaper!”
Ilena softly brushed a strand of hair that had fallen before her eyes.
“I’m truly grateful to you, for those families that weren’t broken because the war ended in time.”
At that moment, Lu Ming led Ilena to the front of the courtyard.
He stopped walking and said calmly.
“You shouldn’t have to be the sacrifices of war.”
Ilena’s eyes instinctively widened, a single tear sliding down her cheek.
Seeing Ilena’s reddened eyes, Lu Ming gently wiped away her tears.
Then he spoke again.
“Let’s call this little one Prayer.”
“Prayer… Your Highness, you really are gentle, aren’t you? Is it because you hope this child can live a happy life…”
“Or maybe, because it reminds you of my prayer at that time…”
Ilena immediately broke into a tearful smile, her heart filled with gentleness and joy.
Her Highness the Goddess had actually given her child a name.
In her eyes, Lu Ming was nearly everything to her—not only her faith, but her spiritual pillar as well.
Back then, when she heard the news that her husband had died in battle, she fell gravely ill, unable even to work the fields.
If she hadn’t come to the Divine Realm’s temple with the thought of giving it a try, she probably would have collapsed from overwork before she recovered.
But after that night, all her illnesses and hidden ailments disappeared—it was truly Her Highness the Goddess’s kindness.
Lu Ming watched Ilena’s gaze grow more fervent, and her complexion gradually flush with color.
He felt as if he had just received an invitation for a duo match.
Just as the mood was heating up—
***
A call rang out from within the temple at just the wrong moment.
“Great Goddess of Fertility, Ymir!
You bring prosperity to the world and life to all things. You are the envoy of the newborn!”
“Please, hear my prayer!”
Hearing such a formal invocation, Lu Ming turned his gaze that way.
The visitor surprised him, but was within his expectations.
Naya wore a low-necked linen dress that subtly displayed her youthful beauty.
She knelt reverently before the statue, holding a child in her arms.
As expected, the child bore a faint resemblance to Lu Ming.
“It’s Naya, Your Highness, aren’t you going to bring her in?” Ilena’s voice softened considerably.
Her attitude toward Lu Ming relaxed and became much more intimate—no longer holding that distinct reverence for a god.
Lu Ming gently ruffled Ilena’s hair.
Then his figure faded away.
Under Ilena’s curious gaze, Lu Ming appeared once more within the Divine Realm.
But now, by his side, there was an adorably soft little girl.
Naya, still holding her child, looked at Ilena in surprise. Her face instantly flushed red and she shyly lowered her head.
Even her voice became small.
“Ilena, I didn’t know you were here.”
“I came at the wrong time, I… I should leave now, Your Highness?”
Lu Ming was about to say something in response.
But Ilena spoke first.
“No, Naya, you came at just the right time. With just me and His Highness here, it always feels a bit… strange.”
Saying this, Ilena hurried forward and grabbed Naya by the shoulders.
But a mischievous smile appeared on her face.
Naya grew even more embarrassed under Ilena’s gaze, her face blushing a deep shade of red.
Being the shy girl she was, with Ilena teasing her like this, her heart filled with embarrassment.
Her youthful innocence was written plainly across her face.
So much so that it seemed to overflow.
Naya let out a coquettish protest, pushing away Ilena, who was pinching the soft flesh at her waist.
Watching the two women bicker, Lu Ming couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.
He gently dispersed the glow that concealed his true appearance, then with a single thought—
Two green vines grew from the ground, gradually weaving themselves into the shape of cradles, lined with soft petals and looking especially comfortable.
Lu Ming took the two children and placed them into the cradles.
Two small birds flew over from the woods, singing a clear lullaby.
He took Naya and Ilena by the hands, leading them toward the courtyard.
“Let’s go discuss some things we should talk about.”
The two women looked up at Lu Ming in unison; his strikingly beautiful features made them both lose themselves for a moment.
But as soon as they returned to their senses, they noticed that both of their outfits had changed.
Ilena covered her mouth.
She looked at Naya’s office attire in astonishment, very curious.
The white blouse seemed almost woven from silk—neither sheer nor thick, neither revealing nor conservative.
It was particularly alluring.
And that perfectly fitted pencil skirt.
It accentuated Naya’s slim waist.
And somehow, Naya’s hair had been styled into a bun.
A few wisps of hair framed her face.
She even wore a pair of half-rim glasses, giving her a uniquely fresh charm.
A different sort of allure.
“This outfit, Your Highness, you really know how to dress someone up…”
But for some reason—
Naya’s gaze at her was far more shocked than hers at Naya.
It was as if she wanted to laugh, but was desperately holding it in.
Naya’s reaction made Ilena realize something was off.
She hurriedly looked down at herself.
And at that sight, Ilena couldn’t help but cry out.
She was dressed in nothing but a bikini—two scant pieces of clothing covered her entire body.
It was extremely bold and provocative.
For a young widow from another world, this was far too advanced, too daring.
Let alone wearing it, Ilena had never even imagined such a thing.
“Pfft—hahaha! Ilena, you’re so pale!”
Naya finally couldn’t help but burst out laughing, her delicate body trembling with mirth.
Just this bit of movement was enough to split her pencil skirt.
Like a present whose wrapping had just been torn.
Ilena’s face instantly fell, but then she smirked mischievously.
She wrapped Naya up in a hug, then dragged her toward the bed.
The two women tumbled directly onto a bed of flowers and grass.
Ilena started tickling Naya relentlessly.
But since there were clothes in the way, it wasn’t very effective.
Instead, Ilena herself—
Naya found her weak spot, and with a single move, the tide of battle was reversed, and Ilena burst out laughing, giggling uncontrollably.
Their laughter, as clear as a babbling brook, echoed throughout the room.
Lu Ming watched the two playing around, helpless.
Such a lovely gift.
He hadn’t even had a chance to enjoy it, and they were about to ruin the wrapping themselves.
Although this scene was rather eye-catching, he knew he couldn’t keep watching.
So, Lu Ming was forced to step in and stop them.
“…Your Highness, that’s cheating, you’re taking sides!”
Naya immediately protested, but Lu Ming promptly reminded her—
That one does not question a god.
Ilena only grinned mischievously.
“Naya, you’ll never beat your big sister!”
“Hmph, loser… Ilena, you’re the most dishonest… la…”
***
From outside the courtyard came the clear sound of a lullaby.
It gently lulled the two children into a peaceful sleep.
***
The next morning.
Ilena woke up a little dazed. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Naya sitting by the bed.
Naya was resting her chin in her hands, giving Ilena a teasing look.
“See? I told you, Ilena, you’re a naughty and dishonest girl!”
Ilena’s ears flushed hot for no reason, and she sat up at once.
Pouting, she wrapped Naya in a hug.
Hearing the sounds of their play from inside, Lu Ming entered the room helplessly.
“Ilena, Naya, since you’re awake, come on out, it’s already late.”
“Ah? Yes, Your Highness!” Ilena quickly nodded, immediately stopping her antics.
Naya stuck out her tongue at her, then bounced over to Lu Ming.
With both of them, he walked out to the cradles.
The two children were still sleeping soundly.
The two women exchanged a glance, both feeling a little embarrassed.
Unknowingly, they’d forgotten about the children.
They hurriedly leaned over the cradles, gazing gently at the children.
“Naya, let’s call her Wish, what do you think?”
Naya looked up excitedly and nodded hard.
“Mm!”