Chapter 306: Chapter 276: Return, Embrace, the Aggrieved Big Mimi

The winters in the Northern Territory were long, but today, the sun had finally broken through.

The afternoon sun flowed down quietly, plating the pale silver porcelain dish with a warm, golden edge.

"It’s finally... over."

Reya gently stirred her tea with a silver spoon. Her fiery red hair fluttered softly in the breeze as her emerald eyes gazed toward the city gates, her voice tinged with a faint trace of exhaustion and a deeper sense of anticipation.

"The war may not have lasted long, but it did so much damage to Heta County. I’m afraid it will take a long time to restore its former prosperity..."

She picked up a butter cookie dusted with powdered sugar but didn’t bring it to her lips. Her fingertips unconsciously traced the smooth edge of the porcelain plate as her voice grew even softer.

"I wonder how Mr. Jon is doing... He... he should be back soon, right...?"

Before she could finish, Xia, who was sitting across from her, burst out laughing.

"Oh, Reya—"

"You’ve already said that twice this morning, and five times yesterday afternoon!"

She then mimicked Reya’s tone, murmuring in a perfect, hushed imitation.

"’Mr. Jon should be back soon, right~~’"

"Ngh— Xia, you!"

Two crimson blushes instantly bloomed on Reya’s cheeks. She instinctively wanted to argue, but all that came out was a mumble quieter than a mosquito’s buzz, which only made the younger girl’s grin widen.

Just then, Rosalind, who had been sitting quietly to the side sipping her black tea, paused.

She slowly set down the delicate bone china teacup in her hand. The bottom of the cup made a soft, crisp TAP against the saucer. Her cool, clear silver eyes turned directly toward the gates of Heta County City, beyond the manor.

"Reya."

Her voice was as steady as ever, yet it was like a stone tossed into a lake, instantly shattering the tranquility of the afternoon tea party.

"Today is a good day."

The cryptic remark made Reya start. The butter cookie she had been holding for so long made a SNAP as it fell onto the small, lace-covered table, shattering into several little mounds like snowdrifts.

—

The mingled sounds of heavy hoofbeats and scraping metal armor rolled down the main road of Birch Town, a victorious tide washing over the buildings still under repair as the column slowly advanced toward "home."

This was a column that still smelled of gunpowder.

Scratches on the Mechanical Bodies refracted fractured patterns in the sunlight, and the Knights’ Armor bore stark, dark red stains that couldn’t be wiped away.

Exhaustion was a silent banner hanging from every shoulder, yet their steps carried the firm resolve that comes when the dust has settled, for they were returning in the glory of victory.

Ahead, the silhouette of Grent Manor was already faintly visible.

Jon reined in his horse, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the sunlight.

He knew they were the ones waiting for him.

The thought made the tense lines on his face soften.

Then, the Master of the Giant God Workshop gently spurred his horse, leading the column at a steady pace toward the gates of Grent Manor.

By this time, Rosalind was already leading the others out to greet them.

The wave of sound—a mix of scraping metal, heavy hoofbeats, and weary breaths—came to a halt before the manor gates like a receding tide.

Jon swung himself off his horse. The long shadow cast by his tall frame fell right at Rosalind’s feet.

With barely a moment’s hesitation, Rosalind stepped forward and threw herself into Jon’s arms.

Her arms wrapped around his waist and back, which were covered in rock-crystal armor. She pressed her cheek gently against his cold breastplate, closed her eyes, and breathed in his unique scent—a mix of dust and sweat.

Jon froze for a second, then hugged her back, resting his chin on her soft, silver hair as he spoke in a low voice.

"Rosalind, I’m back."

"Mm."

This scene unfolded clearly before the eyes of Reya, who was standing nearby.

Her emerald eyes widened at first, the faint trace of anticipation instantly replaced by a sour pang of disappointment. Even her fiery red hair seemed to dim a little.

But soon, as if she had made some kind of decision, the blush that had just faded from her cheeks quickly returned.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the red-haired girl shyly but resolutely sidled up to Jon’s side.

"Mr. Jon... welcome back..."

Her voice had a plaintive, nasal tone, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the delicate fabric of her skirt. Her gaze, however, stubbornly flickered toward his free arm, her intention obvious.

Jon looked down at her shy yet stubborn expression, a resigned, indulgent smile appearing in his eyes.

He released one of his arms from around Rosalind and opened it wide.

Reya threw her arms around him almost instantly, her hands tightly gripping the leather lining of Jon’s Armor. She buried her slightly flushed cheeks in his other side and let out a long sigh of relief.

"You’ve worked hard, Reya."

Jon put an arm around her slender shoulders and patted her gently.

"Without you stabilizing the home front and managing supplies, this war wouldn’t have progressed so smoothly."

"When we’re rewarding everyone for their contributions, you’ll be at the top of the list!"

Reya lifted her head, her emerald eyes shining brightly again at his praise. The blush on her cheeks deepened, but it was no longer just from shyness—it now held the glow of pride.

The corners of her lips curled up into an irrepressible smile, but just as she was about to speak, she was cut off—

"However."

Jon’s tone shifted. A glint of cunning flashed in his ice-blue eyes, and his lips curved into a familiar, mischievous smirk that Reya knew well.

"I have even better news, and... it’s about you."

"What is it?"

Reya asked immediately, unconsciously hugging Jon’s arm tighter.

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