Chapter 37- Aspen Empire

Adelaide's POV

"I'm back, Adelaide." Astoria smiled as she walks into our chamber.

"Welcome back, dear. How was your trip?" Astoria sighed. I got up from the bed and help her getting the armour off her while examine for any new injuries from her recent mission.

"Our informants were right- a group of bandits had taken a small village hostage. But don't worry, there were no casualties. And we manage to capture the bandits. The law will now determine their punishment." I smiled.

It's been five years since the fall of Tempest. And for that five years, both Astoria and I had built a vast growing empire replacing the once crumbling land.

"How are you and the little ones?" Astoria placed her hand on my belly. Somehow, that one birthday celebration turned into something rather special for the both of us. Before Astoria went to her mission, it has come to our knowledge that I am currently pregnant with our third child.

At first we were worried but after heeding the advice from Astoria's mother and my parents, we felt more assured.

"I am okay. And the baby is fine too. I'm more worried about you. When was the last time you sleep?" Astoria smiled.

"I'm not sure but I was well rested on the trip back. You sent a carriage for me so I could have my rest, yes?" I smiled.

"Did you meet the twins?" Astoria shake her head no.

"Follow me. They are probably at the training field now." Astoria seems confused.

"Why would they be at the training field?" There is so much Astoria need to know about the twins. While she was away, the twins had shown quite a promising talent in magic. Even though they are still young, Moloch said it's never too early to learn how to control their powers.

"You'll see. Follow me." We made our way towards the training. The first thing that Astoria saw was twins throwing fire magic at Moloch. Her jaw dropped and I could see how surprise she is.

"What was that?!" Astoria asked while pointing at the twins.

"It seems they inherited a lot of your fairy gene. Even your mother was surprised by their progressed. And they only been learning magic for four months." Astoria seems speechless.

"Mama!" Astor was the first to notice us. Astrid was in the middle of chanting when her focus was interuptted by Astor's voice. That girl almost kill Moloch with her spells.

"Oh, I'm sorry Astrid. But mama is back! Look!" Astoria kneel on one knee before open her arms wide for the twins.

"Oh how I miss you two. It may be a short trip but it feels like years! Is it just me or you two had grown taller than four months ago?" The twins chuckled.

"Mama look! We can do magic just like grandma!" Astoria immediately grabbed a hold of the twins hand and smiled.

"What an amazing show of skills! You two should go to your teacher. We shall have dinner together tonight." The twins nodded their head before they both went back to Moloch.

"Astrid almost kill me. Her mana was malfunction for a bit and was about to create a mana blade to cut my head off. I should be scared but why do I feel proud?" I chuckled.

"You have a deranged mind, Astoria. So, where do you wish to go next?" Astoria hummed before she turned to me and look at my belly.

"Why don't we rest?"

"I had my rest while you were away. Since you're here now, I would like to spend my time with you." Astoria hummed.

"Then why don't we go and visit the capital. Wait- can you even use the teleportation gate?" I chuckled before nodding my head.

"Don't worry too much. I carried twins before. This is nothing."

Later that night,

"Adel, did you force the mages and dwarves to built the palace without any rest?" Astoria's question made startled me. How did she know?

"No. Why would you think like that?" I asked with a smile.

"Because the dwarves look like they are about to die from the lack of alcohol. And the mages- their mana are out of control, indicates they have even taking supplements to reenergise themselves." I hate the fact that this woman is too observant.

"It's a beautiful place, don't you think? I specifically asked them to use black marble. The demons were kind enough to help us extract the marble too." Astoria look around once again.

"You overworked the demons too, correct?" Ugh- how did she found out?! It's like she knows what I did even though she was never here!

"But the palace will be done in no time. Everything is accoridng to plan." Astoria gave me a small smile.

"Yes but your action will cause others harm. Give thrm a day or two days off. They should be ablw to enjoy their tjne either their family and friends. That way their wuality of work would increase as well." I sigh. Theres nothing I can do to say no to that.

"Alright." Astoria tilted her head before smiling at me.

"Oh honey, are you angry at me for what i said?" Huh? I'm not but should I play alomg? But she's probably tired from her mission and I dont want to add more burden to her by acting like a child.

"I'm not. I do admit that I've been acting like a tyrant lately. But no one said anything. So I assume everyone is fine with the way I run things around here." Astoria suddenly took my hand and said,

"Of course no one would say anything. Is there anyone here that is not afraid of you?" Huh? I nodded before pointing at her.

"Except for me and the twins." I shake my head no.

"Exactly. But I like that about you. That what makes you a real person. The REAL Adelaide." Was that a conpliment or—

"Astoria!" We were surprised when someone called out to us. Astoria smiled before she went to see the person I've never seen before. Astoria seems contemplating about something before she walk up to me and said,

"I need to see this person immediately. Would you mind if i take a rain check? Im sorry but I promise to make it up to you." I hunmed before nodding my head. Astoria gave me a light kiss on the cheek before following the person.

I aighed before making my way to my office. The moment I went inside, fhe retainers were surprised to see me. As if they didnt expect to see me at all.

"Milady!" I raised an eyebrow as one of the retainers came to mg side.

"I thought you be taking the day off since the countess is back. You should have enough rest, milady." Rest?

"I planned to take over the empire while I was pregnant with twins. I think if theres anyone who needs rest, its all of you. Its decided that you'll be given a two days off. Its an order- so go back and be with your family. Im sure they all misses you." The retainers were surprised by what I just said.

"But-" I raised my hand.

"No but- go. Leave your work as it is. Come back the day after tomorrow. It's an order!" I watched as the retainers leaves the office with smiles on their faces.

So this is how it feels to be a good superior? I didn't realised I've been such a tyrant to my workers. Oh well- things can change.

"Do I get the day off too?" Moloch appeared out of nowhere before kneeling in front of me.

"I thought demons don't need any days off." Moloch kept his head low.

"Because I wish to bring Seraphina to see my realm." Huh? Seraphina? My sister? Are they-

"I would like to spend my eternity with Seraphina. I know I should have ask for her parents permission first but I think it's best to talk to someone who owns me before that." Huh? Is this demon serious? I can't fathom what is happening but-

"Are you sure that you could take care of her?" Moloch nodded.

"Seraphina is the type of woman who doesn't trust anyone easily. And since she choosen you, I have no say in her life decision. Before I could give you any permission, you need to ask for my parents and brothers approval first. Then come back to me with their answer." Moloch nodded.

"Now leave before I change my mind." Moloch look up and smile.

"As you wish, my master,"

I sighed before taking a seat.

Now- what shall be done for the future of this new empire?