After some time, Tiriana’s mom returns to the sitting room carrying a tray filled with several small ceramic cups and a kettle. She sets the tray on the table and pours the contents of the kettle into each cup.

The liquid is a deep green color, releasing a refined herbal aroma into the air.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mom," I say, respectfully taking one of the cups.

Pico follows suit and takes a cup as well. Then Aleena picks up hers.

"Oh, look, Mom. He’s already calling you Mom!" Aleena says sheepishly before taking a deep breath of her tea.

"Oh dear, don’t flatter me. You little brat, coming home after several years!" Aleena’s mom says with a small pout as she reaches for the kettle to pour herself some tea.

"I’m sorry, Mom. I had my reasons. By the way, where are Dad and Maya?" Aleena asks.

"Your dad went out this morning... you know, to the top of the mountain. As for Maya, she went to school. She’s currently writing her final high school exams," Aleena’s mom reveals.

"I see... Mom, you’ve only gotten more beautiful over the years. Your breasts have gotten even bigger too, hehe," Aleena says before suddenly springing to her feet and lunging at her mother, fondling her breasts through her gown.

"Waaaah, you silly girl! What are you doing?" Tiriana exclaims in shock at Aleena’s sudden attack and tries to shield her chest, but Aleena’s grip is so strong that her face quickly turns bright red.

Her face grows even redder when our eyes meet briefly.

"Aleena! Get off me!"

"No! Tell me your secret to getting these F-cups or else—"

"Fine! Fine! Fine! I’ll tell you, but let go of me first!"

Tiriana struggles to pry Aleena off, but her efforts seem futile as Aleena clings to her like a sloth.

In a sudden twist, Aleena lets go and drops back onto the couch beside her mother, a satisfied smirk spreading across her face. Tiriana, on the other hand, looks completely embarrassed and keeps glancing at me every now and then.

What the actual fuck?

My mother-in-law has been staring at me strangely since I arrived.

What exactly is going through her mind? Does she have a crush on me or something?

Wait—

Since her husband is sick, he probably hasn’t been touching her, right?

What am I even thinking about my mother-in-law? Damn.

I try to push away the lewd thoughts creeping into my head, but they only seem to get worse, as though a voice is whispering dirty things directly into my mind.

"Jacob, how old are you?" Tiriana suddenly asks.

Just then, a knock echoes through the house. I immediately notice Tiriana’s expression becoming serious.

"Aleena, your dad is here. Go open the door for him," Tiriana says.

Aleena nods and heads over to the entrance.

Soon after, I hear surprised voices coming from the hallway—a father and daughter happy to see each other again. For some reason, my heart starts pounding inside my chest.

According to Aleena, her dad was the real problem.

Even though I came prepared, I can’t help feeling nervous.

Several sharp clacks of shoes against the floor follow before a tall, slender figure appears before me. He has short blond hair, sharp elongated ears, dazzling green eyes, and a long face that perfectly matches his lean frame. As I study him more closely, I notice his sickly appearance. His skin is slightly pale, dark bags sit beneath his eyes, and his eyes are somewhat red, probably from smoking.

By human standards, he looks to be in his early thirties, though in reality he could easily be hundreds of years old.

I quickly rise from my seat and bow respectfully.

"It’s an honor to meet you, Sir. My name is Jacob, and this is my assistant, Pico," I say.

Pico immediately stands as well and greets him.

Seriously, I’ve been deceived by Pico this entire time. Heck, she’s even more composed than Lilith.

The man studies me briefly, but his gaze feels as though it lingers for eternity.

Thank goodness I didn’t call him Father just yet, the way I called Tiriana Mom.

A moment later, a smile blooms across his face and he cups his hands politely.

"I apologize for my rudeness. I was simply startled to see a vampire. My daughter didn’t tell me beforehand. My name is Theodore Fenagors. I’m glad to meet you, son," he says before extending his hand for a handshake.

I shake it firmly.

"It’s my pleasure, Father," I reply with a respectful bow.

Aleena’s father is blunt and straightforward. There isn’t a trace of malice on his face. He’s simply surprised to discover I’m a vampire, much like Tiriana was.

"Please, take a seat. I suppose I interrupted an important discussion?" Theodore says, urging me to sit before gently nudging Aleena toward me.

Aleena sits beside me while Pico takes the far end of the couch, her expression unreadable.

"Mom, Dad, Jacob, Pico, and I got you some gifts," Aleena says before beginning to hand over everything she bought. A pile of presents appears from her inventory right in front of Tiriana.

"Whoa, thank you so much, Jacob, Aleena, and P-Pico," Tiriana says, glancing toward Pico, who smiles shyly in return.

I leave Tiriana to her daughter and focus on Theodore.

"Dad, I got you something you might like," I say.

The next moment, a bag of DevilSkunk appears in my hand.

Theodore’s eyes widen in shock. He quickly snatches the bag and opens it, revealing the fine buds inside.

"T-This really is DevilSkunk. It must have cost a fortune!" he mutters, a bright smile spreading across his face.

"I’m sorry, this is all I could get for you," I say with a small bow.

"Come on, don’t be so modest. I used to smoke DevilSkunk before my illness. But I couldn’t afford it anymore because my treatment consumed all my savings. This amount might last me the rest of my remaining lifespan," Theodore says with a soft sigh.

"Don’t say that, Father. Nothing is impossible."

"Pft. I appreciate the kind words, kid, but in my case, it’s almost impossible."

Theodore shakes his head before turning toward Aleena.

"Aleena, didn’t you say you could bring your master here?"

"I’m sorry, Dad. When I saw my master, I realized he was dealing with a serious challenge. I didn’t want to bother him because I understand what that phase is like for a mage," Aleena replies.

"I see... well, since you’re here, it doesn’t matter. I assume you’re here to discuss your marriage with Jacob, right?"

"Yes, Father."

Suddenly, silence fills the living room as Theodore and Tiriana glance at Aleena.

"Aleena... a-are you still a virgin?" Tiriana suddenly asks.

Aleena glances at me and gives me a subtle nod before looking back at her mother.

"I’m sorry, Mom. I’m carrying Jacob’s child," Aleena says softly as she clutches my arm. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Dad, Mom, I’m sorry. It’s my fault. Aleena told me about your strict policy regarding intimacy before marriage, but one thing led to another, and now she’s pregnant with our child. I’ll take responsibility," I say with a bow.

Theodore and Tiriana stare at us in shock.

Even Pico, sitting quietly in the corner, looks startled. She opens her mouth as if she wants to say something, but no words come out.

"Aleena, you’ve truly surprised me. I didn’t think you lacked that much self-control. Is this how I raised you—"

"It’s fine, darling!" Theodore suddenly interrupts, startling Tiriana.

"B-But darling, isn’t this what Aleena’s older sister did when we—"

"Say no more. This is a different matter. I know you care about Seraphina, and you’re worried people might gossip that Aleena gets special treatment because she’s your biological daughter, right?"

"I... I..." Tiriana stammers.

"It’s fine. Maybe you forgot. During Seraphina’s incident, her fiance eloped. That was why I punished her. That rule existed to protect my daughters. Since Jacob is here and willing to take responsibility, I have no reason to punish Aleena. Besides, my greatest wish is to see my grandchild before I die," Theodore says with a soft sigh.

"Thank you, Father," Aleena says gratefully.

"Fine. Since that’s the case, Aleena, I’ll verify whether you’re truly pregnant. If you’re telling the truth, then this calls for a celebration."

The next moment, Tiriana waves her hand and begins chanting a spell.

At the same time, Aleena extends her wrist.

Tiriana grabs it and makes a tiny cut with her fingers, causing blood to trickle down Aleena’s skin.

With another flick of her hand, a sharp beam of light shoots from Tiriana’s fingers and strikes the blood.

Instantly, the blood evaporates into a small cloud of mist above Aleena’s wrist.

Slowly, the mist begins to shift, forming two straight lines.

"She... She is truly pregnant!"

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