After a proper makeover, Princess Natlia came toward the training ground in proper steady steps, her posture graceful and refined. But when no one was present near their ground, she ran fast in her usual outfit—wearing black tights and a white tight full-sleeve one-piece outfit reaching her thighs with a half coat tied with golden chains and golden ornaments around her body with black straps around her arms.
She ran with excitement and saw everyone, then dashed toward Zack eagerly.
"Ugh! Hey, hey, don't hug me right now! I am full of sw—" Before he could stop her, she hugged him tightly, not letting go for anything, and whispered in a low, sultry voice close to his ear, "YOU ARE MINE, SO I CAN DO ANYTHING, RIGHT?"
Natlia winked at him playfully and hugged him tighter, pressing herself against him.
A dirty-faced youth and white-covered beauty hugged in the middle of the training ground as their friends laughed at the sight, some whistling teasingly.
Oliver smiled widely and slowly came toward a properly standing Maid Emmy. "Hey there, good morning, beautiful! See them, let's take some inspiration from them! Why not let this handsome man also give you a hug?"
Oliver stretched his arms out dramatically and closed them, but—
Maid Emmy vanished!
"Hmm, afterimage?" Oliver looked sideways curiously, seeing Maid Emmy standing in the same stance at more distance.
"Hoooooo!" Oliver playfully again tried to hug her with exaggerated movements, but the same thing happened—she vanished like smoke.
"Heheh!" Slowly, the whole ground was covered in Maid Emmy images as a happy Oliver chased her like an excited kid.
"GGUUUAAA! SHHAAMMPPOOOO BAAASSTTARRD! STAY AWAY FROM ME! DON'T MAKE ME SMELLY AND DIRTY! GO, SHUU, SHUUU!" Maid Emmy cursed loudly, but she also smiled slightly while running away, clearly enjoying the chase.
Others laughed at the sight, the training ground filled with warmth and joy.
The Queen approached gracefully and seated herself on the bench, gently guiding Gloomy's head onto her lap. She softly patted him, her touch calm and reassuring.
Gloomy stirred awake slowly and said in a sleepy voice, "Good morning, Queen Mother."
"Hmm, good morning, my dear Gloomy." The Queen smiled warmly before adding, "I've heard your mother has finally come out. Are you happy?" she asked—though the answer was already clear from the glow on his face.
"Yes!!!"
The single word came with an enthusiastic nod, making them both laugh warmly as they watched the others playing around.
Everyone soon gathered beside the Queen, surrounding her like planets around a sun. Alfie and Oliver sat down carefully while the little princess and Maid Emmy tended to their wounds with gentle hands. Natlia remained close, hugging Zack from the side possessively, one hand resting over his heart as Zack held her by the waist, his fingers touching her side lower hips, steadying her.
The Big Guy stood quietly nearby, doing nothing at all, while Tyra bounced around his shoulders and head energetically, treating it like his morning workout.
"You have done great, everyone, but next time please be more careful." The Queen checked their bodies with concerned eyes and said with slight worry.
"Hmm, Queen Mother, we understand—don't worry!" Everyone nodded in unison, assuring her.
"Ah, I would like to introduce someone—a new friend of mine," the Queen said kindly, beckoning Kyra, who stood a little apart from the group. She explained Kyra's situation with compassion, and everyone immediately expressed their concern, offering kind wishes for her son's recovery.
Kyra thanked them all, her voice filled with gratitude and emotion.
"Doesn't her name rhyme with Tyra?" Alfie asked curiously, glancing at the woman.
Tyra drifted over as well, floating around Kyra and studying her with interest, intrigued by the similarity in their names.
"GUUAA… the author didn't realize it, probably!" Gloomy suddenly blurted out some gibberish as he jolted awake and sprang to his feet.
SMACK!
"Huh?"
The Big Guy smacked him on the back firmly, snapping him out of his trance. Everyone else simply ignored Gloomy's not-so-rare strange outbursts.
"Ow, ow! Big Guy, why are you hitting me?" Gloomy asked, now fully awake as he looked around in confusion, rubbing his back.
The Big Guy said nothing in response. Instead, he tapped Gloomy on the head and roughly ruffled his hair with his large hand.
"Grrrr!" Gloomy tried to fight back, but he couldn't even get close—held at bay effortlessly by the Big Guy's outstretched hand.
"So, what is everyone's plan?" the Queen asked, ignoring the tussle nearby.
"We'll move Gloomy to a new place and then help our mothers with their new business ventures," the boys replied together.
Zack, however, spoke up separately. "I have work at an underground site in the next hour, so I'll take my leave for now and return later this afternoon."
He glanced at Natlia, who was glaring at him with displeasure, and gently patted her waist, silently urging her not to worry.
"Hmm, take care out there—and don't be reckless, kiddos," the Queen said with a nod. Soon everyone went their separate ways, leaving behind the princesses with the Queen, the rhyming duo, and a satisfied maid.
"Ughhh! Come on, ladies—we have preparations to make for tomorrow!" the Queen exclaimed as she stretched and ushered everyone along with her.
.
.
"Awwaahhh… agh! I'm exhausted after everything that happened yesterday," a mature, strikingly beautiful woman murmured tiredly. She turned to her side and noticed a frail-looking woman sleeping peacefully beside her.
"Hmm, sleep well, my new friend, Silja. Today marks a new beginning for you, so rest properly and live well," Mother Ariana whispered gently, patting her head with care.
As she withdrew her hand, her expression froze—her fingers were completely black.
"Ah… it's getting worse…"
She rose quickly and hurried into the bathroom, examining her body in the mirror with growing dread.
"This is bad," she murmured with a heavy sigh. "Even my thighs are covered now." She paused, frowning as she studied her legs. "I could've sworn there were more spots below my knees before… but now there don't seem to be as many. Was I hallucinating back then," she wondered quietly, "or is this actually spreading?"
She clenched her fingers tightly, her thoughts spiraling out of control. "No, no—this is serious. What should I do? I even invited them over. I barely have any money to begin with. If I go there… how will I survive?"
SPLASH! SPLASH!
With some cold water, she splashed her face repeatedly and said firmly to her reflection, "Just a few more days! The ceremony is already coming—I can hold it!"
Mother Ariana clenched her hand determinedly, but she suddenly heard a slight dim voice behind her. "No, you can't!"
"Hmm?" Mother Ariana turned around quickly and saw Mother Silja peeking through the door with a serious expression.
"Oh, good morning, Silja! You woke up! How are you feeling?" Mother Ariana hid her hands behind her back quickly, trying to change the topic.
Mother Silja entered the room fully and spoke firmly, her tone grave and unyielding. "You don't have much time left. In one or two days, it will begin to spread rapidly. I've seen many cases like this before. If you keep ignoring it so foolishly, it will kill you."
She softened slightly and continued, "Don't worry about us. These days, many people came in this city, and there's a shortage of hands to serve. I can earn enough on my own, so please don't worry. Let's postpone my move for a while, all right?"
Hearing this, Mother Ariana smiled brightly and said, "Don't worry, Silja! Everything is fine! Don't look down on this woman who has come far from just power in these fingers! Hehe! And the kids will probably be coming here soon, so stop whining and let's stay together!"
Mother Ariana didn't let her speak as she was about to push her out of the door.
TTTTRRRRRR! TTTTTRRRRRR!
They heard the bell ring.
Mother Ariana smiled and said, "See? They already came! Now let's go welcome them and prepare some food for them to eat, okay?"
Mother Ariana smiled and saw Mother Silja nodding sweetly, but suddenly she asked innocently, "Hmm, what is that behind you?"
Mother Ariana, not feeling anything suspicious, checked behind and turned around, then—THUUPP!!—she felt a little force behind her back, making her stumble as she took support of the wall.
She realized something and looked behind, seeing Mother Silja waving at her as she closed the door.
THUUP!
"Siiiilllljjjaaaaaa, yyyoouuuu bbiitttchhhhh! IIII wiiilllll kkkiilllll yyooouuuu!!!!!"
Mother Silja smiled victoriously as she ran toward the door and opened it.
"Good morning, Mother Silja! We've brought some things—please tell us where to put them," Oliver said politely, standing at the front with a bag of clothes slung over one arm.
The others followed behind him, each carrying a few household items. There wasn't much to move; one more trip would be enough. The furniture in gloomy house was sparse and in poor condition, not worth bringing along. As Mother Ariana already had most of the necessities, there were only a few belongings left to carry.
"Hello, Mother Silja! Let's stay together and have lots of funnn!!" Sio also came at the right time and greeted her cheerfully.
"Ummm, sure, sure! Please, everyone, put... put those things here for a second. We... we still need to clean the room," she hesitantly said her greeting and instructed everyone.
As they put down everything, before anyone could ask something, she said in a slightly loud voice, "UUMMM, EVVVERRYYONNE! I WOULD WANT TO SAY SOMETHING TO YOU GUYSS!!"
Everyone, surprised, looked at her, waiting for her to finish what she was about to say. She looked toward Sio and came to her, patted her head gently, and said what she wanted to say…
.
Ugghh! That bitch Silja is clearly telling my kids! What should I do? What should I do?? Ugghh, they will realize how poor their mother is... so embarrassing!
Mother Ariana stuck her ear to the door desperately, trying to listen to something.
.
As soon as Mother Silja finished, everyone's faces got dark with concern. Sio was about to cry when Oliver said loudly, "BIG GUY, PLEASE DO THE HONOR!!"
"YES!" Big Guy nodded and went toward the bathroom with his large body, bringing some slight tremors with each step, showing his anger in his movements.
Oliver came toward Sio and gently cleaned her tears with a cloth. Alfie also patted her back to give her some warmth. Gloomy held her hands, not saying anything but offering his silent support.
Oliver glanced to the side and said gently, "Don't worry, Mother Silja. If our family ever lacks money for something important, we can help. A small worry like that isn't worth risking your life."
He nodded, then stepped forward and wrapped her in a warm hug. "Mother Silja, you've come into the light now—so please stay here with us."
For the first time in her life, Mother Silja was being hugged by one of her sons. The unfamiliar warmth broke something inside her. Tears welled up and spilled freely as she gently returned Oliver's embrace.
Almost unconsciously, her other hand came to rest on Gloomy's head, standing close beside her.
The moment her fingers touched him, Gloomy trembled—and then he began to cry.
What… is this feeling? he wondered. I don't understand it… but it's warm.
He turned slowly and saw his mother's face, soaked with tears.
"M-Mother…"
With a small, broken sob, Gloomy wrapped his arms around her and clung to her as if afraid she might disappear.
Oliver quietly stepped back, giving them space, watching with a soft, bittersweet smile. Nearby, Sio covered her mouth, tears streaming down as she cried once more.
Then Mother Silja finally broke. She clutched Gloomy tightly, her body shaking as years of regret burst out of her. Her cries grew loud and raw, filling the room—tears she had never shed before, for a love she had never known how to give.
"THEO! THEO! MY SON, THEO! I AM SORRY! I AM SORRY! I... I... I DID SO MANY BAD THINGS TO MY SON! OH, WHAT I HAVE DONE! WHAT I HAVE DONE! I AM SO SORRY, THEO! I AM SORRY!"
Mother Silja started crying heavily, feeling her son's warmth after a long time. She patted his head, which reached till her chest.
"THEO, YOU HAVE GROWN UP SO MUCH! I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE! MOTHER IS SORRY! I KNOW I CAN'T BE FORGIVEN, BUT PLEASE DON'T LEAVE THIS POOR WOMAN! I AM SORRY, REALLY SORRYYYYY!!! WWAAHHHHH!!!!! MYYY PPOOORRRR BABBBYYY! WHHHATTT IIII HAVVEEE DOONNNNEEEEE!!!"
She kneeled down and couldn't stop crying, her whole body shaking.
Gloomy was barely able to say something through his tears. "IT'S OKAY... SOBB! IT'S OKAY!!" He kept shaking his head.
"OOHHHHH! III AMMM SOORRYYYY, THEEOOO!!"
Sio also came and hugged her, trying to calm her down with her presence.
Big Guy also stopped for a while and let her calm down first.
.
After a few minutes, he started moving and opened the door to a fidgeting Mother Ariana.
"Oh, hello there, Big Guy! Good morning!" She raised her hand nervously but suddenly put it down.
Big Guy smiled dangerously and said, "Mother Ariana, sorry for this."
"Hmm, what??"
"KYYYAAAA!!" Big Guy suddenly moved and gently carried her princess-style and brought her out.
"Hey, hey! Where are you taking me? Stop, you big guy! Son, please, son, put me down! This beautiful mother is begging you!" Mother Ariana tried to make a cute face, but Big Guy just smirked and brought her into the common room, where everyone slowly calmed down.
"Hmm, did I miss something? Hey, you bitch Silja, how dare you loc—" Before she could finish, she got surrounded by angry-looking faces as Oliver, Sio, Alfie and Gloomy glared at her while Mother Silja finally smiled.
"Hmmm, hey there, little ones! What, what??"
"Mother Ariana, it looks like you don't really see us as your sons and daughters! Otherwise, you would not have hidden something like this! We will directly take you there right now, so stop whining, okay, MOTHER ARIANA!" Oliver glared at her.
Sio said, "Mother, I said you before only—you didn't listen!" Sio pouted in anger. Seeing her fingers getting darker, she slumped down, but with her brothers present here, she smiled in relief.
Big Guy nodded and started carrying her outside.
Seeing this, Mother Ariana roared, "OKAY, OKAY! I AM SORRY, OKAY?! I WILL GO! I WILL GO! PLEASE PUT ME DOWN! I HAVE TO CHANGE FIRST! PLEASE, I WILL GGOOOOOOO!!!!!"
Everyone smiled and nodded, finally putting her down. She fixed her sports bra and tight knee-length leggings and said, "I will go! Just bring the other stuff from Gloomy's house. Until then I will make something to eat, after that I will go with Sio, so don't worry. Geez, you guys..."
Mother Ariana said in an irritated tone but still smiled.
Everyone nodded and went away. Gloomy also hugged his mother tightly and went, saying, "I WILL COME BACK SOON, MOTHER! HEHE!"
Everyone left, leaving two mothers alone.
Mother Ariana glared at her and came in a fast manner. "Ariana, I... I am—"
TPPP!
She hugged her warmly and said, "Good job. You did well, my friend."
Listening to this, Mother Silja cried again for a while, hugging her tight.
Everyone came back as they ate breakfast, and only after seeing Mother Ariana leave with Sio did everyone smile and start working on the house with Mother Silja.
"Heheh, I am so happy!" Sio laughed as she hugged her mother's arm, who wore a simple black short and a white shirt with knee-length socks and shoes, looking at her beautiful mother with admiration.
Mother Ariana also wore a simple high-waist jeans that stuck to her mature curves with a half-sleeve top, leaving just a slight glimpse of her skin on her abdomen.
"Hmm, it's good to be happy," Mother Ariana nodded as they went toward the energy absorber together.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
YEEEAHHH!! 50 chapters!!
I think I deserve a solid pat on the back for surviving the starting phase—because honestly, that part is always the hardest. And you know what? Maybe you should pat your own back too. For anything. Big or small.
We're so busy jumping from one goal to the next that we forget something important: just a few months ago, we were wishing, crying, and praying to reach the place we're standing in right now. And once we get there, we don't even pause. No celebration. No acknowledgment. Just—next goal.
But why?
Can't you praise yourself a little?
You did great for getting 60 marks.
You did great for running 2 km without stopping.
You did great for being more positive this month.
You did great for simply not giving up.
Progress doesn't have to look perfect to be real. Growth deserves recognition. And sometimes, the only person who will clap for you is… you. And that's enough.
So go on—pat your back. Say "well done." Mean it.
And if you're enjoying what you're reading and want to support this journey, you can find me on PAT**ON!
Thank you for walking this far—with me, and with yourself.