Sea Star's First Zhongyuan Soul Return! Congratulations to this book for officially reaching 7 million words!

"Oh?"

Looking at the little fellow's solemn expression, Imu's usually calm golden eyes rarely warmed with a soft smile.

"Not bad. You're a clever child."

There was a trace of fondness in Imu's tone.

Durandal's delicate little face immediately broke into a brilliant smile when he heard the praise.

His eyes curved into crescents, making him look unbearably adorable.

"Wow—"

"What a pretty little boy!"

"How old are you?"

Lala, standing behind Imu, could not hold back anymore.

She broke free of her sisters' hands and leaned in, eyes shining as she looked Durandal over.

She looked as though she wanted nothing more than to pick him up and squeeze him.

"I'm one year old this year."

"You're only one?"

"How are you so big already, and you can even talk? You're really smart!" Momo covered her mouth in surprise.

Nana gave a proud little huff.

Yet her eyes simply would not move away from Durandal's little face.

"I suppose you barely count as a somewhat good-looking little brat."

Stussy, Esdeath, and the other women also had a soft, maternal light in their eyes.

Historia especially.

The way she looked at Durandal was filled with love and longing.

Mihawk and Gion could not help smiling when they saw their son win Lord Imu's favor.

As everyone took their places in the banquet hall, Imu naturally sat in the seat of honor.

Stussy and Nico Robin stood quietly behind him on either side like two roses blooming from the same stem, one large and one small.

In the guest seats to his left, Mihawk, dressed in a black kimono, sat at the head.

His wife, Gion, sat gracefully in the second seat.

At the head on the right was Esdeath, the "First Heavenly Consort."

Teresa and Historia sat down after her.