Taking Stock of the Gains and Setting Goals

Garratt Duchy, White Swan Castle.

To everyone's surprise, Evan's group's return caused no stir at all, except for May, who had activated Dreamscape Cruise. After confirming through communication that they were all safe and sound, not a single person even came to greet them.

Even after May picked up Evan and the Jerros couple, she excitedly grabbed Evan and ran off with him. The reason was that something even more important had happened in the castle just moments ago.

Ten minutes later.

Outside a luxurious bedroom in one of White Swan Castle's annex buildings, the place was already packed. Led by Aunt Daphne and Mother-in-law Nymph, nearly every core female member of the household was there.

Still travel-worn and without even having time to change clothes, Evan stood beside the carved walnut bed in the center of the room.

He held his left hand over the head of a tiny swaddled infant in Apusuya's arms, and the Black Iron Cross Emblem representing his identity as a Saint appeared on the back of his hand.

He was not an orthodox clergyman and had no decent divine arts to speak of. Other blessings might have been beyond him, but the one blessing he could offer was spectacular.

Dong! Dong! Dong!...

Amid soft white holy light like rippling water, distant and solemn bells gradually filled the room and the space outside. Rather than finding them piercing, everyone present felt as though their souls had been thoroughly cleansed.

At the same time, a group of illusory, bare-bottomed little angels fluttered around the swaddling clothes, chanting hymns in innocent children's voices:

"Come, praise the merciful God, the Goddess's hand upholds us;

From year's beginning to year's end, Her love remains unchanged, grace crowns my days;

Whether by day or night, going out or coming in,