Ari shot to her feet, her blue eyes flashing with indignation. “Mother! You can’t be serious! Me and… this insufferable brat?” She gestured sharply toward Momiji, who looked just as flustered.

Kaede sipped from her cup, suppressing an amused smile. ‘Aren’t you just over a year old yourself?’

Momiji, her face as red as a ripe tomato, turned to her mother in protest. “M-M-Mother! What are you talking about?! You can’t just decide something like that for me! Besides…” she pointed at Ari, her expression exasperated. “Can’t you see she’s a girl?”

Kaede(T) chuckled, gracefully covering the lower half of her face with her sleeve. “And I don’t see the problem. In my long life, I’ve seen many unions. As long as you are committed to your spouse…”

“Ahhh! But Moooom!” Momiji wailed, lunging forward to grab her mother, only to be effortlessly kept at arm’s length with a single fluid motion. “You can’t just do that!”

Kaede(T) remained perfectly composed. “Like I said, I will agree to all of your proposals, and the Tengu will become affiliated with your nation. But only on that sole condition.”

Ari visibly paled, while Kaede chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the situation. Acer smirked, feeling mischievous while the youngest sister simply smiled.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Momiji straightened. “Mother, it’s all well and good that you think she’s a suitable suitor for me,” she said, sneaking a glance at Ari, who looked as if she might pass out. “I mean… I can see why. She’s very strong. But even so…”

Momiji’s expression suddenly hardened with determination.

“I haven’t approved of her yet.”

Kaede and Ari blinked in unison, both equally baffled by the statement.

“Really?” Kaede(T) tilted her head, intrigued.

“I admit she’s strong,” Momiji continued, crossing her arms. “But I don’t want her to be with me just because you said so. I want her to fall in love with me first! Then we can get married!” she declared boldly.

‘What the hell is this bitch talking about?!’ Ari’s right eye twitched violently at the absurdity of the conversation.

Momiji clenched her fists, conviction burning in her gaze. “A good woman makes her man-err, woman-fall in love with her every day! That’s what you always say, right?!” With that, she turned on her heel and bolted out of the room, her long sleeves fluttering behind her.

The remaining three occupants sat in stunned silence, watching her dramatic exit.

Ari’s eye twitched again before she finally exploded. “What the hell?! Why’s she talking like it’s a done deal or something?! Mom, why aren’t you saying anything?!”

Kaede finally finished her drink, setting the plate down with a soft clack. “I’m assuming there’s a story here.”

Kaede(T) smiled knowingly. “Indeed. You’re far more perceptive than I gave you credit for.”

Sensing that the conversation was about to turn serious, Ari exhaled sharply before sinking back into her seat.

Kaede(T) then began to speak, recounting her story, the years spent training under her master, the bond she had shared with her former ogre servant, the path that had led to their union, and ultimately, how she had come to have Momiji.

When she finally finished, she turned her gaze to Ari, her expression calm yet expectant.

Kaede nodded thoughtfully. “I think I understand.”

Kaede(T) smiled. “She’s grown strong, but she’s only fifteen. With your country at our doorstep, I saw an opportunity for her. So,” she asked again, “what do you think of my daughter?”

Kaede, despite being an imposing figure herself, somehow made herself shrink ever so slightly as she glanced at her own daughters, who, technically, weren’t even two years old yet.

Feeling the weight of the conversation shift onto her, Ari flinched. “W-Well… I won’t deny that she l-looks… C-Cute…” she muttered hesitantly, her voice growing quieter with each word. “B-But she’s a brat. Prideful and way too snarky for her own good!”

Acer let out a quiet cough. “Ah. The irony.”

Ari snapped her gaze toward her sister. “What was that, Sister?”

“Nothing, nothing.” Acer quickly poured herself another drink, hiding her smirk behind the rim of her cup.

Ari turned back toward Kaede(T), her fingers fidgeting slightly. “And… just like she said, I’d need to get to know her first. And… You know… make her fall in love with me first,” she admitted, her voice trailing off as her face turned a deeper shade of red.

Kaede eyed her daughter curiously. “So… you’re fine with it? All you need is time?”

Ari recoiled instantly. “W-WHAT? No, no, no… Y-YES! Maybe? Just, Aaaagh!” Unable to handle the mounting embarrassment, she bolted from the room, steam practically rising from her head.

Acer chuckled. “We’ll go check on her.” She said before following after Ari. Hanae nodded before doing the same.

Now left alone, Kaede and Kaede(T) calmly sipped their drinks, watching the Antari flee in exasperation.

Kaede chuckled softly. “Definitely an interesting condition.”

Kaede(T) chuckled softly. “So, what are your thoughts?”

Kaede sighed, setting down her cup with a small clink. “They grow up so fast,” she said with a wry smile. ‘Seriously, they grow way too fast. And now we’re already talking about marriage?’

She shook her head before adding, “But it’s her choice. Whatever she decides, my job is to support her.”

“As is the job of all mothers,” Kaede(T) agreed, rising from her seat. She moved gracefully toward the balcony, her gaze distant.

Kaede watched her for a moment before standing as well. “What’s the real reason you wanted to see me?” she asked, following the older Tengu outside.

Kaede(T) didn’t turn, instead keeping her eyes fixed ahead. “So… you don’t sense it?”

Kaede frowned. “Sense what?”

Now standing beside her, she noticed the balcony overlooked a breathtaking view of the waterfall. Mist from the cascading water filled the air, cool and refreshing.

Kaede(T) finally spoke, her voice calm yet carrying a weight of history. “Lady Kaede… do you know how the Tengu came to be?” Her gaze remained locked onto the falling water as if the answer lay hidden within its depths.

Kaede furrowed her brow in thought for a moment. “I… have an idea.” Then, realization dawned on her face. “So that’s what you meant when you told Ari you sensed something similar.”

Kaede(T) smiled warmly. “Yes. Your essence… Even now, it surrounds you, somehow purer than my own.” She extended her hand toward Kaede.

Kaede hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. Artificia?

< I detect no hostile intent. >

Taking a deep breath, Kaede reached out and grasped the older Tengu’s hand.

The world around her flashed white.

—

Ari and her sisters burst back into the room, her expression frantic. “Mother! Are you alright? There was a flash of…” She froze mid-sentence, eyes widening in shock.

Momiji hurried in after her. “Mom, what happened…” She, too, fell silent, her jaw dropping.

Standing beside the eldest of the Tengu was a breathtaking figure—a blonde woman with pure, large white wings, stark blue eyes, and a radiant golden halo floating above her head.

Ari’s voice came out as a whisper. “Mother…”

Momiji could only stare in awe. “How…?”

Kaede remained still for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. “Ah, so this is what you meant after all.” She flexed her wings once, sending a gentle gust of wind flowing through the entire Tengu village.

“Mother, you’re… The Tengu Elder was right? You’re… an Angel,” Ari whispered in disbelief.

Hanae suddenly dropped to her knees, hands clasped against her chest. “Such magnificence…” she murmured, eyes wide with reverence.

Kaede(T) took a sharp breath, her usually composed expression faltering. For a brief moment, the tips of her white hair flushed red before fading back to their original color. “To think… My strength just now. I thought I had seen everything, but this…?” Her voice trailed off, filled with awe.

This was the effect of Kaede’s ultimate skill:

|| Guanyin: Lord of Mercy ||

 • Loving Sacrifice – Allies within range, centered on the caster, are always under the defensive subskill [Cover]’s effects.

 • Aegis – A dome of light surrounds the user and her allies, rendering all attacks ineffective against them.

 • Self-Offering Love – As long as allies remain within the circle of protection, all damage and negative effects directed at them are transferred to the user instead.

 • Presence of the Heavenly King – Creates a sacred zone around the user. All skills originating from ‘evil’ sources within its range, including those of the user, are disabled.

 • Glow of Deliverance – Increases resistance to status effects for allies within range, reduces damage taken, and applies a continuous healing effect over time.

 • Apotheosis – Seraphim – By manifesting divine essence, the user transcends mortal limitations, ascending into the form of an Archangel. This transformation grants immense power, drastically enhancing all attributes and unlocking unique divine abilities.

Effects:

Angelic Form – The user takes on the radiant form of an Archangel, adorned with golden wings, a halo, and a divine aura.

Stat Enhancement – Increases all attributes by 500%.

Divine Authority – Grants resistance to all status effects and curses below Mythical rank.

Holy Regeneration – Restores 30% HP & MP per second while active.

Seraphic Wrath – Unleashes a devastating holy attack that deals true damage based on the user’s Magicules.

Across the entire Tengu village, flowers bloomed in full radiance, their petals shimmering with newfound vitality. The air felt lighter, fresher, as if infused with pure divine energy. Birds and animals stirred with renewed vigor, their instincts recognizing the presence of a higher being. Life itself seemed to flourish.

Kaede chuckled, folding her glowing wings slightly. “It seems your magic reacted with one of my skills.”

Kaede(T) was dumbfounded. “A… A skill? But something like that… Such a skill would have to be…” She glanced at Kaede, her eyes silently asking the unspoken question.

Kaede nodded. “It is as you suspect.”

Kaede(T) stumbled back, her eyes widening with realization. ‘Is this what happens when an angel incarnates in a human? No, her essence is still different from those of my kind. Just… what is she?’

Acer stepped forward, her expression filled with admiration. “Mother, you look beautiful. Nothing in this world can compare.” She closed her eyes in bliss as Kaede gently patted her head.

Kaede looked over and was surprised to see Hanae leaning slightly, as if expecting the same treatment. With a soft chuckle, Kaede placed her hand on Hanae’s head, rubbing it affectionately.

Kaede then noticed that several Tengu had arrived, silently observing the exchange with curiosity.

Turning to Kaede(T), she extended her hand with a knowing smile. “Kaede, how about it?”

Kaede(T), seeming to understand the unspoken invitation, wore a pained expression. “I… I made my peace with it many years ago.”

Kaede smiled warmly. “And? Don’t you want to see how far your daughter can go? This way, you won’t have to leave her behind eventually.”

Momiji, understanding the intent behind Kaede’s words, started nodding vigorously. “C’mon, mom, please!”

Kaede(T) turned to her daughter, her gaze softening. “Does this mean you accept your engagement with Ari?”

Momiji nodded, and Ari, slightly flustered but resolute, answered. “We’ve… come to realize that it… may work. And we’re willing to… give this a try. Well, you understand.”

Kaede chuckled at her daughter’s awkward response before glancing back to the older Tengu, a gentle but persistent gesture accompanying her outstretched hand.

Kaede(T), after a long moment of contemplation, shook slightly but slowly took Kaede’s hand.

Kaede smiled warmly, her voice steady with conviction. “Welcome to Maple Tree, Kaori.”

The moment she spoke, the elder Tengu was engulfed in a brilliant explosion of light, a radiant aura surrounding her as the transformation took its full effect.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep