"So how are we going to return?" Bellarine asked as she remained nestled in her beloved's arms.
They all returned to Crimson Clan territory by airship this morning. Those airships that went to Korea were all destroyed, but thankfully, the Crimson Clan was wealthy enough to have a few extras always on standby.
Now, back in the headquarters, Richard was with his mother while Bella and Lena were out for a patrol to see if they brought back any unwanted guests.
Elizabeth and Nora were sleeping as well, in a different room with Emily and Lilia by their side.
Carl, Ben, and the others of his group with Rena in a separate room. She has yet to wake up, and it would still take at least three days for her to recover. That's why Richard suggested they take it easy. However, they insisted on staying around her.
Well, he can understand their stance. For Carl and Ben, Rena was like their elder sister, who was kidnapped and tortured for years. So naturally they would feel a little paranoid.
Richard heaved a sigh as he collected his favorite woman in his arms and said, "We will find a way. I have soone who can help us find another teleportation portal."
Brad, to be precise, might be helpful in this situation. Naturally, Jin wouldn't have kept all the teleportation portals in his headquarters, and soone who has been working for years for Jin, Brad, would be helpful.
"However Mom...I don't think we should return now." Richard muttered and that took her by surprise.
However, when the lady contemplated she understood why he suggested that.
"Ethan is now on their side, Bennet would confirm that you and us are all evil followers, and Eleanor would manipulate the church workers to attack us." Bellarine voiced and Richard nodded.
"Clion's major human populace comprises Ether users, so we cannot return there unless we are prepared for a war." Softly running his fingers on her shoulder, Richard told her.
Bellarine looked up at him, and asked, "But what about Clion warriors?"
Richard assured her, "I will send them back, and also go to Clion."
Bellarine's eyes widened, "Didn't you just say-"
Richard interjected with a smile, "I cannot leave Alia there. It would be unfair to her, no?"
Bellarine turned silent upon hearing that. She shouldn't forget that there was Alia as well, who was completely unaware of the whole situation.
Bellarine received a letter from her, asking about Richard, however, Bellarine was so busy in the preparation that she didn't find the ti to respond.
"She must be worried…and might have tried sending letters to Lilia as well."
Richard heaved a sigh, "That's why once I recover I will imdiately return."
"I will also go, "The lady instantly voiced, "And this ti, I am not taking anything other than a yes as an answer."
She plopped her chin on his chest and narrowed her eyes in complaint.
Richard chuckled as he pinched her cheek softly, and assured her, "Okay, you can co." They would be alright unless those many apostles start chasing them once they step onto Clion.
Bellarine smiled beautifully, her face betraying her age.
But then she rembered sothing and asked her son, "Richard…about Rena…how is she?"
Naturally, as Rey's mother, Bellarine was aware of how close the two children were. And the fact that Rena always kept strange and wild won away from her son, made Rena quite pleasing to her eyes.
Richard heaved a sigh, "I…lied to her about my feelings…told her that I love her so she doesn't lose hope."
With his shoulders losing their strength, he asked, "Did I do sothing wrong, Mom? Although I like her I don't know if those feelings are the sa as hers."
Rena is an irreplaceable person in his life; soone whom Richard would save at the cost of his life without hesitation. However, he doesn't know how he feels about her…yet, he told her that he loves her.
Bellarine held his face. Seeing Richard being all nervous and sad made her smile warmly, as she soothingly whispered, "You did the right thing, baby. If a lie can save soone's life, then it's not a cri."
"But…should I continue to lie even after she wakes up? Won't she feel betrayed if I reveal the truth?"
Bellarine heaved a sigh and after resting her hand on his chest, she voiced, "Do what your heart says. However, rember that Rena has spent years as a prisoner, and yearned for your presence. So…please try to not break her heart after so many years of loneliness."
Richard heaved a sigh; this is complicated.
Bellarine grinned seeing his reaction as she asked, "My baby is so handso that won fall for him left and right. Now you may need to keep a directory of your won."
"Mom..this isn't a joke."
Bellarine chuckled, revealing her pearly teeth, and making Richard fall into a daze.
He held her face, making Bellarine open her eyes, and looked at her beloved with a gaze that was unbecoming of a mother.
"Baby…I am also quite lonely."
Richard raised his brows as he asked, "Why don't you show rather than tell how lonely are you?"
Not so long after, their lips connected and the pair spent a night of reunion with all the passion and love they carry for each other.
*****
"Commander…" Lena paused in her tracks and called out, "...I want your permission."
Bella raised her brows, "Permission for what?"
The silver head, with all determination and seriousness, voiced, "To announce through all the bases that you are back." Lena couldn't wait anymore. There are many people including Anvil, who are still searching for the Commander all around and regularly call the base to ask if they got any hint of her presence.
And now, since many people has already seen her, Lena thought it would be alright.
Bella remained silent for a mont, pondering about their future, before she said,
"I don't think we would be leaving any ti soon, so go ahead and tell them."
A child-like smile blood on her face as Lena saluted, "As you command, Leader!"
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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comnt.
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