The Ogre Strength Fairy and the Eldest 'Son'
Chapter 203 - Your Lack Of Actual Expectation Stabs At Me... But Her Lack Is Obviously False!

Chapter 203: Chapter 203 - Your Lack Of Actual Expectation Stabs At Me... But Her Lack Is Obviously False!

Qatrand stood looking back at Anper er Yecine as the crowd flowed behind him. While the two shared enough similarity to be labeled family, there were plenty of details that had been acquired from her mother’s lineage.

"I only reminded them of our duty to observe carefully and protect others."

Her voice remained steady without betraying any of her earlier emotions. His lips thinned at her choice of words and he took a step away. The swordswoman noticed his gaze drift to her raven hair - to the carefully tied black ribbon holding it back from her neck.

Something shifted in his expression as he stopped in place. He had taken note before that his ’heir’ had taken to tying their long hair back more frequently with a spare leather cord. It wasn’t that unusual for the younger Yecine to do... but soft silk?

’The Goltbred witch must have given it.’

He was sure of it. This child of his at least had never gained a habit of any unnecessary spending on themself. The man found it improbable that it would have suddenly changed.

"Since they wished to watch you compete, then I hope you remember your own duty today."

She felt the burden of his expectations to ’succeed appropriately, but fail ultimately’. It pressed against her spirit - but unlike in the past, no dagger of hurt found purchase. The fragment of her wife’s spirit resonated with quiet ’anticipation’ that seemed to prevent the stab.

It reminded her of other bonds - other duties she had chosen for herself. Ones that she would continue to choose and respect... because they returned the admiration. The most important returned her love.

Qat squared her shoulders as she turned to meet his second lingering gaze.

"I always remember my duty and pride, father."

The determined cultivator adjusted her blade once more, making sure it was seated right for the climb, and turned toward the gathering competitors. She did still care what the other Yecine thought of her.

’But if I’m aiming to win, it is for myself and for El.’

---

As the excitement in the air grew, Elua walked her family and friends through the bustle and towards their reserved viewing area. Ondua carried little Onya resting on his shoulder. The toddler was quiet and her brown eyes wondered at the colorful banners and lively atmosphere.

Yatrel walked alongside them with a hand resting lightly on her husband’s other arm. She wore a contented smile on her face with slightly sleepy eyes. The ones who understood her mood kept their mouths shut.

’I wish I didn’t understand!’

Elua shook her head and glanced back at Nohre and Fusand. They followed closely behind with their fingers brushing against each other as they navigated the sea of people. The heiress stepped over and leaned in to whisper something to Zyris.

"If you want to flaunt your love like these other pairings and leave me *completely* out, I won’t hold it against you."

The older woman laughed out loud after she processed the meaning. She ’tried’ to whisper back after she gained control of her mirth.

"Of course you won’t. I’m sure you will not sit right next to me and talk about your husband the entire time we watch if I did..

The brunette chuckled back at her response.

"There is a good chance I will do that either way. You should just do as you please~"

The Talcres were her parent’s friends, but she would admit that she didn’t hate them. It had been nice to have a set of people that treated her a little differently - but with their own sense of kindness - at the estate, even if there wasn’t a lot of interaction with them since the wedding.

"I remember my first competition. The energy, the hope... it’s very stirring."

Meyran suddenly said with nostalgia and his wife nodded while grabbing his hand. They all walked in silence after that despite the buzz of the crowds. When they approached the raised viewing area, the Goltbred hero lowered their youngest into Yatrel’s reaching arms.

The toddler babbled excitedly, calling "Mama!" as she stretched her hands toward the towering structures. They were the largest things she’d ever seen! Not that she could truly understand scale or depth.

After all, she was growing frustrated that her hand couldn’t reach them... but the mother smiled and bounced the yearling gently to distract her temper. It was far too early to let the child start crying.

"We’re going to watch the brave cultivators climb those big towers, little one. You’ll have to wait until you’re older!"

The words meant only so much to the small child, but the tone of voice calmed Onya for a while. Nohre leaned up against a rail and scanned the crowds around them for a bit, but grew bored after a bit.

"Do you think Qatrand will be one of the first to the top?"

Elua’s expression brightened at the mention of her spouse. She hadn’t seen her all day yesterday, though she did peek and stare for a bit this morning as she snuck that note onto her sword.

"Qatrand has been training tirelessly for these events. Regardless of how ’he’ places, I have no doubt she will make me proud."

The usual amount of confidence and love filled out her ’sweet’ voice as she replied. They settled into their seats and the group fell into easy conversations. The adults shared stories of their competitions and the orphans speculated about the events.

’Silly disciples should have just taken part if they found it to be such a fun time. It’s not like they had to stay out just because I wasn’t taking part.’

Elua complained while she found her gaze continually drawn to the gathering competitors. Her heart swelled with bubbles of ’glee’ when she finally caught a glimpse of Qatrand’s tall figure. The images went right into her illusory storage!

"Ah! My love looks so assured~"

The mint eyed heiress spoke loudly as she almost teleported to the railing. She bounced against it like an excitable toddler as her spirit lanced out the tall girl’s way!