Village Head's Debauchery

Or was it just as cold, detached, and calculating as the others?

The Mysteries of the White Flame Cosmic Tree swept her fiery gaze across the entire assembly standing on the platform, silently sensing the auras of the many true gods present.

Eventually, her eyes settled on Orion. Her lips, which seemed capable of splitting a planet in half, parted.

Orion reacted instantly, casting a protective barrier over the entire group.

Just hearing the voice of the Mysteries of the Twelve-Step Stairs had once been enough to reduce a demigod to a vegetative state, their will completely overtaken by the overwhelming intent of the Mysteries, so he wasn't going to take any chances, especially not with a Mysteries that was even more powerful than the Mysteries of the Twelve-Step Stairs.

Though most of the group now were powerful in their own right, he focused particularly on shielding the weakest link among them.

A transparent barrier quickly enveloped the entire platform.

Brane, Reynold, Aerialia, Ilse, and the others noticed the protective barrier but chose to remain silent. They, too, weren't certain if even they could communicate with the Mysteries of the White Flame Cosmic Tree without suffering consequences.

Then the Mysteries of the White Flame Cosmic Tree spoke.

"Are you… my father?" she asked.

Her question stunned everyone present.

Their gazes swiftly refocused on Orion with an even fierier look than before.

Orion continued to stare at the Mysteries of the White Flame Cosmic Tree, frowning inwardly.

Though the Mysteries had just been born, 'her' intelligence was already comparable to that of a divine being, though still slightly beneath a true god's. It would only take a short period for it to catch up. So Orion didn't believe her words were a mistake.

He realised then that this was truly a scheme of Iyriath Zi'ria.

What better way to show her approval and support for his dream than to create a child with him?

Though Orion found it flattering that she had seen him as someone worthy of sharing her essence in the creation of an offspring, he had never planned on having a child with just anyone, no matter how powerful they were.

Remembering Oberon's words, he realised that if he had known about Iyriath Zi'ria's scheme beforehand, he might have found a way to save her because he certainly hadn't intended to raise this 'child' alone.

"...Are you my father?" she asked once more.

But this time, Orion sensed a slight hesitation in her voice.

He didn't miss it. Raising his brows, he sensed a connection through which emotions like fear and disappointment flowed freely.

Though he was relieved that this child wasn't like the other Mysteries he had encountered, which were emotionless, cold, and calculating, he was still uncertain whether possessing this much emotion was a good thing for Paradise.

Having the bizarre Will of the Divine Mysteries as the only other reference point for a Mysteries with some semblance of personality and emotion wasn't comforting.

Still, he couldn't remain silent any longer. He didn't know what might happen if he refused to acknowledge her as his daughter, and he wasn't about to find out.

"Yes," Orion finally responded with a nod. "Considering the way you were created, it isn't wrong to say that I am your father."

The eyes of the Mysteries of the White Flame Cosmic Tree lit up with excitement. Though only Orion could sense the surge of happiness radiating through their shared connection.

The others, keenly observing her, didn't miss the shift in her expression. And instantly, their hearts grew strange, and they couldn't help but stare at Orion even more intently than before.

"Do you know what happened to your mother?" Orion asked, ignoring their gazes.

His question served two purposes: to confirm whether Iyriath Zi'ria was truly the other parent and to see if 'she' already knew of her death.

He wasn't sure how a Mysteries would react to losing a parent, and he hoped he wouldn't have to find out the hard way.

The Mysteries of the White Flame Cosmic Tree nodded in response.

"Mother left a message for me," she said softly. "She said I might not meet her when I awakened and that I shouldn't worry if that happened. Even if she's gone through you, she'll always remain with me... With us. She also said that you would be the one to give me a name."

Her glowing eyes fixed on Orion, shimmering with anticipation.

Orion could hear the sounds of women clicking their tongues behind him, but he paid them no attention.

He pondered over the Mysteries of the White Flame Cosmic Tree's words briefly before exhaling tiredly.

"Alright. From now on, your name is Nazelita. It means 'born with creation' and 'most cherished of existence,'" Orion said.

"Do you like the name? If you don't, it's not a problem. We can find something better later," he added, watching her curiously as he sensed her emotions.

"I like it. Nazelita. It's a beautiful name. I'll keep it," Nazelita responded with excitement in her voice. "I wonder if father can continue to give me a new name every millennium."

Orion was relieved. Then, he raised a brow at her words before a sudden understanding flowed into his mind.

As a Mysteries, Nazelita could live indefinitely as long as the White Flame Cosmic Tree existed. And even if the tree was destroyed, there was still a chance she might survive.

She would mostly be occupied with caring for the White Flame Cosmic Tree, and they likely wouldn't meet often. So, asking for a name every millennium was probably her way of saying she hoped to see him regularly, like a child wishing to visit their father every few days.

Fortunately, given his current position, he wasn't the kind of father who would be absent. He'd certainly do his best to spend time with his daughter.

He also wanted to grant her wish, especially since it was her very first request of him.

"Alright. I promise to grant you a new name every millennium. However, I'll also be helping you look after Paradise, so if you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to come find me," Orion replied, his tone firm as he nodded.

He sensed a wave of satisfaction and happiness surge through her.

Perhaps… he truly was suited for this role.

"I will do as you say, father. And in the same way, if you ever face any issues, don't hesitate to tell me. I may be able to offer a solution that works," Nazelita responded with a smile.

Orion nodded.

"Before you go ahead and do your thing, there's still one more person who needs to awaken," he said.

"Are you referring to the one meant to serve as the Border Will?" Nazelita asked.

Sensing Orion's confirmation, she replied, "You don't need to worry about her. As a Boundary Will, she will need time to get accustomed to I and the powers of the Mysteries of the Twelve Step Stairs. She'll be handling disputes and various other matters. Naturally, it'll take a while before she awakens. I'll make sure to inform you the moment she's ready."

"Alright," Orion nodded.

He could sense that Sylvalis still showed no signs of awakening and was beginning to grow worried for her safety.

He hoped that Nazelita might be able to interfere with the process, as he didn't want to do it himself except as a last resort.

But from the looks of things, Nazelita was already aware of what was transpiring and had begun to take action.

Now that this matter was settled, he cleared his throat and turned back, stretching his hand toward the position where his wives stood.

"Nazelita, these are my wives and concubines. They are also your mothers, so treat them respectfully," he said with a firm expression and tone.

Nazelita turned her head toward them.

"I will be in your care from now on, mothers. Please look after me as you do the rest of your children," Nazelita said with a smile.

The women, who had been observing the scene with calm expressions but mixed emotions within, were startled by Orion's words.

They understood his intent, but noticing Nazelita's gaze on them, they couldn't help but feel awkward.

None of them had prepared themselves to be mothers of a 'Mysteries'.

Didn't that also mean Iyriath Zi'ria could technically be called their sister?

They didn't even feel qualified to hold such a position.

They glanced at each other, noticing the same look mirrored in each other's eyes.

Silence enveloped the group.

"Throughout my years, I don't think I ever imagined a day like this would come," Aerialia said, breaking the silence.

"I'm sharing the same husband as an Omnithriallian," she muttered quietly to herself as though trying to make the surreal reality more believable.

She refocused on Nazelita. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to meet with any one of us. Although we've ascended to true godhood, we might still be capable of solving some of the problems you may encounter," she said.