Chapter 1650: Chapter 1650

Oceanus, Brontys, and Coraleia stood slightly perplexed after hearing Maria's words. But soon, they nodded in agreement, sensing that everything might indeed be connected.

"Hahaha! Maybe what we need is a little humility," Oceanus mused. "No, rather... we've spent so long on our own, dwelling on what could have been, mourning those we've lost, that we forgot to appreciate what's right in front of us."

"You're right," Thalassa said with a nod. "Maybe that's the key to achieving our dream—together, as a family."

"I guess?" Brontys added uncertainly. "Still... cooking for the commoners wasn't exactly something I was looking forward to."

"Come on, Brontys! See? This is why Dad always says you're still not ready to rule," Coraleia teased.

"Oh, please. Look who's talking. You barely pay attention to them either," Brontys shot back.

"Alright, you two," Thalassa said with a smile. "Let's work together. You were given cooking utensils for a reason—let's put them to use."

"Alright!" Maria chimed in. "I suppose we're done here. Shall we get going?"

"What?! No! I want to stay a little longer!" Nyx protested.

"Yeah!" Celes agreed. "We haven't even explored the sea or the islands yet..."

"But children, we need to keep moving. We don't have time to—" Maria began, then paused as she noticed the hopeful expressions around her. "Fine... judging by everyone's faces, you really don't want to leave just yet."

"If Nyx wants to explore a bit, let her," Lucifer said. "She's a child. That's what kids do."

"I want to try some of the food here," Partner added.

"I could use a bit more rest too," Emeraldine said.

"I'd go anywhere you want, Maria," Jonathan said. "But I guess not everyone's in a hurry."

"A world made entirely of oceans is... intriguing," Arthur remarked. "I'd like to learn a little more, at least."

"I want to eat fish," Arachne declared.

"Okay, okay, I get it," Maria sighed. "We'll head out tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Maria!" Oceanus said cheerfully. "Now we can spend some time with the boy."

"Sure!" Celes beamed. "I really wanted to explore the seas."

"Let's do that then!" Brontys nodded. "Right, Dad? Time for you to finally swim again after, what, a hundred years on the throne?"

"Hmph! Don't mock your father like that, Brontys! I'm still the fastest swimmer in this world," Oceanus declared. "Celes, do you know how to swim fast?"

"I can swim," Celes replied.

"That won't cut it. We're going to teach you how to swim super fast," Coraleia said with a wink.

"I'm coming too!" Nyx said. "I can swim!"

"Of course, you can join," Thalassa said warmly. "You're Nyx's dear friend, after all."

With Maria's reluctant blessing, the family set off to explore Atlantis and enjoy the rest of the day. Nia stayed close to her son, joined by Nyx and Maria, as they ventured into the ocean alongside the four rulers of Atlantis. Together, they explored vibrant coral reefs and deep ocean trenches.

They visited the ruins of ancient civilizations, and Celes began to unlock more of his abilities. Just swimming with his new traits taught him things he hadn't known before.

Maria mostly watched from the sidelines as her daughter and the boy enjoyed themselves. With Nia beside her, it wasn't so bad.

"Honestly, today has been wild," Nia said with a sigh. "We went from almost... well, you know, to this. Back in Goldsand, I never imagined my boy would travel to another world and meet the parents of his past self. I didn't even think he could be a reincarnation of anyone. I just raised him with the love any mother would. And even now, I don't care who he used to be. He's my son—Celes."

"Yeah, of course," Maria nodded. "I'd feel the same if Nyx turned out to be someone else in a past life. Unless it changes who they are now, it doesn't really matter."

"Yes... but still, it was strange," Nia admitted. "Seeing my son's soul outside his body... the way it looked at me—it was him, but also not quite. I was terrified. But now look at him, laughing and playing with his new 'siblings'..."

"I was scared too. And furious," Maria said. "But these kids have a way of making friends with anyone. Yesterday, Nyx said she felt sorry for that clown we left behind. Can you believe it?"

"I suppose children are more naïve and innocent," Nia said. "But maybe that's exactly what we need sometimes. Their kindness reminds us of simpler times. How far do you think they'll go?"

"Nyx and Celes? I think they'll go very far," Maria replied. "And honestly, I can't wait to see it."

"And... um, do you think the two of them will... you know?" Nia asked, blushing slightly. "I know they're technically stepsiblings now, but... does that bother you?"

"Not really," Maria said. "It's not like they were born or raised together. They're more like close friends than siblings. And let's be honest—it's pretty clear they like each other."

"Yes..." Nia sighed. "Is Lucifer okay with that? He seemed a little grumpy when Nyx kissed my son..."

"Ah, don't worry about him," Maria giggled. "He's just overprotective. But he likes Celes. He knows he's a good kid—probably the best one for Nyx. We'll see how they grow. Kids change a lot as they grow into who they're meant to be." Fresh chapters posted on novᴇlfire.net

"Yes," Nia agreed. "But I hope they keep their kindness. That's their greatest strength."

"Me too," Maria said with a smile.

The day carried on, with Celes and Nyx savoring every moment. After exploring to their hearts' content, they returned to the capital of Atlantis and joined the royal family for lunch. Everyone was invited back to the palace.

The King and his eldest children cooked with help from Thalassa, Maria, and Nia. As it turned out, their special cookware Dream Weapons were excellent for cooking. Who would have guessed? They enhanced flavor and made it easier to prepare delicious meals—even if the chefs were a bit clumsy in the kitchen.

The food was incredible. It even granted magical buffs upon consumption, helping everyone relax and recover from their recent ordeals. Their energy was restored, and their spirits lifted.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the three moons of Atlantis rose into the sky, Nyx and Celes slipped away just before dinner. They swam to the surface and climbed onto a massive Coral Tree in the Coral Reef Forest—a grove of towering, tree-shaped corals that rose above the sea, forming their own unique biomes.