A hero’s welcome

You arrive at the main entrance to the capital a couple days later. At the head of the army with the girls, general Ochiba, and Genna, you can see the gathered crowd well before you enter. The general chuckles. “Well, this will be interesting.”

You laugh. “I suppose this should have been what we expected. At least it looks like there’s a path for us to follow.”

Sure enough, when you reach the city, the streets are lined with cheering citizens, but the streets themselves are clear, leaving you a straight path towards the castle. There’s people gathered at the castle entrance as well, but even from here you can see that it’s only a few, and you’re fairly certain that the rest of the girls are there, waiting.

You lead the procession down the street, the cheers nearly deafening. Kali, at your side, smiles and takes your hand, to the delight of the nearby crowd. Flowers are thrown, names are cheered, and flags are being waved. Most of the girls seem to enjoy the spotlight, Uzume and Sadie most of all. Sadie in particular runs back and forth, cheering and jumping along with the younger members of the crowd. Uzume flexes when people call her name, and cheering erupts every time.

Clarissa is more subdued, though she smiles the whole time. Samara shamelessly winks and waves at her admirers in the crowd, and laughs when she sees you roll your eyes.

Reika, meanwhile, walks quietly, smiling but trying to remain unobtrusive. Unfortunately for her, Sadie notices, and drags her over to dance with some nearby children. Blushing furiously, the changeling nevertheless laughs at Sadie’s antics, clearly still enjoying herself.

Before long, you reach the steps of the castle, and you see all the girls you left behind smiling and waving. However, before you can greet them, you’re nearly tackled to the ground by a certain half-dragon. Maya lifts you off your feet with a hug, then starts kissing you repeatedly.

The crowd goes wild for this, of course.

Maya eventually lets go, giggling as you catch your breath. Holding both your hands in hers, she beamed at you with sparkling red eyes. “I’m so glad you’re home, my Josh! We missed you so much!”

You smile, and hug her tightly again, noticing how much her belly has grown since you left. “I’m back now, and I’ll never leave you alone that long again.”

Now the others have come down to greet you, staring with Elys and Rachel, who give you somewhat more subdued hugs and kisses, though you can see the relief in their eyes to find you whole and home. Next is Yura, the small girl already showing her pregnancy as she stands on her tiptoes to kiss you. “Welcome back. We all missed you so much.”

She glances over at Kali and Clarissa, then looks back to you. “You have been busy while you were away.”

You chuckle. “I almost forgot how hard it is too keep secrets from you.”

Yura gives you a small smile, and another kiss, before stepping aside. Lynn immediately flings herself into your arms, much like Maya had. You catch the happy goblin as she smothers you in kisses. Setting her down, you can see that she’s showing her pregnancy as much as Yura. No words are needed, the love in her lavender eyes is enough.

Finally, Anna approaches, and you pull the petite maid into a passionate kiss, careful to avoid squishing her pregnant stomach. “Welcome home, master!”

You kiss her again, as greetings are exchanged among all the girls. Reika looks nervous, but once again Sadie comes to the rescue, introducing her to everyone else. You’re happy to see her welcomed with open arms, everyone trusting the judgement of you and Sadie.

Taking a step back, you smile. “As much as I want to say a much more thorough hello, I think I need to give a speech and let the army go home first.”

You see no disagreements, so you make your way to the top of the stairs. The girls surround you as you turn to face the crowd, which has pressed in closer in anticipation.