I'm a Immortal Tavernkeeper, But My S-Rank Daughter Doesn't Know That!

Aluella smiled gently at Wanda, her eyes radiating a comforting calm. "Well, I guess sometimes surprising things happen when you least expect them, don’t they?" she said, her voice carrying a touch of wisdom and serenity.

Wanda nodded, still a little stunned, but beginning to feel more at ease. "Yes, you’re right." She looked at her father, who was watching the interaction with a satisfied smile. "It seems a lot has changed in my absence."

Victor sighed, his expression softening as he took Wanda’s hand. "Yes, many things have changed, my dear. But the most important thing is that we’re all together again." He paused and looked tenderly at Aluella. "And I’m sure you and Aluella will get along very well."

The fireplace crackled softly in the background, the warmth of the fire creating a cozy atmosphere in this intimate room. The flames cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an almost magical atmosphere. Finally relaxing a little, Wanda took one of the fruits from the tray and began to eat slowly, savoring the sweet, refreshing taste.

"So, Wanda," Aluella began, sitting down gently in a nearby chair. "Victor has told me about your adventures. It sounds like you’ve had quite a journey."

Wanda smiled wearily. "Challenging is an understatement." She laughed easily. "It’s been exhausting, but also very rewarding. I’ve learned a lot about myself and about the outside world."

"And I’m very proud of you for that," Victor said, caressing his daughter’s hair. "You’ve always been strong and determined, and I expected nothing less from you."

"Thank you, Dad." Wanda looked curiously at Aluella. "And you, Aluella? How was your journey here?"

The elf tilted her head slightly, a graceful gesture that seemed natural to her. "My journey has also been full of challenges and learning. I met Victor during a very important mission, and since then our lives have intertwined in ways we could never have predicted."

Wanda felt a growing curiosity. "Could you tell me more about it?"

Aluella looked at Victor, who nodded with an encouraging smile. "Of course," she began, her eyes sparkling with memory. "Victor and I met while still in the other world, separated for a while, but kept running into each other by chance. After so many encounters, and with the demons defeated, we came to like each other, and without even declaring it, we agreed to form a group to work as hunters."

"It was a dangerous life," Victor continued, his voice deep. "We faced many obstacles, but together we managed to overcome them. And it was on that journey that we realized there was something intense between the two of us."

Wanda listened intently, fascinated by the story. "And how did you know, Dad? I mean, that it was more than just friendship?"

Victor smiled, his eyes filled with memories. "It was in moments of danger, when all seemed lost, that I realized how much she meant to me. It was as if every challenge we faced brought us closer together."

Aluella nodded. "And for me, it was the way he always looked out for everyone, putting the safety of others before his own. Victor has a big, generous heart, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with him."

Wanda felt a wave of emotion when she heard that. "I’m very happy for both of you." She looked at her father and then at Aluella, feeling a real connection between them. "You seem to complete each other."

"Yes, we really do," Victor said, taking Aluella’s hand and intertwining his fingers with hers. "And now that you’re back, our family is complete."

Wanda felt tears of joy forming in her eyes. "I’m so happy to be here with you."

The room was silent for a moment, only the crackling of the fire and the soft sound of everyone’s breathing filled the room. It was a moment of peace and togetherness, something Wanda had longed for throughout her journey.

"But tell me," Wanda said, breaking the silence. "What else happened while I was gone? Any news from the city or other adventures?"

Victor and Aluella exchanged a look before Victor replied. "Well, there’s a lot going on in the city, but for now let’s concentrate on enjoying this time together. You’ll have time to catch up later."

Aluella agreed. "Yes, now it’s time to rest and get your strength back. Tomorrow we can talk about all the news and what’s to come."

Wanda nodded, grateful to have a moment of peace after everything she’d been through. "Thank you. I could really use a break."

"And you will," Victor said, stroking Wanda’s hair again. "We’re here to take care of you."

With that, the conversation died down and Wanda allowed herself to relax completely, feeling the weight of the journey finally begin to fade. She knew there were challenges ahead, but with her father and Aluella by her side, she felt ready to face them. And as the fire continued to warm the room, Wanda fell asleep, feeling at home for the first time in a long time.

When she awoke the next morning, Wanda felt the soft sun streaming through the window, warming her face. She stretched, feeling refreshed, and noticed that Victor was the one who had opened the curtains in her bedroom window.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," he said as he approached the bed. "How are you feeling?"

Wanda smiled, feeling lighter than she had in days. "Much better, Dad. Thank you."

"Glad to hear it," Victor replied, helping her up. "Luisa said the coffee’s already on the table. Let’s join the others in the dining room."

Wanda followed Victor into the dining room where Aluella, Gracela, Luisa and Frugeon were eating.

Wanda felt a sense of warmth as she entered the dining room. The table was laden with delicious food: fresh fruit, artisan breads, assorted cheeses, and a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice. Luisa, with her welcoming smile, poured coffee for everyone, while Gracela and Frugeon chatted animatedly about the latest news from the city. Aluella, always gracious, was at Victor’s side, holding his hand with obvious affection.

"Good morning, everyone," Wanda said, still adjusting to the daylight and feeling refreshed from her good night’s sleep. She was greeted with warm smiles and nods.

"Good morning, dear," Aluella replied, pulling up a chair next to her. "Sit down and have something to eat. You must be starving after your journey."

Wanda nodded and sat down, taking a piece of bread and buttering it. The soft texture and rich flavor was just what she needed. As everyone helped themselves and the conversation flowed naturally, the feeling of family and togetherness filled the room and warmed Wanda’s heart.

Suddenly, the sound of hard knocks on the mansion door interrupted the conversation. Everyone at the table stopped and looked at the door, curious as to who might be there at this hour of the morning.

The maid, Margaret, a middle-aged woman with a dignified posture, went to answer the door. There was a brief moment of silence before she returned, followed by a tall, distinguished looking young man.

"This is Bel Selvarum, Luisa’s nephew and Gracela’s cousin," Margaret announced, bowing as he entered.

Bel wore the uniform of the Order of Knights, which gave him an air of authority, but he hadn’t changed a bit.

"Sorry to interrupt," Bel said, bowing slightly in a gesture of respect. "Unfortunately, the Order of Knights didn’t release me from training the night before to join the party, but I managed to get released to spend this morning with you."

Luisa immediately stood up and went to hug her nephew. "Bel! It’s so good to see you! We were worried about you."

"I’m fine, Auntie," Bel replied with a smile and returned the hug. "The training has been hard, but I’m happy to be here now."

As Bel greeted the others, his eyes finally met Wanda’s. He was visibly struck by her beauty. Her eyes sparkled with a special glow as he approached her, leaving the others to talk amongst themselves.

"You must be Wanda," he said, recognizing the blonde hair and pointed ears. "Victor’s told me a lot about you."

Wanda blushed slightly under Bel’s intense gaze. "Yes, it’s me. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bel."

Bel smiled and without hesitation walked over, gently took Wanda’s hand and knelt before her. The room fell silent, all eyes on them.

"Wanda, I know this may seem sudden," he began, his eyes locked with hers. "But ever since I heard about you, something in my heart has been telling me that you’re special. I can hardly believe I’m doing this, but life is short, and you have to take chances when they come along." He took a deep breath. "Wanda, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Wanda was stunned, unable to believe what she was hearing. The whole room was stunned, and a vein popped out of Victor’s forehead.

"You bastard, what do you think you’re doing with my daughter?"