Return of the General's Daughter-Chapter 230: Home Coming 2

Freya Norse wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling her close as if afraid the very air might whisk her away. Tears glistened in her eyes, dancing between sorrow and joy. "Oh, my precious girl," she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I thought... I thought I had lost you forever." A choked laugh escaped her lips, mingling with the sobs that racked her body. "Thank the heavens you’ve returned to me."

Strong arms enveloped both the mother and daughter. It was General Odin Norse. He was a general, fearless in battle, and never batted an eye, even when faced with death, but now his eyes were red.

"Father," Lara murmured.

The tears that Odin was trying to hold escaped from the corners of his eyes.

Finally, he had the two most important women in his life back in his arms. Lara’s soft voice calling him Father warmed his heart.

"Ahem," three different voices—three men cleared their throats at the same time.

"Father, Mother, you’re hogging all of our sister’s attention," Asael whined, his voice rising with a playful nasal twang. "It’s our time to share the spotlight now!"

Odin and Freya reluctantly let go of their daughter.

"Brother, how is your wound?" Lara asked, her voice tinged with concern as she enveloped Asael in a brief yet warm embrace. She stepped back, her eyes scanning him intently, taking in the details of his face and his body.

Asael handed her a bouquet. "I am as good as new, Sis," he said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "It’s wonderful to see you again." Asael lifted his hand and affectionately patted her head, his touch both reassuring and tender. Lara didn’t flinch; instead, she embraced the moment, relishing the comfort of their bond that wrapped around her like a cozy blanket.

"Sis, welcome home." Galahad pushed Asael out of his way. He handed his bouquet of flowers, which Lara accepted.

"Thank you, Brother," Lara said gently. She could see that Galahad was sincerely welcoming her, and when she met his eyes, they were full of longing for the sister he thought he lost, unlike the suspicious ones that regarded her the first time they met.

Galahad grinned. The corner of his lips almost reached his ears. His sister called him brother. He wanted to lift her and spin her around, but she had grown taller and had gained some weight. Her body had matured into that of a woman, and no matter how much he wanted to, he could no longer do so.

Her sister had grown up.

To his surprise, Lara hugged her like she did to Asael.

Lara came face to face with Percival and Peredur. Both men were dressed the same and looked the same.

"Welcome back, Sis. We are happy to have you back. I am Peredur." One of the twins spoke, his eyes lit with mischief.

Lara narrowed her eyes. She stepped forward and hugged the man, who remained silent. "Peredur, Brother." Lara smiled.

Peredur chuckled and jabbed Percival. "Do you think our sister is easily fooled? You are an idiot, that’s why you think others are like you."

The rest of the brothers laughed. Percival was embarrassed.

"How could it be? How did you know that he is Peredur?" Percival’s brow furrowed in confusion, his thoughts swirling like autumn leaves caught in a brisk wind. "Even Father could not discern who is who." he was utterly bewildered

General Odin was speechless. It took a moment before he realized his son was looking down on him. "Brat, why bring me into your failure of pranking your sister?"

"Sorry, Father." Percival apologized before turning to Lara, both his brows raised. How did you know it was not Peredur who talked to you?" He was really curious.

"You may look and dress the same, but your aura is different, " Lara explained.

Percival: "..."

"Father, Mother," a soft, melodic voice drifted in from the courtyard just beyond the open doors. "It’s time for me to be presented... and for your speech."

Lara stiffened. Father? Mother? The words echoed in her mind, foreign and unsettling. She was their only daughter... wasn’t she? Her gaze flickered to Reya, whose eyes were wide with disbelief. Reya gave a subtle shake of her head, her expression mirroring Lara’s confusion.

Before Lara could voice her questions, Freya’s gentle voice floated through the air, warm and tender. "Mira, come over here!" she called, her tone laced with affection that stung Lara’s heart. "You haven’t yet welcomed Lara back. She’s returned home." The fondness in Freya’s voice was like a dagger wrapped in silk. Lara’s heart tightened painfully.

A woman glided through the door, adorned in an exquisite gown reminiscent of a fairytale ballroom of modern times. The fabric swirled around her like a cascade of shimmering silk, catching the light with every graceful step.

For a brief moment, a flicker of coldness flashed in her deep brown eyes, but just as quickly, that shadow vanished as a radiant smile blossomed on her lips, illuminating her face and transforming her expression into one of enchanting charm.

"Sister, welcome back. I am sorry I wasn’t able to come earlier. Since our parents and brothers are here, I needed to stay to entertain the guests." She spoke gently, sounding pitiful, like she felt aggrieved because her family had neglected her.

The word sister hung heavy in the air, thick with unspoken questions. Lara’s eyes darted between the woman and her parents, searching for some thread of understanding. Freya’s gaze drifted to Odin, her expression pleading, desperate for him to speak.

Odin cleared his throat, the weight of what he was about to reveal pressing down on him. "Lara," he began, his voice low and deliberate. "We... we adopted your cousin Mira. Back then, when you were gone, your mother was inconsolable." His voice wavered slightly, and his eyes clouded with the memory. "She fell ill... for a long time. Mira came and stayed with her, nursed her back to health. After discussing it with your brothers, we decided to adopt her. It’s been a year now," he finished, his voice barely above a whisper. "She is... she is officially our daughter now."

The silence that followed was suffocating. Freya’s eyes shone with unshed tears, her hands clasped tightly before her. The Norse brothers stood off to the side, their expressions guarded, watching Lara with anxious eyes. Odin’s hand was clenched tight, his knuckles white. He hated explaining himself, but for Freya’s sake, he had done it.

Lara remained calm. Could she blame her newfound family for their actions?