Reincarnated as a step-dad in a fantasy world

Chapter 44 : Someone else

"Potential future enemies? You mean the artifact possessors?"

"Yes, but not only them. In fact, those you should be most wary of are even more dangerous than the artifact users," said Lilia in a serious tone, causing Alex to adopt a serious expression as well.

"You see, in this world, there are various forces that vie for dominance. These forces can be kingdoms, empires, sects, magic schools, and many others," Alex nodded, urging Lilia to continue.

"In most cases, these forces are visible to everyone's eyes. However, there are shadowy forces that exist in secrecy, and those are the ones you should be most cautious of, because unlike the visible forces, they have no reputation to uphold, so they won't hesitate to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. Furthermore, these shadowy forces are the ones most informed about the artifacts and the existence of the Sin's Game. As you can imagine, information about the artifacts is not widespread, which is why you've never heard of them."

Lilia took a deep breath before continuing, "Of these shadowy forces, three are the most dangerous and powerful: Twilight Shadows, The Midnight Society, and Umbral Order. These forces are the ones who are aware of the artifacts. It's possible that other forces may have become aware by now, but these, in particular, are likely to be significant problems for you, especially since some of these organizations possess artifacts," said Lilia before falling silent, allowing all the information to sink into Alex's mind.

"Twilight Shadows, Midnight Society, Umbral Order... What are these, names from a cheesy novel?"

"Huh? Out of everything I just said, that's what you focused on?" Lilia asked, astonished.

"No, I heard everything you said, but seriously, what's with those names? Are they trying to defeat their enemies with cringe?"

"Pfft... Hahaha, only you would pay attention to such details at a time like this," said Lilia, bursting into laughter. Her laughter sounded so angelic and sweet that Alex was tempted to keep making jokes just to hear her laugh.

"Okay, okay, be a little more serious here," said Lilia, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

"As I mentioned before, these organizations are the most powerful. For your information, the minimum level to join one of these organizations is level 5."

Immediately after she said this, Alex forgot the joke he was about to make and simply widened his eyes in disbelief. It's essential to note that individuals at level 5 were highly respected because not everyone could reach that level.

In Alex's empire, for example, achieving level 5 not only earned one nobility but could also grant you land where you would be the lord, simply because you have reached level 5.

So hearing that there were organizations where the minimum level for acceptance was level 5 was sobering news for Alex. 

Additionally, learning that these organizations could potentially be against him was enough to make him finally take things seriously.

"I see you're taking this seriously now. That's good; it'll make your training easier," Lilia said.

"Huh? My training? What are you talking about?"

"Starting from tomorrow, I will personally train you. I may have lost my powers, but you should know that I was quite strong back then," said Lilia, sounding proud.

If only Alex could know what she meant by "quite strong", he would choke on his spit.

"That's all well and good, but..."

"What is it?"

"Well, it's just that you haven't commented on how the artifact helps me become stronger."

"The way the artifact allows you to become stronger? What are you talking about... Oh, I see, you want to talk about the fact that you have to be with other women," asked Lilia, finally understanding what Alex meant.

"Yes, that fact. Does it not bother you that I need to be with other women to become stronger?"

Upon hearing his question, Lilia smiled affectionately and gently took hold of his hands. "Alex, when I arrived at this house, I was covered in wounds and had three girls in my arms. Yet, you welcomed me, cared for me, and even looked after my daughters when I was just a stranger."

Lilia then moved one of her hands to cup Alex's face as she continued, "When you decided to marry me, many were against it. Some even mocked you, saying that you were marrying a 'used product.' But you didn't listen to them or care about their words. You married me, took care of me and my daughters, and raised them as if they were your own."

Lilia took a deep breath, smiled sweetly at Alex, and said, "So, if you need to be with another woman to achieve your dreams, so be it. Besides, I know my husband is a fair and loving man, so I trust that you wouldn't cast me aside for another woman. You love me too much to do something like that," she added, chuckling.

"All I want to say is that the fact you might be with other women doesn't bother me because I love you," Lilia finished, gently hugging Alex.

"You are truly the best *sniff* wife one could ask for," Alex said, trying not to make it too obvious that he had teared up a little from Lilia's heartfelt words.

"Wait, are you crying?"

"N-No."

"Oh my god, you are really crying!" exclaimed Lilia, bursting into laughter while teasing him.

"There, there, don't cry. A big boy like you shouldn't cry. Hahahaha."

'Whoa, she went from being a loving and supportive wife to a complete jerk so quickly,' thought Alex, half annoyed and half astonished after seeing Lilia's mood shift.

"Oh, why are you making that face? Lighten up, my big baby of a husband. Hahahaha."

'At least now I know for sure where Alice got her teasing nature from,' Alex thought, sighing.

As she was making too much fun of him, Alex decided that she needed to be punished a little, so he used his hands and started to gently fondle her soft breasts.

His sudden move abruptly silenced Lilia's laughter, and he smirked mischievously. He approached her ear and whispered, "Laugh while you still can because tonight, you won't get a single second to laugh."

Upon hearing him, Lilia felt a sudden chill.

"D-Dear, I was just trying to lighten the mood. I was definitely not trying to make fun of you for crying *snicker* because your wife said she loved you. Oh, who am I kidding? That was hilarious. Hahahaha..."

"..."

Alex didn't even know how to respond to that. Since his attempt to intimidate his wife had failed, he simply sat there, gazing at her while she continued to tease him.

When Lilia seemed to have finished poking fun at him, he got up and began to undress. Since she didn't take him seriously, he was going to make sure that playful vixen would have an unforgettable night.

"Wait, wait, wait, you can't. I'm still sore from this morning, so..." Before he even got the chance to make a move, Lilia picked him up and tossed him out of the room, saying,

 "Go find someone else to relieve you."