Hero? Are You Worthy?
Chapter 721 - 505 What Is This Strength? (1 - of 4000 words)

Chapter 721: Chapter 505 What Is This Strength? (1 Chapter of 4000 words)

The Princess of the Ice Duchy, Antasia’s mother, looked at her son-in-law with a gaze that seemed to see right through him... Even though Qin Chu was dressed in thick clothing, he felt completely exposed at that moment.

The tired ice-blue eyes suddenly brightened.

She smiled a very gentle smile. Although she was no longer young, she had maintained her looks well. Paired with that soft smile, there was a kind of tender beauty. Her large, jewel-like eyes scrutinized Qin Chu from head to toe.

Both of them were well aware of how their daughter had been treated in the Empire, as the servants and guards who had accompanied Antasia had informed them of everything upon their return.

It was Qin Chu who had abruptly appeared and rescued the Ice Duchy’s Princess when she had faced assassination.

It was also Qin Chu who had stood up for Antasia when she was nearly humiliated by the Prince.

It was again Qin Chu who had given her shelter when she had nowhere to go.

And it was still Qin Chu who, in the end, even managed to deal with the Prince, avenging their grievance.

There was no helping it; the Ice Duchy was a small and weak nation, constantly under threat from demons and in need of material support from the Empire.

Even if their precious daughter was bullied in a foreign land, they had to endure it; heartbroken and pained as they were, they could not confront the Empire. To have a man stand up for Antasia at such a time, preventing their daughter from suffering too much, was more than they could ask for.

Just for that alone, they were convinced of their son-in-law, Qin Chu.

How they wished they could meet Qin Chu in person. But there were simply too many matters that needed attention in the Ice Duchy, and they could not find the time. They hadn’t expected their daughter to bring her husband home unsolicited.

And what about the many girls accompanying Qin Chu?

That was quite normal.

No one found this odd or unsatisfactory.

On the Sky Dome Continent, the powerful possessed everything: wealth, power, status, and even women.

Although the King of the Ice Duchy had only one Princess as his wife, in a place like the Empire, even a Great Noble would have a host of women—how much more so a Hero?

Most importantly, while they may not be exponentially strong, they could tell that each of the girls around Qin Chu was incredibly powerful, with a few even surpassing them in strength.

In the face of such formidable power, their daughter Princess’s status did not seem to be an advantage. On the contrary, they ought to be grateful that these girls were willing to accept Antasia staying by the Hero’s side.

And among them, there were even three demons.

A Blood Elf, a Snow Woman, and what seemed to be one of the Winged People from within the ranks of demons...This Mr. Brave was indeed very loyal to a type, only fancying beauties...

While the two of them were scrutinizing Qin Chu, Antia by Qin Chu’s side also frowned slightly.

She too felt an inexplicable familiarity with the man before her.

Though her reaction was not as strong as Antasia’s, it still struck Antia as somewhat odd.

Being intently stared at by Antasia’s mother made Qin Chu feel a bit embarrassed... However, having been through much, he quickly adjusted his demeanor and showed a gentlemanly smile, bowing to the two, "Qin Chu greets His Majesty the King and the Princess Consort."

Antasia’s father would not dare to accept a bow from Qin Chu, quickly returning the gesture, not presuming to show the slightest impertinence.

Even though Qin Chu was nominally his son-in-law, he was also a Hero and the Pope of the Holy Court, a status far more prestigious than a mere ruler of a small Duchy. Who knew if this Hero had picked up any bad habits from spending so much time in the Empire.

"Qin Chu, this is my father, Osvid Meisfield, the King of the Ice Duchy, and my mother, Heidi Meisfield." Feeling a bit shy under her parents’ gaze, Antasia only thought to make introductions after her father and Qin Chu had exchanged greetings.

Although he was incredibly busy, Osvid Meisfield did not dare neglect such a distinguished guest. Setting aside his work for the moment, he promptly arranged to entertain their noble visitors.

Although Qin Chu expressed that there was no need for any fuss, the necessary courtesies had to be observed.

Moreover, it was nearing noon, a perfect time for a shared lunch.

The preparations were swift, and after Osvid’s orders were given, a simple banquet to welcome their guests was hastily prepared, with no time to arrange for a larger company.

At the round table, aside from Qin Chu and the eight girls with him, only Osvid and Heidi were present.

Antasia had three younger brothers, but they were all busy. Even after receiving a Message Magic alert, they could not make it back in time.

Due to the cold, the dining room was specially fitted with three large fireplaces, making the air pleasantly warm—a lavish reception by the standards of the Ice Duchy.

Since Antasia was his woman, Qin Chu naturally respected his elders, initiating toasts. The spirits of the Ice Duchy were particularly fiery, and while Qin Chu thought they might not be as potent as the Water of Life, they were likely not far off from medical alcohol in strength.