Raising My Trash Ability into a Broken SSS+ Rank Skill Chapter 553 Intruders
Previously on Raising My Trash Ability into a Broken SSS+ Rank Skill...
Upon returning to his quarters, Vritra found that Teresa had already finished moving her belongings into the room. The realization that she was a bride now, destined to share her life with her husband, filled her with a fluttering, nervous excitement. Even though he had only stepped out for a few moments, she had already begun to feel his absence. Teresa offered a silent prayer of gratitude to her deceased mother for arranging such an incredible match.
The door swung open shortly after. "Tess," Vritra spoke her name softly as he entered. He was mindful that she couldn't easily monitor her surroundings and didn't wish to frighten her. "Husband!" Teresa exclaimed, turning toward him despite her unfocused gaze.
'Is there any way to fix her eyes?' Vritra felt a pang of sorrow looking at her, yet he lacked the power to alter fate at this stage. He pondered whether such a feat required the strength of a god, or if even divine beings were bound by such destinies.
"Is something the matter, husband?" Teresa asked, closing the distance between them to offer a gentle embrace. Vritra pulled her into a tighter hold, replying, "It is nothing. We shall visit the Star realm tomorrow."
As he reached out to remove her veil, a thought crossed his mind: 'Word of Tess being here has surely spread by now; I wonder if enemies are already plotting to target her.' To ensure their privacy and safety, he cast several powerful barriers around the room to prevent any unwanted intrusions.
Teresa typically kept her features hidden, for her beauty was so profound that a normal man might lose his sanity upon seeing her. The son of the fishman king was a prime example, having lost his mind after catching only a fleeting glimpse of her from afar.
Lifting her in a sudden princess carry, Vritra felt her clutch his garments in surprise. He moved to the bed, seating her firmly on his lap so they were face-to-face. "Tess, do you have any desire to learn the art of combat?" he inquired, drawing her close until their bodies were pressed together. The intimacy and shared warmth left Teresa momentarily breathless.
Overcome by shyness, she hooked her arms around his neck and hid her crimson face against his shoulder. "…No, I have no wish to cause harm to others," she whispered, though she sensed this wasn't the response he was looking for. "Very well, we can wait," he murmured, his hand tracing the curve of her back. Her form was soft and warm, her chest pressing against him while her feet dangled with a hint of nervous energy.
"Tell me, what did you know of me before our union? Was it something your mother shared, or perhaps a vision?" he asked, enveloped by her intoxicating scent. Her fragrance seemed to cast a powerful spell over his senses.
"My mother was the one who informed me," Teresa replied, her heart racing. Vritra found himself curious about the woman who had raised Teresa; she was clearly unlike the rest of the Fords, having raised such a refined and virtuous daughter. "What exactly did she reveal?"
"I am aware that you are not truly Art Yates. You are… well, I know your true identity," Teresa confessed. Vritra was briefly puzzled before recalling her mother's teaching that speaking a husband's name could invite misfortune. "So you are aware that I am Vritra?" he asked. Teresa nodded in affirmation. "And you know of my past and the events of the great war?"
"Yes, my mother explained everything to me," she answered softly, leaning into the affection. Vritra grew quiet for a moment before asking, "Even knowing I am a demon, you chose to marry me? And you know of my other wives?"
"I do. And I suspect the five women who visited earlier are your wives," Teresa said, though a hint of uncertainty colored her voice. Her mother hadn't provided much detail regarding his other spouses. "That is correct. Including you, I have seven wives in total," Vritra stated plainly, watching for her reaction.
"S-Seven!" Teresa was stunned. The number made her worry about whether she would receive enough of his love. 'Husband must already share deep bonds with them, while we are only just beginning.' She felt she was starting at a disadvantage, especially with her own perceived flaws.
"Banish those doubts. I cherish every member of my family and would never neglect you. I am certain you will grow fond of them and finally experience a joyful family life," Vritra said, reading her insecurities perfectly. Before Teresa could respond, they both sensed a surge of presences entering the Yate realm, moving rapidly toward their location.
"They arrived sooner than expected," Vritra noted with a shake of his head. It was obvious they were after his wife. Even that man, Smog, had arrived, though his approach was far from subtle compared to the others. "Oh, they must be coming for me," Teresa sighed, leaning deeper into his chest.
"Do not worry. Psyche, handle them," Vritra commanded. Psyche, who was already patrolling the realm's borders, immediately intercepted the trespassers. "Now, there is more I must share with you," Vritra added, deciding to trust her with his deeper secrets.
"Y-You have even more lovers?" Teresa asked, bewildered and fearing she would never have time alone with him. "What are you imagining? Of course not. I never planned for most of these relationships. Regardless, let us start from the beginning."
With Teresa settled on his lap, Vritra recounted his journey starting from the Dunshire kingdom, detailing the pivotal moments of his life. Meanwhile, outside, Psyche—now inhabiting the body of the fishman king—began eliminating the intruders. Except for Smog, every interloper was slaughtered with ease.
Gunter went out to confront Smog. While the head of the Yate family didn't fear the man, he respected Smog's ties to the Golden Moon. However, he would not be bullied. Gunter flatly rejected the demand to hand Teresa over to the Golden Moon's headquarters. Despite Smog’s various threats, Gunter remained unmoved. Ultimately, Smog was forced to retreat, knowing he couldn't take on the entire Yate family alone. It was clear that future negotiations would require actual force.
Fiona and Yasmine, drifting invisibly near Vritra, listened to his tale. The story stirred old memories of the many trials they had faced together, though they focused on the happiness they had found in the end. "And that is how I came to marry you," Vritra concluded.
"Divine…?" Teresa looked at him, confused. She possessed no recollections of her previous existence. "It is alright if you don't remember him. He was a fool who didn't deserve to be your brother. But as the games approach, you must learn to protect yourself," Vritra said with gravity.
"Why? Are you planning to leave me?" Teresa asked, believing him to be an invincible shield. "No, but there may come a time where I cannot be by your side. I will personally assist your training," Vritra promised, struck by her beauty. With her dark, aesthetic style and innocent demeanor, she was captivating.
Watching the scene, Yasmine thought to herself, 'It will be quite entertaining to corrupt… I mean, train her.' She was certain Teresa would thrive as a wife.
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