Meanwhile, Ian, unaware that instructor Zephyr had already guessed something, had already arrived home.
Although there was still light coming from inside, Ian didn't make much noise. He quietly opened the door and stepped inside.
When he saw Robin still sitting in the living room reading a book, Ian didn't seem surprised.
Smiling, he said, "Still not resting?"
"Just about to."
Robin closed the book on the table, blinking as she looked at Ian, who had returned. "I didn't expect you would be back so soon, dear."
As she spoke, Robin stood up. Perhaps because it was winter and the weather had turned cold, she wasn't wearing her usual professional outfit or a one-piece dress today.
Instead, she wore a slightly thick yet stylish winter casual outfit.
Her top was a light blue, form-fitting knitted sweater that perfectly outlined her increasingly curvaceous figure. The soft fabric clung to her skin, exuding a unique sense of comfort, elegance, and mature charm.
She paired it with dark, wide-legged pants whose smooth lines fell naturally from her hips, adding a sense of ease and grace to her overall demeanor.
Her waterfall-like long hair was left down naturally, giving her a relaxed and soft appearance.
A few loose strands framed her cheeks like lively little sprites, making her exude a gentle, mature aura.
Yet she smiled playfully like a little girl. "Aria's already asleep. There's still a bit of dinner left, dear. Are you hungry? Should I warm it up for you?"
"I am a bit hungry."
Setting down his axe, Ian didn't refuse. "We came back in a rush, so I haven't eaten dinner yet."
"Please wait a moment. There's still some hot water, so you can take a bath first."
Hearing that, Robin nodded and turned toward the kitchen to reheat the leftover dinner.
Ian followed her advice and went to take a bath first. When he was done, a steaming dinner was already laid out on the table.
Looking at the meal, not messy at all, but neatly arranged as if specially saved for him, Ian's appetite instantly grew, and without hesitation, he began eating.
As he ate, Robin sat beside him, resting her chin on her hand, smiling as she watched him.
The atmosphere became peaceful and warm.
Time slowly passed until Ian finished every dish. Then, Robin snapped her fingers, and countless hands appeared from the table, swiftly clearing it and even washing the dishes.
Seeing this, Ian couldn't help but sigh in admiration. He had to admit, Robin's skills and housekeeping ability were truly max level.
After everything was cleaned, Robin looked around with satisfaction, then turned her head toward Ian and smiled. "Would you like a cup of tea and a bit of rest before going to bed?"
However, in response to her question, Ian shook his head righteously. "No, after eating is the best time for exercise."
"Dear, I must remind you that exercising right after eating isn't good for your health."
"That's why I need your help."
"...?"
Robin paused, then seemed to understand. Rolling her eyes at him, her mature allure and charm made Ian's whole body tremble.
"I'd be more than happy to, dear."
As Robin's words fell, a hand extended toward the light switch and gently turned it off. Allowing the darkness to spread throughout... the room.
…
The next day, as sunlight shone through the window and illuminated the living room, Ian was still lying in bed.
Having just returned home, he didn't plan to get up to train today. Even though basking in the sunlight didn't make him feel tired, he decided to take it easy today, lazing in bed with his wife and child.
However, things didn't seem to go as he wished.
A hand suddenly pulled open the curtain, and warm sunlight poured into the room.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A series of frantic knocks echoed, accompanied by a familiar voice.
"Ian, I know you're back! Open up, I have something urgent to say!"
It was the voice of Village Chief Martin, sounding extremely anxious and nervous. He knocked on the door while shouting loudly: "It's urgent, really urgent! It concerns the life and death situation of the Sibia River Archipelago!"
Ian: "..."
The nonstop knocking and shouting forced Ian out of bed. He walked to the door, opened it, and looked at the anxious Village Chief Martin standing outside.
Letting out a yawn, he said grumpily: "What is it? Don't tell me there's another problem at the brewery? Or did pirates attack again?"
"You kid, you finally got up! Something huge happened, and yet you can still sleep?"
Seeing Ian, who had just gotten out of bed, Village Chief Martin, who was holding a newspaper, breathed a sigh of relief and continued hurriedly: "Last night's newspaper..."
However, before he could finish, a figure appeared behind Ian. Having already washed up at some point, Robin stood there smiling gently at Village Chief Martin and said, "Good morning, Village Chief Martin. Sorry, Ian came home very late last night, so we got up a bit late today."
"No problem, no problem!"
Upon seeing Robin, the words Village Chief Martin had wanted to say got stuck in his throat.
He gave a sheepish smile and said, "Sorry for disturbing you two lovebirds."
As he spoke, he winked secretly at Ian, as if signaling him to talk in private.
But how could Robin possibly fail to notice something so obvious?
Ian looked helplessly at the other party and said, "Village Chief Martin, what's going on? Just say it directly."
"You kid..."
Village Chief Martin stared speechlessly at the unbothered Ian, then smiled awkwardly at Robin and lowered his voice. "Do you know about yesterday's newspaper?"
"We were sailing yesterday, so I didn't have time to read it."
Ian replied casually. "What happened?"
Then, noticing the newspaper in Village Chief Martin's hand, he frowned and took it. "Is this yesterday's paper?"
"Hey, you can't just grab it! Wait, don't open it yet!"
"What do you mean, don't open it? Since when do we have to sneak around to read a newspaper?"
Ian ignored Village Chief Martin's words and opened it directly. When he saw the content and his own wanted poster, his expression froze. "Four hundred and fifty million Belly..."
No wonder Marine Headquarters issued that kind of order.
Then, as if sensing something, he turned to see Robin beside him, also frozen in place, a shadow falling across her face.
He immediately took her hand and said softly: "It's fine."
"Dear, I..."