Before Noah could continue his research, a cloud of mist accompanied by five-pointed stars of all sizes appeared behind them. A giant figure gradually emerged, and at the same time, a calm yet serious voice rang out.

"You have finally come, my old friend."

Everyone turned around. Lucy and Jude were visibly startled, but Layla's expression was much calmer; she had clearly been expecting this. Noah, on the other hand, carefully studied the strongest being in the Celestial Spirit World, the Celestial Spirit King.

He had a massive, humanoid form with a broad build; just by standing there, he exuded a majestic presence. The most eye-catching feature was the enormous white mustache on his face. When he wasn't speaking, the mustache was long enough to reach his upper body, though it looked a bit unkempt. His chin was covered in stubble, and he had red eyes with no pupils. The King's entire body was clad in plate armor, with additional protection on his arms and hands, and he wore sabatons on his feet. He wore a helmet with a pair of huge, upward-pointing horns on either side and four feather-like ornaments on top. A huge, dark cloak hung from his back, its lower edge tattered and frayed, and it billowed gently even without a wind.

"Mama, he's so big! And his mustache is so long!" Lucy whispered to her mother, peeking out from behind Layla.

"Now, Lucy, be polite." Layla gently stroked Lucy's head with her right hand, then looked up at the Celestial Spirit King. "Thank you very much for inviting us to the Celestial Spirit World."

The King had no reaction. He simply continued to look at them with a blank expression.

Jude began to sweat. He thought Layla's words might have displeased the King and his mind raced, trying to think of a way to salvage the situation. Noah, however, stood calmly beside Layla, waiting for the King to speak. Lucy retracted her head behind Layla, then slowly peeked out again to steal glances at the King.

Just as the atmosphere was growing tense and Jude was about to say something, the Celestial Spirit King suddenly broke into a huge smile.

"Layla and her family! Welcome to the Celestial Spirit World!" The King's face was wreathed in smiles, his voice booming. "I have wanted to invite you to the Spirit World for a long time, Layla, but your health was poor back then, so I did not. Now that your body has recovered, and you also wished to come, I decided to invite you all. To celebrate the arrival of Layla and her family, let's have a feast!"

Suddenly, a host of Celestial Spirits poured out from the corners, surrounding them. At the forefront were the three Zodiac spirits Layla had once held contracts with: Aquarius, Cancer, and Capricorn.

"Aquarius, have you been well?" Layla first spoke to a female spirit with light blue hair, a dark blue bikini top, and the lower body of a fish.

"I've been fine. Is your body really all better?" Aquarius's tone was a bit irritable, but her words were still full of concern.

"Mhm. Thanks to Noah, my body is completely healed. You should also pay attention to your temper. It'll help you find a boyfriend sooner," Layla said softly. In Aquarius's eyes, Layla was radiating an endless maternal aura. She felt a sudden sense of pressure, let out a "Tch," and sulked off to the side.

"Would you like me to give you a hairstyle suitable for the party-ebi?" Cancer stepped forward and asked. Layla shook her head, and he turned to the others. Jude and Lucy also declined.

Noah said to him, "I'll ask for your help if I need it in the future, but not for now." Cancer nodded in agreement.

Layla then looked to the last spirit. He had the head of a goat with a pair of curved horns, and he wore sunglasses. He had a goatee and was dressed in a black butler's suit, and his feet were like a goat's hooves.

"Lady Layla, I am truly overjoyed to see you in good health." He placed his right hand over his chest and bowed deeply to her.

"Thank you for your concern, Capricorn. By the way, Aquarius, Cancer, come and meet someone. This is my daughter, Lucy."

Layla pulled Lucy out from behind her. Lucy was clearly a little nervous and held tightly to Layla's hand as she looked at the spirits before her.

Aquarius and Cancer walked over.

"Tch. So this little brat is your daughter, Layla?"

"Mhm. She's my daughter. Isn't she cute?"

"Tch!" Aquarius turned her head away.

"Would you like me to give you a trim-ebi?" Cancer asked, brandishing his scissors.

"No, thank you. But I may need your help in the future."

"OK-ebi."

"So this is the young Lady Lucy? From the looks of it, she is preparing to walk the path of a wizard."

"Mhm. Lucy will likely become a Celestial Spirit wizard in the future. When that time comes, I'll be counting on your help, Capricorn."

"I will be there for her, Lady Layla."

Layla then took Lucy, Noah, and Jude to greet the other spirits. Everyone was very friendly to them, and they all exchanged names.

By this time, the feast had been prepared. The Celestial Spirit King took out two pink paper fans with star patterns on them and struck a pose.

"Come! Tonight, we drink and sing to our hearts' content! A party should always be lively! This is a gathering of old friends, so let's get fired up!"

Everyone cheered excitedly, and the feast began.

Jude, with the communication skills he had honed in the business world, quickly blended in. Layla also chatted with the various spirits with ease. Through their conversations, everyone came to respect and admire this old friend of the King. They could clearly feel her love for the spirits, and as spirits themselves, they naturally liked people like her.

Lucy, on the other hand, was running around the banquet table. She had never been to such a lively party before, and the happy, joyful atmosphere made her ecstatic. She was so busy looking at everything that she barely ate a thing. The spirits saw how lively and happy she was and could feel her genuine affection for them, so they all kept a watchful eye on her to make sure she didn't get hurt.

Noah had initially planned to look after Lucy himself, but when he saw that the spirits, especially Capricorn, were already following behind her, he relaxed and began to enjoy the food. He would only occasionally grab the hyperactive Lucy, force her to eat something, and then let her go again.

~~~

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