At the edge of the world, amidst an endless sea of clouds, stretched an infinite grassland. At its center stood a towering tree, over twice a man's height, glowing with brilliant radiance.

The World Tree.

"It's not that I won't protect you this time—it's that those girls are completely insane."

Albel sat before the World Tree, wearing an utterly hopeless expression as he muttered.

"I know you're suffering inside, but I'm suffering even more. If I can't get you back today, I won't get to sleep in my bed tonight."

Albel sighed. Hearing the World Tree's response, his face immediately showed displeasure.

"What? Saying I couldn't get into bed anyway? Fine, you're really pushing it. No one can save you today."

Albel stood up, extended his right hand to the side, and clenched it. A divine sword shimmering with rainbow light appeared in his grasp. He raised it instantly, ready to chop down the tree.

"Scared now? Too late. But don't worry—I'll only use it tonight. I'll replant you tomorrow. It'll only hurt a little."

Albel pursed his lips and swung the sword to cut the small tree before him. But before he could strike, he felt the blade being held down.

"Bro, what are you doing?"

Verdandi's voice came from behind.

"Vera, where have you been? I've been looking all day. I'm chopping a tree."

Albel set aside the divine sword and turned to Verdandi. His sister still had the same figure as before, not having developed at all.

"I just barely replanted the World Tree, and now you're going to chop it down again, bro?"

Verdandi shot Albel a glare, snatched the sword from his hand, and tossed it aside. She stood firm, radiating an air that said, 'No one touches the World Tree while I'm here today.'

"I don't want to chop it either, but Alicia and the others insist on using it as a Christmas tree. I'm forced into this."

Albel frowned and spread his hands. He didn't want to—the World Tree had once saved his life—but he had to obey his wives.

"Sigh, brother, you really... I'll replant one for you."

Verdandi sighed helplessly. No wonder this happened—it was all those sisters-in-law's bad ideas.

"Oh right, right! Why didn't I think of that?"

Hearing Verdandi's words, Albel clapped excitedly, his face lighting up with realization. Why hadn't he thought of that?

"Sigh, I really can't deal with you guys."

Verdandi shook her head resignedly. She spread her arms, and her body slowly floated upward. A green glow enveloped her. Instantly, birds chirped and flowers bloomed at the cliff's edge. Withering plants revived, as if reborn.

"Wait a moment."

As Verdandi was about to recast the World Tree, she suddenly stopped, as if remembering something.

"What's wrong?" Albel asked, puzzled.

"I remember! I just visited Brother Bessarius's place. He has a huge Christmas tree, already decorated."

"You don't mean... wow, that's going too far."

Albel immediately understood Verdandi's plan. His expression twitched. This girl wouldn't be scheming against his unlucky childhood friend again, would she?

"Exactly. I'll be right back."

Verdandi snapped her fingers, confirming Albel's guess. She vanished instantly. After a few seconds, she reappeared with a massive Christmas tree over three meters tall. It was covered with countless decorations, lights, and gifts—a clear sign Bessarius had put his heart into it.

"Perfect. This is the one."

Seeing the lavishly decorated tree, Albel clapped excitedly. This would save him trouble. Poor Bessarius, that unlucky guy.

Ah well, it's not the first time I've tricked him.

"Wow, my Christmas tree! The one I've been preparing for ten days!"

Meanwhile, in the Demon King's palace of the Third Demon King, Bessarius sat on the ground, staring at the empty spot where his tree had been. He cried like a child. His subordinates covered their faces—it was too pitiful to watch.

"How about it? Check out the Christmas tree your husband got."

Albel carried the tree into the living room and shouted upstairs. The room was filled with items Alicia and the others had bought, but they were nowhere to be seen—probably upstairs.

"Brother, you're so shameless."

Verdandi pursed her lips from the side. He was the one who got it, after all.

"Oh, come on, Vera. We're family—who's counting?"

Hearing Verdandi's complaint, Albel quickly pulled her into a hug, kissed her cheek, and grinned.

"Wow, it's huge! And no need to decorate it!"

Alicia was the first to run out upon hearing the news. Seeing the Christmas tree, her face lit up with surprise. She even forgot she hadn't finished changing clothes.

"Uh, could you put your clothes on properly before coming out?"

Albel facepalmed. This girl had rushed out without fastening her bra properly, so it hung loosely, revealing quite a bit.

"You pervert!"

Reminded by Albel, Alicia covered her chest with one hand and yanked down her bra with the other. She threw it straight at Albel's head, then turned to Verdandi.

"Vera, come up quickly! The sisters bought you new clothes too. Come try them on."

"Okay!"

Albel and Verdandi replied in unison.

"Not you. Go tidy up the house properly!"

Alicia shot Albel a glare. This guy really overestimates himself.

"Why can't I watch my wives change clothes? I protest!"

"If you protest, just hold it in, brother."

After climbing two steps, Verdandi reached back, pressed her hand against Albel's face, and pushed him back down.

"Vera, you're so mean."

Albel put on a pitiful expression.

"You're the mean one, brother."

Verdandi turned and made a face at Albel, then ran into the upstairs room.

"Sigh, what a failure."

Muttering to himself, Albel walked to the Christmas tree. The more he thought, the more resentful he felt. He kicked the tree lightly. A gem fell off and hit him on the head. Albel rolled his eyes and collapsed to the ground.

"Al, wake up."

"Time to eat."

After some time, Albel was gently shaken awake. Opening his eyes, he saw Alicia and Lucia's faces. The two girls smiled at him.

"What's this..."

Albel rubbed his still-aching head and sat up. Seeing Alicia and Lucia's outfits, he couldn't help but swallow hard.

Alicia and Lucia wore Santa Claus-style dresses. The low-cut design exposed their fair skin, with alluring cleavage. Alicia's chest seemed about to burst out.

"Brother, you're so unlucky—to be knocked out by a decorative gem."

Verdandi wore the same outfit. Her chest hadn't developed much, so she lacked Alicia's visual impact. Still, she had a fresh, youthful charm.

"Al dear, sisters, Vera, come eat quickly!"

Hecate placed a dish on the dining table and waved toward Albel and the others. Her snow-white, flawless long hair perfectly matched the red outfit.

"I cooked today myself."

Isharis came out of the kitchen carrying a pot of soup and smiled gently at Albel.

"Let's go eat."

"Merry Christmas."

Alicia and Lucia each extended a hand to Albel and said with a smile.

"Mm."