As a mother, Remia naturally wanted her precious daughter to be safe from danger. However, seeing her daughter so happy now, and remembering how she had stood in front of Hajime with such determination just now, she couldn't possibly want to sever ties with Hajime. She couldn't simply consider herself a victim.
Hajime seemed to have noticed what Remia was thinking, and with his eyebrows drooping into an "eight" shape, he said to her:
"...She is the most gentle and strong child I have ever met. No matter whether it is a god or a monster, I am sure that no one can match her. Remia, your daughter is the best in the world."
"...Hehe, I know that. Because she has a handsome father."
Remia responded to Hajime's praise with a smile. Her expression, as if to hide her shyness, but also out of joy, was almost identical to her daughter's.
The atmosphere at the scene was full of harmony, and finally, everyone's mood returned to calm.
At this time, Kaori and Shizuku looked at each other, paused, and said:
"Hmm? Are Remia-san and Hajime-san getting too close?"
"Uh, yeah... before I knew it, we were so close together..."
Aiko and Yuka followed suit after hearing what they said.
"Ugh, how do you create an atmosphere like an 'ideal family'..."
“…Why do we have to go through this awkward situation…”
The man and woman, flanked by Myuu, looked like a family. Hajime and Remia looked like a natural couple.
"Hey, did you hear that? We look like a family, husband."
"Don't join in the fun..."
Remia chuckled, and Tio, Shia, and the others shuddered.
"As expected of Remia. She's still the same. Even my dragon eyes can't see through her true feelings. In a way, she's the master of using a smile."
“I-I think it’s time for me to confront him now! As his lover, I must protect Hajime-san! After all, there are still those like Liliana who would try to take advantage of a crisis and kiss him secretly!”
"Eh!? Is that how you see me?! This is a misunderstanding! It was for emergency treatment. I absolutely, absolutely did not think, 'I can take this opportunity to experience a fairy tale'. I absolutely did not think that!"
"You've confessed, Princess. You were thinking about something like that when I was on the verge of death."
"Really? Lily's head is full of romance novels. Hajime-kun, it's okay. I'll protect your lips."
"I don't understand what's wrong with that at all."
Even Kaori was planning to kiss Hajime under the pretext of treatment. Shia and the others also came over to join in, making the atmosphere a little more lively.
However, the atmosphere seemed a bit forced, a facade of cheerfulness. Everyone seemed to be forcing themselves, or deliberately avoiding sensitive topics, carefully crafting a cheerful atmosphere. Hajime could see this.
The reason is simple, there is only one.
The one person who should have been joining in this conversation was absent. To everyone present, she was an invaluable partner, a close friend, an admired elder sister, a mentor, a comrade, a rival, a role model, and to Hajime, her beloved. No one could forget her presence.
she is not here……
Hajime wasn't the only one saddened by this fact.
Originally filled with anger and determination, when the mood calmed down like this, loneliness also emerged.
No one could easily mention her name, so they could only pretend to be cheerful and playful to encourage each other. Even those who were not very familiar with Yue followed everyone's wishes out of concern.
In fact, seeing them suddenly laugh and joke like they were performing a crosstalk, male students like Jūgo and Kentaro, and female students like Nana also showed obvious confusion.
In such an awkward atmosphere──
"Hmm? Do you want a kiss from daddy? Then Myuu wants one too! Daddy, a kiss~~!"
"Whoa whoa!?"
As Kaori was hugging Hajime's arm, Myuu pouted and lunged at him (?). Hajime lost his balance and fell backward, turning his face away.
Then, Myuu's lips tightly sucked the area between Hajime's lips and cheek.
There was a moment of silence and pause. Then, all sorts of sounds surged around, including shy screams, wails, and even exclamations of admiration.
"That barely qualifies as illegal, right?"
At least it wasn't mouth-to-mouth. The other person was a young child, and it almost became his daughter's first kiss. At least this unusual situation was avoided. Hajime thought so, while grabbing Myuu to get her off him.
In Europe and America, this might not be impossible for some families, but Hajime and the others were born and raised in Japan, and they couldn't accept such a thing at all. Hajime tried to emphasize his rationality, but—
"It's barely legal!"
"guilty!"
This is not surprising. After all, from an outsider's perspective, the child fell on Shi and looked like he was kissing him.
Aiko and Liliana covered their reddened faces with their hands, their eyes still gazing through the cracks between their fingers. What a clichéd reaction. Liliana was only fourteen, so it was understandable that she would react this way. But… though it wasn't visible on the outside, Aiko, eleven years Liliana's senior, actually exhibited the same reaction…
Teacher Ai, is this really okay for you? She's too innocent for an adult... Yuka, Nana, and Taeko seemed to be saying this as they looked at Aiko's expression.
"Oh my, this kid is really warm and open-minded, oh hehe."
"Kaori and Shizuku shouldn't make such a fuss about something a child does."
Remia seemed to find it quite amusing and smiled as she carried Myuu back. Tio, looking helpless, corrected the two girls.
Most of the students had the same reaction, thinking that Miao was just behaving like a normal girl who loved her father very much, and that it was warm and cute.
Only a very small number of male members of someone's guard team, not to mention who, murmured unpleasant thoughts such as "Lolita control...", "Is this the real-life Genji Project?", and "Nan Yunni is too awesome", and were looked at with absolute coldness by the girls.
Seeing this, Kaori and Shizuku realized they had overreacted. Their faces flushed and they shrank back.
However, Myuu's actions seemed to be motivated by more than just love for Hajime.
"Mmmmm~~ Why is Daddy hiding away? Myuu wants Rengetsu-nee's points to cheer Daddy up!"
"Myuu..."
Everyone was racking their brains, wondering when to bring up the name, but Muu brought it up effortlessly.
Shia and the others were surprised at Myuu's real intention of insisting on kissing her.
"Siya-nee and everyone else seem very lonely. So, Myuu will give everyone kisses. Kisses are a magic that revitalizes the soul."
"That's what Sister Yue told me," Miu said, narrowing her eyes and smiling. Her gentle and generous demeanor made her feel like an older sister. This demeanor made everyone feel familiar.
(Is she imitating the moon?)
Looking at Shia and the others, they all narrowed their eyes, as if looking at a dazzling presence. It seemed everyone felt the same way. Thinking back, the way she mustered her courage just now seemed like she was imitating Hajime.
"Children tend to imitate what they see, don't they?"
This was certainly what Miu gained from their brief but intense time together.
Much more than Shi and the others thought, Mu looked at her "father and sisters whom she admired from the bottom of her heart" more attentively, looking at their existence, their hearts, and the source of their strong strength.
"Dad. Sister Yue once said that."
“…What did you say?”
"As long as I'm with Dad, I'm the strongest in the world! But now, Shia and the others have joined us. So..."
Myuu first looked around at Shia and the others before continuing:
"She said, 'We are invincible.'"
That was what Yue had secretly told Myuu back in Enison. Myuu now relayed it to everyone, feeling incredibly proud, as if it were her own words.
Shia, Kaori, and Tio couldn't help but look up at the sky, as if trying to suppress their overflowing excitement.
"Dad, please bring Sister Yue back quickly."
"Haha, leave it to Daddy. When we get back, she might be upset because of her mistake. Then, you can give her a kiss too, okay?"
"……Um!"
Myuu, held in Remia's arms, raised her hands in response.
Myuu seemed to believe Yue would definitely return, completely convinced. She was confident that as long as Hajime and the others went to meet her, they would definitely be able to bring Yue back, so there was no need to worry. Everything would go smoothly.
Shia and the others smiled wryly.
Indeed, now was no time to wallow in solitude, no time to stage farces or put on a forced smile.
Even though I just lectured him, wasn't I also feeling frustrated and withdrawing?
What a coward! Everyone scolded themselves in their hearts.
"I'm really no match for Myuu-chan."
"Haha, yeah. Maybe Myuu-chan is the strongest character."
"Indeed. You are truly a little hero."
"The young are to be feared; they will surely be extraordinary in the future."
Shizuku said, her expression twitching slightly stiffly. No one disagreed with her.
Everyone couldn't help but imagine what Mu would look like when he grew up.
When Myuu grows up, she'll likely be a beautiful woman who looks very similar to Remia. Normally, she'll be innocent yet gentle and considerate. However, in battle, she'll bravely challenge opponents with a rebellious attitude, sometimes revealing an irresistible charm...
The combination of these factors is truly astonishing. He will definitely be a formidable figure in the future.
The problem is, in addition to being deeply influenced by his father and sisters, there is also one last person - I wonder how much influence will Myuu be influenced by her?
Everyone looked at Tio at the same time.
"Uh, what are you doing? Why are you looking at me with the eyes of a pathetic creature?! You're gonna make me excited!"
Suddenly, everyone's thoughts converged. No matter what, they simply hoped Myuu wouldn't acquire this rare abnormal personality.
He shook his head, as if to cast aside this impossible future. Then, his tone turned serious, and he narrowed his eyes sharply.
He stood up slowly, staring into space for a moment.
“…As expected, it works.”
He muttered to himself, and within a breath, he activated "Alchemy".
A crimson light, even brighter than red itself, emanated from him. Using the stone at his feet as a material, he forged a blade. The blade emerged from the ground as if being extruded. Despite its hardness, the blade appeared incredibly sharp, to the point of sending chills down one's spine. Like the work of a skilled swordsmith, it shone with a bewildering edge.
Now, Hajime's magic power was dwindling. Not only was he unable to cast Age of Gods magic, but even ordinary magic was incapable of being cast. Therefore, it was just an ordinary stone blade.
However, the existence of the stone knife itself is full of power, like a famous sword that has been recorded in history.
Hajime observed the stone knife for a moment, as if trying to confirm something. Then, with an expression that suggested understanding, he nodded. Then, he turned away, looking in another direction.
He was looking at the demon people who were kneeling in fear, holding their breath a little distance away.
Tension gradually spread like tiny waves.
"Hashi-kun..."
To confirm Hajime's intention, Kaori called out to him in a serious voice. Hajime turned his gaze and glanced at her.
Then, he turned his gaze to Myuu, who was staring at him while being held in Remia's arms. He shrugged and smiled at her.
His implication was that they shouldn't worry. His usual cynical air only reinforced his intentions. Seeing his eyes no longer empty and hollow, Kaori breathed a sigh of relief. Myuu also narrowed her eyes and smiled.
After confirming the two's reactions, Hajime turned around and walked towards the demons in full view of everyone, standing in front of them with a swagger.
"Alright. I don't have much hope for you, but please tell me everything you know."
"Know, know information? No, we know nothing..."
The first person to answer was the father who had just stood up to protect his son.
"It's okay if you don't know, forget it. However, it's best not to withhold information or lie about it. Of course, if you want to stick to your principles, that's your freedom. But... you'll have to be prepared to pay a heavy price. If you value the people around you, it's best to be honest."
Brother Shi threatened, tapping his shoulder with a stone knife.
"Looks like a gangster..." Kousuke said. "Idiot, didn't you hear the price is high? Don't ask for trouble!" Kentaro scolded anxiously. Although Hajime had his back to them, he heard everything clearly. However, he didn't bother with them for now.
"If we answer, will you let us go?"
"Ah? Do you think you're in a position to negotiate with me now? Whether I let you go or not depends on my mood. You'd better try your best to please me, and don't forget to be polite and smile. Those demons in Freed have tried to kill us time and time again. Just because you're still alive, you should be grateful to me with tears in your eyes, don't you understand?"
"Isn't his attitude the same as before?" Mao muttered. "Stupid Mao! You should be smiling and trying to please him right now!" Ayako scolded her. Hajime, though his back was turned, heard everything clearly. But, let's not get mad at them for now.
The surviving demons remained silent. Hajime glared at them fiercely.
The sense of terror he had exuded when his eyes were empty just now was no longer palpable. Instead, the aura he exuded seemed more violent and harsh, like a tyrant, bringing a different kind of fear.
"First, tell us everything you know about the Divine Realm. Also, you just asked Kaori... you wanted the apostles to open the Divine Gate for you. Do the apostles have the ability to open the Divine Gate on their own?"
The man chose his words carefully and answered Hajime's question.
"...Regarding the Divine Realm, it seems to be a paradise for us demons. That's all we know. If we are accepted into the Divine Realm, we will become a superior race—the followers of God."
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