I'm in another world, and I start out transformed into Lancelot.

“Yes.” Yuko’s gaze swept for a moment across Amaterasu’s face, which was blank with shock and embarrassment, before she looked firmly back at Izanami: “So, please entrust Lady Amaterasu to me with peace of mind.”

A deathly silence, more complete and heavier than ever before, instantly enveloped the entire space.

Amaterasu, who was just blushing, bristling, and even momentarily stunned by Yuko's sudden approach, seemed to be frozen in place by an invisible spell.

Her eyes widened, her mind a complete mess from this declaration, so illogical yet seemingly aligned with her hidden feelings. What "entrustment"? Did Yuuko... did she even know what she was saying to Lady Izanami?!

For the first time, Izanami, who sat high on her throne, showed a subtle change in her languid and playful expression. Her abyss-like black eyes gazed down at the silver-haired girl below, whose expression was as calm as if stating an objective fact.

The concept of time seemed to be completely blurred by this earth-shattering statement; the air was no longer viscous, but had turned into a substantial solid, pressing heavily on my heart.

Only Yuko's clear and calm voice, like ripples stirred up by a stone thrown into a deep pool, still echoed silently and slowly in every corner of the temple.

Entrusted? Entrusted...to me? Amaterasu felt like she was about to faint on the spot due to her rapid heartbeat and lack of oxygen to her brain.

In this newly born deity's mind, no script had ever written such lines, and no scene had ever been rehearsed for such an abrupt, bold, yet... inexplicably heart-fluttering dialogue development.

A third-rate idol drama? No. Now, Yuko Narukami has personally propelled it into an unimaginable new development. Silence is the only deafening sound at this moment.

The almost frozen silence in the temple was broken by a lazy, peculiarly charming chuckle.

“Heh…” Izanami leaned back on the throne, as if nothing had happened, but her deep eyes darted back and forth between Yuko and Amaterasu, who was almost steaming hot, before finally settling on Amaterasu’s flushed face.

"When did my little darling learn to bring home small animals?"

"I... Lady Zanami!" Amaterasu's voice carried a hint of embarrassment at having her secret exposed. "Yuko isn't..."

"Small animals?" Yuko quickly grasped the key word, her eyebrows twitching almost imperceptibly. The perspective of this ruler of the underworld was indeed "extraordinary."

“Yes,” Izanami casually tossed a strand of her black hair aside with an indescribable elegance, “Look how nervous she is. She’s quite an interesting pet.”

She looked at Yuko with a calm and unwavering gaze, as if examining a novel little gadget, with the indifference of a deity looking down upon the mortal world: "A god's life is long. It's not bad to have a moving and thinking companion to relieve boredom."

It was as if this were a trivial matter, no different from adding a new plant to Amaterasu's backyard. However, she changed the subject, a hint of almost imperceptible weariness in her voice: "But... little guy, is it troublesome to take care of?"

This question was clearly directed at Amaterasu. Amaterasu's mind was still stuck in the shockwaves of "pet" and "relief," and she opened her mouth but didn't utter any meaningful sound.

"Ah..." Izanami sighed softly when she received no response. Her sigh seemed to be tinged with the chill of the underworld. "This clone's body is almost out of fuel. I have to go back to the Sea of ​​Nothingness."

She stood up, her figure disappearing and fading rapidly from the edges of a pencil drawing, like a pencil drawing erased by an eraser, turning into wisps of dark air that silently seeped into the ground, as if she had never existed.

All that remained was the strange, cold fragrance of decaying earth mixed with new shoots, and an even more jarring silence within the hall.

Izanami left.

"Hoo...!" Amaterasu suddenly broke free from that almost petrified state, exhaling like a deflated balloon.

She didn't even care about maintaining a goddess-like demeanor, and plopped back down on the edge of her radiant throne, clutching her chest tightly with both hands.

She could feel the divine heart within her beating wildly at an unprecedented rate, devoid of any divine restraint. Golden divine power surged uncontrollably around her, causing her long hair to flutter slightly.

"Raise, raise pets..." she murmured to herself. The blush on her ears did not fade; instead, it spread all the way to her neck and collarbone, making her look like a boiled shrimp.

Yuko's words, "Entrust to me," kept playing on a loop in her mind, making her head spin. What did "entrust" mean? Did it mean taking her in? Taking care of her? Or...? Amaterasu suddenly covered her face with her hands, feeling as if real steam was about to rise from the top of her head!

"Ahhh—who is whose pet?! This, this isn't right! How can a human be a god's pet? But... Lady Izanami doesn't seem to object? And..." She secretly peeked through her fingers at the instigator.

Chapter 154 Soaking in a Hot Spring with the Goddess

But Yuko Narukami, who uttered those words that were enough to cause a major upheaval in the hearts of the new goddess, was now looking as calm as if she were discussing what to have for breakfast.

There wasn't much emotion in those eyes that always seemed sharp and calm. Even the composure and fearlessness he had shown when facing Izanami had faded, leaving only an almost innocent normalcy.

She even blinked, looking at Amaterasu's "world-collapsed" appearance, with a hint of... barely perceptible confusion at the corner of her mouth?

Looking at her calm and composed demeanor, which seemed to leave no trace, Amaterasu felt a surge of embarrassment, confusion, and a secret thrill that instantly caught in her throat, turning into an indescribable sense of grievance and slight annoyance.

How could this person do this! They said such earth-shattering things, stirring up a storm in her heart, and then acted like nothing had happened? It was as if that last sentence was just a routine greeting like "The weather is nice today!"

"Hey!" Amaterasu couldn't help but call out, her voice carrying a hint of coquettishness and accusation that she herself didn't realize, "Yuko!"

"Hmm?" Yuko turned her head to look at her, her eyes clear and calm. "Lady Amaterasu, what's wrong?" Her tone was as natural as if she were asking her if she wanted some honey added to her water.

"What's wrong?!" Amaterasu felt like her divine crown was about to tilt in anger.

She abruptly lowered her hand, revealing a face flushed crimson, her golden eyes wide with shock. "You...you just now! What you said to Lady Izanami! 'Please entrust this to me!' What...what does that mean?!"

“Oh.” Yuko nodded in realization, her expression remaining calm: “That was the most appropriate response when facing Lady Izanami at the time…”

She took two steps forward, stood at the bottom of the steps, and looked up slightly at Amaterasu, who was still covering her face. Her tone was the same calm and steady one she used when analyzing problem-solving strategies in class. "She has doubts about you bringing me along. As an outsider, I need a sense of identity that will reassure her."

She paused, her gaze lingering for a second on Amaterasu's face, which screamed "I don't understand," "I'm shocked," and "Explain yourself!" She seemed to carefully consider her words, but ultimately only concluded, "The effect... is acceptable."

"The effect is acceptable?!" Amaterasu felt as if a basin of the coldest spring water in the divine realm had been poured over her head.

Her heart, pounding with shyness and excitement, instantly cooled down. A feeling of emptiness and being fooled surged up, making her eyes well up with tears.

"So...so you only said that to put Lady Izanami at ease?! Like...like showing her an interesting pet?" She angrily threw out all the "labels" that Izanami had given her.

Faced with Amaterasu's aggrieved question, Yuko gazed at her calm eyes for a moment, her tone unusually gentle and reassuring: "It's not entirely like that. You are a god, and I am a human. But I promised to stand by your side."

"The statement made back then was the most effective way to avoid unnecessary trouble. At least now, Lady Izanami acknowledges that I'm by your side, doesn't she?"

The phrase "standing by your side" seemed a bit gentler than "entrusting," and Amaterasu's heart, which had grown cold, seemed to be quietly warmed by the implied meaning of "companionship" in those words.

But the obvious statement that he was "only making a statement to avoid trouble" was still jarring, and a sense of disappointment crept up on me like vines, feeling heavy and suffocating in my chest.

Looking at Yuko's face, which was full of "I am indeed seriously solving the problem" but showed no sign of being "moved", Amaterasu experienced for the first time the frustration of "having anger but not being able to vent it".

It was someone else's confession (?) that stirred up the whole situation, but the person who stirred it up looked completely innocent.

“...Cunning.” Amaterasu suddenly lowered her head, twisting her wide sleeves tightly with her slender fingers. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz, as if afraid of being overheard, with even the last syllable carrying a long, unwilling lingering tone, “...Cunning human!”

Like a sulking little animal, she lightly tapped the ornate base of the throne with her heels as if to vent her anger, as if that would smash away the annoyance of being seen through and the turmoil churning in her heart.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

They resumed their daily routine from before Izanami's arrival: arranging offerings, checking the protective barrier, and occasionally giving guidance to the villagers.

Amaterasu's face had returned to its usual ethereal and serene state, as if nothing had ever happened. However, only she knew the clear and tranquil lake deep within her heart.

Ever since she was hurled into the water by Yuko Narukami, the undercurrents beneath the surface have remained turbulent, making it difficult for her to find true peace.

The culprit that stirred up the spring waters seemed to have remained untouched by any earth-shattering event, naturally sinking into the river of daily life. Its complacent demeanor made Amaterasu grit her teeth inwardly.

The light of the setting sun softened, casting a warm golden glow on the temple. Yuko gathered the edible wild vegetables she had collected near the temple that day, intending to distribute them to the villagers at the foot of the mountain, and skillfully tied them into a bundle with hemp rope.

Her movements were so natural, so relaxed and down-to-earth, that they unexpectedly sparked a thought in Amaterasu's mind.

Watching Yuko's figure bathed in the soft evening light, and seeing her simple, somewhat worn clothes stained with mountain dust, Amaterasu suddenly realized: This girl is always busy for others, perhaps she has never truly relaxed for herself for a moment? That tense nerve... maybe it's time to relax?

In a flash, a thought clearly emerged in my mind—take her to that place!

Almost as soon as the idea took shape, Amaterasu pictured the hidden hot spring behind the palace, a tranquil and gentle place with warm mist and the sound of flowing water, a stark contrast to the solemn temple.

Take her there! Amaterasu found a perfect reason for herself in her heart: let the warmth and tranquility of this hot spring wash away the messy threads in her heart, and let her regain the clear mind that a deity should have.

As for that guy who was engrossed in his daily routine, she glanced at Yuko, who was stretching, out of the corner of her eye. Her weary nerves deserved a good rest!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The cave was warm and humid, filled with milky white steam carrying a faint scent of sulfur and minerals.

Amaterasu was the first to shed her elaborate robes, wearing only a flowing white gauze dress, and gracefully glided into the warm spring water.

The warm spring water instantly enveloped her entire body, and the goddess sighed comfortably, her long golden hair spreading across the water's surface like flowing sunlight. She turned her head to look at Yuko by the pool.

Yuko's movements were very decisive and efficient. She took off her unique uniform jacket, then her inner lining, without any hesitation or awkwardness, her expression as open and honest as if she were changing into training clothes at the practice field.

She wore a tight-fitting black short-sleeved top of some unknown material underneath, which outlined her slender, well-proportioned, and powerful figure.

The firm lines of his arms, the smooth curves of his waist and back, and his straight and powerful legs, illuminated by the misty water vapor and the soft light from the naturally glowing minerals on the cave ceiling, revealed an attractiveness that combined beauty and strength, yet remained understated.

Amaterasu felt her heartbeat, which had just been soothed by the hot spring water, quicken again, and her cheeks began to heat up once more.

She hurriedly turned her head, pretending to be intently studying the wondrous light and shadow created by the water ripples on the cave wall. "Cough...is the water...is the water temperature okay?" She tried to keep her voice calm, but a hint of unease crept in at the end.

"Mmm, it feels good, thank you." Yuko's voice rang out with the gentle splashing of water as she entered the water, her tone still calm and reassuring.

Amaterasu quickly scooped up a handful of hot spring water and splashed it on her face, trying to cool her burning cheeks. No! Absolutely not! I am the sun goddess who rules over light! How could I allow a mere human... to disturb my peace!

She took a deep breath, trying to summon the power of her divine nature to calm her restless heart and regain the clarity and majesty that belonged to the goddess.

Just as she was trying to mentally prepare herself, Yuko's voice, tinged with a hint of amazement, came from beside her: "The energy here... is very gentle and stable, and the direction of the water flow... is also very regular."

Chapter 155 Could it be... Yuuko is going to confess?!

Amaterasu couldn't help but turn her head to look again. In the misty air, Narukami Yuko casually leaned against the smooth, warm pool wall, tilted her head slightly, and closed her eyes.

A few strands of wet, silver hair clung playfully to her fair forehead and cheeks, while glistening water droplets rolled slowly down her sharply defined jawline.

In the warm, steamy air, that face, which was always too calm and sharp, now showed a rare gentleness and relaxation, as if hard jade had been immersed in warm water, revealing a warm luster.

But it was this gentleness and that fleeting, girlish curiosity that, when it fell into Amaterasu's eyes, that was more lethal than her previous "frankness strategy."

It's like throwing an irregularly shaped pebble into a lake that has finally calmed down, creating layers upon layers of ripples that are even more indescribable.

The suppressed disappointment and grievances were instantly overwhelmed by a more complex and overwhelming feeling of excitement.

"That cunning... no, that slow-witted Yuko!" Amaterasu shouted inwardly, both angry and annoyed, but her gaze was fixed on the silhouette in the hazy mist, as if drawn by a magnet.

Her relaxed brows and soothing lips... she was completely different from the girl who had just delivered a shocking speech to the creator god of the underworld in the temple.

This is so strange! It's even more troublesome than dealing with the most ancient and obscure laws of heaven and earth! Amaterasu, in a fit of despair, submerged her chin in the water, leaving only her pair of bright, golden eyes above the surface, glaring resentfully at Yuuko's profile. Her inner monologue was a silent, frantic accusation:

Only a few days! Just a few short days! How could this human... have stirred her thoughts into such a tangled mess, like a ball of yarn ravaged by a storm, so chaotic and impossible to unravel? This completely tarnishes her glorious and magnificent image as the Sun Goddess!

Just as she was immersed in her own chaotic little world, Yuko seemed to keenly catch that almost tangible gaze of resentment, and suddenly opened her eyes, meeting Amaterasu's sneaky glance that she couldn't withdraw in time.

"What's wrong, Lady Amaterasu?" A drop of water rolled down her eyelashes, her eyes clear and bright, filled with a hint of confusion. "Is there something on my face?"

"N-nothing!" Amaterasu abruptly withdrew her gaze like a startled rabbit, and with a "splash," she almost shrunk into the water, leaving behind only a string of bubbling bubbles.

The rising steam perfectly concealed her instantly flushed cheeks and her increasingly panicked heartbeat. Inside the hot spring cave, only the gurgling of water and the symphony of a goddess's chaotic heartbeat remained.

Mist swirled and rose above the water's surface, and the warm spring water reached above her shoulders. Yuko Narukami let out a comfortable sigh.

Water droplets gathered on the cave ceiling dripped onto her upturned face, slid down her jawline, lingered briefly at her delicate collarbone, and finally merged into the hot spring.

Amaterasu was curled up in the pool, hugging her knees. Originally, she wanted to help Yuko relax, but now, her gaze seemed to be stuck on the trajectory of a drop of water, lingering from her collarbone to the faintly visible lines of her shoulders and neck in the shimmering water.

The steam gave her fair skin a soft pink blush, a warm, jade-like hue. Amaterasu's gaze was so focused that Yuko inadvertently turned her head away.

Their eyes met, and Amaterasu suddenly lowered her eyes as if she had been scalded, feeling the heat rush to her face. She quickly stirred the water with her hand: "...Hmm! Is the temperature okay? Should I turn it up a little hotter?" Her fingertips flickered almost imperceptibly, and the steam rose even more intensely.

"Just right." Yuuko's voice carried a touch of the languidness unique to soaking in a hot spring. She brushed aside the slightly damp hair clinging to her forehead and smiled. "Is this the protective effect of the hot spring brought by your divine power?"

Amaterasu nodded, then quickly shook her head: "It's not entirely about protection...it's natural, it's just that I...can make it more suitable for you." As soon as she said it, she felt a little awkward, as if she were "taking care of a pet"? She quickly added in a low voice, "What I mean is, whatever makes you comfortable."

For a moment, only the sound of flowing water and each other's soft breathing remained.

Yuko closed her eyes slightly, feeling the relaxation enveloped by the warm current. Amaterasu's gaze, however, was like a feather, gently brushing across Yuko's nose and her slightly closed eyelashes, finally settling on her lips, which were slightly parted in relaxation.

The color was a few shades redder than usual... Amaterasu suddenly remembered the feeling of wild fruit juice on the corner of her mouth, and the sensation of Yuko's calloused fingertips wiping it seemed to be vividly reproduced.

"Thank you," Amaterasu blurted out abruptly.

"Hmm?" Yuko opened her eyes, somewhat puzzled.

“...Wild fruit,” Amaterasu’s voice was barely audible, her fingers unconsciously twisting together underwater, “and...thank you for being here.” The last sentence was so soft it was almost drowned out by the sound of the water.

She quickly turned her face away, her ears turning bright red, leaving Yuuko with only a blurry yet incredibly soft profile in the misty fog.

The warmth of the hot spring seems to come from more than just the steam.

Yuko looked at the "Sun Goddess" who was almost shrinking into a small island in the water, and a faint but genuine smile silently appeared on her lips.

She didn't say anything more, but simply relaxed her body, letting the warm spring water continue to gently envelop the two of them, allowing this unspoken romance to settle and ferment in the flowing silence.

Several days passed quietly in the elegant atmosphere of the Takamagahara Palace.

Between Yuko Narukami and the goddess Amaterasu, a silent yet increasingly clear tension spreads in the quiet air.

Amaterasu's gaze would unconsciously follow Yuko's figure, only to quickly shift away before the other party noticed; and Yuko's usually composed brows now held a hint of deep contemplation.

The two often sat side by side by the window, watching the clouds drift by outside the palace. Amaterasu's lively words were occasionally tinged with a hint of shyness, while Yuko's calm responses also concealed a subtle tenderness.

There was always a subtle anticipation in the air, as if the next word could pierce the carefully maintained veil, yet it would slip away lightly before the fingertips could touch it.

Deep within Yuko's consciousness, the system's cold notification echoed repeatedly with a countdown to the wrong time point, now as red as blood, urging her to make a decision.