--- Ren's POV ---
Finally, we arrived at the grandeur of the Loki Familia manor, a sight that perfectly matched the descriptions from the original novel and anime. But, to be honest, I couldn't care less about the intricate details of the place.
My focus was solely on the Goddess who reigned over this domain.
Given that only an avatar was permitted to exist in the mortal realm, even if she wielded her Arcanum and challenged the World Laws, she would never be able to kill me.
However, I remained uncertain about how I would fare against a true Goddess. Perhaps it was time to consult with Lucy and delve into the workings of a divine avatar. This could be my first step into understanding the realm of the divine.
Though I wasn't in a rush to grow stronger, as I was gradually strengthening my physical body and mana core passively, it was crucial for me to comprehend the mechanisms at play.
What if all the Gods in this world suddenly unleashed their Arcanums upon me? It would undoubtedly be a lethal encounter, and that was something I needed to avoid at all costs.
Before I could delve further into my thoughts, Finn Deimne instructed everyone to disperse and rest, emphasizing the need for confidentiality regarding our recent endeavors. Though many were eager to discuss the events with their comrades, they recognized the potential repercussions that could fracture the Loki Familia.
And so, for once, everyone obediently retired to their respective dormitories, refraining from any unnecessary communication.
Naturally, the executives remained, accompanying Finn as he made his way back to the Goddess for a debriefing.
Each of them cast their gaze upon me. Even Bete, with Tiona giving him a piggyback ride, had his lips tightly sealed
I had nothing to "report" to their Goddess; I was simply following them because Ais had to do so.
Right, Ais would likely need to update her stats as well. Damn, how I wished I could be the one to do it instead of that infuriating pervert...
My anger threatened to spill over, causing those around me to interpret my mood as merely dampened due to their unwarranted stares. They quickly averted their gazes, except for Ais, Gareth, Finn, and Riveria.
Gareth, in particular, seemed to have concerns about my treatment of the dog, likely prompting him to voice his opinion on the matter.
Well, if he wanted me to ease up on Bete next time, I would kindly ask if he would be willing to take the beating in his place.
"Is something...bothering you?" Ais inquired, snapping me out of my thoughts. Ah, Ais could already read me quite well. She understood that my frustrations weren't directed at anyone present.
"Just a minor grievance. Your Goddess is far too much of a pervert for my liking. I would hate to see you subjected to such unwarranted attention, even if there's more to it than meets the eye," I whispered, ensuring only she could hear.
I had no interest in hiding or lying to Ais; I wanted her to be aware of my genuine intentions, even if it meant coming across as a stalker. As long as she understood my motives, that was all that mattered.
Her eyes widened in response. Until now, I hadn't divulged information that I "shouldn't" know, as there hadn't been a reason to do so.
Yet, this time, I revealed something that most were unaware of—the perverted side of their Goddess. Ais contemplated my words while the others watched us intently. Finn even inquired about the issue, but we both chose to ignore him momentarily.
"Don't worry." she spoke with a resolute tone, prompting a chuckle from me.
I knew she possessed the strength to defend herself, and Loki had no intention of forcefully imposing the matter. Otherwise, circumstances could have taken a drastic turn, with her avatar vanishing mysteriously from both this world and the Heavens within days.
Though my mind comprehended this reality, my heart still remained unsettled. I had become adept at controlling myself, yet it seemed traces of my obsessive tendencies managed to slip through.
With a conscious effort, I turned my gaze away from the onlookers for the first time, taking deep breaths to regain my composure.
As I reminded myself that I couldn't let everything crumble just because of these thoughts, that I had endured centuries of suffering to protect what I had now, everything suddenly crumbled away.
Ais's eyes filled my vision, overpowering any coherent thought in my mind. And then, I felt her fingers gently lifting the corners of my lips, curving them upward into a smile.
"...Smile." she said softly.
I couldn't believe what was happening. A surge of warmth spread through my entire being as her touch ignited a fire within me. The world around us faded into the background, and all that mattered was this intimate moment we shared.
I was at a loss for words, unable to form a proper response. My cheeks flushed, as I never could have imagined that she would do something like this for me. In that whirlwind of emotions, my mind and heart found a moment of respite as I simply nodded.
I couldn't comprehend the reason behind her actions—perhaps she wanted to see me smile for once, or maybe she simply wanted to cheer me up. Regardless, my heart swelled with gratitude. As long as her fingers remained on my face, I cherished the intimate contact, paying no mind to the reactions of the executives who stood nearby.
I wondered if they had even grasped what had transpired. Once Ais sensed that I was alright, she withdrew her hands and nodded at Finn, as if what had just happened was nothing more than a trivial moment.
It appeared that most of the executives hadn't caught the full glimpse of what had transpired.
Their faces betrayed a mixture of confusion and curiosity, unable to decipher the significance of the moment. Yet, I knew there were a few astute individuals among them who could sense that something significant had occurred.
One of them, the mischievous Elf who often tried to cozy up to my Angel, seemed to have a flicker of realization in her eyes.
I couldn't help but smirk triumphantly at her confusion. It was a small victory, a reminder that despite her efforts, she stood no chance against me.
In a moment when Ais's attention was momentarily diverted, I seized the opportunity to playfully stick my tongue out at her.
My expression brimmed with amusement, as if I had won the grandest of lotteries and taunted the one who had invested the most without finding any reward. It was a silent challenge, a lighthearted taunt that only she and I shared, hidden from the prying eyes of the others.
Before the Elf could formulate a response, Finn swiftly intervened, his urgency evident in his hurried steps. He urged all of us to make our way to the Goddess, reminding us that any delay would only cause unnecessary worry.
---
Author's note:
This chap really a wild one.