"It's a pity, but this must end..."
Strolling calmly through the pleasure district, Yuki lamented; after all, this place could be considered a paradise for men.
"Hmp! You say that as if you really care."
Next to him, Aisha snorted in response; to her, this womanizer was lying.
"Don't look at me like that~ I care a lot about all of you."
Taking Aisha by the waist, Yuki chuckled under his breath; this woman's expressions and actions amused him greatly.
"It's the least you can do; you've taken advantage of all of us."
"Even though you say that, you're the ones who enjoyed it the most."
"That doesn't excuse the fact that you've taken advantage."
Opening his mouth, Yuki didn't know what to say because of how brazen this woman was. While he did take advantage of the women in this place, he paid the price for them, just as they were the ones who approached like bees to honey.
"Anyway, the fun will start soon. I hope everyone has evacuated by then."
Hearing his words, Aisha turned her gaze with doubt.
"I know I was the one who requested this, but... is it really necessary to go to such extremes?"
"Well, I don't want to resort to this either, but your Goddess is very problematic, and frankly, I couldn't reach a peaceful solution with her. It's better if she returns to the heavens."
Shrugging, Yuki did his best to seem regretful, but he knew his words were total nonsense.
After all, Yuki wouldn't forgive those Gods trying to destroy the world, and even though Ishtar wasn't completely involved, her connections with them were undeniable.
Otherwise, she wouldn't be seeking the death stone or sacrificing Haruhime.
After all, when he met Haruhime, he considered buying her as a slave since Ishtar, being a goddess of love, made it possible. However, looking beyond that and considering Haruhime's circumstances, Yuki shook his head.
Ishtar disappointed him, so he had no choice but to send her back to the heavens. This was the minimum punishment she could expect.
"I guess you're right. Ishtar-sama has been investigating you after all, and even that toad-faced guy has been more active lately."
"Don't worry; I promise everything will be as peaceful as possible."
Looking at her concern and emotional attachment, Yuki stole a kiss from her, as a means of comfort. They had shared the bed many times, so Yuki started to see her as more than just a prostitute, something akin to a lover.
"I have to go; Haruhime is waiting for me."
Kissing her one last time, Yuki turned around, looking towards a specific house. But as he walked, his steps halted at Aisha's words.
"Thank you very much, Yuki-sama. You are truly more than a hero, as no hero would care about us. Thank you, Champion-sama, you are the greatest, worthy of being the Savior of the world."
Turning his head stiffly, Yuki opened his mouth, but he couldn't find the words to say. After all, Aisha had a beautiful smile on her face, tears streaming down her cheek at the same time.
"..."
"It's okay, Yuki-sama. My lips are sealed. I'm not so ungrateful as to deceive you."
Staring at each other, Yuki sighed.
Despite hiding his identity very well, he ultimately made a mistake with this girl.
And that was showing her a glimpse of his power; otherwise, it would be impossible for her to figure it out.
Yuki was right; that small moment in Haruhime's room was the catalyst for this Amazon's suspicions. So, with a bit of investigation, she could learn his real name and some other things.
"Well, that will help me a lot."
"Yuki-sama... Can I ask you one last thing?"
"Yes, but it must be brief... We don't have much time."
"Don't worry, it won't take long."
Approaching, Aisha smiled sweetly.
"Can I see your true form?"
This was a small selfish wish she had. Even though she saw his true form when he fought Kurumi in the sky, she saw him dead or on the verge of death, unable to appreciate his dazzling presence.
And after sharing a bed many times, she had started to wonder about the real 'him'.
So, before her family ends, she hoped to see him.
*Puff
At her request, Yuki deactivated his transformation, revealing his true handsome face and the body of a boy in the late stages of his childhood. Aisha widened her eyes at the sight.
"Are you happy?"
"Yes... Thank you very much. Yuki-sama is truly as the rumors say, no... maybe even more than that. Fufufu, although I would like to share my bed next time with your true appearance."
"Don't worry; I'll do that."
Smiling in response to her brazen requests, Yuki returned to his average adventurer transformation and waved his hand.
"Yes, I'll be honored."
Aisha, on the other hand, smiled as she watched him walk away.
(Haruhime... You're very lucky.)
For the first time since she met Haruhime, Aisha felt envy. Yuki was very cute, just as the rumors said.
His aura was warm, his body odor pleasant, and with his strength and technique in bed, Yuki was a very desirable man. Even Ishtar, his goddess, dreamed of sharing a bed with him, even if just for one night. But more than envy, she was also happy for her friend who found happiness.
After all, Aisha knew that, unlike her, Yuki looked at Haruhime with different eyes; otherwise, his treatment towards her would be so different.
(Well, there are many opportunities in the future.)
However, without giving up, Aisha continued her path because, as Yuki said, she could still share a bed. For her, this was enough.
Even if her friend was the one he chose, she couldn't have the whole cake, but at least she would have a slice.
---
"My princess... I'm back."
"Arce-sama... Why?"
Looking at the man in front of her, Haruhime brought both hands to her mouth.
After all, she was very surprised that this person still visited her.
Even more so when she rejected his love proposal.
Yes, that day when Yuki proposed to take her to his family, Haruhime refused.
She was in love, and even though she wanted more than anything to be with this man, her love made her unable to hold the hand offered to her.
She knew her position very well, as well as her destiny.
She was a prostitute and, at the same time, a sacrifice.
Ishtar wouldn't let her go even if Yuki paid a large sum of money for her. Haruhime knew this very well, so she didn't want to see her beloved get into trouble for her.
She didn't want to see her beloved go to war for her. Her family's power was immense, and she doubted that Yuki's family had the power to stand against them.
This was her love, and for this love, she would bear this burden alone, not letting her beloved intervene.
That day she decided to distance herself, and perhaps with time, he would forget about her—the prostitute.
"Even if you reject me... I won't give up, you know?"
Smiling, Yuki approached, attempting to embrace her, but Haruhime evaded him, all while maintaining an expressionless face.
"Arce-sama, I was very clear. I don't wish to have anything to do with you."
Stepping back slightly, Haruhime didn't change her expression; she remained steadfast in her decision.
"You are my client; please keep that declaration for a woman who loves you. Our relationship is purely physical; don't confuse this with love. It's in bad taste... so I would appreciate it if you no longer seek me out and stop requesting my services."
Bowing, Haruhime clenched her fist with determination. With each word, her heart tightened, but she didn't hesitate any longer. Love was not part of her destiny, so she suppressed all her feelings, forcing her beloved to step away. This was her determination—to protect him.
---
TN: These true love bs always make me laugh