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"Hi everyone, I'm Gabriel. From now on, I'm also one of Lord Minato's followers."
Gabriel looked around and introduced herself.
It was already dusk. After school, Shiina, Utaha, and the other girls had returned, so all the apartment residents were now present.
Everyone looked at the glowing halo above Gabriel's head with... complicated expressions.
She's… an angel?
Wait, Master even made an angel his follower?
Akeno especially looked conflicted to the extreme.
Ever since God died…
Have all the angels started falling and turning into demons?
Then maybe it's time… for her to make a move too.
After thinking for a moment, Akeno summoned her courage.
Clatter!
Akeno suddenly stood up and left her seat, walking straight up to Minato.
"..."
Minato blinked.
This setup… felt familiar?
But this was the first time Akeno had taken the lead like this.
"Big bro Minato, I want to renew my blessing from you."
Akeno looked up, her cheeks flushed red, but her eyes full of determination.
Minato smiled.
When a follower makes a legit request, of course he'll grant it.
"Mmm..."
Akeno's eyes started going hazy.
W-wait a second…
Gabriel, standing nearby, was staring wide-eyed, her ears completely red.
Even though she was one of the strongest among the followers, she was still a blushing newbie—and this scene was just way too intense.
Especially with Akeno still wearing her nun outfit.
This is just… way too sinful!
Gabriel could even hear her own heart pounding like crazy.
Jenova leaned in with a bright smile and said, "I used to be a Holy Sword wielder, so technically, I was on the same side as you. If you've got questions, feel free to ask me."
"Holy Sword wielder?"
Gabriel suddenly felt a sense of familiarity.
"Yup, let me tell you—"
"No way, seriously? Ugh, that's so embarrassing!"
Irina, off to the side, couldn't help but twitch her lips.
It's over!
She had a bad feeling that someone else was about to fall into the trap.
Then…
Her face flushed slightly, remembering that time in the gym.
Still, even if it was a dumb idea, it actually got results.
Whatever.
This angel's on her own now.
——A while later——
Akeno finally pulled away from Minato's lips.
Her eyes were dazed, completely locked onto Minato's gaze.
This bold, take-charge Akeno—yeah, she was amazing.
Minato met her gaze and gave her a small smile.
"Th-thank you, Big Bro Minato."
Realizing what she'd just done, Akeno's face turned scarlet and she quickly took a few steps back.
"I-I have something to do upstairs, see you!"
She stiffly turned around and scurried upstairs.
Whew!
Leaning against the wall on the second floor, Akeno reached out and touched her lips, her face shy and warm.
It was a little impulsive...
But she didn't regret it one bit.
Back on the first floor—
Still shy, huh?
Minato looked up at the second floor and gently shook his head.
That's fine too.
Then, he turned to Gabriel, whose cheeks were still red, and said out of the blue, "Oh right, Gabriel, you haven't received my blessing yet, have you?"
"B-blessing?"
Gabriel stood up in a panic, completely flustered.
Thanks to Jenova's little crash course earlier, she definitely knew what "blessing" meant now.
But Minato didn't wait—he walked straight over.
"A blessing is my divine power—it can protect you."
He looked at her and smiled.
"You're already pretty strong, but a bit of extra power never hurts, right?"
"So… you're not allowed to say no."
With that, Minato leaned down slightly.
"Uh..."
Gabriel's eyes went wide.
She felt the soft sensation instantly, her pale cheeks turning a light pink.
It was sudden, but she didn't pull away.
Because... he was right.
This was divine power.
Still... so this is what a kiss feels like?
Her hands moved on their own, gently resting on Minato's waist.
Although…
There was a hint of someone else's scent.
Was it… that nun girl?
Mmm…
Inside her body, divine energy started flowing.
So powerful… this is the blessing?
Soon after—
Minato pulled away from Gabriel.
He was worried that if he kept going, she might actually pass out from lack of oxygen.
If an angel turned demon died from getting a blessing—that'd be one hell of a scandal.
Huff—
Gabriel gasped for breath, everything around her spinning.
Her heart felt like it was about to explode.
What… what is this?
Wait a minute… is this what love feels like?
Off to the side, Erica rolled her eyes slightly.
This angel probably won't last long either.
She quietly clenched her little pink fists, thoughts racing.
No good!
I can't keep sitting back like this.
If this keeps up—
Forget being the number one love interest...
She'd be lucky to even make the Top 100.
Second floor—
Study room—
This was a newly renovated space.
Everything inside was tailored to what Minato thought his followers should learn.
The daylight lamp cast a soft glow as Minato sat quietly, flipping through his notes.
[Origin 1003][Origin 1009][Origin 1015]
"No wonder Asazell's research is so highly praised—this stuff is next-level."
Minato stroked his chin, deep in thought.
He was only halfway through, but it was already incredibly profound.
And the more complex it was, the more valuable it became.
"Once I've milked all the good stuff from this, I'll let the empire's alchemists take a crack at it. Might even push the imperial tools to the next level."
Creak—
The door opened.
Jenova, dressed in her maid outfit, tiptoed in like she was sneaking around.
"Jenova, let me read in peace, alright?"
Minato sighed helplessly.
Lately, he'd been way too indulgent.
That's probably why he still hadn't finished this notebook.
"Don't worry, Master. I won't bother you at all."
Jenova looked around the room, then beamed cheerfully. "I've actually been reading some new material lately!"
"???"
Minato blinked.
What was she up to now?
After that incident with Irina...
He didn't underestimate this girl anymore. Sure, she was a bit clueless and way too pure, but—
The purer they are…
The crazier their ideas tend to be.
"Hehehe~"
Jenova gave a mysterious smile and leaned forward, slipping under his desk from the side.
"....."