"Alright, let's go."
Perhaps because of the movie, Athena had no interest in continuing to shop, and neither did Yusei.
Or rather, he hadn't wanted to go on a date in the first place. Not having to continue was even better.
Holding the silent Athena's hand, Yusei headed back towards the Copper-Black Cross's residence.
As for where Athena would go, whether she would return with him, Yusei didn't know yet.
But for now, she probably could only follow him. From Athena's perspective, he was her boyfriend. From Yusei's perspective, Athena was his future god-servant. Either way, he needed to provide Athena with a place to stay.
Leaving the bustling city center, the two walked quietly on the street under the setting sun's afterglow.
Their two shadows stretched long. Even though they were just walking, it felt extremely peaceful and harmonious.
Athena's mood had improved considerably. Even though her palm was now sweaty, she didn't find it unpleasant.
Instead, she felt incredibly relaxed.
A large hand holding hers, guiding her forward, giving her support... this feeling seemed truly wonderful.
Just as Athena was enjoying this moment of tranquility, her brow slightly furrowed. She immediately stopped and looked warily towards a dark corner.
This was a less crowded street, but not completely deserted.
In an instant, Athena released cursed power, isolating this space. From that corner, a young man dressed casually walked out, raising his hands as if surrendering.
"Please don't misunderstand."
Yusei undoubtedly didn't know this man. He was dressed in casual summer clothes, alone, with no one else around.
However, the fact that he showed no surprise at the change in the surrounding space indicated he wasn't an ordinary person, but someone from the mystical world.
What surprised Yusei even more was that he spoke Chinese. As someone who had learned Chinese, he understood what the other party was saying.
Hearing different language than usual, Yusei tentatively replied in Chinese, "Are you Chinese?"
Hearing Yusei's words, a smile appeared on the young man's face. He then bowed formally.
"King, allow me to introduce myself. I am Luo Hao's disciple, Lu Yinghua. I am currently following my revered master's orders to invite you, King, to visit Mount Lu for a discussion."
'Luo Hao.' Hearing this name, Yusei not only raised an eyebrow.
As China's Campione, she was famous not only for her formidable strength but also for her peerless beauty.
'So now she thinks I'm her fellow countryman because I'm fighting Japanese's people and wants me to come over? But unfortunately, I'm not interested in her. My missions are almost complete. My only goal now is to coax Athena into signing the god-servant contract.'
'After that, I'll wipe out the History Compilation Committee. Then, my journey in this world will probably be over.'
With this in mind, facing Lu Yinghua's invitation, Yusei refused without even thinking.
"I'm not going."
Additionally, thinking of a good reason to make Luo Hao stop bothering him, Yusei specifically added:
"Does she think just because she's a hundred-year-old senior she can order people around? She shouldn't put on such airs. If she wants to see me, tell her to come herself."
As he spoke, Yusei waved his hand impatiently, telling Lu Yinghua to leave quickly. He himself just held Athena's small hand and walked away.
He had no intention of arguing with this disciple of Luo Hao, and simply ignoring him was best.
Lu Yinghua, however, stood there with a petrified expression. Had he heard wrong? No, undoubtedly, that Seventh King had spoken to him in Chinese from start to finish.
As his native language, he absolutely couldn't have misunderstood the other party's meaning.
But it was just too unbelievable.
'Hundred-year-old senior', 'ordering people around', 'putting on airs'... Lu Yinghua was now hesitant.
'Should I repeat the Seventh King's words verbatim, or tone them down a bit to avoid angering Master?'
Regardless, Lu Yinghua knew one thing for sure: this Seventh King seemed to have a bad temper.
'Sigh, what a coincidence. And Master's temper isn't the good kind either...'
Lu Yinghua could already imagine this young Campione would have to pay the price for his actions.
Not to mention anything else, being beaten severely enough to be hospitalized for half a year was probably the least he could expect.
Thinking of his master's terror, even though he knew this King had slain two Heretic Gods single-handedly, he still unconditionally believed in his Master.
As for how to report the King's words... he naturally didn't dare to alter them. So, no matter how angry his master might become, he could only repeat Yusei's words verbatim.
His only worry now was whether he could survive his master's wrath.
'Sigh, such a hard life.'
...
In front of the Copper-Black Cross's residence, Yusei returned with Athena. Athena, who had previously been 'wandering' outside, now had a 'home'.
Erica, dressed in a maid outfit and preparing to tempt Yusei upon his return, found her smile freezing on her face.
"Yu-Yusei-sama, may I ask, who is this Athena-sama...?"
Before Yusei could speak, Athena stepped forward and introduced herself: "Greetings. From now on, this one should be considered your mistress. However, this one will not be harsh towards the servants, so do not worry about unfair treatment."
Erica and the female driver, who also served as the residence's housekeeper, exchanged glances, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.
Yusei yawned and waved his hand, "Don't ask about these things. Also, if anyone from Luo Hao comes again, reject them. And that Sword King, can you contact him?"
"Salvatore Doni-sama? We can contact him, but... may I ask, Yusei-sama, are you seeking a duel with him?" Erica asked.
"Duel?" Yusei rolled his eyes at Erica and said listlessly, "I want to call him and tell him to stay far away from me and stop bothering me."
"Uh... alright then. We... we will try to convey Yusei-sama's intentions to Salvatore Doni-sama," Erica said helplessly.
She actually thought a duel between Yusei and the Sword King was a good option.
Because Yusei was, after all, the Seventh Campione, a new King who urgently needed fame. This fame was undoubtedly best gained by hunting powerful Heretic Gods and battling other Campiones.