Kaguya twirled a lock of her hair around her finger and said thoughtfully, "So, what you're really saying is that you plan to stretch the time it took you to rank up to Level 2—from one month to something like over a year?"
Akira snapped his fingers, grinning. "Smart! That's exactly it. At worst, I can just say I transferred from another familia—that's why I was able to level up so quickly."
However, before he could delve deeper into his thought, Alise and Kaguya both cut him off in unison.
Alise frowned, visibly anxious. "Rejected! Your first Familia is the Astraea Familia—we're members of justice. No underhanded tricks allowed."
"That's right."
Kaguya added with a steely glint in her eyes, "I refuse to be connected to any rumors about stealing members from other Familias."
Akira, now being stared down by the two women, raised his hands in surrender with an awkward laugh. "I'm just kidding, alright? It was just an example."
"Is that something you should be joking about?! You idiot! Right, Astraea-sama?" Alise huffed.
Astraea, wearing a stern expression that was clearly forced, joined in with exaggerated seriousness. "Indeed, indeed! Akira is such an idiot!"
She continued, her voice turning proud, "But as his goddess, I personally blessed this child—and now he's reached Level 2 so quickly. I'm going to flaunt this to the other gods! Let them be envious of how amazing my child is."
Then she looked at him slyly and suddenly brought up the topic of his reward, "You actually had the nerve to want me to become your second god. Hmph! I won't give you your reward next time."
At the word "reward," the atmosphere changed. Everyone in the Familia perked up, their gazes turning curious.
Alise bounced up to Astraea like an excited puppy and asked loudly, "Reward? What reward?! Astraea-sama, I want a reward too!"
Astraea chuckled, gently stroking Alise's hair, then looked at Akira with an expression filled with meaning and said, "Otherwise, I won't give you your reward of having your head patted next time."
When everyone heard that the "reward" was merely a head pat, they all deflated. Sure, Astraea's touch was pleasant, but it was something anyone could get just by asking. Interest faded fast.
Akira understood immediately—it was a threat, masked as affection.
Sighing, he raised both hands in defeat. "Alright, alright. I get it. I'll agree to register. But... can we change the recorded time to three months instead?"
"Why does Akira have to hide the time?" Ryuu asked softly, her gaze sincere.
Akira's expression turned serious and he said, "Because we're already pretty famous. Now that I've leveled up too, the mischievous gods will surely make a huge fuss. It'll cause a lot of trouble for all of you."
"And Evilus will definitely zero in on you now." Kaguya added, her voice tinged with concern.
"It's dangerous."
"It's always like this with you. You really are a troublesome kid." Lyra said, shaking her head helplessly.
"We've only known each other for less than a month, yet you already treat us like we're more important than your own safety. That's not okay, you know?"
Then, with a smirk, Lyra threw out her usual teasing line, "You don't actually think of us as your harem or something, right?"
Akira didn't dodge the question. With an earnest tone and unwavering gaze, he replied seriously, "If I could live together with all of you for the rest of my life, I'd be happy."
"That's why... I don't want to lose even one of you."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Blushes bloomed across faces.
This kid... he actually just dropped a full-blown confession!
The atmosphere thickened, the air heavy with unspoken emotions and ambiguity.
...
After what felt like an eternity, Celty was the first to crack. Her face was now a blazing shade of red. She let out a strangled "Waaah!" and fled from the room.
With one person gone, the rest quickly followed suit, escaping the heated atmosphere. Soon, only Iska and Maryuu remained at the door.
Leaning against the doorframe, Iska blew a playful kiss to Akira and said, "Catch that for later."
Meanwhile, Maryuu clasped her hands gently and smiled with a soft glow in her eyes. "My wish is the same as Akira's. I just want to live with everyone, peacefully."
With that, she gave a gentle nod and turned away. "That's all. The rest is up to you guys. I'm off to join the girls' meeting!"
She flashed a "yeah" sign with her fingers beside her eye before vanishing.
Now, only Astraea, Akira, and the remaining four girls were left.
All eyes were on Akira. Every face wore a different expression—curiosity, annoyance, affection, embarrassment.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongues?" Lyra nudged Akira's arm with her elbow, cheeks still tinged pink.
"You just confessed to everyone, you know."
Akira smiled calmly and responded, "No, I didn't confess. I just said I want us all to live together for the rest of our lives."
"I never said I liked you all, or wanted to marry you."
Lyra clicked her tongue with a teasing grin and said, "Doesn't matter. I'm planning to marry Finn anyway. I don't want to spend the rest of my life with you lot."
"Really? If you find happiness, then of course we'll bless you." Akira replied without a hint of hesitation.
"But without you around to bicker with, I'll be lonely." He said the embarrassing words so naturally, it left everyone stunned again.
Akira wasn't fooled. He knew Lyra was only saying that out of habit. If it really came down to choosing between the Familia and Finn, Lyra would definitely pick her Familia.
She was that kind of person—someone who would sacrifice herself without hesitation to protect the others.
Lyra spread her arms, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Sorry, girls. I don't think I can win an argument with this guy. Since when did he become so shameless?"
She waved them in. "You lot deal with him. I can't handle this by myself."
Alise threw up her hands and said, "Even you, Lyra? If a cunning rat like you can't win, then we really don't stand a chance."
"Yeah."
Kaguya added, "And now that he's Level 2... We might not even be able to fight him off. He could take us prisoner anytime."
She theatrically covered half her face with her sleeve, pretending to sob in despair.
Hearing her words, Akira's expression shifted. He sat down on the sofa, straightened his posture like a king holding court, and curled a finger toward Astraea.
Astraea chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment, and sat next to him. Akira pulled her gently by the waist, hugging her like a spoiled lover.
"And you too, Ryuu. Come over here." He patted the sofa beside him, motioning with a smirk.
"Eh...?" Ryuu blinked, confused, but still obediently walked over and sat down.
Before she could even react, Akira slipped his arm around hers. Ryuu's face turned stiff with confusion.
With that, Akira lifted his chin, a smug grin spreading across his face as he addressed the trio still standing.
"Hmph. Look at this. Now even Astraea-sama and Gale Ryuu are on my side. And you think you can still go against me? What a joke!"
"You dare call yourselves prisoners, yet you haven't even admitted your mistakes or sworn loyalty. Hmph! Maybe, if you submit, I'll even assign you a position."