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--- Bell's POV ---

My thoughts were in disarray, tangled like a knot that refused to be unraveled. How should I respond?

I wanted to spare Hestia-sama any pain, but the truth of my feelings for Ais-san lingered in the depths of my heart.

A sudden realization struck me—could it be that Hestia-sama was already aware of my feelings for Ais-san? Perhaps that was why she confronted me with such intensity.

The notion both intrigued and unsettled me. I had always hoped to grow stronger before unveiling the depths of my emotions, to prove myself worthy of Ais-san's admiration.

Hestia-sama let out a weary sigh, her gaze both intense and somewhat intimidating. "You don't have to give me an answer, Bell," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and determination.

"I will continue to express my love for you, regardless of your response. Even if you perceive my feelings as the mere indulgence of a Goddess, or even if you never reciprocate in this lifetime, it matters not. You will always hold my love in high regard, for to do otherwise would bring consequences."

Her proximity made my heart race, as though it might burst from my chest. I couldn't help but wonder what had transpired to bring about this change in Hestia-sama.

"I-I-I..."

The words I intended to speak became trapped within my throat, stifled by a sense of bewilderment and embarrassment.

But before I could gather my thoughts and form a coherent reply, a voice called out, breaking the tension that hung in the air.

"Bell-sama! Have you found--"

Lili! Please, save me!

My heart cried out for salvation as I struggled to process the overwhelming situation.

My complexion paled as Hestia-sama refused to release her grip on me, even with Lili right before us.

Instead, she surprised me by planting multiple soft kisses on my cheeks...

The intensity of the moment threatened to engulf me, pushing me to the brink of losing consciousness from the sheer embarrassment I felt. Yet, it seemed Hestia-sama finally found her satisfaction and released her hold on me.

"Do you understand now, Bell?" she proclaimed, her voice filled with unwavering determination. "This is who I truly am. No matter how oblivious you may be, I will shatter every barrier you erected around yourself until you face me honestly."

Her radiant blue eyes practically glowed with an indomitable spirit, leaving me speechless and swallowing hard.

Meanwhile, Lili rubbed her eyes in disbelief, almost doubting if she was still asleep.

Her face was etched with confusion mirroring my own...

W-What should we do...from now on?

--- Ais' POV ---

We were all...characters in a novel.

After Ren revealed his past to me, I found myself adrift in a sea of confusion. It was difficult to grasp the full extent of it all.

What were pixels? A..nime? It took me a while to comprehend these terms in simpler terms.

Ren knew about me. He had witnessed my life within the Familia and had access to my past, thoughts, and everything else. It was the work of someone above the Gods walking in this world...

The concept was mind-boggling, almost overwhelming. However, as I noticed Ren's nervousness and saw his gaze no longer fixed solely on me, something within me shifted ever so slightly.

Don't be sad, Ren. I want to bring you happiness.

I didn't quite know how to achieve that happiness, but my hands instinctively cupped his face. Although his gaze, brimming with emotions, had always felt somewhat heavy for me to bear, now I wished for him to continue looking at me that way.

Stare at me, don't worry. I won't despise you.

I couldn't help but ask how he endured such a cruel second life.

Watching him lost in contemplation, understanding his thoughts with ease, my body moved on its own, pulling him into an embrace.

The sensation was truly comforting. Faint memories of my mother embracing me tenderly resurfaced, and though I knew I couldn't compare to the gentleness of my mother, I tried my best.

His hands found their place on my waist, and I felt a warmth radiating through me that surpassed even the moment of a few hours ago when he openly confessed his "love" for me.

But I didn't detest it. I longed to remain in this embrace a little longer...

After savoring that moment, I noticed his obvious reluctance to release me, and I smiled ever so slightly.

...He soon resumed being his usual self, and it felt as if a weight had lifted from my own chest. Our conversations flowed more freely, and I even found myself actively engaging, exchanging jokes with him.

Conversing with him was liberating, to say the least. It wasn't until we arrived at our home that I realized the passing of time.

Bidding him good night also set my heart racing.

I made a resolution to discuss this with Riveria. Perhaps she could offer some guidance...

Still, even if it was Riveria, I was not inclined to tell her the truth behind Ren's past. I am afraid as he said, it would be too much for her...

---

The following day, Ren and I crossed paths once again, as it was time for him to train me.

My expression remained neutral, but excitement bubbled within my heart. I yearned to confront him, to uncover the missing pieces that would make me even stronger.

Almost reflexively, I reached out to touch my sword, causing Ren to chuckle.

...He truly was handsome-

Shaking my head, I dismissed those thoughts. Now was not the time...

"...So, Ais. It seems you're eager to begin. Very well. For your first training session, I'll demonstrate a sword technique I've mastered."

My eyes widened. Until now, Ren hadn't shown his proficiency with weapons at all.

I wondered, just how formidable was a sword style honed over eight centuries...?

The fact that he had dedicated himself to the sword solely to teach me filled me with warmth.

Perhaps one day, I could find an opportunity to reciprocate, but for now, my primary goal was to become strong enough. I wanted to shed the image of a child or a feeble adventurer in his eyes.

Even though I knew he already loved me wholeheartedly and held me in high regard as a warrior, my heart still yearned for more...

Thus, unbeknownst to everyone, the reasons to grow stronger in Ais' heart multiplied from one to two, igniting an even deeper determination within herself.

---

Author's Note:

I am frequently changing POVs again, but I'm sorry, it's impossible to not do that, lol

Join my server discord, or you won't have the chance to vote for the poll. Also, it's not cool to leave the invite hanging...