[44] : Leen: compared to your stories, mine are no big deal.

World : Elicia. 

Avalon Residence.

[***]

"And that's what we've been doing. Honestly, a lot happened. We had to travel to many parallel worlds before arriving in the one we inhabit now, but upon arrival, there were already… 'problems,'" Aiden explained, summarizing the important events to Leen.

She listened attentively while sipping the tea Mukuro had prepared for her, sitting by his side, perhaps a little too close.

But Leen was happy. 

After all, they had made their relationship official, and that happiness was contagious: Aiden felt happy too.

Mukuro, from the sofa opposite them, was also paying attention to the conversation, accompanied by Leo Pemptos, Aries Prote, and Salamander, who listened silently.

"Did you really fight what in your world is called the 'Dragon God'?" Leen asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and amazement.

She had already heard the summary about Aiden's current world, Draconic Deus, and couldn't help comparing the Phrase to the gods, archangels, and devil kings of that place, realizing that the Phrase seemed quite weak in comparison.

"Yes… that dragon protects its world from invaders. At that time, I was an invader to him, so he had to stop me. Although, in the end, we only fought for the sake of fighting, as there was no killing intent from either of us," Aiden replied calmly, looking at Leen as he recalled that confrontation.

Aiden extended his hands and conjured a spell that took the form of a screen.

On it, his battle against the Great Red began to play.

Leen, Leo Pemptos, Aries Prote, and Salamander were able to see every detail, from the times Aiden cut and "killed" the Great Red to the moments when the dragon launched millions of energy beams at him, each capable of destroying entire cities.

They also witnessed Aiden's [Demon King] form and its inverse form.

It went without saying: the four were utterly astonished.

"This… this is too much. If a creature like that suddenly invaded this world, the material plane wouldn't stand a chance. Everyone would be annihilated. Although, at least, this dragon's personality doesn't seem 'aggressive.' But my perception of the universe has just expanded. If this being exists, there must be others like him in parallel worlds, right? Now I feel fortunate that it's the Phrase invading this world," Leen commented while calmly finishing her tea.

Though the Phrase were a real disaster, at least they were manageable for the current Leen and her student, Touya, who had already advanced significantly in his strength, as had his allies.

"Yes, the Phrase race is quite weak in comparison. In that world, thousands of beings roam freely with the power to destroy entire cities. It's a rather 'dangerous' place. But as long as I don't face a threat with a power level greater than mine, there's no problem. I can win," Aiden responded confidently.

Leen nodded, then looked at Aiden before turning her attention to the three spirits sitting in their adorable forms.

She pursed her lips with evident puzzlement.

"…Could you explain to me what's going on here? And who are they?" She gestured toward the small spirits with her gaze. "It's obvious they're spirits, but… why do they have so much power?"

Her tone was incredulous.

She knew spirits typically weakened when leaving Étheris, the spiritual world.

However, these three were exceptionally strong—too strong, even.

She didn't recognize any of them from the books, except for Salamander, whose appearance was unmistakable.

Moreover, she couldn't help but feel curious about their cute looks.

Aiden thought for a moment before responding:

"I've already told you about the [Sacred Gears], right?"

"Yes… those weapons or devices left by the God of the Bible for humans, correct?" Leen commented, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "Even so, I still think that world is really peculiar… All those gods from the myths you told me about actually exist. I can only conclude that… parallel worlds are truly fascinating."

As she spoke, she recalled the myths Aiden had narrated as entertainment in the past.

Now that she knew they were real, she couldn't help feeling deeply surprised.

Very much so.

She fleetingly wondered if the divine lance [Vasavi Shakti] also existed there and whether she'd have to pay copyright fees for using a spell inspired by that very lance, the weapon Indra gave to Karna in the Hindu myth.

However, she shook off her thoughts and refocused on Aiden.

"These three spirits were 'created' using technology I developed by reverse-engineering the God of the Bible's technology," Aiden explained calmly. "That's how they were born and how they can leave the spiritual world with so much power. Of course, they're strong because I'm strong. If the user is weak, the spirit will be weak too, but it will grow along with them and significantly increase its potential. Essentially, these three are [Longinus]."

Aiden couldn't help but think about Ravel and how, with Salamander, she might become a Super Devil in the future.

"God-slayers," Leen murmured, processing the information as she frowned slightly.

Then she pointed at the dragon with a confident gesture.

"This one here looks familiar to me… I'd say it's Salamander."

She then directed her gaze toward the other two spirits, raising an eyebrow.

"Although, to be honest, I have no idea who they are."

Leen didn't recognize them; although Aiden had told her about the spirits of the constellations, she had never seen what they looked like.

Paula, the teddy bear, nodded solemnly, as if entirely agreeing with Leen.

"Well, they haven't been summoned for a very long time. In fact, over 10,000 years. It's only natural that records of them disappeared long ago, especially after the Phrase wiped out most of civilization 5,000 years ago," Aiden explained as Leo Pemptos and Aries Prote nodded solemnly.

"I see… that makes sense," Leen murmured as her eyes roamed curiously over the three spirits.

"I am Leen, matriarch of the fairies," she said in a tone balancing authority and grace. "A friend of Aiden… and also his wife. Woman, now. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Her gaze remained serene, but there was a subtle touch of pride in her words.

Leo Pemptos slightly inclined his head as his imposing thunder-made mane briefly sparkled.

"Constellation of Leo Pemptos, the Golden Lion, Regulus-Aerum, at your service, Leen-sama," he said in a grave, respectful tone.

Leen blinked, somewhat surprised, and tilted her head in response.

Paula, her faithful teddy bear, instantly mimicked her.

"Leen-sama?" she asked curiously.

Aries Prote was the one to answer on behalf of his companion:

"We spirits hold Aiden-sama in the highest regard. Therefore, his partner must be treated with the same respect. I am the Constellation of Aries Prote, the Divine Sheep of Adamantine, Mesarthim-Adamas. It is an honor to serve you, Leen-sama."

Leen nodded slowly, piecing things together.

She recalled that Aiden had mentioned in the past how strict and devoted spirits could be.

"I see, but you're so rigid~. You should relax a little," Leen said lightly, waving her hand gently as if dissipating any tension.

Then, her smile widened, warm and charming.

"Anyway, it's a pleasure to meet the spirits of the constellations. Aiden told me about you some time ago," she continued, bowing her head with a touch of respect. "He said you were in a higher rank, even above the Great Spirits."

Her eyes sparkled with interest as she turned her gaze to Salamander.

"And you must be Salamander, right? It's a pleasure to meet you, Great Spirit of Fire," she added with natural grace, her voice carrying a blend of admiration and familiarity.

"Of course…" Salamander replied in a voice full of pride.

Although intense by nature, the dragon always appreciated when someone addressed him with respect and tried to look as impressive as possible on such occasions.

"Pffft~," Mukuro let out a mocking laugh from a corner, unable to contain herself as she watched Salamander striking a dramatic pose to impress.

[*]

World of Elicia

Duchy of Brunhild

[*]

It was noon in the Duchy of Brunhild, and the streets were bustling with life.

People of various races went about their daily tasks, while demons, demi-humans, and other creatures worked in harmony.

Children ran around joyfully, filling the air with carefree laughter.

Although the duchy was still small, there was no doubt it was on the right track.

"Hmm, it's nice. This guy did a good job," Aiden commented as he walked leisurely hand-in-hand with Leen through the streets of Touya's territory.

Behind them, Paula followed closely, curiously observing the passersby.

"There's no discrimination either," Aiden added, admiring the diverse and balanced atmosphere. "You can feel the equality here. I wouldn't be surprised if, in the future, many demons and demi-humans came looking for a home in this duchy."

Leen had brought him there after a brief chat at her residence.

Aiden didn't object; he wanted to see with his own eyes how the place was thriving, even though he could have easily checked using [Rasiel].

Besides, enjoying a walk with Leen was an irresistible incentive.

Meanwhile, Mukuro had stayed behind preparing dinner, and the spirits, eager to explore, seized the opportunity to roam the world after so much time without leaving the spiritual plane.

Of course, Aiden had nothing to worry about: he could summon them and teleport them to his side at any moment thanks to his [Sacred Gears].

"Yes, there's a bit of everything here: common humans, beastkin, demons, demi-humans, and elves. They even have a branch of the Adventurers' Guild," Leen said, aware of the glances they were receiving as they passed by.

The attention was inevitable; as a court mage, Mismede's ambassador, and matriarch of the fairies, Leen was widely known.

Seeing her holding hands with a man only fueled the curiosity of the citizens.

Aiden, long used to being the center of attention, didn't hide his face, although Leen had cast a spell to slightly alter his appearance in the eyes of ordinary people, avoiding unnecessary trouble.

This, however, only raised more questions among the locals about who this man was and why he walked so confidently beside her.

"Oh? There's a guild branch here?" Aiden asked, intrigued.

"That's right. It seems they trust this country to prosper and are already investing," Leen replied with a slight smile.

"Well, it makes sense. This territory was granted to Touya by the kingdoms of Belfast and Mismede as a reward for helping them. It was once an uninhabited borderland, but now it's become a connection point between great kingdoms. Its strategic location gives it enormous potential as a mediator between nations and a key trade hub," Leen explained as they continued walking.

Aiden nodded in understanding.

Well, at least he was happy for a fellow comrade who had ended up in the same isekai as him.

"Still, a lot of people are staring at you. Sometimes I forget you're the matriarch of the fairies and the ambassador of the Mismede Kingdom…" Aiden commented.

"Compared to your fame, that's nothing. There are even fairy tales about you: how you defeated countless Behemoths, how you vanquished the fearsome black dragon Fafnir, and even the legend of how you freed an entire country from slavery… although that was something you did in passing. It all started because a noble from that kingdom dared to set his sights on one of your girls, Miku, and tried to make her his slave. She, of course, didn't allow it and ended up blowing his head off with her voice, right then and there. That's how the whole conflict began. You're known as the strongest adventurer in the world, after all… Compared to those stories, my fame is nothing special. But, well, it's not like I care too much or anything," Leen said with a mischievous smile, while Aiden brought a hand to his face, sighing at the exaggeration.

Although everything she said was true, it was still a bit uncomfortable to hear.

As they continued talking, their walk took on a different tone, turning into an impromptu date.

Leen made sure to show him almost the entire duchy in a short amount of time.

First, she took him to the order of knights, where soldiers were training to handle the [Frame Gears], those imposing mecha robots.

Touya was preparing them to fight against the Phrase, but those colossi also served as a demonstration of Brunhild's power and technological advancements.

Time passed quickly as they chatted and toured, until finally, Leen led him to meet Touya.

…

…

…

[***]

End of Chapter

(•_•)

A/N:

A 'short' chapter (2100 words).

Honestly, I'm not at my best today.

I feel awful, I think I even have a fever…

Although, come to think of it, it's a good thing it didn't happen during the Christmas party, because it would've ruined the entire dinner.

Anyway, I hope you had a great time yesterday, whether with someone special or enjoying on your own.

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read and leave your comments.

Peace out!

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