"N-No... I don't mind."
A complicated but sincere smile spread across her face.
"Like you said, it's yours. What you do with it is your call."
"And giving it to Emilia... honestly, that might be the best place for it."
Most of her earlier concerns melted away in the face of Rei Ao's overwhelming strength and his completely unexpected generosity.
She even felt a little relieved.
Relieved that Emilia had someone like thissomeone powerful and fiercely protectiveat her side.
Her gaze toward Rei Ao softened even more, filled now with curiosity and wonder.
This man was like a cosmic mysterybottomless, unknowable.
Unbelievably powerful.
Able to see through everything.
Acting on his own terms, but with a strange internal logic.
And the way he cared for Emiliait touched Lailah deeply, even as her mother.
"Rei Ao-san..."
Lailah finally asked the question that had been weighing on her heart.
"Forgive me if this is too forward but what exactly is your relationship with Emilia?"
She needed to understand. She needed some kind of answer to explain everything he'd done.
Rei Ao's usual playful grin faded a little. In its place was something softermore genuine.
He met her violet eyes and spoke clearly, each word deliberate:
"Relationship? Hmm pretty much engaged. Lovers, you could say."
"W-What?!"
Lailah gasped again
This time more shocked than when her own identity had been exposed.
Her usually calm and graceful expression cracked just a little. Her face went blank with disbelief.
Engaged? Lovers?
Her daughter Emilia was in love?
With him?
With this mysterious, all-powerful man who could practically rewrite the world?!
~~~
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
Currently You can Read 220+ Chapters Ahead of Others!
Chapter 836: Gift for Rei Ao?
The moment Lailah found out that Rei Ao and Emilia were lovers, it hit her like a bolt of lightning.
She had known Emilia had connections in the other world, but never imagined the relationship was this deep.
Seeing Lailah completely stunned into silence, Rei Ao curved his lips into that signature teasing smile.
He deliberately dragged out his words:
"What's wrong? Mother-in-law not impressed with me? Think I'm not good enough for Emilia?"
"N-No, that's not it!"
Lailah snapped out of her daze and shook her head rapidly, her cheeks instantly flushed red, making her look even more graceful and radiant.
"You misunderstood, Rei Ao-san. I was just... caught off guard, that's all."
She took a deep breath, steadying the waves in her heart.
The shock in her violet eyes slowly faded, replaced by a deep sense of reliefand joy.
Yes, Rei Ao was powerful, even terrifying at times.
But he had fought angels, seized divine relics, and even handed over one of the foundational fragmentsfor Emilia, without hesitation.
Lailah could feel how much he truly cared for her daughter.
And that was more than enough.
Plus, Rei Ao looked great, was well-built, and had strong presence. As a son-in-law, she was honestly very satisfied.
"I just didn't expect that child of mine..."
Lailah's voice softened, filled with a mother's affection and emotion.
"after going through so much, she'd still find someone willing to protect her, support her, and give everything for her."
Her gaze radiated genuine warmth.
"Seeing you treat her like thisit really makes me happy. And relieved."
That joy came from the deepest part of her heartan honest blessing from a mother for her daughter's happiness.
"I'm glad," Rei Ao said with a small smile.
Then suddenly, his eyes shifted ever so slightlyas if he sensed somethingand he glanced toward the center of the Holy Capital.
The smile on his face deepened.
"Looks like things are settled on Emilia's side."
Lailah felt it too.
The wave of collective willpower symbolizing the revolution's success had become clearer, more solid.
Rei Ao turned back to her, a hint of invitation in his tone.
"So, Mother-in-law, want to go see Emilia now?"
"I'm pretty sure she'd be thrilled to see you."
A flicker of longing appeared in Lailah's eyesbut she quickly suppressed it.
She shook her head gently, a soft and slightly playful smile tugging at her lips.
That smile made her look less like a divine archangel, and more like a vibrant, caring mother.
"No. Not yet."
Her voice was like a breeze under moonlight.
"It's not the right time."
"She's just been through so much. She needs time to process everything and secure what she's achieved."
Her violet eyes locked with Rei Ao's, quietly conveying something unspoken.
"But I'm sure we'll see each other again soonat a better time, in a better way."
As her words faded into the air, Lailah's figure began to blur, slowly dissolving into a silhouette bathed in moonlight.
Her three pairs of snow-white wings gave off a gentle glow before completely merging into the moonlight.
"A farewell, huh?"
Rei Ao watched her disappear and let out a thoughtful smile.
"Well then, I'll look forward to our next meeting... Mother-in-law."
Moonlight spilled gently across the hilltop like flowing water.
Lailah was gonelike she had never been there.
Only a faint trace of holy violet-scented air remainedproof that a moment of divine and human connection had just taken place.
Rei Ao stood alone atop the hill, twirling the glowing red fragment between his fingers.
His gaze turned toward the Holy Capital.
ThereEmilia's new era was just beginning.
And he? He wasn't just a protector.
He was a witness. A partner. A catalyst.
"We actually did it!"
High above on one of the church towers, Emilia's excitement was overflowing.
They had really done itcleansed the twisted forces inside the Church, and restored it to what it was meant to be.
"Yeah"
A soft voice echoed behind her.
Emeralda appeared, letting out a long breath, her face full of emotion.
Even she hadn't expected the four of them to pull it off this smoothly.
"The last parasite's been dealt with."
A shadow flashed by as Suzuno landed, scythe still dripping, eyes still sharp and fierce.
"No," Emilia shook her head, her tone soft and thoughtful.
"It wasn't just us. We couldn't have done this alone. We owe it to Rei Ao-kun."
""
At the mention of his name, Emeralda and Suzuno silently nodded.
It was Rei Ao's influence behind the scenes that made everything run so smoothly.
Without him, even the appearance of that angel might have overwhelmed them.
"Oh? So what's my dear Emilia planning to give her great hero as thanks?"
A playful voice whispered into Emilia's ear, accompanied by a warm breath.
She jumped as a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her waist.
But almost immediately, she relaxedof course it was him.
Rei Ao hugged her from behind, gently nuzzling her cheek with a grin.
"How about a few kisses as interest for the reward, hm?"
The intimate gesture made Emilia's cheeks burn and heart raceespecially with two very unwanted witnesses standing right there.
But she didn't want to pull away from Rei Ao's warm embrace either.
In a barely audible mumble, she grumbled,
"Why does a reward have interest?"
Rei Ao grinned brightly.
"Who says it can't? I'm taking bothinterest and the reward. For example"
He paused, then lightly bit her earlobe, sending a shiver through her.
"letting me devour you sounds like a great reward."
"!!"
The bold words made Emilia dizzy and flustered.
""
Meanwhile, Emeralda and Suzuno were frozen in place.
The Hero was acting like a lovestruck girl?
They exchanged looksboth silently thinking:
Why do we feel so third-wheel right now?
~~~
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
Currently You can Read 220+ Chapters Ahead of Others!
Chapter 837: Utaha Kasumigaoka New Book Launch
Morning in the Holy Capital
The morning sun broke through the last shadows hanging over the Holy Capital.
Emilia gripped her evolved Holy SwordOne Wingand felt the newly fused shard inside it begin to pulse. The flow of power was so vivid, so gentle it felt like she was holding the heartbeat of the world itself.
The shard, a fragment of a Life Tree gem, didn't just make the sword stronger.
It gave her something elsesomething far more incredible:
A strange, almost spiritual connection to the very essence of Ente Isla.
"Rei Ao, what is this thing? The energy in it is amazing"
It was a gift from him.
Rei Ao smiled casually.
"Just a little present."
It wasn't the right time to explain everything.
The gem had merged with her sword, but he'd left room for it to grow. To hatch.
And maybe a miracle wasn't far off.
They just had to wait.
"Ente Isla's almost stable now," Rei Ao said. "The final cleanup? That's on you guys."
He stepped up to her, gently brushing aside a strand of her sweat-dampened silver hair. The way he did it felt effortless almost instinctive.
"I've already stabilized the return gate. Your sword should be able to sense it."
"If you want to come backjust do it. Anytime."
He tapped the back of her hand with his fingertip.
A string of spatial coordinates etched itself deep into her mind.
Emilia's violet eyes sparkled with gratitude and a bit of reluctance. She nodded firmly.
"Thank you, Rei Ao. Once everything here settles down, I'll be back."
She knewhe respected her decisions. Gave her the space and support no one else did.
He just smiled again, saying nothing more.
Behind him, the air rippled like water. A portal opened silently.
"See you around."
He gave the others a lazy wave and then disappeared, as if he'd melted into the air.
Emelrada and Suzuno exchanged glances.
They didn't need to say a wordthey could both feel it:
Rei Ao's power was on another level entirely.
Earth Downtown Bookstore, Afternoon
Sunlight poured through the massive windows of a modern bookstore in the heart of the city.
The air was thick with the scent of fresh ink and just-brewed coffee.
It was packed.
Reporters were lined up with cameras. Fans filled every corner, buzzing with excitement.
They were all here for one person
The breakout star of the light novel world: Kasumi-sensei, aka Utako Kasumi.
Her brand-new book was launching today.
Backstage
Kasumigaoka Utaha stood in front of the mirror, touching up her makeup.
She wore a sleek black dress tailored perfectly to her figure.
Her signature sheer black tights hugged her long legs.
Burgundy eyes framed in precise eyeliner gave her a sharp, irresistible look.
But the frown on her face said it all:
She wasn't thrilled about being here.
These kinds of events? Not her thing.
And the mask she'd have to wear later? Just annoying.
"If only someone could show up in my place"
Muttering under her breath, she grabbed her phone.
The screen lit up.
Her finger hovered for a momentthen she tapped a name in her contacts.
Rei Ao (on the line): "Huh? You're calling me out of nowhere?"
Utaha: "You home?"
Rei Ao: "Just got back. Good timing, huh?"
Utaha (grinning): "Wow, must be my lucky dayRei Ao actually picked up."
Rei Ao: "Okay, okay, cut the sarcasm. What's going on?"
She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, half-smiling.
"It's my book launch today."
Rei Ao: "So you're nervous and calling your amazing husband for emotional support?"
Utaha: "Pfftwho gets nervous over something like this?"
She scoffedbut the soft smile tugging at her lips told a different story.
Her fingers absentmindedly twisted her hair as she continued.
"I just hate crowded places, that's all. If you were here, it wouldn't be as boring.
Or hey, you could just be some handsome background decoration."
She said it playfully as alwaysbut the last line had a subtle tenderness to it.
Rei Ao (chuckling): "So Kasumi-sensei wants me as both bodyguard and eye-candy?"
"Alright, but what's the reward?"
"Dinner after the event? Or maybe an extra special thank-you in the morning?"
Utaha (blushing): "Keep dreaming."
This guy was impossible.
A special reward in the morning? Seriously?
Just thinking about it had her face heating up.
"Dinner maybe. The rest? That depends on how well you behave."
"Now. Show up at the venue. Immediately.
Or elsethere's a certain annoying male lead in my next novel who's gonna meet a very ugly end~"
Rei Ao: "Tsk, then I guess I'll make the heroine's stand-in suffer too."
He laughed.
"Ten minutes. Save me a front-row seatgotta have the best view of Kasumi-sensei's moment of glory."
Click.
The call ended.
Utaha looked at her slightly flushed reflection in the mirror and muttered,
"Smooth-talking bastard"
But in her burgundy eyes, there was warmth. A quiet joy.
With him around even this chaotic press event didn't feel so bad anymore.
Ten Minutes Later
Rei Ao showed upright on time.
Still in his usual casual outfit.
Yet in a crowd full of stylish, well-dressed people, he still somehow stood out.
His gaze swept the venue.
A staffer near the backstage door gave him a slight nodobviously prearranged by Utaha.
He made his way over, calm and composed.
Sat in the front rowprime view.
People around him couldn't help but glance his way.
But he didn't care.
His eyes were already fixed on the stagewaiting for her.
~~~
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
Currently You can Read 220+ Chapters Ahead of Others!
Chapter 838: Touka Kirishima
The night was as dark as ink.
It wrapped around the massive city of concrete and steel like a thick, suffocating fog.
In the distance, neon lights blinked between skyscrapers
like dazed ghost eyes casting a cold, artificial glow onto the empty streets below.
Gone was the buzz of daytime.
Late-night in the city was a completely different world.
Quiet... and dangerous.
Deep inside a narrow back alley, piled high with broken boxes and trash bins
"Shhhhkk!"
The silence was suddenly torn apart.
A small figure shot past like a phantom.
She wore a white rabbit mask that covered only the top half of her face,
two glowing red eyes gleaming in the darkness.
But the real eye-catcher
was what was behind her.
A pair of strange wingsmassive, butterfly-shaped, made of countless crimson crystal blades that looked like they were burning.
They vibrated at insane speeds, letting out a faint but sharp whine.
