"Are you seriously giving something like this to someone you just met minutes ago?" Kojou asked in bewilderment, staring at the stone slab in his hand—one that seemed capable of stealing the power of gods.
"Well, it's fate. This stone slab wants to be in your hands," Lucretia replied indifferently, showing no particular concern for Prometheus' Grimoire, one of the most powerful grimoires in the world.
"I don't mind taking it, but how about telling me what you want in return for giving me this grimoire?" Kojou pressed, as Lucretia hadn't hidden the fact that she expected something from him.
"No need to worry. What I want is easy for you," Lucretia said, smiling lazily—"I don't mind if you kill Verethragna, but I'd prefer if you let Melqart live. His existence is crucial to this island."
"Verethragna and Melqart—are those the Heretic Gods fighting over this island?" Kojou asked, recalling that these names belonged to mythological deities. Thanks to his detestable archaeologist father, he knew a fair bit about ancient legends.
"Correct. You might not know this, but Melqart is already wounded and won't live much longer. When he dies, this island will flourish—but that won't happen if you kill him. It'd be a loss for both sides: you wouldn't gain Melqart's Authorities, and the island would lose its chance to prosper," Lucretia explained. Though she'd long lost interest in the human world, she'd lived on this island and wanted to see it thrive—if only so she could laze around without a care.
"Fine, I accept your proposal," Kojou agreed after a moment's thought. He wasn't sure if his mission would end by killing a Heretic God without seizing their Authorities, so he decided to kill Verethragna first before hunting—or summoning—another.
If the magic world knew Kojou's current train of thought, they'd label him arrogant without a second thought. But to Kojou, Verethragna wasn't even a concern—he was stronger than Verethragna to begin with, and 100% stronger when fighting divine opponents. That confidence let him face a Heretic God without fear of losing.
"Wonderful," Lucretia smiled brightly at Kojou's agreement. "By the way, would you like to stay here until Verethragna and Melqart's battle begins? You and that girl from Copper-Black Cross seem to have no fixed destination—unlike Ichirou's grandson, who returned to Japan."
"Then I'll be under your care, Lucretia-san," Kojou nodded, storing Prometheus' Grimoire in his Storage Ring before leaving the room. Erica waited impatiently outside—Lucretia had asked her to leave so they could speak privately.
"I'm staying here tonight. I'm tired, and it seems you're invited too," Kojou told Erica, heading to the nearest bedroom. The sudden shift in environment and endless events had left him exhausted.
_
The Next Day
"Soft…" Kojou murmured, squeezing the plush object in his grip—it felt incredibly pleasant.
"Ahn~…" The moment he tightened his hold, a sensual, melodic voice reached his ears.
"What are you doing sneaking into a sleeping person's bed?" Kojou stared at the beautiful woman beside him—purple-eyed, clad only in a thin nightgown and thigh-high white stockings.
"I thought you might feel lonely sleeping alone, so I decided to keep you company," Lucretia smirked seductively, guiding his hand back to her chest. "If you're not satisfied, you can fondle me more."
"Then why are you doing this?" Kojou asked, giving her breast a firm squeeze. This woman clearly wouldn't respond to shyness—she'd only grow bolder.
"Amm~" Lucretia moaned, biting her finger provocatively. "Would you believe me if I said it was love at first sight?"
"You mean you fell in love with me at first sight?" Kojou raised an eyebrow. Such a cliché happening to him was unexpected.
"Exactly. I admit I was surprised too—I never thought I'd fall in love again," Lucretia chuckled, gazing at him. "But when I saw you, my heart raced like I'd traveled back to my first love."
"So, how about dating me?" She licked her lips with a sultry smile. "Or do you not like older women?"
"It's a tempting offer—older women are my type," Kojou grinned. "But unfortunately, I already have two girlfriends. I doubt you'd want a man with so many entanglements."
"I don't mind at all. Since the dawn of history, strong men have had many women," Lucretia waved dismissively, clearly unfazed.
BOOM!
The entire island shook from a deafening explosion. The surge of immense, foreign magical energy signaled the battle between Heretic Gods was about to begin.
"Let's postpone this chat. I've got work to do," Kojou rose from the bed. His current target was Verethragna—Lucretia's matter could wait.
"Good luck," Lucretia kissed his cheek. "I'll be waiting for good news."
"…" Kojou silently studied her. No matter how he looked, he couldn't find a hint of deceit in her clear eyes—only genuine love and concern.
'What a strange woman,' he mused, leaving to head toward the source of the magical energy. Verethragna would be there, ready to fight Melqart.
...
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