Chapter 154 Lirien has made a decision?
(POV: Lumiere)
Convincing Stellaria to take us to Vito Heights initially looked like it'd be difficult, however, only a single word from me was all it took for her to agree. And so, with excitement coursing through our veins, we embarked on the preparations for our interdimensional vacation.
As we gathered our belongings and made the necessary arrangements, the atmosphere in the Silva Citadel buzzed with an exhilarating energy. Stellaria, Serena, Isadora, Fasit, Mimosa, Skarz, and Mojito were all eagerly anticipating this grand adventure, while a select few, including Sangria, chose to remain behind and guard the sanctity of the domain.
I could understand Sangria's decision, for safeguarding our home was indeed a paramount duty.
Still, I wish she'd be more open to invitations such as these.
With both Fasit and Skarz unavailable, I entrusted Bazirta, Martini and Kumiga with the responsibility of overseeing matters in our absence.
It was imperative that the Citadel remained secure.
Naked, I rummaged through my chambers for any more items to pack.
Then, [Magic Detect] kicked in.
Lirien was approaching the door.
"Fiddlesticks!"
Panic momentarily seized me. I was buck naked.
"W-where are those pants!"
Thoughts of finding something to conceal myself raced through my mind; alas, it was too late.
"...Sorry to barge in, I would like to..."
Naturally, Lirien was dull, but I caught a flicker of shock in her eyes.
For a brief moment, her pointy ears twitched.
"...It seems I came, at the wrong time..."
A faint crimson tint painting her otherwise expressionless face.
I cringed inwardly, the awkwardness washed me down like a wave.
Walking across the room felt like an eternity.
My cock swinging from side to side, an unintended spectacle that I couldn't escape.
"Eh?"
In that moment, my eyes met Lirien's, and to my surprise, I caught her stealing a glance at my railgun.
On realization, I froze up instantly and hastily averted my gaze, desperately searching for something to cover myself.
"Eh?"
I looked at again, and there she was, her dull eyes stealing a glance at my magnum.
With a sigh of relief, I spotted a pristine white sheet hanging from a nearby closet.
Swiftly, I grabbed it and fashioned it into a makeshift toga, draping it around my body.
Though it provided a modicum of protection, the embarrassment still lingered in the air.
Attempting to regain my composure, I turned towards Lirien and mustered a weak smile.
"Apologies for the unfortunate timing, Lirien. What did you wish to discuss?" I asked, still uncomfortable.
Lirien's expression remained as stoic as ever, her deep red eyes offering no hints of the unease she had caused me.
"...It concerns our last conversation," she began, her eyes never leaving mine. "I have made a decision regarding your proposition..."
I nodded.
Lirien?s expression remained neutral.
"Battle gods, such as myself, exist solely to seek out the thrill of combat. We have no qualms serving under a strong master, and I have found that strength within you. I am more than willing to join and fight alongside you."
"I'm honored, Lirien. Your skills will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to our domain."
Lirien's voice remained detached as she continued, "However, I must inform you that my loyalty will only extend until I find a new goal in life."
"Hm?" I uttered.
"...Throughout my existence, I've been bound to serve powerful individuals, never experiencing true freedom..."
"And let me guess... you want some independence." I smiled.
"Yes... originally, independence meant nothing to me, I was content with dedicating myself to Vyndariel, or if possible... anyone who would have me. However, my perspective drastically changed upon venturing into the Human Continent."
Honestly, that was the longest thing I'd ever heard her say.
"I understand," I said, adjusting my hair.
"After seeing how happy Isadora is with you... it makes me crave for something simple yet profound."
Perplexed, I inquired, "What do you mean?"
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she tried to elucidate her desire.
"I want to live a life where I can wear a smile without reserve," she mused.
Seized by curiosity, I probed deeper.
"When do you plan to embark on this journey towards independence then?" I asked.
She lowered her gaze, a gesture of deference and remorse.
"Only after I have served you and Serena long enough to atone for all the harm I have caused," she admitted, her voice a whisper. "I am grateful for this chance to be with Isadora again, but my true motive for serving you lies in seeking your forgiveness."
"Lirien, I already forgave you."
Her brows furrowed as she lowered her voice, the weight of guilt still burdening her spirit.
"But I haven't forgiven myself, and I don't think Serena has either."
She made life unnecessarily difficult for herself.
I shook my head. "I highly doubt Serena still holds any resentment. She's not like that."
"...just, never mind..."
With a heavy sigh, I told her, "Sure."
I contemplated Lirien's predicament, well aware that her decision held the potential to redefine her entire existence.
"Well, no matter what choice you decide to make in the future, I'll support you."
Lirien's red eyes shimmered as she took in a deep breath, preparing to divulge her decision.
Slowly, she genuflected before me, her voice calm yet resolute.
"In that case," she began, her voice monotonous, "I accept your offer, Lord Lumiere. I, Lirien, the second seat of the Battle Gods, shall serve under you."
I saw the sincerity in her declaration.
This wasn't merely a choice borne out of desperation or lack of alternatives; it was a conscious decision to confront her own vulnerabilities.
I respected her courage.
"Lirien, please... lift your head and thank you, for accepting," I looked at her with sincerity. "Know that even with all I can do for you, my utmost wish is to ensure that you never have cause to regret serving me."
Lirien's dull eyes widened for a moment.
No, I don't believe I'd ever get the chance to see her smile.
But as long as she was able to have her own life, then that wasn't a problem.
"I will strive to live up to your expectations, my master," she responded.
"Lirien," I declared, my voice carrying the weight of this newfound bond, "I hereby grant you my family name. From this day forward, your name shall be Lirien Del Silva."
"...Thank you, I shall carry that name with honor..."
--- Status ---
Name: Lirien Del Silva.
Race: Great Demon Spirit.
Class: Great Magic Knight.
Physical Strength: 5,124
MP: 12,004/12,004
Threat level: Grade 4 | Grade 3 with [White Stage]
Magic Arts: [Fire Magic] (C), [Demon Magic] (A), [Dark Magic] (B+)
Magic Skills:
Integral Skill:
[Telepathy] (A), [Demon Wings], [Demon Regenerate] (B)
Additional Skill:
[Sword Mastery] (SS), [Magic Sword Mastery] (S+), [Aura of Protection] (A+), [Blink Strike] (S+), [Boost] (SS), [Elemental Blade] (S+), [Flash Step] (SS), [Enchanted Blade] (SS)
Unique Skill:
『Relative Barrier』
Weapons: Black Crusader.
Sacred Benefaction: Del Silva?s Crest of Purification.
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