Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

Just before lunch break ended, Shichen took Lala and the others back to class.

Lala was still all energetic, but Yui Kotegawa and the rest looked like they were still recovering from a scare.

I mean, come on—actual ghosts? That's nightmare fuel for people raised on ghost stories.

But since Oshizu didn't seem dangerous, Shichen let her stay in the classroom. He just wasn't sure if Yui and the others could focus in the afternoon after all that.

Yami didn't leave either. She hugged the old books she found and followed Shichen back to the principal's office.

She didn't hesitate one bit—just walked in and took his seat like she owned it.

There was a guest couch, sure. But Shichen wasn't about to sit alone when Yami was hogging the main chair.

He walked over and picked her up.

"W-what are you doing?" Yami asked, flustered.

"You're in my chair. What do you think I'm doing?" Shichen plopped down and placed her on his lap.

Yami froze, stiff as a board.

Shichen casually wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned back in his seat.

"Alright, keep reading."

"Uh... how am I supposed to read like this?" Her cheeks were a bit pink.

"What's stopping you? It's not like I'm doing anything inappropriate."

"You're literally hugging me…"

"Relax, I'm just sitting here."

Yami stayed still for a bit, then noticed Shichen really wasn't doing anything. He'd even shut his eyes to rest.

Trying to ignore the warmth of his hand on her stomach, she focused back on her book.

After school, Shichen took the girls to the shopping district for groceries. Yami and Yui came along too.

Est showed up and rode on his shoulders like usual.

It was Friday, and Yui wasn't going home tonight. She was hanging out at Shichen's place—not because he invited her, though. Someone else did.

Not the first time either.

She could head home whenever anyway, as long as Shichen was around.

That night, Shichen planned to make sukiyaki. It was the perfect chance to let Yami try something new—and a good excuse to celebrate the weekend. They picked up a ton of ingredients and walked home together.

It was getting hot out. Just a short walk made you sweat, but they'd all be taking a bath later, so no big deal.

Well, they would. Shichen obviously couldn't join.

On the way back, he asked something that had been bugging him:

"Hey Yui, is your class rep dating someone?"

"The class rep? You mean Sairenji?" Yui asked.

"Yeah, her."

"I think she's dating that guy Yuuki... They seem pretty close."

"Huh?! Haruna's got a boyfriend?" Lala was surprised.

"Why are you so shocked? Aren't you and Shichen basically... dating?"

"Oh yeah~ hehe~" Lala giggled and scratched her head.

"Are you and Sairenji close?" Shichen asked.

"Yeah, she's really nice. She's always looked out for me."

"I see..." Shichen nodded.

"Wait, are you into her or something?" Yui narrowed her eyes.

"Where'd you get that idea?" Shichen looked at her, speechless.

"Then why'd you randomly ask about her? Totally sus."

"I was just curious, okay?"

"Sure you were."

Shichen sighed. "Fine, I'm actually interested in that guy Yuuki."

"Yuuki? Why him?"

"I'm the principal. It's normal to care about students, right?"

"You care about male students?"

"Doubt," Yami chimed in while munching on a taiyaki.

"Yami—gimme that." Shichen snatched the snack out of her hand.

"Hey! Give it back!"

"Too late!" He popped it in his mouth and chomped away.

"You...!" Yami glared at him, face red.

"Indirect kiss..." Yui's heart skipped a beat.

"Hmm? Wanna try it too?" Shichen teased, swallowing the taiyaki.

"No way!"

"Hehe~ alright, back on topic. Is there anything... weird about Yuuki?"

"My taiyaki..." Yami pouted, still staring at him.

"I'll get you another one later. Let's just focus on dinner for now," Shichen said, patting her head.

"Hmph."

"Yuuki? Weird how?" Yui asked.

"Like... does he trip a lot or something?"

"Trip? Not really. He's pretty lowkey."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I don't even get why Haruna's dating him. She's super cute..."

"Well, I guess everyone's got their reasons."

From the sound of it, Yuuki Rito had probably confessed to Haruna, and she liked him back. Made sense.

But... where was his infamous "accidental ecchi" ability?

Maybe Shichen had inherited all the "lucky pervert" by accident?

Still, nothing much had happened. Shichen wasn't the type to stumble into chaos—he'd only benefit if someone else messed up.

It was a passive skill anyway. And now it was even more passive than usual.

"Maybe he's got some hidden charm I'm missing."

"Yui, are you one of those looks-first people?" Shichen smirked.

"Of course not! Personality's more important!" she retorted.

"Oh? Then I'm totally your type."

"Not a chance! You're shameless, Shichen-nii!" Yui shot back.

"Deny it all you want~"

"Hmph! You know I'm right. Right, Yami?"

"Mm. Confirmed." She gave Shichen a glance and nodded softly.

"You two…"

"It's fine, Shichen. I think you're the best!" Lala beamed.

"Me too," said Est, hugging his head from above.

"You girls really are the best."

"Hehe~"

Back home, Shichen got started on the sukiyaki. It was way easier than stir-fry—just wash the veggies, sear some meat, done.

The sauce was pre-mixed too.

Lala and the others went up to bathe. Est joined them.

They were pretty quiet—only Lala was making a fuss. Yami and Est were both the quiet type.

Downstairs, Shichen could only hear the occasional splash—none of the usual girl-chatter you'd expect during a group bath.

By the time the sukiyaki was ready, the girls still weren't done. Shichen chilled in the living room, letting the aroma waft while flipping through channels.

Next week was July—summer camp was coming up. Shichen planned to take Yami along.

It was a 3-day, 2-night trip. No way he'd leave her home alone.

"Shichen! We're done!"

"Lala! Wait—clothes!!"

Shichen turned—and saw Lala, glowing pink and dripping wet, rushing at him with nothing on.

He caught her, feeling the water droplets on her skin. "Why aren't you dressed?"

"I couldn't wait~ It smells so good!" Lala stared hungrily at the sukiyaki pot.

"Geez, go get dressed first." Shichen laughed and smacked her butt.

Smack!

It echoed nice and sharp.

"Wheee~"

She ran toward the stairs, her back glistening—and on one cheek was a faint red handprint.

Not because he hit her hard. Her skin was just that soft.

"Lala, you're so shameless! Even Est put on clothes!" Yui appeared, wrapped in a towel. Her bare shoulders and legs had a soft blush.

She noticed Shichen's gaze, blushed even harder, and dragged Lala away.

Moments later, Yami came down—dressed properly in a pale yellow pajama set.

Shichen had bought it for her.

She walked over slowly. When she saw the sukiyaki, her eyes sparkled a bit.

Shichen waved her over. "You hungry?"

"No..." she muttered, stepping closer.

He gently pulled her onto his lap. "That face says otherwise."

"I'm not hungry..."

"Hehe~ No rush. Let's wait for the others."

Soon the others came down—all wearing similar PJs. Lala had pink, Yui wore light blue, and Est wore white.

"You can let go of me now," Yami said, squirming.

Shichen let her go, but then Est immediately plopped onto his lap.

"Onii-chan~"

"Smells so good~" He hugged her tiny frame, breathing in the scent of her shampoo.

"Shichen, let's eat already—I'm starving!" Lala whined.

"Alright, let's dig in."

He only set four bowls—he'd be feeding Est himself.

Each bowl had a raw egg for dipping. Whether meat or veggies, everything tasted amazing coated in it.

He fed Est her favorite tofu first, then started eating himself.

The girls were already loving it.

"This is soooo good! You're the best, Shichen!"

"Your cooking really is amazing."

"Onii-chan's the best."

"Yami, what do you think?"

"...It's fine."

~~~

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