Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

"...Yami, why are you suddenly asking that?"

Shichen glanced at her while walking. "Wait—don't tell me you're jealous?"

"I am not jealous! You're just being way too much!"

In just a short time, Yami had completely changed how she viewed Shichen.

He'd gone from "perv" to "certified degenerate."

She thought he only had one girlfriend—Lala—just kind of a flirt.

Now? He was the literal king of players.

And the worst part? There were still more girls she hadn't even met.

"How's that too much?" Shichen argued. "I just gave them all a home. Same as I did for you~"

"Same as me?"

Yami blinked, then scoffed, "So that's your excuse for being a womanizer?"

"Spreading love doesn't make me a womanizer," he said, matter-of-fact.

"You'll get used to it like Tenka."

"You... got used to it?"

"Leave me out of this. I'm not even involved with him," she snapped quickly.

"C'mon, Tenka, don't joke around. You're my daughter."

"Shut it!"

"She's really your daughter? Are you some kind of… daughter freak?" Yami looked stunned.

"Don't listen to him! We're not related in any way!" Tenka quickly clarified, completely dropping her usual cold front.

"Then what's the deal?"

"That's something you'll need to check out for yourself," Shichen said with a sly grin.

"Check for myself? You're just messing with us, right?"

"Nope. I've got proof."

"What does that even mean?"

"It's complicated, but by certain rules, Tenka is technically my daughter."

"'Technically'?"

"I'm not your daughter! Can you not say weird things like that?!"

"Don't be shy about it, Tenka~"

"Shut! Up!"

"…You two aren't, like, flirting or something, right?" Yami asked suspiciously.

"No!" Tenka shot back instantly.

"Oh~ sounds like a yes to me," Shichen nodded, dead serious.

"You jerk… I'm done with you."

"…Should I not be here right now?" Yami suddenly mumbled.

"What? Want to go back inside? Just wait a bit. I'll introduce you to everyone later."

"Introduce me? How exactly are you gonna do that?"

"How do you want me to introduce you?"

"Whatever… doesn't matter."

"Relax. I'll just tell the truth."

"T‑the truth?! You don't have to be that blunt!"

"Everyone already knows anyway. Doesn't really matter how I say it."

"I can't believe they're okay with this… Did you brainwash them or something?"

"…Yami," Shichen twitched. "Do you feel brainwashed?"

"…Kinda, yeah."

…

Shichen reached the gate of Toyogasaki Private High School before the final bell and waited under a tree.

Unlike elementary schools, there weren't any college students killing time—barely anyone around.

Before long, the end-of-day bell rang.

The Go-Home Club wasted no time—rushing straight out of the school building toward the front gate, probably to play games or buy manga.

Kasumigaoka Utaha, being part of that club, stepped out soon after—like a magnet pulling everyone's attention.

A few students already outside froze in place just to sneak a look.

She wore her summer uniform in blue and white, paired with white tights that highlighted her long legs.

Before she could even leave the gate, Shichen was already waving her over.

Utaha spotted him right away, her smile blooming instantly. She sped up and walked toward him.

"Shichen, you—wait!"

But before she could finish, he pulled her into his arms.

"Utaha, I missed you so much," he said softly, breathing in her familiar scent.

"Another beautiful girl!" Yami commented, but Shichen had no time for her now.

"…Really?" Utaha's voice softened as she hugged him back.

They immediately became the center of attention—some shocked, some stunned, some straight-up heartbroken.

Shichen ignored them all, held her for a while, and then sneak-kissed her.

"You...!" Utaha blushed furiously, caught completely off guard.

"Not allowed?" Shichen teased.

"We're at school!"

"Exactly. That's why I had to do it. Gotta make it clear you're taken."

"Are you five?" Utaha sighed.

"Heh~ Boys will be boys. Let's go wait over there." Shichen held her soft hand and led her back under the tree.

"What are we doing here?" Utaha asked curiously.

"What, not waiting for Tohka?"

"She's probably being clinged to by someone," Utaha smirked.

"Clinged to? Who?" Shichen frowned.

"Relax, it's a girl." Utaha rolled her eyes.

"Ahem. Oh? Who?"

"Some blonde with twin tails," she said, staring at him meaningfully.

"Oh, that one you mentioned before." Shichen kept his face straight.

"Don't fake it. You definitely know her."

"I'm serious. We've never met."

"Really?"

"Why don't you trust me? You know what kind of guy I am."

"True… but then why does she know you?"

"That's what I want to figure out."

"Heh~ You're interested in her, huh? Can't blame you—she's cute."

"Then… why's she so attached to Tohka?" Shichen quickly pivoted.

"No idea," Utaha shrugged. "They became instant BFFs the day Tohka transferred. She even brought her to the café."

"I see…"

From what Utaha said, either Eriri was using Tohka to get close to him, or she already knew her.

Knowing Eriri's style, the second seemed more likely.

"Oh right—wanna hang out somewhere first?" Utaha suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Shichen blinked.

"I mean, Tohka's super popular. Might take her a while to get out."

"Yeah… that's Tohka for you." He smiled.

With her bright, bubbly personality, who wouldn't like her?

Girls adored her. Boys, even more.

He was seriously gonna have to mark his territory soon.

"So? Shall we go play?"

"Where?"

"The beach... how's that sound?"

Shichen blinked, a little surprised.

He knew exactly what she meant—the same place where they once had that night. The night she became his.

Her meaning was crystal clear.

"You sure?" he whispered, pulling her close.

"Are you scared?" Utaha raised her chin with pride.

"It might take a while~"

"Tohka's not a kid. Plus, Blondie'll keep her company."

"That's not what I meant." Shichen chuckled.

"Then what do you mean—hmph! I'm not the same girl I used to be!" Utaha shot back defiantly.

"In that case… let's—wait, huh?"

Just as Shichen was about to teleport them, he felt a familiar presence approaching.

"What is it?"

"Looks like we're not going anywhere. Tohka's here."

"What?"

Utaha turned to look—and sure enough, a striking figure in violet stepped out, followed by a golden-haired girl.

"Tch." Utaha clicked her tongue, annoyed.

"Heh, no worries. We've got time. I'll stick around for a while," Shichen reassured her, then took her hand and walked toward Tohka.

"Shichen! It really is you!" Tohka spotted him instantly and ran full-speed into his arms.

"I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too, Tohka," he said, holding her close.

"…Isn't that the princess? What's she doing with him?"

"Two girls going after one guy?!"

"Nooo way!"

"Am I hallucinating?!"

Shichen heard the murmurs around them.

He hadn't expected Tohka to have earned the title of "princess" at this school.

"Tohka, how's school been?" he asked.

"It's been amazing! Everyone's super nice! I even made a new best friend—I'll introduce you! Eriri—"

"Prince onii-chan… is that you?"