Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

Dinner was lively and full of energy. To help Yami feel more at home, Shichen asked her first, then shared her background with the group.

Everyone there was a good-hearted girl, so naturally, they all felt sorry for her. Yami, on the other hand, got a little overwhelmed by all the sympathy.

It was like they were being too nice.

Then again, it made sense. Tohru and the others had gone through similar experiences.

Shichen also told Yami about each of their stories, so she could understand the group better.

The past? No need to dwell on it. They had a new home now, a new family, people they cared about and who cared about them. From here on out, it was all about happiness.

As for Est? She didn't need any help from Shichen at all.

It was like she already knew everyone. She slipped into every conversation effortlessly, chatting like they were old friends reuniting after years apart. Her smile said it all.

And even if you missed all that, her first words when she arrived made things crystal clear:

"Long time no see…"

Shichen didn't pry—he figured it was pointless anyway. That older sister of hers, who clearly outranked him in her heart, must've filled her in ahead of time.

Still, it only made Shichen more sure of the theory forming in his mind.

After dinner, Yami was obviously more comfortable with everyone. Chisato wasted no time dragging her off to take a bath together.

The bathroom had been remodeled by Tohru—it was practically a private spa now. And thanks to magic, the water and temperature were always perfect.

Magic really was the ultimate cheat.

Shichen kind of wanted to join them, but… not realistic. Not yet, anyway.

He hadn't even mastered flying while carrying two people.

His best shot might be with Yami when she's in full "Darkness" mode—but even that would depend on her. She could control it perfectly. Whether she acted or not came down to her mood.

Still, there'd be plenty of chances down the line.

While the girls were busy bathing, Shichen offered to walk Eriri home.

They slipped out through the café's back door and headed toward Toyogasaki Private School.

The September air was cool and refreshing. The stars were out, the moon hung quietly in the sky, and a light breeze made it perfect for a nighttime stroll.

Eriri walked beside him, her golden twin tails practically glowing in the dark. She was petite, graceful, and practically bouncing with energy.

Her cheerful steps gave her away.

"You look pretty happy," Shichen said with a grin.

"Huh? Ah—n-not really!" she stammered, instantly flustered.

"Oh? So you're not happy?"

"Wha—no! I mean, I'm not unhappy either…"

"So which is it?" he asked, laughing.

"…Then yeah. I guess I am happy," she mumbled, face turning red.

"The food was good, right? You should drop by more often. If I've got time, I'll cook too."

"Wait—you'll cook? For real?" Her eyes sparkled.

"Yup. I'm actually a decent cook."

"Then I have to try it!"

"Haha, hey—could you stop calling me 'Prince Onii-chan'? It's kinda embarrassing."

"But you are Prince Onii-chan…"

"Okay, how about this: just call me that when it's just the two of us. When there are others around, pick something else."

"Got it... Then what should I call you?"

"Up to you. Pick whatever you want."

"Hmm… how about 'Shichen-nii'?" she asked shyly.

"Sounds good to me."

"Yay! Then when others are around, I'll call Prince Onii-chan 'Shichen-nii'!"

"Deal."

They kept chatting as they walked, eventually reaching the school gates. After that, they continued on to her place.

Shichen mostly asked about Tohka at school. Since they'd just met, it didn't feel right to ask her directly.

Eriri didn't mind. She patiently answered everything.

Shichen was really tempted to ask if she'd become a full-time illustrator… and whether she drew any, well, risqué stuff. But he held back.

He'd wait until they were a little closer. He was definitely interested—maybe even throw in a few suggestions. She could totally recreate some of the classic pieces he remembered.

And with her skill? They'd probably look even better.

This world didn't have any of the famous artworks or stories he knew. Since he'd already transmigrated, might as well enjoy the perks of being a "creative genius."

Stories about dads, moms, siblings, childhood friends, even tragic widows… there were so many classics to 'borrow' from.

Well—except the NTR stuff. That wasn't his thing. Especially not that weird one with the "Rondo" in the title.

After a bit, a grand, castle-like mansion came into view.

"That's my house!" Eriri said proudly, pointing ahead.

"Wait, that castle? That's amazing."

"It's not that big. My dad's a diplomat."

"Well, now it makes sense why you're so pretty."

"P-Pretty?! Me?!" she squeaked, face going bright red.

"Of course. You're gorgeous."

"R-Really…? Hehehe~" She cupped her cheeks and giggled.

Shichen just shook his head, smiling. What a reaction.

Was this what you called winning from the starting line?

Feelings from childhood, still going strong even now—that kind of bond was hard to shake.

Soon enough, they reached her front door.

"Alright, this is it. Get some rest, Eriri."

"That was fast…"

"Hmm? What was?"

"N-Nothing," she quickly said. "It's late, Prince Onii-chan. You should head home."

"Heh, don't forget—I'm not exactly normal. I'll be back in no time."

"Oh, right!"

"So yeah, drop by whenever. Now that I know where you live, I can walk you home anytime."

"I can visit a lot?" she asked, leaning in excitedly.

"Of course." He patted her on the head.

"Awesome!"

"Just a heads-up—I might be away now and then. But you can hang out with Tohka and the others when I'm gone."

"Got it!"

"Alright. I'm off."

"Goodnight, Prince Onii-chan."

"Night." He waved and turned to go.

"Prince Onii-chan!" she suddenly called out.

He stopped and turned around.

"I…"

Her porcelain cheeks burned red. "I can do it too!" she shouted.

"…Do what?"

She didn't answer—just turned and ran inside in embarrassment.

Shichen chuckled, scanned the area, and teleported back home.

…

Back at her place, Eriri leaned against the door, pressing a hand to her pounding chest, gasping for breath.

She was flushed, flustered, and buzzing with excitement. Her whole body felt like it could jump out of her skin.

What she said earlier… way too bold.

After a deep breath, she calmed down and headed for her room—only to bump into a familiar figure.

"Well well~ where's your Prince Onii-chan?" her mom teased with a mischievous grin.

"Mom?!" Eriri jumped. "What are you doing here?!"

"Where else would I be?" Sayuri shot back. "So that's the guy you're always going on about? Gotta say, he really does look the part."

"You saw him?!" Eriri's face exploded with color.

"Hehe~ what do you think?"

"Moooom!"

"Relax, I'm totally on your side. You have to lock him down!"

"MOM!!"

…

Meanwhile, Shichen had no idea what kind of chaos he'd just left behind.

By the time he got home, the girls were already out of the bath and chatting in pajamas—he couldn't help but smile at the cozy scene.

After a quick shower, he skipped the group conversation and went upstairs to hang out with Kanna and the others.

Kanna and Yoshino weren't part of the chat either—those two were busy playing by themselves.

Est was there too.

"Heyyy, it's Onii-chan!"

"Shichen-nii!"

"Shichen~"

"You came to play games?" Est asked.

"Yup. Came to hang out."

"For real?"

"What, you don't believe me?"

He plopped down between the three, pulling Kanna onto his lap and wrapping an arm around each of the other two.

Three smol girls—easy carry.

Now with Est, the loli squad had grown to three.

"For real though? Feels like you've caught a serious loli addiction," Est teased.

"Shut it!" Shichen fired back, flicking her on the forehead.

"Ow… someone's touchy."

"Zip it and hand me a controller—I'm joining!"

"Just don't sneak any weird moves, okay?"

"Geez, you talk way too much!"