Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

Just after getting back, Shichen didn't do much of anything. The next day, he leisurely slipped into his manager role—basically acting like the café's living mascot behind the register.

The place had exploded in popularity online, thanks almost entirely to Chisato Nishikigi. She posted café snapshots on X every single day, and because she was such a stunner, her follower count kept climbing—and so did the number of people who dropped by to see the place for themselves.

Men and women alike.

So when she tweeted that "Manager Shichen is finally back," a wave of female customers showed up the very next day.

Pretty women are eye‑candy, but a handsome guy works the same way. Even if nothing happens, they can snap a pic for bragging rights with friends.

Photography was allowed, so neither the heated stares nor the camera flashes elicited any reaction from Shichen. Bored, he propped his chin on one hand and zoned out—mascot mode.

Daytime was dull: Yoshino and the others had classes, so he had no gaming partners. The night before, he'd discovered the bliss of gaming with a girl perched in his lap, and now he was hooked. No guy can resist a soft, sweet‑smelling beauty leaning back against him while they play.

Est didn't have classes, but lately she'd gotten the idea of "helping" him with her feet. Cute once or twice, sure, but the novelty wore off fast. He wasn't some innocent kid obsessed with feet—especially not in the middle of the café.

Yami had gone out to read and study up on this world. With nothing to do, Shichen counted the hours until Yoshino and Kanna's classes ended, then went to pick them up.

Once everyone had showered, he gathered Est and the two of them to keep playing that plumber co‑op puzzle game—ridiculously addictive and a ton of fun with the three of them.

Whether he managed the café or not hardly mattered; by just sitting there he'd already drawn in plenty of customers during the day. Most of the women were here for him anyway; he couldn't have Tohru and the others getting jealous.

Time flies when you're gaming. Shichen and the trio were deep in the game when Utaha Kasumigaoka snapped him back to reality.

"Shichen! Why didn't you come pick us up?" she complained the moment she walked in.

"Huh? Utaha, when did you get back?" He honestly hadn't noticed her appear.

Utaha rolled her eyes. "Care to look at the time?"

"What time is it?"

"I'm already home—what do you think?" She folded her arms, and her uniform did nothing to hide her curves.

"So… did you still need a ride?" Shichen's brain finally kicked in.

"I want an attitude adjustment. You've been away forever—shouldn't you at least show a little love?"

"…Yeah, fair point."

"I'm seriously starting to think you're into lolis. You gamed with Yoshino and Kanna half the night!"

"Come on! The game was just too good," he protested.

"Oh? Then why is Yoshino sitting in your lap right now?" Utaha narrowed her eyes.

"Uh…" Yoshino blushed and lowered her head.

"It's just… convenient," Shichen improvised. "She can see the screen better from my lap."

"Staring at a screen that close isn't great for your eyes—and they're still young."

"Did you forget?" he blinked innocently. "Technically they're both older than you."

"And their eyesight's fine anyway."

"What about grades? All that gaming has to hurt their studies," Utaha pressed.

"Grades aren't everything, but rumor has it Yoshino and Kanna are top of their class."

"Tch. I'm taking a bath." Utaha turned to leave.

"Heh—want me to wash your back?"

Utaha paused, glanced over her shoulder, and smiled slowly. "You sure?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" he said, puzzled.

"No problem, then… let's go." She headed off.

"Sure you're up for it?" Now Shichen asked.

"What's wrong—getting cold feet?"

"I'm not scared of anything." Puffing himself up, he set Yoshino down and strode after Utaha. "You three keep gaming—I'll go see if the water's still hot."

"Onii-chan, quit making excuses," Est called after him.

"You talk too much!" he shot back, then left the game room with Utaha.

"Wow… he's really straightforward," Yoshinon giggled.

"B‑boys will be boys…" Yoshino mumbled in his defense.

"Then why won't he help us bathe?" Kanna wondered aloud.

"Uh… well…" Yoshino's face turned crimson.

"Kanna, you don't get it," Est chuckled. "He's shy—you have to ask him outright."

"Oh! Then let's invite him tomorrow!"

"W‑what?!" Yoshino squeaked, bright red.

"I'm in," Est nodded.

"Do we really have to…?" Yoshino fidgeted.

"What, you don't want to? Looked like you were enjoying it," Est teased.

"I was not!"

"Really?" Est smirked. "What do you think, Yoshinon?"

"Hehe, Yoshino totally wants Onii-chan to help in the bath~" Yoshinon said triumphantly.

"N‑No I don't!" Yoshino protested, voice a little too loud.

"So tomorrow, yes or no?" Est asked deadpan.

"I—uh…"

"No?"

"N‑no, that's not—"

"So it's a yes?"

"Ugh—" Yoshino buried her face in her hands.

"Classic Yoshino—saying no but meaning yes." Est patted her shoulder.

"Agreed." Kanna nodded cutely and patted her other shoulder.

…

Shichen followed Utaha to the bathroom door and stopped.

"Be honest, Utaha—are you setting me up?"

"Setting you up? With what, exactly?"

"Just feels off…"

"Oh please. Helping me shower is hardly a trap."

"Still feels weird…"

"Fine, don't trust me—go back," she said, walking in.

"Wait, wait—I trust you!" He hurried after her.

The remodeled bath had a changing area out front. Utaha casually walked to a locker and, with zero hesitation, began undressing.

She lifted her top, pulling the uniform upward. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and a white bra strap flashed into view. She folded the blouse neatly, unzipped her skirt, and let it slide down her long legs.

Her underwear was plain white—practical, no frills—typical school attire for adult‑ed evenings.

Bending at the waist, she picked up the skirt and set it aside with the top. Then she glanced back with a playful grin.

"Not undressing?"

"On it." Shichen slipped off his manager's jacket, leaving only his boxers.

"Help," she said, turning her back.

He pressed a hand to her spine and unhooked her bra. She didn't turn around; she simply straightened her arms and waited—message received.

Smiling, he stepped in front of her and gently slid the bra off. His gaze inevitably drifted downward and locked on cherry‑blossom‑pink peaks set against pale curves.

"Not tempted to touch?" she asked quietly.

"How could I not be?" he replied, flexing his fingers.

"Mm—" Utaha wobbled, half‑supported by him.

He turned her so her back rested against his chest—perfect angle for wandering hands. The changing room stayed silent except for the occasional soft gasp, the kind that tickles ears and hearts alike.

Just in case Tohru walked by, Shichen had cast a sound‑dampening seal.

After indulging his hands for a while, he removed Utaha's now‑marked panties, scooped her up bridal‑style, and carried her into the bath area.

The moment his foot touched the tile, he froze. On the pool's edge glimmered a flash of gold.

"Tokka—why are you only getting here…?" Eriri stood up, turned around, and locked eyes with Shichen. Both of them froze.

~~~

For Every 100 Powerstone = 1 Bonus Chapter! Please Vote for more Chapters!

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 180+ Chapters Ahead of Others!