Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

"Hehe~ I saw you were back, Shichen, so I couldn't help coming to find you."

Hoshino Ai skipped over with tiny, elegant steps, hands tucked behind her back like a proper little lady. She stopped at the counter, looked up at him, and smiled radiantly.

She looked about eleven or twelve, barely 1.4 meters tall—your classic petite loli—but even at that age, her features were already sharp and refined, like a little princess.

Shichen leaned on the counter, looking down at her. "How'd you know I was back?"

"I follow Chisato-onee-chan's X too~"

Proudly, Ai pulled out her phone and held up the screen. It showed a picture of Shichen lazily slouched behind the register—clearly something Chisato snapped on a whim. Still, even that angle didn't make him look bad.

"You got nothing better to do?" Shichen chuckled, shaking his head.

"Not much going on lately."

Ai tucked her phone away, walked around the counter, and came to stand beside him.

"You're not in school? Today's Friday, isn't it?"

Shichen glanced at the tiny girl, blinked, and without hesitation pulled her into his lap.

He already knew why she was here—no need to play coy.

Ai didn't resist. She sat comfortably on his lap, turned back to him with a cheeky grin, and teased, "You really are a lolicon, huh? Couldn't wait to get hands-on?"

"Cut it out. Didn't you say you wanted to learn my skills? This is your tuition."

"Alright, alright. It's not like I'd ever say no to you~"

"Yeah, yeah. Now answer my question." He flicked her forehead.

"Ow… My ID stuff's still a mess. Can't enroll yet," Ai replied, rubbing her head, totally unbothered.

"Still? Do you even want to go to school?"

"I don't really care. Plus the agency's getting busier, so even if I wanted to, I probably couldn't."

"I'm asking what you want," Shichen said, locking eyes with her.

"Me?"

Ai blinked, then smirked. "You're gonna help me?"

"For me? Easy."

"Wow, that confident, huh... So you're really gonna get me into school?"

"Don't ask me." He reached out and pinched her soft cheek.

"Ow~ Fine! I do wanna go, okay?"

"That's more like it." Shichen finally let go, satisfied.

"But what about the agency? And practice?"

"I can deal with the agency. But training's on you."

"Eh?"

"What? Not planning to be my oshi? Not trying to make me fall for you?" Shichen grinned.

"No way I'm backing down. I am gonna win you over completely."

"Then go all in. I believe in you. You're 100% born to be an idol."

"Aww~ didn't expect you to be this supportive… Hehe~ not just because you're into lolis, right?"

"You? No curves, no appeal. I'm not interested."

"Lolis shouldn't have curves! Unlike girls like Yoshino!" Ai huffed.

"Oh? You know Yoshino? You come here often?"

"Sometimes. When I'm bored~"

"And you actually remember her?"

"You know I've got a terrible memory, huh? But Yoshino's way too cute and pretty to forget. I actually remember all the girls here!" she said proudly, hands on hips.

"Impressive."

"Obviously!"

"Well, feel free to come hang out more."

"Would love to, but I'll be busy soon. And you won't even be around…"

"Whether I'm here or not doesn't matter. Until you shine like a star, I'm not teaching you anything."

"I'm not doing this for that! Seeing each other often helps build bonds, you know?"

"Seriously, you act way older than you are…"

Shichen gave her a good head rub, then lifted her off and set her down. "Come on, let's drop by your agency."

"Huh? For real?" Ai blinked in surprise.

"Would I lie? I'll talk to your guardian."

"You're actually sending me to school?"

"For someone like you, learning matters. And don't worry about fitting in—Yoshino and the others are there too." His tone was gentle now.

"Really?"

"Let's go." He offered his hand.

"You're impossible… but fine." Ai sighed, placed her hand in his, and grinned. "Then I'll take you there."

She led the way toward the door, still holding his hand.

"Chisato, I'm heading out. Let Tohru know for me, will you?"

"Huh? Where to?" Chisato paused mid-delivery and turned toward him.

Takina came over to take the tray from her.

"Going to see an idol," Shichen said without looking back.

"Huh?"

"Don't worry, I'll be right back."

"Got it. Come home early!"

"Sure."

Without even changing clothes, Shichen left the café with Ai leading him.

Still holding his hand, Ai walked a few steps ahead, light on her feet. "Hey, Shichen—why doesn't your café have a name?"

"A name?" He raised an eyebrow. Actually… not a bad idea.

This café wasn't just a business anymore. It was their home. It needed a name.

"Right? It'd be way nicer with a name!"

"True… Alright, let's name it."

"I can help you think of one~"

"So, what are you thinking?" he asked with a smile.

"How about… 'Shi-Ai Café'?" Ai suggested directly.

"…Rejected."

"Eh? Why?! It sounds so nice!"

"Knew you'd come up with something cheesy."

"Whatever~ maybe I'll name it that myself one day," Ai said with a playful wink.

"…That's future-you's problem," Shichen muttered.

Come to think of it, Kanna was officially registered as Shi Kanna, and Tohru too had taken on Shi as her surname.

Shi Kanna, Shi Tohru… sure, it sounded a little odd, but they liked it. Taking his last name meant they were family—maybe even more than that.

Chisato had been jealous for weeks when that happened.

But one day, maybe… they'd all share that name.

Ai's agency was kind of far—they had to take a train. Shichen was surprised her guardian let her go out alone.

Then again, maybe she snuck out. She had a phone, so at least she could call for help if needed.

Thankfully, no surprises on the ride. No weird encounters. No Lycoris either.

Once they got off, Ai led him through the station and soon, they reached the building.

A small two-story office with a pretty plain look. A plaque near the door read: Ichigo Production Inc.

"This is my agency!" Ai announced proudly.

"You live here too?" Shichen asked, eyeing the place.

"Yup."

"What about your guardian?"

"They live here too, of course… Oh~ I know what you're thinking. Don't worry—I sleep alone," Ai added with a laugh, giving his thigh a little tap.

"No, you don't get it."

"Hehe~ I know how possessive you are, Shichen."

"Not dealing with this. Let's go upstairs." Shichen rolled his eyes and stepped in.

"Hehe~ you are embarrassed!" Ai giggled as she followed.

"Not really… I was just thinking—maybe you could stay with me."

"Oh? That far though…"

"Did you forget my powers? You know Tohru, right?"

"Yeah! The dragon maid!"

"Exactly. She's got the same abilities. We could portal you in every morning."

"Wouldn't that be a hassle?"

"Takes a few seconds. And you'd get to go to school with Yoshino and the others."

"Ooh~ now that's tempting."

"So? Wanna move in?"

"Hmm… I don't know if I can just tell the president. He's the one who brought me here. It'd be like… I was ditching him for someone else."

"Don't use words you don't understand." Shichen lightly chopped her head.

"Oww… that hurt!" Ai puffed up her cheeks adorably.

"I'm just trying to make things easier for you. Tell you what—I'll talk to the president myself."

"Seriously? You think you can convince him?"

"Guaranteed."

~~~

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

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

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