Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

After leaving the agency, Shichen brought Hoshino Ai back with him to the café.

Starting today, Ai would be living at the café with Tohru and the others.

Shichen had managed to convince Saito Ichigo, though it came with a price—he ended up signing with the agency and officially became an entertainer.

He wasn't into the whole celebrity, idol, or actor thing. No interest in movies, dramas, or fame. But if that's what it took for Ai to live at the café, then he was willing to go along with it.

Honestly, Saito Ichigo was a good guy. He genuinely cared about Ai and hadn't meant to use that as leverage. It just came up in conversation. Even if Shichen had refused to join the agency, Saito probably still would've agreed to let Ai stay for her sake.

Living with Shichen was simply easier for Ai—more comfortable, and she'd have people her own age around.

Shichen explained all the benefits of Ai staying at the café, and in the end, the one who agreed to everything… was him.

By becoming an entertainer, he could protect Ai more directly.

Given his background and ability, he'd have no trouble fitting into the entertainment world. With him watching her back, Ai could walk this path without worry.

And truth be told, there was one more reason: by entering this industry, he might one day run into a certain pair of cute girls. He only wanted to cross paths with familiar faces—and that was part of why he came to this world in the first place.

Shichen didn't just join the agency as talent. He also became one of its co-managers.

It was easy—Strawberry Production was still a small company. A bit of investment was all it took.

He could've forced his way in, sure, but if money can solve it, there's no need for brute force.

Now that he had a say in things, he could basically do whatever he wanted—including setting things up however he liked for Ai.

Not that he needed to go that far, but hey.

Back at the café, Shichen didn't walk in with Ai—they just teleported straight there.

Ai had seen his teleportation before, so she wasn't too surprised. Still, ever since they'd left the agency, she'd been quiet.

They'd spent a good chunk of time over there, and by the time they got back, it was already close to noon.

The café was bustling. Even Chisato was too busy to greet them.

Still, Chisato and Inoue Takina were pros. They worked flawlessly, weaving past each other with trays like it was second nature.

Shichen gave them a quick wave and headed upstairs with Ai.

It was Ai's first time on the second floor. When she stepped into Shichen's room and saw how ridiculously spacious it was—not to mention the massive bed—her jaw practically hit the floor.

"What's up with this room? Why's it so huge? And this bed—seriously?"

"You do remember I have special powers, right?" Shichen grinned.

"Oh… that makes sense…"

"…Huh?"

"Come on, sit for a bit." He led her to the bed, sat down, and pulled her onto his lap.

"Hehe~ You're not planning something shady, are you? Didn't you say I didn't have much going on in the chest department?" Ai teased, looking back at him playfully.

"What kind of stuff are you imagining?" Shichen poked her forehead with an exasperated look.

"Mm… so what are you planning?"

"A real talk," he said, hugging her like a plushie.

"A real talk…" Ai mumbled, glancing down.

"Ai."

Resting his chin on her shoulder, Shichen asked softly, "Why haven't you said a word since we left? Having second thoughts about leaving?"

"I left so suddenly. What was I supposed to say?" Ai tilted her head at him.

"I'm being serious," Shichen said with a gentle smile.

"…Okay."

Ai bit her lip, then slowly replied, "To be honest, I don't really feel much for the president or the others. We barely spent any time together. But I am grateful he got me out of that place."

Shichen nodded slightly.

"That place," of course, referred to where she used to live. It wasn't a place worth missing.

Ai continued, "I wasn't saying anything because… I wondered if I made things harder for you."

"Because of me?"

"Mm… Shichen, you didn't really want to join the agency or become an entertainer, did you?"

"What makes you think that?"

"Because you were against it at first… so I figured, it must've been because of me…"

"Haha~ You might be misunderstanding President Saito," Shichen chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

"You don't think he's just using you, do you? That he's only being nice because you'll make money?"

"I… I don't think that far," Ai shook her head.

"Well, yeah, he does want you to be an idol and earn money. But he also genuinely cares about you. Those two things aren't mutually exclusive."

"I know. So what are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying, even if I didn't join the agency, he still would've let you stay here. I joined because I wanted to."

"Huh? Why?"

"Let's just say I felt like playing around—wanted to try being an entertainer for fun."

"No way that's the only reason…"

"Why not? I've got powers, I'm not tied down by this world. Why wouldn't I want to try something new and fun?"

"…Still don't buy it." Ai pouted.

"Well, I already joined, so it's a bit late, isn't it?"

"Then just quit."

"Haha~" Shichen laughed, rubbing her head. "Relax. I really do want to try being an entertainer for fun. It's not just because of you."

"Really?"

"You still don't believe me?"

"…I do now."

"Good."

He ruffled her hair a little rougher this time. "Don't be so polite from now on—even if you cause me trouble, that's fine.

Just treat yourself like you're family."

"…Huh?" Ai blinked.

"Isn't that why you came to me?" Shichen smiled.

"You… you figured it out?"

"Maybe it was my powers that drew you to me, but your real reason? Yeah, I knew."

"...I see."

"You're young, but clever. I don't mind. Honestly, I prefer a bit of trouble. Bring it on."

"Why?" Ai stared at him. "You know what I'm really here for… and you're still being so nice to me. Why?"

"What, you think I'm just pitying you? I'm not that kind of good guy. There are plenty of sad people in the world—I'm not going to save them all."

"Then why?"

"Because you're Hoshino Ai."

"…What does that even mean?"

"You don't have to get it. Just know—I'm a certified lolicon."

Ai blinked rapidly, lost for words.

"What? You don't believe me?"

"Oh, I believe you're a lolicon. But I'm not some sweet, innocent girl. You've got powers. You don't need someone like me."

"But you're just too cute."

"There are lots of cute girls…"

"But there's only one Hoshino Ai."

Shichen leaned his forehead against hers and said seriously, "Stop overthinking. Just remember—I'll treat you right, and I'll always have your back."

"…You're really weird, Shichen," Ai said with a sudden smile.

"Yeah, I think so too."

"Hehe~ Don't tell me you've already fallen for me. If that's the case… can I start learning magic?"

"Not yet~" Shichen smirked. "Not until you become someone dazzling."

"...Fine. I'll become the brightest star ever!" she said confidently.

"Go get 'em." He gave her hair another ruffle.

"Hey, Shichen… you'll really grant all my wishes?"

"What, thinking of something already?"

"No… just checking."

"Yeah. I mean it." He nodded with his chin resting on her head.

"…You're not just sweet‑talking me to get me to throw myself at you, right?"

"Tch—brat, you've got nothing. Who'd even want you throwing yourself at them?"

"Don't underestimate me! I will develop, okay!?" Ai huffed.

"Oh? I'll be waiting."

"You better!"

"I will." He hugged her gently.

"…Can I… stay like this for a while?" Ai asked in a quiet voice.

"Yeah. We've still got time before lunch."

"Okay."

She wrapped his arms around her waist tightly, closed her eyes, and leaned against him.

For someone who'd gone so long without love, she finally felt like she was being held by it.

~~~

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