Michael was discussing with Yuuji, while Gabriel watched from the side, her eyes sparkling even brighter with every passing second.
She wanted to ask questions. To speak with them.
No—if she was honest with herself, she wanted to speak with him. To know more about this mysterious young man who had walked into Heaven and reshaped its destiny without hesitation.
But she held back.
Michael and Yuuji were speaking about matters far too important, far too delicate for her to interrupt. Her brother was focused. Yuuji was focused.
So she simply stood there—hands gently clasped, wings faintly trembling—as their words gradually faded into the background and the sight of Yuuji filled her thoughts.
A calm voice. A beautiful face. A power she could feel, even without sensing it.
"…The changes will take a while, but it's possible," Yuuji explained patiently. "I've pinpointed several areas that can be optimized. I haven't made alterations yet, of course—we can discuss them first. After that, we can move on to the larger-scale improvements. I'd like to return frequently, but…"
Michael raised a hand, smiling gently.
"No, I understand. I'm already deeply grateful for everything you've done. Please return whenever time allows. If you wish to come back, simply inform Irina—she will notify me."
"Thank you. And don't worry, I already have a way to contact you directly. I'll reach out when I'm free."
Yuuji extended a hand. Michael took it in a firm shake—one between equals, one forged with mutual respect.
"Once again, I'm thankful, Yuuji-kun," Michael said warmly.
"If you ever require assistance, do not hesitate to ask. I will lend my aid, so long as it doesn't violate the rules set by my Father. You've seen them all, I believe."
"A favor from someone like you is something I'll be grateful for. Thank you, Michael-sama."
Michael nodded. "Shall we move back to the Sixth Heaven? The Seventh Heaven is heavily warded—you cannot leave through any means other than its designated pathways."
"Of course."
Yuuji already understood.
The Seventh Heaven was wrapped in layers of ancient abjuration magic—anti-teleportation fields, binding sigils, retaliatory spells designed to punish trespassers or fools attempting to bypass the divine architecture.
None of them could affect him. But out of courtesy, he accepted Michael's suggestion.
"Gabriel, shall we escort Yuuji-kun out?"
Gabriel jolted as if waking from a dream. Her eyes widened—then immediately dimmed with disappointment.
"Eh? Yuuji-sama, are you leaving already?" she asked softly, stepping closer.
"Would you not stay longer in Heaven? It is a wonderful place… and I can accompany you! We could talk more…"
Her voice grew smaller. Her eyes grew wetter. And then she looked up at him with the purest, most devastating expression—like a puppy begging its owner not to leave.
Hands clasped above her chest. Her holy garb hugging divine curves. And a heart laid bare in her gaze.
Yuuji blinked, surprised. He truly hadn't expected Gabriel of all people to want him to stay. He'd barely spoken with her. Whenever he tried earlier, she was… in a daze.
He thought she simply wasn't interested.
"Unfortunately, I have to return to my home," Yuuji said gently. "I have others waiting for me."
"…I see…"
Her wings drooped. Her shoulders sank. But she didn't force him… She wanted him to stay, but she knew that he had a family to return to. She too would want to return home to where her siblings and friends are.
But… She still hoped he would be there as well.
Michael led the way out of the Seventh Heaven and into the Sixth, while Gabriel stayed close to Yuuji, using the precious remaining minutes to ask him everything she could—his hobbies, his likes, his goals, his impressions of Heaven, even his favorite foods.
Her curiosity overflowed. Her voice was pure excitement, like a child seeing a star up close.
But all too soon… they reached the plaza.
The fountain's crystal waters shimmered beneath Heaven's light as Yuuji turned to them.
"Thank you for having me. I'll return soon."
With a wave of his hand, a [Gate] tore open—a swirling portal of darkness and power. He stepped inside, vanished.
Gabriel stared at the space where the portal once shimmered, her expression falling like withering petals.
"Brother…" she whispered, voice fragile.
"He said he had to return home…"
Michael nodded gently.
"Yes. His home is not here. His home is where his friends and family are."
"…I see…"
She lowered her gaze. Then, gathering herself, she offered Michael a soft, practiced smile.
"Brother, I will be retiring to my room. If there is nothing more, please excuse me."
"Of course. Rest well, Gabriel."
She curtsied—and disappeared in a flash of holy light.
As she left, Michael exhaled a quiet sigh.
'You sounded like you wished his home was here… little sister.'
A knowing smile tugged at his lips. But soon, he turned and walked back toward the Seventh Heaven.
'In time… perhaps you may become his "home" as well, sister.'
Beyond his wish to have Yuuji help Heaven, Michael also sincerely wished for her sister's wish to come true as well.
But that would need time.
For now, he had other more pressing matters to attend.
He was eager to review the notes Yuuji had given him—to see Heaven's System with fresh eyes. With hope. With possibilities.
--------------------------------X--------------------------------
The moment Yuuji stepped out of the whirling darkness of the [Gate], he was immediately met with a warm, soft impact.
"Darling~! Welcome home~!"
Aika launched herself into him like a missile of love, and Yuuji instinctively caught her.
Her legs wrapped around his waist, her arms around his neck—her entire body pressed flush against his. The warmth of her breasts flattened against his chest, her scent drifting into him like a wave of sweetness he could drown in.
Their lips met instantly—no hesitation, no words needed.
Aika kissed him with the joy of someone who had counted every minute of his absence.
Yuuji's arms tightened around her slender waist, feeling her tremble happily in his hold.
When they finally separated, she was smiling with that bright, slightly mischievous smile only she had.
"Aika, you surprised me. I thought you were with Erika and the others."
It was already late—past dinner, past bath time. Yuuji had assumed the girls would be together in the hotsprings or Aika's room, chatting, teasing each other, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening.
But Aika… was here.
"Hehe~ I had a feeling you'd be back soon, so I sneaked out and waited!" she said proudly, rubbing her cheek against his like an affectionate cat.
"I missed you a lot, darling~"
"You… You could've told me. I would've returned immediately."
He pressed a gentle kiss onto the top of her head, and Aika let out a soft, happy giggle.
"Nn. It's fine," she whispered, tightening her hug. "I know you were doing something important."
Her small form melted into him, and Yuuji held her even closer—close enough to feel her heartbeat thump against his own.
"I love you," he murmured.
"I love you too, darling."
Just like that, the fatigue that clung to his mind since Heaven lifted.
Aika always did this—washing his exhaustion away just by holding him, grounding him while simultaneously lifting him off the earth.
Her love was overwhelming. Her love was an anchor. Her love was a storm.
And he wouldn't trade it for the world.
"Darling! Let's go inside!" Aika said brightly, pulling back only enough to look into his eyes.
"Shuri-san has been waiting to see you again! And Rias also couldn't wait to have a sleepless, sloppy, sexy orgy with Erika, Albedo, C.C., and us~!"
Yuuji sighed helplessly, already imagining the chaos she was ready to unleash.
"I'm pretty sure she didn't say that. But… alright. Let's go."
"Fufufu~ You know it'll happen~ Or rather…"
She leaned in until her lips brushed his ear.
"I'll be making it happen~"
"…Don't go too far," he warned lightly—and gave her butt a gentle pinch.
Aika jolted adorably.
"Hyaan~! D-Darling, too soon~ Fufufu~ You're so impatient~"
Yuuji exhaled deeply.
"Hah…"
Aika slipped her fingers through his, tugging him toward the house with a grin that promised mischief, affection, and everything in between.
"Hey hey, darling~?"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
Yuuji softly leaned his head onto Aika's as she hugged his arm tightly, walking arm through the massive serene courtyard under the beautiful night sky.
"Erika and I had a discussion before… You know how we planned on turning Xenovia-chan into a succubus? You know, so she could be stronger and make love with you?"
"...Yes."
Yuuji didn't expect her to talk about having another girl make love with him while they're on this romantic little walk, a private time just the two of them while they walked the distance from the courtyard to the main estate building.
"You see, we thought of something. Wouldn't it be a shame if Xenovia-chan can't wield her holy sword anymore because she turned into a succubus?"
Yuuji nodded.
"It is a shame."
"That's where we thought of an idea!" Aika looked up to him, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Don't you have the skill to turn someone into an angel or a devil? You can just turn Xenovia-chan to an angel!"
"I see… That could be a way. But still, it depends on Xenovia if she wishes to become an angel or not. Moreover…"
Yuuji looked up to the night sky, as if seeing something beyond the starry night sky. His mind recalling the beautiful night sky of Heaven.
"If we do it, we have to keep it as an absolute secret. At least until the Underworld and Heaven could find a way to repopulate naturally. Else, they will either rely on me or pester me to study my magic, even though it's not something that can be taught."
Yuuji's ability to turn a being into an angel or a devil stemmed from his race, [Descendant of the First Light]. Moreover, it didn't only turn someone into an angel or a devil.
His ability also gave them the Blessings of the First Light, Protection of the World, immense magical capabilities, longevity, and many more. He'd only give such tremendous blessings and power to those he trusted.
Aika, understanding his concern, smiled brightly.
"Of course~! Fufu~ Wouldn't want anyone to take even more of my hubby's time away from me~"
Led by—no, pulled along by—a very enthusiastic Aika, Yuuji finally stepped through the doors of his estate.
Warmth greeted him immediately.
The moment he crossed the threshold, he was met with the smiling faces of the people he cherished most. His family. His companions. His precious bonds.
Aika stood proudly at his side, still clinging to his arm like a satisfied cat marking her territory.
Erika was waving with her usual boldness. C.C. offered a serene nod from the sofa.
Albedo's golden eyes glittered with devotion. Semiramis lounged elegantly nearby, holding a goblet of wine with queenly poise.
Rias and Akeno approached as a pair—one with aristocratic grace, the other with sultry warmth. Koneko peeked from behind them, quietly munching a snack.
Xenovia straightened as if she had sensed him even before he entered. Shuri greeted him with motherly gentleness and a soft, proud smile.
Satoru waved at him from his seat. Tatsuya offered a respectful nod, while Lelouch observed quietly from the corner of the room, sharp violet eyes softening just slightly in greeting.
Home. This was home.
And as Yuuji took in the sight of them—each so different, so vibrant, so alive—his resolve strengthened.
The determination he carried since the moment he arrived in this world surged anew, stronger and clearer than ever.
He would protect them. All of them.
Just as each of them had changed his life—giving him joy, purpose, warmth, and love—he would carve out a future where they could laugh freely, grow without fear, and live their days in peace and happiness.
A tomorrow where nothing would ever threaten them again.
Aika squeezed his hand as if sensing the shift in his heart. Yuuji squeezed back.
And so, surrounded by those he treasured, the night deepened softly… and the long-awaited day of the second Tri-Summit Meeting drew steadily closer.
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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
Also, if you'd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon.com/verglasx ~!
Thank you~!