Chapter 204: A Promise That Binds Love
As the past that Ikaros had suppressed deep in her heart for many years was finally spoken aloud, the tears at the corners of her eyes could no longer be restrained and began to stream down endlessly,
The smile she had forced at the beginning could no longer be maintained. She tightly hugged Franklin,
"I don't understand. I really don't understand, Master. What was the purpose of my creation? Was it really just for killing? If that's the case, I'd rather never have been born."
Gently patting Ikaros's back, helping her ease the emotions she had long suppressed,
At this moment, Franklin didn't know how to comfort her either, but as her master—and as her family—whether he could successfully comfort her or not, trying was the only right thing to do,
After taking a soft breath, Franklin spoke solemnly, "Ikaros, I can't change the past,
I could help you erase these memories, but doing so would be meaningless. No matter how much is said, it would just be empty words,
As your current master, and also as your family, what I can do is grasp the present and create a better future together with you,
The sins of the Sky Lord—I will help you settle accounts with him one day. Not only your painful memories, but Nymph's painful memories as well. All of these are his crimes."
Franklin's words instantly drew the attention of Nymph and Astraea. Ikaros also stopped the tears that had been flowing endlessly and lifted her head to look at Franklin,
Seeing this, Franklin didn't bother with further buildup. He slightly pulled back, looking directly into Ikaros's somewhat reddened eyes,
"Ikaros, now I'll properly answer the question you just asked. I don't know the purpose Daedalus had when she created you,
But I know very clearly what value you have to me now. No matter what you did in the past, the you of today is my family, one of my spiritual pillars,
I like you. I like everything about you. When I see you sad, I feel it too. I want you to be happy and joyful every day by my side,
Ikaros, I hope to create better memories with you in the future, to search for the true meaning of life together. Please entrust your future to me."
When Franklin finished speaking, Ikaros stared at him blankly. After a long while, she gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes,
"Master, what nonsense are you talking about? My future wasn't it already entrusted to Master long ago?"
That gradually emerging, perfect smile made Franklin's heart flutter, but he wasn't very satisfied with such an answer,
Still, this was already very good. At least Ikaros had temporarily escaped the oppression of her guilt over the past,
Gently hugging Ikaros, Franklin didn't push further. This was fine for now.
Just as he was thinking this, two gazes filled with deep resentment landed on him, causing a cold sweat to appear on Franklin's forehead,
Gently letting go of Ikaros, Franklin coughed lightly and walked straight up to Nymph,
"Miss Nymph as well—please take care of me in the future."
Seeing Franklin's shameless maneuver, the little angel Nymph immediately turned her head away and ignored him,
"No sincerity, no heartfelt intent. Do you really think I'd be moved by a few words like Ikaros? Keep dreaming."
Looking at her expression that clearly said she wouldn't agree unless he coaxed her properly,
Franklin coughed lightly and very straightforwardly dropped to one knee. Illusory World Genesis activated instantly, and a blue diamond ring took shape in an instant,
Inside the ring was a protective formation that would activate when attacked. Its strength was enough to directly withstand his full-power strike even while burning his life force,
"Little Angel Nymph, I love you. In the future, please walk forward together with me and create beautiful memories."
Franklin's decisive action left Nymph stunned. Despite being his master, he was kneeling before her, an artificial angel wearing a collar. For a moment, Nymph couldn't even react,
Only when Franklin smiled and repeated those words once more did Nymph come back to her senses. Her face flushed slightly, but her mouth remained stubborn,
"Hmph. A little trick Blue Star boys use to woo girls. I've seen plenty while searching information. Completely unoriginal."
Despite saying that, her right hand had already been extended toward Franklin, "Saying no with your mouth, but your body is very honest."
Before she could regret it, Franklin had already slipped the blue diamond ring onto her right ring finger and locked it in place,
Nymph's cheeks instantly puffed up, "Master, you bastard. Next time, I definitely won't agree this easily."
Smiling, Franklin rubbed her head. At that moment, Astraea could no longer hold back and directly shoved Nymph aside. If not for her wings stabilizing her, Nymph would have fallen flat on the ground,
"Master, me too, me too, me too! I don't want a diamond ring, and I don't want Master's praise either,
As long as Master makes sure I'm always well fed in the future, I'll definitely stay happy forever. Then Master will be happy too, right?"
Looking at Astraea's expectant expression, Franklin also reached out and patted her head, then manifested a golden diamond ring,
Within it was a strand of Franklin's spiritual will. When necessary, it could activate and guide Astraea toward the correct choice,
After confirming there would be no issues, Franklin gently placed the ring on Astraea's right ring finger,
"As long as this ring is there, whatever you want to eat, I'll make it for you. But it's limited to three meals a day, three dishes per meal."
As soon as those words were spoken, Astraea's eyes lit up instantly. She pounced forward and clung tightly to Franklin like an octopus,
"Master, I love you. I love you the most. I'll never be able to leave you for the rest of my life."
"I love you too. This ring is the proof. Don't lose it."
"Don't worry, Master. As long as I'm alive, the ring lives. Even if I die, the ring won't."
Seeing Astraea's serious expression, Franklin smiled and pulled her off himself, settling her properly,
"It's not that serious. If the ring breaks, it breaks. As long as there's a proper reason, I can give you a new one."
Faced with that statement, Astraea immediately shook her head,
"The first one is the most precious. Any replacement is trash."
That unexpectedly sharp remark left Franklin momentarily stunned. He really hadn't expected Astraea to have such an understanding,
"Then I'll leave it to you, Astraea, to take good care of this ring. This is the bond between us."
"Master, rest assured. I'll take good care of it."
As expected, Astraea was the easiest to appease. The last confession required no effort at all.
Just as he finished that thought, Franklin felt Ikaros's somewhat expectant gaze from behind. He didn't hesitate in the slightest. Illusory World Genesis activated once more, and a pink-and-white diamond ring instantly formed,
Inside the ring, a strand of Franklin's spiritual will was hidden as well. Only when the time came would the words sealed within be released,
Facing Ikaros's eyes filled with anticipation, Franklin knelt on one knee,
"I love you, Ikaros. May I give you this ring that represents my love?"
He raised his left hand upward, lowered his head, and closed his eyes as he waited. When he felt a hand rest on his palm, Franklin slowly lifted his head,
"I'm willing. As long as I can stay by Master's side, I'm willing no matter what."
With a smile, Franklin gently put the ring on Ikaros's finger. Then, supported by Ikaros, he stood up.
Looking at the three girls surrounding him, at the rings on their hands, Franklin bowed slightly to them and said, "Please take care of me in the future."
"Master too. Please take care of us in the future."