Kato Megumi received Izumi's invitation—And of course, she refused without hesitation.
Live at his house?Move in with him?That was practically the same as walking straight into a wolf's den.A buy-one-get-one wolf's den, even.
She wanted to caution Asia—to warn her not to go, to be careful of this guy, because he might devour her clean and whole.
But after thinking it through… she swallowed the words.
She had no right to stop Asia.
Unless she brought Asia to her house instead?But her parents were home, and her family wasn't well-off to begin with.Bringing home a girl to feed and house without explanation…
It simply wasn't realistic.
So in the end, she could only leave it to Izumi.
Yes… she would trust him.Just this once.
Seeing Megumi fall silent, Izumi couldn't help letting a faint smile appear.
If Megumi wanted to live with him too, he would welcome her with both arms wide open.His house was large—absurdly large.The system had been strangely generous on that point.
Almost as if it wanted him to get into trouble.
With the night already late, Izumi insisted on walking Megumi home.After all, it was because of him that things dragged on so long.
When they reached her place, the house lights were off.
Izumi realized her parents weren't home yet.
At the doorway, Megumi turned back and spoke quietly:
"This is far enough. You should head back, Izumi-kun.""I'll come to your house tomorrow."
As she spoke, she locked eyes with him—A silent threat unmistakably clear:
If you dare do anything weird to Asia tonight… I will call the police.
Izumi felt the corner of his mouth twitch.He understood her perfectly.
"Relax, I'm not going to do anything.""We're very pure people here. Don't assume I'm that kind of guy."
Megumi looked at him with a face that said:If you're 'pure', then this world has no villains.
But she said nothing more.After waving to both Izumi and Asia, she entered the house and closed the door.
Izumi exhaled and turned to Asia.
Her cheeks were noticeably red.
She wasn't naïve.She understood exactly what Megumi had implied.
Izumi might… do something to her.
And if it was Izumi-kun…Maybe she wouldn't mind…?
He had saved her.He was her only support now.Her affection toward him was already far too high.
Izumi noticed her drifting gaze and pink cheeks and felt a headache coming.
Don't tell me she's actually thinking about that kind of development…
He gently patted her head.
"Asia, let's go."
With that, he turned and walked ahead.Asia hurried after him, holding her hands to her chest.
Staring at his back, she whispered:
"…Izumi-kun… thank you.""If not for you, today I…"
Izumi smiled, light and casual.
"It's fine.""Don't dwell on it. It's all over now.""From now on, look forward to your new life.""You'll be the healer in my party—our cleric, or as they say, our 'white mage'.""Tomorrow I'll ask that devil princess to make you new identity papers and help you with school enrollment."
Asia didn't miss the implications.Her entire past—documents, belongings… everything—had burned away.
Thanks to him blowing up the entire church.
Even her clothes were gone.
She nodded quietly.As he said—she had to start over.
She could never return to the Church.She no longer even had the essentials to survive.
If Izumi hadn't saved her and taken her in…She would've either ended up sleeping on the streets or dead.
Her gratitude toward him only deepened.
Fortunately, Megumi lived close by, so after a short while Izumi and Asia reached his home.
Asia looked around curiously.This was where she would be living now.
Izumi spoke as he put down his keys:
"Asia, rest a bit first. I'll go prepare your room.""If you want to bathe, go ahead. But… you don't have a change of clothes, right?"
Asia's face instantly turned crimson.
Her nun's outfit was dirty, torn, and embarrassing.
After hesitating, she said in a tiny voice:
"Um… Izumi-kun's clothes would be okay."
Izumi nodded calmly.
"I'll bring some down in a moment. You can go in first.""Tomorrow when Megumi comes, she can help you buy new clothes."
Leaving those words behind, he went upstairs.Asia remained alone in the living room.
The moment he disappeared up the stairs—
Her face exploded with heat.
She had actually said something like that…To a boy she'd only met today?!
Covering her burning cheeks, she slipped into the bathroom.
The dirt, ash, dried tears, and fear clinging to her from earlier—She desperately wanted to wash them away.
Upstairs, Izumi chose a clean outfit and placed it neatly at the bathroom door.
"Clothes are here. Just take them when you're done.""I'll go set up your bed."
Yes, he liked Asia.But he wasn't in a rush.
Gratitude turning into impulsive affection wasn't what he wanted.
He preferred things to develop mutually and naturally—not because he saved her life.
Despite Megumi's suspicions, he considered himself an upright guy.
…Well, he thought so, anyway.
Asia answered from inside with a soft, flustered, "Yes!"
Once Izumi went back upstairs, she peeked out, confirmed no one was there, and snatched the clothes inside with both hands before retreating into the steamy room.
She could only make do for tonight.
Who told Izumi to blow up the entire church anyway?All her belongings had been vaporized by the explosion.
She really had no choice but to borrow his clothes.
But as she brought them close, she noticed the faint scent of detergent.
And suddenly—
Her face became as red as the steam mist surrounding her.
So embarrassing.So, so embarrassing.