…Oh. Anya didn’t know what to say. She shifted down under the covers, about to tuck herself in, but suddenly froze.
Then, she felt embarrassed by her own thoughts again, and the feeling quickly became overwhelming.
“Anya, what’s wrong?” Lirina asked, noticing her strange expression.
…Cough, cough. Anya took a deep breath and locked eyes with Lirina.
Being stared at by those sharp, handsome, yet incredibly beautiful blue-and-gold eyes, Lirina felt her heart race uncontrollably. “Wh-what’s… wrong?”
When she asked, Anya’s eyes quickly looked away.
“…Ugh, it’s just… you see, this morning when I said I couldn’t sleep, you… you just…”
I can’t say it… wanting a bedtime hug…
But if she didn’t, the “sleep with maximum happiness boost” would lose all meaning.
“Oh… you mean… the hug from before… ugh…” Lirina blushed as she understood.
“Mm.” Anya averted her gaze. “…When Lirina hugged me, I felt… some of my happiness return… and at that moment… I thought… maybe I could get another proper hug or something.”
Well. Escaping from Heaven was supposed to be for my happiness—to do what I want.
And this girl in front of her was so gentle, so it would be natural for such a request to be granted. Why should she feel embarrassed?
“Ugh…” Lirina also avoided Anya’s gaze. “So… that’s why… the reason you wanted the compensation of sleeping together tonight?”
“…Mm.” Anya nodded.
“Ugh, well… hehe.” Lirina suddenly laughed.
“Laughing at what?” Anya frowned.
“Nothing…” Lirina stopped laughing and sat up. “Anya, sometimes… you’re surprisingly childish too.”
“What?” Anya grumbled, only for Lirina to lean closer.
Yeah… Anya always gives her happiness to others… an angel who isn’t happy herself…
When her mother was busy, Kasa would hug her. That feeling of being hugged was happiness, especially if it was by someone she liked. That’s probably what “happiness” is.
We’re friends now… so hugging each other shouldn’t be a problem!
Lirina opened her arms and embraced Anya.
“Ugh… so sudd…” Anya began, but quickly fell silent. Her arms instinctively wrapped around Lirina’s back.
The last thing she felt was… Lirina soft, fragrant, and plump. Hugging her was incredibly comfortable. It felt a little strange and embarrassing, but undeniably, her mood had improved.
Earlier at lunch, she almost lost control over her thoughts, but tonight… after such a delicious meal, a relaxing bath, and now hugging Lirina…
I can’t sleep just thinking about it!
…She could clearly feel Lirina’s soft curves pressing against her own meager chest through the pajamas!
…and she could hear Lirina’s breathing calm… asleep.
Carefree and peaceful… how wonderful.
Anya sighed lightly, then smiled.
Well, time to sleep.
“Good night… you succubus…”
From the top of the wardrobe, Kasa appeared—her raven eyes glinting even in the dark. She wasn’t looking at the two cute girls on the bed but instead at the window.
With a flap of her wings, she passed through the wall.
“Time to return to human form, Reese.” Ivak said. Reese obeyed; her enormous dragon body glowed white and began shrinking, shifting into human form. The light faded, and Reese was fully human again.
Ivak’s black-gray flame expanded and took human shape. The two floated through the air, about to continue forward, when Ivak’s expression suddenly changed.
Reese started to speak, but Ivak pulled her behind him. His left hand manifested a golden staff and swung with incredible speed. Several clang sounds echoed—black crow feathers fell to the ground.
“…I didn’t expect that.” Ivak muttered, half-smile, half-sigh. “Still unharmed, Miss Kasa.”
Above, in the night sky, a figure hovered. Dressed in a black feathered coat over a white shirt, tight black pants with metal rings, and long boots with metal soles, she looked to be in her twenties but had an aura far beyond her years—deep, commanding, and intimidating. Her black eyes glinted with anger as she fixed her gaze on Ivak.
“…Mr. Ivak?” Reese tugged at his sleeve.
“It’s fine, Reese. Don’t speak.” Ivak patted her head, then looked at the woman above. “Miss Kasa, that’s a cold way to respond to a greeting, isn’t it?”
“To someone like you, that’s already generous, Ivak.” She said sharply—this was Lirina’s crow, Kasa speaking!?
“Even to an old friend, that’s cold,” Ivak replied, raising his staff to block more feathered projectiles. “I haven’t done anything—attacking me like this, you must be reluctant too.”
“You dare enter my little princess’s territory. As her guardian, if I don’t attack you, am I supposed to welcome you? Former strongest void being, Ivak Vuraen.” Kasa ground her teeth.
“Ah, don’t call me that… really, don’t. I’d be upset.” Ivak frowned, but his faintly smiling expression didn’t change.
Tch. Kasa instinctively took a half-step back—she knew fully engaging him would be impossible—but as a guardian, her priority was protecting the princess at all costs.
Should I call Lady Naliena now? she thought. But better to see what he wants first.
“Don’t worry, I’m not here for your little princess. I didn’t even know she was your Lady Hayur’s daughter—my apologies. I also didn’t expect Kasa, the strongest warrior of the crow demons, to serve as the succubus queen’s princess’s guardian.” Ivak waved his hand.
“That’s none of your business,” Kasa said. “I live as I choose.”
“Good luck with your Lady Hayur. I was asked to keep an eye on her daughter,” Ivak smiled, ignoring Kasa’s flushed face.
“…What do you mean?” Kasa frowned.
“Literal meaning.” Ivak shrugged. “I sensed her daughter there, thought I’d check in. Then you appeared, shooting crow-feather arrows… frustrating, right?”
“You mean… Anya?” Kasa asked.
“Yes. Anya Harts. Daughter of Moaler Harts, the archangel of blessings from Heaven. He asked me to protect her from being found by Heaven.”
“…I’m not hearing things, right?” Kasa frowned. “You, someone so powerful, taking orders from him?”
“Long story… we can discuss it later if you have time.” Ivak smiled.
“No time. If you plan to take the angel girl, fine.” Kasa’s frown deepened.
Anya’s nature is good… and she’s bonded well with Lirina. I can see that.
Her words now were strategic—because Ivak’s intentions were unclear.
“Alright then,” Ivak sighed. “It’s been hundreds of years… I’ve always wanted to see how the things I sold you back then worked… oh.”
Ivak grabbed Reese and used void traversal magic to avoid the crow-feathers. The feathers whistled sharply as they cut through the air.
“Looks like they weren’t effective… hmm… I stopped making those things later, and didn't understand… oh!”
“Alright, enough. I don’t do that anymore. I’m only here for Miss Harts. Please believe me. I have no quarrel with Lady Hayur.”
“…The little princess and the angel girl are asleep. Better not disturb them,” Kasa said, blushing. “I’ll reconsider… we’ll talk somewhere else. I want to hear what you’ve done these years, Ivak.”
“Stop calling me that… seriously,” Ivak said, rubbing his head.
“This is for your rude words earlier,” Kasa gritted her teeth.
“Oh…”
The three landed on the ground, searching for a late-night tavern.
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