Guardian

After Nibekol appeared, Mio and Shizuku immediately realized it was Eve’s doing.

Volcanic walked over to Nibekol.

“Little girl, is your mother Alexander?”

Nibekol looked confused.

“Who’s Alexander? My mom is Kamikoshi Mio Viscount.”

Volcanic glanced at Mio.

“She’s my daughter, but just doesn’t know my identity.”

Nibekol ran over and hugged Mio.

“Mom, come play with me tonight.”

“Okay, but go back to your room for now.”

“Alright!”

And with that, Nibekol left.

“Alexander, can you explain this?”

Mio smiled and said,

“It’s just a child, what’s there to explain?”

“The problem is, a Spirit King has a child.”

“What’s wrong with having offspring? Besides, this is a human body.”

“Then who’s her father?”

“Still me. But she’s a lifeform born from my power, not human or spirit.”

“Then what is she?”

“An unknown lifeform. But she has a nice personality, she could be your friend.”

Beval suddenly had an idea.

“Alexander, how about letting her join the knight order?”

“I’m afraid not. That kid’s personality is a bit too bloodthirsty.”

(She did kill Shido Itsuka over 200 times, after all.)

“What a pity.”

“Let’s all go back for today. The castle still needs rebuilding.”

“Alright.”

A while later, the other Spirit Kings all left. Mio turned to Eve.

“Little An, that surprise was really nice.”

“Glad you liked it. Too bad I could only copy one spirit crystal, sorry.”

“No worries.”

“By the way, I should tell you. An’yue is actually the god of the underworld — a true god. My power was enhanced by her to travel to the Date A Live world.”

Mio smiled a bit.

“Seems we got lucky. An’yue is a good kid too.”

“Let’s go to the room first, she and Rin are waiting.”

Later—

“I’m here!”

“Mom!”

Nibekol ran over and hugged her.

“Good girl. But just call me Mio.”

“Yes!”

An’yue sat on the bed, smiling.

“Hey, Mio, Shizuku, Eve already told you about me, right?”

“Yes.”

“If you need anything in the future, you can rely on me. Same goes for anyone in this castle.”

Then Mio introduced the three of them to everyone, and called everyone over to Alesia, leaving only herself, Shizuku, Rin, Eve, An’yue, and Nibekol behind.

“Little An, are the things ready?”

“All set. Everything’s in my space. I’ll begin.”

The original castle disappeared in an instant, replaced by a much larger structure.

An’yue looked a bit curious.

“This is… a giant villa?”

“Yup. Little Mio, little Shizuku, little Rin, little Nibekol — how do you all like it?”

“It’s nice.”

“Living in a villa is pretty good.”

“I love it.”

“It’s huge!”

“Let me explain: this villa is 4683 square meters, four floors, with front and back yards. The first floor has a living room, bathroom, large bath, shower, kitchen, and dining area. The second floor also has a bathroom. There are plenty of rooms for guests — like those Spirit Kings or others. There’s a library and warehouse on the second floor too. Third and fourth floors are for us. You can choose where to stay.”

An’yue smiled.

“Really nice. But who’s going to clean it? It’s so big.”

“With magic, of course. Not a speck of dust.”

“Good idea. Unlike my house, where people have to clean.”

“Rich family?”

Nibekol asked curiously.

“Sort of.”

But 20 minutes later, Mireya contacted Mio with a scanner.

“Milady.”

“What is it?”

“Akame said their friend in Dragon Country has a business issue. They went to help and won’t be back for a few months.”

“Okay. Also, Mireya, tell everyone the new house is under construction. Let them go have fun outside.”

“Yes!”

“Hmm?”

“What’s up, little An?”

“Someone’s watching us… about 50 meters behind.”

“Bring them here.”

“Sure.”

Eve created a black hole on her right side, reached in, and pulled out a short-haired girl struggling.

“Let me go!”

Mio looked at the girl’s face.

“I remember you. You’re Villey Blanford, a covert knight from the intelligence division.”

“Hello, milady.”

“You thought I wouldn’t notice you spying?”

Villey accepted her fate with a resigned look.

“No wonder you’re the Spirit King… I was ordered by the Empire to observe here.”

Eve let go, then smiled warmly.

“Hey, what’s your country saying now about Luliette?”

“They don’t dare meddle. Especially since she’s with the Spirit King.”

“Knew it. Well, have fun — we’ve got more exciting things here. But stop spying on us. If it were someone else, I’d have punched you already.”

“Thanks for showing mercy.”

“Now scram.”

After Villey ran off, Eve gave an evil smile.

“Cute little tomboy.”

“Little An, what do you mean?”

“She’s cute and has potential. Who knows — maybe she’ll join us one day.”

“Little An, how about calling Luminaris back?”

“Sure.”

An’yue looked up at the sky and said,

“Eve, I want to explore this world a bit. I’ll return in a few days.”

“Start with Dragon Country?”

“Yeah, Akame and Kurome are heading there anyway.”

“Bring souvenirs!”

“Of course.”

An’yue walked off, and Nibekol grabbed Mio’s hand.

“Mio, let’s go eat burgers. I’m hungry.”

“Alright, let’s all go.”

“Sis, will we gain weight from eating too much in this world?”

“Nope. I’ve eaten tons of fast food here and didn’t gain any.”

“That’s good.”

“Mio, come on!”

Seeing Nibekol like that, Mio gave in.

“Let’s go, then.”

Meanwhile, Alexander and Ren were wandering the Elemental Spirit Realm.

“Alexander, it’s been a long time since we came here.”

“Yeah. Even though Mireya and Yugudora are with Est and the others, time’s still dragging.”

“Let’s visit Aiko.”

“Sure. Might as well pass the time.”

“You were oddly happy when Aiko beat you last time.”

“Heh… that was your power anyway.”

“I’d like to test Aiko’s strength in the next Spirit Blade Dance Festival.”

“First, get used to your body. Daily stuff is okay, but I’m not ready for battle.”

“Same here. But Bahamut has started to sense that the sisters might be imposters.”

“No way… they hid it so well. Even the other four Kings didn’t notice.”

“You don’t know — Bahamut has sharp intuition but never speaks.”

“That’s fine. After all, they revived us. We owe them a big debt.”

“Little Mio took on your sins… poor girl.”

“That’s why we’ll protect them as guardians. Eve can’t do it all alone.”

“You wouldn’t have cared back then.”

“True. The old me was heartless — probably because I was so lonely and selfish.”

“Forget the past. We’re not Spirit Kings anymore.”

“Being human isn’t bad. Just… always hungry.”

“Let’s go to Aiko’s — maybe there’s food.”

By 4 p.m., everyone had already returned, but they were still wandering the new house to get used to it.

“Mireya, Yugudora, come here.”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

“You two have a mission tomorrow. Investigate the 12 generals who infiltrated our country.”

“Lady Eve, are we to capture them?”

“No. Just investigate their goal. Don’t alert them.”

Yugudora was thrilled.

“Wonder which ones they are?”

“Rest well today. Be careful tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

“Even though Yugudora alone is enough, the 12 generals wouldn’t send just one person. Mireya’s there for backup.”

Mireya’s expression changed a bit.

“It’s been a while since I had a mission. Good timing.”

“No alerting them! This isn’t a brawl! Report back if anything’s suspicious!”

“Yes!”

“Little An.”

Shizuku walked over.

“Little An, how about building a large light novel library in the capital?”

“Sounds great. I’ve already copied many books. After dinner I’ll scout the terrain. About 100 branches, overseas later.”

“Prioritize Date A Live. The publication and later books were deleted.”

“Okay.”

“Shizuku-sama, are light novels really that good?”

Seeing Yugudora curious, Shizuku responded directly.

“They’re like healing stories. Even your Saint King found them pretty enjoyable.”

“Then once the library is done, I’ll go take a look.”

“If you like them, you can be the manager.”

“Thank you, milady.”

“Power alone isn’t enough. Culture is essential too. Very few in this world can truly master both strength and wisdom.”

At that moment, heavy rain began falling from the sky. Luminaris was walking alone in the forest rain, speaking to herself, her expression filled with sorrow.

“Why her? She was such a good person… is this fate?”

Luminaris looked up at the sky.

“I hope Lord Holy King can resurrect her.”

“Hey!”

A voice came from behind a tree.

“Who!?”

A figure stepped out from behind the tree. Luminarlis widened her eyes and immediately emitted killing intent.

“You should know about the Elf King’s covenant with the world. Even if I severely injured that bug before the covenant and caused her death, you still absolutely can’t kill me.”

Luminarlis’s hair bristled slightly with anger.

“You still dare to speak! You traitor of the Holy Kingdom! If she hadn’t saved you before, you’d have been dead long ago.”

“That’s true, but you haven’t considered the grudges between the Holy Kingdom and many other nations. If you don’t want trouble, you’d better leave early.”

Luminarlis’s gaze sharpened as she drew her sword and pointed it at the other.

“Liada, as captain of the Holy Spirit Knights, I arrest you for treason and will bring you before our lord.”

“Hahaha! Did you forget the covenant?”

“Hmph. Capturing someone without harm is a piece of cake for me. Besides, you’re weaker than me.”

“Is that so?”

Liada instantly rushed to Luminarlis and covered her nose with a cloth.

“Mmm…”

Luminarlis passed out.

“I’m weaker than you, but I’m faster. This sleeping drug is really strong, though it cost me quite a bit.”

Liada unfastened Luminarlis’s clothes, reached into an inner pocket, and pulled out a red gemstone.

“So much for the captain of the Holy Spirit Knights. This dragon stone is finally mine.”

Liada was about to step on Luminarlis’s face—but she couldn’t move.

“Tch, damn covenant. I’d better leave before she wakes up.”

At 9 p.m., someone knocked on the door. Yugudora went to open it.

“Who is it?”

When the door opened, Virei stood there carrying Luminarlis on her back, looking at Yugudora.

“Long time no see, Lulie… no, I should say Yugudora.”

“Come in. Also, what happened to Luminarlis?”

Virei came in and sighed.

“My superior told me to monitor here. Around 6 p.m., I returned and found her unconscious in the forest.”

“And then you brought her here?”

“Yes. If I’d left her, she could’ve died. Also, I was caught once by the Holy King during surveillance, but after a few words, he let me go. I thought I was going to be detained.”

“Thanks. Let’s go to the living room. Our lord is there.”

(No wonder the lord told Mireya and me to do the mission tomorrow—now she’s come here herself and saved us the trouble.)

In the living room, Eve looked at the unconscious Luminarlis and immediately came to take her in her arms. Mio Shizuku also came to check.

“How is it, Xiao An?”

“No external injuries. It should be drug-induced unconsciousness.”

Eve immediately looked at Virei.

“Virei, where exactly did you find her?”

“In the forest outside your country.”

“Thanks. Do you want a reward—money or something else?”

“No need. Helping others is the duty of the Twelve Generals. I dare not claim credit.”

“It’s raining today, so stay the night. Go wash up in the bath. We have plenty of clothes.”

With two Elf Kings present, Virei didn’t dare refuse and had to agree.

“Thank you.”

“Then come with me. Yugudora, go upstairs and inform Mireya that tomorrow’s mission will depend on the situation.”

“Understood.”

Eve then carried Luminarlis to the bathroom, laid her on a platform, and began treatment. Virei took off her clothes and entered the shower. Eve glanced and smiled.

“Virei, you really look like a boy.”

Virei blushed.

“Only look like.”

“Still, thank you for bringing her back. Something bad could’ve happened if she stayed out there.”

“It’s okay. Also, this place is really nice for someone like the Elf King to live in.”

“Of course. If you like, I can gift you a house.”

“No need.”

A minute later, Luminarlis woke up.

“Where is this?”

“You’re awake, Luminarlis.”

“Lord Eve.”

“Everything’s fine now. Virei brought you back.”

Luminarlis suddenly felt something missing from her chest and reached to check.

“Lord, did you see a red gemstone in my clothes?”

“No.”

Luminarlis sat up and looked at Virei.

“Virei, when you found me, did you see a red gemstone or notice anything unusual?”

“No. When I found you, your clothes were already unfastened. There were also lots of new footprints nearby.”

“I see. I will never forgive that woman!”

“What exactly happened?”

Eve’s expression turned serious.

“Here’s what happened…”

Luminarlis then explained everything.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let her escape. As for your friend’s resurrection, it’s not a problem for the Holy King.”

(How strange. I remember the covenant prohibits all killing, war, and plunder. Could it be that the power is weakening?)

“Then I’ll trouble you, lords.”

“Don’t mention it—we’re all family.”

Suddenly, the bathroom door opened and Mireya walked in wrapped in a towel.

“Lord, may I handle Liada?”

“Sure. Just remember to get the item back and give her a beating.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

Mireya tossed the towel aside and entered the bath. Virei also entered.

“Luminarlis, rinse off and come soak. I’ll grab your clothes.”

“Yes!”

After Eve left, Mireya began thinking of how to deal with Liada.

“That elf…”

Virei called out to Mireya.

“I’m human now.”

“Could you give her to me after the beating?”

“What for?”

“She’s a wanted thief in our country. There’s a big bounty for capturing her.”

“Then I could claim the bounty myself.”

“You don’t need the money.”

“We’re still enemies. Don’t forget that.”

“Then I won’t hold back in future competitions.”

“Great. Come at me with everything you’ve got.”

“Um…”

Luminarlis entered the bath after undressing.

“Mireya, a reminder: Liada is very fast. Be careful.”

“No need. When Lord Holy King resurrected me, he enhanced me. I’m now three times the speed of sound.”

“That fast?”

“Yes.”

Mireya turned to Virei.

“How about we split the bounty? I did catch her, after all. I can’t just hand her over for nothing.”

“Fine, but only if you manage to catch her.”

“Mireya, getting that item back takes priority.”

“Just a red gemstone. Is it really that important?”

“It’s a memento from a friend. It’s not valuable, but very important to me.”

“Fine. The old me wouldn’t have been so kind.”

Meanwhile, upstairs in Mio’s room, she was chatting with her two younger sisters.

“Big sis, where should Xiao An rebuild our old house?”

“Hmm… I’ll need to think.”

“Big sis, I think we shouldn’t rush. Let’s find a good place first.”

“You’re right.”

“But big sis, you seem really close with Nibekor and Aeste.”

“Well, we’re all elves.”

“Big sis, big sis… do you think An Yue can turn us back to our original bodies?”

“Not sure. Ask him next time. But I’ve gotten used to the Saint Maiden’s body.”

“Me too… look!”

Shizuku held out her hand and formed a small dark orb.

“Big sis, what’s that?”

“An attack move. It can turn a giant tree to ash instantly.”

Then the orb vanished from her hand.

“As expected from Xiaolian’s body. Once we fully master the Elf King powers, we must use them to protect everyone.”

“Lin, shouldn’t we start calling each other by name? We’re sisters after all.”

“Shizuku’s right. We’ve always treated you as family.”

“Alright, then… Shizuku, Mio, please take care of me again.”

“That’s better!”

“Big sis, Lin, if it doesn’t rain tomorrow, let’s go eat hot pot.”

“Sure!”

“Okay!”

But high above the house, 10,000 meters in the sky, An Yue and Eve were talking in the rain.

“Eve, is this the ideal world you made for the sisters?”

“Yes.”

“Nice. Though it’s raining, I used telepathy to call you out for a final confirmation. I have your memories, but not your intentions.”

“Speak.”

“Are you willing to give up revenge and protect those two sisters?”

“They saved my life. Of course I’ll protect them. As long as your relative doesn’t cause trouble when I return to my original world, it’s fine.”

An Yue smiled—but it wasn’t a kind smile, it was sinister.

“Hahaha… to be honest, for those two, if my own relative hurt them, I’d kill without mercy. After all, I—we—are their guardians. Of course we’ll protect them with all we’ve got.”

“Then let’s do our best in this world together.”

“Sure. But I have an idea.”

The two began discussing.

Fourteen minutes later in the bath, Eve returned with clean clothes for Luminarlis and Virei and placed them nearby.

“Sorry I’m late. Yali called me earlier.”

“It’s alright, my lord.”

“Take your time washing. Mireya will take you to your rooms after.”

“Yes.”

After Eve left, she went straight to the third floor and called Alexander and Lian to Mio’s room, then closed the door.

“What is it?”

Lian looked confused.

“To adjust your bodies. An Yue gave me a new ability.”

Suddenly, Alexander, Lian, Mio, and Shizuku’s bodies glowed and then—

Everyone was shocked.

They had all returned to their original appearances.

Alexander clenched his fist and touched his face.

“Eve, what kind of experiment is this?”

“It’s not really your original body—just an appearance identical to it.”

“Then what about Mio?”

“Mio, what do you think?”

“Still, my own body feels the best. I can finally unleash my full potential.”

“Why do this suddenly?”

“You all were adapting too slowly to the new bodies. I kept the powers but gave you fake bodies that look like your originals. You can switch back with thought. Same for the Elf Kings.”

“I understand.”

Then Eve explained to everyone, including about the Godkin and Elf Kings, via teleportation.

But somewhere else, An Yue was laughing.

“Nice plan. As expected, they still prefer their original bodies. Time to have some real fun!”