A week had passed since then.
The time had come for me to leave the cabin—or rather, the Lepothesia Forest—where indescribable and tremendous stimulation lingered like a scar.
It wasn't that my relationship with Demeter had worsened. Well… it was still the worst, but at least it hadn't reached the point where our marital bond was severed.
The reason I was leaving the Great Forest was to visit another one of my wives.
After the Great Holy War ended, unlike Nawan, who had achieved the final goal of defeating the Demon King and had retreated into semi-seclusion, my wives were still actively working to restore the continent. Just as Demeter oversaw the Great Lepothesia Forest, the other goddesses were diligently aiding humanity's revival in different regions.
Since my wives were so busy, finding personal time with them was difficult. As their husband, it became my routine to take turns visiting them. If I stayed too long with one, the others might grow jealous, so now was the right time to depart.
"It's a shame I won't be able to see you for a while."
On the day I prepared to leave, lacing up my shoes by the front door, Richard, who had come to see me off, suddenly spoke those words.
"I'll contact you occasionally."
"Ah, yes… thank you."
"You're welcome."
Richard's smile seemed brighter than usual as he shrugged. His arm was wrapped around Demeter's waist, pulling her close. She stood beside him with a subdued expression, surrendering to his touch, her hands clasped neatly in front of her. Considering the various… activities they had engaged in, a simple embrace like this was nothing to her now.
"…Then, I leave her in your care."
With those final words, I opened the door and stepped outside. We had agreed the previous day that Richard and Demeter's relationship would continue even after my departure. Though Demeter had initially resisted, she had reluctantly consented. I had reminded Richard once more—never to push her beyond what she could truly tolerate.
"Take care, Ion…"
Demeter's voice was soft but gentle as she bid me farewell, left alone with the man she had married. Even after suffering unimaginable shame because of me, she still cared for me—her husband. Her kindness made my heart ache with guilt.
"Yeah… see you later."
I left without daring to meet her eyes. The forest, which I wouldn't see for a while, seemed more beautiful than usual—as if the sky itself was welcoming my departure.
"Ugh~!!"
A faint, pleasure-filled moan drifted from the cabin behind me. It was a sound she had clearly been holding back for some time. My steps faltered for a moment, but I forced myself to keep walking.
Yet, I couldn't stop my body from reacting.
As the familiar cries from the cabin grew louder, so did the heat in my crotch.
Magic City Krezel
My destination after leaving the forest was a bustling metropolis not far from Lepothesia.
The Magic City of Krezel.
Like the Great Forest, it was ruled by one of the five goddesses and was considered the most prosperous city in the Holy Age. Though similar in size to Lepothesia, its population was three or four times larger. If I, the legendary hero, entered openly, the city would erupt in chaos. So, I disguised myself and slipped in unnoticed.
Krezel had grown even more since my last visit. Towering buildings now dominated the skyline, and the streets were filled with people wearing bright expressions. True to its name, Krezel was the pinnacle of magical advancement on the continent. Wizards in conical hats or wielding ornate staves were everywhere, casually casting spells as they went about their day.
This was the city where every aspiring mage dreamed of studying.
And all of its glory was owed to a single goddess.
"Aaaaah!!"
A sudden scream tore through the air.
At the same time, a thunderous crash echoed, followed by billowing black smoke. Something massive was moving within it.
"W-What is that?!"
"Run! It's a golem!!"
Panic erupted as the monster's form became clear.
A golem? Here?
Golems were mountain-dwelling monsters—ones that even Ion Rayhard had struggled against in the early days of Pure Love Fantasy. Towering as tall as a house, their strength was said to rival an entire battalion of the Demon King's army.
"Stop it before it reaches the city!"
"I-It's no use! Our attacks aren't working!"
The city's defensive mages unleashed a barrage of spells, but the golem shrugged them off effortlessly. Magic resistance was one of its defining traits.
The mages collapsed like fallen leaves under a single swing of the golem's arm.
It was a hopeless fight—like a puppy trying to take down an elephant.
The golem lumbered forward, heading straight for a crowded district. If it wasn't stopped, this would become a full-blown catastrophe.
Cold sweat dripped down my back as I hesitated.
Ion Rayhard, at his peak, could easily defeat a golem… but I'm not him.
I was just Lee Jin-woo, an ordinary man possessing Ion's body. I'd never been in a real battle since arriving in this world. If I stepped in and failed—or worse, if my identity was exposed—it would be game over.
Just as I was about to retreat—
"Pathetic."
A voice, dripping with disdain, cut through the chaos.
At the same moment, the golem's leg exploded.
Pop.
The monster, unfazed by the mages' attacks, now wobbled before crashing to one knee.
"To struggle against this."
The voice was intoxicating—smooth yet commanding.
Everyone, including me, looked up.
There, lounging elegantly in midair as if sitting on an invisible throne, was a woman.
Long silver hair, gleaming like molten platinum.
A black qipao, revealing tantalizing glimpses of flawless skin.
High heels dangling carelessly from one hand, their sharp stiletto tips glinting.
And above all, a beauty so surreal it seemed to defy the world itself.
Even as she regarded the building-sized monster, her expression remained one of lazy amusement.
"Thanatos!"
Someone in the crowd shouted her name—the Goddess of the Magic City.
The citizens, momentarily entranced by her beauty, erupted into cheers.
"Thanatos is here!"
"We're saved!"
Thanatos spared them only a glance before turning back to the golem.
The monster swung a massive fist toward her—
Kwaaaaang!!
With a flick of her wrist, the iron wire in her hand lashed out.
The golem detonated instantly.
No matter its magic resistance, it stood no chance.
She was the strongest archmage on the continent.
"Woooo!!"
The crowd roared in relief and admiration.
I joined in half-heartedly, still scanning the sky for her.
But—
"Huh?"
She was gone.
Before I could react—
"Whose~?"
A pair of soft hands covered my eyes from behind.
A voluptuous body pressed against my back.
Her breath tickled my ear as she whispered, playful yet deadly.
I swallowed hard, recognizing the intoxicating scent.
"Thanatos…"