"Hello, I'm Raven Eltharion."
Raven introduced himself with a wry smile.
"W-What's your relationship with her?"
A beastman woman gave him a strange look.
Relationship?
Raven smirked slightly, then suddenly reached out and gently grabbed Ryuu's soft, slender hand.
"This is our relationship."
The unexpected hand-holding made Ryuu's eyes widen slightly.
"…R-Raven?"
She didn't resist or pull away. Instead, a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
"UWAAAAAAHHHHHH?!"
"A handsome guy and an elf just held hands?!"
"How dare you show off in front of us who've been single for eternity?!"
"Unforgivable! Are you seriously one of those annoying lovebirds?!"
"What happened to pure, aloof, and chaste elves?! She's just a shameless fairy, wailing like a flirt!"
"I'll destroy you!"
Seeing Raven and Ryuu's fingers interlocked sent Cecil into a semi-deranged state.
Letting out a long wail, she angrily raised her fists and charged forward.
Ryuu didn't dodge.
Nor did she fight back—she simply accepted the incoming punches from the blue-haired girl.
After all, she did feel guilty for abandoning Goddess Astraea back then.
Raven silently shook his head and raised his free hand to block the soft punches for Ryuu.
"Easy there. Let's talk this out."
At the same time—
The other girls quickly rushed in to grab Cecil before things got too heated.
"D-Don't be reckless, Cecil, stop!"
"Someone restrain her—!"
No doubt about it—
Ryuu's juniors were all extremely lively and adorable.
"What's wrong, Cecil?"
A tall, elegant woman approached with a warm smile.
The rowdy group of girls at the door immediately froze and toned down their behavior.
"L-Lady Astraea, it's Ryuu-senpai. She… she's back."
The proud beastman girl turned to explain.
"Ryuu~?"
The goddess's voice was as soft as a feather, full of gentle warmth.
Raven finally turned his full gaze toward the goddess of justice.
Though she appeared youthful, her beauty even surpassed that of Ryuu, an elf.
The air around her was gentle, upright, and noble.
Her walnut-brown hair was elegantly tied at the back of her head.
Her delicate eyes shone with a deep, starlit blue—clearer than Ryuu's sky-blue irises.
She was the embodiment of femininity: graceful curves, serene beauty.
Even the twin peaks on her chest, which carved out a deep valley, were enough to enchant anyone.
She wore a modest, full-length white fishtail dress, giving her the air of a pure and noble lady.
Her words and actions exuded chastity, dignity, and grace.
The faint divine aura she gave off told Raven that this was no ordinary being.
She was the very definition of a goddess.
Indeed—
Astraea was the epitome of purity, righteousness, and beauty.
"Lady Astraea, hello. I'm Raven Eltharion."
Raven responded politely to her examining gaze with a proper self-introduction.
"…Lady Astraea."
Ryuu quickly let go of Raven's hand, eyes downcast, and whispered her name.
"Oh my, oh my… Ryuu, it's been so long. I'm so happy to see you again."
"And Raven, welcome."
With a smile as if she saw through everything, Astraea warmly greeted them.
"Ryuu, Raven, everyone—come inside, let's talk."
Raven shifted his gaze from her mesmerizing chest and followed the warm-hearted goddess inside.
Astraea hadn't recruited many new members—just these five lovely girls.
Their base wasn't very grand—much smaller than the Twilight Manor.
The main hall looked modestly furnished, with few valuables.
Of course—
If Alise and the others were still here, their Familia would've definitely been ranked S-class.
Its size could've even surpassed the current Ganesha Familia.
…
Once everyone was seated on the sofas—
Cecil approached the tea table and took the initiative to brew tea.
"Senpai, Mr. Raven—please have some tea."
"Thank you."
Raven accepted the teacup with both hands.
"Thank you."
Ryuu took a sip. The floral tea tasted nice.
"I'll go ahead and introduce myself. I'm Cecil, the captain of our Familia."
It was nearing sunset.
To welcome Raven and Ryuu, Astraea decided to host a small welcoming dinner.
She asked the other girls to head to the kitchen and prepare a hearty meal.
"…Ryuu, now that you've come to see me, does that mean your journey has come to an end?"
Astraea still wore her gentle smile.
"Yes, the long-stalled journey of justice has finally reached its conclusion."
Ryuu lifted her eyes, filled with determination.
"I've found my answer, thanks to Alise, Syr, and the others…"
"And also…"
She paused for a moment.
Then slowly turned to look at Raven.
"…Thanks to him."
Next—
Ryuu began explaining everything about Raven to Astraea in detail.
The atmosphere…
It was almost like introducing her boyfriend to her mother-in-law for the first time.
"Thank you, Raven—for becoming the guiding star in Ryuu's life."
Astraea sincerely expressed her gratitude.
"Ahaha…"
Raven froze up awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.
"Oh, right!"
"Lady Astraea, let me show you my rare magic."
It was time—
To let Alise, Kaguya, and Lyra come out and greet their goddess.
"Magic?"
Cecil looked confused.
Astraea, too, was curious.
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