Seeing Asia on the verge of breaking down, Mio, Yuki Suou, and Maria all held their tongues. Everyone quietly watched Takumi and chose to listen.
Takumi gently rubbed Asia's back and said in a low voice, "I know it all, Asia. I know."
"Takumi-san~~" Held in his steady, gentle gaze, tear tracks bloomed across Asia's cheeks—one after another, falling in quiet beads.
She sobbed as she told the story of a saint.
A little girl was born somewhere in Europe—abandoned the moment she came into the world. Left at a church-orphanage, she grew up among other orphans, raised by nuns. From childhood she was devout.
At eight years old, a power settled within her. After she used it to heal a puppy, people connected to the Catholic Church saw it—and her life changed. The girl with the healing gift became a saint. Her will was ignored; no one became her friend. Behind her back, people treated her power like that of a different species—as if she weren't human, but a creature that can heal humans.
Until one day… she healed a devil. When this was discovered, everything flipped. She was labeled heretic, witch, and was ultimately expelled by the Church.
"It must be that I didn't pray hard enough. I'm a bit slow, too—I can't even find my way on my own. I'm such an idiot." Asia smiled as she wiped her tears.
"This is also the Lord's test for me, because I'm an unqualified sister. But I believe I'll make lots of friends someday. I have a little dream… to buy flowers with friends, to buy books… to chat together…"
Telling it all, the pain and the wish she'd carried too long finally spilled out; it had nearly crushed her. Mio and Yuki glanced at Takumi, urging him with their eyes.
He didn't need the signal. Before they even looked over, his fingers closed around Asia's small hand. "Asia, don't you consider me your friend?"
"Eh! Takumi-san, n-no, how could I be worthy—"
"There's no worthy or not. You're already my friend, Asia. If you don't understand something, I'll teach you. If you want to buy flowers, buy books, chat—I and everyone here will keep you company. And that church is already mine. If you're going there to take up the post, then you're my sister now. Strictly speaking, you're already one of my people~"
Asia's tears surged anew—but now they weren't from sorrow. "Takumi-san, will you really be my friend?"
"More than that—I'd like to be something above friends, too. But for now, yes. I'm happy to be. From today on, Asia, this is your home as well."
He stroked her cheek and wiped the tears away. Asia smiled like sunshine and threw herself into his arms. Having suffered discrimination, blame, and scolding, she could feel it clearly—every word he spoke was true.
Sensing the mood had softened, Yuki chimed in. "Asia, if you're onii-chan's friend, you're my friend too. I've got some fun things in my room—come try them later!"
"Eh!" Mio yelped, staring at Yuki in disbelief. Fun things? For a nun? She'd almost died of embarrassment playing them herself.
"Shoo, shoo—Yuki, don't corrupt Asia." Takumi gave Yuki a look. The stuff in her room was, nine times out of ten, eroge.
From his embrace, Asia looked up, cheeks rosy. "It's all right, Takumi-san. Even if it's something new, I'll try my best to learn."
"…Sigh. There's no good way to explain this." Looking at Asia's innocence, Takumi couldn't form the words.
Yuki helpfully added, "Actually, I have nun-themed games, too. Asia will definitely get it."
…Nun route eroge, huh. Takumi grumbled inwardly and let it slide; there was no stopping them.
After soothing Asia, Takumi briefly explained his side job. "I'm an exorcist, too—just not Church or stray. I'm a free agent. The church is one of my bases. That means your position is basically my assistant."
Asia blinked her clear eyes for a long moment, then whispered, "So… Takumi-san is the priest, and I'm your sister, right?"
Takumi nodded. "You can think of it that way."
"That's great. Being with you makes me really happy!" Asia's smile bloomed. Soon she was chatting comfortably with Yuki, Mio, and even Maria.
Curious about Asia's Sacred Gear, they asked to see it; Asia didn't hide it and gave them a demonstration. Gasps went around the room, faces alight with shock and wonder.
Afterward, Yuki tugged Asia to her room to play her treasured "Fall of the Nun." The plot was simple: a new priest arrives at a convent, then little stories unfold with mature and lively sisters…
Takumi didn't know the specifics; he only caught some very not-wholesome sounds. In any case, when Asia re-emerged and saw him, her face turned scarlet and she bolted back into the room.
"I'm not actually a priest, you know! No, I need to inspect Yuki's room later and see what's in that game."
Muttering, Takumi returned to his room, pulled out his phone, and sent a string of messages. Seconds later, a reply came back. He glanced out the window, slipped out with practiced ease, and reached the house next door.
Before long, the door opened. Kayoko, in a purple nightdress, stood framed in the entryway. The sheer, clinging fabric traced every luscious curve. Full and perky bust that seemed to defy gravity; a slim, taut waist with not an ounce of extra flesh; a hem pushed up into a breathtaking arc by her round, upturned hips. A scent that was uniquely Kayoko drifted over, sweet and intoxicating…
...
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