The moment Lailah found out that Rei Ao and Emilia were lovers, it hit her like a bolt of lightning.
She had known Emilia had connections in the other world, but never imagined the relationship was this deep.
Seeing Lailah completely stunned into silence, Rei Ao curved his lips into that signature teasing smile.
He deliberately dragged out his words:
"What's wrong? Mother-in-law not impressed with me? Think I'm not good enough for Emilia?"
"N-No, that's not it!"
Lailah snapped out of her daze and shook her head rapidly, her cheeks instantly flushed red, making her look even more graceful and radiant.
"You misunderstood, Rei Ao-san. I was just... caught off guard, that's all."
She took a deep breath, steadying the waves in her heart.
The shock in her violet eyes slowly faded, replaced by a deep sense of relief—and joy.
Yes, Rei Ao was powerful, even terrifying at times.
But he had fought angels, seized divine relics, and even handed over one of the foundational fragments—for Emilia, without hesitation.
Lailah could feel how much he truly cared for her daughter.
And that was more than enough.
Plus, Rei Ao looked great, was well-built, and had strong presence. As a son-in-law, she was honestly very satisfied.
"I just didn't expect that child of mine..."
Lailah's voice softened, filled with a mother's affection and emotion.
"…after going through so much, she'd still find someone willing to protect her, support her, and give everything for her."
Her gaze radiated genuine warmth.
"Seeing you treat her like this—it really makes me happy. And relieved."
That joy came from the deepest part of her heart—an honest blessing from a mother for her daughter's happiness.
"I'm glad," Rei Ao said with a small smile.
Then suddenly, his eyes shifted ever so slightly—as if he sensed something—and he glanced toward the center of the Holy Capital.
The smile on his face deepened.
"Looks like things are settled on Emilia's side."
Lailah felt it too.
The wave of collective willpower symbolizing the revolution's success had become clearer, more solid.
Rei Ao turned back to her, a hint of invitation in his tone.
"So, Mother-in-law, want to go see Emilia now?"
"I'm pretty sure she'd be thrilled to see you."
A flicker of longing appeared in Lailah's eyes—but she quickly suppressed it.
She shook her head gently, a soft and slightly playful smile tugging at her lips.
That smile made her look less like a divine archangel, and more like a vibrant, caring mother.
"No. Not yet."
Her voice was like a breeze under moonlight.
"It's not the right time."
"She's just been through so much. She needs time to process everything and secure what she's achieved."
Her violet eyes locked with Rei Ao's, quietly conveying something unspoken.
"But I'm sure we'll see each other again soon—at a better time, in a better way."
As her words faded into the air, Lailah's figure began to blur, slowly dissolving into a silhouette bathed in moonlight.
Her three pairs of snow-white wings gave off a gentle glow before completely merging into the moonlight.
"A farewell, huh?"
Rei Ao watched her disappear and let out a thoughtful smile.
"Well then, I'll look forward to our next meeting... Mother-in-law."
Moonlight spilled gently across the hilltop like flowing water.
Lailah was gone—like she had never been there.
Only a faint trace of holy violet-scented air remained—proof that a moment of divine and human connection had just taken place.
Rei Ao stood alone atop the hill, twirling the glowing red fragment between his fingers.
His gaze turned toward the Holy Capital.
There—Emilia's new era was just beginning.
And he? He wasn't just a protector.
He was a witness. A partner. A catalyst.
…
"We actually did it!"
High above on one of the church towers, Emilia's excitement was overflowing.
They had really done it—cleansed the twisted forces inside the Church, and restored it to what it was meant to be.
"Yeah…"
A soft voice echoed behind her.
Emeralda appeared, letting out a long breath, her face full of emotion.
Even she hadn't expected the four of them to pull it off this smoothly.
"The last parasite's been dealt with."
A shadow flashed by as Suzuno landed, scythe still dripping, eyes still sharp and fierce.
"No," Emilia shook her head, her tone soft and thoughtful.
"It wasn't just us. We couldn't have done this alone. We owe it to Rei Ao-kun."
"…"
At the mention of his name, Emeralda and Suzuno silently nodded.
It was Rei Ao's influence behind the scenes that made everything run so smoothly.
Without him, even the appearance of that angel might have overwhelmed them.
"Oh? So what's my dear Emilia planning to give her great hero as thanks?"
A playful voice whispered into Emilia's ear, accompanied by a warm breath.
She jumped as a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her waist.
But almost immediately, she relaxed—of course it was him.
Rei Ao hugged her from behind, gently nuzzling her cheek with a grin.
"How about a few kisses as interest for the reward, hm?"
The intimate gesture made Emilia's cheeks burn and heart race—especially with two very unwanted witnesses standing right there.
But she didn't want to pull away from Rei Ao's warm embrace either.
In a barely audible mumble, she grumbled,
"Why does a reward have interest?"
Rei Ao grinned brightly.
"Who says it can't? I'm taking both—interest and the reward. For example…"
He paused, then lightly bit her earlobe, sending a shiver through her.
"…letting me devour you sounds like a great reward."
"!!"
The bold words made Emilia dizzy and flustered.
"…"
Meanwhile, Emeralda and Suzuno were frozen in place.
The Hero… was acting like a lovestruck girl?
They exchanged looks—both silently thinking:
…Why do we feel so third-wheel right now?
~~~
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