"Akio, what exactly is that tree?" Lumine asked curiously.
"That tree?" Akio replied. "It's the lifeline and foundation of this world, known as the World Tree or Irminsul."
"The World Tree bears all the memories of this world, making it incredibly important," Akio continued. "But I don't know much more about it. You'll have to explore and find out for yourself."
"Keep the crystal I gave you safe. It'll ensure your consciousness never gets lost," Akio said with a smile.
Previously, when Akio had offered Lumine the Heart of Ultimate Resilience, she had declined. She'd said that even if she accepted his power, it would only be after she fully recovered. She wanted to travel on her own strength.
Akio had agreed. Since Lumine had chosen this path, he respected her decision. Of course, with both him and Aether keeping watch, Lumine would never be in any real danger.
"Akio, in that space, I saw a woman who radiated the same aura as the tree. She said something about the world forgetting her. Do you know who she is?" Lumine pressed.
"No, I want to investigate this myself. Otherwise, the joy of the journey would be lost," Lumine suddenly said, shaking her head.
"Hahaha, that's my Lumine! Since you've decided that, go for it. Find the answers on your journey. I'll always be with you, watching over you," Akio laughed heartily.
"Mm-hmm," Lumine nodded, looking at Akio. "By the way, Akio, there's something else."
She then proceeded to recount her encounter with Collei and Tighnari's request.
"Looks like my authority can indeed easily cure this so-called Eleazar, huh," Akio said, stroking his chin.
"Tighnari wants me to help treat all of Sumeru's Eleazar patients?" Akio said with a slight smirk. "Well, I don't have the time for that right now."
"Mm-hmm," Lumine nodded. Akio had no obligation to help them.
"Go enjoy your travels in Sumeru. It's a fascinating but complicated nation," Akio advised. "You might be a witness or a savior—it all depends on your heart."
"I understand, Akio~" Lumine nodded.
Just then, Collei's voice came from outside.
"Lumine, Paimon, dinner's ready~"
"Oh, it's Collei. She's calling us to eat," Paimon said.
"Alright~ then go have your meal. Wishing you a pleasant journey," Akio said with a smile.
"Okay~" Lumine pouted her lips and blew Akio a kiss, "mua."
After the farewell kiss, Akio ended the call.
"Hehe, let's go eat," Paimon said as she and Lumine stepped out of the tent.
The four of them sat on the ground around a small tablecloth. Tighnari had prepared plenty of Sumeru specialties.
"Tighnari, I just spoke with Akio," Lumine said, looking at him.
"The god of Inazuma? What did he say?" Tighnari asked eagerly.
"I'm sorry," Lumine shook her head. "Akio declined the request."
"Ah… I see," Tighnari's face fell in disappointment, but he nodded. "I suppose gods don't act lightly… It's just a pity for those suffering from Eleazar."
"Since we're in Sumeru, we'll do what we can to help," Paimon chimed in.
"Mm-hmm, that's right," Lumine nodded in agreement with Paimon.
"Then I'm truly grateful to you," Tighnari said sincerely.
That night, Lumine and Paimon were some games out of boredom when Collei's voice came from outside the tent.
"Lumine, are you asleep?"
"Collei?" Lumine opened the tent flap to see Collei standing there.
"Collei, come on in," Lumine quickly pulled her inside.
"Thanks, Lumine," Collei said softly.
"No problem. It's late—what brings you here?" Lumine asked, curious.
"Um," Collei nodded, whispering, "I just wanted to ask if you have a picture of Lord Akio. I'd like to see the god who saved me."
"Oh, I see! Of course I do," Lumine said with a smile, opening her Bracelet to show a photo of Akio.
"This… this is Lord Akio?" Seeing the photo, Collei's mouth fell slightly open. The god was… this handsome? He was the most attractive person she'd ever seen.
"Isn't he super handsome?" Lumine giggled, then switched to another photo. "This one's my favorite. Take a look."
Collei looked at the photo of Akio sitting under a Sacred Sakura tree, intently reading a book. Soft sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating his already striking features, adding a touch of divinity to his perfection.
....
Collei stared at the photo in a daze, her hands unconsciously resting over her heart as a faint blush crept across her cheeks.
"Paimon, see? I told you, my darling's photo here is an absolute masterpiece. Brilliant yet gentle, embodying light itself," Lumine said with a smug grin to Paimon. "Look at Collei—she's totally mesmerized."
"This one is really handsome," Paimon agreed with a nod.
Collei's heart fluttered slightly. After what felt like an eternity, she snapped back to reality. Seeing Lumine's teasing smile, she shyly lowered her head.
"S-Sorry, Lumine," Collei mumbled.
"What are you apologizing for?" Lumine shook her head.
"Is Lord Akio your lover?" Collei asked curiously, tilting her head.
"Yes, he is," Lumine said with a happy smile.
"That's so wonderful~" Collei said with a hint of envy. "You must be very happy together."
"Of course," Lumine nodded, pulling up a few photos of herself with Akio.
Seeing Lumine's radiant smile and intimate closeness with Akio in the pictures, Collei felt a small pang of envy.
"I… I don't have anything else. Thank you, Lumine, for fulfilling my wish," Collei said. "Um… if you talk to Lord Akio again, please thank him for me. I'll remember his kindness for the rest of my life."
"Mm-hmm, I will~" Lumine nodded.
"Then, rest well, Lumine. I won't bother you anymore," Collei said before quickly leaving the tent.
"Tsk tsk tsk," Lumine clicked her tongue as she watched Collei hurry off. "Akio's charm is really something else."
"Wow, is Akio that amazing? He's not even here, and he's already got a girl thinking about him," Paimon said in shock.
"Of course! Akio is a total heartthrob for pretty girls," Lumine laughed. "Even Inazuma's Narukami couldn't resist his charm, let alone Collei."
"Ahh~" Lumine yawned, stretching. "Paimon, let's get some rest too. It's been a tiring day."
"Okay," Paimon nodded. She was pretty sleepy herself.
"Goodnight, Akio," Lumine whispered with a soft smile, looking at his photo on her Bracelet.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 60+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol