Within the Realm of Life.
Roland Phils sat cross-legged beneath the towering Tree of Life.
Effie, his loyal steward, rested nearby. Her eyes were closed as she quietly absorbed the overwhelming vitality flowing through the place. As one of his apostles, it was her first time stepping into Roland's divine domain. The wonder left her speechless.
"Master, is this… paradise?" Effie whispered with bliss on her face.
"I am the God of Life. This is my realm. Naturally, it is paradise," Roland answered with a smile.
At that moment, a divine light shimmered, and a white-haired girl appeared before him. Laffey had returned.
"Master, I did as you commanded. But that guy was too slippery. He escaped. Still, before he got away, I hit him hard. He was badly injured. I doubt he can survive."
Laffey plopped down at Roland's side, her face full of frustration.
"It doesn't matter. He was only a minor pest. You did well."
Roland reached out and stroked her white hair with gentle affection.
"No… Laffey failed. I let that fool who insulted your divinity get away. Laffey feels guilty," she said, pouting sweetly in a way that made her all the more endearing.
"Heh. Do you really mean that? This doesn't sound like you. Don't tell me… you ran out of your wine again?" Roland teased.
Laffey's cheeks flushed, and she gave a sheepish grin.
"Huha… Master, you're too sharp."
"I just gave you a bottle yesterday. Don't tell me you finished it already?" Roland pinched her little nose, exasperated.
"That tiny bottle doesn't last me half a day! Please, Master, give Laffey a few more bottles!" she begged, clinging to his hand.
"How many bottles do you mean by 'a few'?" Roland asked.
"Ten cases," she said, counting on her fingers with a childish grin.
"..." Roland blinked in disbelief.
"You little brat. You're a walking barrel."
"Pfft! Laffey, you can really drink!" Effie laughed, sitting up from the grass.
"Effie-sis, I just love drinking! Laffey-wine is the best!" Laffey pouted.
"It may be tasty, but you can't live on it," Roland sighed.
"Master, I think I can! I'm a destroyer. I don't need food. Wine is enough!"
Roland stared at her in silence, defeated by her logic.
"Master," Effie said softly, "I think Laffey has a point. If she loves it that much, why not let her have more?"
Hearing Effie speak on her behalf, Laffey jumped up in delight.
"Effie-sis, you're the best! Laffey loves you, huha!" She hugged Effie tightly, swaying back and forth like an excited child.
Roland could only give a wry smile as he watched them.
"You two have only known each other a few days, and already you're inseparable?" he asked, amused.
Effie laughed lightly. "Yes, but she's too cute. I couldn't help but like her. Now we're sisters."
"Huha, Laffey feels the same! Effie-sis is the best. She always thinks about me," Laffey chirped, clinging to her.
Seeing them so close eased Roland's heart. He knew women could be complicated creatures, whether mortal or shipgirl. Harmony wasn't guaranteed. Often, the more there were, the harder it became. That Effie and Laffey could get along so well brought him comfort.
"You are both my apostles. Peace between you is best. Laffey, you did well today. But since you didn't finish off the defiler completely, the ten cases of wine you asked for will have to be only five. Next time, try harder."
"Thank you, Master! You're the best!" Laffey cried, clinging to his arm and swaying happily.
"Master, are you tired? Laffey will serve you!" she chirped, her eyes sparkling.
"Serve me? And how exactly do you plan to do that?" Roland asked with curiosity.
"Like Effie-sis did yesterday. Slurp!" Laffey said innocently, licking her lips.
"..." Roland froze.
The little loli was dangerously tempting.
Effie, on the other hand, flushed crimson. Yesterday, when she had been helping Roland relax in his chambers, Laffey had accidentally caught a glimpse. Effie had been mortified at the time, but never imagined the girl would blurt it out in front of him today.
It was far too shameless coming from someone who looked like an elementary schooler. Roland thought the same.
And in his mind, a single thought echoed again and again.
Five years. Five long years.
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