The next day.
"So, so amazing!"
"Quick, turn into Asta, I want to bully her relentlessly!"
"Hey, hey, hey, Elf Mage, do you have something against me?!"
Early in the morning, the girls were exclaiming in surprise at Lili, who could transform into others.
Lili, who had never enjoyed the love and embraces of companions, was both scared and happy. She eagerly tried to show off her newly acquired magic to everyone, which naturally drew more excited applause and cheers from the girls.
Astrea, shaking her walnut-colored long hair, smiled happily.
"Even though her ability value was sealed because her chief god was sent back, she still managed to awaken magic inexplicably…"
"The unknown of children always surprises me~"
This morning, Lili woke up in a soft bed. When she couldn't find Rod beside her, she nearly cried out in fear.
Even when Maliu arrived in time to gently comfort her, Lili just shivered in the corner, muttering that she wanted to see Rod.
After all she had been through, the only person Lili truly trusted was probably the man who had rescued her from hell.
Rod, who had originally wanted to sleep in, had no choice but to come see her, still half-asleep. Lili then threw herself into his arms, sobbing loudly and shouting things like "Don't abandon Lili" and "Lili will be obedient."
Rod helplessly comforted her for a while before Lili calmed down. He then introduced her to the girls.
At first, Lili was still a bit shy, silently clinging to Rod, never leaving his side, and looking at everyone with wary, cold eyes.
But fortunately, the girls of the Astrea Familia were all gentle and kind, and in less than one breakfast, their sincerity and enthusiasm gradually melted the ice in Lili's heart.
"Being able to transform into any being of similar physique, even mimicking gender and racial characteristics, if used properly, it can be quite useful. No wonder Rod values her."
Kaguya spoke annoyingly, focusing on benefits, and Ryu immediately pouted and loudly retorted.
"Rod rescued her out of justice and kindness, not for any strange reasons like that!"
Kaguya secretly laughed at Ryu's naivety, but outwardly remained noncommittal.
There were countless unfortunate people in this world; even a saint couldn't save everyone.
Rod caused such a commotion last night, even going so far as to send a god back to save her. While part of the reason might have been pity, there was definitely a more important reason!
However…
Kaguya wouldn't admit that thinking this way was due to her own uglier possessiveness and jealousy!
Thinking about it carefully, it became clear: magic is born from inner desires.
Cinderella longed to become a princess and awaited a prince to save her.
The facts couldn't be more obvious.
It was that gratitude and longing for Rod's divine arrival that gave birth to this beautiful magic in the self-effacing Pallum.
"Alright, alright, magic consumes a lot of magic power. When we want to play with Lili later, we can ask her then."
In the end, it was the rational Lyra who spoke up to stop the girls' playful antics.
"It's okay, Lady Lyra."
Lili shook her head, panting slightly.
"As long as the ladies want to see, Lili will try her best!"
Lyra inexplicably shivered, touching the goosebumps on her arms, and quickly objected.
"I told you not to call me 'Lady'! Every time you call me that, I get an indescribable chill…"
"But…"
Even though Lili felt the girls' kindness, she still maintained her usual cautious demeanor, her attitude even humbler than dust.
Seeing this heartbreaking scene, Lyra cursed the Soma Familia fiercely in her heart and sighed softly.
Normally, it would probably take a long time to change her personality…
So Lyra had no choice but to use another method to forcibly speed things up.
She put on a fierce, villainous expression, waving her fist as a threat.
"Anyway, if I hear you call anyone in the Familia 'Lady' again, I'll punch you, understand?!"
"Ugh…"
"Don't look like you're about to cry, here, take this."
Lili sniffled and curiously took the picture book Lyra handed her.
"What is this?"
Lyra's feelings were complicated. With her hands clasped behind her head, her tone was somewhat casual.
"It's a picture book story about the legendary Pallum Goddess, the Fianna Knights. Consider it a welcome gift."
And also a small compensation for me being fortunately rescued from hell and selfishly enjoying a happy life, while you are still struggling in pain.
My former Captain~
"A gift?! Lili is receiving one for the first time…"
Lili's eyes widened in surprise. Biting her lip, she carefully held the picture book as if it were a priceless treasure.
"But someone like Lili can really… Ow!"
Layla lowered her right hand after sharply tapping Lili's head.
"Just take it, what's with all the nonsense? I can't stand how easily bullied you look! How will you ever help Rod like that?"
Initially trembling, Lili heard Layla's words and bravely met her sharp gaze.
"I-I will definitely work my hardest!"
"Even if Lili is useless, no matter what it takes, I must repay Rod!"