At the Tohsaka residence, evening.
As the sun set, its fading rays streamed through the window lattice, illuminating one corner of the bedroom. On the bed against the wall, Ereshkigal, the Underworld Goddess with golden hair and crimson eyes, sat cross-legged atop the bedding, with a head resting on her pale, joined thighs.
Yet that handsome face bore none of the peace and serenity of sleep. Instead, his brow was tightly furrowed, and muffled dream-talk escaped his lips, as though something troubled him.
He could barely take care of himself, yet he still worried about others even when resting. Honestly!
Ereshkigal gazed at the sleeping Samael before her knees and snorted inwardly. Her raised hand, however, gently lowered just as it was about to touch his head. Her fingertips carefully brushed his furrowed brow, trying to smooth away those deeply drawn lines.
Perhaps her soothing worked. Samael's breathing became much steadier, and the wrinkles on his forehead gradually eased.
Ereshkigal nodded in satisfaction. A flower-like smile bloomed across her exquisite face, making all else pale in comparison.
The sunset beyond the window and the dimness within divided light from shadow. Amid that marvelous contrast of colors, the Underworld Goddess cradled the saint, lowering compassion and tender love upon him to soothe his soul. The breathtaking scene resembled a naturally perfect oil painting, filled with poetry and tranquility.
"Eeya..."
The door was gently pushed open, and another head cautiously poked through the crack, breaking the silence in the room.
"Shh..."
Ereshkigal looked up and recognized the visitor. She immediately raised a finger to her lips in a quiet gesture, then carefully lowered the head resting on her knees and got out of bed. Pointing toward the hallway, she signaled for Rin Tohsaka to speak outside.
The two goddesses tiptoed out of