Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Mature Beauty / Chapter Seventy-Nine: The Night Before the Arrival of the Magic User

At this, Kohaku and Hisui's eyes lit up as they looked at the silver-haired big sister beside them. This expressionless big sister was unexpectedly cool.

The others, however, did not react much. After all, they had already learned through other channels about Bremeth's absolute authority to kill humans.

"..."

Bremeth gave everyone a slight nod before walking over and sitting in her own seat. To her, using a human form was genuinely troublesome, especially those burning human gazes, which made her feel exceptionally irritated.

However, she would not be irritated to the point of killing people here. Apart from the calm indifference that the strong were accustomed to, there was only the fear of the weak and the curious gazes of children. She actually felt quite at ease.

At the very least, there was no large crowd of humans seeking mating partners to bother her.

"Even I find the absolute right to kill humans troublesome. Ryougi, you've gotten hold of quite an incredible card."

At this moment, Aozaki Touko spoke with a sigh.

She was still using her Reality Marble to blur the concept of humanity within her body. Otherwise, with the extraordinary perception brought by her current activation of the Third Stage Gene Lock, she should have begun to feel uncomfortable by now.

"It is a pity that my enemies are not humans."

Altrouge did not feel happy. On the contrary, she felt somewhat disappointed. After all, what she wanted now was the power to kill the traitor Crimson Lord.

"...Once you recover to your peak, you'll be able to kill those traitors."

Aozaki Touko smiled faintly.

"So, I suppose I'll endure it a little longer for now."

A cold glint flashed through Altrouge's eyes, and she inadvertently revealed another side of herself. This was her side as the Dead Apostle Princess—cold and noble, powerful and ruthless, somewhat resembling the Crimson Moon who had once ruled the earth.

"Hmm... For an immortal like you, it really does count as very soon."

Aozaki Touko smiled warmly.

That was right. Judging from the current progress, it would probably take only a few decades to completely heal Altrouge's injuries.

Of course, that was not because she had no way to heal Altrouge quickly.

In fact, on the second day after Altrouge had sought treatment from her, she had already found a way to heal Altrouge in a short time. At most, it would take only three months.

However, that would not be a good thing for anyone. Once Altrouge recovered to her peak, the first thing she would probably do was crush Crimson Lord to death.

Then she would completely command all the forces of the Dead Apostle world and become its true leader.

However, that would not be a good thing for humanity as a whole. It might even trigger a war between humans and Dead Apostles.

That would also be bad for Aozaki Touko, who wanted to develop and grow stronger steadily.

So, for now, she would wait until she possessed the strength to suppress Altrouge before discussing it.

Moreover, doing so would actually deepen the relationship between her and Altrouge as much as possible. The fact that they could sit at the same table and share a meal was the best proof.

"Although Bremeth's authority is powerful, it shouldn't be troublesome for you, Miss Touko. At most, you merely find it inconvenient."

Just as the atmosphere began to turn somewhat cold, Fina Blood Svel revealed a gentlemanly smile. His gaze toward Aozaki Touko contained not a trace of impurity, and he spoke in an unhurried tone:

"The so-called authority of the Primate Killer can be resisted by developing a targeted spell once you understand it, especially for a research genius like you."

He had been paying attention to this human woman for some time. More than half a year ago, when he had gone to seize Van Fem's wealth, he had specifically investigated this genius magus. The results had truly been unexpected.

She possessed seven exquisite puppets, each with different abilities and formidable strength. She could even shatter a True Ancestor Dead Apostle's skull with her bare hands, and her close-combat ability was actually stronger than that of a Dead Apostle.

One had to know that she was still an underage girl who had not inherited a Magic Crest.

That was so powerful that it was... somewhat outrageous.

"...If you give me time, I should be able to find a way around it."

Aozaki Touko smiled faintly and openly admitted it.

"Humans really are an astonishing species~"

Blood revealed a sunny smile. Paired with his handsome face, he looked like a righteous knight from a novel, enough to make any girl yearn for him.

"...There are simply too many of us."

Aozaki Touko smiled faintly, unmoved by his handsomeness. This was not only because her sexual orientation was unusual. There was another reason: the knight named Fina Blood Svel.

He was gay. He preferred beautiful young men and, as a Dead Apostle, only drank the blood of the same sex.

Therefore, when he looked at women, his gaze was genuinely pure and transparent, without a trace of lust. It was enough to make women lower their guard and even develop a favorable impression of him because of his integrity.

"Bremeth, come and try the soup I made."

Elsewhere, Irisviel had not joined the conversation. Instead, she handed a bowl of soup to Bremeth with a gentle smile.

"Thank you, human... No, thank you, Irisviel."

After correcting herself, Bremeth silently picked up the bowl and began drinking the meat soup.

She did not dislike Irisviel. In fact, she could even be said to have a great deal of goodwill toward this woman.

Ultimately, apart from lunatics, no one in this world would hate a truly kind person.

Even if one could not be completely selfless, one would not resent a genuinely good person.

Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Mature Beauty

After some time.

Having eaten and drunk their fill, everyone went to the living room for post-meal conversation. The atmosphere was extremely relaxed, as if ordinary humans were simply socializing.

"...I'm so tired. I feel a little dizzy."

On the sofa, Aozaki Touko hugged Irisviel around the waist and rested her head on Irisviel's fragrant shoulder. Her voice carried a hint of fatigue and languor, making her look like an orange cat.

"Then later... I'll massage your head, Touko~"

Irisviel smiled gently, her ruby eyes filled with affection. She knew that today was the day Touko performed blood treatment on Altrouge, in addition to carrying out intensive research. It was only natural for her body to feel somewhat unwell.

Of course, she knew that Touko could change bodies and thereby solve the problems of anemia and exhaustion. However, this also counted as a rare bit of romance between married partners, did it not?

In fact, she rather liked the way Aozaki Touko occasionally became soft without warning. In everyone else's eyes, Touko always looked like a powerful person, her eyes burning with brilliant determination. Only Irisviel could see her gentle side, and that feeling filled her with joy and affection.

"It's quite surprising. I didn't know you could be this soft, Touko."

Across from her, Altrouge looked surprised. In front of her, Aozaki Touko had always been heroic and imposing, with unwavering determination in her eyes. She never seemed confused or timid, and could deal calmly with anything.

Yet the lazy Touko who looked like an orange cat overturned her understanding somewhat.

So this woman could not maintain a strong posture all the time. Ultimately, she was still an ordinary human girl.

However, perhaps because the contrast was too great, Altrouge actually began to feel the urge to pull Aozaki Touko into her arms and ravish her.

"...Fwooh~"

Just then, the White Beast, having returned to its animal form, stood up and ran to Irisviel's feet, rubbing against them before letting out a coquettish cry.

"Hmm... What is it?"

Irisviel lowered her head and looked at the White Beast by her feet in confusion, somewhat unable to understand what she was trying to express.

"...Fwooh~"

The White Beast let out another coquettish cry. At that moment, Irisviel incredibly understood her. The white beast wanted to get closer to her, so she turned to Aozaki Touko and smiled warmly.

"Touko, I'd like to talk with Miss Bremeth for a while. Could you stay by yourself for a bit?"

"...Huh?"

Aozaki Touko instinctively released Irisviel from her embrace. Then she watched helplessly as her wife picked up the White Beast and gently stroked the Primate Killer's fur.

"What is it, Touko?"

Irisviel turned her head in confusion. Aozaki Touko opened and closed her mouth helplessly. Looking at the White Beast's blissful expression, she twitched her lips and said:

"Nothing. I just didn't expect Bremeth to like you so much."

As she spoke, she picked up her teacup and took a sip.

Altrouge saw the entire scene. The corners of her lips curved into a pleased smile. It was rare for her to see Touko at a disadvantage, and she found it extremely amusing.

"Touko, would you like to come over here?"

Her elfin face wore a gentle smile as she extended a hand toward Aozaki Touko, inviting her into her embrace.

As the Dead Apostle Princess, she possessed a beauty beyond that of humans. As long as she revealed her true appearance without restraint, countless people would be captivated by her. Her perfect features alone were enough to charm and attract them.

Surely Aozaki Touko would not refuse such an opportunity.

However, an unexpected scene unfolded.

"..."

Aozaki Touko looked her over for a moment. In the end, her gaze settled on Altrouge's chest, and she immediately pursed her lips almost imperceptibly. In an apologetic tone, she said:

"No need, Princess. After resting just now, I'm already feeling much better."

It was a perfectly reasonable explanation.

However, Altrouge's five senses were incredibly sharp. She clearly caught Aozaki Touko's almost imperceptible appraisal, as well as the disdain in her gaze toward her chest.

"I see. Is it because this young body of mine does not meet your expectations?"

Her gaze turned cold, without the slightest trace of a smile, yet her tone carried a childish resentment and unwillingness to lose.

"Watch carefully. This is my true form!"

As her voice fell, her petite loli body grew into that of a mature woman radiating an alluring aura. Her breathtaking face possessed fatal charm, while a noble bearing emanated from within and without.

Such a perfect and noble figure was enough to make any man kneel at her feet.

"How is it? This is my true appearance. Would you like to come over here?"

Altrouge extended her hand toward Aozaki Touko again. Her exquisite face wore a confident smile, and her crimson eyes radiated an alluring charm.

Her beauty in this state was enough to make a person's heart stop.

"..."

Aozaki Touko had intended to refuse, but after thinking it over, she realized that refusing again would be very rude. Thus, she nodded slightly and said, "Since you have invited me so sincerely, Princess, I really have no reason to refuse~"

Chapter Seventy-Nine: The Night Before the Arrival of the Magic User

A rainy night.

Torrential rain poured from the sky, while thunder exploded from time to time. As far as the eye could see, the entire world looked like a pot of boiling soup.

The sky had become a pitch-black lid, while the surging rainwater on the ground was scalding hot soup.

(Fortunately, I've graduated. Otherwise, I'd have a headache tomorrow.)

Aozaki Aoko sat cross-legged on the sofa, tilting her head as she watched the heavy rain outside with relief. If she had not already graduated, she would have had to brave the downpour to attend school.

Thinking about how she would inevitably get soaked while walking made her feel somewhat irritated. It was like getting a conspicuous drop of ink on a spotless white outfit. Although it did not affect the comfort of wearing it,

just looking at it was enough to make her feel annoyed.

"Aoko~"

Just then, Yaya sprang out from somewhere and wrapped her arms around Aozaki Aoko, rubbing herself against her forcefully. Her voice, as clear as an oriole's, was filled with excitement.

"You'll soon be a beautiful high school girl. Just imagining it makes Yaya excited. I'll be a JK bride and everything. Just imagining it makes Yaya feel so bashful~"

"You're excited, not bashful, right?"

Aozaki Aoko expressionlessly pushed at Yaya, who was clinging to her. Yaya was stuck to her like a koala, and pushing her away would probably require quite a lot of energy.

Thus, she wisely abandoned the unprofitable endeavor.

"Hehe, Aoko, if you don't believe me!"

Yaya wore an utterly unashamed expression and declared righteously, "You can feel Yaya's chest. This bashful maiden's heart is beating wildly~"

"Not interested~"

Aozaki Aoko rolled her eyes, picked up the television remote beside her, and casually changed the channel. Then she said strangely, "Besides, judging by your age since birth, Yaya, you can at most be considered a little girl. Where did this maiden's heart come from?"

"—Huh? But I'm a doll, you know?"

Yaya blinked and replied uncertainly.

If she really had to be judged according to the human concept of time, she was indeed an out-and-out little girl—the kind for whom execution would not be an injustice.