37 Little New Halo (1)

n a garden resplendent with a riot of vibrant flowers, a young girl stood amidst the kaleidoscope of colors, cradling a bouquet of roses in her arms. Among the blooms of red, blue, yellow, and orange, one distinctive hue set itself apart—an elegant and striking black.

As a gentle breeze meandered through the garden, the girl's hat was swept from her head, carried skyward. Her dress and hair swayed gracefully in the wind's embrace. With a soft sigh, she used her free hand to sweep errant strands of hair from her face, her eyes gradually opening to reveal a tender smile.

Her gaze converged upon the boy standing before her, his presence seemingly illuminated by an inner radiance.

"Even if it's a lie," she began, her voice soft and melodious, "Can you say that you love me?"

At that very instant, it was as if time itself had chosen to slow its relentless march. The world around them seemed to recede into the background as their eyes locked in a profound and unwavering connection.

"I..." The boy's voice wavered, his internal struggle mirrored in his searching eyes. But after a moment, he found the courage to voice his feelings, his words a reflection of the truth residing within his heart.

"I love you..." he declared, his voice carrying a resonance of sincerity that needed no embellishment.

In that timeless moment, amidst the blossoms and the stillness of the garden, he had bared his soul, and the words he uttered rang with the undeniable truth of his feelings.

It wasn't a lie...

***

"Papa, good morning~"

My peaceful slumber was interrupted by the cheerful voice of a little girl, and I found myself jolting awake, the sleep still clinging to my senses.

"Morning... Wait a minute!" I stammered in surprise, my eyes widening as I took in the unexpected sight before me.

Seated on the opposite side of the bed was a small figure, a blue-haired girl. She rubbed her eyes, her gaze a mixture of innocence and curiosity.

"Who are you!!?"

...

..

.

A few moments later, my racing heart began to steady. I raked my fingers through my hair as I tried to process this surreal encounter.

"So... You're saying that you're INSIDE the cube that I obtained yesterday?"

"Yes!"

The girl nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining with a childlike wonder.

"Your name is Reina...?"

"Yes!"

Again, she affirmed with a nod, her demeanor unaffected by the strange circumstances.

Another sigh escaped my lips, a blend of disbelief and resignation.

Just what the heck is happening in this world...? First, Julius appearing out of nowhere yesterday; now, this!!?

I took a brief glance at her, examining the curious expression she was showing as she scrutinized the books placed on the bookshelves.

At that moment, a question seemingly popped out my mind.

"...Are you the key?"

Although what's currently happening right now is not part of the novel, it was better to make sure...

"Key?" she echoed, her eyes wide with curiosity.

I blinked, slightly taken aback. "You're not?"

"No. I am Reina," she chirped, a note of cheerful repetition as she bobbed her head.

"...You've already mentioned that earlier."

A dry chuckle left my mouth, my mind whirring with a multitude of questions.

What should I do... Ah!

As I began to think, I remembered about the vision from yesterday.

"Reina, do you happen to be the same girl I saw in a vision? If not, do you remember anything before I met you?" I inquired, my tone marked by genuine curiosity.

Her response was equally straightforward. "A girl...? No, I somehow woke up after noticing your presence."

"I see..."

It doesn't seem like she's lying, but...

My attention shifted to the radiant halo floating above her head. With a contemplative expression, I tapped my chin in thought.

"Are you perhaps an angel... Or maybe, a goddess?"

If she were involve in that f**cking goddess, I'll end her straight away.

Fortunately, she shook her head in response, her adorable demeanor dispelling any lingering doubts. "I don't think so..."

I exhaled slowly, my skepticism beginning to wane.

"...."

...I'll take that answer for now.

Still...

Maybe I was still dreaming, I mused as I reclined back onto my bed, closing my eyes. To my surprise, the blue-haired girl curled up beside me, seeking comfort in my presence.

Yeah... Maybe, I'm still dreaming. Wow. This dream feels so realistic.

With that thought in mind, I slowly closed my eyes, allowing the tendrils of sleep to once again draw me into their embrace.

.....

"Ah..."

The unmistakable scent in the air dispelled any lingering doubts—it was evident that I was not, in fact, dreaming.

Lifting the blanket, I couldn't help but wrinkle my nose as the unusual aroma reached my senses. Ahh... She had peed on the bed.

"Sorry, I..." Reina's voice wavered, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment as she admitted to the mishap.

Observing the dampened sheets, it became increasingly clear that this girl was indeed a living, breathing entity, subject to the same bodily functions as any other person. My assumption that she might be the all-powerful goddess responsible for controlling the threads of fate or some sort seemed less likely by the minute. After all, the author had portrayed that b*tch as a PRIDEFUL and omnipotent being who merely observed as the world continue walking towards it's end without interfering.

What a "great" goddess, indeed.

With a resigned sigh, I reached out to pat her gently on the head, a gesture of reassurance.

"No need to feel embarrassed."

Her teary eyes met mine as she raised her head, seeking confirmation.

"Really...?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yeah..."

A radiant smile blossomed across her face as she surged forward, wrapping her arms around me in an exuberant hug.

"Thank you, Papa!"

At that moment, I froze up.

...Goddess or not, I'm adopting her.

...

..

.

Moments later...

After I left my room with Reina, the moment the four noticed us, including Occiditis, they all gave me the same disgusted look.

While holding what seems to be a black rose on her hand, Solis spoke up.

"Lolicon."

"I AM NOT A LOLICON!"