'''' ... ''''

''So...''

Now that Eva has successfully been freed—granted, we still need more observation to see if the machine is working properly—and there are no major problems needing our attention immediately, the question becomes:

What do we do?

Of course, the first answer is most likely training. According to Eva, after thousands of years, Eve can only get stronger, not weaker, not to mention the demon army.

To be honest, even now, I don't really have an image of Eve in my mind. The only 'meeting' between her and I was way back when I first visited the Aragon Empire, and she was possessing another person then.

Like, isn't it time for her to finally show up?

If this world hadn't operated on stupid juice and the villainess knew how to think for herself, I don't think she would have let us grow our strength peacefully until now, even releasing Eva from her shackles. Oh, am I the hero in that equation?

Either way, this means that Eve has something to be worried about—something preventing her from moving directly.

What could it be? Is she actually on her deathbed? Or is it that she has other schemes?

''My head hurts... mgm... whatever. Let's continue to train now. Eva, can we—''

''No, stop.''

''Liana?''

''Stop the training for now, Sylvie. You look exhausted.''

A sense of confusion creeps up as Liana gently scratches my chin, holding me lovingly as she has always... not done. She's usually quite rough if one can recall.

Then, riding the momentum, the other members flock in, holding parts of my arms and waist, telling me to take a proper break.

''No, aren't you guys the ones who ravaged my body for half a day straight?''

'''' ... ''''

Criminals! Hypocrites!

I did enjoy the dicks, though, so thanks.

Well, jokes aside, I do indeed feel a bit stressed after all of that work. Maybe it's really time for a break, sure. But then, what should I do?

Fucking all day? Sounds a bit empty-headed. Maybe working on new weapons... maybe not. Not 'working.'

Er... just sleeping?

''Why don't you take that new lover of yours on a date?''

''Oh... that makes sense.''

Nodding at Sariel's offer, I turn to Eva and receive exactly half a nod. She's on it.

''Do any of you want to go with us, then?''

''Nah, we're too sleepy now.''

One by one, the members express their desire to drift into the dreamland, leaving behind only Eva and me. Even Luna seems exhausted. I got to sleep yesterday, so my body might not be nearly as bad, but...

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

''Mother Goddess, I hope you have a nice date with my fiancé.''

''...Thank you.''

''H-Heheh... you don't need to thank me. Instead, w-when—''

''Yes, yes. We'll take pictures and videos if we happen to get in bed together.''

Noticing Eva's apparent awkwardness, I cut Anna off and jump in with that response. After giving the cat a few reassuring kisses and cuddles, I hug Eva's arm and pull her outside.

Leaning on her cold shoulder, I happily match our steps.

''Now then, where should we go?''

''Wherever you want to.''

Eva's gentler tone once again reminds me of the fact that we're officially dating. It's hard to believe, yes, but how should I say this... it might sound weird, but I've had this strange sense of attraction toward Eva ever since we met the first time. This goes for the others as well, but with Eva, it's the strongest.

It might have something to do with our previous lives, but I suppose I need to focus on the present.

In the end, I choose a calm cafe located near the heart of Azarel's capital and book a table on the fourth floor. Here, we can oversee the seas of people moving like currents on the main road.

I sit to her left, clinging to the goddess's arm as I feel her warmth.

With her, time seemingly passes quietly like it has never been before. Eva is a woman of few words. She likes to have things done without much hesitation, and beyond that stoic facade of hers, a surprisingly considerate soul resides.

That's what I love about her—an awkward person with actual good qualities.

''Eva, can I ask you something?''

''Go ahead.''

''Did Luna do something to you?''

''...Why do you think that?''

It's cute. She flinches but thinks that I don't notice. I gently put my hand on her cheek and smile,

''I still can't believe you accepted someone like me, you see,'' I utter, as embarrassing as it is. ''We've honestly not met a lot, and we certainly didn't flirt either.''

A brief silence passes, and then, surprisingly, the corners of Eva's lips curl up.

''Yeah. Aris gave me my memories as 'Lucia.'''

''As I thought, heheh.''

According to Luna, me of the past had a ton of entanglements with women. Lucia, the saintess of Aris, is one of them. Lucia was smitten with the old Hanako, you see, so it makes sense that Eva acts this way if her memories have been restored.

To be honest, I'm still on the fence if I want to bring past fates into the current time. That's why I have not received my own memories from Luna yet.

''I don't know about fate and destiny and whatnot... but I think I really love you, Eva.''

The response comes in the form of a sweet kiss. It fills me up with raw excitement, not only because I'm kissing the woman I love but also because of Eva's divinity, which I crave so much.

However...

''Eva?''

''Yes?''

''Why don't you say it back?''

''...''

''Are you... shy?''

Eva has never said that she loved me directly. I'm not sure if it's something Lucia used to do, but I want to hear it from Eva.

Hugging her even closer, I discreetly release my aura and whisper, ''Come on. If you just say it... I'll let you do anything with me.''

''...''

''I'll let you fuck me balls deep. I'll even listen to your most perverted requests. Let me know your feelings, Eva~♥''

''I... love you, Hanako.''

''Mn...! That feels so good to hear. One more time, please...?''

''I love you.''

''Ah...''

Hearing those slightly timid words coming out of her mouth is enough to blow my entire being away. She's too cute for a goddess of war, I swear. After showering Eva with kisses, I contently let myself be embraced by her.

''Let's go somewhere to make love later,'' I suggest, looking down at the hidden camera inside my bag.

I'm trying out something new today. I'd usually give Anna sex tapes, but by adding in flirt scenes like this... I hope it can immerse the cat further. I actually feel a bit bad for her since she doesn't get much action despite having a vigorous sex drive, so this is the least I can do.

''Alright.''

And so, the date continues as usual.

We visit numerous spots in Azarel as a couple, enjoying our time leisurely. Being with Eva is always peaceful, so I can really feel my stress going away.

Besides, my goddess is very courteous despite her cold impression, reminding me of the gap moe I've seen with Liana, who's rough in bed but graceful overall.

As Eva is, by any measure, out of touch with the world, she seems to actually have fun exploring the new culture that has evolved for thousands of years, riding on the back of the peace she brings.

At every spot, we always try to take a few pictures, making sure that our fateful first date can be vividly remembered.

When the day approaches its end, we enter a hotel and have some intimate moments that last until the early morning.

''Aw... we made a mess here. It's your fault for being so rabid, Eva.''

''...That is ironic, coming from the same woman who shot all over the floor every time she climaxed.''

''Eh... okay, well. Fine. Let's roughly clean it and come back.''