Chapter 185: Ultimately, Became the Form She Hated the Most
Stepping out from a shop adorned with lanterns, Artemis’ cheeks were rosy. Under the enchanting glow of magic stones and the silver moonlight, she appeared alluring.
Her hand, held by Izay, unconsciously tightened, as if reproaching his earlier actions.
How dare he tell others they were lovers… Was this little rascal too straightforward?
Where was his sense of shame? Didn’t he feel embarrassed saying such things in public?
Artemis grumbled incessantly in her mind.
If Izay knew what she was thinking, he would surely smile and say, “Sense of shame? What’s that? How much does it cost per pound?”
Do you understand the principle that thin-skinned guys lose half the battle when pursuing girls?
Anyway, Izay didn’t care about these things.
However, all the grumbling stayed in her mind. Artemis now dared not look into Izay’s eyes, fearing she’d be teased.
In her other hand was an intricately designed lantern gifted to her.
She had ultimately taken advantage at the shopkeeper’s expense.
The shopkeeper didn’t seem to mind and even wanted to give more.
Behind them, a young lady in her adolescence waved goodbye with a smile that seemed like a blessing. Her aunt-like smile grew wider.
Wasn’t that Lady Artemis?
As the only goddess residing in the Orbul Small Town, the young lady believed she wouldn’t mistake her identity.
What did she just say?
Lovers? … A divine-human romance!
A plot only seen in stories actually happened right before her eyes!?
Too good to be true!
Out of sight of Izay and Artemis, the young lady wriggled around happily. The old woman behind her smiled kindly, sighing at how wonderful youth was.
Leaving the lantern shop, Izay led Artemis to a quiet corner by a wide road and placed down the lantern.
“Artemis-sama, it is said that releasing lanterns together can bless the future relationship between a man and a woman.”
Taking out some snacks from his pocket dimension, Izay handed Artemis a piece of takoyaki while casually making up nonsense.
“Hmm? What’s that? I’ve never heard of such a custom,” Artemis paused slightly while accepting the takoyaki, then feigned calmness and asked back.
Was it because she lacked knowledge in this area?
In her memory, releasing lanterns was merely a tradition to ward off bad luck and calamities, praying for peace and prosperity in the coming year.
Why had Izay mentioned something she hadn’t heard of?
Artemis couldn’t be sure.
She had only overheard snippets during townsfolk’s idle chatter.
“This… It’s a secret custom from my hometown.”
“—?”
Suddenly, Artemis gave him a look that said, “Something’s wrong with you.”
“Izay, are you lying to me?”
“How could I? Do I look like someone who lies? Artemis-sama, look into my eyes, how sincere they are.”
“…I don’t see it.”
Within moments, Artemis averted her gaze, lowering her head. Her beautiful eyes glistened with moisture, rippling with charm.
But due to the angle, Izay couldn’t see this expression.
Between their playful banter, the two lit lanterns floated away gently on the water, initially maintaining some distance, but gradually moving closer until they floated side by side.
With the fading lights drifting further away, Artemis’ thoughts began to wander.
She realized that, just like those two lanterns,
the distance between her and Izay was also shrinking.
At first, she could maintain her composure and suppress her inner excitement, but now, just being with him made her heart flutter.
Is this what “love” feels like?
The former Artemis didn’t understand this emotion, often sparking disputes in heaven with her “arch-enemy” over it.
They mocked her for not understanding what “love” and “romance” meant, which used to be something Artemis detested the most.
But after descending to the mortal world, this feeling began to change.
The children in the mortal world seemed to yearn for “romance.”
Even as a goddess, she couldn’t suppress her own fervent feelings.
Back then, influenced by them, Artemis had her first change of perspective regarding “romance.”
‘If even they say so… Perhaps “romance” is indeed a beautiful and precious thing.’
Until now, she seemed to understand this emotion.
Just like this moment.
Her joy and shyness weren’t because of the festival, but simply because he was by her side.
Strolling together, releasing lanterns together, laughing under envious gazes, bickering affectionately—this feeling was truly wonderful…
The goddess’s heart was enveloped in warmth, unknowingly drawing closer to Izay.
Artemis hadn’t realized yet that she had become the very form she once despised the most—
Beside her, without the ability to read minds, Izay couldn’t comprehend Artemis’ thoughts. Seeing her silence, he thought it was her usual shyness or annoyance and gently asked, “Shall we buy some souvenirs?”
Hearing his voice, Artemis retracted her wandering thoughts and nodded softly with pursed lips, “Hmm…”
It seemed the sudden realization had touched her.
Afterward, Artemis gradually shed her long-cultivated reserve and let loose, enjoying the time at the Divine Moon Festival with Izay.
Somewhere in a dark street corner, two small heads—one pink and one light blue—peeked out.
“Jealousy makes me dissociate…”
“Envy causes me to factorize…”
Chloe, dragged along by her friend Lanti to spy, remained expressionless.
“Yes! Envy makes me factorize!”
Facing the mockery, Lanti nodded without hesitation, completely missing the sarcasm, her focus entirely on the couple ahead.
“Ah, they’re leaving! Chloe, we must follow quickly!”
Saying that, Lanti reached to grab Chloe’s arm.
Then…
“Yes, they’re leaving, and we should leave too!!”
“???” Hearing the familiar voice, Lanti froze mid-motion, her previously excited tone trembling, “L-Leisha-senpai…”
“Lanti, it’s time for you to go.” Leisha’s voice was utterly calm, leaving no room for argument.
“Yes… yes…”
Faced with Leisha, Lanti dared not argue. The lively girl from a second ago now behaved obediently, dragging Chloe, whose face was written with “misfortune,” to return.
After supervising their departure, Leisha sighed, “Lanti and Chloe were the last two… Izay, I can only help you this far.”
