Ding-dong.
The bell signaling the end of school rang.
Gabriel, carrying her schoolbag, swept a speechless glance at Yuria beside her and couldn't help asking Miko Yotsuya, "Since when did you two become so close?"
They had only met for the first time; how did they get close enough to commute together?
"We hit it off right away, didn't we, Miko?"
After Yuria finished speaking, she inconspicuously shot a look at Miko Yotsuya.
Would it really be okay to let her get involved?
Miko Yotsuya sighed in her heart and chimed in, "That's right, there's a sense of closeness as if meeting someone of the same kind."
The first half was a lie; the second half was the truth.
Gabriel didn't care what the situation was with these two, but her sixth sense told her that Yuria was definitely going to be a major trouble.
"Miko, you have things to do next, so I won't keep bothering you. I'm going home first."
Gabriel prepared to slip away.
She planned to use the money Miko Yotsuya earned yesterday, plus the bits and pieces Uncle Yotsuya and the Large Dog earned today, to rent a computer that wasn't too expensive.
Then, she would immerse herself in the rich and colorful online world and enjoy herself to the fullest.
It was truly a case of being too happy to think of home.
"Gabriel, don't be in such a hurry to go back. It's still early. Why don't you accompany us for a stroll today?"
Miko Yotsuya, quick-eyed and nimble-handed, grabbed Gabriel's arm and said with a dry laugh.
According to Yuria, to prevent Gabriel from Falling from Grace, they couldn't just leave her alone. If she were allowed to overindulge in the online world without proper real-life activities, she would turn into a total wreck.
Once Gabriel reached the level of a Fail-ten, any future attempts at rescue would be too late!
What they needed to do was turn Gabriel into a Normie, not a Trash shut-in who was dying upon exposure to light!
Miko Yotsuya felt it made a lot of sense after hearing it, so she took Yuria's suggestion. While planning to sell flowers, she intended to take Gabriel along for a walk.
Gabriel looked at the hand gripping her arm, feeling that her premonition of disaster was showing signs of coming true. She spoke to decline politely:
"How can that work? With my stamina, I'll be exhausted after just a few steps. Bringing me along will surely be a hassle, so just let me go back first."
Who are you kidding!
Miko Yotsuya had a face full of disbelief.
Beside them, Hana Yurikawa's expression turned serious upon hearing this. She raised her arm, pretending to be very strong, and said with full confidence:
"What does that matter? Leave it to me! If Gabriel can't hold on, I'll carry you on my back."
Good job, Hana!
Miko Yotsuya praised her in her heart.
"I—I can also contribute some effort!"
Yuria raised her hand and spoke with a nervous expression.
She couldn't help being nervous; Gabriel was a bona fide Angel!
Gabriel re-examined the three of them and suddenly understood something.
Fine, fine, fine. It looks like except for Hana, the other two are coming for me.
Then bring it on! I want to see exactly what game you're playing!
Gabriel let out a helpless sigh and then reluctantly nodded in agreement:
"Alright then, thank you so much. Actually, I also wanted to walk around and see the local culture and scenery along the way."
Miko Yotsuya and Yuria were very happy to hear this.
It seemed their initial operation was quite successful.
Just as Yuria was drafting the next step of the battle plan, Gabriel suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Yuria, I'll be relying on you next."
Gabriel stared at the Twin-tail Loli, who was roughly the same height as her, and showed a pure smile.
Yuria: "Eh?"
On the bustling street where people came and went, various shops were flourishing.
The appearance of a strange combination quickly drew the attention of some people there.
Yuria was carrying Gabriel on her back, her face covered in sweat.
Although Gabriel's weight wasn't heavy, one couldn't withstand carrying her like this indefinitely.
"Yuria, are you okay?"
"I'm fine..."
"Really not tired?"
"Not... tired...!"
Gabriel took a sip of the newly bought milk tea, marveling at Yuria's amazing willpower.
Her legs were shaking with fatigue, and sweat had almost soaked through her school uniform.
To have reached this point and yet still be stubborn.
What reason could possibly make Yuria persist for so long?
In the back, Miko Yotsuya and Hana Yurikawa looked at Yuria with worried faces.
"Just... hold on a bit longer...! I'm carrying an Angel on my back. If I can get even a bit of an Angel's aura on me, maybe I can be like Miko and have the power to Exorcise Evil Spirits..."
"Even if I can't reach... that level, or even if it's completely useless, this counts as bringing honor to my ancestors..."
"Father, Mother, your daughter has made it!"
Yuria gritted her teeth through the sweat, an infinite fighting spirit emerging in her heart.
Hold on just a bit longer, my weak body.
Let Gabriel see the possibilities within humanity!!!
Suddenly, Yuria felt the weight on her back lighten, and something cold was suddenly pressed against her cheek.
"You rest first. I'm afraid if you continue, you'll suddenly give out and fall, dropping me."
Gabriel helplessly handed another cup of cold drink to Yuria.
What was going on?
She was clearly punishing her, yet why did she look like she had made a profit?
She couldn't understand the brain circuitry of this loli.
"Then after I recover my strength, I'll continue carrying you... By the way, is this for me?"
"Forget it, I plan to walk back. This is your payment for the hard work, take it."
"Tha—Thank you..."
Yuria was overwhelmed by the favor and accepted the cold drink with both hands.
Miko Yotsuya and Hana Yurikawa looked at each other and smiled.
It seemed they didn't need to worry anymore.
"Yo, little girl, could you let me see that bunch of lilies in your hand?"
The sudden voice made Miko Yotsuya snap back to attention instantly.
She looked toward the sound and found an old woman wearing a Shaman Robe with snow-white hair and a kind face. Her eyes were fixed on the Holy Cross in her hand.
Before Miko Yotsuya could respond, Yuria beside her stated the old woman's identity:
"You are the Godmother?!"
"Oh? You've heard of my title, little girl?"
Mitsue Takeda turned her head to glance at Yuria.
The face was quite unfamiliar; she probably hadn't seen this little girl before. Did she hear about her from someone else?
"Yes, I've only heard of it. The Godmother is quite famous in this area," Yuria nodded.
"Just some hollow fame."
Mitsue Takeda smiled humbly.
That kind of title was just something she had scammed using minor tricks. She had already aged into this state and could no longer live up to the title of Godmother.
However, she still possessed her experience and eyesight...
Mitsue Takeda then turned her attention back to that special bunch of lilies in Miko Yotsuya's arms.
"Within this Lily, there is actually such a majestic and pure Energy... it's simply unheard of..."