Aeterna was overwhelmed with joy, her eyes sparkling with a happiness she had never truly felt before. She had sensed for a long time that Haruto was merely playing the role of a father out of necessity, but hearing him commit to it officially changed everything for her. She immediately demanded a promise, and when Haruto gave his word with a serious nod, she felt a bond that transcended the simple contract between a spirit and an owner.
Toya watched the scene with a mixture of emotions. His eyes shone with admiration for Haruto, moved by the realization of how far his friend was willing to go—sacrificing his entire future and freedom—just to save his life. It was a level of loyalty that Toya knew he could never forget.
However, beneath the relief, a sharp pang of guilt began to settle in Toya's heart. He remembered his own ambition: to become the strongest warrior and eventually surpass everyone, including Haruto. Seeing Haruto make such a massive sacrifice for him made the thought of one day having to face him in battle feel heavy and bittersweet. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside; he knew there was still a long way to go before he reached that point.
Rutherford looked toward Aeterna in complete disbelief, his massive golden arms dropping to his sides. "Queen, what is this?" he rumbled, his voice thick with confusion.
"Just a moment ago, you were speaking of the fundamental rights of spirits and the justice of the Abyss. Why are you abandoning the Law for this?"
Aeterna turned to him, her eyes soft with happiness but her voice carrying a finality that brooked no argument. "Look, Rutherford, listen to me," she said, her tone shifting to one of simple, practical logic.
"It's simple. If I make this deal, then you get to stay here by my side as part of the group. That means I won't have to be bored anymore. And more importantly... I finally got a Papa. Do you understand?"
She stepped closer to the giant, her shadow lengthening slightly as she gave him a pointed look. "So, keep your mouth shut and just wait and move away from Toya right now."
Rutherford let out a long, frustrated sigh, the red glow in his eyes fading back to gold. He realized that the Queen's personal desire for a family—and her escape from the boredom she had fought for so long—was a force even more powerful than the ancient laws of the spirit world.
Slowly, the giant backed away from Toya, who collapsed onto his knees, gasping for air. Rutherford crossed his arms and leaned against a nearby pillar, his massive frame vibrating with a silent, begrudging patience.
Rutherford, still leaning against the pillar, let out a deep, impatient grunt. "Hurry up and do whatever you need to do,"
He rumbled, his golden eyes flickering with a mix of annoyance and anticipation. Toya, finally finding his footing, scrambled up and rushed straight to Ivory's side, his heart pounding with the realization that his life truly depended on what happened next.
Ivory turned her gaze toward the massive spirit. "Rutherford," she asked, her voice calm and authoritative,
"What kind of weapon do you desire to inhabit? What vessel is worthy of your rank?"
Rutherford didn't even look at her; his eyes remained fixed on Toya.
"Ask the one who is supposed to wield me," he replied coldly. "A weapon is only as good as the hand that carries it."
Ivory turned to Toya, her eyebrows raised. Toya swallowed hard, looking at his empty hands. "The best weapon... the best one you can possibly imagine!" he blurted out, his mind blank from the pressure.
Haruto stepped forward, placing a hand on Toya's shoulder. "I've got this,"
He said quietly. Haruto closed his eyes, reaching back into the memories of his old world—recalling the legendary gear from the high-level games he used to play. He looked for a design that balanced raw, destructive power with the royal arrogance of a Monarch.
"Focus on your forehead, Haruto,"
Ivory commanded, her own eyes closing as she prepared a telepathic link.
"Think of the image clearly. I will pull the blueprint directly from your mind."
Haruto concentrated. Ivory reached out with her mana, her face suddenly lighting up with a brilliant smile. "Brilliant," she whispered. She raised her hand, and a massive holographic screen flickered into existence in the center of the hall.
The screen displayed a weapon that left everyone breathless:
The Blade: A massive, broad sword that looked like it was forged from the heart of a dying sun. The metal glowed with a "Star-Core" brilliance, radiating intense heat.
The Hilt: A handle made of solid, polished gold, etched with ancient runes of binding and power.
The Accent: Two long, flowing red strings attached to the pommel, dancing as if caught in an invisible wind.
The Aesthetic: The sword was incredibly wide and heavy, perfectly symbolizing Rutherford's overwhelming physical presence and his SSS+ status.
Rutherford walked toward the screen, his massive shadow falling over the blueprint. He stared at the design for a long moment, the red glow in his eyes replaced by a look of genuine respect. "That..." he rumbled, "is a house I can live in."
While the boys and Aeterna were focused on the forge, Lustra, Bellona, and Asobi shared a brief, silent look. They had been acting as "side characters" for a while now, watching Haruto and Toya take the spotlight with their new spirits. But as the mana in the room surged, they felt their own power humming in response. They knew their time to show their true caliber as Goddesses was coming soon.
The room was filled with a low, magical hum as the holographic image of the massive sword stabilized. Haruto opened his eyes, and the room seemed to exhale as the mental strain of the projection eased.
Asobi examined the blueprint carefully and noted that while the weapon looked incredible, forging it would be an intensive process taking at least three hours.
Lustra looked at the design with admiration, agreeing that it was truly beautiful, while Bellona remarked that the weapon looked absolutely amazing.
Standing at the back, Toya stared at the screen, completely captivated by the fact that this was meant for him. He thought to himself that it looked even more powerful than the Void Reaper.
Turning to Haruto with newfound determination, Toya pointed at the holographic display and said, "I want this".
Haruto scratches his head, feeling a bit embarrassed as everyone praises his legendary weapon design. Despite the admiration, he quickly interrupts the celebration with a realization that makes everyone freeze.
"Wait a minute," Haruto says, his voice tinged with worry.
"Professor Vane and Princess Lilith are still asleep upstairs."
The realization hits Ivory, Bellona, Lustra, and Asobi like a physical blow. Now that Haruto has officially sworn to be Aeterna's father, the group faces a massive logistical nightmare:
How are they going to explain to Princess Lilith and the Professor that Haruto suddenly has a "daughter"?
Explaining Aeterna is one thing since she can look like a child, but explaining Rutherford—a towering, muscular SSS+ spirit draped in gold—is impossible.
Haruto is internally screaming, wondering how he will maintain his serious image while acting like a doting dad in front of the others.
As the Goddesses start to panic, Toya suddenly snaps his fingers.
"Wait, why don't we just set Rutherford's Base Form to a 'Rest Mode'?" Toya suggests, looking at the giant.
"Just like Haruto's daughter did—he should be able to shrink down or suppress that massive golden aura so he doesn't look like a walking mountain."
Everyone—Haruto, Ivory, and even the other Goddesses—turns to stare at Toya in absolute shock. They can't believe his brain is actually working this fast for once.
Rutherford and Aeterna exchange confused glances, having no idea who Princess Lilith or Professor Vane are. Aeterna turns to Haruto and asks, "Papa, who are these people?" Haruto explains that they are guests sleeping upstairs. Aeterna, confused by the secrecy, asks why they need to hide at all and suggests they should just show off their power openly. Haruto quickly insists that it is a secret he will explain later tonight, but for now, the priority is getting Rutherford into a Rest Form.
Rutherford sighs, looking at the group. "If that is what everyone desires, I will comply."
Aeterna's eyes light up with a mischievous idea.
"I've got it! Rutherford, you should transform into a Royal Butler! Wear a sharp uniform and grow a mustache. That way, we'll look like a prestigious royal family. You can look after me while I enjoy my life as a child."
Rutherford, despite his pride as a Monarch, bows deeply to the Origin Queen.
"As you order, My Queen."
A golden light envelops Rutherford's massive frame. The vulgar wealth of his chains and his towering, mountain-like physique shrink down. When the light fades, a new figure stands before them:
Appearance: A tall, impeccably built man in his late 40s with sharp, disciplined features.
Attire: A high-end, midnight-black tuxedo with gold embroidery on the cuffs and a crisp white shirt.
Detail: A perfectly groomed, aristocratic mustache and a gold monocle over one eye.
Presence: He no longer looks like a wild monster from the Abyss; he looks like the head butler of a galactic empire.
Everyone stood in stunned silence, staring at the man before them. It was impossible to believe that this refined, five-and-a-half-foot-tall gentleman was the same mountain-like monster from moments ago.
Toya, however, wasn't happy. "Wait! This isn't right!" he protested, waving his arms.
"Why is my SSS+ spirit a butler?! He's supposed to be a warrior!"
Rutherford adjusted his golden monocle, his new voice calm, smooth, and sharp.
"Please be silent," he said with a slight bow.
"The Queen's order is absolute for any spirit. Her word is my law."
Aeterna frowned, crossing her arms.
"Rutherford, don't talk to him like that. He's still your owner, you know!"
"Not yet," Rutherford countered smoothly, his eyes flashing with a hint of his former arrogance. "Until the sword is forged, there is no vessel. Until then, I am simply a guest in this household."
Ivory stepped in, sensing that the sun would be up soon and the Professor and Princess would be waking.
"That's enough! Lilith and Vane will be awake any minute. We have to move!"
She raised her staff, and through her Reality Magic, she began summoning the raw materials Haruto had envisioned—Divine Star-Ore, Liquid Solar Gold, and Void-Tempered Steel. The materials pulsed with a terrifying amount of energy as they appeared on the workshop floor.
"Asobi, take these!" Ivory commanded.
"Use your creation magic to stabilize the machines and guide the assembly. Toya, you stand at the center of the forge. You need to watch your first legendary weapon manifest so the bond starts now!"
As Asobi leads Toya toward the workshop to begin the three-hour forging process, the group splits up. Rutherford, now in his refined butler form, silently takes his place behind Aeterna, bowing slightly as he murmurs, "At your service, Queen".
Haruto watches the transformation with a mix of disbelief and anxiety. He realizes that managing a sophisticated, former-Monarch-turned-butler while also acting as a full-time father to the Origin Queen is going to be an administrative nightmare.
Just as he is processing the new dynamic, Ivory pulls him aside. She leans in and whispers something directly into his ear, causing Haruto's expression to shift from slight embarrassment to total seriousness.