Chapter 304: Return?



“I can understand your bewilderment, young child-but-” Riley’s voice, soft and gentle, carried an almost melodic cadence as he stepped closer to Sophiel.

Each step seemed deliberate, as though he moved with a purpose known only to him.

His golden hair shimmered faintly in the dimming light, his presence commanding attention in a way that left her breathless.

Before she could fully grasp what was happening, Riley reached out, his fingers brushing against a stray strand of her hair.

With a delicate motion, he tucked it behind her ear, his touch both tender and disarming.

“Taking advantage of the situation isn’t really kind, you know~?” he teased, a subtle smile gracing his lips as his deep blue eyes bore into hers.

“C-Child? Taking advantage? I don’t know what you’re talking abou-” Sophiel began to protest, her voice defensive, but the words faltered in her throat.

Her gaze shifted downward, and her eyes widened in shock.

Her right hand, entirely of its own accord, was pressed firmly against Riley’s abdomen.

The realization hit her like a tidal wave, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of crimson. The warmth of his skin beneath her palm, the undeniable strength of his muscles-it was too vivid, too intimate, and entirely beyond her control.

“What…?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. No matter how hard she tried, her hand wouldn’t move.

It was as if the world itself had conspired against her, forcing her to remain in this moment, to experience his overwhelming presence.

Riley tilted his head slightly, an amused yet understanding expression crossing his face. His golden aura shimmered faintly, wrapping around him like a halo.

“It seems I may have done something unnecessary, I’m sorry my child” Riley said as he suddenly touched his chest.

“Huh?”

Everything about him was unnatural, almost otherworldly.

His appearance, the way he spoke, even the gentle way he looked at her-it felt so far removed from reality.

The warmth in his gaze wasn’t something she could describe; it wasn’t admiration or affection, but something deeper, something comforting, like a mother’s tender embrace.

Her thoughts spun as she tried to process the surreal nature of the moment. “Who… What are you?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Riley chuckled softly, the sound rich and calming. “Since I don’t have too much time, I’m afraid I’ll need you to fall asleep now, oh beautiful child,” he said, his tone laced with both regret and a strange fondness.

Before she could respond, Riley closed the distance between them, wrapping her in a warm, gentle hug. The sudden contact froze her in place, and her racing thoughts gave way to an inexplicable sense of peace. His golden aura expanded, enveloping them both in its radiant light.

“Riley…?”

Lumia, standing nearby, watched the scene with wide eyes, her own breath catching as the light reached her as well. “Y-Your Highness…?” she murmured, unable to move or look away. The golden radiance grew brighter, filling the entire space with its brilliance.

Lumia’s vision blurred, and she too felt herself being drawn into the light.

Then, with a sudden flash, the three of them vanished

…

With the utmost care, Riley gently laid Sophiel and Lumia onto Sophiel’s bed, his movements deliberate and tender.

The two slept soundly, their expressions serene as if untouched by the chaos of the past moments.

Riley stepped back slightly, his deep blue eyes softening as he gazed at them, a satisfied smile curling on his lips.

“For a heart so conflicted, her vulnerable state truly reveals her kind nature…” Riley murmured to himself.

His voice carried a gentle warmth, tinged with an odd sense of nostalgia.

With a simple wave of his hand, the bedsheet drifted upward as if guided by an unseen force, tucking the two sleeping figures in.

He tilted his head, a faint glimmer of mischief flashing across his face as he observed how they had naturally shifted into a gentle embrace during their sleep.

“Although… this might stir up some misunderstandings,” he chuckled softly. “Still, it’s a fitting, small punishment for how daring Sophiel has been.”

Riley turned his gaze toward the glowing golden sigil faintly pulsing on his chest.

The light shimmered as if in response to his touch. His lips curled into a knowing smile as he spoke, his tone filled with a peculiar reverence.

“They’ll forget everything that transpired today the moment they wake. So there’s no need for concern, young Riley~”

Within his mind, a deep, serene voice responded.

[…You have my gratitude, dear goddess.]

Riley’s laugh was soft yet melodic, like the chiming of bells. “Fufu- there’s no need for thanks. This is but a simple act to honor your request.” He paused, a playful gleam in his eyes. “Besides, you indulged me. I couldn’t possibly refuse.”

Golden light began to envelop Riley once more, wrapping around him like a protective

cocoon.

The faint shimmer grew brighter until it completely obscured him from view.

Then, with a soundless burst, he vanished, his presence replaced by an eerie stillness.

The scenery shifted rapidly, the world becoming a blur of colors and lights as Riley moved at

an unimaginable speed.

Landscapes, cities, and vast uncharted territories flashed by-places so remote and

untouched that their beauty seemed almost surreal.

Mountains rose like titans against the horizon, vast deserts shimmered like liquid gold under

the sun, and endless oceans gleamed with an ethereal light.

Riley let out a soft, amused chuckle, his voice carrying a tone of satisfaction. “The mortal world… It’s been so long since I walked its paths. To experience it once more-it is I who owes

you my gratitude, young one.”

[…Please, be careful…]

Riley’s laughter deepened, playful and full of confidence.

“Worry not, child. I’ve personally reinforced your body. It wouldn’t break even under the

strain of the heavens themselves.”

It had been millennia since the goddess last had the chance to step into and experience the mortal realm-her very own creation.

Even though she was the one who meticulously shaped and developed this world, it felt surreal to witness how the mortals had transformed it over the ages.

From the towering grandeur of castles and intricate buildings to the sprawling roads connecting nations, the goddess marveled at the ingenuity and determination of humanity.

Communities had grown into bustling, immaculate cities, their sheer size and complexity a testament to mortal perseverance.

Even remote regions, untouched by modernization, retained an untouched beauty that harmonized with the world’s natural splendor.

Hovering above it all, her gaze swept across the vast landscapes and architectural wonders. She hadn’t thought she’d ever see this evolution personally.

The goddess laughed softly, her voice carrying a hint of both joy and nostalgia. “Hahaha…

they’ve outdone themselves.”

[Goddess…]

“Hm?”

[You might want to slow down for a bit…]

“Why?” She tilted her head in genuine curiosity before realizing her mistake. “Ah-oh~”

It didn’t take long for the goddess to understand.

While she currently occupied Riley’s body, it didn’t mean his consciousness wasn’t present or

unaffected.

The constant light-speed travel and abrupt shifts across landscapes might have strained his mortal mind and body more than she intended.

“Forgive me, child,” she said with a sheepish chuckle, her tone softening. “I got a little

carried away there. Hehe.”

Descending gracefully, she landed atop a towering mountain peak.

The terrain beneath her feet was rugged yet awe-inspiring, a stark contrast to the

breathtaking view stretched out before her.

The scene was nothing short of a masterpiece: a sprawling valley illuminated by the gentle

glow of moonlight, its rivers glinting like liquid silver, and the soft whisper of the wind

carrying with it the scent of untouched earth.

The goddess stood there, taking in the beauty of the night sky, its stars scattered like jewels

across an endless expanse of velvet.

“It’s beautiful~”

[… Are you satisfied now, dear goddess?]

The goddess chuckled softly, her laughter carrying the warmth of gratitude and amusement.

“Ufufufu- Yes, I am truly satisfied right now, my dear child. Even though you were fully aware of the immense burden you would bear to hold even a fraction of my essence, you didn’t refuse my selfish request. Once again, I am deeply thankful for that.”

[It’s fine, dear goddess…] Riley’s tone was calm, though a tinge of exhaustion seeped through. [It’s not like I’m not benefiting from this exchange anyway. Besides, you gave me your word that my wish will be guaranteed, so doing this much for you is only fair.]

“Fufu~ You truly are kind, child… Your wish was rather simple as well”

[I think simplicity is a good thing…]

“Fufu that’s true… the threads of fate aren’t much too kind to those who are treading onto too

many paths.”

The goddess settled down on the mountain peak, her grace emanating with every move.

A sudden pulse of golden light rippled across the snow-covered summit, and the icy layer vanished in an instant, leaving a warm, pristine surface beneath her.

With effortless poise, she- or rather Riley’s body under her control-lowered herself to sit.

“I would love to linger and savor this world a bit longer,” she mused, her voice tinged with wistfulness as her gaze swept over the breathtaking horizon. “It’s such a rare opportunity, and there’s so much beauty to explore… but, alas, your mortal body has its limits. There is only so much it can safely endure before it falters.”

[… You can borrow my body some other time as well if you want. If it would bring you more

joy, I wouldn’t

mind.]

The goddess tilted her head slightly, her golden aura shimmering faintly with affection. “Hm~ How tempting,” she admitted, her tone softening. “But hosting me more than once

might very well guarantee your death, my dear child. And that is a price I would not wish upon you. Rest assured, these fleeting moments have already left me deeply satisfied.”

[… I see…]

-CRACKLE!

A sharp, sudden sound echoed as a fracture appeared on Riley’s right hand, golden light

seeping through the cracks.

The glow pulsed briefly, intense and otherworldly, before the fissure closed almost

immediately as though it had never been there.

“Fufu- Looks like my time is almost up,” the goddess said softly, her tone tinged with both

amusement and acceptance.

ising grace

her seated position, she turned her gaze skyward, the landscape

stretching endlessly before her.

Riley’s eyes, which had shimmered a deep blue moments before, now glowed with a radiant golden hue. A subtle, bittersweet smile played upon his lips.

“Young Riley, I admire your courage and dedication to your goals,” the goddess began, her

voice steady yet laced with a quiet concern. “But you cannot achieve everything you desire on your own. The moment your carefully laid plans begin to unravel, everything may truly fall

apart. That’s why I’ll make a simple request of you-please, do not shoulder everything

alone.” [… Yes.]

Riley’s response was curt but resolute. Yet, his tone lacked conviction, and the goddess, perceptive as ever, chuckled softly.

“Fufu-” Her laughter was light, almost teasing, but there was no mistaking the undercurrent

of doubt in her voice. She made no further comment, as though accepting that this particular trait of his wouldn’t change anytime soon.

She glanced at her hand, golden light radiating faintly from her fingertips. “Since there’s still

a little time left… Young Riley, you wouldn’t mind if I visited my dear grandchild, would

you?”

[Grandchild?]

The revelation caught Riley off guard, his voice betraying his surprise.

“Hm, yes~” The goddess nodded, her golden aura shimmering faintly in the cold air. “I’m

fairly certain you’re already acquainted with him. His name is Lucas. He’s a mortal-born of one of my creations and a human.” She paused, her expression softening as she continued. “His progress has been rather slow lately, you see. And since this is such a rare opportunity, I

wanted to personally bless him.”

The goddess’s tone grew wistful as her gaze turned distant, her smile bittersweet. “I also

wished to see my beloved daughter… but, alas, there simply isn’t enough time for that.”

Golden light enveloped Riley’s body once more, swirling with an intensity that hinted at the goddess’s next move-another burst of light-speed travel. Her golden hair shimmered in the radiant glow as she glanced ahead with a mischievous smile.

“He’s currently training right now-a perfect time to visit, don’t you think?”

[W-Wait, dear goddess!] Riley’s voice was tinged with panic, his thoughts racing. [I don’t think it’s a good idea to meet Lucas right now!]

The goddess tilted her head slightly, curiosity sparkling in her golden eyes.

It’s not just about Lucas’s questions when he would suddenly appear in front of him that are

the problem, as he glanced at his current appearance-clad in nothing but a loose white cloth that barely covered him.

“Fufu- You worry too much, young Riley,” the goddess said, unfazed. Stretching out her hand, a familiar stone materialized in her grasp, glowing faintly with a

divine aura.

[That’s-!]

Before Riley could finish his thought, the goddess held the stone closer, inspecting it. “It’s a bit broken,” she murmured, her voice soft but resolute. “Allow me to fix it for you.” Golden light poured from her hands, flowing into the relic like molten sunlight. The fractured stone absorbed the divine energy, its jagged edges smoothing and its luster

returning.

Slowly but surely, the once-damaged relic regained its former glory, radiating a powerful and serene energy.

As the goddess raised the restored relic toward the moonlight, the divine glow intensified. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

The relic’s light grew brighter, washing over Riley’s form as his body started to change. “Now then let’s go shall we~”

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