"Alright, whether as a subject or my peerage, you will be my Knight."
"Yes, my King."
Looking at Erica, who was so serious, Abel felt a little embarrassed. After all, hearing her call him 'King' repeatedly was a bit awkward. He preferred Erica to be her original self.
"Alright, Erica, you don't have to be so reserved. I don't care for these formalities."
Hearing Abel's words, Erica was moved. After all, no one wants to stay in that state forever.
But Erica respectfully continued, "My King, formalities must not be abandoned."
Abel also had a slight headache. Of course, he knew the reason. She was simply afraid of making him angry, or perhaps that demeanor was a sign of disrespect to the King.
However, given Erica's personality, she might genuinely step on others' landmines.
"Alright, Erica, I permit you not to care about these formalities. Tolerating one's subjects is what a King should do." Abel rubbed his temples and said helplessly.
Erica hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Since my King has said so, then I shall respectfully obey."
As she spoke, her previously restrained expression relaxed, returning to her usual lively and playful demeanor.
Erica sat beside Abel, linking her arm through his, smiling cheerfully. "My King, you said it, you won't blame me."
Abel nodded slightly in response. "Yes, I said it."
Erica was completely relaxed now. However, she seemed to have thought of something, her "childhood friend," Liliana Kranjcar.
This silver-haired girl, who she had known since childhood but never got along with...
Should she pull her out of the Bronze-Black Cross to become the King's new subject?
Erica didn't plan on returning to the Copper Black Cross.
As soon as this thought emerged, it seemed very viable.
Erica shook Abel's arm and said, "My King, as a Campione, you cannot have only me as your subject. As long as you give the word, I will bring her to you in a few days."
Hearing Erica's words, Abel was slightly stunned.
A new subject?
Is this the treatment of being the Seventh King?
If you need someone, they're just sent over.
However, the only person Erica would care about seemed to be that joyful rival, the silver-haired girl from the Bronze Black Cross. It seemed like taking her in wouldn't be bad.
"Oh? Since you recommend her, then bring her over so I can see her." Abel said with a smile, but then remembered something else.
"Since you have done so much for me, what reward do you desire, my dear?"
Hearing Abel's words, Erica couldn't help but be tempted. However, after thinking for a moment, she teased Abel, "Then what reward does my King wish to give me?"
Looking at Erica's charming appearance, Abel smiled faintly. "In that case, how about attending to me tonight?"
Upon hearing this, Erica's face flushed slightly. Attending to him seemed a bit too soon.
And all things considered, she had only been with the King for a few hours, right?
Even if she already had the thought of dedicating herself, this was too fast. If she really attended to him, would the King think she was too frivolous?
Looking at Erica, who was holding his arm, blushing and somewhat conflicted, Abel's lips curved upwards.
Alright, no more teasing her. After all, he still had to go home tonight.
"Alright, I was just joking. How about I give you divine protection as a reward?"
"Divine protection?"
"Exactly."
Erica looked up at Abel with anticipation.
Abel looked at Erica. "I am the New King, and you are my subject. As your King, I shall bestow upon you my blessing. You shall be under my protection for all eternity. Accept it."
Looking at Abel, who was radiating light, Erica smiled. Then, without hesitation, she said, "Your subject, Erica Brandelli, is willing to accept your protection."
After Erica finished speaking, Abel leaned down and kissed her lips.
Erica's eyes widened.
This… is this a proper King's blessing?
So warm...
The golden light from Abel spread over Erica's body. At this moment, the sixth of Verethragna's ten incarnations, 'Youth,' activated.
It possessed the ability to purify and remove all negative effects, and to revive, while also raising the blessed person's power to the level of a subordinate god.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Erica rested her head on Abel's shoulder.
At this moment, gentle breezes blew in through the window, bringing Abel a different message.
Abel smiled.
It seemed Rias missed him.
"Alright, my dear, come back with me to meet your companions."
"Since it is my King's arrangement, Erica will obey." Erica naturally obeyed Abel's invitation.
Facing Abel's outstretched hand, Erica didn't hesitate for a moment and took it.
"Wind, take me to the one who misses me."
As Abel spoke, Gale activated, and a wisp of clear breeze blew. Abel and Erica had already disappeared from the villa.
...
At the same time, back on the small island where Abel had been before he left.
Inside the small wooden house Abel had conjured, Rias, Kanae, Akeno, and Sona were sitting together, chatting. As for the others, they had returned to the beach to play.
"Sona, Kanae, where do you think Abel went?"
"Not sure, but Abel must have something important to do."
"Kanae is right, Abel wouldn't stand us up."
"Oh my. I feel like Abel might bring us another sister."
As Akeno said this, the three of them looked at her.
It shouldn't be, right?
But often, when there's uncertainty, it tends to happen.
Just as the four of them were discussing this topic, a gentle breeze blew through.
Abel and Erica appeared before the four of them.
"Abel!"
"I'm sorry, I made you worry."
Facing Rias's concern, Abel felt a bit embarrassed at this moment.
At this point, Akeno spoke, "Oh my. It seems I wasn't wrong. Abel brought back another girl."
At this moment, Akeno felt a similar aura from Erica—the "bad girl" aura.
With Akeno's reminder, everyone looked at Erica. Their man had actually brought back a girl in just a few short hours.
"Hello everyone, my name is Erica Brandelli. I am the King's subject, and also his peerage."