Before long, a pill with a strange luster appeared in the mortar.
Jade Rabbit pointed, and the pill flew into Astarte's mouth.
Warm currents flowed through Astarte's body. The previously restless Familiar Rhododactylos gradually quieted down, and Astarte's pale face slowly regained some color.
The duration of this pill could be said to be infinite. After all, as long as Abel didn't die, the medicinal effect wouldn't fade. After all, Abel was the creator of the Familiar, and all magic power was provided by him.
Avrora, seeing Astarte's condition improve, curiously asked, "This pill is so miraculous, how is it made?"
Jade Rabbit smiled and explained, "It's made by combining my own medicinal magic power with the characteristics of the Familiar."
At this moment, Astarte opened her eyes.
Noticing that something was wrong, she quickly prepared for defense.
"It's alright, Astarte. Rudolf Eustach traded you to me, so from now on, you just need to obey my commands."
Astarte was silent for a while. She had heard about this trade while she was unconscious. For some reason, she felt a sense of loss in her heart.
She was created by Rudolf Eustach, so he seemed like a father to her. If that was the case, then...
Astarte looked at Abel and said to him, "I obey your command, Master."
Abel nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. From now on you are my treasure, my possession. You will live under the protection of the King, so be yourself, Astarte."
Be yourself?
For some reason, Astarte's eyes glinted with an unknown light, then she bowed. "Yes, Master."
Now, Astarte's matter was temporarily resolved. As long as Abel didn't die, the Familiar within her wouldn't devour her life force.
Jade Rabbit came before Abel and bowed. "Master, since the matter is complete, I shall take my leave."
With that, she transformed into a gentle breeze and returned to her own body.
Just then, the aroma of roasted meat wafted from the kitchen, and Yukina called out, "The roasted meat and ice cream are ready."
Avrora's lips curved. "I am coming."
Soon, everyone gathered around the dining table and began to enjoy the delicious food.
Astarte was also there. Even though she was a Homunculus, she still needed to eat.
Astarte looked at the scene before her, and her heart rippled with a sense of warmth she had never experienced before.
Previously, she had always recovered her stamina by soaking in liquid tanks.
Avrora, who was feasting, paused as she saw Astarte not moving. "Astarte, you should eat too."
Astarte picked up a piece of roasted meat and put it into her mouth. She couldn't help but show a hint of satisfaction.
—
The next day.
Abel woke up from his bed and found that both of his arms were being hugged. He looked left and right, only to see Astarte and Avrora each hugging one of his arms.
By the way, how did they get here again?
"Hehe... Abel, let me bite you..." Avrora said in her sleep.
She opened her mouth, preparing to bite down.
Thump!
Avrora clutched her head and looked at Abel with displeasure. "You are bad."
"Don't mess around so early in the morning."
Abel said helplessly.
"It's time to wake up, we have to go to school later."
At this moment, Astarte also woke up. Seeing herself hugging Abel's arm, her face turned red, and she quickly let go.
Avrora, on the other hand, pouted, looking like she hadn't had enough sleep.
"Alright, since you're all awake, get up."
"Yes, Master."
"Got it."
Abel stretched and got out of bed.
After washing up, he went downstairs and found Yukina already preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
Seeing Abel, she bowed slightly. "King, please wait a moment, breakfast will be ready soon."
"Mm, thank you for your hard work."
Astarte and Avrora also came downstairs.
Soon, Yukina finished making breakfast and brought it out.
"Everyone, please have breakfast."
...
After breakfast, everyone went to Saikai Academy together.
Of course, Astarte stayed at home for now. After all, she was only a few months old.
Natsuki's room.
As the magic circle appeared, Abel walked out of it.
"Yo, good morning, Natsu..."
Abel saw a small version of Natsuki covering the large version of Natsuki with a blanket.
After doing everything, Natsuki looked at Abel and said, "Good morning, Master."
"Mm, good morning."
Looking at the main body and the clone, Abel asked, "Didn't the main body come out? Why are you still using the clone?"
Then a question popped up in his mind.
Are the main body and the clone's senses interconnected?
"I am used to the clone."
"I see." Abel nodded.
It would definitely be uncomfortable for someone who had used a clone for several years to use their main body.
"Master, would you like some tea?"
"If it's no trouble, a cup would be nice."
Natsuki nodded and then turned to start brewing black tea.
Abel's gaze fell on Natsuki's main body, and he smiled wickedly, extending his hand towards the main body.
Natsuki, who was brewing black tea, trembled, and an unusual sensation came from her body. She stumbled and couldn't stand steadily.
She quickly turned to Abel and shouted, "Master! What are you doing!!"
Natsuki hadn't expected her master to be so bold.
...
Time passed by little by little.
Abel wiped his fingers with a towel.
Natsuki was using magic to control a mop to clean the floor, while also brewing tea.
Her gaze was fixed on Abel, wishing she could burn him.
Soon, two cups of excellent Ceylon Kandy tea were brewed.
Natsuki took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and brought the brewed black tea to Abel.
"Master, please have some tea."
She suppressed the shame and indignation in her heart, then continued, "Do you need to add mint?"
Abel took the tea. "No, thank you."
Abel took a sip and felt it was quite good.
Then he remembered something, and took out the gift he had prepared yesterday from the Kamui Dimension, black tea leaves.
"Here."
Natsuki was slightly startled, her gaze falling on the packet of tea leaves. A hint of surprise flashed across her face, then she returned to her usual composure.
"Master, this is..."
"I went to Kandy briefly yesterday and bought it as a gift for you." Abel said.
Natsuki's heart rippled slightly. She hadn't expected this seemingly bold and frivolous master to remember to bring her a gift.
This time... she would forgive him.
"Thank you, Master." She said softly, her voice gaining a hint of gentleness.
She carefully took the tea leaves and placed them on a nearby table.
Now, it was time to talk about serious matters.
"Natsuki-chan."
"Hmm?"
"Can you give me what's stored in the anchor area?"
Hearing Abel's words, Natsuki was slightly startled.
The things in the anchor area?
Natsuki asked, "You want that arm?"
"Exactly."
Abel nodded and then continued, "I made a deal with an unlucky fellow."
Hearing Abel's words, Natsuki was somewhat speechless.
The arm stored in the anchor area was connected to the entire Itogami Island. If it was rashly removed without a substitute, this small island would sink.
How could it be traded so casually?
"You should know the purpose of that arm, right?"
Abel answered, "Of course, the Cornerstone Gate. It relies on the power of the Holy Relic, 'The Right Arm of the Saint,' to withstand the strong currents from the deep sea."
Hearing his reply, Natsuki looked helpless. Abel knew the purpose of 'The Right Arm of the Saint' and still made the trade.
How frustrating.
She took a sip of mint-infused black tea to refresh herself, then continued, "Since you know, why did you make this unequal trade?"
Abel's lips curved slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "Is this trade unequal? I don't think so. What do you think is behind the Western Church?"
"Behind the Western Church is the General Church, of course."
"And the General Church?"
As Abel said this, Natsuki paused.
Behind the General Church?
Her mind raced, then her eyes lit up, "It's God."
Abel said, "More precisely, it's the angels from Heaven, since God is already dead."
At these words, Natsuki froze.
God is dead? How could that be?
"Let's put aside the matter of God's death for now. It looks like we lost out on this trade, but in fact, we gained something, because with this matter, I can demand compensation or a promise from those angels. After all, what's free is always the most expensive."
Listening to Abel, a hint of surprise flashed in Natsuki's eyes.
Besides Abel's astonishing strength, his background was also extraordinary.
She asked, "What will replace Rhe Right Arm of the Saint? This concerns all the residents on the island."
"Hahaha, don't worry. As a King, how could I disregard the people of my territory?" Abel said with a laugh.
"Moreover, while The Right Arm of the Saint is precious, it's not irreplaceable."
He still had something in his Kamui Dimension.
No, to be precise, a dragon.
That's not quite right either. It should be a divine beast nurtured by the earth.
Yes, that's right.
It was a divine beast born from the earth of Greece.
He had thought about making an artificial Sacred Gear before. But due to constant engagements, he hadn't started making it yet.
Replacing 'The Right Arm of the Saint' with 'The Divine Dragon of the Earth' would be a good choice.
Furthermore, 'The Divine Dragon of the Earth' is a living creature. Making it the new central system would be like a Sacred Gear gaining a spirit.
So, once the replacement is successful, Itogami Island will be instantly refined.