Three streaks of light descended, landing respectively on the bodies of the three girls: Utaha Kasumigaoka, Eriri, and Megumi Kato. Clearly, even Eriri had not refused.
"I thought Otaku Eriri would refuse," Riku remarked as he watched the scene, crossing his legs and resting his chin on one hand.
"Since that child made the choice to come here, she knows what needs to be done," Saori replied, finding it quite normal.
Eriri Spencer Sawamura. Although she had many flaws in her personality, she was, in fact, much like Saya Takagi—both had received elite educations. Even if they had their own shortcomings, it did not mean they could not make a decision when it truly mattered.
"As expected!"
As the light shimmered, points of radiance flickered above the Sanctuary. The three streaks of light had already settled upon the three girls.
"The constellations that chose Eriri and Megumi are quite varied; we will need to see their talent and growth later. As for Utaha, it is just as I predicted—she was chosen by Aries," Riku said with a smile.
Utaha Kasumigaoka, Sanzang, and Saeko Busujima.
The three women had respectively inherited the positions of the Aries, Virgo, and Capricorn Gold Saints. That was already enough.
"Speaking of which..." Riku thought of something, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Saori, how should we handle *that* person?"
"That person!" Saori naturally knew who Riku was referring to. Ultimately, she shook her head with a hint of helplessness and sighed softly. "Riku, it is difficult. His existence is not easy to deal with. One wrong move..."
"I will handle it. Is Shaina willing to stay?" Riku asked after a brief moment of thought.
Shaina and Marin.
Among the Saints who had left one by one, they were among the very few who remained. Or rather, many of the Saints were actually very confused, hardly understanding what had happened. But when faced with a choice, they still chose the Earth and peace over Saori, the goddess.
This was not surprising. The essence of the Sanctuary was to protect the Earth and peace, not to protect Saori herself.
"That child..."
"I will go take a look," Riku stood up and smiled. "There are some things that are not suitable for you, the Goddess, to show your face for."
"Very well, Riku. I also need to make preparations."
"Mhm!"
Amidst their casual chat, Riku stood up and left with his darling Alice. Saori quietly watched the three girls as they slowly opened their eyes, speaking to them in a soft voice.
Sanzang also turned to leave. While her strength was indeed great, she was also cultivating her Cosmo. As the physical manifestation of a Heroic Spirit, she found that as her Cosmo grew, her Spirit Foundation continued to improve. She was already walking further and further down a unique path.
"Mr. Riku! Lady Alice!"
Riku had just left the Twelve Zodiac Temples when Rika Minami and Rei Miyamoto, both clad in Silver Cloths with a primary silver color scheme, hurried over. With a few leaps, they landed by his side.
"A-Xiang, Rei~~~" Alice ran over happily when she saw the two girls, taking both young girls by the arms and even nuzzling them.
"Lady Alice..." Rei Miyamoto felt a bit shy and lowered her head, unaccustomed to the affection.
As for Rika Minami, she remained quite calm.
Riku looked at the two and said with a smile, "Not bad. Whether it is the Cloths, the combat techniques, or your Cosmo, your improvement has been very fast. Do not rush; take it slow. There is plenty of time ahead. What you need to do is communicate with the Sagitta and Triangulum constellations. Whatever you do, do not stray onto the wrong path."
"Yes!" the two replied, nodding seriously.
Once Saori discarded her Authority and stepped onto the path of the [Stars], the future would be incomparably broad and bright. How magnificent a path was that? It went without saying.
And although Rika and Rei only held the Star Sovereignty of one of the 88 constellations, which certainly could not compare to the 13 Sun Sovereignties, it did not matter. Mastering a Star Sovereignty already guaranteed a more glorious future. They absolutely could not afford to go astray.
"Speaking of which..." Riku looked around and asked, "A-Xiang, Rei, are you two the only ones handling the affairs of the Sanctuary?"
"Saeko is with us, and Kyoko is helping too, but..." Rei Miyamoto shook her head helplessly. "Mr. Riku, almost everyone in the Sanctuary has left. There are just too many things to do, and we have not gotten everything back on track yet."
"Especially..." As Rei's voice trailed off, three figures emerged not far away.
They watched the group quietly. Each wore a mask, seemingly deep in thought.
"Come over here," Riku said with a smile.
In that moment, the three women felt something and arrived before them in an instant.
"Shaina."
"Marin."
"June."
Riku looked at the three and smiled as he spoke each of their names.
"And you are?" The three women looked at each other, and Marin asked softly.
"You could say that the current changes in the Sanctuary stem from me." Riku thought for a moment and gave an answer. "Because I made contact with Saori and reached a cooperation with her, the current situation of the Sanctuary was formed, and the Holy War was changed."
"Lord..."
"Mr. Riku!" Rei Miyamoto spoke up to correct the form of address.
Marin changed her wording. "Mr. Riku, may I know why?"
Riku nodded. "You may. Let us find a place to sit down and talk slowly."
At the same time, Riku shot a glare at his darling Alice. Was this not all her fault?
But his darling only gave a "hehehe" snicker.
It was baffling. Even his name had been changed.
Whatever. Since she was his darling, what else could he do but spoil her?
Alice gave him a thumbs up: 'Darling, keep it up! You are the best at smooth-talking young girls!'
Riku sighed helplessly: 'Alice, behave yourself. No causing trouble.'
Alice blinked: 'I am going to find that child.'