Chapter 2.1: Meet and Greet

Changing the subject to a more cheerful one, Jophiel asked, "How old is your son now, Mr. Ennemond?"

Ennemond replied with pride, "He's sixteen."

Jophiel admired his son's independence at such a young age. "Your son is independent at a young age, impressive!" she remarked.

Ennemond explained the reason behind his son's decision. "Well, after my wife passed away, he decided to live in Milirem because he wanted to expand our business, not just in Bethlehem, but also in Nazareth. It was my wife's dream to make Bethlehem bloom with flowers. You see flowers everywhere."

Jophiel was deeply moved by his wife's dream and its impact. Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "What a beautiful dream."

Ennemond, concerned, asked, "What's the matter, Jophiel?" 

"Your wife's dream is truly magnificent," Jophiel remarked, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "I can't imagine how beautiful Bethlehem would be if it were surrounded by flowers everywhere."

Ennemond, however, seemed hesitant. "Yeah, but I'm afraid I can't make her dream come tru—"

Jophiel interrupted him by gently but firmly stamping the table. "Don't say that!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with determination. "We will make it come true!"

Ennemond couldn't help but smile at Jophiel's unwavering confidence. "Okay... then I'll leave it to you, Beauty of God."

Jophiel accepted the responsibility wholeheartedly. "Before that, though, I must finish my house so I can help you not just with your shop, but to make your wife's dream come true. That's my mission now here on Earth," she declared.

Ennemond, deeply grateful, expressed his thanks. "As expected of the Archangel... Thank you."

Jophiel simply replied, "You're welcome, Mr. Ennemond."

As the evening continued, Jophiel and Mr. Ennemond enjoyed a joyful dinner and conversation. Later, Mr. Ennemond's friends joined them for the meal, and they even had a jamming session, with Jophiel leading the songs.

The following day, Jophiel returned to Bethlehem along with Mr. Ennemond to visit his flower shop. They had made a deal to collaborate on the flower business.

"It's so lovely to see this, Mr. Ennemond," Jophiel commented as she admired the shop's blossoms. "The flowers are standing like 'belles dames,' waiting for a man to court them."

Ennemond explained their task for the day. "Since we are about to open, you can dig them up as they are about to wake up."

Jophiel, eager to begin, responded with enthusiasm. "Right away, boss!"

Ennemond, amused by her formality, couldn't help but tease her. "Come on, don't call me that," he said with a chuckle.

"Hehe!" Jophiel giggled, her spirits high as Mr. Ennemond opened the shop for the day. The people passing by couldn't resist greeting Jophiel, and within minutes, the shop was crowded as word spread that Jophiel was the shopkeeper. Customers kept pouring in, and Jophiel was pleasantly surprised by the bustling business.

Observing Jophiel's hard work and the overwhelming number of customers, Mr. Ennemond realized she could use some help. He called out to her, "Jophiel..."

Jophiel responded, "Coming..."

Mr. Ennemond handed her a glass of water, concern in his eyes. "You're sweating profusely, my dear."

Jophiel admitted, "I guess it's hard to entertain so many customers, Mr. Ennemond."

Mr. Ennemond placed his arm around her shoulder and smiled warmly. "You know, Jophiel, you're a big blessing to this shop. I've had customers before, but not this many. Your beauty is truly charming, and I think that's why the customers are so eager to buy flowers from you." He couldn't help but chuckle.

Jophiel appreciated his kind words and couldn't help but reflect on Mr. Ennemond's late wife's dreams. "You're right, Mr. Ennemond. I believe your wife would be overjoyed to see this. Her dreams are coming true, don't you think?"

Mr. Ennemond, sharing her sentiment, encouraged her to drop the formalities. "Just drop the 'mister' thingy," he suggested, winking at her.

Jophiel laughed. "Oh... okay-okay, 'granpabi'?" she playfully teased.

Mr. Ennemond gladly accepted the affectionate title. "Do as you please, my dear."

They shared a warm embrace, and Mr. Ennemond couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. Tears welled up in his eyes as he confessed, "I wish I had a granddaughter like you."

Jophiel, touched by his words, offered comfort. "Well, I can be that granddaughter of yours," she said with a smile. "And I'm sure your son will give you one in due time," she added, bringing reassurance to Mr. Ennemond's heart. 

"Haha, that's the cutest thing I've heard in my life," Ennemond chuckled, thoroughly delighted. Their laughter filled the air, a testament to the genuine connection they were forming.

Amid their laughter, the mayor and vice mayor arrived, their curiosity piqued by the crowd surrounding the shop. Their surprise was evident when they discovered that Jophiel was the shopkeeper. However, their surprise soon turned to understanding as they realized the true reason behind the bustling business.

Louis, who had brought chocolates with him, eagerly approached Jophiel and handed them over, tenderly kissing her hand. "Your beauty is as bright as the sunny day right now, milady," he complimented.

Jophiel graciously accepted the chocolates and smiled. "Why, thank you, Louis." 

"And for these chocolates," Jophiel added with a gracious smile.

"Anyway, greetings, milady," the mayor said, extending a courteous nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you again."

The mayor then shared some exciting news. "Your house is about to be finished today," he announced.

Jophiel's eyes widened in astonishment. "Oh, heavens! That's much quicker than I expected. And thank you for informing me, Mayor!" she exclaimed gratefully.

Louis, who was eager to assist, inserted himself into the conversation. "Ahem, milady, why don't you go and witness the construction of your house? I can take you there for a ride."

Jophiel was torn, wanting to help Ennemond at the shop but also eager to see her house being built. However, Ennemond reassured her, "You can watch it now, my dear. It's okay... it seems the number of people here is decreasing. You're good to go now."

Moved by Ennemond's kindness, Jophiel hugged him tightly. "Aw... thank you so much, granpabi!" she said affectionately. "I'll be back!"

As Jophiel and Louis departed in the car, Ennemond waved his hand to bid her farewell.

Upon their arrival at the cliff, Jophiel was pleasantly surprised to see that her house was nearing completion, and there were far more people working on it than she had anticipated. The construction efforts were constant and well-coordinated. The workers were eager to consult Jophiel about her ideal design for the house.

"Our Mademoiselle Jophiel has arrived at a glamorous event," a woman remarked.

"Bonjour, Mrs...." Jophiel began, eager to learn the woman's name.

The woman promptly introduced herself. "Marguerite, my dear. You can call me Mrs. Marguerite." 

"You know, Louis rants a lot about me to you," Marguerite remarked to Jophiel with a friendly smile.

"We're not that close yet, Mrs. Marguerite, but it's nice to hear," Jophiel replied politely.

Marguerite leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "Well, then I hope you two could get closer," emphasizing her words with a wink.

Louis approached the women with a question. "Mom, are the items for the living room ready?"

Marguerite nodded, confirming, "Yes, dear. I'll do the arrangements later."

Jophiel couldn't help but comment on the affectionate term Louis used. "Wait... 'Mom'?" she inquired, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Louis, realizing his informal slip, quickly corrected himself. "Oh yes... my deepest apologies, milady..."

"I forgot to introduce you to her," Louis began, but Marguerite gently intervened, blocking him and assuring Jophiel, "It's alright, Louis. We've just met, and we're starting to get closer. I suppose we are, right, my dear?"

Jophiel couldn't help but laugh heartily and nodded, "Yes, I guess it is."

"Splendid! That would be great!" Louis chimed in enthusiastically.

Marguerite then turned her attention to the house design and asked, "Well anyway, my dear, are you in agreement with this kind of design for your house?"

Jophiel responded warmly, "I'm certainly in agreement, Mrs. Marguerite. Any kind of construction is enough for me. The important thing is that I have a place to live here on Earth."

Marguerite was impressed, remarking, "What a wise woman!"

The carpenter leader then called out, "Second wave: Paint the house!"

"Roger that, boss!" The carpenters and volunteers replied.

Jophiel mumbled to herself, "Paint, paint, paint... Can I choose a color?"

The people fell silent and turned their attention to Jophiel, who nervously asked, "If it's alright?"

Louis eagerly encouraged her, saying, "Of course, mademoiselle! What color do you want?"

Jophiel thought for a moment and decided to make her choice using a unique method. She plucked a flower and sang to it:

"Flower, gleam and glow,

Let your powers shine.

Make a choice on colors,

That you think I desire."

The flower shone brightly as it changed colors, eventually settling on pink, white, and yellow.

Jophiel smiled and commented, "Hmm... clever as usual, mariposa."

"Thank you," she said to the flower.

Louis, curious about the chosen colors, asked, "What colors responded, milady?"

Jophiel happily shared her decision, "Pink, white, and yellow."

Louis then announced to the crowd, "Everyone, did you hear that? Archangel Jophiel's desired colors for her house are pink, white, and yellow!"

The men and the townspeople rushed to gather the paints and joyfully began painting the house. Jophiel joined them in their efforts, and together, they painted the house with enthusiasm. After the paint had dried and Marguerite had arranged the items inside the living room and bedroom, Jophiel's dream house was completed right at noon. Overwhelmed with joy, Jophiel knelt down, tears streaming down her face.

"My first ever house here on Earth," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I will cherish this for eternity."

Louis approached her and suggested, "Why don't you take a look inside?"

Jophiel, still moved by the moment, strolled around her house, gazing out the windows and climbing upstairs to get a better view of Bethlehem. She then descended the stairs, took a deep breath, and felt contentment wash over her. Jophiel turned to Louis, hugged him tightly, and expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you so much for everything, Louis. I promise I'll make it up to you."

Louis, taken aback by the unexpected hug, stammered, "I... I didn't see that coming, milady."

Jophiel held his hands and smiled warmly. "A promise is a promise, so I think we should. Since you're a fine man after all."

Louis couldn't contain his joy at Jophiel's words. "I guess we should have a dinner date tomorrow."

Jophiel agreed, saying, "Okay, got it."

"But before that, why don't we celebrate for now?" Louis suggested. "You know, the completion of your dream house."

Jophiel liked the idea but remembered her promise to Ennemond. "That's a great idea! Wait... I should take granpabi here so he can see the house."

Louis nodded. "Oh, right. I'll send my colleague to pick him up from the shop."

"Okay, then tell me if he's near so that I can surprise him," Jophiel said.

"Roger that, boss!"

After Louis instructed his colleague, he gathered the townspeople and made an announcement, sharing the news of Jophiel's agreement to their celebration. The townspeople happily prepared food and decorations, with men cooking and women making desserts.

Meanwhile, Louis's colleague arrived at Mr. Ennemond's shop and informed him about the event. Mr. Ennemond closed his shop and followed the colleague to a boutique where he bought clothes for Jophiel, who was now partly dependent on him. With the new clothes in hand, they set off for the celebration.

The townspeople had finished preparing the food and lit up the area. They began toasting and celebrating, congratulating Jophiel on the successful completion of her house. Louis rushed to Jophiel to inform her that Mr. Ennemond was nearing the celebration site. Jophiel hurried down the cliff to meet him.

The car stopped, and Mr. Ennemond got out, asking, "Oh Jophiel, what are you doing here?"

Jophiel greeted him with a warm smile. "Hello, granpabi! You know what I'm going to show you, right?"

Mr. Ennemond pondered for a moment and then asked, "Let me guess... your house?"

Jophiel replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "Hmm... more than that!"

Curious, Mr. Ennemond inquired, "And what is that?"

"First, turn around," Jophiel instructed.

Mr. Ennemond complied, turning his back with Jophiel, anticipation building.

Jophiel carefully blindfolded Mr. Ennemond, ensuring that he couldn't see a thing. She then took his hand, leading him to their destination. As they reached their spot, she gently removed the blindfold.

"I'm gonna unblindfold you now, but no peeking!" Jophiel cautioned.

Ennemond replied, "Okay, got it."

With a flourish, Jophiel announced, "You can peek now!"

As Mr. Ennemond opened his eyes, he was greeted by the breathtaking view of Bethlehem. The sight left him speechless, and a serene smile formed on his face.

"It's so wonderful," he whispered. "I never knew I'd get a chance to see this view, far from my shop. But why here, my dear?" he asked Jophiel.

Jophiel's eyes sparkled with determination as she replied, "I want you to witness today's beauty in Bethlehem because I have a promise for you, right? To make your wife's dream come true—to bloom Bethlehem," she said.

Ennemond nodded with gratitude. "I'll live on that dream of hers."

Jophiel suggested, "Let's go downstairs and have something to eat. I guess it is time, as the sun is almost set."

Together, they descended the cliff, ready to celebrate the completion of Jophiel's dream house and to honor Mr. Ennemond's wife's dream of making Bethlehem bloom. 

"Let's have dinner," Ennemond suggested with a warm smile.

"Okay, granpabi," Jophiel agreed cheerfully, grateful for the wonderful day and the chance to share it with someone who had become like family to her.

In the midst of the festive celebration, Jophiel couldn't help but notice a mysterious figure perched on a tree. As she observed, Louis appeared before her, startling her momentarily.

"Oh, hey, Louis!" Jophiel greeted him with a smile.

Louis, looking somewhat preoccupied, explained, "I'm afraid I need to excuse myself for now. Something has come up, and I have an appointment to attend."

Disappointed but understanding, Jophiel replied, "I see. Well, if it's important, then I won't keep you. We have our dinner date tomorrow night, right?"

"Exactly, Milady," Louis affirmed. He leaned in and gently kissed Jophiel's hand before mounting his horse and riding off into the night.

Meanwhile, in a hidden alley used for clandestine dealings, Louis met with a mysterious figure named Emeric. Emeric's companions had arrived, bearing sacks of money. Louis was visibly agitated and scolded them for bringing the money.

"Didn't I tell you not to bring the money here?" Louis reprimanded, concerned about the risk of being discovered.

Emeric, seemingly unconcerned, responded with a smirk, "Calm down, self-righteous one. It's just a precaution. We're delivering the item as promised."

Louis pressed for details, inquiring, "When are you planning to sail back to Cabestro?"

Emeric, intrigued by Louis's curiosity, asked, "Why do you ask?"

Louis, determined to get answers, replied, "I need to know when to expect the item. It's more valuable than you realize, and it must be handled carefully."

Their clandestine conversation continued as plans were set in motion.

Louis and Emeric continued to discuss their arrangement. Louis explained his plan, saying, "I promised to host a dinner date with her to pique her interest. After that, you're welcome to proceed."

Emeric, his demeanor still sly, responded, "We can wait for two days. As long as we're in agreement, you'll repay your debt in no time. But remember, should you double-cross us..." Emeric ominously drew his blade, making his threat clear.

Louis, aware of the stakes, replied, "Understood."

With their terms settled, Louis and Emeric parted ways, each with their own mission to fulfill.

Back at Jophiel's house, the festivities were winding down, and the guests began to make their way home. Ennemond, too, prepared to leave, but Jophiel stopped him. She was concerned about his journey home and wanted to ensure his safety. Their conversation continued, marked by Jophiel's heartfelt concern.

"Why don't you spend the night here, granpabi."

Jophiel firmly asserted, "It's too dangerous for you to sail in the middle of the night."

Ennemond, understanding her concern, replied, "It's alright, my dear. I'm accustomed to sailing even in the midnight."

Jophiel wouldn't hear of it. She insisted, "No, you're staying here until the sun rises. I want to repay you for letting me stay in your house when I was homeless."

Ennemond, moved by her sincerity, agreed, "I understand, my dear. If you insist, then I'll follow your command."

Grateful for his understanding, Jophiel hugged Ennemond and suggested they get some rest since they had work to do the next day.

Ennemond, in a lighthearted tone, teased, "Who's the boss now?"

Jophiel played along, saying, "I'm just trying to act bossy, granpabi."

Ennemond chuckled and then changed the subject, asking about Louis. He inquired if Jophiel had any interest in him. Jophiel hesitated but eventually admitted, "He's a fine man, I suppose. But I feel uneasy. However, I have to attend our dinner date, out of respect for his offer. If only I had the ability to see the future like our Father, then I would know what's inside of him."

Curious about Jophiel's abilities, Ennemond asked, "What is your ability, by the way, my dear?"

Jophiel smiled warmly and replied, "I have the gift of detecting people's feelings. I can sense Luis's emotions and intentions. It's like I'm judging his kindness and the beauty within him, even if it's hidden."

Ennemond nodded, understanding her unique ability, and commented, "No wonder why people call you the 'Beauty of God.' It truly is a remarkable gift."

Jophiel humbly acknowledged her gift, saying, "It's a gift that I cherish and intend to use to fulfill my purpose."

As the evening drew to a close, Ennemond suggested, "Come on, let's go to sleep."

Jophiel inquired about his sleeping arrangements, asking, "Where are you going to sleep, granpabi?"

Ennemond chuckled and replied, "The sofa is quite comfortable, especially when it's new. I think I'll sleep here."

Jophiel, ever considerate, insisted, "You can sleep in my room, granpabi."

Ennemond graciously declined, saying, "It's alright, my dear. I'm fine here."

"Okay then," Jophiel acquiesced. "Goodnight, granpabi."

"Goodnight, my dear," Ennemond replied.

With that, Ennemond turned off the lights, and Jophiel settled into her sleep. Ennemond, meanwhile, went upstairs to get some fresh air, pondering the promises Jophiel had made for him and his beloved late wife.

"Bloom the Bethlehem, huh?" Ennemond murmured to himself. "I have my reason now to live on, even in this age."

As the sun began to rise, Ennemond woke Jophiel. After they had breakfast, Jophiel headed to the shop while Ennemond returned home for a moment to tend to his plants and flowers. As he was preparing to sail his boat, he noticed a man floating towards his land. Ennemond acted quickly, throwing a rope to help the man reach the shore safely.

Ennemond mused, "Oh heavens! What a handsome man I caught. It would be better if this were a fish. But anyway, I must secure him first."

After providing assistance and tending to the man, Ennemond returned to Bethlehem and recounted the incident to Jophiel.

Jophiel was surprised as she listened. "You found a handsome man, treated him, and brought him to our house?"

Ennemond explained, "Yes, dear. He seemed to be in need, and it appeared that their boat had sunk, separating him from his companions. At least, that's my hunch."

Jophiel expressed concern, saying, "I hope he's okay now. Perhaps you should go back and check on him."

Ennemond agreed, "That's a good idea, my dear. I'll go back and see how he's doing."

Jophiel assured him, "I'll handle the store, granpabi."

Ennemond smiled warmly, replying, "Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate it."

"No worries, granpabi," Jophiel replied with a smile.

When Ennemond returned home and opened the door, he was taken aback as the man inside suddenly choked him and demanded, "Where am I?"

Ennemond struggled to answer, "Beth-"

"Bethlehem," the man finished the sentence, his voice filled with confusion and concern.

The man, who had initially choked Ennemond, finally released his grip, causing Ennemond to cough and gasp for air. The stranger then wandered outside, his eyes darting around in confusion.

"The war... What just happened?" the man muttered to himself, his voice filled with bewilderment. "Beelzebub! Satan! Asmodeus! Leviathan! Mammon! Belphegor!"

Ennemond watched the man's frantic outburst, concerned for his state of mind. He cautiously approached the man and inquired, "Uhm… mister? Are you lost?"

The man suddenly turned to face him, his eyes burning with intensity. "Why would I be lost, when I'm about to dominate the earth, you fragile being!" he declared with an air of arrogance.

Ennemond, trying to diffuse the situation, calmly responded, "Okay, calm down. Maybe I can help—"

But before he could finish his sentence, the man, who had identified himself as the Demon Lord Lucifer, sharply cut him off. "Why would I need your help, human? Can't you see... I'm the Demon Lord Lucifer!"

Ennemond was momentarily taken aback by this revelation, but he couldn't help but chuckle. "Wait... hold on. You're the 'Demon Lord'? How could you be a devil if that handsome face of yours was a very angelic figure, you know..."

Lucifer, still visibly frustrated, replied, "Then let me show you the demonic figure of mine."

However, much to his surprise, nothing happened. Lucifer struggled to summon any demonic powers or appearance, causing him to grow increasingly perplexed.

"What?" he muttered, his frustration evident. "Why isn't it coming out? My wings are gone? How?"

Lucifer's mind flashed back to the scene of him protecting Jophiel from harm, and he suddenly realized the cause of his current predicament.

"Oh, yeah..." he muttered, his tone filled with resignation. "Bloody hell."

Ennemond, attempting to assist Lucifer, approached him and offered a piece of clothing. "Here, wear this."

Lucifer, still trying to process his situation, questioned, "Why?" 

Ennemond, ever the practical and considerate soul, calmly told Lucifer, "Because you're naked."

Lucifer reluctantly accepted Ennemond's offer and began to change into the clothing provided. His demeanor, still brimming with arrogance, was at odds with his current predicament.

Ennemond, always the hospitable host, suggested, "Perhaps you should come with me to Bethlehem. Since it's so boring here alone."

Lucifer, not one to take kindly to being ordered around, retorted, "Who the hell are you to command me?"

Ennemond, undeterred by Lucifer's hostility, responded with a friendly tone, "Come on now, fella. I'm just trying to help you."

With a resigned sigh, Lucifer finally agreed, muttering, "Fine, I'll go along with you."

Ennemond grinned, pleased with the outcome, and eagerly invited Lucifer to join him. They set sail for Bethlehem, with Lucifer's thoughts in turmoil. He couldn't help but wonder, "Why doesn't this old man recognize me?"

As they arrived in Bethlehem, Lucifer noticed that the women in the area were captivated by his striking appearance. Ennemond couldn't help but comment, "You're quite popular with women, aren't you?"

Lucifer, still brimming with his earlier arrogance, replied, "Yes, I'm popular because I'll be the one who will rule your precious land, and all of you will be in my domain."

Ennemond, displaying a surprising level of understanding, told Lucifer, "I know you've gone through a lot, pal. I feel you."

Lucifer, taken aback, questioned, "What are you? A celestial?"

He seemed perplexed and asked about their location. Lucifer, reading a sign that read "Dufort's Flower Shop," sarcastically asked if they were there to pick flowers.

Jophiel then appeared, and Lucifer couldn't help but freeze as they recognized each other's identities. Jophiel quickly suggested that Ennemond go inside the shop, giving them an opportunity to speak privately.

In a small alley nearby, Jophiel confronted Lucifer with a firm grip and demanded, "What are you doing here, Demon Lord?"

Lucifer, unshaken by Jophiel's presence, replied, "To conquer Nazareth, of course."

Jophiel, realizing the gravity of the situation, spread her wings threateningly, and Lucifer stammered, "Oh... no, no!" 

Lucifer, trying to maintain his composure, remarked, "That's pointless, archangel. I'm just kidding. In fact, I don't have my powers now, and everyone has forgotten about me, except you celestials."

He continued with a note of confusion, "But the strange thing here is... why is it that every time I see you, I feel soft and light?"

Jophiel considered Lucifer's words and replied, "That query of yours is somehow unanswerable. I'm afraid. But I'm also going to ask you a question."

With a cautious expression, Lucifer inquired, "What is it?"