Chapter 38

I scanned the woman sitting in the living room, examining her mana and aura carefully. It didn't take long for me to figure it out: she was a Lower God.

So, Papa really does have connections with other Lower Gods, huh? Interesting...

Mama was in the kitchen, preparing tea. Meanwhile, Christine sat in the hall, right next to my bedroom. Though there was a wall between us, I could still feel her gaze—it was sharp, almost piercing, as though it could reach me through solid stone.

I could have done the same, focusing my senses to observe her directly, but I decided against it. She seemed to have a good relationship with both Mama and Papa. If she discovered my true powers and decided to inform them, I'd be in big trouble.

---

A while later, Papa finally returned home.

"I'm back!" he called out, his voice echoing through the house.

Instead of greeting him at the door, Mama called out from the living room.

"Honey! Come inside! Someone's here to see you!"

Papa furrowed his brows as he walked toward the living room. "Really? Who would come here at a time like—" He stopped mid-sentence as he entered the room and saw Christine sitting comfortably.

"Ah, it's Christine, of course."

"Hi, Alfred!" Christine greeted with a cheerful wave.

---

The two of them fell into conversation, reminiscing about old times. Mama and I sat nearby, listening as they shared stories from Papa's days as a hero.

"And remember that time when the ship was attacked by that massive octopus monster?" Christine said with a laugh, leaning forward as though reliving the moment.

"You mean Cthulhu?" Papa replied with a smirk.

"Yes! That one!" Christine exclaimed. "It was so bizarre—my attacks kept bouncing off it like rubber. I thought I'd never see the end of that fight!"

Their laughter filled the room, but the moment was interrupted by Christine's phone ringing.

She pulled it out and answered, her voice turning serious.

"Yes?... Ah... I'm already on that... Okay, okay, don't worry."

Hanging up, she turned back to Papa.

"Alfred, why did you re-register?" she asked, her tone sharp.

Papa's expression softened as he summoned a glowing ball of light in his hand.

Christine's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow!" she muttered. "So your magic's returned, huh?"

"Yes," Papa replied simply.

Christine sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Can you come outside with me for a moment?"

"Uh… okay…" Papa muttered hesitantly.

---

As they stepped outside, I kept them under close watch using my advanced senses. Their conversation piqued my curiosity.

"You have no idea how much chaos your sudden reappearance has caused in Japan," Christine said, her tone sharp and scolding. "And that's with the news not even fully public yet. When it gets out, the entire world will shift. You need to be more careful, Alfred."

"Oh… okay…" Papa mumbled.

"'Okay'?" Christine snapped, crossing her arms. "You should be apologizing right now."

"I'm sorry…" Papa said quietly.

"What's the point of apologizing now when the damage has already been done?" she shot back, her frustration clear.

I tilted my head as I observed the interaction.

Is she a tsundere? I wondered.

Papa stayed silent, his usual calm demeanor unshaken. Eventually, Christine sighed and handed him a small card.

"What's this?" Papa asked.

"Your identity card. I had it made for you."

"Oh… thanks," Papa replied, his voice tinged with surprise.

Christine rolled her eyes. "A dense man like you only knows how to give half-hearted smiles. Anyway, make sure you come to the council tomorrow, okay?"

Before Papa could reply, Christine leaned closer to him. My eyes widened in alarm as I realized what was about to happen.

Oh no.

Christine kissed Papa on the cheek.

Papa flinched slightly, startled, while I fumed silently from inside the house. Good thing Mama didn't see that!

After pulling away, Christine grinned. "See you later!" she said, waving as she walked to her car. Moments later, she drove off, leaving Papa standing there, scratching the back of his head.

---

Papa came back inside, looking a little flustered.

"Did you two have a good chat?" Mama asked, her tone light and casual.

"Yes? Uh, yes!" Papa replied, nodding awkwardly.

Mama smiled brightly. "It's nice to see you so lively again!"

Before she could continue, I ran up to Papa and leapt into his arms.

"Papa!" I shouted, clinging to him tightly.

He smiled warmly, picking me up with ease. "My little princess, how was school today?"

"Awesome!" I exclaimed. "Teacher said I could become a really great hero one day!"

Papa's eyes softened as he chuckled. "Then I'll be looking forward to that day."