Chapter 199

Heavens, just listen to that sweet talk—Akio felt his heart melting.

Miyuki was always so gentle with him, always ready to give him whatever he wanted.

She never competed with the other girls, quietly staying by Akio's side, cooking meals for him and taking care of all the daily little things.

Akio embraced Miyuki warmly, rubbing his cheek affectionately against hers. "Miyuki is just too adorable! Love you so much, my darling~"

"I love you too, darling~" Miyuki replied happily, gazing up at Akio with sincere eyes.

This was the first time Miyuki had ever called Akio 'darling'!

Previously, Miyuki always addressed him as "Lord Akio." This intimate way of speaking was entirely new to him.

"Perfect, Miyuki. From now on, call me like that," Akio laughed gently. "We're getting married soon. If you still call me 'Lord Akio,' your husband-to-be will feel hurt, you know?"

"Married!" Miyuki's eyes sparkled, overflowing with joy. She immediately nodded enthusiastically. "Alright! From now on, I'll always call you darling~"

The two lingered together affectionately for a long while, and gradually the sky outside grew dark.

At last, Yae Miko and Sangonomiya Kokomi finally emerged from the room.

"Hmm? Where did Miyuki go?" Yae Miko asked curiously.

"Oh, she's gone to prepare dinner. Lumine, Ayaka, and little Paimon have gone to the Kamisato Estate to enjoy the hot springs," Akio explained with a smile.

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Kokomi, who stepped forward shyly and gently grasped Akio's hand. "Lord Akio~ I've had a long talk with Sister Miko and learned a great deal. From now on, I hope you'll continue to guide me."

"Wow." Akio inwardly raised an eyebrow. Just what had Yae Miko said to Kokomi? Now Kokomi looked at him like a devoted little fangirl.

Still, Akio didn't dwell too much on it. He simply smiled and said, "It's already late today. Stay here and rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll accompany you back to Watatsumi Island."

"Alright~" Kokomi nodded obediently. She'd already arranged Watatsumi's affairs properly. With Gorou holding the fort, she felt reassured. Staying one extra night wouldn't cause any trouble.

"Darling~ See? Aren't I just the best wife ever?" Yae Miko strolled over with a proud smirk.

"Yes, yes, you're my sweetest treasure. Tonight, I'll reward you properly," Akio laughed.

"Forget it~ Tonight, I'll just endure the loneliness of an empty room~ I'll generously give tonight's lovely moments to our new little sister instead." Yae Miko shrugged teasingly, lightly caressing Akio's cheek before heading cheerfully into the kitchen.

"Miyuki~ I'm coming to help!"

Akio turned to Kokomi, who was gazing at him with eyes shimmering like clear spring water, her cheeks flushed prettily. She was indeed incredibly beautiful at this moment.

…

After a tender, passionate night, early the next morning, Kokomi—still deeply concerned for Watatsumi Island—forced herself out of bed despite her body's lingering discomfort.

"Lord Akio~" Kokomi looked at him with anxious expectation.

"Let's go." Akio nodded. After quickly informing Yae Miko, he lifted Kokomi into his arms and soared into the sky.

With Akio's incredible speed, they arrived over Watatsumi Island in mere moments.

From above, Watatsumi Island appeared visibly withered—countless plants had died, and the whole island looked as if life itself had been drained away.

"This is strange. Elemental energy of this density shouldn't appear here like this..." Akio frowned slightly, casting his gaze toward Enkanomiya.

Suddenly, his expression shifted sharply. He saw a monstrous figure straight from his memories, and two women fighting desperately against it.

"Imaginary Construct? How could this thing appear in Teyvat?" Akio's face turned grim. He swiftly set Kokomi down.

"Kokomi, immediately lead the people of Watatsumi Island to evacuate. Whatever appeared in Enkanomiya is beyond your ability to handle," Akio ordered firmly.

"But you..." Kokomi looked at Akio worriedly.

"I'll be fine, of course," Akio reassured her, shaking his head. In the next instant, he vanished from where he stood.

Kokomi bit her lip and ran hurriedly towards Sangonomiya Shrine. She had to evacuate the islanders as quickly as possible—though it wouldn't be easy!

Inside Enkanomiya—

A colossal monster, bizarrely shaped and surrounded by golden clock-like symbols, glowed faintly golden as it swung its massive blade.

Two figures struggled against it, desperately fighting back—none other than Asmoday, the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, and Istaroth, the Ruler of Time. Yet, they were clearly at a disadvantage.

"Asmoday, how did such a monster appear here?" Istaroth asked anxiously, her brows furrowed. A being of this level was frighteningly powerful. Could it be that this world had already drawn the attention of that existence?

"I don't know either. There was a tear in the boundary near Enkanomiya. I believe this monster came through there," Asmoday explained, shaking her head. "I've temporarily sealed the breach. Once we've dealt with this monster, we can reinforce the world's boundaries."

"This thing is too dangerous—" Before Istaroth could finish, she and Asmoday were both knocked flying by a single swing of the monster's blade.

Suddenly, both women felt themselves gently caught in someone's embrace.

"Akio!" Both Istaroth and Asmoday turned their heads simultaneously, their expressions lighting up with relief and joy.

Akio's strength far exceeded theirs. With him here, this monster wouldn't pose any threat.

"Imaginary Construct... How did something like this appear in this world?" Akio asked, puzzled.

"A breach in this world's boundary allowed energy to seep in," Istaroth quickly explained.

"I see... Was it triggered by Himeko's arrival?" Akio stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Earlier, he'd only scanned for lingering Honkai energy, not realizing the boundary between worlds had actually broken.

"Fortunately, this Imaginary Construct is only formed from a small amount of Imaginary energy—it's far weaker than a true Imaginary Construct. Otherwise, it could easily destroy this entire world." Akio gently set Istaroth and Asmoday down.

"Alright, leave the rest to me." Akio teleported directly in front of the Imaginary Construct, calmly examining the strange-looking monster.

Golden clock-like symbols emerged intermittently around its body, the golden energy distorting space itself.

"A creature that shouldn't exist... Begone," Akio murmured softly, gathering immense power in his hand.

Yet, just as Akio prepared to erase the monster completely, it suddenly withdrew its giant blade and knelt respectfully on one knee before him.

"...???" Akio stared blankly at this unexpected action. Yet, he could sense a faint consciousness within the Imaginary Construct, radiating absolute loyalty toward him.

At the same moment, the Imaginary Tree energy inside Akio's body stirred restlessly.

"So that's it..." Akio suddenly understood. His body contained the Imaginary Tree's essence. It seemed this monster had recognized him as its master.

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