Akashic Records of the Bastard Child Engaged to a Goddess

Lumiere & Lucretia Arc.

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(POV: Lumiere)

So apparently, I ditched Lilith because of Genny and the I ditched Genny because I was looking for Lilith and ended up with Lucretia.

But even more apparently, my job as a teacher didn't matter to Lucretia.

She wanted me to slide by her company tomorrow.

Normally, I would see this as an opportunity to learn more ideas on what to create. But, from what I'd seen so far, Lucretia hadn't gone further than I had in technology.

At the very least, I'd get to learn how she did her large scale productions and also get to know more about her being an Integrator.

I initially thought I was the only Integrator but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Lucretia was definitely one as well.

However, I could only possibly confirm that tomorrow. But if she actually admitted that she was one, it would raise a very concerning question...

Why exactly did All-Father choose me?

He told me it was because I was an Integrator.

If Lucretia is also one, then that would mean there were likely more like me who could also change the world in different ways.

"I should stop thinking about this, it's giving me a headache."

I sighed.

...

Returning to campus, I trudged through the silent snow-covered pathways, each step crunching beneath my shoes. The once knee-deep snow had transformed into a mere dusting, allowing for easier navigation.

"The winter in this world is so inconsistent that it gets annoying."

Yawning, I finally reached the men's teaching staff hostel and approached my room.

Even before opening the door, a familiar presence could be felt.

My [World Acuity] was sharp as ever; provided it was within this realm.

"Huh?"

I sensed Stellaria, Senesica and Lilith's energy.

Still, there was something unidentifiable I could sense.

Another aura, distinct and unfamiliar, mingled with theirs.

While [World Acuity] was the highest sensory-skill I knew a person could possess, it did have one flaw. The flaw wasn't born from the skill being imperfect or subpar, instead, it was due to the user's limited knowledge.

Provided I didn't know a person, I wouldn't be able to identify them even if I sensed their presence.

I pushed the door open.

To my surprise, Lilith sat upon my bed, softly stroking Senesica's sleek black fur. As expected, Senesica rested comfortably in her cat form, purring contentedly in response to the gentle touches.

Meanwhile, Stellaria reclined in my chair, the same one where I often devised lesson plans for my students.

I used the lesson plans in class the day after so that they could match their reading schedules with the lesson plans and map out an idea of what they should and shouldn't focus on for the time being.

I was just hoping she didn't touch any of my work.

"Yo," Stellaria greeted me with a tranquil wave.

I replied to her greeting with some slight confusion. "Yo?"

I scrutinized the room, trying to piece together the purpose of Lilith and Senesica's presence.

Actually, Lilith being here wasn't really strange. I was thinking maybe she came here to lecture me on what it meant to be a good man and maybe also the importance of courtesy when taking a woman on a date.

But I ignored that thought after seeing how calmly she looked at me, almost like she was excited to tell me something.

And besides, Lilith was a mature woman, she wouldn't make a big deal out of it.

"Uhh, Lilith what ar—"

Before I could address Lilith, however, Senesica sprang from Lilith's lap and leapt onto my face.

"My beloved, you're here!" Senesica exclaimed with a voice rich in delight.

I embraced Senesica, her fur velvety soft against my arms.

Looking into her feline eyes, I called her, "Uh, Sensica..."

A meow left Senesicaʼs mouth. "Yes, my beloved?"

"Uh, it's not that I'm not happy to see you here or anything." I awkwardly lifted an eyebrow and asked, "But, what are you doing here?"

Senesica frowned, her eyes narrowing as she met my gaze.

Her voice was still a little playful, yet, it held the sweetness of a cat's purr. "Aren't you happy to see me?" she asked. Without warning, she let out a soft meow, a humorously accurate imitation of a feline.

But well, she was always a cat so technically it was a state of mind rather than her imitating it.

"I didn't know you could be so cruel, my beloved" she added.

I raised an eyebrow, perplexed by her sudden transformation.

"Cruel?" I replied, genuine confusion pulling against my words. "I just wanted to know why you're here."

Her luminous blue eyes caught mine as she considered my words. "I'll only answer you if you give me a peck on my head," she declared, her grip on my face relaxing and her lithe form easing into my hands.

I found myself carrying Senesica; her pretty velvet fur tickled my palms.

I sighed, unsure if this was really necessary.

"Is that really the condition?" I questioned, my voice lowered by mild exasperation.

Senesica tilted her head and stared at me with seductive, mischievous eyes. But I guess it wasn't as seductive because she was in her cat form.

"Unless you want answers, there's no point bothering anymore," she asserted.

My gaze wandered to Stellaria, seeking some support in unraveling this puzzling situation. But she simply shrugged.

"Don't pull me into this," she said.

"Great," I muttered under my breath.

There was never a time Stellaria wanted to be helpful, unless she wanted to.

It sounded confusing, but it really wasn't.

I glanced at Lilith, hoping for some insight.

Her gentle smile revealed a deeper understanding. "Senesica has missed you for so long," she said softly. "Perhaps you shouldn't treat her so harshly."

I sighed, realizing the weight of Senesica's absence.

"It's just... I didn't expect..."

Lilith interrupted with a very sweet voice thar carried threatening words.

"Better give her that kiss, unless you're planning to toy with my sister's emotions and break her heart after sleeping with her."

My breath caught in my throat as I stammered, my words barely audible.

"No... Ma'am, I would never..."

Turning my attention back to Senesica, the exquisite black cat, I found her delicate mouth and soft nose extended towards my mouth.