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Chapter 299 ~ Worthy of Unconditional Love

Xenovia stared at the swirling vortex of darkness, her guard raised instinctively. 

She had just watched Yuuji, Aika, and Erika walk though it like it was nothing. 

She knew in her heart that they wouldn’t endanger her. But still, she felt a bit of trepidation. She had seen teleportation circles and divine gateways… But this was something else. 

Like a portal to an endless void.

Xenovia took a deep breath, braced herself, then stepped through, instinctively holding her breath. 

The moment she stepped out of it, the tension in her body melted away. Her eyes widened in awe.

The soft murmur of flowing water. The gentle rustling of leaves in a tender breeze. The earthy aroma of grass, wood, and flowers. Before her stretched a breathtaking Japanese garden, bathed in the golden-orange hues of the setting sun.

The air was pristine—cleaner than anything she’d ever breathed. Each inhalation revitalized her body, as if her strength and spirit were quietly being restored. 

She could feel it against her skin… This magical energy, it’s not something she ever felt before. 

It was tremendous, all encompassing. She could feel it in each blade of grass, each grain of dirt, even the air. 

But it didn’t feel like a sharp tingle of overwhelming magical energy oppressing her. But a soothing warmth, like being wrapped in an invisible, comforting blanket. Soft, gentle, yet brimming with incredible power.

She had never been to Heaven, but somehow, she imagined it would feel like this. Safe. Warm. Sacred.

“Welcome home, my love~”

The melodic voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Xenovia turned just in time to see a stunning woman with long black hair and jet-black wings glide toward them. Her beauty was ethereal—delicate yet powerful—with an affectionate blush coloring her cheeks as she leapt into Yuuji’s embrace.

Then, a second voice, and a third followed after. 

“Ah, you’re back. Welcome home Yuuji, Aika, Erika.”

“Welcome back, my master, Aika-sama, Erika-sama~”

Two more women approached. One had long emerald-green hair and radiant golden eyes. She wore nothing but an oversized black shirt, buttoned lazily—only three of the six buttons incorrectly fastened—leaving her ample chest exposed in a provocative yet casual display.

Beside her walked a tall, pale-skinned beauty in an elegant black-and-gold dress. Her sharp, commanding eyes and noble bearing gave her the aura of royalty. Her pointed ears subtly revealed her inhuman heritage.

Yuuji hugged the first woman—Albedo—tightly, planting a kiss on her head. She purred softly, eyes fluttering with joy.

Then he turned to the green-haired woman and gave her a half-exasperated smile. “You’re wearing one of my old shirts again? And… anything underneath?”

C.C. scoffed and smirked. “Problem? Only fools catch colds. I wear whatever feels comfortable.”

He smiled faintly and shook his head. “...Alright.”

Next, he faced the regal woman. “Semiramis. I thought you were in the garden?”

“Albedo-sama summoned me to discuss the upcoming Tri-Faction Summit. We just concluded our talk when we felt your presence arrive.”

“I see. Then I assume Lelouch, Tatsuya, and Satoru-san are in the gardens again?”

“Indeed,” she confirmed with a slight nod.

Yuuji sighed softly. Lelouch and Tatsuya had been obsessed with analyzing the garden’s magical properties lately. Meanwhile, Satoru simply enjoyed lying in the grass, gazing up at the sky—something impossible in the world he came from.

Albedo inhaled deeply, taking in Yuuji’s scent before rubbing her cheek lovingly against his chest, marking him in her own affectionate way. Then she stepped back, turning her gaze to Aika and Erika with a welcoming smile.

But when her golden eyes landed on Xenovia, her expression shifted slightly.

“My love, I see you’ve brought back one of the church’s exorcists.”

Xenovia stiffened as all attention fell on her.

The voice that spoke to her was soft and beautiful, yet commanded a sense of weight—of authority. Standing before Albedo felt like standing before a monarch or a divine being. Every instinct told her to lower her head.

Yuuji, ever calm, gave a gentle nod. “This is Xenovia Quarta. One of the church’s exorcists who helped fight the fallen cadre. As for why she’s here… that’s a longer story. Perhaps over some tea.”

“Very well. I shall prepare refreshments,” Albedo said gracefully.

“I’ll help~!” Aika chimed, catching up with her eagerly.

With the two women off, Yuuji led Xenovia, Erika, C.C., and Semiramis into the main hall of the estate.

Soon after, tea was served alongside elegant wagashi. Xenovia sipped the warm liquid before taking a deep breath and began her story—her battle, her exile, her disillusionment... and her wish.

“I want to bear Yuuji-sama’s children,” she said clearly, though her cheeks flushed with emotion. “But for that, I must change—grow stronger, and prepare my body. Aika suggested becoming a succubus, and I… agree.”

C.C. and Semiramis blinked, visibly surprised. Erika looked at the two and nodded in agreement to their shock. 

Albedo remained composed, her expression unreadable.

“I see. That is understandable,” she replied simply.

Yuuji glanced at her, surprised by how calmly she received it.

But to Albedo, it made perfect sense. What woman wouldn’t wish to bear the child of the man she loved? To her, that desire was the most natural thing in existence.

“Your wish,” Albedo said, “is the same as every woman blessed to stand in his light. Even disregarding his power—just receiving his love alone is enough to grant them eternal happiness. Bearing his child is to know bliss that transcends realms.”

Aika nodded fervently, dreamily resting her cheek in her palm.

Yuuji sighed, his smile touched with helplessness.

“But,” Albedo continued, her eyes now piercing, “do you believe you’re worthy of such a gift?”

Xenovia’s breath hitched. Her heart trembled.

Worthy… Was she worthy…?

A former exorcist without a home… Exiled. Disgraced. A woman who lost her God and blindly searched for something…. Someone to cling on to.

While he’s someone who possessed not only great strength, but a greater heart. A man who perfectly embodied her ideals in a partner, and surpassed it by lengths she couldn’t even imagine. 

Could she truly stand beside someone like Yuuji?

She looked down. Doubt clawed at her.

“Yuuji-sama’s love is unconditional,” Albedo said, her tone and eyes becoming gentle in that brief moment, before returning to her stern demeanor, “but that is exactly why we—as the ones who love him dearly—must protect him from those who couldn’t at least repay a sliver of what he would give them, including love.”

Albedo continued. “If your heart is true, and you choose to walk this path, then pursue him—not as a symbol, not for power, but out of love. Then, and only then, will you be able to truly receive him. Until then, while you are free to become a succubus, you would not be able to receive his offspring.”

Xenovia fell silent. The words struck deeply.

Yuuji watched her lower her head, lost once more. 

He felt pity, but everything Albedo said was true.

He would never do it with someone he didn’t share the same feelings with. And while he had a favorable opinion on Xenovia, Yuuji still hadn’t feel that way towards her yet. 

In fact, he actually wanted to take this chance to reject her and make her rethink her decision before Aika turned her into a succubus. 

Yuuji smiled softly and began with a comforting tone. 

“Albedo is right. Take your time, Xenovia. Think it through. You’re welcome to stay here in the meantime—use one of the guest rooms. I’ll show you around later and introduce you to Lelouch, Tatsuya, and Satoru-san as well. For now, think it over and enjoy the stay. It’s been a long day, so you can relax for now.”

He stood up. 

“It’s almost dinner, so I’ll go ahead and prepare something for us.” He said, before leaving the room. 

His footsteps echoed, before slowly fading away into the distance. 

And in the silence, Aika leaned closer and took Xenovia’s hands.

“Xenovia-chan, you know, I support you. You’re cute, kind, noble, and strong. That’s why I suggested the transformation. But maybe I pushed too fast. I’m sorry,” she said softly.

C.C. looked at the blue-haired girl and closed her eyes. “Think about the long-term, not just the now. Becoming a succubus is forever. Choose what you won’t regret.”

“Thank you,” Xenovia whispered, bowing her head. “I’ll go take a walk. I need… to think.”

She walked out, staggering slightly. Perhaps from the slightly numbness in her legs after kneeling down on the floor for too long, or because something weighing in her mind. 

But, she made her way out and walked dazedly around the garden. 

The orange-red hue began to fade into a pale purple tone of twilight. 

The breeze hitting her skin, previously warm, now felt slightly chilly. 

The sound of running water filled her ears once again. And now, they were accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of cricking insects, rustling leaves, and the howling of wind. 

But all that filled her mind was Albedo, Aika, and C.C’s words.

She began to rethink everything she had said and decided. 

She truly did think that Yuuji would be the perfect partner for her life. However… Perhaps, a small part of her was also only trying to cling on to anything that could support her in her darkest times. 

Was her feelings truly love…? Was it only desperation? 

If it was the latter… Then as Albedo said, she wouldn’t be worthy of receiving love from such a man. 

‘Just what should I do…’

She was lost. 

No… She had lost her way since she found out that God is dead. But she had always been distracting herself with anything else. 

Now, she truly felt lost… Rocked in a boat of uncertainty. 

She took a step forward, and then another, and another… But she didn’t know where she was going. 

She simply stepped forward. 

She didn’t know how much time had passed. 

But just then, a faint sound entered her ear. 

She looked up, and saw the warm glow in the distance. 

It was the hall she had just left from. Before she knew it, she had circled the entire estate.

Her feet stepped forward, as if pulled by something invisible. 

The glow grew brighter and brighter, into a bright, warm light that basked her figure. 

Laughter drifted through the opened sliding doors. Inside, she saw a large low table surrounded by smiling faces.

Yuuji sat at the center, calmly serving food. Around him sat Albedo, Erika, Aika, C.C., Semiramis, and three unfamiliar men—she guessed they were the ones he’d planned to introduce.

The table was covered in a feast—steaming bowls, sizzling dishes, fresh vegetables, and soft rice. All clearly homemade.

But that wasn’t what took her breath away.

It was the warmth.

Not just the lighting or the food—but the people. Their laughter. Their closeness.

It felt like… a family.

Her gaze drifted to Yuuji. For a moment, all she saw was him—smiling, patient, kind. Not a warrior, not a monster, not even a legend.

Just… Yuuji.

Her cheeks warmed.

“Xenovia-chan~!” Aika called, waving her over. “Come eat!”

She snapped out of her trance and approached nervously. And then, Yuuji turned to her with that same gentle smile.

“Did your walk help? I’m glad you didn’t get lost.”

Her heart fluttered. “Yes. It was… peaceful. I feel refreshed.”

“Good,” he said warmly. “Then let’s eat. But first—let me introduce you…”

She took a seat. She sat by Yuuji’s side, surrounded by friends and people who she soon became acquainted with.

Xenovia felt herself melt into the rhythm of it all. Into the joy, the warmth, the laughter. It was something she had never experienced in her entire life.

They ate. The divine cuisine paled in comparison to the atmosphere around her. 

And for the first time in what felt like forever… She was happy.