"Oh-hooo? Interested aren't you, Danny? I know exactly what you're thinking," Koyuki playfully teased, poking and prodding at Daniel's ribs while transferring a pot of soup to the dinner table.
"Stop it, Koyuki," Daniel implored, trying to convince his girlfriend to cease her playful antics.
"Why? Are you afraid that..." Koyuki began, but her sentence was abruptly interrupted by Daniel.
"Ten rounds, Koyuki. If you don't stop, it'll be thirty rounds," Daniel warned sternly.
Koyuki ceased her teasing, her face blushing red, wearing a wry smile, while Greed's face turned red like a tomato, as she helped Michaela in moving the food to the dinner table.
Observing her mother and Aunt Greed's flushed faces, the little troublemaker Sylvana tilted her head in confusion before innocently asking a question filled with curiosity.
"Aunt Michaela, why are Mama and Aunt Greed's faces turning red? Are they sick? Will they be okay?" Sylvana's innocent inquiry brought a smile to Michaela's face as she finished setting the food on the table and tied a napkin around Sylvana's neck to keep her clean while eating.
"Well, maybe they love your father so much that they feel shy and embarrassed, which is why their faces are turning red," Michaela responded.
"Does that mean Aunt Greed will also become my Mama? That's great! Aunt Greed is really nice to me! Papa, make Aunt Greed my Mama too!" The little troublemaker shouted in excitement, waving her utensils around without realizing the implications of her words.
Upon hearing Sylvana's innocent cheers, Daniel, Koyuki, and Greed couldn't help but feel their faces grow warm with embarrassment.
As the warmth of the dinner filled the room, Daniel exchanged a tender glance with Koyuki, their eyes reflecting the love and joy they felt for their little family. Sylvana's innocent words had touched their hearts, reminding them of the bond they shared.
Daniel reached out and gently grasped Koyuki's hand, their fingers intertwining in a comforting gesture. They knew that their love for Sylvana was boundless, transcending any biological connection. Koyuki, unable to have children due to her identity as a Witch, had found solace and fulfillment in being a mother to Sylvana. And Daniel, with his unwavering love and support, had embraced Sylvana as his own daughter since the day they welcomed her into their lives.
Greed, Koyuki's close friend and confidante, looked upon the heartwarming scene with a mix of happiness and longing. She admired the deep connection that Daniel and Koyuki shared, and in her heart, she yearned to be a part of their family. Greed cherished the bond she had formed with Sylvana, who looked up to her like an aunt, and she couldn't help but imagine a future where she could join them as a partner to Daniel and help raise Sylvana.
As the dinner progressed, Michaela's gaze shifted from her protective watchfulness to a soft observation of the family's interactions. Despite her angelic status as an Archangel, Michaela had learned to appreciate the beauty of human connections and the simple joys of a shared meal.
In a heartwarming moment, Sylvana, her face adorned with traces of food, looked up at Michaela with innocent eyes. Sensing the need for a gentle touch, Michaela retrieved a soft napkin and gracefully wiped the corners of Sylvana's mouth. As her gentle hand glided across Sylvana's face, Michaela couldn't help but emanate a soothing presence, her angelic grace juxtaposed with a maternal tenderness.
Sylvana, sensing the love and care emanating from Michaela, giggled and embraced her, feeling the warmth of her celestial aura. It was in moments like these that Michaela's angelic nature blended seamlessly with her role as a guardian and protector. Despite her duties and responsibilities, she found solace in these tender interactions, cherishing the opportunity to be a source of comfort and support for those she held dear.
As the family gathered around the dinner table, enjoying their meal and each other's company, the sound of the television caught their attention. It was time for the evening news to begin, and they turned their focus toward the screen.
The news anchor's voice filled the room, reporting on various events unfolding in the world. They covered stories of triumph and challenges, bringing a mix of emotions to the atmosphere. Daniel, Koyuki, Sylvana, Greed, and Michaela watched intently, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding narratives. They remained engaged with the news until they had finished their dinner.
Once the meal was over, Sylvana, the adorable troublemaker, began to show signs of sleepiness. Sensing this, Koyuki swiftly took Sylvana to bed with her, wanting to ensure their daughter's comfort and prevent any playful antics from Daniel. This tactic proved effective in preserving their peaceful slumber.
Daniel couldn't help but chuckle at Koyuki's mischievous nature, fully aware of her protective instincts. He cherished her for who she was, embracing both her loving side and her playful antics. With a sigh of contentment, he stored the thought in the recesses of his mind.
Meanwhile, Greed finished cleaning the dishes and returned to the comfort of the living room sofa. She relaxed into the cushions, allowing herself a moment of respite after the eventful day. Content in the company of her friends and grateful for the warmth that surrounded her, she sank into the sofa, feeling a sense of tranquility and belonging.
After taking a moment to rest, Greed looked at Daniel with a solemn expression.
"Daniel, earlier in the evening, you fought against the grand paladin from the Vatican Secret Exterminator Unit because you resurrected the daughter of a man named Murphy, right?" Greed inquired.
"Yes, that's correct. So, where are they now?" Daniel asked, realizing he had forgotten about their whereabouts due to the rush of events.
Greed let out a sigh before revealing the truth.
"Don't worry, Wrath and I have already arranged for them to stay in this building. They have a room on the 25th floor," Greed reassured him.
"Thank you," Daniel expressed his gratitude, feeling a sense of relief for the well-being of the auburn-haired beauty who was reclining on the nearby sofa.
"Don't worry about that now. There's something else I want to show you," Greed said, handing her smartphone to Daniel. The device displayed a short video clip capturing the phenomenon of Molly's resurrection. In the footage, a holy pillar descended from the heavens towards the apartment—an awe-inspiring scene that left scientists struggling to provide an explanation. Many believers and devout Christians began praying in the direction of the holy light pillar.
Once Daniel had watched the video clip, Greed took her smartphone back and carefully tucked it into her pocket before continuing.
"You're dangerously close to breaking the taboo of the Curtained World. The only reason the Golden Scale Enforcers haven't paid you a visit yet is because I acquired an entire company, the largest TV channel in the Tessia Kingdom, and ordered them to find the most scientific explanation for this phenomenon. Aunt Envy also assisted in blocking the news on her end. That's why we can still enjoy dinner together."
"But don't think you'll escape without consequences. I'm certain that in a few days, you'll receive a warning letter from the Golden Scale Faction," Greed explained, her tone filled with a mixture of concern and caution.
"Golden Scale Faction? Golden Scale Enforcer? Who are they? Are they strong?" Daniel inquired, seeking to understand the strength and significance of these entities.
Greed paused for a moment, contemplating whether to reveal the truth to Daniel. However, knowing that Wrath, her trusted friend, held this man in high regard, she decided to place her trust in him as well.
"They are the true power behind the scenes, the reason the Vatican hesitates to act recklessly against us. They possess strength on par with the Vatican Secret Exterminator Unit. Despite viewing us as heretics to be purged, the Vatican knows better than to provoke an entire Hightower by taking excessive measures."
"The Golden Scale Faction is an enigmatic group, small in numbers but each member is exceptionally strong, especially the Golden Scale Enforcer, believed to be as powerful as the Vatican Secret Exterminator Unit," Greed explained, shedding light on the formidable nature of their adversaries.
"I understand," Daniel nodded, a smile forming on his face as he expressed his gratitude towards Greed. "Thank you for extending your help in this situation. I promise to repay this favor in the future," he said sincerely, his words filled with heartfelt appreciation.
gratitude.
"Oh, don't you worry, Daniel. Expect me to cash in that favor in the most profitable way for me!" Greed exclaimed with a mischievous smile, hinting at her playful nature.
The two of them continued to immerse themselves in cheerful conversation, their spirits lifted by the pleasant atmosphere enveloping the living room. As they conversed, the TV remained on, serving as a familiar and comforting backdrop with the news anchor's voice providing a sense of normalcy.
However, their peaceful interaction was abruptly interrupted by breaking news that cut into the regular TV program.
"We interrupt this program with breaking news. We have here with us General Nicholas Sullivan, hailed as the hero of the hour for apprehending the terrorists who utilized advanced technology from the USA," the reporter announced, turning towards the man seated on the long sofa beside her.