Chapter 24: The Lord of Paradise and Perverts

Creak

Bisus returned to his room and closed the door.

He had originally planned to visit a dungeon to test his hypothesis that his daily actions might influence his dreams.

But maybe…

A different thought brought him back to his room.

Artoria’s mention of the “angelic expression of affection.”

He’d been exposed to something tied to angelic culture.

If he dreamed tonight of being the archangel Bisus, it would lend credence to his theory that his dreams were triggered by the day’s experiences.

And if that was true, he might be able to control what he dreamed.

To be safe, Bisus infused holy power into his bracelet and prepared for bed.

There was also the chance, like a few nights ago, that he wouldn’t dream at all.

That wouldn’t be a problem either.

It’d just be another data point. A bit disappointing, but still useful.

To unravel the mystery of these dreams, he’d need to experiment further.

The “organization” wouldn’t act until after club recruitment week, so he had a few days to spare.

Bisus recalled the experiences of the mercenary V in his mind.

With his current abilities, he felt confident he could thwart the first terrorist attack.

Click

He turned off the light, lay in bed, and fell asleep.

Flash

A blinding light engulfed Bisus’s vision.

“Congratulations on your victory!”

“Long live Archangel Bisus! Long live Deus!”

As his sight returned, Bisus saw a majestic scene: countless angels gathered, cheering.

“You captured the great demon Lucifer! As expected of Lord Bisus!”

“This victory secures the battlefield!”

Captured Lucifer?

Is this a continuation of the dream where I faced her?

Bisus looked around.

The scene resembled a mythical paradise.

Countless angels praised him, celebrating a triumph, likely for sealing Lucifer.

“This victory isn’t mine alone. It’s all thanks to Deus’s grace.”

His mouth moved independently of his will.

“And Artoria—her aid allowed me to return victorious. If no one had come to my rescue, the demon might have found the sealing domain and turned the tables on me.”

She said she’d head home first since I’m the star of this triumph.

His body swallowed the rest of the thought.

“Regardless, it’s because of you, Lord Bisus, that we could follow and act!”

“Long live Lord Bisus!”

Seeing the angels united in their praise, Bisus realized how much trust and respect the archangel Bisus commanded.

Archangel.

Artoria said it’s the highest rank among angels, serving directly under Deus.

“I must report to Deus.”

Leaving the festive angels behind, Bisus spread his white wings and soared toward the highest point in paradise.

Passing ornate temples and pristine white houses, he landed before a massive, holy building.

Even seeing it for the first time, Bisus knew instantly who resided within, so grand was its presence.

Thud

He knelt on one knee.

“My Lord, your servant has arrived.”

-Come in.

A beautiful female voice resonated in his mind.

“I obey your command.”

Boom

The heavy doors of the sanctum slowly opened.

Bisus folded his wings and walked inside.

An immense aura of divinity and holiness filled the space.

At the end of the corridor, a white curtain adorned with intricate patterns concealed the inner chamber.

“You’ve come, my first servant, Bisus.”

The same melodious voice echoed from beyond the curtain.

His body knelt again, drawing the sealing stone containing Lucifer from his chest and offering it toward the curtain with both hands.

Hum

The stone floated slowly toward the curtain.

“You truly captured this great demon.”

The figure behind the curtain marveled.

“My first servant, Bisus. You always exceed my expectations.”

Bisus kept his head bowed.

“You are my greatest treasure. Even compared to all of paradise, I’d choose you.”

“I am unworthy of such praise.”

The figure paused, then continued.

“Someone like you could afford to be a bit less formal with me.”

“I am already blessed beyond measure.”

“…Tch.”

Did I hear that right?

Did she just say “tch”?

“I’ll let it slide this time.”

“My apologies.”

“Sealing a great demon of Pandemonium is the greatest achievement since the conflict between paradise and hell began. A historic victory.”

Paradise versus hell.

Is Pandemonium some kind of demon organization?

“Is there a reward you desire?”

“This victory belongs to all the angels, not just me, and above all, it is due to your grace, Deus.”

“Oh, stop with the flattery.”

Her voice betrayed a hint of embarrassment, noticeable even to Bisus.

After a brief silence, she spoke again.

“Still, no one can deny your contribution was the greatest. In the name of Deus, I will grant you a reward. Name your wish.”

His body paused, deep in thought.

“If I may… could you strengthen Artoria’s protection?”

“Artoria’s protection? She’s an archangel serving me, already under the strictest safeguards.”

“I understand, my Lord. But in this battle, Lucifer mentioned targeting Artoria to exploit my weakness. With Pandemonium suffering a devastating loss, they may resort to desperate measures. I believe her protection must be reinforced.”

“…Her again?”

The figure muttered softly.

“…Always her. My servant, and yet… tch.”

Grumble grumble

Her voice was too low for Bisus to hear clearly.

“My Lord?”

“…Never mind. I was just thinking.”

“Understood.”

“I promised a reward befitting your deeds, so I will grant your request.”

Zing

Words in an angelic script Bisus couldn’t decipher appeared in the air.

“This is an oath in the name of Deus. As you wish, Artoria will receive the full protection of paradise’s resources. …Are you satisfied?”

“I am deeply honored.”

“…Good. If you’re satisfied, you may go.”

Her tone was oddly curt. Bisus bowed and left.

Leaving the sanctum, Bisus spread his wings and descended slowly.

He landed in front of a neatly adorned house and entered.

“Artoria, I’m back.”

“Oh! My lord husband, you’re here!”

Inside, Artoria was sorting through papers.

So this is what Artoria looks like as an angel.

Even though it was his first time seeing her in this form, Bisus recognized her instantly.

She said she saved me when I was trapped in the sealing domain with Lucifer.

So she came back here first?

“My lord husband!”

Artoria spread her wings and rushed to him.

Sniff “Ha… your scent…”

“Artoria, I just came from the battlefield, so…”

“No way! While you were gone, I ran out of your energy! Let me recharge a little…”

She buried her face in his neck.

So what Artoria said today wasn’t a lie? …Angels are a weirder species than I thought.

Though it was just her personal quirk, Bisus, lacking other examples, misunderstood it as an angelic trait.

“My lord husband, you didn’t forget the promise you made before this mission, right?”

“T-The promise…?”

His usually confident body faltered, a rare moment of hesitation.

“Come here quick!”

Artoria grabbed his arm and pulled him inside.

“Artoria, I just came from battle. Let me wash up first…”

“No! Now’s perfect!”

She dragged him into a bedroom.

“Come here, my lord husband♡.”

Uh…?

Is this what I think it is?!

Bisus was thrown into confusion.