Chapter 207
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 207
Chapter Title: The Girl Who Found Her Prayer
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"Pray."
Chloe's voice made the flower melt softly into a puddle, but she didn't panic.
She understood the phenomenon that would arise from the handful of liquid rippling atop her palm.
Turning her palm downward as if pouring it out, the handle of the weapon took shape.
From pommel to crossguard, it was forged from an unidentified metal black as pitch.
'Bl-black?!'
The light-devouring darkness reminded her of her lover, filling her with joy—even if it was the polar opposite of her sister's Innocence, stirring a strange mix of emotions.
The birth of a sword made for one girl alone continued.
Light coursed along it, extending a blade sharp as a veil downward.
Finally, a subtle golden pattern etched itself onto the sturdy sword.
A sword of unique form, without defined boundaries, was born.
The whole was one.
Unlike ordinary swords, this weapon wasn't pieced together.
It was seamlessly fused from a single unknown metal.
It could pass for a masterpiece carved by master artisans from a pure chunk of obsidian.
'Amazing...!'
Information about Pray stacked neatly in Chloe's mind.
No scabbard needed—the blade wouldn't dull, and mana would repair any damage.
Click!
The instant she grasped the floating sword, it clung to her palm like an extension of her hand.
Unreinforced by cord or leather, the grip felt more comfortable than any sword she'd ever held.
Longer than her familiar long sword, with a broader blade—a double-edged design.
Its massive size warranted calling it a greatsword, and paired with its dark hue, it radiated immense intimidation.
From Chloe's perspective, it was undoubtedly a sword she'd never wielded before. Yet it felt like a lifelong companion.
Swoosh!
Swinging it proved the weight perfect—nothing could be better.
A leisurely heaviness slicing through the air.
She could feel it was custom-tailored just for her.
'...Does this mean something?'
Her long, slender fingers traced the glowing golden pattern, flooding her mind with information.
Do not judge recklessly.
Discerning right from wrong is not your place.
Who dares claim white is right and black is wrong?
'...!!'
The faint engraving's meaning rang crystal clear.
Even harboring pitch-black darkness, it emanated a holy aura. Who would dare call this sword ill-omened?
A radiant smile bloomed on the girl's face.
She stepped out of the room at once, eager to share the news with the family in the mansion.
Clunk.
As Chloe emerged flushed with joy and delight, Roman was already waiting by the door.
"Brother!"
He enfolded her in his arms, his large hand gently stroking her hair.
That warm touch and scent drew a relieved sigh from Chloe.
Her endless fretting over the name had made even this moment—finding her own weapon—feel like a dream.
But her lover's caress and breath grounded her in reality.
Pray was no illusion or dream. She truly had her own weapon now.
"You've worked hard all this time. Like it?"
"Yes...! Thank you so much..."
His hand slid down from her hair to pat her bottom.
Her face melted into a beaming grin as she nuzzled his broad chest, nodding vigorously.
"Eclair's gonna be shocked when she gets back."
If Eclair could witness her little sister's growth firsthand, surely no one would rejoice more.
"I should tell Rike before sister comes!"
After hogging Roman's embrace and acting spoiled, Chloe lifted her head, scanning the mansion for one person.
"Right here. Congrats."
Rike emerged from the bedroom in loose clothes, arms wide. Chloe hugged her without a second thought.
"Thank you...!"
Roman watched their natural intimacy with approval.
'Hmm...! Looks good!'
Men hugging? Even handsome ones made him queasy. But his women embracing? Pure delight to behold.
Perhaps from their shared lewd nights in the bedroom, where Rike had teased the Dreitna sisters.
The sisters' bond had tightened—they strolled hand-in-hand daily now.
And they clung to Rike just as freely.
"Sister will be thrilled most of all."
"Hehe~ Hope so."
Rike, holding Chloe, met his eyes with a naughty smirk, tongue flicking out playfully.
'...Maybe tonight we all get together after so long.'
Lately, he'd rotated one-on-one, sleeping all together. But that sight ignited him.
In the mansion, the earliest out and latest back was almost always Eclair.
As sunset fell, Rike and Chloe pressed to the window, awaiting her.
Spotting her from afar, they dressed and headed out.
Eclair smiled at the trio greeting her, nodding curiously at Chloe's words.
"Something Chloe wants to show me? Can't wait."
Uniform still on, she moved to the courtyard's center.
"Sorry if you're tired..."
"Nonsense. Haven't drawn my sword today—perfect chance to loosen up."
Eclair had a hunch what this was.
Her sister's face, burdens lifted, was cute enough to erase a day's mental strain at once.
Not just her—Roman and Rike settled aside, watching with fond smiles.
"Huuu..."
Chloe exhaled deeply, channeling mana into the brooch in her hand.
Clank—
Black armor enveloped Chloe.
Blue glow pierced the jet-black helmet's slits.
But her hands hung empty.
Eclair's lips quirked up, seeing Chloe deploy even an artifact unused in prior spars.
"Pray."
Zing!
A golden pattern etched onto her empty hand; suddenly, a massive sword filled her grip.
She assumed stance with the jet-black double-edged blade—so long, it'd scrape the ground slung on her back.
And in that instant...
Everyone beholding Chloe's sword shared the same thought.
'It resembles!'
Appearances worlds apart, yet the aura matched Eclair's blade eerily.
"...Here I come."
A steady voice echoed from the helmet. Eclair nodded.
"Whenever you're ready."
Permission granted, Chloe lunged.
Thud!
Light steps defying heavy plate.
Eclair, reaching for her waist sword, tossed the belted blade to Roman instead, hand extending.
"Innocence."
Pure white particles swirled to her hand, swiftly forming shape.
Clang!
Blocking, Eclair's eyes widened at Chloe's hefty strike.
Her heart soared at the ensuing flawless swordplay.
"Splendid!"
Chloe trusted Eclair's prowess fully.
No hesitation—pure power unleashed.
Clang!
Parrying Chloe's rapid flurry, Eclair bit her lip at the novel sensation.
'That sword's power?'
Each clash with the pitch-black blade made Innocence resonate.
As if linking to Chloe somehow... an indescribable feeling flickered through.
Not perilous or foul, but oddly ticklish—the grave mood kept faltering.
If a new sword trait, Chloe too cocked her head amid the weird vibe.
After a minute's exchange, Eclair lowered Innocence; Chloe halted.
"Doesn't seem like a skill or sword effect. Those two are clueless too."
Helmet tilting toward Roman and Rike, Chloe confirmed.
"Yeah..."
Noting Chloe's faint regret, Eclair shared candidly.
"Short bout, but I felt your growth clear as day. Beyond the fine weapon, your Dreitna swordsmanship shines brilliantly."
"...!"
The blue glow wavered at Eclair's earnest praise.
"You'll forge your own style soon. I vouch for it."
"Th-thank you...!"
No empty sisterly flattery.
Chloe knew, fueling her drive ahead.
"And this sensation..."
"!!!"
Innocence channeling leonine aura, Chloe's sword shuddered.
'Something's up.'
Chloe stared too, sensing the shift.
Like Roman's sword-born power, hers held something similar.
If so...
"Separate from swordplay—we'll explore once you're accustomed."
"Yes!"
Innocence dismissed, Chloe followed suit—her motions still raw.
Today's mansion buzz centered on Chloe, naturally—the star herself.
Over dinner, they celebrated, chatting her sword and powers.
Afterward, routine: tasks done, converge in the bedroom.
Knock. Knock.
Post-shower, changed, a knock hit Roman's door en route to bed.
Door swung open—Eclair entered, casual clothes, ponytail loose.
"Roman."
Once awkwardly polite, she now slipped in casually, shutting the door.
"Kitty~ come here first."
Pet name for two-timer alone drew a disbelieving chuckle; she strode over.
Brief kiss, warm hug—eyes shut, she pressed her soft cheek to his.
"...Feels nice."
"Tough day at work."
Greeting first, before whatever brought her.
Might be nothing grand.
'That's fine too.'
His women drifting in and out? Daily bliss.
Eclair cupped his face for a deep kiss, then spoke.
"Thanks for Chloe too... and other matters. Lend an ear?"