Chapter 44: Chapter 42: For me, you are
A memory flashed in my mind—my past self's words echoing clearly:
*"Don't live as me... live as yourself."*
As the memory faded, I smiled confidently and looked at them. "Guys... I have something to tell you....."
They all stared at me, their faces a mix of confusion and curiosity.
Then, I began to tell them... my story.
Reincarnation. The flower. Leveling up. Aries. The Beastmen. Everything—who I was, who I am, and who I wish to be.
After a while, when I finished explaining, I stood there with a smile. I felt relief, a lightness I hadn't known before. I looked at them, and they were still staring at me, their faces filled with shock, surprise, and disbelief.
"So... what do you think? Who am I to you now?" I asked in a small, hesitant voice.
The room fell completely silent for a moment. Then, Lunara suddenly jumped at me, hugging me tightly. I gasped in surprise and stumbled back, falling onto the couch. Bokkon, Yooto, and Aurthor crashed onto the couch nearby, while Gearor stood there silently.
"Lady Sumi is from another world...?" Yooto said, his voice trembling with shock.
"It's... too much to process..." Bokkon added, rubbing his temples.
"That explains everything..." Aurthor murmured, his eyes wide.
Gearor looked at me, his expression serious. "I've heard that only the god of this world can summon heroes from other worlds. But this... Reincarnation from another world... this is the first time I've heard of such a thing."
I slowly stood up, my voice soft but steady. "Everything I told you is true... so... what do you think?"
They looked at me, still processing my words. Bokkon was the first to break the silence. "Think about what?"
Yooto's eyes lit up with realization. "Oh! About your new look! You look fantastic!"
Bokkon nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! You're the prettiest girl I've ever seen!"
I made a pale face and sighed. "No, not about my looks... it's about me. What do you think about me...?"
As I said that, the room fell silent again. They all looked at me, their expressions a mix of confusion and contemplation. Then, Bokkon spoke with a gentle smile.
"You... you're our savior."
I looked at him in surprise. Yooto added, "You're our protector."
Aurthor's voice was calm but filled with reverence. "You're the Goddess of Paradise."
Gearor nodded solemnly. "You're the ruler of Paradise Garden."
Finally, Lunara beamed at me, her voice full of affection. "You're my master."
As they finished, I lowered my head slightly, a warm smile spreading across my face. I raised my head and, with a wave of my hand, all four of them floated slightly into the air, coming together in one place. I jumped forward and hugged them all tightly.
Aurthor, Bokkon, and Yooto blushed furiously, while Lunara and Gearor looked slightly shocked. In a small, heartfelt voice, I whispered, "Thank you... everyone..."
They all smiled, their expressions softening. I stepped back, still smiling, and said,
"I have something for you guys..."
They looked at me with curiosity. "Something for us?" Lunara asked, tilting her head.
I nodded and raised my hand. A small flower with a green stem and a white bloom appeared in my palm, glowing with a soft red light.
They all stared at it, their eyes wide with wonder. "It's... beautiful..." Gearor said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Place your hands around it..." I said softly.
They looked confused but slowly approached, forming a circle around me. Each of them placed their hands near the flower, their fingers brushing against one another.
I closed my eyes and with a smile i said. "Bond Blessing."
Suddenly, light spread throughout the room, shining brilliantly. Red, glowing vines emerged from the flower, wrapping around their hands and then their bodies. Below us, a red magic circle appeared, intricate patterns glowing with power.
Then, Aries' voice echoed in their minds.
**[Notice: Receiving Bond Blessing.]**
They all looked confused from the voice, but before they could react, a red light surged from the ground, flowing into their bodies. Their veins glowed faintly as the light spread.
Aries spoke again.
**[Success]**
**[You are now directly connected with Sumi Hana]**
The flower slowly turned to dust and faded away, the red light dissipating.
"W-wha-what just happened...?" Bokkon asked, his voice trembling.
"I... I just heard a voice..." Lunara said, clutching her head.
I smiled warmly. "I granted you my Bond Blessing."
"Bond Blessing?" Gearor asked, still looking dazed.
I nodded. "This skill grants you some powers... but more than that, I've given you my trust. I've created a bond between us... because... I trust you all."
They all looked at me, their expressions a mix of surprise and awe.They looked at each other, Then, without a word, they knelt and bowed their heads. I was taken aback by the sudden gesture.
Aurthor spoke first, his voice filled with reverence. "We are truly honored by this... to be blessed by our goddess herself... there is nothing more we could ask for."
Bokkon followed, his voice steady. "Our loyalty belongs to you. We will never betray you or this land, even if it costs us our lives."
Yooto's voice was firm. "We will do everything to protect this garden and its flowers until the very end."
Gearor bowed his head deeply. "This butler will always be in your service. I will never disobey you."
Finally, Lunara looked up at me, her eyes shining with devotion. "My body and soul belong to you, Master. I am ready to sacrifice anything for you."
I looked at them silently, Then, a soft smile spread across my face, and in my mind, I whispered,
*(For me... you are...)*
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**TO BE CONTINUED**