"Um~ Lord Akio, Gorou is still here," Sangonomiya Kokomi, nestled comfortably in Akio's arms, suddenly remembered Gorou's presence and shyly reminded him.
"Oh?" Akio, holding Kokomi close, turned his gaze to the small, blond-haired puppy-like general standing awkwardly nearby.
"Ah... Great Sovereign," Gorou immediately stood straight upon noticing Akio's gaze, respectfully addressing him.
"Gorou, I remember you. Last time at Tatarasuna, you were the one leading the troops," Akio nodded approvingly. "Being able to hold your own against Kujou Sara shows that your martial skills are indeed impressive."
"Ah..." Gorou didn't quite know how to respond to that.
"Relax, you don't have to worry too much," Akio laughed gently. "The Resistance has been dissolved, and I trust that you harbor no other rebellious thoughts."
"Now that the Resistance is disbanded, what have you, their former general, been doing?" Akio asked curiously.
"Reporting to the Great Sovereign, I've just been assisting Lady Kokomi with paperwork," Gorou replied softly, lowering his head.
"Hmm, that seems like a waste of talent," Akio rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Gorou's martial prowess was undeniably remarkable, a proven leader on the battlefield, comparable to Kujou Sara herself.
"Oh, right—I recall the Tenryou Commission had established a branch here, managed by an acting commissioner," Akio said after a brief pause. "You will take charge of Watatsumi Island's Tenryou Commission branch, reporting directly to Inazuma's Tenryou Commission headquarters. Any objections?"
"Ah... Great Sovereign, I'm from Watatsumi Island..." Gorou hesitated, clearly resistant to the idea of joining the Tenryou Commission.
"Watatsumi Island and Inazuma are now one family. Besides, it's only the Watatsumi Island branch office of the Tenryou Commission. Although it's under Inazuma's jurisdiction, I've granted significant autonomy. Unless it involves major decisions, you will have full authority," Akio assured him.
"Gorou, please accept," Kokomi gently persuaded him. "Lord Akio is right. Watatsumi and Inazuma are united now; we shouldn't view each other as strangers."
"..." Hearing Kokomi's words, Gorou finally nodded slowly. "I understand, Lord Akio, Lady Kokomi. I'll fulfill my duties diligently."
"Very good," Akio nodded, pleased.
He waved his hand lightly, and a token flew toward Gorou.
"This is my Divine Official's Token. Take it to the Commission office; they'll handle everything for you," Akio instructed.
"Understood, Great Sovereign! I'll take my leave now," Gorou obediently accepted the token, bowed respectfully, and departed quickly.
"Lord Akio~" Once Gorou had left, Kokomi gazed at Akio affectionately, her voice soft and gentle.
"Thank you, Lord Akio~" She whispered shyly, unsure how else to express her gratitude.
"I promised you, so naturally, I would fulfill it," Akio gently pinched Kokomi's cheek, smiling warmly.
"Lord Akio~" Kokomi wrapped her arms around Akio's neck and leaned in to kiss him.
...
It wasn't until nightfall that Akio finally emerged from Sangonomiya Shrine.
As soon as he stepped outside, Akio noticed Gorou standing perfectly straight by the entrance, now dressed neatly in the Tenryou Commission's official samurai attire.
"Gorou, finished everything?" Akio asked with a friendly smile.
"Great Sovereign!" Gorou quickly saluted upon seeing Akio.
"Yes, Great Sovereign. With your token, they prioritized my appointment immediately," Gorou respectfully handed back the Divine Official's Token.
"Work hard!" Akio took the token, patting Gorou encouragingly on the shoulder. Then, he rose into the sky and vanished instantly.
"I shall follow the Great Sovereign's orders faithfully." Since Akio had saved Watatsumi Island, Gorou's previous prejudices had entirely vanished, replaced by genuine respect and reverence.
...
Inside a small pavilion at the Grand Narukami Shrine, Lumine sat bored, resting her chin in her palm.
Beside her, little Paimon was absorbed in a light novel, occasionally giggling.
Surprisingly, the title of the novel in Paimon's hands was—"The Overbearing Great Sovereign Fell in Love with Me."
"...Paimon, is that novel really that interesting?" Lumine asked in a bored tone.
"It's alright, just a fun way to pass the time," Paimon giggled, putting down the book briefly. "But the Akio in this novel is just too cute."
"'Overbearing Great Sovereign'—this is hilarious! Listen, the novel says 'Akio's eyes flashed with three parts indifference, three parts mockery, and four parts casual disdain,'" Paimon laughed out loud. "Isn't that funny? I'm really curious what kind of expression that is!"
"..." Lumine rolled her eyes at Paimon's description, speechless. "Good grief, what kind of pie chart description is that?"
"Do these novels aimed at girls actually have fans?" Akio's helpless voice came from behind them.
"Akio, you're here!" Paimon waved happily.
Akio nodded, sitting down beside Lumine, and picked up the infamous novel.
"..." After a quick glance, Akio's expression became utterly speechless.
"Although I've said I respect authors' freedom of expression and creativity, this kind of novel is truly eye-burning..." Akio sighed in exasperation.
"This description... I honestly can't imagine it being about me," Akio said with a complicated look. "It's somewhat... indescribable."
"Hehe, this novel is actually really popular among young girls now," Paimon said with a mischievous grin. "After all, as a handsome and charismatic deity, you're the dream guy for countless Inazuman girls."
"You know, whenever Lumine and I go traveling, we often see girls by the roadside kissing your pictures," Paimon teased.
"..." Akio's lips twitched slightly—had he really become such an idol in Inazuma?
"Oh, right! Akio, Lumine and I heard something even crazier last time," Paimon suddenly said in a serious tone.
"What was it? Tell me," Akio asked curiously.
"There was a pretty girl holding your photo under the cherry blossoms, loudly proclaiming: 'I'm the Great Divine Sovereign's dog!'" Paimon imitated enthusiastically.
"???" Akio froze, a black line forming across his forehead. Good heavens, what sort of wild declaration was that?
Got it, next time Lumine and I go shopping, we'll take you along on a leash, right? (Just kidding.)
"It just goes to show my dear husband's charm," Lumine smiled playfully, standing up and sitting herself comfortably in Akio's lap.
"Hey hey hey! Paimon's still here! Can you two tone it down a little?!" Paimon shouted indignantly, seeing the couple's public display of affection.
"Nope~" Lumine giggled, wrapping her arms around Akio's neck.
"Grrr! Lumine! I'll remember this grudge!" Paimon crossed her arms, pouting furiously. "Next time you and Akio are sleeping, I'll knock on your door in the middle of the night!"
"???"
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 60+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol