Staring at that familiar, handsome face, Koko couldn't help but narrow her eyes, scrutinising the features she'd previously found merely pleasant.
It had to be said—what had once seemed just a good-looking face now appeared entirely different after learning certain truths.
This was the face of a god, after all~
Even if he was apparently a god still undergoing rehabilitation training, a god was still a god. Koko didn't believe for a second that his appeal was merely skin-deep.
Yet, recalling the introductory information about Familias, Koko couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement:
"So this is the SDS's true core secret?"
"A god in the midst of gathering his Familia, controlling the world from behind the scenes, making his return?"
Hearing Koko's description, Luo Shu maintained his smile and replied with remarkable ease:
"Do I really seem like that kind of all-controlling, behind-the-scenes god to you?"
Koko studied Luo Shu carefully before nodding firmly:
"Yes. Absolutely yes!"
It wasn't just a resemblance—it was practically identical.
Who could have imagined that among the SDS's upper echelons, whether it was Supreme Chairwoman Lacus Clyne or Director of Operations Kirika Tachibana, they were all subordinates of this very man?
As someone embedded in the SDS's Commerce Department, where Lacus Clyne was idolised, Koko understood the inner workings of this organisation all too well.
Though the Commerce Department was something of a thorn in the SDS's side, it was, when it came down to it, the Supreme Chairwoman who called the shots.
The Research Department, Finance Department, and Central Secretariat were all directly under Lacus Clyne's control.
The Director of Operations was her knight-like confidante, the Intelligence Director was her shadow, and the twelve Direct Action Teams captains obeyed her every command.
Sometimes, Koko even wondered if Lacus Clyne's feigned helplessness towards Commerce Department higher-ups like Hugh Carlisle was just an act—a way to make the Five Great Powers believe the SDS was still within their sphere of influence.
Given what Koko knew of that woman's methods, she genuinely believed Lacus Clyne was exactly that kind of person.
But now, the intelligence in her mind told her that behind Lacus, there was actually Luo Shu lurking.
This man, who had been rapidly promoted to the Director level within a month, was considered to have shallow foundations and had risen purely through martial prowess—the new 'double-flowered red staff' after Kirika Tachibana—was actually the true mastermind behind the SDS.
This realisation made Koko's scalp tingle.
If someone claimed Luo Shu wasn't the mastermind, the true shadow behind the SDS, Koko wouldn't believe it for a second.
Because the existing intelligence was more than enough for Koko to piece together the logical sequence.
An ancient deity, having perished by accident, reincarnated and began scheming across the world.
From childhood, they nurtured various Familia members into positions of power—Lacus Clyne among them.
Bit by bit, they had Familia establish various organisations, covertly influencing the entire world while accumulating strength to hasten their own revival. Only recently, upon recovering Demigod Rank power, did they gradually begin stepping into the light.
It all made sense now! Everything fell into place!
As if uncovering the truth, Koko's gaze towards Luo Shu shifted from shock to fear, then to submission.
Facing such a reincarnated powerhouse, Koko felt her own ideal—selling weapons to influence the balance of power among nations, creating a bipolar world with multiple strong players to achieve peace—seemed somewhat... lacking.
She was merely selling a few weapons, while the man before her likely sought to control the entire world from the shadows!
Facing Koko's awed expression, Luo Shu felt somewhat surprised.
He had assumed this previously somewhat arrogant child would remain defiant, but now she seemed unexpectedly docile?
This piqued his curiosity slightly, but he didn't intend to probe further.
Once someone became his Familia, they could no longer oppose him.
Because upon becoming Familia and being granted awakened abilities, their very essence became bound to Luo Shu.
To use an anime analogy, it was like Yhwach and his Quincy.
The relationship between Familia and Luo Shu was even more absolute than that between Yhwach and the Sternritter.
The difference was that Luo Shu wouldn't arbitrarily strip his Familia of their powers or flaunt his power over life and death as Yhwach did.
After all, such nuclear options held the highest value when kept in reserve, ready to be deployed.
Actually using them would be a pyrrhic victory.
Thus, Luo Shu always treated his Familia with gentle firmness.
A slightly lecherous but caring patriarch persona wasn't a bad look for him.
"The previous terms remain unchanged."
"Koko, you can still pursue your goals."
"Just remember—from now on, I'll be standing behind you. That's all you need to know!"
Hearing this, Koko felt both relieved and pleased.
Though she knew Luo Shu might just be paying lip service, what did it mean when a deity bothered with lip service?
It meant he genuinely considered her one of his own!
This realisation naturally put Koko at ease:
"So this is how the Chairwoman feels..."
"No wonder that lady always radiates such confidence~"
Having a deity at your back, ready to flip the table anytime—it really was a different feeling!
Moreover, from the recently acquired common knowledge, it seems Familia members can even be resurrected within their deity's Divine Kingdom.
This means they don't even fear death!
Although the common knowledge also warned that due to their subordination, Familia members would involuntarily develop affection for their Chief God. Koko even came across content about competing for the privilege of sharing the deity's bed.
But sleeping with a man—isn't that something bound to happen sooner or later?
As long as a woman has the desire for romance, such things are inevitable.
In that case, isn't it only natural for Familia members to sleep with their deity?
Or rather, for a deity like this, Koko would find it strange if he hadn't slept with hundreds of people.
After all, whether it's Greek or Norse mythology, the stories have taught Koko that deities like Luo Shu—with such high moral standards—are rarer than pandas.
Luo Shu was unaware that Koko was wondering curiously why he had slept with so few women.
After giving Koko some instructions, he turned his attention to Tifa.
To be honest, compared to Koko, his interest in her was far greater.
Especially after learning that she seemed devoid of desire and that her motives were unclear, Luo Shu grew even more curious.
Thus, his arrangement for Tifa was simple: keep her by his side.
"Tifa, like Koko, whether you open a restaurant or a bar next, my only request is that you take care of yourself and live well."
He didn't say it outright, but his attitude made it clear: if you want a home, I can give you one.
Hearing this, Tifa was momentarily stunned, suddenly feeling as if Luo Shu carried the shadow of a father figure.
But she quickly shook her head, dismissing this impression, and replied earnestly:
"I understand."
So... did this mean she had another home now? And Luo Shu was her father figure?
Wait, no—excluding his divine status, Luo Shu was about the same age as her.
So was he an elder brother? Or a younger brother? Or perhaps... a future husband?
At this moment, Tifa suddenly felt she truly needed to consider her future seriously.