Cliche Chapter 589: A Moment of Vulnerability

I wasn't really in the mood to write lemons, which made me procrastinate a lot on cliche.

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Saeko created a dazzling portal that led to the temporary residence for every Oracle in the Order of Themis. She guided the fearless adventurers through the vivid passage. Fubuki, along with her group of underlings and Sonic, eagerly followed Saeko out of curiosity.

Suddenly, Asahi found himself alone in the divine presence of three goddesses

Loki, the mischievous goddess, teasingly tugged at Asahi's arm. "Asahi~, what shall we do?"

He blinked, smiling. “What do you suggest?”

She leaned in, her warm breath tantalizing against his ear. “A foursome that includes me, yer newly wedded wife, and the most beautiful and slutty maid in the world. Sounds like great sexy times to me!”

Asahi’s heart raced at the tempting offer. “It does. Astraea and Freya?”

“Hmm?” Astraea glanced at Freya who stood at a distance, her eyes hazy with sorrow. ”Freya, what’s the matter?”

Freya shook her head, feigning a smile that never quite reached her violent eyes behind the glasses. “Nothing.”

Asahi turned to Freya with a frown. “You can say it. We’re all family here.”

A few minutes ago she tried to seduce him with the prospect of bearing his child. Now she was sulking like a sad panda.  So, Asahi decided to be kind to his maid for once. She deserved that much concern and love for her immaculate work ethics.

Astraea reached out, holding Freya's hands softly, a compassionate, saintly smile on her face. "Freya, please confide in us. Asahi and I will do everything we can to help you."

Then there was Loki who rubbed her hands, her grin slowly widening as if eager to poke fun at Freya.

Freya looked at Loki, disgusted. “Loki, you’re the worst.”

Loki snickered. “I was tryin’ to lighten the mood. Lookey, I promise I won’t tease ya.”

“Promise?” Freya asked, receiving a nod from Loki. Taking a deep breath, she leaned against her chair. “Would you laugh if I said I regret some things?”

“I won’t,” Loki reassured Freya. “Nobody is perfect. We all got a regret or two of our own.”

“I hold the same opinion.” Asahi nodded. “Freya, my lovely maid, what do you regret?”

Asahi had an inkling of what Freya's regret might be, but he wanted to hear it directly from her.

Freya sighed, sitting down in a chair. Her fingers nervously fidgeted, still reluctant to reveal her heart. "The truth is..."

Asahi gently freed his hand from Loki's grasp and moved to sit beside Freya. He offered her an encouraging smile and a gentle nudge. "Go on."

Freya paused, her eyes drifting to a distant memory as she gathered the courage to reveal her innermost thoughts. "I regret leaving my second life behind..." She finally began, her voice quivering with raw emotion. “Serving drunk people food and hearing their vulgar tone — I never thought I’d miss that life after coming to another world… But I do.”

Turning to him, she saw him listening intently, offering a supportive and understanding presence. He had the softest expression she had ever seen on his face, and it was all for her sake. She finally found the courage to share her heart.

“My life as a waitress in the Hostess of Fertility wasn’t a picture perfect life of a goddess. I would have called it second grade, degrading, and humiliating from afar… However, I met some nice people there. The nicest people I have known in my life. They were broken themselves, but they treated me with so much affection… It might be a bit childish of me to say this but I really miss them… Ryuu in particular.”

Astraea walked to Freya’s back, encircling her arms around her neck in a loving embrace. "It's only natural to miss them. Asahi, could we grant her a few days off to reconnect with her friends?"

As Freya's gaze locked onto Asahi's, a flicker of hope danced in her eyes. She had vowed not to meddle with his close companions if he allowed her to accompany him to this world. He had every right to deny her request.

"Of course. Allow me to escort you back."

“There are no strings attached, right?” Freya asked cautiously. “You wouldn’t abandon me there… will you?”

She longed to return but knew she'd be yearning to come back after a few weeks. With her Familia back in full swing, she eagerly anticipated their ascent in the Hero Rankings. She had also found unexpected companionship in the strong-headed Fubuki, and looked forward to how things developed between Fubuki and Asahi.

Her greatest fear was losing her chance with Asahi if she remained in Orario. Out of sight, she would fade from his memory, never to take their relationship to the next level.

Loki chuckled. “Freya actin’ cautious is kinda cute.”

It was usually Freya who instilled caution in others. Witnessing her tread carefully with her words elicited a warm, pleasant sensation within Loki.

Freya covered her mouth, giggling. “I will quote your words. Nobody is perfect.”

“Absolutely.”

Freya turned to Astraea. “Before we go, can I have another favor from our new leader?”

“What is it, Freya?”

“Don’t let Ottar overdo it in my absence. He is the pillar of my Familia. If he crumbles, the others will start acting like wild dogs.”

“I will look after them.”

“Thanks.” Freya faced Asahi, a seductive smirk curving her lips. “I wish we were alone right now.”

Loki grinned from her seat. “Ignore us both. Lemme see what ya would do when ya are alone with my precious one?’

Freya cast a glance at Astraea, who gracefully moved to sit beside Loki.

"As Loki said, we don't exist. Think of us as invisible."

Astraea had shared numerous moments with Asahi, far more than most of his lovers. Rather than interfere, she preferred to observe and avoid becoming the wife everyone loved to hate in a harem.

Asahi chuckled and tenderly rested his hand on Freya's. "Lead the way, Miss Goddess of Beauty."