Yet from everything Lisa had sensed and observed, although Kamisato Satoru possessed strength powerful enough to inspire despair, he lacked the solemn divinity or compassion for all living beings that one might expect from a god.
He seemed more like an extraordinary human walking among mortals, one who simply happened to possess terrifying power.
"I’m admittedly still a little short of that level right now. But in the near future, I’ll definitely ascend to that position."
Absolute confidence shone in Kamisato Satoru’s eyes, his lips curling into a smile of unwavering certainty.
In his view, possessing authority over the laws of the world would make him fundamentally no different from the current Seven. Calling such a being a god would hardly be inappropriate.
Besides, once he unlocked the body template of that bald, caped hero, if that woman from Celestia dared object, he’d simply use his fists to teach her how to be a god all over again.
"That depends on what kind of authority you ultimately come to wield. If Big Sis finds it appealing enough when the time comes, perhaps I really will accept your offer."
Lisa currently maintained a rather detached relationship with Mondstadt’s system of faith and had never sworn absolute allegiance to any particular god.
"My authority is simple. Just two words: life and death."
"A god who governs the cycle of all living beings and erases the boundary between life and death...?"
Lisa murmured softly, momentarily lost in thought. Her fingers unconsciously rubbed against the cool handle of her cup.
She stared at Kamisato Satoru’s casual expression while enormous waves surged through her heart.
That was already a domain far beyond the limits of mortal comprehension.
If he really can reach such heights, becoming his familiar might actually be an extremely worthwhile deal.
Lisa silently considered the possibility.
If he truly gained authority over life and death, perhaps even the problem with her Constellation, damaged by her pursuit of forbidden knowledge, could be easily resolved.
Lisa held deep affection for Mondstadt, but that affection stemmed more from Jean and the nation’s atmosphere of freedom than any fanatical devotion to the Anemo Archon himself.
Meanwhile, somewhere far away, Venti was secretly enjoying some Dandelion Wine when an inexplicable chill ran down his spine.
Good grief. Why do I suddenly feel like someone’s blatantly trying to poach my people?
"Hahahaha! Then I’ll look forward to hearing your answer when the day finally comes."
Kamisato Satoru laughed heartily, clearly in an excellent mood.
After all, Lisa was an exceptionally rare genius mage. Having someone of her caliber spend every day working as a librarian for the Knights of Favonius was frankly a waste of talent.
And he was confident that Barbatos, the god who spent all day slacking off instead of doing any proper work, would never seriously fight him over a single employee.
"Lisa, today’s afternoon tea was delightful. I’ll come bother you again when I have some free time."
"Mm-hmm. Next time, remember to bring some of those special drinks of yours as your admission fee. I’ll have someone deliver your new blindfold in a couple of days."
Lisa lazily stretched.
The movement made the graceful curves of her figure even more striking.
Her uniquely magnetic voice seemed to possess an innate ability to tug at the heartstrings, leaving anyone who heard it slightly entranced.
"No problem. See you around."
Kamisato Satoru casually waved goodbye before leisurely walking out of the quiet library.
Lisa silently watched his tall, slender figure disappear into the distance.
Her red lips parted slightly, revealing a breathtaking smile like a rose blooming in full splendor.
After leaving the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Kamisato Satoru walked through the afternoon breeze toward his shop.
The cool wind gently brushed through his hair, allowing his previously strained mind to relax completely.
"Man, she really is one ridiculously dedicated model employee."
From a distance, Kamisato Satoru saw that plenty of customers were still lined up outside his shop waiting for drinks.
He sighed helplessly.
He had clearly told Noelle there was no need to work herself this hard.
Jingle...
The crisp sound of the doorbell rang as the shop door slowly opened.
"Welco— Ah, Manager! You’re back!"
Noelle instinctively bowed in greeting, only realizing after raising her head that the newcomer was her own boss.
"There’s no need to exhaust yourself like this. If you’re tired, go take a break in the back. It’s not like I’m going to dock your pay."
Kamisato Satoru walked over and casually reached out, affectionately ruffling Noelle’s short silver-gray hair.
Feeling the warmth of his hand atop her head, Noelle’s cheeks instantly turned rosy.
She lowered her head and shyly murmured, "Manager, I’m really not tired at all. This amount of work is incredibly easy for me."
Compared to her usual duties of wearing heavy armor while clearing monsters outside the city, handing out drinks inside a cool shop was practically a vacation.
"Suit yourself. But starting tomorrow, let’s implement a ’nine-to-five’ schedule."
"’Nine-to-five’? What does that mean?"
Noelle blinked her large eyes, staring at him in complete confusion at the unfamiliar phrase.
"It means we open at nine in the morning and close at five in the afternoon, right on time. Whether you want to work overtime beyond that is entirely up to you."
Deep down, Kamisato Satoru much preferred being a completely hands-off owner.
As long as the books balanced, he couldn’t care less what hours the shop actually stayed open.
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