— Azadia’s POV —

  "Azadia, do you know why I created this world—the world without mana?”

  Goddess Libertas’ voice rang out, sudden and serene.

  Her piercing gaze rested on me, waiting for my answer.

  "N-No, I don’t know..." I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I believe that You created this world with profound intentions.”

  The truth was, I had never questioned it before.

  Its people were oblivious to our existence. Thus, this world did not generate faith for Her.

  They believed in false gods—mere figments of their imagination.

  Without mana, we angels could not intervene.

  To us, it was a world that served no purpose.

  So why?

  Why did She, the Goddess I admire more than anything, create a world like this?

  "The potential of humanity is boundless," She answered, Her voice carrying the weight of absolute truth.

  "This world—despite lacking mana—surpasses magical worlds in technological advancement. Its people shape their dreams into reality, no matter their circumstances. You, too, have witnessed this. You use their technological marvels yourself.”

  "Y-Yes...!" I nodded quickly. "They indulge in video games, movies, novels, and more. Other mana-infused worlds scarcely boast such diversions. But… as far as I know, there are worlds with mana that have even greater technology."

  Yes, there were magical worlds that outclassed this one in scientific advancement.

  So what made this world so special?

  "That is true," She acknowledged. "But do you know who originally created those technologies?"

  I tilted my head. "Isn’t it the inhabitants of those worlds?”

  I expected confirmation.

  Instead—

  She shook Her head.

  “No.”

  "The origin of those advancements can be traced back to Earth."

  "The people of other worlds merely refine technology—but they lack imagination. Because they have magic, their lives are easier, obviating the necessity for groundbreaking inventions. As a result, only the privileged experience joy, while the commoners endure suffering.”

  "Yet this world is different," She continued, Her voice holding a quiet fondness.

  "Even beggars can find joy simply by playing football with their friends. With just a ball, they create a game unknown to other worlds. Even a simple game of hide-and-seek—requiring nothing at all—becomes a source of laughter, yet the other worlds don’t know about it either.”

  "But in this world, there are also those burdened by hatred and despair—like him.”

  At Her words, I felt a sharp pain in my chest.

  The boy I had ignored.

  "It is My responsibility to grant him happiness. He shall be reincarnated into a world devoid of this world's joys—one filled with magic.”

  “Perhaps he will become My devotee.”

  “Perhaps he will inspire faith in others.”

  “Perhaps he will create new technologies that will ease the suffering of many.”

  “But none of that is important."

  Her eyes softened.

  "What I truly desire is for him to find happiness. That is all."

  My vision blurred.

  Tears spilled down my cheeks.

  It was not him I felt guilty for.

  It was Her.

  He could have given Her faith.

  He could have strengthened Her.

  But I had abandoned him.

  I had made Her bear the burden I was supposed to carry.

  I had failed my Goddess.

  "I will watch over him Myself," She declared.

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  "You will be given a different task. For now, return home."

  Ah...

  Her trust in me was gone.

  But I didn’t care about myself.

  I cared about Her.

  How could I fix this?

  How could I ease Her burden?

  —No.

  I already knew the answer.

  I knew what I had to do.

  "I—I have a request!"

  She arched Her brow. "Hmm?"

  "Please, let me help him!" I bowed deeply, pressing my forehead against the ground.

  "I will take responsibility! Please, let me watch over him until the end of his life! No, not just that!”

  “Let me help him in his next life, too!"

  My heart pounded as I desperately pleaded.

  "This is my mistake! I will make it right! I will assist him until he finds the happiness he desires!"

  That was the only answer.

  By helping him, I could atone.

  By guiding him, I could lessen Her worries.

  By staying by his side, I could ensure that Her burden was not so heavy.

  But—

  It was not enough.

  I could not let this be temporary.

  I had to commit myself fully.

  "Please grant him immortality in his next life!"

  "I will serve him forever, even after he attains happiness!"

  That should be the best course of action. I will alleviate her worries while simultaneously aiding him in finding happiness.

  The air filled with silence for a moment.

  Then—

  She chuckled.

  "So you choose to serve him rather than Me?"

  "Ah—" My breath caught. "N-No! I didn’t mean—!"

  Did I say the wrong thing?

  Had I made another mistake?

  Did I fail Her again!?

  Then—

  "Fufu... Just kidding."

  My body sagged in relief.

  "I know your loyalty lies with Me, Azadia. Very well. I approve."

  A shuddering breath escaped me.

  I had one last chance.

  But She was not finished.

  "However, that alone is not enough for your punishment."

  I clenched my fists.

  "I will gladly accept any punishment You give me!"

  I meant it.

  I would endure anything to make up for my failure.

  Goddess Libertas, with all Her divine majesty, delivered my sentence.

  "I will bind your soul to his in his next life."

  "You will lose your emotions and physical body."

  "You will regain them only as your bond with him strengthens."

  "You will remain by his side until he dies. If he does not perish within a hundred years, you may choose to leave—if he has truly found happiness."

  "Or... you may choose to stay forever."

  "It will be your decision."

  "Regardless, you do not have to worry about Me. I will still love you."

  Her voice was gentle.

  Like a mother speaking to her child.

  She was entrusting him to me.

  "So, please, help him find the happiness he seeks."

  My lips trembled.

  I bowed deeply once more.

  "Thank You, Goddess Libertas!"

  Tears streamed down my face as I embraced my punishment.

  "I will accept this punishment gladly. And You do not have to wait for me for a hundred years—because I have already made my choice."

  "I will stay by his side forever.”

  “Unless he is the one who wishes to part."

  I raised my head, determination burning in my eyes.

  "I will be loyal to both You and him.”

  “And once I regain my body, I will dedicate myself entirely to him.”

  “Even if he desires my body, I will offer it to him willingly.”

  “No—I will allow him to do whatever he pleases with me, if it brings him happiness."

  I meant every word.

  Without hesitation.

  For a moment, She simply gazed at me.

  Then—

  She smiled, "You're actually looking forward to serving him, aren't you?"

  I flinched.

  "Living in Heaven is boring, isn't it? You want to be with him—to enjoy the world together, rather than merely watching it from afar."

  Ah…

  I was caught.

  She chuckled, "Fufu… Well, it is your freedom. I approve."

  Then, She continued—

  "But there will be limitations. Your power will be restricted once you regain your body.”

  “Your limits will be his limits.”

  “So, it is your duty to make him stronger as well."

  She gazed at me with warmth.

  "I will mark him as My Apostle candidate. This way, both you and he can stay in touch with Me."

  I smiled through my tears, "Thank You, Goddess Libertas!"

  She is so kind.

  Even as She punishes me, She gives me the freedom I desire.

  I will never fail Her again.

  I will dedicate everything to him.

  I will love him as deeply as She loves me.