Chapter 76: 76: I don’t mean anything
In Skadi's widened crimson eyes, the sunset reflected a boy no older than seventeen, his long black braids gleaming in the fading light. Kevin stood before her, smiling radiantly, his hand extended in an oath.
For Skadi, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only Kevin. As her initial daze lifted, an inexplicable emotion filled her heart—a mix of warmth, disbelief, and something she couldn't name. Her eyes reddened slightly, but she refused to let herself cry.
She was a goddess, and Kevin was a human. She couldn't allow herself to appear vulnerable, not in front of him. So she swallowed her feelings and endured.
Her lips parted, but the question lingering on the tip of her tongue—why—remained unspoken.
It didn't matter anymore.
Whether Kevin made this vow because of Scathach or not was irrelevant now. His solemn oath, sworn in the name of Ruge, the god of light and the sun, was among the most binding pledges of this era.
She placed her hand on Kevin's, hesitated briefly, then pulled him into an embrace.
Kevin froze. Caught entirely off guard, his face pressed into something soft, and his mind blanked.
"Thank you..." A barely audible whisper escaped her lips, brushing against his ear. "Thank you for thinking of me."
Skadi had known about Kevin's trial and the existence of the goshawk feather. She'd suspected from the start that he could have completed his mission by now.
She'd also noticed his hesitation, his struggle to choose between the easiest path and something more meaningful. She might not have understood the depth of Kevin's feelings for Scathach, but she saw enough to understand his internal torment.
Initially, Skadi's interest in Kevin stemmed from curiosity—a human from another land, fascinating and novel. She was like a princess trapped in a castle, drawn to a visiting adventurer.
At first, she'd believed her kindness toward him was simply a manifestation of a god's benevolence toward humans. But now…
She gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, leaned down, and kissed Kevin lightly on the forehead.
Kevin snapped out of his stupor. Blinking, he touched his forehead and stared at Skadi's soft, slightly moist lips.
He stammered, "Uh... I got kissed again? By a goddess?!"
"Um…" Kevin hesitated, staring at her gentle smile. Then, after organizing his thoughts, he spoke with exaggerated seriousness.
"Let's do it again!"
For a moment, Skadi's serene expression froze.
"What?"
Kevin looked completely sincere. "The kiss! It was—ouch!"
Before he could finish, Skadi grabbed his cheeks and stretched them with surprising force.
"Do all humans behave like this?" she demanded.
Kevin slapped her hand away, rubbing his face indignantly. "What do you mean all humans?!"
"You said you guys earlier." Skadi tilted her head, curious.
"Let's not talk about that," Kevin mumbled, clearly avoiding the subject. Instead, he shifted gears. "So, do you agree to help me?"
Skadi softened. "How could I refuse? He's my father. Since you swore to me, I'll trust you with everything."
"Perfect." Kevin sighed in relief. "If you're on board, we've got a chance."
Skadi's curiosity sparkled in her eyes. "What's the plan?"
Kevin took a deep breath. "I asked Slude to take Idun and the goshawk feather and leave. While they're gone, we'll work together… and kill Shaki."
Skadi blinked. "Come again?"
Kevin repeated calmly, "We'll work together and kill Shaki, the mountain giant."
Silence.
Skadi tilted her head, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she said, "Did I hear you say we're going to kill my father?"
"You heard right," Kevin confirmed with a thumbs-up. "We're going to kill your father!"
Skadi stared at him, her face blank. Without warning, ice spikes materialized and launched at Kevin, who barely managed to dodge.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Kevin waved his hands frantically. "Goddess, calm down! Hear me out! I don't mean killing your father! I mean killing Shaki the mountain giant!"
"There's a difference?" Skadi asked, still holding an icicle threateningly.
"Of course!" Kevin nodded furiously. "What we're doing is symbolic—killing the identity of 'Shaki the giant warrior' so he can step down without dishonor. It's all part of the plan!"
The icicle in Skadi's hand disappeared as she blinked in confusion. Slowly, she lowered her arm and placed her hand on her chin, thinking deeply.
"You're saying… my father doesn't have to die as a warrior but can… retire?"
"Exactly!" Kevin exclaimed, relieved. "We create a scenario where Shaki 'dies' in battle, fulfilling his role as a giant warrior. That way, he won't be dishonored, and you can safely go to Asgard without this hanging over you!"
Skadi's frown softened. She studied Kevin carefully, noting the determination in his eyes. For the first time, hope flickered in her chest.
"Do you really think it'll work?" she asked quietly.
"I swear it will," Kevin said, his voice firm.
Skadi gazed at him for a long moment before breaking into a small, genuine smile.
"Alright," she said. "I'll trust you."
Kevin grinned. "Then let's get started."
Under the setting sun, the two stood side by side, their shadows stretching across the garden.
For the first time, Skadi felt a sense of liberation—a glimmer of a future free from the chains of her father's expectations and the isolation of her ancient castle.
Kevin, on the other hand, felt an unshakable resolve take root. For Skadi, for Shaki, and for himself, he would find a way to succeed.
As they began discussing the details of their plan, Kevin couldn't help but glance at Skadi's smiling face.
In that moment, he realized that fate wasn't just a path laid out by the gods—it was a story he could write himself.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto