I'm Not Your Husband, You Evil Dragon!-Chapter 41: Even the Saintess Approves

"Sister Mary saw my struggle and my pain. From a distance, she said, 'Yuuta, you can come here. I suppose you are repentant for your sins.'"

I got up slowly, my knees popping like old hinges. My back felt like I'd been doing construction work for hours, not just kneeling on a hard balcony. I stumbled over to the couch and flopped down beside Erza, letting out a long, tired sigh.

Erza was staring at me, her voliet eyes unusually serious. I met her gaze, raising an eyebrow. "What's with that look? You're staring like I'm some kind of rare creature."

She didn't break eye contact. "Just checking to see if my dear husband has repented for his sins properly."

I rolled my eyes, leaning my head back against the couch. "Oh, spare me, queen of drama."

Her eyes narrowed, a hint of mischief creeping into her smile. "Queen of drama, huh?"

I blinked. "Wait, no, that's not—"

She cracked her knuckles. "Want a taste of my fist, 'dear husband'?"

"OW!

Okay, okay, I take it back!" I yelped, rubbing my sore shoulder where her tiny but surprisingly strong fist had landed.

Sister Mary, who had been quietly observing our banter, suddenly chuckled. It was a soft, melodic sound, almost surprising coming from someone as stern as her.

She took a deep breath, her head tilting slightly in my direction. "Yuuta, I don't know when or how you got married and became a father, but... I'm truly happy for you."

I froze. Those words hit me harder than Erza's punch. I looked away, my throat tightening.

To be honest.!

"I... I wanted to tell you," I said, my voice lower. "But I am... scared."

Sister Mary turned her head toward me, her blindfolded eyes somehow locking onto mine. "Scared? Of what, Yuuta?"

I felt Erza's eyes on me, a silent warning not to mess this up. I couldn't just blurt out the truth. How would Sister Mary react if she found out I married a literal dragon and had a half-dragon daughter? She might exorcise my entire apartment!

"I... I was scared you wouldn't accept us," I managed, my words careful. "That you'd see me as a disappointment. Or worse... a sinner."

For a moment, the room felt impossibly quiet. I could almost hear the seconds ticking by.

But then Sister Mary reached out, gently resting her hand on my head, just like she used to when I was a scared little kid back at the orphanage. Her touch was warm, comforting.

"Oh, Yuuta," she said softly, her voice filled with a warmth I hadn't felt in years. "Family is a blessing. You've made one now. I may not understand everything about your choices, but I am happy you found people to love and protect."

I felt my chest tighten, a strange warmth spreading through me.

Erza, sensing the emotional tension, leaned in with a sly grin. "See? Even the Saintess approves. Now stop sulking, you big baby."

I shot her a quick glare, but she just smirked back, clearly pleased with herself.

Sister Mary straightened up, her hand slipping from my head. "But... if you ever feel the need to confess anything, my ears are always open. Don't carry burdens alone, Yuuta."

I managed a weak, awkward smile. "Yeah... thanks, Sister Mary."

As she sat back, I felt Elena's tiny hand slip into mine. I looked down to see her staring up at me, her big eyes filled with pure, unfiltered love.

"Papa, we're a family, right?" she whispered, her little fingers squeezing mine.

I swallowed, my heart swelling. I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close. "Yeah, Elena. We're a family. Forever."

Sister Mary crossed her arms, her expression turning serious. "By the way, Yuuta, you do remember why I'm here, right? Don't even think about running away this time."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "Y-yes, Sister Mary. That's why I'm here, even though I skipped class."

Her eyes narrowed. Without warning, she reached out and twisted my ear like a seasoned nun catching a slacker student.

"Ouch! Ow! Hey, what was that for?!"

"When did my sweet, responsible Yuuta become such a troublemaker? Skipping class huh?" she scolded, her grip surprisingly strong for someone so delicate.

"S-sorry!" I stammered, rubbing my poor, abused ear.

Erza, who had been silently observing this whole ordeal with a raised eyebrow, leaned in. "Run away from what?"

Sister Mary let go of my ear, smoothing her robes with the dignity of a high priestess. "Oh, you see, Erza, tomorrow is the annual Sports Day at the college. And this fool has a habit of skipping it."

"Sports Day?" Erza blinked, clearly unfamiliar with the concept.

"Yes," Sister Mary continued, her tone proud. "It's a day where students compete in various games, show their skills, and win trophies."

Erza's eyes lit up as if she'd just discovered a new way to terrorize a village. "Ah! Like a gladiator battle? Or maybe a jump-into-lava challenge?"

Sister Mary's serene smile faltered for a moment, clearly not prepared for that response.

I quickly stepped in, forcing a nervous chuckle. "Haha! Don't mind her, Sister Mary. Erza just has... a unique sense of humor."

Erza shot me a puzzled look. "What? Isn't that what humans do for sport?"

I leaned in, whispering sharply, "Stop messing this up, you overgrown lizard!"

She frowned, crossing her arms. "Hmph. Fine. Just tell me what it actually is."

I straightened up, clearing my throat. "It's not that extreme, Erza. It's more like... running races, soccer, dodgeball, tug of war, that kind of thing."

Erza tilted her head, still not quite getting it, but before I could explain further, Elena, who had been quietly observing, suddenly perked up.

"Papa! Are you going to play this time?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... yeah, my little pie. Of course! Papa's going to win this time."

"Yay! I'm going to cheer for you, Papa! I even made a new dance!" she beamed, her tiny fists clenched in pure, unfiltered joy.

I felt my heart swell, and I ruffled her hair. "Of course! I'll make you proud."

Erza crossed her arms, a rare, soft smile touching her lips. "Hmph. He really is a kind fool."

Sister Mary's head tilted slightly, her smile growing softer. "You look happy, Erza."

Erza blinked, caught off guard. "How did you know I was smiling? You're... blind, right?"

Sister Mary chuckled, a knowing warmth in her tone. "Oh, no, my dear. I'm not blind. I just cover my eyes and ears because they're sensitive. But I can still 'see' the emotions around me."

Erza's eyes sharpened, her expression turning thoughtful. She leaned a bit closer, her intense gaze locked onto Sister Mary.

"So... how old are you, Sister Mary?" she asked, her tone just a bit too curious.

Sister Mary's smile stiffened slightly. "W-well, you see, my dear... age is just a number when you serve the divine."

Erza leaned in further, her eyes narrowing like a predator closing in. "Can I see your ears, Sister Mary?"

Sister Mary's hand reflexively moved to her hood, her usually calm expression flickering into something like panic. "I-I could, but...?"

I quickly stepped in, laughing nervously. "Haha! Alright, alright, Erza, don't bully Sister Mary. She's just... sensitive."

Erza leaned back, her gaze never leaving Sister Mary. "Hmph. I'm not bullying her. I'm just... curious."

Sister Mary let out a quiet, relieved sigh, clearly eager to move the conversation along.

"Yuuta," she said, giving me a sharp glance. "It seems you've found yourself a strong-willed wife."

I forced a smile, my heart still racing. "Y-yeah. Lucky me."

Sister Mary straightened up, her posture as rigid as ever. "Alright then, Yuuta. Be at the college on time tomorrow. I'll be watching, so don't even think about running away this time."

I gulped. "Y-yes, Sister Mary."

As she stood to leave, she paused, turning her head slightly in Erza's direction. "And Erza, I look forward to seeing how well you cheer for your... kind fool of a husband."

Erza smirked, her sharp teeth glinting in the fading light. "Oh, don't worry, Sister Mary. I'll make sure he shines."

As the door closed behind her, I let out a long, shaky breath.

Erza leaned closer, whispering in my ear. "You have some interesting guardian, Mortal."

I shivered. "D-don't start. She's scarier than you, trust me."

Erza just chuckled, her tail flicking playfully behind her. "Oh, I doubt that."

Outside the Apartment

The white Van moved smoothly through the busy morning traffic, weaving between the early risers and delivery trucks. The driver, a seasoned man with a kind, fatherly face, glanced at the rearview mirror.

Driver: "The Saintess, you look happy today. Did something happen?"

Sister Mary blinked, caught off guard. She touched her own cheek, realizing her lips had curled into a rare, genuine smile.

Saintess: "Oh? Am I smiling? I didn't even realize..."

The driver chuckled. He had been her chauffeur for years, long enough to know that this was a rare sight.

Driver: "I see. It must be something wonderful, then."

She leaned back into the plush leather seat, closing her eyes as the evening sun bathed her face through the tinted windows. For the first time in a long while, her heart felt light.

Inner Thoughts (Saintess):

It's been a decade... I haven't seen Yuuta smile like that since he was a child. The way he looked at that woman, the way he laughed... He really seems to have a nice family now. Maybe... he's finally found the happiness he always dreamed of. I should be relieved... but why...

Her smile faded, a shadow crossing her delicate features.

Why do I feel... uneasy? There's something about that woman... something too powerful, too ancient...

She clenched her gloved hands, her heart pounding with a familiar, unsettling sensation.

No... I must be imagining things. I'm just overthinking it. She's probably just a strong-willed, protective wife... right?

But doubt crept in like a whisper in the wind.

But... my instincts have never been wrong before. Could it be...? No, it's impossible. She can't be...

She opened her eyes slowly, her fingers drifting toward the blindfold she wore.

Should I use my Eye? Should I see her true form?

Her pulse quickened. A cold, ancient power stirred within her, whispering of hidden truths and ancient beings.

She hesitated.

No... if I do, I might uncover something I'm not ready to face. I don't want to destroy the peace he's finally found...

She clenched her teeth, a fierce, protective warmth filling her chest.

But if she truly is a danger to him... I must know. For his sake.

The Van rolled to a stop at a red light. The driver glanced back, noticing her tension, but said nothing.

The Saintess took a deep breath, her decision wavering between her heart and her duty.

"Maybe... just this once, I'll use my All-Seeing Eye—for Yuuta's sake."

To Be Continued...

[End of Chapter]

[Credit Scene]

Yuuta: "Well, it's been a while, huh? How are you guys doing? I know the story might feel a bit slow right now—but I'm focusing on building the foundation. Once it's solid, you'll witness a masterpiece!"

Erza: "It's been months, and all you've done is deceive us."

Elena: "Yes, Papa! We're still waiting!"

Yuuta: "Oh, come on! Every plot point has a purpose. Trust the process!"

Erza: crosses arms "Oh really? Is that what you're going with?"

Yuuta: nervous chuckle "Well... who knows? I just wanted to say—stay tuned, okay? The real show's about to begin!"