Mistress Of The Evil Forest-Epilogue: So, life continues.

Humanity suffered severely after the celestial invasion.

Though the sun had risen once again, it didn't stop the remnants of the invasion from ravaging the planet for a period afterward. The cleanup effort lasted for months before the final country could publicly declare itself monster-free.

In the end, hundreds of thousands of people perished. Many more lost their homes, their family, and the means to maintain a sustainable life.

Yet, the living ultimately chose to move forward.

After the world stabilized somewhat, the goddess, Neveah, descended with her divine might, announcing the abolishment of the system and granting the knowledge of the truth.

It was decided between the majority of the countries that the first expedition to explore and settle outside the dome would begin slowly as the continent healed.

Those events all occurred in the last year or so.

Since then... many things have changed for us as well. While Zircon remains largely the same, the girls who helped us defend the land back then all went their own ways, which is perhaps necessary, given the outcome. Their people need them.

Claire, the heroine, chooses to uphold her crusade to eliminate the last traces of the cult on this continent. Just recently, she managed to hunt down the missing Advent, Valstein.

Nydia became the empress after Kaiser's abdication. Her cousin, Sierra, takes on the role of the prime minister.

Amelia and Scarlett came back to their families to help with state affairs, perhaps preparing to inherit their own titles.

Luxia returned to the holy nation to tend to her country's needs.

With teleportation, all of us can gather on occasions, though unlike me, they've become quite busy. The only one accompanying me these days is perhaps Chloe.

''...Now that I think about it, there's still something we haven't done for a while.''

''Huh?''

I gently grasp the clueless Chloe's hand. A blush immediately blooms on her cheek, yet she shows no resistance. Though that expression changes to shock once I adjust my appearance, matching that of my Earth version.

''...Are we going back to Earth?'' She quietly asks. ''Did you manage to learn it?''

''Mhm.'' I nod. ''It's almost Christmas. We should pay them a visit.''

A few months after the invasion, once things had settled down somewhat, we asked Buezrith to take us back to our home planet. Several years had passed since we went missing at that point, so it was quite chaotic. Finding an excuse for our disappearance was tough.

Still, Chloe finally had a chance to reunite with her family. We spent a few weeks there before returning to Astra, pretending we were going on a foreign trip.

Afterward, we returned to Earth intermittently with Buezrith's power. Until... she had to return to her own reality a few months ago, ''I think I miss my home.'' She said bitterly.

I think we'll meet again someday, but it is a regretful departure nonetheless. Thankfully, I have now succeeded in replicating her technique to travel through vast space. This is largely because of her teaching, of course.

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Seeing my confident smile, Chloe intertwines fingers with mine, showing absolute trust.

''Let's go.''

We once again return to Earth.

''It's still snowing, huh...'' Chloe exclaims. ''Shall we visit our home first?''

''Sure.''

Back home, the old couple still longs for their child fervently—children, I mean. They've always treated me as their own, somehow.

''I'm worried...'' Mom lets out a weary sigh. ''It's good that you two are getting along well, but I haven't heard a single other friend from either of you.''

''Indeed. Social connections are key nowadays.'' Dad nods along.

Chloe and I glance at one another. Suddenly, she gives me a mischievous grin.

''C'mon, we're not loners?'' She pouts at her parents. ''We made lots of friends overseas, you know?''

''Oh, really? Can you introduce them to us later?''

''Sure thing! How about I call them over for this Christmas? Is that okay?''

...So it has come to this.

Looking at the parents' expectant gazes, I suppose I can't quite refuse this. I have no reason to anyway.

Naturally, bringing the other world's secrets to Earth would cause much trouble, so we refrain from doing so. Besides us, there are many extraordinary deities and such on this blue planet as well, and they're lying low for a reason.

I guess I'll have to try my best to disguise those girls...

Christmas.

''Excuse me...''

''Thanks for having me!''

The old couple hangs their mouths open at the horde of pretty girls entering their house. For obvious reasons, most of their hair and eye colors have been turned into less conspicuous ones, namely black.

Nydia and Sierra are fine, but Scarlett, Neveah, and especially Luxia all have to comply if they don't want to look like cosplayers. Save for Amelia and Claire, I suppose, since blond hair isn't that unusual here.

I can't say I'm used to seeing them with black hair and eyes like this, though they all look good.

''Let's do a BBQ first!'' Luxia excitedly paces the crowded room. ''Then... I wanna explore the city!''

''BBQ sounds nice...'' Scarlett strokes her stomach.

''Don't we need to shop for ingredients first?'' Amelia chimes in. ''Can someone accompany these idiots? I feel like they're going to cause trouble.''

''Huh? Who are you calling an idiot?!''

Although the bickerings don't stop, we still manage to spend a peaceful Christmas night with Chloe's family. Partying, drinking...

''...Hey, Aurora.'' Chloe, whose cheeks are tinted a faint blush, suddenly grabs my hand. ''Follow me.''

''...?''

The girl takes me to the apartment's rooftop.

Over the railings, we take in the night city's busyness, a layer of pure white snow draping on itself. Chloe turns to me, her eyes tender, ''See, I know this isn't the first time... but I'd like to hear your answer now.''

''...''

Instinctively, I realize what her intentions are.

''Heheh...''

A few specks of snow sprinkle onto her black hair. The girl slightly exhales, her breath visible in the cold.

''I like you.'' She says. ''Really, really... like you. Won't you be my girlfriend, Aurora?''

If it were me a year ago, I would have hesitated. But after so long, even an idiot will realize their feelings. Now, I am certain. So, without hesitation, I reply,

''I also like you, Chloe.''

In an instant, a smile as radiant as the sun blooms on the girl's face, melting away the cold around us. She snuggles up to me, then places a kiss on my lips.

Her eyes as she backs away contain something similar to pure bliss, one that makes even me feel it so vividly. Just as we are about to close in for a second kiss—

''Hey! That's unfair!''

Two girls emerge from behind and separate us—Nydia and Claire, both wearing pouts. They tightly hug my arms, glaring at the smug Chloe with palpable hostility. Soon after, even Luxia latches onto my back, grumbling at the girl in front.

''Oh, my, what's this? The losers are teaming up?'' Chloe chuckles with utmost contempt. ''Don't bother. We're already a couple.''

''That may be true, but... it doesn't mean that I can't be her girlfriend, too!'' Nydia shoots back.

''That's right! You being the first one doesn't make you her best!'' Claire adds.

''Bleehh!'' Luxia makes a noise.

Seeing my lack of refutation, Chloe's face immediately darkens. Facing her gaze, I can't help but divert mine.

Sorry, Chloe, I have to be honest with myself.

At the corner, I also spot Neveah, who's watching us with her arms folded, amused as if seeing a drama. Sierra, Amelia, and Scalett linger nearby, their gestures somewhat restless.

Ah... it seems I'll have to deal with this sooner or later.

But then... I suppose it's a fortunate thing that I'm able to worry about it in the first place. This time around, it's a trouble I'm welcoming.