It must be noted that the Ash standing with Lucy wasn't truly him at all.
It was merely a manifestation—created through the note he had given Isa... which was also, Wantlessness.
Its only purpose was to draw her into a dream‑realm where they could speak freely. Everything else that had happened—and everything happening now—was already accounted for in his plans.
So, while he entertained Lucy's antics, the real Ash was elsewhere entirely… collecting affection with the same casual ease he breathed.
At any moment, he could step into the Dimensional Overlord rank. He had already collected enough affection.
But he chose not to—not yet.
Instead, he drifted through the masquerade with unhurried grace, golden eyes half‑lidded behind his mask, savoring the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, his companions?
They had already begun causing sewing chaos.
-----
Aurelia and Aurora had been together for the past half hour.
