After that, while Fron continued his healing, no one disturbed him.
------------------------------
After the second round of treatment, basically all the poisoned members were completely cured by Fron's magic.
As expected, the atmosphere within the familia returned to its usual hustle and bustle.
Companions who had been driven to exhaustion by all sorts of unusual incidents were finally freed from busyness and tension.
Blacksmiths and adventurers laughing heartily and clinking cups, dwarves shouting and cursing loudly, and elves looking on coldly, casting contemptuous gazes at such vulgarity.
Because of this one expedition, the members of the two familias had started to become familiar with one another, and in addition, there were the Hestia Familia and the Takemikazuchi Familia of the rescue team, along with the two gods.
For the first time in a long while, everyone laid down the nerves that had been taut for so long, and indulged in hearty cheer.
However, compared to the executives, the regular members, and even the blacksmith who, though unlucky to be poisoned, still profited greatly, the three leaders of the Loki Familia were not in the best of moods.
"Once we get back, we'll have to tighten our belts."
The troubled Finn was turning over various trivial matters in his mind about what would come after the expedition, especially financial problems.
Although this expedition achieved its intended goals, the consumption…
"Fifty magic swords bought at a high price, weapons with the 'Durandal' property, and then the drop items for the deep floors will go to the Hephaestus Familia."
"Yes, even counting everything… this time we basically worked for free. The magic stones we recovered along the way probably won't even cover a third of our initial costs."
Riveria closed one eye and shook her head at her two old friends.
"No one expected Valgang dragons and Wyverns to drop so few items, just a bit of a miscalculation."
"Well, there's no use fretting. Once we get back to the surface, we'll rest well for two days, then send everyone out to take on commissions and jobs. We need to quickly recoup funds, otherwise staying like this isn't viable. If this state of poverty drags on, not only will the familia's operations suffer, but morale will take a heavy blow too. And it would be no small hit to our reputation and prestige."
"I believe Loki should understand the hardship of her captain."
"You'd better pray Loki doesn't whine and pester you for expensive Soma wine."
"…" Thinking of how troublesome Loki could be, Finn pressed a hand to his forehead, his face bitter.
…
Not mingling with the others, Fron at this time was following Ryu into a forest not far from the campsite.
Led by the elf, they passed through a narrow path concealed by lush, fantastical vegetation, and the view suddenly opened ahead.
It was a small clearing, not very wide, well hidden and enclosed by the surrounding plants.
If one didn't look carefully, it would be hard to discover, truly a secluded place.
"To think there was such a beautiful place nearby, this is my third time here."
Looking at the beautiful scenery around, Fron, following behind Ryu, couldn't help but sigh in admiration after glancing about.
Directly ahead of their sight stood a small mound, upon which were thrust haphazardly slender swords, long blades, spears, broken, ruined weapons, and… a tattered familia banner.
An inverted longsword, with wings of justice spread on both sides.
"The grave of the Astraea Familia members, huh. As you said… this time you only accepted the commission in passing."
She works at the tavern, but occasionally comes here alone, to pay respects to her fallen comrades.
"You guessed it, didn't you? That's right, this is where they sleep."
Ryu's sky-colored eyes stared blankly at the sanctum ahead, as she placed freshly picked flowers before it.
"Not buried in the First District cemetery… it must have been so dire back then that they couldn't even bring the remains back to the surface."
The young man's words at her side didn't stir the golden-haired elf in the slightest. Her face remained exquisitely calm, her eyes unruffled.
"Yes, the situation was very special back then. Sorry, the Guild has issued a gag order, so I can't tell you the specifics…"
Recalling the documents he had read in the archives, Fron thought quietly.
Officially, it was announced that the Astraea Familia had been annihilated in a battle with a floor boss.
"Afraid of leaking information and causing panic among adventurers? Or perhaps worried that schemers lurking in the dark might exploit it? That should be it."
As Fron finished speaking, Ryu turned and stepped forward, standing so close that they almost touched.
Because of their height difference, the elf girl had to lift her delicate chin to meet the golden eyes of the youth. For a moment… the atmosphere froze.
Fron never expected the girl to be so bold. Her unique fragrance lingered at his nose, and he wavered for an instant.
"It seems you're even more remarkable than I imagined. Unbelievable that you've only been an adventurer for less than two years…"
Suppressing the stirrings in his chest, Fron leaned forward slightly, pressing the girl instead.
Her eyes, slightly flustered, darted away from his gaze, and her body leaned back involuntarily.
Fron, pleased at his small scheme's success, raised the corners of his lips and gently stroked the girl's silky hair.
"So this is what the gods mean by the possibilities of the lower world, huh? Maybe this too was destined?"
"…"
'This man… I can't believe I don't feel any resistance to him. What's happening to me!?'
Feeling the warmth on her head, Ryu's eyes wavered in confusion.
What exactly was this feeling? Since that encounter at the tavern, their meetings had only been few.
Yet in those few encounters, his figure had been deeply etched into her heart.
Especially that unexpected, unresisted hand-holding, which further unsettled the elf.
'Could this be what Syr always talks about… love at first sight?'
'No, how could it be love at first sight? I'm an elf, I can't be so shameless…'
Unaware of the girl's inner drama and self-doubt, Fron only saw her visibly blushing face, her slender neck and the skin between her hair and ears similarly tinged red.
"P-please don't… th-that…"
Facing the flustered elf, so shy her fluent words stumbled into stammers, Fron couldn't have been more delighted.
An elf, with a refined appearance, perfect figure, and formidable strength, who wouldn't like her?
Come to think of it, Fron found it curious, girls he had close relationships with were almost always strong-willed types. Coincidence, or fate?
"Ryu, you're very cute. A total contrast to the name 'Gale'."
"In my eyes, whether it's you driven by passion, transformed into an avenger, or the you now, like a real maiden, both deeply attract me."
"No matter what others say about you, Ryu, to me you are perfect as you are."