Following the crowd, Shirou and Riveria walked side by side through the streets of the Eastern Main District, taking in the many stalls.
Garlands decorated the streets, and above them, colorful flags fluttered in the wind.
Watching the lively crowd, Shirou couldn't help but smile.
"As expected of a festival. It's really lively. Riveria, have you never taken part in one of these before?"
"No, I've been to some smaller ones, but as for Monsterphilia… that was a long time ago, when I first arrived in Orario."
Dressed in casual clothing, Riveria, walking at Shirou's side, constantly drew the attention of those around her.
Unlike her usual attire, Riveria—having switched to casual clothes at Shirou's request—radiated a unique charm.
As expected of an elf, her beauty surpassed even that of the gods.
Even in casual wear, she was breathtaking.
What's more, elves always had excellent taste in clothing.
"Really? It's probably because you're too strict, Riveria, so no one dared to invite you. If you smiled more often, it'd be fine."
"Smile?"
Because of her status as a royal elf, all other elves treated Riveria with utmost respect.
But she disliked this behavior, even finding it somewhat disgusting.
And changing it wasn't so simple.
Looking at Riveria, who seemed a little troubled, Shirou smiled and said:
"Don't worry too much. Changing people isn't easy. Just do whatever you want to do."
Shirou felt a resemblance between Riveria and Artoria.
Both had a certain stubbornness, yet were surprisingly captivating.
The streets were lined with food stalls, the enticing aromas making passersby salivate.
Even Shirou couldn't resist the urge to buy something to eat.
After all, what's a festival without food?!
Buying two fried potato balls from a stall, Shirou handed one to Riveria.
After hesitating for a moment, Riveria finally accepted.
"I remember this is Ais's favorite food."
"Yes, she's loved them since she was little."
Riveria's eyes softened at the mention of Ais, clearly showing just how much Ais meant to her.
She truly was Mama-san!
Just as the two were about to continue walking, potato balls in hand, they suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Uh, one regular order of potato balls, and…"
"Red bean with cream."
The sudden voice made them stop and turn.
"I had a feeling this might happen, but this is quite the coincidence!"
"It really is a coincidence—after all, there are so many people here."
Since they had run into each other, greetings were inevitable. Seeing Loki and Ais standing at the potato ball stall, Shirou called out helplessly:
"What a coincidence, Loki, Ais!"
"What? Shirou!"
"Ahhh!!!"
"Why is Riveria here?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Loki turned and was instantly struck as if by lightning, her expression exaggerated.
"Why am I here? Obviously because Shirou invited me."
"Then why don't you ever come when I invite you? I've invited you every year!"
Completely stunned, Loki could no longer contain herself. Faced with this obvious disparity, she screamed out.
Before Riveria could answer, Shirou stepped forward, patted Loki on the shoulder, and said:
"Of course, it's because I invited her."
Zap! Loki was annihilated!
Hearing Shirou's reply, Loki turned pale and gray, collapsing to the ground as she muttered:
"Riveria has been stolen too…"
Watching the broken goddess, Shirou turned, smiled, and gestured "OK" to Riveria.
After all, he had invited her—how could Loki embarrass her now?
Looking at the dejected Loki and the smug Shirou, Riveria pressed her forehead helplessly.
Even if everything was exactly as Shirou said, why did she feel like something about this was very wrong?
After that chance encounter, the four of them set off together at Loki's strong insistence.
After all, she had never gone to a festival with both Ais and Riveria at the same time.
Yesterday, with Ais's consent, she had timidly invited Riveria, hoping to secure both of them.
Unfortunately, Riveria had quickly seen through her plan, and it hadn't worked.
But now that Shirou had invited Riveria out, and they just so happened to meet—how could Loki possibly let such a golden opportunity slip away?
That was what she thought, and so she acted.
But why had things turned out so differently from what she'd imagined?
Walking behind the three, watching Shirou stride happily between Ais and Riveria, chatting cheerfully with both, Loki's eyes filled with confusion.
How had this happened? This was supposed to be her first time inviting Ais and Riveria out together, her first time going to a festival with them.
Two joyful occasions overlapping—this was supposed to be her pure happiness.
So why had it ended up like this?
Shouldn't I be the one there right now?
---
"Ais."
"Brother seems to be enjoying the festival a lot."
"Riveria."
"Honestly, I've never seen you this happy before."
"Shirou."
"If we get the chance, let's go out together again!"
Looking at the trio, with nothing at all left for her to say, Loki's eyes were consumed by darkness.
(Hehehe!)
(Shirou, you bastard, how dare you steal my girls right in front of me?)
(Go to hell—there's no place for you in the Loki Familia anymore!)
(I'll definitely expel you from the Loki Familia.)
(I mean it.)
"Loki, come along next time too. It's always better with more company!"
"Yes, I will!"
Loki replied with a smile as Shirou turned back.
"You're truly worthy of being the pillar of our Familia. Once Finn retires, you'll have to become captain of the Loki Familia!"
(Why was this goddess suddenly talking about something so far off? What on earth was she thinking?)
Perplexed, Shirou declined with a bewildered expression.
After pushing through the crowded alleys and arriving at the arena, Shirou and his companions quickly noticed guild members scanning the area nervously.
From time to time, members of the Ganesha Familia ran past, weapons in hand.
"Looks like something's happening here."
---
End of Chapter
A/N: Loki just got NTR'd ಠ_ʖಠ
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."