Orario.
After leaving the Guild headquarters and receiving nearly ten million valis from exchanging magic stones, Roy and his group headed to a restaurant to celebrate their successful expedition.
Not the Hostess of Fertility, but the "Blazing Bee Pavilion" in the southern Fifth District.
Its cuisine ranked among the finest in Orario, and the prices were relatively affordable—making it popular with many adventurers.
A table overflowing with luxurious dishes was set before them, rich aromas filling the air.
"Cheers!"
Roy, Ryuu, Astraea, Daphne, and Cassandra clinked their glasses.
Roy poured the chilled ale down his throat and smacked his lips. It was similar to the craft beer from his previous life—not very strong, but flavorful.
Nearby adventurers cast envious glances at their table.
Not only was the Astraea Familia flourishing once more—
Roy sitting with four girls made him look exactly like the kind of harem-building scoundrel gods often joked about.
Ryuu tugged lightly at his sleeve and whispered, "You're being watched."
"Don't worry about those adventurers—"
Roy assumed she meant the surrounding patrons. Following her gaze, however, he noticed a golden-haired girl standing across the street outside the tavern, her golden eyes locked onto him.
The "Sword Princess," Ais Wallenstein.
Her appearance immediately drew attention.
Not only because of her worldwide fame, but because she was breathtakingly beautiful—her face rivaling that of a goddess, her petite frame delicate and refined, her skin fair and flawless. Her golden eyes were steady and unwavering.
A phrase surfaced in Roy's mind:
Unyielding steel eventually breaks.
If she failed to achieve her goal in the end, she might walk a path of self-destruction.
He couldn't help glancing at his own elven companion.
Those two were somewhat alike.
Seeing the golden-haired beauty walk straight toward him, Roy said calmly,
"Sword Princess. What a rare guest."
Ryuu, Daphne, and Cassandra set down their glasses, their eyes turning wary.
Adventurers picking fights was nothing new.
But if Ais thought they were easy targets, she was mistaken.
In fact, during the Great Feud, Ryuu and Ais had once crossed blades. At the time, both were Lv. 3.
They hadn't determined a winner, but if the fight had continued, Ryuu would likely have prevailed. She had been on the verge of Lv. 4, while Ais had only just advanced to Lv. 3.
Now that Ryuu had reached Lv. 5, the level gap gave her confidence she could easily overwhelm Ais.
Ais ignored the others' guarded expressions and stared only at Roy.
"How can I level up as fast as you?"
Her voice was clear, urgent—almost restless.
She had begun paying attention to Roy when he reached Lv. 2.
Now that he had advanced to Lv. 3 at an astonishing pace, she could no longer sit still.
Roy blinked.
So that's why.
His expression turned strange.
I have cheats. Do you?
"That's a Familia secret," he said lightly. "I can't tell you."
Ais pressed her lips together.
"Or… are you planning to join the Astraea Familia?"
Roy said it casually, like a devil's whisper brushing against a young girl's ear.
Ais's delicate brows knitted together.
"I can't pretend I didn't hear that, Justice Bud."
A voice heavy with suppressed anger sounded.
Riveria turned from beside the tavern entrance, emerald eyes coldly fixed on Roy—like a young mother glaring at a suspicious man trying to lure away her innocent daughter.
"Good evening, Nine Hell."
Roy smiled politely despite being caught red-handed.
The royal elf stood tall and breathtakingly beautiful, exuding mature elegance. Her long emerald hair shimmered as it was tied in a low ponytail. Her pointed ears peeked through her hair. Her features were flawless.
Even among the naturally beautiful elves, she possessed a transcendent charm—surpassing many goddesses and stirring envy in countless women.
Her eyes, a purer shade of green than Eina's, were as refined as polished gemstones.
"Lady Riveria!"
Ryuu rose in surprise, her expression respectful.
Riveria nodded gently.
"Gale Wind—congratulations on reaching Lv. 5. I'm pleased to see such an outstanding warrior among the elves."
"I'm undeserving," Ryuu replied softly, lowering her head.
Reverence for elven royalty was ingrained in every elf—Ryuu included.
"Good evening, Lady Astraea."
"Child of Loki. It has been some time."
Riveria greeted the Astraea Familia members one by one—
Except Roy, whom she regarded coldly.
Roy pursed his lips.
The golden-haired girl walked willingly into his jaws. How was that his fault?
Ais's eyes burned with intensity.
"Fight me!"
"No."
Roy answered instantly.
Was she crazy?
He knew exactly what she wanted—to probe the secret of his rapid advancement through combat.
He had just defeated Amphisbaina. His injuries weren't fully healed. Why would he bother?
At his blunt refusal, Ais's expression fell.
She lowered her head, looking pitiful.
Even Ryuu, Daphne, and Cassandra felt Roy was being too heartless.
He could at least have declined more gently.
Roy snorted inwardly.
Just because she's pretty, I have to indulge her?
Riveria sighed, her tone softening.
"I ask you as well, Justice Bud."
Roy met her gaze.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
Madam… surely you wouldn't want your daughter—
He clasped his hands together.
"Fine. But I have one condition."
"Speak."
Riveria's eyes sharpened.
Roy shook his head.
"Agree first. I'll state it after the fight."
"Are you mocking me, Justice Bud?"
Riveria's expression turned cold.
How could she agree without knowing the condition?
"I guarantee," Roy said evenly, "that my request will be something easily within your power—and will cause neither you nor the Loki Familia any material loss."
Riveria remained unconvinced.
Before she could respond, Ryuu spoke solemnly:
"Lady Riveria, I also guarantee it. There will be no harm to you."
Astraea offered Riveria a gentle, reassuring smile.
Riveria frowned.
She had little direct contact with Roy—
But she had heard the name "Gale Wind" countless times.
And with Astraea—the goddess of Justice—present, Roy would not be allowed to act recklessly.
Ultimately, it was a matter of trust.
Once she gave her word, she could not retract it—no matter what Roy demanded afterward.
With two guarantors, she reluctantly nodded.
"…Very well. I agree."
Ais lowered her head.
"Riveria… I'm sorry."
Riveria gently stroked Ais's golden hair, shining like sunlight.
"It's not as though your stubbornness is new to me."
Standing together, they looked every bit like mother and daughter.
Roy felt a strange sense of guilt—
As if he were forcing someone down a questionable path.
He only wanted to learn magic—
Yet Ryuu was staring at him with icy eyes, making him feel as though winter had arrived.
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