Nowadays, when Lumine came to the Loki Familia's headquarters, there was no need for the gatekeepers to announce her arrival.
After all, the people living in the Twilight Manor didn't just know her—they were all very familiar with her.
Even the two young guards are usually stationed at the entrance…
"Thanks for your hard work."
"No, no."
"Miss Lumine is visiting us again today~"
"Yeah, I have something to discuss with Ais."
"I see. Miss Ais is in the back courtyard practicing her swordsmanship. Riveria-sama and Miss Tiona should also be there."
"Thanks~"
The brief exchange over, the cheerful little sister strutted inside as if she were returning home.
"And this is…?""
Renjiro could tell Lumine was doing it on purpose.
She had deliberately left him (the real one) hanging. Heh.
So…
"Good afternoon."
He remained calm. "I am Higashikata Renjiro. I'm here at the invitation of Riveria-sama."
As he spoke, he gave a quick glare at Lumine, who was snickering beside him.
Now the two guards understood.
"Oh, so you're Riveria-sama's guest."
"Since Miss Lumine brought you, no need to report it. Please, go ahead."
"Thank you."
After being let through, Renjiro began walking slowly into the Twilight Manor, with Lumine following behind, grinning.
He mock-lifted his hand as if to lightly bop her on the head, and the little sister dodged to the side—but her smile didn't fade.
In the end, Renjiro just flicked her forehead gently with his fingers.
Nearby, the two guards watched this scene…
"They're really close."
"Wait… isn't Miss Lumine's real brother supposed to be Aether?"
"I don't know… this guy looks more like her brother to me."
Meanwhile…
"Ah-choo~!"
Far away, Aether sneezed loudly. He rubbed his nose.
"Which idiot is cursing me now?"
"Welf?"
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As the Loki Familia's headquarters, the Twilight Manor was not small.
Led by Lumine, Renjiro strolled for a minute or two before reaching the rear courtyard.
Here, Riveria, Alicia, Lefiya, Finn, and others sat at a small table, enjoying afternoon tea.
Meanwhile, Ais and Tione were on a slightly distant lawn, sparring in a simulated battle.
Though Tione could be like a berserker, diving headfirst into danger, in daily life—perhaps to appear more lady-like in front of Captain Finn—she didn't fight monsters barehanded.
Instead, she wielded a pair of Nepalese-style short swords.
These blades, produced by the ancient Goibniu Familia, cost tens of millions per pair, and Tione's room was stocked with an entire cabinet of them.
Sometimes, during dungeon raids, if a tough monster appeared, she'd throw the blades as projectiles.
Boom! Half a minor target gone. Wealthy and practical!
At that moment…
"Eh? Lumine Lumine is here~"
Tiona was the first to spot the blonde girl.
Excitedly, she called out, and the sparring session between Ais and Tione immediately paused.
Lumine guided Renjiro forward.
"It's been a few days, Tiona, and everyone else."
This time, the mischievous little sister behaved, pointing politely toward Renjiro.
She introduced the black-haired youth to Riveria and the others.
Soon…
"So you're the adventurer who supposedly 'learns all magic'?"
Tiona spoke first. The Amazon girl had always been interested in magic but had never had the chance to awaken it. Seeing such a "special" talent naturally piqued her curiosity.
"Amazing! How did you manage that?"
Renjiro…
"Actually—"
"Tiona, don't pry into other people's private matters."
Riveria remained, as always, tactful.
"It's fine," Renjiro smiled. "I plan to visit many magic experts. Since I intend to learn their magic, they should know the details."
"So this information is already 'semi-public.' Riveria-sama needn't worry."
Hearing this…
"I see."
Finn spoke up. "Renjiro, since you were brought by Lumine, I'll call you that—it makes us closer, okay?"
"Yes."
Renjiro nodded. "Sounds good to me, Mr. Finn."
"Alright."
The pallum-born hero squinted slightly, fingers interlaced in a commander's posture.
"Some questions I ask may be blunt—please don't take offense. It's my duty as the Loki Familia Captain. Renjiro, if Riveria-sama allows you to learn her magic, what can you give in return?"
The question was formal and serious.
Other people might panic or boast casually—but Renjiro was calm.
He already knew Finn and the others.
Talking to familiar faces made it effortless.
"Let me clarify first, Mr. Finn," Renjiro said evenly. "You are asking this as the Loki Familia Captain, correct?"
"You could put it that way."
The blond, icy-faced little man nodded.
"Then I, as Captain, make this proposal: From now on, our two familias can form a cooperative alliance."
"What do you think, Mr. Finn?"
Finn smiled meaningfully. "You mean, you think the Frigg Familia, now—or soon—can stand on equal footing with the Loki Familia?"
"I think so."
Lumine added at just the right moment, "Because we (the Freya Familia) have already established an alliance with Renjiro's side."
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100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
140+ advance chapters available on P@treon(.)com/Veltoria