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She hadn't misheard, right?
Could someone really earn that much in a single day?
"You heard me right, this is all from today."
Anos smiled, as if reading Hestia's thoughts.
"Whoa…!"
Liliruca nearly jumped out of her seat.
That amount of valis… it was more than she had managed to save over who knew how long.
"Anos, how did you even make this much?"
Bell swallowed hard as he asked.
He didn't know the exact number, but just looking at it felt overwhelming.
No wonder…
No wonder Anos had casually bought their mansion without blinking.
Someone who could make this kind of money wouldn't even think twice about spending it.
"Anos, how did you get all this? You didn't rob someone, did you?"
Hestia asked, worried.
She knew he wasn't that kind of person.
And pulling off something like that would be nearly impossible anyway.
Still, she had to ask.
"Oh, that? I don't mind telling you, just don't share it with anyone else."
"The dungeon maps the Guild is selling… I'm the one behind them."
"This is just my share from the familias using them today."
Today, he had only sold to a few familias.
Once the market expanded, he could easily make ten times this.
Or more.
Most familias were still watching from the sidelines.
And for that…
He had to thank the Loki Familia.
They had been the first to try it.
And their results spoke for themselves.
That kind of proof was better than any advertisement.
"Wait… you're the one selling those?"
Bell's eyes widened.
He had heard people talking about it earlier.
Maps that could predict monster spawn locations and timing.
Payment made after the run, based on earnings.
But he never imagined—
It was Anos.
"Now that you mention it… You did say you could predict certain things."
Hestia nodded, remembering.
Anos had some level of foresight.
"With this, we can pay off Hephaestus!"
"Anos! That's my Anos!"
Overcome with excitement, Hestia pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing him against her chest.
Just like she used to when he was smaller.
"…Hestia."
Anos gave her a look.
Maybe… not in front of everyone.
He wasn't about to say something like "Mom, I want milk," after all.
Even if, for a brief second—
He swore he caught a faint scent of milk.
"…Ah… right…"
Hestia quickly let go, flustered.
Old habits.
They were both sitting down, so she had pulled him in without thinking.
"So… have you ever predicted who your soulmate is?"
She changed the subject abruptly.
Instantly, the mood shifted.
Bell and Lili both looked at him expectantly.
Then, just as quickly, they lowered their gazes in embarrassment.
Even with their insecurities…
Love didn't follow logic.
Even a tiny chance was enough for people to hope.
"Yeah. I've checked."
Anos answered casually.
"Really? What was the result?"
Hestia leaned in.
"Well… unfortunately…"
"There isn't just one person who's my soulmate."
He spread his hands helplessly.
Not one.
Literally.
Not one.
Which meant—
More than one.
"…Huh?"
All three of them froze.
That wasn't the answer they expected.
With his looks, his presence, his talent—
He should have had no trouble finding someone.
So… was he destined to be alone?
…Not necessarily.
He said there wasn't one destined person.
That didn't mean he wouldn't find someone.
Bell and Lili both felt a flicker of hope.
Even Lili, who had started to change after a few peaceful days here.
That man had kept his promise.
He had only asked her to work as a maid.
Nothing more.
She had never met someone like him.
Calm. Sharp. Composed.
…And undeniably captivating.
That single answer left all three of them unable to sleep.
…
The next morning.
They finally remembered something important.
Because someone had come to talk to them.
They were having breakfast at the Hostess of Fertility before heading into the dungeon.
And within a single night—
News had spread.
The Hestia Familia versus Apollo Familia.
A full-scale war.
Combined with Anos's presence, appearance, and unmatched talent—
Almost every female adventurer in Orario was interested.
And so—
Someone approached.
An Amazoness.
Bold. Confident. Striking.
She sat down nearby and looked straight at him.
"You're Anos Kanzaki?"
"That's right."
He raised an eyebrow.
The attention level had clearly increased.
"I'll get straight to it."
"Go out with me."
"I'll temporarily join your familia and fight in the war."
"I'm Level 3 too, I can meet all your… requirements."
She licked her lips slightly.
The moment she said that—
Hestia's hair practically stood on end.
What exactly was this woman planning?!
The offer was reasonable.
Any normal guy would have agreed.
Of course, a normal guy wouldn't be in this position to begin with.
"Sorry, you're beautiful, but I don't think we're a good match."
Anos declined with a smile.
He already knew what would happen if he accepted.
Outcome one.
The war turns into him leading a massive group and overwhelming Apollo's familia.
Outcome two.
His next thousand days are filled with nonstop dates.
Outcome three.
Even his body wouldn't survive that pace.
Time was valuable.
He wasn't about to waste it like that.
Though… doing it was one thing.
Dating? Too time-consuming.
Obviously, he couldn't say that out loud.
So he chose the polite route.
Compliment, then refuse.
Unfortunately—
He hadn't predicted the consequences.
"Alright, If you change your mind, come find me. I'm from the Ishtar Familia."
She smiled and left without hesitation.
Being complimented by someone like him?
Not a bad outcome at all.
She had expected rejection anyway.
Anything more would've been a bonus.
"Um—Anos!"
Another voice followed immediately.
This time, a mage.
Slightly bolder than she looked.
"I'd also like to help in your familia war. If you could just… do something with me…"
"Do what exactly!?"
Hestia snapped instantly.
"J-just… assist with some magic experiments…"
The mage faltered under Hestia's pressure.
"…No."
Anos frowned slightly.
He had a bad feeling about this.
A very bad one.
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