"This is way too ridiculous."
"Exactly."
"Although I don't quite understand the specific rules..."
"But..."
"This kind of ability that can directly ignore the slot limits and break the rules..."
"Is absolutely an existence that can be called a genius. And on top of that, it's Miss Lefiya, a girl who looks so pretty and frail..."
"You really can't judge a book by its cover," Onigawara Rin, Kikakujou Mary, and the others chimed in together.
"Uuu..."
Suddenly being bombarded with such straightforward praise, Lefiya felt as if smoke was about to billow from the top of her head. She shrank into a ball, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
Party time!
"Hehehe~"
"But of course!"
Just as Lefiya was blushing furiously and at a loss for what to do, Loki very proudly threw an arm around her shoulders.
A smug smile full of pride for showing off her own child's promising future hung on her face. Her other hand held a large mug of ale, from which she took an incredibly heroic gulp.
"Haa—!"
"Our Lefiya has been entrusted with high hopes by Mama Riveria!"
"She's our future ace!"
Setting down her mug, Loki forcefully patted Lefiya's frail little frame as she spoke, patting her so hard the latter almost lost her breath, letting out bursts of tragic whimpers.
"Although her personality is a bit awkward, she's usually clumsy, and she's a crybaby..."
"But when it comes to magic, Lefiya's talent is something even Mama Riveria nods in approval of!"
Lefiya's head drooped even lower, the roots of her ears completely flushed red.
"As long as we give this child time!"
"She will absolutely become Orario's strongest mage!"
"L-Lord Loki!!"
"Please, stop talking..."
"I... I'm not that amazing..."
Lefiya finally couldn't hold it in anymore. She quietly raised her head, tears welling in her eyes, and protested weakly.
Then, looking at the girls across from her with their sparkling eyes, she hastily waved her hands to explain, terrified of being praised to death.
"It's very difficult to achieve that effect... I have to do a massive amount of homework, and I must completely understand the other party's magic structure..."
"Furthermore, the number of spells I can proficiently use right now is also very limited..."
"Also..."
"For me right now, the activation conditions for the magic are also very harsh."
Lefiya paused, her voice growing smaller and smaller, appearing to lack confidence.
"While activating the magic, I must remain completely immobile, and I also have to maintain a highly concentrated mental state."
"And in actual combat... for that kind of super-long chant magic... if I don't have companions to protect me, I'll be interrupted by monsters before I even finish chanting..."
"In other words..." Amou Kirukiru, who hadn't spoken much the entire time, suddenly spoke up.
She played with a sharp dining knife in her hands, the tip nimbly flipping between her fingers. Her gaze sized Lefiya up and down. That kind of look, as if evaluating the worth of prey, made Lefiya involuntarily shrink her neck.
"Someone must buy time for you."
"Someone to stand in front of you and let you finish reciting those spells."
"Only then do you have a way to use your magic, right?" Amou Kirukiru summarized.
"Yes..."
"That's how it is..."
Lefiya nodded weakly.
Seeing this honest appearance of carefully explaining her own weaknesses, terrified of being overestimated by others, the girls could clearly feel a wave of insecurity radiating from Lefiya.
She clearly possessed astonishing talent, enough to make countless adventurers burn with envy and jealousy. Yet, she felt she still wasn't good enough. It truly made it hard for people not to care.
"Even so, it's still very amazing." Kikakujou Mary nodded earnestly.
"If there's an opportunity."
"I really want to see what Miss Lefiya looks like when using magic."
"Yeah." Onigawara Rin and the others chimed in one after another.
"Uuu..."
Faced with this sincerity, Lefiya's face flushed red like a ripe tomato. She could only lower her head and chug her juice to cover up her shyness.
"But... speaking of which." Hanasaka Warabi chewed on her straw, her cheeks bulging as she suddenly thought of something.
"Thousand Elf."
"That's a title, right?"
"Just like what Senior Tsubaki mentioned about [Braver] Finn?"
"Will we also get this kind of title in the future?"
As soon as these words were spoken.
The originally rather relaxed atmosphere at the dining table inexplicably fell silent for a moment.
All gazes.
Coincidentally turned toward Haimer, who was currently holding a fork stabbing into a steak, and Loki, who was sitting beside him drinking heartily.
After all.
These two were the true authorities.
"Titles, huh..."
Loki set down her mug, let out a loud, completely ungraceful burp, and casually wiped the foam from the corner of her mouth.
Those squinted eyes of hers swept over this group of girls whose faces were full of anticipation.
"This thing..."
"Isn't something you can just have because you want it."
Loki extended a single finger, waving it in the air.
"First of all."
"You have to level up to Lv.2."
"Only from the moment an adventurer completes a great deed and sublimates to Lv.2."
"No longer being a nameless nobody."
"In order to commend this achievement."
"The Gods will then bestow upon them a unique name."
"That is—an [Alias]!"
When speaking these two words, Loki intentionally emphasized her tone, an unconcealed playfulness on her face.
"This is also a second name that only upper-tier adventurers of Lv.2 and above are qualified to obtain."
"A symbol of status!"
"How about it?"
"Doesn't it sound super cool?"
Loki raised an eyebrow with a wicked smile, looking at this group of greenhorn little girls.
"Oooooh!!!"
Hanasaka Warabi extremely cooperatively let out a gasp of amazement, even clapping her hands forcefully, her eyes full of little stars.
"Cool! So cool!"
"Then when I level up in the future."
"Will I also be able to get a domineering title?!"
Having said that.
Hanasaka Warabi already began conceptualizing it in her mind.
"For example... something like the Tyrannical Bear Queen?!"
"Or the Dominator Possessing Absolute Power?!"
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Tsubaki, who was drinking to the side, almost spat out her drink upon hearing these words.
She cast an extremely complex look at Hanasaka Warabi, who wasn't even as tall as the table.
Tyrannical?
Dominator?
With that build?
Seemingly keenly perceiving Tsubaki's gaze full of doubt.
Hanasaka Warabi immediately glared at Tsubaki in dissatisfaction like a kitten with its fur standing on end.
"Then..."
"Do we pick these titles ourselves?"
Onigawara Rin actually hit the nail on the head, raising her hand with some hesitation.
"Pick them yourselves?"
Hearing this question.
Loki burst out laughing as if she had just heard the biggest joke in the world, slapping her thigh and laughing wildly.
Haimer also looked helpless.
"Well~"
"How could this kind of thing possibly be left for the children of the Lower World to decide for themselves."
Loki finally waved her hand after she had laughed enough.
"This is decided by the Gods, discussed one by one at the Denatus held every three months!"
"Denatus?!"
This was another new term.
The girls looked at each other in dismay, an ominous premonition welling up in their hearts.
"Yes!"
Loki continued to educate them, clearly enjoying this feeling of being treated as an omniscient know-it-all.
"It's a gathering held by the Gods every three months to list out the adventurers who have recently leveled up."
"Then everyone brainstorms together."
"Based on the adventurer's physical features."
"Or based on their fighting style."
"As well as..."
Loki paused, the smile on her face becoming somewhat teasing.
"Based on the whims of the Gods on that particular day."
"Hah?!"
"Whims?!"
The girls spoke in unison.
"That's right."
Loki nodded.
"After all, Gods need to find some amusement too."
"Although most of the time, everyone still comes up with names that sound pretty imposing."
"But..."
"Occasionally, there will be some rather special circumstances."
"Special circumstances?"
The hand Kikakujou Mary used to hold her glass trembled, causing ripples to form in the water within.
"For instance..."
Loki pointed to a Cat People girl in the distance who was carrying a tray and weaving between the tables.
That Cat People girl was chatting with a customer with a goofy smile on her face, adding a strange verbal tic to the end of her sentences, making her look not entirely bright.
"That idiot cat named Anya."
"Although her current title is the fairly normal [Chariot's Alter Ego]."
"But in the alternative options before that..."
Loki lowered her voice, looking entirely mysterious as if she were sharing top-secret intelligence.
"She was almost designated as the [Tone-Deaf Cat] back then."
"Eh?!"
Everyone looked in the direction Loki was pointing.
That Cat People girl named Anya seemed to sense something. She turned her head, revealing a puzzled expression towards their table, tilted her head, and twitched her ears.
"Meow?"
That kind of name works too?!
"There's more, there's more."
Loki had clearly opened the floodgates of conversation, eagerly raising a finger.
"Some Gods, in order to satisfy their own wicked tastes."
"Will deliberately propose some extremely bizarre names."
"For example, a [Giant Killer] title ending up going to a dwarf."
"Or perhaps..."
Loki's gaze landed meaningfully on the mask hanging at Onigawara Rin's waist.
"Giving you a title like [Masked Freak]?"
Onigawara Rin only felt like she had taken an arrow to the knee.
She subconsciously touched the mask hanging at her waist.
"Y-You're joking, right?"
"This kind of name..."
If in the future, people on the street called out to her as [Masked Freak]...
Onigawara Rin felt like she might commit seppuku right there on the spot.
"Well~"
"Hahaha, rest assured, rest assured."
Looking at Onigawara Rin's constipated expression, Loki burst into loud laughter, appearing extremely happy.
Teasing rookies was indeed the most fun.
"Anyway, as long as you perform strong enough."
"Dazzling enough."
"Dazzling enough to make all the Gods have no choice but to admire you."
"Add to that your Main God acting assertively enough at the Denatus, then those messy names will naturally be suppressed."
"There is a chance to obtain the title you want."
"Additionally, every time an adventurer levels up, they get one chance to change their name."
"If you're not satisfied with your title this time, you can just work hard to level up and try to change it to something nicer sounding the next time."
"However."
Loki changed the subject, brutally delivering another blow.
"Trying to level up from Lv.2 to Lv.3 is very difficult."
"So although there's a chance to change the name with every level up, that's only in an extremely minority of cases."
"For the vast majority of adventurers, once their title is finalized, it's a lifetime sentence."
As soon as these words were spoken.
The girls all grew somewhat worried, showing troubled expressions.
Clearly.
They were all worried that this group of unreliable Gods really would give them some weird name...
"Rest assured."
"Just as Loki said."
"The reason why the majority of adventurer titles cannot be changed once decided."
"Is precisely because ninety-nine percent of the adventurers in this world, exhausting their entire lives, will stop at Lv.2."
"Since they can no longer take another step upward, that name they once obtained naturally becomes a brand that follows them for a lifetime."
"But."
"You are different."
Haimer held up two fingers.
"In just two short days, you've slaughtered your way to the 13th Floor of the Dungeon."
"Such a performance."
"Can no longer be described with just the word 'excellent'."
"Such a battle record, even looking across the entire history of Orario, not many have achieved."
"Therefore, you all."
"Can completely set your hearts at ease."
"Because your current performance alone is enough to make the Gods sit up and take notice."
"Towards children who shine with brilliance, the Gods will only pour out endless praise for your great deeds."
The corners of Haimer's mouth curved up slightly.
That was not only confidence in his own Familia, but also his pride as their Main God.
"Therefore."
"Those ugly, ridiculous, and comical titles will absolutely not fall upon your heads."
"Because that would be a blasphemy to your hard work."
"You only need to stare ahead and continue walking toward higher places."
"As for the rest."
"Just leave it all to me."
Once these words fell.
It was like a reassuring pill.
The worry in the girls' eyes instantly dissipated.
Replacing it was a bright light of validation, as well as an inexplicable sense of security.
"Lord Haimer is right."
"When the time comes, if any God at the Denatus really dares to give you some weird name, Lord Haimer will absolutely be the first to stand up and object!"
Tsubaki to the side also heavily set down her mug, looking at Haimer with a face full of smiles.
"And I feel the same way."
"After all, I can't speak for other things."
"But just based on the performance of you little monsters over these past two days."
"Your performance on the 13th Floor today."
"Is something the Gods wouldn't even imagine in their dreams."
"So!"
"Stop thinking about those useless things!"
"Just go wild, you little monsters!"
"Just like Lord Haimer said!"
"To you all!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers—!!!"
Clink!
Wooden mugs of all sizes were raised and heavily clashed together.
Accompanied by splashing alcohol.
And the crisp laughter of the girls, the atmosphere was completely ignited.
And amidst this liveliness.
No one noticed.
Behind the door curtain connecting to the kitchen not far away.
A pair of pale green eyes was staring complexly at the activity at this table through the tiny gap in the curtain.
Ryu.
She was tightly gripping a tray in her hands, the wooden grain pressing hard against her palms.
Looking at the unrestrained, smiling faces of that group of girls.
Looking at that black-haired male God sitting in the seat of honor, exuding an aura of calm confidence in his every movement.
Ryu bit her lip.
That kind of atmosphere.
That atmosphere of being unreservedly trusted by a God and surrounded by companions.
Once.
She had it too, perhaps.
Under that long-vanished starry sky, under that banner named "Justice".
Those smiling faces that could never return overlapped with this group of vibrant girls right now, stinging Ryu's eyes and making them slightly sour.
"Syr..."
Ryu subconsciously turned her head, looking towards the other side of the tavern.
It was empty over there.
Syr was not here today.
That inexplicable sense of panic forced Ryu to redirect her gaze back to that corner.
That man...
He clearly looks very gentle.
But why... would he scare Syr away?
"Ryu?"
Right at this moment.
Mama Mia's voice interrupted Ryu's train of thought.
"Ah...!"
Ryu snapped back to her senses.
"Stop spacing out, the customers over there are still waiting for their drinks."
"Take this tray to that table, hurry up."
Mia pointed to a few glasses of rye ale on the bar counter.
Then.
Ryu looked in the direction Mia was pointing, and her expression instantly stiffened.
It was precisely near Haimer's table.
But.
If it's just delivering drinks.
As long as I keep my head down and walk faster, I probably won't be noticed.
Thinking of this, Ryu took a deep breath, adjusting her breathing.
"Yes, Mama Mia."
Ryu took the tray.
And so.
Just like that.
While the atmosphere on everyone's side was blazing.
A figure with pale green hair, carrying a tray and keeping her head down, hurriedly walked through the aisle beside their table.
She walked very urgently, seemingly wanting to minimize her presence as much as possible.
It would be best if she could drift past like air.
However.
Murphy's Law took effect at this very moment.
"Eeh?!"
"Isn't that the Elf miss from this morning?!"
The sharp-eyed Onigawara Rin still recognized this figure at a single glance.
After all, that head of pale green hair, as well as that awe-inspiring aura that couldn't be covered up even while wearing a maid outfit, were truly far too recognizable.
"Eh?"
Ryu's figure abruptly stiffened.
Her footsteps forcefully halted.
But.
Before Ryu even had time to react.
"It really is her!"
"Good evening! Elf miss!"
After seeing Ryu, Kikakujou Mary and the others also enthusiastically waved their hands one after another.
After all, in their eyes.
Even though this Elf miss's cooking skills were catastrophic, having roasted sandwiches into charcoal.
But she at least seemed quite familiar with Lord Haimer, and even specifically came over to make breakfast this morning.
Although it was inedible.
But since she was one of their own, it was only natural to greet her upon meeting.
However.
Compared to their composure.
Ryu, who had been called out to.
Only felt all the blood in her body rush to her cheeks; her originally pale Elf ears instantly turned entirely red, almost to the point of dripping blood.
The hands holding the tray were trembling slightly, causing the glasses on it to emit soft clinking sounds.
Shameful.
It was far too shameful.
After all.
If it were an enemy, that would be fine, she could draw her blades and face them.
If it were malicious provocation, that would be fine, she could ignore them with a cold eye.
But...
This kind of completely malice-free, even somewhat affectionate greeting, directly struck the point Ryu cared about the most in her heart.
"...Good evening..."
Ryu had no choice but to keep her head down, turn around, and with a voice as soft as a mosquito's, nod at Onigawara Rin and the others to give a hasty response.
Then, using a racewalking pace, she hurriedly ducked back into the kitchen's door curtain, fleeing in defeat.
She even almost knocked over a passing Anya.
"My, oh my~"
And all of this was taken in completely by two pairs of eyes behind the bar counter not far away—the black cat Chloe, who was wiping a glass with a rag, and the black-fisted Lunor, who was doing the accounting.
The two took in this entire scene.
After exchanging a glance.
Both of their eyes flashed with a thick desire for gossip.
"Lunor~"
"Did you see that clearly, meow?"
Chloe twitched her ears, the corners of her mouth spreading into a wicked smile, revealing her sharp little fangs.
"Ryu's reaction just now was NOT! RIGHT! MEOW!"
"Mhm."
"I saw it all clearly."
On the other side, the human girl Lunor, who was doing the accounting, also nodded meaningfully.
"That look of someone who has a guilty conscience and is afraid of getting caught."
"And that level of panic..."
"It looks like we've solved the case tonight."
"The ones who made Ryu go over in her uniform this morning."
"It must be them."
"Meowhehe..."
Chloe let out a burst of wicked laughter, her tail swishing excitedly back and forth behind her.
"I originally thought Ryu went off to do something dangerous again."
"I didn't expect to actually see Ryu show that kind of reaction to someone other than Syr."
"There is absolutely something fishy going on here, meow!"
"Mhm! Absolutely fishy!"
"Since that's the case, our tracking plan for tomorrow morning is a go?"
Lunor turned her head, looking at Chloe.
Chloe nodded, her eyes gleaming.
"Mhm! It's a go! Meow!"
As time passed by.
After several rounds of drinks and tasting all the dishes.
The plates of roasted meat that were originally piled up like a small mountain had now hit the bottom, leaving only scraps and cold leftovers.
And under this dual assault of alcohol and gourmet food.
Coupled with the siege-like enthusiasm of a group of beautiful girls.
The Elf girl who originally wished she could act like an invisible person from the start—Lefiya.
Right now.
Had completely fallen.
"Ugh... hehe..."
Lefiya held that already empty mug in her hands.
That fair, exquisite little face of hers was currently flushed completely red, like a ripe apple.
Her eyes were glazed over, a silly smile hanging on the corners of her mouth.
Her magic staff, which was originally always gripped tightly, was currently casually tossed to the side.
"Really?"
"Miss Inaba... can you really distinguish the number of monsters just by listening to the sounds?"
"A-Amazing..."
Lefiya mumbled with a bit of a slurred tongue, her body leaning limply against the chair.
"I also wish... if I could be like that..."
"I wouldn't be so afraid every time I chant..."
"That's easy, just practice more then!"
Hanasaka Warabi had already taken off her outer coat by this point and draped it over her shoulders; holding a toothpick in her mouth, she carelessly reached out her hand and heavily patted Lefiya's shoulder.
"Next time we go down into the Dungeon, you should come along too!"
"Let Tsukuyo teach you!"
"We're all going to hack monsters anyway, an extra person means extra strength!"
"R-Really, is it okay?"
Lefiya's eyes instantly lit up, but then rapidly dimmed down again.
She lowered her head, her fingers rubbing the rim of the mug.
"But... I'm from the Loki... Familia..."
"Lord Riveria said we can't casually form parties with other Familias..."
"Even secretly..."
This kind of conflicted little appearance made Kikakujou Mary on the side unable to help but smile.
This blonde young lady, although she had also drunk a little alcohol and bore a slight flush on her cheeks, still sat with proper posture, maintaining that elegance carved into her bones, and even gently reached out to help Lefiya tidy her somewhat messy bangs.
"It's fine, Miss Lefiya."
"Just as Lord Loki said."
"Our Kami-sama and Lord Loki are friends, so naturally we can also be friends."
"If it's not convenient to go to the Dungeon together."
"Then you can just come visit us to hang out normally."
"I believe that Kami-sama, just like us, will very much welcome a cute girl like Miss Lefiya."
"C-Cute..."
Being praised this directly once again.
Lefiya only felt her head spinning, feeling warm all over inside.
That feeling of being accepted, of being liked.
Caused that constantly tense, self-deprecating heart of hers to completely soften.
"U-Um..."
And so, when everyone was preparing to get up and leave.
Lefiya, who had been tormented by her own Main God the entire time and possessed an awkward personality.
Relying on that liquid courage.
Blushing, she suddenly reached out her hand and grabbed the sleeve of Kikakujou Mary, who was just about to turn around.
"Hmm?"
Kikakujou Mary stopped in her tracks, turning her head back in some confusion.
Only to see Lefiya with her head lowered, her fingers nervously twisting the corner of Mary's clothes.
Relying on that liquid courage that had yet to dissipate.
Lefiya finally mustered up all her courage.
"I-If there's an opportunity in the future..."
"P-Please be sure to come visit the Twilight Manor as guests!"
Lefiya abruptly raised her head, those large azure eyes of hers misting over, sparkling with a sincere light.
"Although... although Lord Riveria... is sometimes... very strict..."
"But..."
"I... also want to treat everyone to delicious food!"
"I'll prepare tea and snacks to host you all!"
"..."
Upon hearing these words, Kikakujou Mary blanked out for a moment.
Then.
Faced with Lefiya's cramped and uneasy expression, Kikakujou Mary broke into a smile.
That kind of smile, under the dim yellow lighting, appeared exceptionally gentle.
She gently held Lefiya's hand.
"Mhm."
"We will definitely go."
"It's a promise, Miss Lefiya."
"J-Just call me Lefiya."
"Mhm! Lefiya!"
"My, oh my~"
Loki, who was already dead drunk and had practically her entire body hanging off Haimer, looked at this scene and also laughed hehe, her eyes squinting into a single slit.
"It seems this child..."
"Has finally made some friends."
Loki poked Haimer's waist with her elbow.
"Haimer."
"This group of kids of yours..."
"Really have something."
"They even managed to handle my Lefiya who is scared to death of strangers."
"That's only natural."
"Just look at who chose them."
"Also, stop hanging on me, your Familia member is still watching."
Haimer sidestepped to avoid the alcohol-laced breath of this drunkard Goddess who completely lacked the image of a deity, helplessly rolling his eyes at Loki.
At the entrance of the tavern.
The night breeze was slightly cool, carrying the unique dusty scent of the streets, blowing away a bit of the alcohol fumes.
The noisy sounds gradually faded into the distance.
"Then it's settled!"
Tsubaki carried a massive bundle filled with various swords and weapons on her back—those were the personal blades of Onigawara Rin and the others, as well as Amou Kirukiru's equipment.
Although she had drunk quite a bit, bearing a distinct blush on her face, Tsubaki's eyes remained clear.
She was even a bit excited.
"Just leave these things to me for now."
Tsubaki patted the sharply angled bundle on her back, emitting a crisp clattering sound.
"Tomorrow."
"The day after tomorrow at the latest."
"I guarantee I'll make them look brand new, and become even sharper than before!"
Tsubaki patted her chest, her tone certain.
"So I won't go join the fun at that mansion tonight."
"After all, the degree of chipping on these blades..."
"Tsk, tsk."
Tsubaki smacked her lips.
"If I don't hurry up and treat them, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep for the next few days."
This was also the occupational disease of a craftsman.
Compared to sleeping.
Those scarred weapons were clearly more attractive to her.
"Then we'll be troubling you, Senior Tsubaki."
Onigawara Rin and the others also solemnly offered a bow.
To samurai.
Their blades were their lives.
Being able to entrust their personal blades to this number one blacksmith of Orario naturally put them one hundred percent at ease.
"Alright, alright, don't make it so serious."
"See ya!"
Having said that, Tsubaki waved her hand and turned to walk into the night with brisk steps.
After sending off Tsubaki, Loki, and Lefiya.
The group then set foot on their return journey.
By now, the night was already deep.
The halos of the Magic Stone street lamps spilled onto the bluestone paved road, elongating everyone's shadows.
"Phew..."
Hanasaka Warabi stretched out a massive lazy stretch, clasping her hands behind her head.
Then.
"Kami-sama."
Inaba Tsukuyo, who had been walking quietly by Haimer's side the entire time.
Those red pupils of hers may not have had a focal point.
But.
She suddenly tilted her head slightly; the ears hidden beneath her silver hair twitched gently.
"What's wrong?"
Haimer stopped in his tracks.
"Up ahead..."
Inaba Tsukuyo raised her hand, pointing at the grand mansion ahead that looked exceptionally imposing even in the night.
Their new home.
"Inside the house..."
"There's a sound."
"A sound?"
"Did a thief break in?"
Onigawara Rin instantly became vigilant.
"So gutsy? They dare to steal from us?"
A fierce light flashed in Amou Kirukiru's eyes; she cracked her knuckles, emitting crisp popping sounds.
"No..."
Inaba Tsukuyo shook her head.
That exquisite little face of hers revealed a somewhat strange expression.
"That sound..."
"Is very strange."
"It's like..."
"Very loud."
"But..."
"It keeps echoing."
"A rumbling sound?"
Inaba Tsukuyo even imitated that sound for a moment.
Everyone looked at each other in dismay.
What kind of monster would make this kind of sound?
Bearing doubts.
Everyone lightened their footsteps, approaching the black wrought-iron gate.
The black wrought-iron gate was locked.
Haimer took out the key and opened it with a creak.
The courtyard outside the door was pitch quiet.
Only that three-story high stone villa vaguely emitted a faint light.
"Rumbllllle——!!!!"
This time.
Even without Inaba Tsukuyo's reminder.
Everyone could clearly hear that sound.
Moreover.
That sound was shrill, drawn-out, and filled with a desperate accusation.
It even carried an echo.
It transmitted out from the open window on the first floor of the villa.
It sounded...
Seemingly a bit like some monster starving to death.
"Over there!"
Amou Kirukiru took the lead, walking straight over.
She abruptly poked her head to look inside the window.
Then.
She froze.
"What's wrong? Is there a monster?!"
Onigawara Rin followed closely behind, asking nervously.
"Uhh..."
Amou Kirukiru stepped aside, her face full of speechlessness.
Only to see.
In that spacious and luxurious living room.
On that soft, expensive, and highly valuable long sofa.
A petite figure.
Was currently paralyzed spread-eagle over there.
A pair of black twin tails drooped powerlessly onto the ground.
That iconic white dress of hers was also wrinkled.
Most importantly.
The source of that thundering roar.
Was precisely the small belly of that petite figure.
At this moment.
Hestia, who had been completely forgotten by everyone for an entire day, was paralyzed in tears on the long sofa, staring at the ceiling.
"Jagamarukun..."
"Red bean buns..."
"Haimer..."
"Why aren't you back yet, you bastard..."
"You're going to starve a Goddess to death..."
Along with Hestia's complaints.
Her stomach.
Also cooperated extremely well.
"Rumbllllle—"
"..."
With this.
Outside the window.
Utter silence.
____
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