Chapter 52. Hm? Why Do You All Have That Expression?
---
"You know about the Soma Familia, right?" Loki, with one swollen eye, sat with her fingers interlocked on the table, looking so serious that Cyd could hardly connect this version of her with the playful trickster from earlier.
"Yeah, that's the familia that Lili belongs to, right?" Cyd kept wiping his neck with his sleeve, trying to rid himself of that sticky sensation, lest he be reminded of it again—and perhaps give Loki a matching swollen eye.
"Recently, Soma Familia has gotten pretty close to the Ishtar Familia," Loki said, leaning back in her chair with arms crossed.
"I heard that Soma doesn't really get involved in anything," Cyd shrugged.
"Exactly. Even if you punched him in the face, he'd just ignore you," Loki chuckled mischievously. "But if you steal his hand-brewed wine, you might get a different reaction."
"I'm not going to help you with this," Cyd took a sip of coffee and stood up. "If that's all you had to say, then I'll be on my way."
"Who knows, that little white rabbit might fall into another trap," Loki teased.
Cyd twitched, and without a word, sat back down.
"I knew that little white rabbit is your weak spot," Loki exaggeratedly spread her arms. "So, if I were to threaten you with him, would you fall into line?"
"What if someone threatened you to disband your familia by using Ais?" Cyd leaned in, smiling, but not in a friendly way.
"Of course, I'd make them regret ever living," Loki leaned forward too, her mischievous eyes now serious.
Meanwhile, Ais was happily munching on a red bean cream-filled potato puff.
"Well, only a fool would think you're the type to be indecisive," Loki shrugged. "I know you're the kind to punch first and ask questions later."
Just like how Cyd had punched her square in the eye earlier without a second thought.
"So? Are you implying there's another god who's 'gotten carried away' recently?" Cyd scoffed.
"Yep, there is," Loki nodded confidently. "If she wasn't, she wouldn't be associating with the Soma Familia so much recently. And that person... is incredibly annoying."
"You, calling someone annoying?" Cyd narrowed his eyes. "Which familia is this?"
"Oh? What's the 'Pure White Hero' planning?" Loki smirked, enjoying the intrigue.
"Nothing. I just thought I might stop by for a friendly chat," Cyd leaned back in his chair, resting his hands behind his head.
"Heh, well, that familia isn't something to take lightly. You should probably bring someone along," Loki's eyes gleamed mischievously.
"If I can't handle it alone, bringing someone else won't change anything," Cyd shrugged. "Hey, Ais, why don't you come with me?"
Ais's eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically without a second thought.
"Wait a minute! Ais absolutely cannot go there! That place is far too dangerous for her!" Loki rushed over, hugging Ais tightly around the waist, as if afraid she'd run off with Cyd.
Cyd raised an eyebrow, noticing that the crystal on his wrist, blessed by Hermes, was faintly glowing. Loki wasn't lying. Her expression was also too serious for it to be a joke.
That familia is dangerous for Ais!
"If even Ais can't go, then there's no one who could go with me," Cyd rubbed his temples in frustration.
"No, it's not a matter of strength. It's mental," Loki tapped her head. "That place... isn't suitable for Ais."
Ais tilted her head, confused.
"Got it," Cyd stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Ais looked down, crestfallen. She didn't quite understand why she couldn't go, but she knew that meant she wouldn't be going at all.
"You really need to take someone with you," Loki said seriously.
"Alright, fine. What's the name of this familia?" Cyd scratched the back of his head.
Loki wasn't the type to lie about something like this. Besides, even if she wanted to prank him, she wouldn't go through the trouble of giving him real intel.
But the people Cyd knew were limited, so he'd probably have to bother someone again.
"Ahem, the name of that familia is..." Loki coughed, turning her back to Cyd.
"The Ishtar Familia."
At the Hostess of Fertility, Ryuu repeated the name as she placed plates on the table. "Are you sure you want me to accompany you?"
"Uh… why does your tone sound so stiff?" Cyd swallowed nervously. For some reason, after he made the request, everyone except Bell had a look of disbelief on their faces.
"I never thought… Cyd-sama had such tastes. Syr really misjudged you," Syr covered her eyes, her shoulders shaking as she tried to contain her laughter.
"Teacher, what's going on? The atmosphere feels weird!" Bell tugged on Cyd's sleeve, confused.
"I… I don't know!" Cyd's eye twitched.
He was sure there were no red flags in their earlier conversation. It was just a regular invitation to accompany Ryuu to the dungeon, like usual. Even if there had been a red flag, surely he hadn't stepped on all of them at once!
Could it be...?
Cyd's eyes widened slightly. Was it the location? Could the Ishtar Familia really be some sort of illegal operation?!
"Hey! I don't care if you're some 'Pure White Hero' or a 'darling of the gods,' if you don't disappear from this tavern in three seconds, I'll take you on myself!" Mia cracked her knuckles as she slowly emerged from behind the counter.
No way! Even if it's an illegal place, this reaction is way too much!
"I think there's been a misunderstanding!" Bell said, flustered, stepping between Cyd and Mia. "Right, Welf? Lili?"
"Uh… Bell, if you really understood…" Welf scratched his face awkwardly.
"Huh? Um, yeah, yeah!" Lili nodded, still a bit confused herself.
"Three seconds are up!" Mia raised her fist.
"Wait," Ryuu held up a hand, stepping in front of Mia, and turned to Cyd. "Are you serious about this?"
How should I answer that?
Cyd was torn.
"I only just heard about this familia today. If you have a grudge against them, I'll ask someone else."
"You're saying you only found out today?" Ryuu raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
"I have no interest in any familia outside of Bell's circle," Cyd shrugged. "And I haven't been here long enough to get involved with other familias."
"Is that so? Understood," Ryuu sighed in relief, nodding.
"Jeez, could you be more clear next time?" Mia scratched her head and returned to the counter.
"Syr never doubted you, Cyd-sama," Syr said with a serious face.
So... everything's back to normal?
But what in the world is the Ishtar Familia?!
"Since you don't want to go, I'll just go by myself," Cyd sighed, feeling a headache coming on.
"You really have to go?" Ryuu frowned.
"Yes, I have a good reason, and the sooner, the better," Cyd said, patting Bell on the head. "Today, I won't be able to accompany you, so remember to..."
"Stay safe. I've got it, teacher. Don't worry about me," Bell patted his own chest confidently. "I can't have you helping me all the time. You have your own things to do."
"You're really growing up," Cyd smiled warmly.
But for now, all I want is to see you become a hero who brings peace of mind.
"I understand. I'll go with you to the Ishtar Familia," Ryuu said, setting down her tray and glancing at Mia.
"Go on, go on. But make sure to tell me all about his face when you get back," Mia waved them off.
Cyd blinked, then shook his head in resignation.
You all really underestimate me. Could the Ishtar Familia possibly be more terrifying than that lonely world outside of time?