Chapter 197: Tears

The sun had risen, and it was another beautiful day in Orario. However, for some, like Ais, it wasn't as pleasant. She dragged herself out of bed, stomach growling from hunger. The physical strain and energy exerted in the dungeon had taken a toll.

Despite the pain in her ankles and body, Ais had to leave her room and head to the dining hall. As she walked slowly, she encountered her elven admirer, Lefiya, who greeted her with a cheerful "Good morning!"

Ais could only respond with a faint acknowledgment, continuing towards the dining hall. Lefiya, noticing Ais's lifeless expression and stiff movements, couldn't help but worry.

"Is everything okay, Ais-san? You don't seem well."

Ais brushed off the concern, "It's nothing. I'm fine."

Lefiya, still doubtful, observed Ais, sensing a notable change in her demeanor compared to yesterday.

"Guess what! It was amazing!"

Meanwhile, in the dining hall, Tiona boasted about her dungeon adventure, enthusiastically describing how she and the monsters clashed. Her family, including Tiona and the main members, listened with excitement.

"Champion-sama swung his sword, and BAM, monsters were gone!"

Tiona's animated storytelling captivated the audience. Anakitty Autumn expressed envy, wishing she could join such adventures. The female adventurers in Tiona's family, eager to hear more, bombarded her with questions about the handsome Champion.

"I'm jealous... I want to go on an adventure with Champion-sama too!"

As Tiona's family fantasized about the thrilling adventure, Anakitty lamented her misfortune, unaware that Yuki's fetish might lead her to a similar experience.

"Tiona-san, I heard Champion-sama is very handsome. Is that true?"

Adventurers with starry eyes eagerly questioned Tiona, who proudly confirmed Champion-sama's stunning appearance.

"Beautiful? Hmp! Champion-sama is the epitome of beauty!"

The female adventurers squealed in excitement, while some male members felt a tinge of jealousy, having their beloveds express admiration for another man.

"Annoying..."

Even Bete, who overheard, couldn't hide his displeasure, still resentful about the debt owed to the Fertility Hostess.

"You said the sword is a spirit, right?"

Riveria, intrigued, inquired about Est, the spirit-sword. Tiona shared details about Est's strength and abilities, not holding back.

"I see... What do you think, Loki?"

Riveria turned to her goddess, who was reveling in the attention of her family members, prompting Riveria to raise an eyebrow.

"Spirit? From what you're saying, that spirit's rank must be high, and its contract seems special—perhaps a soul-level contract or something akin to a lover's pact. I need to see her to draw conclusions... Hehehe~ you've got quite the assets."

"Loki-sama, don't touch..."

Ignoring the protests, Loki, with a mischievous grin, continued her remarks, even touching one of her daughters' chests. The daughters blushed and swatted away Loki's hands.

"I see..."

Acknowledging Loki's antics, Riveria brushed off her perverted goddess.

"By the way... His magic is powerful! He froze over half of the 24th floor, and the best part? He did it without an incantation! Almost instantaneously!"

"Really?"

Riveria, Finn, and Gareth, now interested, focused on Tiona's account.

"You weren't lying, Loki. It seems Champion-sama has extensive knowledge in that area."

With high expectations, Riveria agreed, knowing Loki's penchant for deception. Loki, with a playful tone, defended herself, adding a touch of mischief.

"Ais! Lefiya! They're here, join us."

Tiona gestured for Ais and Lefiya to join them. As Ais entered, the crowd parted, and Lefiya followed.

"What's going on, Ais? Are you okay?"

Riveria, like Lefiya, couldn't ignore Ais's unusual behavior.

"Nothing, just some training."

Ais, maintaining her expressionless face, took a seat and glanced at Loki.

"Someone bring the food!"

"I'll go!"

Understanding the situation, Loki shouted for food, prompting one of her daughters to head to the kitchen.

"Training? Weren't you with Tiona in the dungeon?"

Riveria, narrowing her eyes, doubted Ais's explanation. She had learned about the trio grabbing Yuki's thigh to enter the dungeon, making it hard to believe Ais had time for additional training.

"I trained this morning..."

"In the morning? How did I not see you?"

Bete, who had been awake early dealing with the news of his two-million-valis debt, expressed skepticism. Ais clarified that she trained elsewhere.

"Eh? Ais-san went out? Where?"

"No, Lefiya, the real question is not 'where' but 'with whom.'"

Riveria, familiar with Ais's personality, knew she wouldn't embark on meaningless training alone. Everyone present heightened their senses, eager not to miss a single word from Ais.

Even Loki, who had been joking around, stopped. Ais was her favorite, and her well-being was a top priority. Although she had an inkling, Loki wanted to hear it from Ais.

"Yuki-sama. I was with him."

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TN: ;-;