Chapter 422: All Costs

Seeing Bete's fiery demeanor, Alexander couldn't muster the energy to engage. After an exhausting day, the last thing he wanted was to fight someone.

However, before Alexander could respond, Artoria stood up from her seat.

"Allow me."

Clearly displeased, she was in no mood to tolerate this disruption to her meal. She had been enjoying a pleasant time with everyone, savoring delicious food, only for this troublemaker to intrude. Didn't they know that hunger was the enemy?

Determined not to damage the establishment, Artoria calmly exited the Hostess of Fertility before confronting Bete.

When Bete realized it was Artoria stepping forward, he froze for a moment before his expression turned to anger.

"Hey! If that man isn't going to fight me, fine—but sending a woman in his place? What's that supposed to mean? Do you look down on me!?"

Although Bete wasn't confident in his chances against Alexander, having a woman take his place felt like an insult. His pride as a warrior wouldn't stand for it.

Alexander, unfazed, replied nonchalantly, "Don't overestimate yourself. Defeat her first. Artoria is far stronger than you think."

Alexander wasn't exaggerating. Artoria's power was unmatched—capable of decimating the Loki Familia with a single blow if she chose to wield her ultimate weapon. Now that Avalon was fully restored, she was essentially invincible.

"Tch, don't worry. I'll handle this easily," Bete scoffed, his pride blinding him.

Stepping outside, he took his stance, fully aware of the Hostess of Fertility's reputation and careful not to damage it during their duel.

A crowd of onlookers quickly gathered, drawn by the commotion. For the adventurers in Orario, there was no greater joy than good drinks paired with an exciting spectacle.

"Go, Bete!"

"Don't embarrass the Loki Familia!"

"If you win, we'll have a feast!"

Ignoring their cheers, Bete clicked his tongue in irritation. "Yeah, yeah, I'm on it."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Bete sprang into action. His werewolf bloodline granted him incredible speed and ferocity, moving like a ravenous wolf closing in on its prey.

With a sharp motion, Bete lashed out with a whip-like kick aimed at Artoria's shoulder. While it wasn't a life-or-death fight, the force of his leg could have easily shattered bones—or worse—if it had landed cleanly.

Understanding this, Artoria noted his restraint and chose not to use her weapon.

Instead, she clenched her fist.

At that moment, her instincts kicked in.

The moment Bete's kick neared, Artoria reacted instantaneously. With precision and overwhelming force, she met his attack head-on—her fist colliding with his leg.

Boom!

The impact reverberated through the air, leaving a gust of wind swirling around them. To everyone's shock, Bete's body was sent flying backward, crashing into the ground with a loud thud.

The crowd fell silent.

Loki stared, her eyes wide in disbelief. "No way… Bete was sent flying by such a cute girl?"

Ais murmured, "The wind surrounding her… so powerful."

Tione turned to her sister, "Tiona, could you match her strength?"

Tiona shook her head furiously. "No way! That kind of power is insane. I've always wanted to punch Bete like that, but there's no chance I could actually do it!"

Artoria, unfazed by the stunned silence, simply examined her fist before returning to her seat.

"It's done. We can continue eating," she said nonchalantly, resuming her meal as though nothing had happened.

Watching her eat so cheerfully, Alexander couldn't help but wonder if she'd ended the fight so quickly just to get back to her food.

Of course, Alexander hadn't forgotten the wager. Since Artoria had won, they were entitled to enjoy a feast at Loki's expense.

With a smirk, Alexander picked up the menu and ordered another seven or eight dishes, much to Loki's visible frustration.

"Only seven or eight more?" Loki muttered, trying to reassure herself. "This guy isn't as bad as I thought."

But then Alexander handed the menu to Syr and added, "Cancel those few I just ordered. Instead, we'll take one of everything else."

"...WHAT?!"

Loki's face twisted in despair. "You! You conniving bastard! Did you come here just to bankrupt me?!"

Even as Loki fumed, Alexander raised his glass, calling out to the entire tavern.

"Everyone, eat and drink to your heart's content! It's all on Goddess Loki tonight!" He grinned wickedly. "Don't thank me—thank Goddess Loki for covering all expenses!"

"OOOOHHHHH!!!

"ARIGATO GOZAIMASU, LOKI-SAMA!!!"

The room erupted in cheers as Loki slumped over the table, clutching her head in defeat.