Chapter 28 - Drunk Ribbon Goddess

"Cough, cough…"

Raven immediately choked. "That's way too exaggerated. Miss Naaza, you really love to joke."

"I only defeated the Floor Boss Goliath on the 17th floor and completed the achievement for leveling up, that's all."

Currently, Naaza the canine beastman was a year older than him, while Mikoto was a year younger.

It had taken Naaza six full years to go from a lower-tier to an upper-tier adventurer.

But for Raven…

Leveling up was as easy as drinking water.

"You defeated the Floor Boss on the 17th floor?!"

Mikoto's jaw dropped, her eyes wide in disbelief.

Hestia smiled proudly. "At first, I couldn't believe it either."

"But my Raven-kun—he's not the type to lie."

Indeed, no one could lie in front of a god.

With that, the two gods and their Familia members had no choice but to believe it.

Once the initial shock wore off—

Takemikazuchi chuckled warmly. "Looks like Hestia's about to rise up from being a small Familia."

"Yeah, but once you become a major Familia, don't forget about me and Takemikazuchi," Miach added quietly.

"Of course." Hestia scratched her head sheepishly. "Though it's still a little early for that."

When she first descended to the Lower World, Hestia relied a lot on Takemikazuchi and Miach's help.

You could say—

Without them, she might've ended up homeless.

"Mr. Raven!"

Mikoto suddenly grabbed his arm and looked up at him like she was staring at a legendary hero.

"Can you teach me how to raise my abilities quickly?"

Seeing her enthusiasm, Raven calmly finished chewing his food before replying.

As for methods—

Wasn't it always about who had the better cheat?

"Honestly, it's not that complicated. First, you need to conquer your fear… then defeat strong opponents."

"That should help you earn the achievement needed to level up."

In truth, Raven didn't know how to explain it. His cheat was just that ridiculous.

"—Ehhh, ehhh!"

"—Miss Adventurer, you're not allowed to steal my Raven-kun!"

The blue-ribbon goddess clung tightly to Raven's other arm, a hint of jealousy flickering in her eyes.

"Sorry! I was just curious." Mikoto quickly let go and bowed in apology.

"It's fine." Hestia didn't seem to mind. She suddenly raised her wooden mug. "Miach, Akin, let's toast!"

"To celebrate my Raven-kun becoming an upper-tier adventurer!"

"—Cheers to that!"

Takemikazuchi and Miach exchanged smiles and raised their mugs.

Clink!

Gulp gulp gulp…

The three gods downed their drinks in one go.

"Raven, drink with me?" Naaza no longer looked sleepy.

Her long tail, poking out from under her skirt, gave a playful wiggle.

That fluffy brown dog tail—honestly, Raven really wanted to touch it.

Because…

It just looked way too cute!

"Sure."

Raven poured himself a glass of the tavern's signature crimson Bee Wine and clinked glasses with her.

Clink!

He took a hearty gulp.

The rich, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor was simply irresistible.

"Drink with me too?" Mikoto asked next.

"—Sure."

Clink!

Another smooth sip went down.

By the end of the meal, Raven had gained the recognition and approval of two gods—

And made new friends in Naaza and Mikoto.

When it came time to settle the bill, the total was about 20,000 valis.

It was rare for the three gods to meet like this—they were chatting freely and drinking happily. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

During the meal, Raven had also ordered many of the tavern's signature dishes.

Especially the Honey Wine—

That flavor was unforgettable.

Strangely enough…

Even though it was his first time drinking such strong liquor, Raven didn't feel drunk at all.

After bidding farewell to Takemikazuchi and Miach,

Raven glanced at the completely drunk Hestia and let out a helpless sigh.

Fortunately—

There was a clothing shop nearby.

"Hestia-sama, come on. Let me carry you."

"After we buy the clothes, we'll go home."

"—O-okay~"

"—Raven-kun, I love you sooo much~"

Raven crouched down so the tiny 1.4-meter-tall goddess could climb onto his back.

In her drunken stupor, Hestia wrapped her slender arms tightly around his neck.

Her petite feet clung to Raven's waist—

And her generous chest once again pressed flat against his back.

Feeling that soft warmth, Raven smiled faintly.

He secured her legs with his arms and stood up—just like carrying a little girl.

Her body was very light.

For Raven, it was as if he was carrying nothing.

Soon after, they arrived at the clothing store.

Raven spent about 230,000 valis and purchased several sets of elegant outfits.

He had asked Alfia for her measurements before heading out.

So, besides essential items like a blindfold, mask, veil, cloak, and black robe—

He also bought heels, skirts, dresses, black stockings, white stockings…

Even a full set of private undergarments.

And for Alfia, he chose the sexiest and most exotic panties he could find.

Just her items alone cost 100,000 valis.

That's right—

Raven wouldn't dare cut corners with his strongest bodyguard.

Her wardrobe had to be top-tier—he couldn't allow anyone to look down on her.

After buying a few elegant "big sister" style outfits for [Silent Alfia]—

Raven finally picked out a few cute-style clothes for Hestia.

The drunk goddess was already fast asleep on a long bench in the shop.

"—Sir, is there anything else you need?" asked the female rabbitfolk clerk politely, blinking her big eyes.

Raven shook his head. "This will do for now. I'll buy more later."

"It's time to go home."

With that, he stored all the new clothes into his virtual storage space.

The young and beautiful rabbitgirl didn't question the bottomless bag.

She simply assumed it was some kind of rare spatial magic Raven had used.

"—Well then, sir, please come again sometime~"

"Mm. See you."

Carrying the sleeping ribbon goddess on his back, Raven made his way swiftly home.