When Arthas and the others returned to Hostess of Fertility, the tavern was nearly empty.
The sudden downpour had sent many home. The main reason was the incident with the Loki Familia; adventurers wisely chose to leave.
The post-rain summer night was cool, but Riveria Ljos Alf and Ais Wallenstein shivered upon entering.
The tavern was unusually cold.
"You're back? Bete's in critical condition; he might not last."
Surrounded by the Loki Familia was Bete, covered in frost, his body slowly turning to ice.
"Goddess-sama, did you find a way to save Bete?"
"Of course. Kid, it's up to you. You know what happens if you fail!"
Loki gestured for Arthas to approach. Hestia clenched her fists nervously.
No matter how much she bickered with Loki, their fights were playful. But a Familia member's death was a different matter.
Familia was like family. If family died, it was a feud to the death!
Could Arthas save him?
Hestia worried, but as Arthas approached, something strange happened.
The freezing tavern gradually warmed to a normal temperature.
Loki narrowed her eyes, watching Arthas with interest; she couldn't tell how he controlled the cold.
Arthas reached Bete, who lay unconscious.
Without doing anything extra, he simply held Bete's hand, and the frost receded visibly.
"Oh… mana absorption. Interesting."
Loki exclaimed. Arthas's constitution was a mage's nightmare; he could absorb and utilize any magically-created substance.
"Riveria Ljos Alf, be careful. You'll be at his mercy."
"Goddess-sama, what are you saying? You were against us being together!"
"Oh… Riveria Ljos Alf wants to be with him."
"N-no! It was a hypothetical situation!"
Riveria Ljos Alf was close to tears, unable to respond to her Goddess's teasing.
"He should be fine."
The frost vanished, the temperature returned to normal, and Arthas stood up.
"Thank you, adventurer. Thank you for helping Bete."
"It was Riveria Ljos Alf's request."
Arthas said softly, surprising the Amazon sisters.
This guy… is sly.
Seeing Arthas's righteous expression, Riveria Ljos Alf bit her lip. She'd only forgiven Bete; when did it become a request?
"Good. Let's forget about it. Want to eat and drink?"
Seeing Bete was safe, Loki smiled, looking at Hestia.
"Rare opportunity. Eat whatever you want."
"Thank you, but I just attended a banquet; I'm not hungry."
"Oh… someone invited you to a banquet? Surprising."
"Humph, there's more that will surprise you."
Hestia retorted, and another argument seemed imminent. But perhaps realizing public fighting was inappropriate, they glared at each other and looked away.
Bete was out of danger but still weak and needed time to recover.
After the Loki Familia left, the tavern was quiet; the waitresses were preparing to close.
"We're leaving too. Kid, don't even think about my Ais-chan. Riveria Ljos Alf… it's up to you. If you win her heart, I might not object to a son-in-law."
"Goddess-sama!"
Riveria Ljos Alf exclaimed shyly, followed by a muffled sound.
"Ooh… Riveria Ljos Alf, you're using violence like Ais-chan."
"Even gentle elves have limits, Goddess-sama."
Their voices faded. Arthas watched them leave, sighing.
Hestia sniffed, looking at Arthas with complex emotions.
So… what's so great about her…
"Sorry, I left without paying."
Arthas approached the owner and Syr, handing over the money pouch.
"It's fine. Young people… I understand."
Weighing the heavy coins, the owner smiled.
"Sorry, Syr… our dinner ended like this."
"It's okay… I congratulate you on finding someone you like."
Syr forced a smile, clutching her skirt, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Arthas, pursuing what you love… is really cool."
"It's all thanks to Syr. If you feel excitement… don't miss the chance. Confess boldly; otherwise, you might become a bystander."
Gently stroking Syr's head, Arthas said softly.
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