The discovery proved genuinely surprising. Who would have expected the All-Father of Norse mythology to possess such particular recreational preferences?
Simultaneously, Sayaka and La Folia accompanied Polyphonia from the elevator's exit. The instant their feet touched the second-floor surface, they spotted the young man ahead tilting his head toward something elsewhere—curiosity prompting vocal inquiry.
"Bokue, what's wrong? Why are you staring over there? Something unusual?"
"What else could it be? Probably spotted some scantily-clad pretty girl and can't tear himself away..."
The War Dancer pursed her lips, delivering casual criticism.
Though her mouth radiated disdain, actual behavior betrayed her—she quick-stepped toward Bokue's position, following his gaze trajectory to identify the target.
Let me see which little temptress is trying to seduce my boyfriend...
Before Sayaka could register details, Bokue preemptively blocked her forward vision. One arm secured the War Dancer's shoulders while physically steering all three women toward opposite directions.
"You're overthinking. I wasn't looking at anything specific—just spacing out momentarily. Come on, let's check out that area instead..."
"Really? But I definitely saw you staring that direction earlier."
Sayaka's expression radiated suspicion as she lifted away his guiding hand.
Her personality fundamentally resembled classic horror film protagonists—the type who absolutely must investigate mysteries during critical moments, demanding answers when logic screams retreat.
Essentially: she could have remained oblivious, but precisely because he urged "don't look, let's go," she now absolutely required comprehensive visual confirmation.
Consequently, their noisy three-person exchange inevitably attracted attention from a certain previously-weeping figure nearby—Rossweisse, still caught in her storm of despair.
Like fate's deliberate orchestration, she lifted her head from the small dark cave created by knees-hugging posture, glancing toward the commotion's source.
Upon recognizing Bokue Keikain among the distant group, hope blazed instantaneously within the Valkyrie's eyes.
She sprang upright, waving while charging directly toward them—vocalization accompanying her sprint.
"Keikain-san, please help me!"
"..."
Bokue's footsteps halted abruptly.
Damn it. Caught anyway.
Hearing that voice triggered reflexive head-turning from the three women. Their gazes tracked the white-haired Valkyrie racing toward their position.
Sayaka's expression particularly radiated suspicion as she clutched the young man's arm tightly—as if preventing escape attempts.
"She just called your name, didn't she? Which girl have you love 'em and left this time?"
"Impossible. Nothing like that..."
Bokue massaged his forehead with exasperation.
Honestly, if choice existed, Bokue possessed zero intention of involving himself in this situation.
Prediction required minimal effort—if Rossweisse cornered him now, she'd inevitably request assistance extracting a certain perverted old man from that maid café's interior.
Except that constituted pure personal freedom territory. How could he possibly intervene??
Predictably, two seconds later Rossweisse reached the quartet. She immediately seized Bokue's remaining free hand, tear-filled eyes pleading desperately.
"Keikain-san! What fortune encountering you here! Please, I need your help!"
"Stop right there!"
Before Bokue could vocalize responses, Sayaka's eyebrows shot upward from her opposite position.
She stepped forward decisively—separating their clasped hands before using her body to block the Valkyrie's access. Her eyes narrowed critically.
"First question: who are you?"
"Eh?"
Only then registering multiple unfamiliar individuals surrounding the young man, Rossweisse hastily wiped away tears before clearing her throat.
"Forgive me—introductions were delayed. I'm Rossweisse, a Valkyrie from Norse mythology serving as Lord Odin's bodyguard. Keikain-san and I became acquainted during the demon realm's evil god Loki subjugation campaign."
Loki subjugation?
Sayaka's eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully.
Since she hadn't accompanied the demon realm expedition, details regarding this "Loki subjugation battle" remained unknown. However, the phrasing suggested battlefield acquaintance.
If accurate, that implied zero romantic entanglement between them.
Reaching this conclusion, the War Dancer's emotional state relaxed considerably.
Meanwhile, La Folia vocalized her own inquiry.
"So Rossweisse-san suddenly approached us because...?"
"Y-yes."
The Valkyrie sniffled, tear-filled gaze redirecting toward Bokue's central position.
"Following the Loki subjugation conclusion, Lord Odin and I traveled from the demon realm through customs, arriving at Itogami Island. Originally, we intended immediate return to the Norse territories. However, upon reaching Itogami Island, Lord Odin suddenly declared 'since we're already here, no rush returning'—insisting on extended recreational visits. These past days, Lord Odin has accomplished nothing productive. He's solely focused on locating entertainment establishments across Itogami Island, spending entire days inside each venue. Even currently... If this continues, Norse mythology's collective reputation will be completely destroyed, uuu~!"
Uh...
Even Sayaka comprehended the Valkyrie's predicament at this juncture.
Honestly though—how could anyone assist with such matters??
Bokue massaged his forehead continuously.
"Regardless, don't seek my involvement. I can't help you."
"Eh?? Why not??"
Rossweisse blinked pitifully.
Still asking why?
Bokue released a soft sigh. "Would you accept me publicly dragging your chief god from someone's establishment by his ankle?"
"Ah? That's..."
The vivid description startled the Valkyrie. Her neck retracted reflexively.
"I-I believe gentler methods would be preferable..."
"Except I suspect you've already exhausted all 'gentle methods.'"
Bokue spread both hands.
"If even you—his trusted confidant—cannot accomplish this, why assume I possess superior capability? Moreover, eloquent persuasion has never constituted my forte."
Factual statement. He consistently resolved problems through fists.
But still...
Rossweisse hesitated visibly.
"Then... what should I do?"
"What else? Let him be~"
Bokue shrugged.
"Or if you genuinely cannot tolerate witnessing this, join us shopping. Relativistic theory suggests subjective time perception varies across different states. Crouching in wall corners experiencing internal torment naturally makes time crawl agonizingly. However, shopping and dining together might result in discovering Lord Odin already finished and departure-ready upon return."
"This... will that really work?"
Rossweisse's interest visibly piqued.
After all, these past days had genuinely resembled eternal suffering—every minute feeling like an hour. If one quick diversion could reveal Odin's reformed intentions, abandoning entertainment establishment obsessions, that constituted acceptable alternatives.
Why not... give it a shot?
Simultaneously, inside the distant café—Odin, currently embracing cat-girl maids bilaterally—tilted his head slightly. His gaze tracked Rossweisse gradually distancing alongside Bokue's group through the external mall corridor. His eyebrows relaxed with relieved exhalation.
Excellent. Finally sent my Valkyrie packing. Time to prepare Norse return.
Contemplating this, the old man released his grip from the adjacent cat-girl maids' shoulders. He waved toward the counter direction.
"Five more coconut cappuccinos!"
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~ 70 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon
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