"Anya, we need to reserve a seat. Someone is coming to meet us later. His name is Lin Feng."
After Anya led Ais and Tiona to a relatively quiet corner, Tiona explained their purpose for coming tonight.
"Lin... Lin Feng?"
"I met someone named Lin Feng today, meow. I wonder if it's the one you know."
"That's him! I've been in Orario for so long and I've never heard such a weird name. Who else could it be?"
Hearing Anya say she might know him, Tiona slammed her hand on the table and stood up, absolutely certain.
"Is... is that so? Syr and I were on duty at the door today. If I see him, I'll bring him right over, meow."
Anya had been living under the radar for many years. Few people nowadays could tell that she was also an adventurer, Lv.4, and just like Mama Mia, she belonged to the Freya Familia.
"Thank you, Anya. We'll be sure to give you good business tonight!"
"Hehe, you're welcome, meow!"
After speaking, Anya bounced off to continue helping near the entrance. From time to time, she would look at the new customers at the tavern door, the little catgirl working up quite a sweat.
It wasn't long before Lin Feng and his group arrived at the Hostess of Fertility.
"Please come in!" When Anya saw it was Lin Feng, she quickly grabbed his arm and led him toward Ais's table. "This is him, meow."
"That's right! Anya, our order!"
The little catgirl was shooed away by Tiona in just a few seconds.
Lin Feng looked around. This was a corner seat, not easily noticed, making it convenient for conversation.
"Ais, these are my three Familia members: Hayasaka Ai, Katou Megumi, and Tsuyuri Kanao."
Hearing Lin Feng's introduction, Ais's slightly weary eyes instantly widened. Her golden pupils shone brightly under the orange light.
"Tsuyuri Kanao... Kanao... can I learn from you?"
Ais was blunt. They hadn't even ordered their food, and she cut straight to the chase. It couldn't be helped. Whenever Ais encountered something that could make her stronger, she would rush forward like this. It seemed she had only learned the superficial
"treat them to a meal"
part of the plan, but not the essence.
"No... Sister Shinobu said that I cannot carelessly teach the Breathing Technique to others."
Tsuyuri Kanao looked into Ais's eyes and softly refused, her tone making it clear that it was impossible.
"Is that so? I'm sorry."
With the conversation over, the two of them just stared blankly at each other, as if determined to see who would look away first. In the end, the meal concluded in silence. Ais seemed listless throughout the meal, as if she had been struck hard by Kanao's rejection. But that was just the reality. If anything could be learned so easily, wouldn't it be available to everyone on the street? What's more, this was a breathing technique that amplified and strengthened the self.
....
"Ais-chan! I told you, there's no way she would agree to something like that. It's probably a secret technique passed down in her family."
"It's okay! As long as you show your effort, the other person will definitely feel your sincerity and teach you the secret technique!"
On the way back, Tiona saw Ais's dejected expression and quickly tried all sorts of ways to cheer her up, finally landing on an idea. Just give Ais some hope! Even though she was clearly rejected, as long as she was genuine and sincere, the other person would surely be moved!
"Is that... true?"
Hearing that Tsuyuri Kanao might teach her, Ais quickly raised her head, her eyes locking onto Tiona. It was as if she would strike the moment Tiona said something different.
"Of... of course it's true! Things like this have happened countless times in this world!"
Seeing this, Tiona broke out in a cold sweat, feeling awkward under Ais's stare. She resorted to making up a few stories to tell Ais. Finally, before they got back to the Loki Familia's home, she had coaxed Ais into a better mood, giving her a goal to complete. A person needs something to strive for, after all.
They had just walked into the home base when they heard a loud shout: "My Ais-tan! Why are you back so late today? I was about to send everyone out to find you!" A figure dashed from the main entrance toward Ais and Tiona. But just as it got close, Ais sidestepped, easily dodging her god's 'hentai' attack. "Ais-tan! Let me see if you're hurt! Let me see!" Loki, having been dodged by Ais, wasn't discouraged in the slightest. She continued to watch Ais, preparing for her next pounce. What followed was, of course, a familiar sight. Loki failed to even touch Ais's clothes, and instead ended up on the side, panting, with her hands on her knees.