"Foxfire, Steel, and the Weight of Growing Hearts"
— Haruhime's Bold Step Forward
Morning sunlight streamed through the Emporium's tall windows.
Aeron walked down the main stairwell, reviewing the day's schedule, when he sensed a familiar warmth behind him.
"A-Aeron…?"
Haruhime stood at the bottom of the stairs, hands folded nervously, her tail swishing anxiously.
Aeron smiled softly.
"Good morning, Haruhime."
She bowed — too fast.
Then she hurriedly stood straight again.
"I… I made something for you."
"Oh?"
Haruhime produced a folded cloth bundle.
Aeron accepted it and opened it.
Inside was a hand-sewn scarf—white with a golden fox pattern stitched along the ends.
Aeron blinked.
"This is beautiful."
Haruhime blushed deeply, ears twitching.
"I thought… since you're always working late on the rooftop, it might get cold. So… I wanted to help keep you warm."
Aeron wrapped the scarf lightly around his neck.
"Thank you, Haruhime. I'll wear it often."
Haruhime's eyes widened—glowed—and she whispered:
"…R-Really?"
"Of course."
Her tail puffed into a soft, fluffy arc of joy.
Then she stepped closer.
So close her sleeve brushed his wrist.
"Aeron," she whispered shyly, "I'm trying… to be braver."
Aeron touched her hand gently.
"You're doing wonderfully."
Haruhime's heart nearly stopped.
— Aiz Acts on Her Feelings (Subtle, Direct)
Later that afternoon, Aiz entered the Emporium quietly, still in her training outfit.
She approached Aeron while he inspected new enchanted clothing.
"Aeron."
He turned.
"Aiz?"
She stood in front of him, gold eyes steady.
"I want training again tonight."
Aeron tilted his head.
"That's fine."
Aiz hesitated.
Then she stepped closer.
Very close.
"You don't have to train me alone," she murmured. "You choose to."
Aeron paused, watching her.
Aiz continued, expression soft but eyes fierce.
"…I like that."
Aeron gently brushed her hair aside.
"I enjoy training you too."
Aiz nodded once — quick, decisive — like she'd confirmed something important inside herself.
She stepped back, cheeks faintly warm.
"I'll come tonight."
Aeron smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
Aiz froze briefly, heart pounding at those words.
"…Then I'll definitely come."
— Riveria Seeks "Advice"… and Gets Teased
At the Loki Familia home, Riveria had cornered the one person she trusted least in this particular situation:
Loki.
Riveria crossed her arms, trying to look composed.
"I need advice."
Loki nearly dropped her cup.
"You? Asking me about feelings? This must be good."
Riveria glared.
"Do not misinterpret. I simply wish to… understand something."
Loki grinned wide.
"Oh? About your little rooftop Elf Prince?"
Riveria nearly choked.
"L-Loki—!"
"Oh come on, I can SEE the blush!"
Riveria covered her face with a hand.
Loki hopped onto the table, smirking.
"So? You like him?"
Riveria's voice was barely a whisper.
"…I might."
Loki leaned back, arms behind her head.
"Well, well… Aiz likes him. Haruhime definitely likes him. Demeter seems interested. And Freya—"
"Do not mention Freya."
"Fine, fine. But Riveria…"
Loki poked her forehead.
"You're allowed to fall for someone too."
Riveria froze.
Her voice softened.
"…Even if others feel the same?"
"Especially then," Loki said with a wink. "Otherwise you'll regret it."
Riveria's heart fluttered at the unexpected support.
"…Thank you."
Then Loki smirked.
"Just don't let Aiz beat you to him."
Riveria blushed violently.
— Demeter's Gentle Surprise
That evening, Aeron stepped onto the rooftop garden for fresh air.
Demeter was already there.
She knelt beside a planter, planting new seedlings.
Her hands were covered in soil; a rare, natural sight.
When she noticed him, she smiled warmly.
"Aeron. I wanted to surprise you."
He approached.
"What are you planting?"
"Something special," Demeter said softly. "A flower that only blooms when cared for sincerely."
Aeron watched her hands work.
"And you planted it for me?"
Demeter nodded.
"Yes. Because you give so much to everyone else."
She touched his arm gently.
"…Let me give something to you too."
Aeron exhaled, feeling her sincerity.
"Thank you, Demeter."
Demeter smiled, radiant and soft.
"You're always welcome."
— Freya Escalates (Quiet, Dangerous, Intensifying)
Deep within Folkvangr, Freya sat before a crystal mirror.
Inside it… Aeron appeared.
Freya touched the image lightly.
Her voice was no longer playful — it was low, trembling with desire.
"…You resist me."
She smiled beautifully.
"I adore that."
She turned to Ottar.
"Prepare a gift. Something no mortal or immortal can refuse."
Ottar bowed.
"At once."
Freya whispered to herself:
"Aeron… every woman in Orario is drifting toward you."
Her eyes glowed silver.
"When they all fall for you fully… that's when you'll need me the most."
Her smile deepened.
"And then, my beautiful mystery… I will claim you."
— Business Expansion: Aeron's New Plan
Back at the Emporium, Aeron examined the sales reports.
Haruhime perched nearby, carefully recording numbers.
Aiz stood against the wall, watching with curiosity after training.
Riveria, who'd stopped by under the excuse of "inspection," sat at the table reviewing magical expenses.
Demeter watered a pot in the corner.
Aeron looked at all four women — all involved, all focused — all close to him in different ways.
He cleared his throat.
"I've been thinking about expanding again."
Riveria looked up.
"Another floor?"
"No," Aeron said.
"A new division."
Haruhime tilted her head.
"Division?"
Aeron explained:
"A workshop dedicated to enchanted clothing and armor. Something Orario hasn't seen before."
Aiz blinked.
"Clothing that enhances combat?"
"Exactly."
Riveria considered it carefully.
"That would revolutionize support gear."
Demeter smiled warmly.
"You always think big."
Haruhime beamed.
"I can help design them!"
Aeron nodded.
"All of you can help, if you'd like."
The women exchanged looks.
Then Riveria spoke first — composed but sincere.
"…We would like that."
Haruhime nodded eagerly.
"Yes!"
Aiz straightened.
"I want to help too."
Demeter smiled softly.
"And I'll grow whatever materials you need."
Aeron closed his notebook.
"…Then let's build something new together."
— The Night Ends with Aiz (Soft, Growing Intimacy)
After everyone left, Aiz stayed behind.
She approached Aeron quietly.
"Aeron."
He turned.
"Hm?"
Aiz hesitated — then gently took his hand.
"Can we… sit on the roof again?"
Aeron smiled faintly.
"Of course."
They sat beneath the fig tree.
Aiz rested her head on his shoulder again — more confident this time.
"Aeron," she whispered, voice fragile but determined.
"Yes?"
"…If I fall… will you catch me?"
Aeron squeezed her hand gently.
"Every time."
Aiz closed her eyes, breathing softly.
And for the first time in a long time — she felt safe.