— The Morning After Freya's City-Wide Declaration
The sun rose over Orario with more tension than warmth.
Every street buzzed with gossip.
"Freya's got her eyes on that Elf!"
"Is he insane or a genius?"
"Why would she make a banner like THAT?"
"Is he even safe anymore?!"
Aeron walked through the main shopping district toward the Guild as calmly as ever, hands in his pockets, scarf from Haruhime wrapped around his neck.
People parted for him—some in awe, others in fear, most in fascination.
Aeron simply adjusted the scarf.
"…This escalated fast."
— Eina Nearly Has a Heart Attack
Inside the Guild, Eina spotted him instantly.
"A-Aeron!"
She rushed over, nearly knocking over a stack of documents.
"You—You—What happened yesterday?! Freya declared her interest in you in front of the ENTIRE CITY!"
Aeron blinked.
"Oh. That."
"That? THAT? Aeron, that's not 'oh'—that's catastrophic!"
Aeron shrugged.
"She's persistent."
Eina grabbed the bridge of her nose.
"She's FREYA. The most dangerously romantic goddess in Orario!"
Aeron patted her shoulder lightly.
"Relax. I'm handling it."
Eina looked at him like he was a magical beast casually sipping coffee in the lobby.
"You're too calm for your own good…"
— Aiz Confronts the Banner
On the top of Babel, Aiz stood with Bete and Tiona, staring up at Freya's enormous silver banner.
Tiona whistled.
"Ooooh, Aiz, looks like someone else wants your boy!"
Aiz blinked slowly.
"…He's not my boy."
Tiona grinned.
"But he's not Freya's either."
Aiz's grip on her sword tightened—just slightly.
Bete scoffed.
"Damn brat better watch himself unless he wants to be turned into a love doll."
Aiz turned to him.
"…She won't take him."
"Oh?" Bete raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you care."
Aiz's silence spoke louder than words.
She looked out at the banner again, golden eyes steady, voice soft but certain.
"…Aeron doesn't belong to Freya."
A pause.
"…He doesn't belong to anyone."
Then—
A faint blush warmed her cheeks.
"…But I want him to stay with me."
Tiona screamed internally.
— Riveria Steps Up (Confidence Rising)
Riveria arrived at the Emporium shortly after opening.
She walked with purpose, back straight, expression refined—but Aeron immediately recognized the subtle intensity in her gaze.
"Riveria."
"Aeron," she said, voice controlled. "I saw the banner."
Aeron exhaled.
"I can imagine."
Riveria stepped closer, tone shifting subtly.
"I want you to know something. Freya is… relentless. If she desires something, she does not stop."
Aeron met her gaze calmly.
"And you?"
Riveria froze for just a breath.
"…Me?"
"You also don't stop," Aeron said softly. "Not when you make a decision."
Riveria's eyes widened—just slightly.
Then returned to composure.
"…Correct."
Aeron smiled faintly.
"I respect that."
Riveria's breath caught.
"…Thank you," she murmured, voice warmer than she meant it to be.
She took another step closer.
"If Freya makes a move… I will not stand aside."
Aeron raised an eyebrow.
"You're serious."
Riveria's emerald eyes locked with his.
"Yes," she whispered. "I am."
— Demeter Grounds Him (Comforting and Deep)
Upstairs in the rooftop garden, Aeron found Demeter tending the fig tree.
She didn't speak at first.
Instead she offered him a small cup of herbal tea—warm, fragrant, calming.
Aeron sat beside her.
"You saw the banner?"
Demeter nodded, her expression gentle but tired.
"Aeron… Freya does not declare interest lightly. She chose to make you a symbol. Public. Desired. Watched."
Aeron sipped the tea.
"Do you think she'll try something?"
Demeter exhaled.
"She won't 'try' something. She will do something."
Her eyes softened.
"And when she does… don't face her alone."
Aeron looked at her.
Demeter placed a hand over his.
"You have too many people who care about you for that."
Aeron hadn't realized how much he needed to hear that until she said it.
"…Thank you, Demeter."
She smiled warmly.
"Never hesitate to lean on me."
— The Enchanted Wear Division Opens
The new division launched at midday.
Aeron announced it casually.
The city reacted explosively.
Adventurers flooded the street.
"Enchanted clothing?!"
"From Aeron's shop?!"
"He already sells the best equipment in Orario!"
"Is he trying to take over the world or something?!"
Inside the new floor:
Mana-thread jackets increased agility
Featherlight cloaks boosted evasion
Impact-softening vests reduced physical damage
Enchanted boots increased silent movement
Elegant dresses reinforced magical stability
Aiz tested a prototype jacket.
She swung her sword—and moved faster.
"…This is incredible."
Riveria tested a robe.
Her spellcasting flowed smoother.
"…The mana channels are flawless."
Haruhime assisted customers, tail high with pride.
Demeter inspected the sewing machines, smiling at the growing life around her.
Aeron oversaw all of it with calm confidence.
The Emporium was evolving into something legendary.
— Haruhime Grows Bolder (Open Affection)
After the division opening, Haruhime found Aeron on the second floor.
She tugged gently on his sleeve.
"Aeron…?"
He turned.
"Need something?"
Haruhime's cheeks glowed pink.
"I… um… could I… h-hold your arm again?"
Aeron blinked.
"Right now?"
Haruhime nodded slowly.
"Yes… if that's okay…"
Aeron offered his arm without hesitation.
Haruhime took it with both hands—hugging it lightly against her chest, tail curling with happiness.
"You're very sweet today," Aeron teased gently.
Haruhime squeaked.
"I-I'm trying to express myself more…"
"You're doing great."
Haruhime practically melted on the spot.
— Freya Arrives in Person
Evening fell.
The city buzzed with rumors.
The Emporium was so full they had to stop letting people in.
And then—
The chatter turned silent.
Because Freya walked through the front doors.
Silvery hair cascading.
Eyes like molten desire.
Presence overwhelming.
Aeron, on the second floor, felt her before he saw her.
Freya looked up at him and smiled slowly.
"Good evening… Aeron."
All customers froze.
Riveria sensed danger instantly and placed a hand on her staff.
Aiz tensed like a drawn bowstring.
Haruhime hid behind Aeron's back.
Demeter's expression hardened.
Freya approached the stairs.
Each step echoed through the building.
"I believe," she purred, "we have unfinished business."