Ever since Su Lun gifted the Elven Song to Ryuu, the bond between them had grown closer by the day. While they weren't inseparable every waking moment, within the walls of the Familia's headquarters, they were often seen whispering side-by-side or naturally holding hands. Occasionally, Ryuu would lean her forehead gently against his shoulder—small, intimate gestures that did not escape the watchful eyes of Goddess Astraea.
A day later, beneath the corridors of the courtyard, Astraea called out to Su Lun. She wore a warm smile, but her gaze carried both understanding and a soft warning.
"Su Lun, I have no objection to the progress of your feelings for Ryuu. However, there are other girls in the Familia; you must be mindful of your boundaries." She paused, her tone gentle yet purposeful. "Do not let joy cloud your judgment and lead to... 'unplanned lives.' That would be quite improper."
Su Lun understood her meaning immediately. Youthful stirrings and fiery passions were one thing, but they still needed time to grow responsibly.
Of course, their relationship didn't escape the relentless teasing of Alise and Kaguya.
Alise would often lean in, winking mischievously. "My, my, Su Lun! What stage are you and Ryuu at now? When do you plan on spending the night together?" Her words were as blunt as a seasoned veteran's banter.
Su Lun could only raise his hands in surrender, laughing helplessly. "I wouldn't dream of doing something like that here in the base. Besides, Ryuu... she isn't ready for that yet, right?"
"True enough," Alise said, raising an index finger as a spark of mischief flashed in her eyes. "I'll let you in on a secret: what Ryuu yearns for is a solemn vow made under a sacred tree beneath a clear moon—consecrating her love within that divine atmosphere. It's like a classical ceremony from a thousand years ago. Even other Elves would find her old-fashioned."
She shifted her tone. "But if it's for the one she truly loves, she'll accept it sooner or later, don't you think?"
"I suppose so," Su Lun nodded.
"So," Alise said, patting his shoulder with a mix of jest and sincerity, "I suggest you go out for a walk on your own today. Otherwise, I'm worried you'll end up whisking away all the good girls in our Familia."
Su Lun caught the underlying concern beneath her joke and smiled. "Alright, no more jokes. I believe I'm on the patrol rotation today?"
"Mhm. Thanks to you taking out those Evilus strongholds in the Southeast District, the pressure has eased up a lot lately." Alise tossed her long hair back with confidence. "Of course, the key factor is the strategic brilliance of your beautiful Captain~"
To be honest, if Ryuu hadn't already occupied his heart, Su Lun might truly have been drawn to Alise's bright and reliable nature. But this was an isekai; even if a harem was a possibility, he believed in respecting the will of every woman.
"Understood. I'm heading out then."
He stepped through the heavy gates of the Court of Stars.
The streets of Orario were always filled with vitality and noise. The massive shadow of Babel fell across the cobblestones, and the distant clamor of adventurer taverns filled the air. The bustling district he patrolled was lined with shops; familiar vendors waved as he passed, and children he had helped before would peek out from alleyways, chirping "Big Brother Su Lun!"
He made a point to loop through the Daedalus Street area to check on the children at the orphanage. Most of these kids were the legacies left behind by adventurer couples. Adventurer was a profession that staked life against the Dungeon; the shadow of death was a constant companion, leading many to start families early to leave behind a bloodline.
Thinking of this, Su Lun's mood dampened slightly. Adventurers traded their lives for magic stones; all of Orario felt like a magnificent yet cruel cage. Yet no one could escape. The monsters of the Dungeon, and the Black Dragon sleeping even deeper in the Dragon Valley, were swords hanging over their heads. The awakening of the Black Dragon was still ten years away.
He walked slowly along the street as twilight descended. The magical streetlamps flickered to life one by one, casting a warm yellow glow. Turning a corner, the sweet scent of fried potato puffs wafted toward him.
"Boss, I'll take the last red bean potato puff, and a few other flavors as well."
"You got it! Oh, if it isn't young Su Lun!" The shopkeeper looked up with a warm smile. "Thanks to you finding my lost crates the other day! This one's on the house!"
"Thank you, Boss," Su Lun smiled as he took the bag.
Just then, a drawling, frivolous voice came from beside him. "Hey, hey! I was clearly here first, wasn't I? That last potato puff should belong to me!"
Su Lun turned to see the red-haired, squinty-eyed Loki sauntering over, her usual playful smirk on her face. Standing beside her was a girl with blonde hair and golden eyes—Aiz Wallenstein.
Loki's eyes landed on Su Lun, and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh ho! If it isn't 'Thousand Faces'! What a coincidence! So, interested in jumping ship to the Loki Familia? I'll let you name your terms—however~" Her tone shifted, her squinted eyes glinting with a touch of gritted teeth. "Finn told me all about how you 'reasonably extorted' quite a few materials from us!"
Su Lun smiled composedly at Loki. "It was a fair trade, Lady Loki."
Loki huffed and suddenly stepped aside, dramatically presenting the girl beside her. "Come, look at this! Our Aiz is a genius who reached Level 2 in just eight months! She might be a few months slower than you, but she's the second fastest in Orario!"
Aiz looked up, her amber eyes meeting Su Lun's. She spoke softly. "Loki, I want to go back to training. Also," her gaze turned serious, "Big Brother, you promised before—spar with me again."
"Again?" Loki's eyes widened. She looked between Su Lun and Aiz before suddenly scooping Aiz into a protective hug. "No way! I'll let you have the last potato puff, but Aiz can't get too close to a bad guy like you! You scumbag pervert! You stinking man who kidnaps little girls!"
"That's a sudden personal attack," Su Lun said helplessly.
"So what!"
Su Lun decided to smooth things over. "Let little Aiz have this one. I'll buy one tomorrow. Since Miss Aiz wants it, it's only fair."
Loki choked on her words, then pouted. "Fine, fine. I'll give you points for being sensible." She stuffed the paper bag into Aiz's hands.
Aiz took it and jogged over to Su Lun, holding the bag up. "Share?"
"Aiz! You can't just give food to other people!" Loki cried out, her expression turning into a comedic scream as if the background had turned grey.
Su Lun smiled and took a potato puff. It was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the red bean filling was sweet without being cloying—truly one of Orario's best delicacies. He couldn't help but think that perhaps he should try promoting these kinds of snacks within his own Familia.
Aiz ate in small bites, her cheeks puffing out like a cute hamster.
Loki scratched her red hair, her expression turning slightly more serious. "On a real note... about that black monster, the Goliath... I heard from Riveria. It appeared when you encountered Thanatos in the Dungeon, right?"
"Yes."
"This isn't the place to talk." Loki pointed to a cafe across the street. "Want to grab a seat? Just so you know, I didn't bring any money."
"Then why were you buying potato puffs?"
"Aiz has money."
"...Are you even human? Oh right, you're a god. Never mind."
The three of them entered the cafe. From their window seat, they could see the streetscape. The twilight grew deeper, dyeing the horizon in shades of purple and red. Loki stirred her drink, her eyes opening just enough to reveal a sharp, crimson glint.
"I suspect that thing won't just appear once. I've already talked to that old man Ouranos; I heard Astraea visited him as well."
"The Guild seems to be in wait-and-see mode," Su Lun said, looking out the window. "Royman... he has ability, but his vision is limited."
"You seem to understand these people in power quite well," Loki sneered, showing her disdain for Royman.
"A little," Su Lun withdrew his gaze and looked at Aiz, who was quietly finishing her puff. "So, if Aiz wants to spar, should we go outside the city?"
Aiz nodded, her eyes filling with anticipation. "There's an empty plot on the east side of the walls."
"Sigh, I'm really not good at dealing with this little brat's battle-maniac side." Loki scratched her head, and was about to say more when a cold voice cut in.
"Loki, you've taken Aiz out without permission again. And you didn't bring money, did you?"
Riveria, the Elven High Forest Royal, appeared by the table at some point. Her jade eyes were as calm as still water.
"A-Aiz brought some!"
"Then your allowance for next month is docked."
"Nooooo, Riveria—!" Loki lunged forward, only to be deftly avoided.
Riveria looked at Su Lun. "I overheard your conversation. Since Aiz wants to spar, go ahead. Loki, you go back to the Familia first."
"How cruel! Woe is me! Little Aiz, how can I live without you—" Fake-crying, Loki snatched up the remaining food and wobbled away.
Riveria sighed. "As you can see, Lady Loki is always a bit unreliable in her daily life." She looked at Aiz, her tone softening. "If you're ready, let's go. Su Lun, I'll leave her in your hands."
"It's no trouble."
The three of them left the cafe and walked through the darkening streets. Su Lun looked up; the stars were beginning to shimmer faintly over Orario.
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Danmachi: My Magic Style is Different from Yours (Simulpub – Ongoing)
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