Chapter 61

Chapter Sixty-Two: The Lecherous Factor Engraved in DNA

It was the beginning of night in Orario, and the “Bountiful Mistress” tavern was filled with patrons.

Many races gathered to drink and revel, making the reserved empty seats for Loki’s group seem rather unnatural in contrast.

However, when the [Loki Familia] entered the tavern, the adventurer guests predictably reacted with shocked expressions and began whispering amongst themselves.

But Loki and her companions were used to it by now, sitting down without a change in expression.

Then.

“……”

As expected, Izay became the center of attention from the senior members upon sitting down. Everyone sat together, staring at each other awkwardly.

“Hey hey hey, don’t look so glum~ We know you’re all curious about Izay, but this is a banquet! What’s there to be upset about? Any questions can be asked later; celebrating is the purpose right now!”

Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Loki couldn’t help but glance at the four culprits beside her.

“Hehehe~ I’m just curious~”

The first to respond to Loki was Tiona, with her innocent angelic demeanor that made her easily likable. Hmm, no blame there.

“Hmm, me too.”

Tione, her sister, nodded after her. Amazons never hide their thoughts—just like how the whole Familia knows about her feelings for Finn.

“Curiosity should have its place, and now isn’t really appropriate.”

Finn stepped in with his usual amiable smile to mediate.

“Yes! Whatever the leader says is correct!”

“Hmph…”

With that said, Bert the werewolf let out a soft chuckle and turned away, suppressing his curiosity to not spoil everyone’s mood.

As for Ais… well, whether she stared at Izay or not didn’t affect the atmosphere. Everyone knew her dedication to improving her strength.

Soon brushing this small incident aside, Loki transformed into a drunkard, leading the rowdy cheers as she excitedly opened her eyes, slapped the table, stood up, and raised her glass high.

“To your health!!!”

“Oooohhh yeeaaaahhh——!!!!!!”

Led by waitress Lunowa, Ais and the others took their seats in the corner of the tavern, drawing many gazes from within the establishment. But it was harmless, not enough to disturb others completely.

Next to them through an open window was the outdoor seating area where they could come and go freely. The food and drinks served were delicious, and the members naturally quickened their actions to partake. Especially the refreshing fruit wine and herb-roasted chicken—they were simply divine.

“Leader, allow me to pour you a drink. Please enjoy.”

“Hmm, thank you, Tione. Though you’ve been drinking me under the table since we started. What do you plan to do with me once I’m drunk?”

“Nothing at all! I haven’t even thought about taking you drunk to bed!”

“Eh…”

Isn’t that exactly what you just exposed?

Beside her, Tiona couldn’t help but cover half her face with her hand. Her sister was too easy to understand!

Can she apply for a replacement big sister? Please?

“Grrr! Gress—drink with me!”

“Hmph, fine. Let me show you my prowess!”

“By the way, the winner of this drinking contest will get the privilege of spending the entire day tomorrow on a date with Riviria!”

An overly enthusiastic Loki seemed to make some significant promise.

Seated beside her, the green-haired elven princess couldn’t help but furrow her brows, her sharp gaze growing more intense, her delicate hands subconsciously reaching toward her side.

Only to find nothing…

Riviria suddenly remembered; due to the banquet, none of them brought their adventurer equipment, leaving her unable to punish Loki with her staff as she usually would.

“……”

“L-Lady Riviria…”

“Never mind, let them have their fun.”

Realizing she had no immediate means to punish Loki, the elven princess closed her eyes and sipped her juice drink quietly, choosing ignorance over annoyance.

Amidst the chaos of her companions, Ais maintained her own pace, eating while occasionally glancing sideways.

Her eyes kept catching the blond youth mingling with the crowd in the lively atmosphere.

“Though I know there’s a reason, Miss Ais has been staring at Izay nonstop…”

From somewhere unknown, Refia pulled out a white handkerchief, grinding her teeth as she muffled cries.

But the current ambiance was lively, and her soft sobbing went unnoticed by everyone.

Whether inside or outside, everyone’s voices grew increasingly joyful. The wine and food disappeared in an instant, and the waitresses moved faster than ever.

Speaking of which, could it be Izay’s illusion?

He felt Aniya, the catgirl, was looking at him strangely during the banquet.

Unlike the others, her gaze carried a subtle edge, almost vengeful…

Could it be?

Was she still holding a grudge over what happened earlier today?

And Kuroi and Lunowa were acting similarly.

Uncertain of their intentions, Izay’s hand trembled slightly while holding his cup…

Ryu’s presence wasn’t seen much indoors during the evening.

After asking Hiel, he learned Ryu was actually in the kitchen.

Washing dishes…

Time passed quickly amidst the revelry, laughter echoing from the surrounding guests as everyone enjoyed a truly pleasant moment.

By midnight, many members stumbled out, heavily intoxicated, barely able to stand.

The relatively sober ones sighed helplessly and took action to carry their drunken comrades back.

Izay was one of them.

But why was he carrying an unconscious goddess?

“That’s not fair… You’re all Lv.4, Lv.5, Lv.6, so why am I the one stuck with the drunk Loki?”

Walking back along the streets with the group, Izay looked utterly pitiful as he carried the goddess on his back.

Around him were Raul, Anqi, Alisia, Ais, Tiona, Riviria, Gress…

So many people; anyone could’ve effortlessly taken Loki off his hands.

Why did it end up being him, a mere Lv.1?

Very confusing~

“I’d help if I weren’t already occupied…”

Raul gestured to the unconscious beastman Cruz he was supporting, another mainstay of the second tier of the Loki Familia who was also plastered.

“Haha, burp, no worries Izay lad, hard work suits a man!”

Gress exhaled a breath of alcohol fumes, swaying unsteadily at the back, barely maintaining consciousness.

“Well, Izay, just bear with it~ Unless absolutely necessary, no one wants to carry Loki around when she’s drunk. She gets all over girls uncontrollably.”

Little angel Tiona, carrying her embarrassing older sister who failed to knock out Finn but got herself drunk instead, turned her head kindly to explain to Izay.

For some inexplicable reason, whenever Loki got drunk, she would grope the girls around her indiscriminately, clinging onto them like an octopus impossible to shake off.

Yet this behavior never occurred with men, perplexing everyone.

“Truly… it’s like a lecherous factor engraved in her DNA…”

After listening, Izay fell silent for a moment before muttering his critique.

“Yeah, Loki is very lecherous.”

“That’s right, that’s right!”

Up ahead, Ais and Refia couldn’t help but nod in agreement, both deeply affected by Loki’s advances.

One was a yet-to-be-achieved target, the other constantly teased and mocked by Loki.

Both suffered greatly from Loki’s antics.

Apparently, this sparked a conversation on the road, gradually turning into various criticisms against Loki’s behavior.

Under the girls’ complaints about their goddess, the celebration came to an end.