Chapter 230

Chapter 233: A Trio? What a Dangerous Thought! (Please Subscribe!)

Inside the reception room of Twilight Manor, a group of girls gathered to discuss the upcoming New Year’s market.

Not long after, Finn and Loki, who happened to pass by, joined in the conversation.

After sending Ryu back to The Bountiful Mistress tavern, Izay returned to Twilight Manor just as the discussion reached a pivotal point.

“If you’re planning to attend the New Year’s market, it might be a good idea to purchase some ‘Secondary Armaments,'” suggested the Halfling Tribe Leader.

“Hmm… ‘Secondary Armaments’?”

“Your primary equipment is like an extension of your body, greatly enhancing your abilities.”

“But if you don’t stick to one type of weapon and try mastering others like short blades, daggers, or spears, your combat skills will surely improve. It could be a great opportunity to explore other fighting styles.”

Finn smiled as he explained this to a somewhat confused Tiona, speaking from his perspective and concern for Ais and Tiona.

Sticking to one fighting style can be a weakness during battles, making one vulnerable to targeted attacks.

Take the three Level 6 members of Loki Familia as examples.

Finn himself, aside from being proficient with spears, also excels with daggers and swords. Gress can wield battle-axes, shields, warhammers, and various bladed weapons effortlessly.

Riviria is even more secretive. Beneath her elegant mage exterior lies a formidable “melee magician,” skilled in staff combat and adept at using spears.

Compared to these veterans, the younger generation, including Ais, still rely on overly singular combat methods.

Tione fares slightly better; she alternates between recurve knives and throwing weapons while maintaining her hand-to-hand combat skills.

Thinking about it, the best in this aspect among the younger generation is actually Izay, despite being the newest member of the faction (excluding Haruhi).

His swift spear techniques, sharp archery skills, combined with instant-casting magic for offense, defense, and healing, have formed a self-sustaining combat system tailored specifically to him.

Truly impressive…

After Finn finished speaking, Tiona didn’t overthink it too much. She simply thought that what their leader said made sense.

“So… when we go to the New Year’s market, let’s pick out some secondary armaments!”

“If I can go with the leader, then I’ll join too!”

“Since that’s settled, once everyone has celebrated the New Year, let’s all go shopping together! It’s been ages since we’ve gone out as a group—let’s celebrate the New Year by buying lots of things we love!”

Tione and Loki both showed excitement, thrilled at the prospect of shopping with people they cared about.

“Ais-sama, what are you thinking about?”

At this moment, Refia noticed Ais seemed lost in thought and softly asked.

Ais snapped out of her thoughts: “Hmm—I was wondering if Izay would come along if we invited him.”

Refia, already regretting asking the question, remained silent.

Loki, whose cheerful expression froze instantly, thought bitterly: That Izay! Even though he’s not here, he still manages to occupy Ais’ mind!

Izay, who had quietly approached the meeting room door: Is it my fault?

“I think Izay already has two weapons… no, probably more?” Tiona recalled, then added hastily.

“After all, his Rare Skill allows him to change the form of his weapons. There’s no real reason for Izay to attend the New Year’s market.”

“No! You never know… If Ais were to tempt him, even the gods wouldn’t be able to resist her charm!”

“You’re the one who can’t resist, you terrible deity!”

“Mom, saying that hurts…”

“It’s just the truth…”

Tione continued her sister’s statement while Loki countered with a sly remark, only to get rebutted by Riviria.

Standing nearby, unable to interject, Finn sighed helplessly. Haruhi looked flustered, unsure how to handle such conversations—her predecessors hadn’t taught her this.

As the others reacted, Refia seemed deep in concentration, muttering under her breath. The only person paying attention to her, Ais, caught several subtle yet peculiar remarks.

“If Ais-sama and I were to go shopping together, there might be a chance for us to be alone. But if Izay joins, it’ll definitely turn into a trio outing!”

“And it’ll end up like training sessions where Izay and Ais-sama act oblivious to others around them (from Refia’s perspective), leaving me feeling like a third wheel holding a magic stone lantern during their date!”

“What a cruel reality!? No, it’s pure hell!!”

Immersed in her own fantasies, Refia rarely daydreamed but now began spiraling into negative thoughts.

“Um… Refia?”

What are you talking about? I don’t understand…

Ais wanted to ask but lost the chance.

“A trio? … Refia, your thoughts are dangerously skewed.”

Suddenly, from behind the elf girl, came that man’s voice.

—!?

Refia stiffened, slowly turning her head with rigid movements.

“I-Izay-sama! When did you arrive!? Did you hear what I just said?”

Scared enough to revert to honorifics…

Amused by her reaction, Izay, who had quietly entered the room, replied: “Probably when you mentioned going shopping with Ais?”

Though he had arrived earlier… Izay was already at the door when Finn started speaking.

“You heard everything!!” Refia leaned away from Izay, clearly terrified.

“Pretty much…”

Upon hearing this, time seemed to freeze around Refia for two seconds. When it resumed, tears welled up in her large eyes.

“Waaaah… I’ll never find a husband now—!”

With that wail, the little elf darted out of the room.

How does this relate to marriage prospects?

Izay couldn’t help but chuckle. This girl’s logic was incomprehensible.

The rest of the group, watching Refia flee, exchanged puzzled looks. They hadn’t noticed her internal turmoil amidst their bickering.

“Izay…” Seated on the couch, Ais tilted her head slightly to look up at Izay and spoke softly, “Will you join us at the New Year’s market?”

Leaning against the backrest of the couch where Ais sat, Izay pondered for a moment.

“…Probably not. Actually, I’m more interested in the festival.”

After all, he didn’t need new weapons. *Yetsha*, a growing divine artifact, was truly “indestructible,” repairing itself even during battles.

And the bow form of *Moonshadow Aria*.

Izay currently had no real need for additional weapons.

The initial forging ceremony sounded interesting, maybe he’d check it out.

He’d consult Artemis-sama’s opinion later. After all, it was a festival.

Ever since that incident, Izay felt all festivals carried a special commemorative meaning, causing him to shiver involuntarily.

“Is that so…?”

Receiving Izay’s near-rejection, Ais lowered her head slightly, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face.

Seeing this, Izay gently stroked her soft golden hair. “Next time, Ais. I’ll find time to accompany you next time.”

“Okay.” Without resentment, the blonde girl affectionately rubbed against Izay’s palm, showing understanding.

To be honest, Ais’ naturally uncompetitive personality perfectly fit the classic heroine archetype!

Unfortunately, she was still underage, so Izay couldn’t make a move yet.

Artemis-sama, on the other hand, was a different story.

But wait… soon Ais would turn sixteen. By lower-world standards, she’d be considered an adult then.

Hiss… Would I be a beast then? Or worse than a beast?

Izay fell into contemplation.

“Izay! What are you doing to my Ais carbon!?”

Unable to bear their intimate exchange, Loki erupted in anger, leaping toward Izay like a ferocious tiger.

—!

“I dodged!”

With a “snap,” Loki’s face met the floor once again.

Loki, officially injured…

Perhaps driven by rage, Loki didn’t stop after falling. Rising quickly, she pursued Izay relentlessly, determined to settle the score.

Having no choice, Izay retreated toward Ais.

Using Ais as a shield, they successfully fended off Loki’s assault. Centered around Ais, the two played out another lighthearted daily scene within Twilight Manor.