Chapter 231

Chapter 234: Resolve Hardening (Please Subscribe!)

In the blink of an eye, nearly a month had passed. The date rolled into the New Year, and this day was bright and cloudless.

Sparse white clouds floated in the sky like fruit kernels, higher than those of summer, their size much smaller too. Beneath this clear blue sky, a gentle breeze swept through.

The weather was pleasant and inviting.

Undoubtedly, it was a great day for a festival.

Within the city, joyous sounds erupted fittingly.

Centered around the Central Square, Orario buzzed with excitement as it welcomed the post-New Year market and celebrations. Whether it was the Exchange or the Pleasure Quarter, even the slums of “Daedalus Road” were lively.

Amidst the old year’s farewell and the new year’s welcome, the jubilant celebrations began.

“Truly spectacular…” Izay couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of Orario today.

He stood now in a plaza on the northwest street.

The ground, composed of various colored stone tiles, paired with flower arrangements that exuded an elegant atmosphere.

Instead of joining Loki and the others at the Central Square for the New Year’s market, Izay had arranged to spend this holiday with Artemis, and he was currently waiting.

But not long after, Izay spotted Artemis within his line of sight.

And… a dazzling Magic Stone lantern.

“Ohh—! So many people! Truly worthy of Orario’s New Year celebration~”

The excited voice of the young girl rang out, conveying her cheerful and lively mood without needing to look.

“There are street stalls too~! They seem so interesting…”

“Lanti, be careful not to run too fast; bumping into someone would be bad.”

Compared to the lively Half-Elf girl ahead, the Goddess behind appeared gentle and refined.

Artemis wore a white knitted dress today, its length reaching just above her knees. A silk ribbon cinched her slender waist, accentuating her graceful curves.

Her exposed, porcelain-white calves beneath the hem were delicately sculpted, akin to fine jade.

On top, she paired with a light apricot coat, and her feet adorned with flat women’s shoes that suited her beautiful legs perfectly.

Artemis didn’t wear makeup; Goddesses were naturally beyond such things, their innate beauty fully displayed.

Her aqua-blue hair flowed freely, looking both elegant and beautiful overall.

Perhaps it started after confirming her relationship with Izay, Artemis no longer tied her hair up because she knew Izay preferred her with flowing long hair.

However, according to lower world customs, women seemed to tie their hair up after certain stages?

This knowledge Artemis learned from some odd book.

At first, she wasn’t against doing it, but perhaps the implications were too obvious?

She could already imagine her godly friends teasing her endlessly about it.

Thus, after much deliberation, she ultimately decided against it.

At this moment, the Goddess clearly spotted Izay and waved at him warmly.

“Izay, you’re early. I made sure to arrive before our agreed time.”

Artemis quickened her pace towards Izay and gave him a gentle smile.

“Not really, mainly because Loki and the others were insistent on participating in the New Year’s market, so I just went along. But I didn’t wait long.” Izay replied truthfully.

Today, he did leave with an enthusiastic Loki, but they parted ways shortly after.

After all, their purposes differed.

He intended to date Artemis, whereas Loki wanted to drag Ais and Riviria shopping and join the festivities.

Swiftly moving past this topic, Izay shifted his attention elsewhere: “…By the way, Lady Artemis, this divine attire of yours…”

Hmm— First time seeing it?

First impression: “Never seen Artemis like this before.”

But upon closer inspection, should it be called mature? Or perhaps there’s a hint of housewife charm?

Feeling like the latter thought might be dangerous…

Izay’s resolve started to harden.

“Is it… strange? It’s something I bought with Demeter when we went shopping. She said this style might suit me.”

“Not strange at all, rather… beautiful, very fitting… Um! Too fitting!”

“As long as you like it…” Artemis slightly lowered her head, her cheeks tinged red.

Izay’s peculiar gaze didn’t escape Artemis’ notice.

With the experience of a seasoned individual, she vaguely understood what his gaze implied.

Thinking of something inappropriate, she fell into an indescribable bashfulness.

“Mmmmm…”

Beside them, Lanti, who followed for some reason and ended up eating dog food, emitted a sound similar to a small dog growling.

“You two have had enough! There’s still someone else here! Can you pay attention to your surroundings?”

In Lanti’s eyes, the two seemed surrounded by pink sparkles and romantic special effects, utterly outrageous!

You brought the dog in just to kill it! How inhumane!

“Oh? Who’s this? How did they end up near us? Lady Artemis, do you know this Half-Elf?”

“……”

“Ahh—! Izay! I’ll bite you to death!!”

Lanti, whose relationship was unilaterally severed, lost her mind in anger and lunged at Izay with her tiny fists.

But times had changed; Izay was no longer the former member of a Familial Group she could manipulate at will. Their strength disparity had flipped drastically.

Izay merely pressed his hand lightly on her forehead, leaving her unable to advance another step. Lanti could only rage futilely in place, accomplishing nothing.

“Ho? Still so fierce?”

A smirk of mischief tugged at the corner of Izay’s lips as he proceeded to rub Lanti’s head.

Even though Lanti was a third-level Adventurer nearing the edge of level 2, she couldn’t escape Izay’s head-patting fate. Before she could react, she was completely immobilized.

Izay’s smile grew more unrestrained; handling a mere Lanti was effortless for him.

“Alright, let Lanti go, Izay. She just happened to pass by.”

Finally, Artemis stepped in, unable to watch any longer.

“Just passing by?” Izay gave Lanti’s head one last rub, glancing curiously at Artemis.

“She has plans with friends to stroll through the festival, and the location is also nearby on Northwest Street. It’s purely coincidental.” Artemis explained.

Even she wouldn’t bring a Magic Stone lampshade along during a date.

Lanti just happened to tag along by chance.

“Fine, I thought you wanted to stick around us. For a moment, I considered knocking you out and dragging you back.”

“Are you a devil!?” Lanti screamed as she was finally released, glaring at Izay like a piece of trash bullying children.

“This is called prevention!”