Chapter 397: Mama-san Realizes the Gravity of the Situation! (Please Subscribe!)
The intentions of Hestia’s search and rescue team were self-evident. They probably came immediately because they noticed combat traces left in the Hall of Sighs.
Izay’s earth magic can directly alter terrain, with effects lasting for a long time. Even if he leaves, his rock constructs can remain intact for an hour or two before dissipating.
Moreover, Ryu and Asfi have witnessed his skills, so it wasn’t hard for them to track him down here.
Understanding their purpose, Izay briefly explained to the on-duty members, allowing the group of seven to enter Loki Familia’s camp.
Poor Beier had just lain down and hadn’t even warmed up her blanket when she was summoned again.
With a look of shock, she felt at a loss amidst the goddess’ concern and the apology from her future companion, Yamato Mei.
At this moment, Izay didn’t stick around to meddle; instead, he left the tent with Anqi and others.
Let that group handle reunions and apologies themselves. Since guests visited Loki Familia’s camp at night, Finn still needed to know.
Hermes was chosen as the negotiator from the exploration team since the squad was formed by both Hestia and him, naturally making the negotiation fall on his shoulders.
“Allow me to confirm, Deity Hermes, you all have come to the eighteenth floor to rescue Bell Cranel and two others… correct?”
“Yes, that’s right, Hero. You could say it’s a commission from Hestia with proper documentation.”
In the leader’s tent, Hermes took out the Adventurers’ Quest commission from his pocket and handed it over for Finn and Gress to review.
As Izay expected, years of dealing with affairs have turned Finn into a nocturnal creature. Even during rest periods, he stays awake late into the night.
When they arrived, the Halfling Tribe Leader seemed to be secretly enjoying sake with Gress.
The old dwarf grumbled about the alcohol not being strong enough, only to be pacified by Finn with the excuse, “Just endure a little longer, we’ll be free once we return to the surface.”
Now, they were negotiating with Hermes. Facing the deity’s violation of Guild rules by entering the Dungeon, both leaders genuinely sighed.
Deity Asfi stood behind Hermes, trying her best to blend into the background, not wanting to interject in such moments, while Anqi accompanied her.
Midway through, Riviria returned to camp, catching up on the situation and joining them. However, since she wasn’t present earlier, she didn’t speak up immediately. Izey then explained the situation to her.
Both of them avoided mentioning their prior encounter, exchanging glances that, despite their efforts to appear normal, even Ryu, who was usually shy around Riviria, noticed something amiss.
(Is Izay and Lady Riviria too close?)
The elven girl detected a strange sense of déjà vu in her beloved royal figure.
(That’s weird…)
The simple elf couldn’t yet connect the dots but decided to bury this strange feeling for now.
On the other side, Hermes attempted to inquire about Finn’s expedition results during negotiations, revealing that he and Loki had already formed an “alliance,” which happened just a few days ago.
Finn naturally wouldn’t trust this easily, smiling gently as he continued to play mind games with the deity.
…
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea passed, and the group finally exited Finn’s tent after concluding negotiations.
“Damn, I admire your patience, Hermes. For just a few words, you dragged it out until now. Can’t you be less scheming?” Izay complained, rubbing his forehead.
“I agree, Master Hermes, it’d be great if you could let me worry less,” Asfi chimed in first.
“Ahaha~ You’re making me blush with compliments, these are just standard procedures~”
“We’re not complimenting you!” x2
Izay and Asfi’s synchronized tones froze Hermes’ smile, leaving him awkwardly scratching his head.
“Um… If there’s nothing else, may I leave first?”
At this point, Ryu timidly spoke up.
Anqi looked at her curiously, “Eh? Aren’t you planning to stay overnight here? You can share my tent if you want?”
“No, thank you. I have some personal matters…”
Truthfully, Ryu only came to see Izay. She had no intention of staying overnight.
Having already seen him, it would be better not to linger. After all, many experienced adventurers have mixed feelings about someone with the title of [Gale].
Her past actions, when viewed without context, were considered extreme.
“Hmm… I’ll follow her. Don’t worry about me, teachers. If I don’t return tomorrow, just ignore me and go back directly~”
Ryu’s sudden departure made Izay raise an eyebrow.
He vaguely remembered that Ryu coming to the eighteenth floor would meet remnants of the Dark Faction.
Although many details changed due to his presence, making the outcome uncertain, he still felt uneasy about this point. After pondering briefly, Izay decided to follow her.
Once again, he left the campsite that night.
“You’ve decided not to sleep at all!? Izay!”
Anqi raised her hand to call out, but by the time her words fell, their figures were already gone.
The cat-eared girl angrily flicked her thin tail and stomped her feet.
“Young people these days are so energetic~”
A delighted deity expressed his thoughts and left with his followers.
“Her name is Ryu, huh… Now I remember why she seemed familiar… Astra Familia…”
Riviria softly murmured as she watched the two depart.
She roughly guessed what might be happening.
Who would’ve thought that a fellow she admired would end up working at a tavern she frequents?
Izay often interacting with her must mean he knows some inside information, right?
She wondered why they seemed so close, indicating they had shared heartfelt conversations…
Wait, hold on!
Something’s off!
(Izay getting along well with other girls, why should I care?)
(He already has Ais and Haruhi, and he’s still fooling around outside!?)
Riviria suddenly paused.
She realized she had stumbled upon the crux of the matter!
