Chapter 400

Chapter 405: This Round Goes to Izay! (Please Subscribe!)

When having fun, time always slips away unnoticed; this truth applies universally across worlds.

Before they knew it, the sky had darkened into night. As the deeper hues of twilight began to envelop the heavens, an unusual excitement swept through every corner of the city.

The people of Orario were more excited than usual, enthusiastically discussing the adventurers.

This was due to the glorious achievements of the Loki Familia upon their return from their expedition—reaching new floors and setting records, with four executives advancing to Level 6 and one core member reaching Level 5. The news spread like wildfire throughout the streets of Orario.

Upon hearing snippets from Loki herself, the entertainment-loving gods didn’t wait for the Guild’s official announcement. They immediately released the information, sparking a frenzy of celebration across the Labyrinth City as bards sang odes to the brave adventurers while deities laughed maniacally in approval.

It was the first time in years since the dissolution of the Zeus and Hera Familias that the people of Orario had heard about anyone reaching Floor 59.

Meanwhile…

“So, to celebrate everyone’s hard work on the expedition—Cheers!!”

“OOOOH!!!”

The subjects of all this discussion were themselves reveling, led by their cheerful goddess, hosting a victory banquet at their favorite tavern.

Inside “The Bountiful Mistress,” several tables were pushed together, wooden cups raised high, clinking in joyous harmony.

As for why they were so merry…

Gress, responsible for logistics, watched as course after course of exquisite delicacies were served. Tiona and the other top adventurers indulged heartily, while he himself held a large barrel of the tavern owner’s finest liquor.

The old man belched, suddenly remembering something unpleasant.

“Uh-oh, Finn, I didn’t factor in the cost here into the Familia budget… We can’t cover this with Familia funds.”

“Hahaha… don’t worry about it. Let’s just enjoy the party. Worst case, we can pay with Loki’s personal stash.”

“Huh!? Finn, are you serious!? You can’t leave me hanging like this! There’s a freaking rich guy right there!”

“It seems you don’t deny having your own stash…”

“Traitor! You’re trying to trick me! You scheming human!”

“Everyone—tonight Loki pays! Eat and drink to your heart’s content!”

“Well, if you insist~!”

My private savings!

You guys stop it!!

Yameerooo!!!

Despite her inner screams of protest, the group continued their feast, ordering dish after dish until the catgirl servers were dizzy from running around.

Loki could already see her carefully saved-up treasure vanishing into thin air. She clutched her chest in pain, unable to breathe.

Then, giving up entirely, she joined in the revelry.

“Izay-sama, would you like anything to eat? I can get it for you…”

“No need, Haruhi. Don’t worry about me, make sure you eat and drink well yourself.”

“….Hmm.”

Izay gently rubbed Haruhi’s ears, making the girl blush and look down shyly.

Watching this scene from nearby, Ais, who was sipping juice quietly with mouse-like gestures, felt inexplicably left out.

She had been there first, so why did it seem like Haruhi and Izay were closer now?

What had she missed?

Confusion flickered in her golden eyes.

Unbeknownst to her, Izay turned his head and caught her gaze. Pondering for a moment, not knowing Ais’s thoughts, he decided he shouldn’t favor one over the other.

With that in mind, he gave Ais a pat on the head too.

Feeling Ais instinctively lean into his hand, Izay nodded satisfactorily.

Conquering both sides!

This round goes to Izay!

Seeing Izay’s double win, Loki, tipsy from drinking, turned green with envy.

She drunkenly criticized Izay’s actions before channeling her frustration into food, eating voraciously.

In the end, Loki paid for the entire banquet in a daze.

Her precious savings vanished overnight without a trace.

The next day dawned bright and clear, sunlight streaming through the curtains to illuminate the dim room.

Izay once again skipped his morning exercises, unwilling to get up early.

He had stayed up late chatting with Riviria last night, only returning to his room in the dead of night.

Speaking of last night…

After the celebration, Izay had considered sneaking Haruhi into his Magic Workshop for some quality alone time.

But the alone time he found wasn’t with the person he expected.

Just as Izay confirmed the workshop was empty and ready to use, Mama-san entered carrying her favorite snacks and tea.

Surprised to see Izay there, she thought no one would be visiting at this hour.

But upon seeing him, she didn’t make a fuss, settling comfortably onto the sofa to enjoy her treats.

She looked deep in thought, as if seeking solace in solitude, needing only a drink to complete the picture.

Riviria, who rarely showed such vulnerability, worried Izay enough to stay behind.

That’s when he learned the reason.

It was because they had all leveled up.

While Izay, Ais, and the younger generation reached Level 6, Riviria, who had been stuck at Level 7 for so long, hadn’t broken through. It was impossible not to feel anxious.

Riviria had been restless since hearing the news earlier in the day.

Finn and Gress felt the same way.

Though the celebratory mood alleviated their concerns somewhat, it couldn’t completely erase them.

Finn and Gress probably sought comfort in alcohol somewhere in Twilight Manor during the night.

And Riviria, who didn’t drink, sought peace alone, bringing snacks to Izay’s Magic Workshop, where Izay happened to find her.

They chatted from nine in the evening until three or four in the morning.

Thinking back now, Izay couldn’t even remember what they talked about.

He felt oddly aged.

Who would have thought he’d spend hours chatting with Riviria over snacks and tea?

Are these the hobbies of elderly people enjoying life?