Chapter 95

Riveria smiled at her goddess Loki's remark and concern about Ais. Loki soon regained her senses and closed her eyes after seeing Bahamut's annoying expression.

"We're leaving," Loki exclaimed hastily, getting up. She didn't want to sit there and listen to whatever Bahamut would say.

"Ara, ara, leaving so soon?" Bahamut asked.

"Ugh, Riveria," Loki grunted, calling for Riveria to follow and covering her ears with her hands.

"Tsk, how childish," Bahamut muttered, eerily smiling. Loki couldn't hear her and exited the meeting room quickly along with Riveria. Soon, they were out of the Hephaestus familia.

"Sigh, finally she is gone," Bahamut exclaimed, looking exhausted.

"Yeah, so do you plan to tell me about what you talked about with the child of Tiamat?" Hephaestus, who hadn't spoken through the meeting, said. She was curious too.

"Sorry, Hephi, I'm bound by oath, so I can't reveal much until the time is right," Bahamut apologetically replied.

"Okay," Hephaestus replied. She would wait until Bahamut was ready to talk.

"Let's return to my office and wait for Draco," Hephaestus added.

"No, let's stay here for a while longer. Tsubaki is also in your office, waiting for Draco, right? Let's give the kids some time alone," Bahamut replied.

"Plus, we might see some interesting reactions," Bahamut muttered, but Hephaestus heard it.

"You," Hephaestus tried to say something but stopped. She knew how this petite goddess's mind worked.

"Fine," Hephaestus said in resignation as they began talking about various things to kill time.

......…

Back at the Hostesses of Fertility, I had entered inside, looking towards my left at the end of it.

That was where the Loki familia was seated. I turned my gaze away from them, trying to hide my most draconic feature—my tail.

'Just go in, get some food and drinks, and get out,' I thought to myself.

"Mia, I brought Draco. He needs some takeouts for his goddess," Syr called out to Mia while walking towards the back to put on her waitress uniform.

'Uh-oh, was this a setup? Did she have to say my name out loud?' I yelled in my mind.

"Draco, is that you?" I heard a voice call from the area where the Loki familia was dining.

I could easily tell it was Gareth. Ignoring wasn't really an option as most in the restaurant had turned to my direction.

Before I could respond, Mia came out and spoke, "Oh, the dragon runt. You haven't been here for a long while." Mia's words caught me off guard, and I wasn't sure how to reply on the spot, but I needed to say something.

"Yeah, I wasn't in the city for a while," I replied. It wasn't a lie; I just didn't specify where I was, right?

"I see. You wanted takeouts, right? I can do that, but that will cost you a lot extra. Plus, I expect you to spend a lot of money today since you have returned," Mia proclaimed.

It irked me to think of spending so much money on a meal that I could cook myself.

Going to the market to buy ingredients for a meal would have been cheaper and saved me all this stress I was facing today.

"Sure," I responded, not having a choice before putting in a large order of food.

As Mia prepared my takeouts, I couldn't help but feel a sense of annoyance and amusement at the situation.

This was going to be an expensive meal, and all I wanted was to grab some food and drinks and get out.

But with the Loki familia's presence and Gareth's unexpected encounter, it seemed like my plans were taking a detour.

I sighed inwardly, hoping that this would all be over soon and I could retreat back to the comfort of my own space.

"Draco," Gareth called out once again. I couldn't put it off anymore. "Gareth, it's been a while," I said as I walked towards the Loki familia dining area.

Spotting Ais in a corner, I decided to avoid her area. While Mia could potentially stop any conflict between Ais and me, rumors might still spread about my familia being at odds with the Loki familia.

Besides, Ais could very well ambush me outside the hostess of fertility, among other possibilities. All these thoughts were starting to give me a headache. Was I just overthinking things?

"It has been a while, my friend. Come drink with us," Gareth boisterously invited me to join them. "Sorry, Gareth, I'm running an errand for my goddess. Can't stay long," I replied, trying to make my exit quickly.

"Just one jug would do. Ra ha haha," Gareth insisted, bursting into laughter.

"Sigh, fine," I replied as I picked up a jug and drank it all in one gulp. I didn't particularly enjoy drinking alcohol as it felt no different from drinking water. My resistance nullified its effects instantly.

"Hoho, you drink like a dwarf," Gareth exclaimed, chugging down a jug of mead himself.

"What's with the cloak, anyway?" Gareth asked, curious about my new attire.

"I have recently become a bit famous, hence the cloak," I replied.

"Ais, it's been a while," I said, acknowledging her presence. It would be strange if I didn't, considering we went on a mission together during the Evilus event.

"Hmm," Ais blandly replied.

"Your food is ready," Anya called from behind, pulling my cloak. I reflexively patted her head before replying.

"Yeah, I'll be there soon," I said.

"Hmm, stop touching Anya's head. Anya is a big girl nya!!" Anya exclaimed. I hoped I didn't get into trouble for patting her head.

"Sure, here's a tip for Anya," I responded, giving her some aime Valis. A wild thought crossed my mind, 'Uh oh, will this be seen as a pedo move?'

"Will see you later, Gareth, Ais. I need to go," I said, eager to leave before anything else happened.

"Sure, come have a real drink with me when you're free," Gareth replied.

"Sure, I hope you're buying," I quipped back before turning to leave. Soon enough, I picked up my order and left the hostess of fertility.

I walked fast and soon disappeared into the crowd of the bustling street. I was glad that nothing happened.

......

Meanwhile, back at the hostess of fertility, Syr came out only to find that Draco had left. "Anya, where is Draco?" Syr asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Oh, his food was ready, so he took it and left. Oh, he gave Anya a tip nya," Anya replied, proudly showing Syr the tip she received.

"Syr, are you okay?" Anya asked, noticing a change in Syr's demeanor.

"Don't worry. If you become a good waitress like Anya, you'll get a tip too," Anya reassured her.

"Pfff," Syr sighed, hearing Mia scoff from behind. Syr eventually gave up on her plans for the evening.

........

On the Loki familia side, after Draco's departure. Gareth recounted to his familia members about Draco and the details of their dungeon fight.

Initially, everything seemed to be progressing smoothly as Gareth relayed his account.

However, the situation took a turn when Gareth delved into Draco's appearance and touched upon his connection to the silver dragon that had made an appearance in the city just over a month ago.

Ais, who had been attentively listening, suddenly sprang into action.

Without wasting a moment, she hurriedly rushed outside in search of Draco, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

However, to her dismay, Draco was nowhere to be found, having vanished into the bustling crowd.