The Loki Familia(2)

--- Finn's POV ---

Even after hundreds of years, this day would remain etched in my memory. Here I stood, a Commander of one of the most formidable Familias in Orario, bearing the weight of a noble mission to restore my race's reputation. Yet, deep down, I couldn't help but see the irony in it all.

What kind of proud Commander was I?

What noble mission truly lay before me?

And was I really the strong spear I claimed to be?

It felt like I was nothing more than a slightly grown-up child, tirelessly trying to untangle the problems of the "adults" around me.

The meeting with the Goddess held various expectations for me. As we all performed the customary bow, I couldn't help but notice Ren's half-hearted display of respect, a courtesy reserved only for equals among nobles.

It was clear that his actions were driven solely by a desire to please Ais Wallenstein. As for the Goddess's opinion... well, it mattered little to him.

I could sense his thoughts, the subtle cues that betrayed his true intentions. Would we ever become friends in the future? It was a difficult image to conjure in my mind.

Loki, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the lack of formalities. She had little regard for etiquette, her curiosity was piqued instead. The ways of nobility were not foreign to her, after all.

Then came the most daunting question, uttered directly by the Goddess herself:

"Who is this man, Finn?"

Goddess, I beseech you, to spare me from this predicament, please...

I glanced at the other executives, still present and perplexed by the situation. Revealing that Ren was a traveler from another world seemed too reckless. Why didn't he conceal it better? Now I am left grappling with the consequences.

My troubled expression seemed to confound everyone except Riveria and Ais, while Ren himself had the audacity to smirk at my predicament. What are you smirking about? I'm struggling here for your sake!

Perceiving my hesitation, Loki directed her gaze towards the bewildered executives and suggested they return later, indicating her desire to discuss matters privately with those of us who were "in the know."

My gratitude towards Loki knew no bounds. I would forever remember her as a benevolent saintess.

As my thoughts wandered into strange territories, I coughed lightly to clear my throat, forcing myself to adopt a serious demeanor. I couldn't afford any further embarrassment.

"He is someone from another world, Loki" I finally answered, observing her visibly puzzled expression as she scrutinized Ren with newfound intrigue.

"Another world? Well, that's certainly unexpected!" she exclaimed, her curiosity piqued to new heights.

Since I couldn't possibly possess more knowledge about this man than he himself did, I left it to him to provide further answers, hoping he wouldn't inadvertently provoke the Goddess.

"Yes, I come from a world closely connected to this one. I have encountered members of your Familia, and I wish to train alongside Ais Wallenstein. You see, she possesses a boundless potential that I believe only I can fully bring out. In other words, I want to be her mentor."

...His words held some truth, but as Riveria and I exchanged a knowing glance, our eyes communicated the same thought.

How shameless!

Wanting to train her? Sure, that may be one of his objectives, but is it truly his primary aim...? As if! He simply wants to spend time with her!

While our minds were in harmony, Loki absorbed the words of this stranger, seeking confirmation from me. What could I possibly divulge to her?

Goddess, in truth, this man is hopelessly infatuated with Ais, longing for her companionship above all else.

...

I found myself caught between a rock and a hard place. I could tell Loki the truth, but that would likely result in her expelling this man from the manor.

Although it might temporarily resolve the issue, it would ultimately backfire on us.

What had transpired just moments ago, obscured from our view...?

Due to my diminutive stature, I had no chance of witnessing the events unfold, obscured by the broad expanse of Ren's back.

Did they... kiss or something of the sort?

While I couldn't discern the exact nature of their interaction, Lefiya's flushed face provided enough evidence that something significant had transpired.

In that case, Ais would undoubtedly seek him out.

Furthermore, while we could prevent Ais from coming into contact with this man, we couldn't feasibly place her under house arrest or take such drastic measures, could we?

I could sense that Ais was likely contemplating the prospect of training under Ren to finally exact revenge on the One-Eyed Black Dragon. So, would she genuinely heed our warnings? After all, Ren had yet to harm us in any way, whereas we had treated him poorly from the start...

I was seething with frustration, my hands tied by the circumstances. We simply couldn't put a stop to this...

"...Yes, that's true." I reluctantly conceded. Despite the bitter tinge in my tone, I chose to comply. Allowing him to remain and train Ais meant that we could constantly observe him, determining if he was truly trustworthy or not.

At the very least, we had the power to make that choice, rather than having Ais forcibly snatched from our Familia, severing the bonds we held dear.

...The fact that this man likely anticipated our predicament terrified me. I longed for something beyond his expectations, anything that would afford me a modicum of control, rather than feeling like a mere puppet.

Alas, that possibility eluded us at present.

The Goddess regarded me with an odd gaze, undoubtedly perturbed by my bittersweet tone. I empathized with her, for my words were a mixture of coercion and truth.

"...I see. Well, if you wish to mentor Ais, it implies that you are stronger than her... is that correct? And coming from another world... can you provide proof? Furthermore, how did you accomplish it?"

The first question was straightforward. To serve as a mentor, one must surpass their student in strength.

We all averted our gazes.

This man is not merely "stronger"... He is a demon. A demon whom both Riveria and I have no desire to ever face again.

---

Author's Note:

A bittersweet situation. Do you think Finn, Loki, or anyone, could do anything to change this outcome?