Chapter Forty-One

(Wheat Manor)

As Muichiro continued his training routine, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught his attention.

Sensing a gaze upon him, he halted his movements and scanned the surroundings.

His eyes settled on Demeter, his own goddess, who was a familiar presence during his training sessions. However, today there was another figure beside her – Loki.

Curiosity piqued, Muichiro approached the two goddesses. With a respectful nod, he greeted Loki and inquired about her well-being. Loki's response was polite but reserved, confirming that she was doing fine.

"Hello, Muichiro. I trust you've been well," Loki replied with a slight smile.

Muichiro nodded. "Yes, thank you. I've been keeping up with my training and duties."

Suddenly, like he had just remembered something, Muichiro looked around before digging into his own pockets.' I think I left it in one of my... there it is.'

The sudden change in Muichiro's demeanor was intriguing, as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a small item.

Both Demeter and Loki were taken aback by this unexpected action.

However, their reactions diverged as they saw what was written on the item.

/////////////////////////////////////

This Contract of Consequences ("the Contract") is hereby entered into on this day, the **th of *****, in the year ****, between the deity of Mischief, Loki, hereinafter referred to as the "Mischief Maker," and the honourable Muichiro Tokito, hereinafter referred to as the "Savior of Sobriety."

Clause 1: Tab and Taboo - The Mischief Maker acknowledges that the Savior of Sobriety, in an act of astonishing valour and unwavering magnanimity, did engage in the clearing of an illustrious alcohol tab held by the Mischief Maker. This tab, in a grand total of unquantifiable fun, amounted to a substantial sum, often best described as "too much to count."

Clause 2: The Terms of Payment - In consideration of this act of liberation from financial inebriation, the Mischief Maker hereby solemnly agrees to reimburse the Savior of Sobriety for the full amount of the alcohol tab, along with an additional sum that shall be determined by the number of days since the tab's liberation. Said sum shall henceforth be referred to as the "Interest of Imbibing Indebtedness."

Clause 3: Interest of Imbibing Indebtedness Calculation - The Interest of Imbibing Indebtedness shall be calculated on a daily basis, equivalent to the cost of one delightful drink from the ******** menu per day. This delightful drink shall be of the same quality and calibre as those once graciously provided by the establishment from which the tab was signed.

Clause 4: Duration of Debts and Deeds - The Mischief Maker's financial obligation shall continue until the full amount of the alcohol tab, including the accumulated Interest of Imbibing Indebtedness, has been repaid. Should the Mischief Maker fail to honour this obligation, the Savior of Sobriety reserves the right to initiate further acts for the debt to be paid off.

Clause 5: Witnessed Whimsy - Both parties do hereby declare that this Contract is entered. Any mention of legal proceedings or seriousness shall be met with hearty laughter and the discreet raising of an eyebrow.

In witness thereof, the Mischief Maker and the Savior of Sobriety affix their signatures, written in the ink of jest and mirth, upon this whimsical Contract, making it effective as of the date first above mentioned.

Signature of Mischief Maker (Loki): _______Loki_____________ Signature of Savior of Sobriety (Muichiro Tokito): _______Tokito_____________

/////////////////////////////////////

Demeter's surprise quickly transformed into unrestrained laughter, her amusement evident as she struggled to contain her mirth.

"Pffft Hahahaha..." Demeter couldn't help it, it was just too unexpected.

Loki, on the other hand, read the contents of the item and her expression shifted to one of incredulity.

Her gaze flickered between Muichiro and the paper in his hand. "What is this?"

The item Muichiro held was none other than a contract – a written agreement outlining the terms of a debt repayment.

"When you were drunk I paid for your tab, you were insistent you pay, but you had no money on you, so I paid and had you sign a contract, Each day you missed your debt increased, it's at one million valis at the moment."

"..."

Demeter's joy stemmed from the humorous content of the contract, while Loki's astonishment was rooted in the realization that this document held a binding promise she had made.

As Demeter struggled to suppress her laughter, Loki's frustration was palpable. Memories of Muichiro's considerate actions – walking her home and paying her tab – resurfaced in her mind.

She had signed this contract as a gesture of repayment, agreeing that if she failed to settle the debt, additional valis would be added each day.

Though taken aback, Loki couldn't help but acknowledge the technical validity of the situation.

'What the hell was I thinking when I signed this, no I wasn't thinking, I was drunk. But still...this kid is craftier than I gave him credit for. He looks like he's daydreaming half the time, but...'

Muichiro's respectful bow indicated his intention to leave, and before Loki could react, he had already departed, leaving her to process the bizarre turn of events.

'Damn brat, he really isn't afraid is he, Most sane people wouldn't even dare to pull this type of stunt, especially to a goddess such as me.'...It was frustrating but she couldn't help the smile that was creeping up onto her face.

As time passed, Loki's initial frustration simmered.

However, the memory of the debt contracted between them lingered, promising future comedic situations and potentially awkward encounters.

While Loki initially vowed to pay back the debt at the earliest opportunity, her resolve waned over time.

"Well then I best be hopping off, thanks for the food Dede~" Loki said, as she was escorted by the two guards.

"Have a good feast Loki, oh and congratulations, it is always a happy occasion when all of your children come back safely," Demeter said joyfully, and Loki nodded.

...

Later that evening, as the effects of revelry took hold, Loki found herself lying in bed, inebriated and carefree.

Amidst her muddled thoughts, the memory of the contract slipped her mind, leaving a void where the promise of repayment had been.

It was a lapse she would come to regret in the future.

....

Meanwhile, downstairs in the manor, Riveria Ljos Alf, a high elf and the top executive vice-captain of the Loki Familia was engrossed in reviewing the logbooks detailing the events that transpired during their expedition.

Her dedication to her role as a vice leader was evident as she meticulously examined the entries.

Her focus fell on a notable incident – Loki's triggering of two red alerts during their absence.

Knowing Loki's penchant for stirring trouble, Riveria couldn't help but feel a mix of exasperation and anger.

She made a mental note to address this matter with Loki the following morning, ensuring that the goddess was aware of the impact of her actions.

Meanwhile, Loki who was sleeping soundly was blissfully unaware of the tongue-lashing she would be receiving from Mama Reveria the next morning.

....

As the night draped the surroundings in its gentle embrace, Muichiro found himself seated beneath the sprawling branches of an orange tree.

The moon hung in the sky, its soft glow casting a serene ambience over the manor grounds.

Muichiro's gaze was fixed upon the half-moon, its luminescence stirring a sense of yearning within him.

While he couldn't physically see Moon at this moment, he knew she was always watching over him.

A sudden surge of inspiration coursed through him, prompting Muichiro to retrieve a Chinese wooden flute from his haori.

The polished wood felt cool against his fingertips as he held it delicately. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, inhaling deeply to centre himself before he started to play.

The melody that flowed from the flute was nothing short of enchanting. It rang out with clarity, each note intertwined with the essence of the night.

The soft trills and hauntingly beautiful tune echoed through the air, capturing the attention of those within the manor.

Familia members who were either heading to their chambers, resting, or engrossed in their final tasks for the day couldn't help but be drawn to the melodic strains of music.

As the melody continued, a sense of tranquillity settled over the manor.

Some familia members closed their eyes, allowing the music to wash over them, immersing them in its soothing embrace.

Others found the melodic tones to be the perfect lullaby, gently coaxing them into a peaceful slumber.

Even Demeter, who had been attending to her own activities in her room, couldn't resist the allure of the music.

She abandoned her task of combing her hair and moved to sit by the window, her gaze fixed on Muichiro beneath the orange tree.

Her expression softened with a mix of affection and admiration as she watched him play.

The melody resonated deeply within her, she was surprised that not only could he dance but play too.

It just showed her that there was so much more she could learn about this new child of hers.

As the last note of the melody faded into the night, the stillness returned, wrapping the surroundings in a tranquil hush.

The only sounds that lingered were the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and the soft murmur of the night itself.

.....

Under the silvery embrace of the moonlight, Muichiro found himself walking to Demeter's room.

With a familiar ease, he navigated his way through the manor until he reached her window.

Climbing through the open window, he was greeted by the sight of Demeter, who was already waiting for him.

Her eyes met his as he entered, and a warm smile graced her lips.