Embracing the Motherly Role

The goddess's coarse wails continued to echo throughout the room, gradually subsiding into silence. The lingering sound served as a reminder of the earlier commotion caused by Ais and Althea's retaliatory kicks.

A while later, Loki, who had been writhing on the floor, managed to regain her composure and stood up as if she had been faking her pain all along. Her demeanor had shifted dramatically, her usual playfulness replaced by a dead serious expression.

Turning to Riveria, Loki posed a question that carried a weight of genuine curiosity. "Riveria, now that they're far away enough, what are your thoughts on those two?"

Meeting Loki's gaze with a thoughtful look, Riveria shared her impressions of the two sisters. "For the most part, it went as expected. Ais has an unwavering determination, showing little concern for her own safety. She is consumed by her goal, willing to do whatever it takes to gain power."

Loki nodded, contemplating Riveria's words. "Indeed, Ais's actions can be incredibly dangerous at times. It's both admirable and painful to watch someone so young throw themselves so recklessly into battles."

Riveria's gaze sharpened as she continued, her focus shifting to the other sister. "Althea, on the other hand, is an enigma. Everything about her is peculiar. She possesses an uncanny ability to unleash multiple Arcane Bolts without showing any signs of fatigue or exhaustion."

Confused, Loki furrowed her brow. "What do you mean? Is her stamina limitless?"

Riveria shook her head. "It's difficult to say for certain, but it seems that way. Althea's magical prowess is exceptional, and her ability to spam her spells without any visible strain is certainly unusual."

Finn smiled sadly as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting between Riveria and Gareth. Then, as if just realizing something, he raised a question that had been nagging at him.

"Riveria, you did a good job getting Ais and Althea out of the dungeon," Finn remarked, his voice tinged with concern. "But I have to ask, was the little baby tooth the reason you decided to retreat?"

Riveria shook her head, her jade hair shimmering in the light, and spoke with a calm tone. "No, it wasn't just the tooth. Before Ais had a chance to collapse, her weapon gave out. That's when I realized we needed to prioritize their safety."

Gareth, who had been listening intently, couldn't hide his surprise. "Wait, the guild's stock weapons shouldn't be falling apart after just half a day with a greenhorn..."

Riveria drew the short sword at her waist, the very same blade that Althea had taken from Ais earlier, and handed it to Gareth. As he slid the weapon out of its scabbard, the dwarf's eyes widened at the significant chunks missing from the blade.

"By the gods..." Gareth muttered, astonishment evident in his voice. "This...this level of damage shouldn't be possible for a level one adventurer. It's as if she's literally blowing monsters to pieces with a single strike."

Loki raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Do you think it was her teamwork with Althea or was it that skill?"

Riveria met Loki's gaze and replied with a hint of certainty, "Perhaps...anything else would be unthinkable."

Riveria's mind wandered back to the events in the dungeon, recalling the monsters Ais and Althea had defeated, the summoning of additional enemies, and the dangerous predicament they had faced.

Ais's lack of concern for her wounds and Althea's reckless yet effective spellcasting added to the growing list of concerns. As they exchanged glances, the group couldn't help but sigh with a tinge of anxiety, realizing the magnitude of what they were dealing with.

-------------------------------------------------

Loki, ever the astute one, decided to speak up. "Guess we can't be telling her about the skill..."

Gareth nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting to the broken blade in his hands. "If we were to provide Ais with a more powerful weapon, it would only put her in even greater danger. She's not ready for that yet."

After hearing Gareth's words, Riveria took a moment to gather her thoughts, realizing the truth in his statement. She spoke with conviction, her voice filled with determination.

"You're right, Gareth," Riveria began, her gaze shifting from one companion to another. "First and foremost, we need to find a way to control Ais's extraordinary skill. If we can't instill a disciplined mind capable of controlling her emotions, all our efforts will be in vain. What Ais truly needs is not just physical training but also mental training."

"Secondly, we must determine the full capacity of Althea's mana. I'm not sure how much she can utilize her skill, but it would be safer for all of us if we understand her limits."

Upon hearing Riveria's plan, Finn, Gareth, and Loki all nodded in agreement, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the importance of guiding Ais and Althea.

Finn's voice resonated with determination as he chimed in, his words carrying a firm yet thoughtful tone. "Riveria is absolutely correct. We must teach Ais the mindset of a seasoned adventurer, guiding her to take calculated risks and make wise decisions. And at the same time, we must acknowledge Althea's limitations. It falls upon us to serve as their guides on this journey."

Riveria furrowed her brow in confusion and asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

"But who will be the one to teach them?"

A heavy silence filled the room as all eyes turned to Riveria, their expectant gaze focused on her. Flustered by the attention, the usually composed elf mage looked up, her cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

"Wait, are you all suggesting...me?" Riveria stammered, caught off guard by the idea.

Loki, with her usual mischievous grin, offered her reasoning. "Well, Finn, as the captain, can't possibly dedicate his full attention to two individuals. And I have my own responsibilities with the Evil to handle. But I promise, I'll make time to check on their progress."

Riveria argued, feeling the weight of her role as the vice-captain. "But my duty is to support Finn as the vice-captain. Gareth, it would be more appropriate for you to handle their training."

Gareth, however, shook his head, feigning helplessness. "I've got a slew of annoying missions on my plate, and to be honest, I wouldn't know the first thing about handling children. It would probably be easier for Ais and Althea to have a woman watching over them."

Riveria's frustration grew, and she retorted sharply, "That's a convenient excuse, Gareth."

Loki couldn't help but laugh mischievously as she replied to Riveria's hesitation, recalling the events in the dungeon. "Oh, come on, Riveria! You were the one who volunteered to watch over Ais and Althea earlier. It's like they bring out your motherly instinct."

Embarrassed by Loki's comment, Riveria swiftly defended herself. "Please don't make assumptions, Loki. I was merely concerned for their well-being."

Loki's mischievous grin widened as she continues teasing Riveria. "Oh, but this is a perfect opportunity for you, Mama Riveria!"

Blushing heavily, Riveria crossed her arms and argued, "I'm unmarried, Loki, and you know it."

Loki cheekily replied, "Ah, but high elves are skilled at hiding their true age, aren't they? Besides, it wouldn't hurt for you to give it a try before you think you're too old to get married."

Riveria huffed in response, her frustration evident. "Hmph!"

Just as the tension between the two was building, a sharp swing of Riveria's staff interrupted their banter. With a resounding crack, the staff landed on Loki's shins, provoking another yelp of pain.

"Iggyaaa?!" Loki exclaimed, clutching her injured legs as she rolled on the floor in agony.

Blushing with a mixture of fury and embarrassment, Riveria towered over the flailing goddess, her eyes filled with a fiery glare.

Finn and Gareth, caught in the middle of the comical scene, couldn't help but awkwardly laugh at the amusing exchange between the two strong-willed women.

Amidst the laughter, Finn chimed in, his voice more serious this time. "Jokes aside, Riveria, I actually think you're the right person for the job."

Riveria's blush persisted as she shyly responded, "Finn, you're expecting too much from me. I can't take care of both Ais and Althea, especially considering our different races."

"Then let's put it this way, Riveria," Finn announced, a playful glint in his eyes. "Consider it the captain's order."

He continued persuading her, reminding her that Ais and Althea were now members of their familia, and it was their responsibility as adults to welcome them with the affection of a real family.

Riveria found herself speechless for a moment, contemplating the weight of Finn's words. It was then that he reassured her, "Don't worry, Riveria. We'll all help you out. I have no intention of foisting it all on you."

Feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension, Riveria meekly uttered, "That's what being friends is about, right?"

Finn responded with a gentle smile, and Gareth grinned heartily, affirming Riveria's sentiment. Finally, a teary-eyed Loki stood up, massaging her legs and chimed in.

"You know, Riveria, I think it's important for you personally. From now on, there will be more little ones joining our familia, and they need to experience a mama's touch."

Riveria's expression remained severe, but deep down, she couldn't deny the truth in Loki's words. Resigned to her fate, she blushed, looked away, and offered one final protest.

"Who are you calling mama!?"