Chapter Twenty-Eight

Several days had passed since Muichiro's interactions with Demeter and his new familia.

Amid his training sessions and the occasional game of Go Fish with Demeter, he found himself pondering about the young cat girl he had saved all those days ago.

May, the cook at the Hostess of Fertility, had left an impression on him, despite his lack of overt emotions. He decided it was time to pay her a visit and catch up.

Wearing his usual attire, Muichiro made his way to the Hostess of Fertility, his steps steady and purposeful.

The familiar atmosphere of the tavern greeted him as he entered, the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations filling the air.

May's bright smile was absent from his immediate sight, but he knew she was around somewhere.

He scanned the area until his eyes settled on the bar counter, where May was bustling about, attending to customers and taking orders with her usual energy. Muichiro approached the counter, waiting for a moment when she had a brief break.

Finally, their gazes met, and May's eyes widened in recognition. "Oh! Muichiro-Kun You finally decided to visit again!" she exclaimed, a mix of surprise and delight evident in her voice.

Muichiro nodded, his lips curving into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Yes, it's me."

May's face lit up as she wiped her hands on her apron and approached the counter where he stood. "I've been wondering when I'd see you again. You disappeared so suddenly that day."

He dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I've been occupied with joining a new familia."

May's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Really? That's exciting! Which familia did you join?"

"The Demeter Familia," he replied, his tone steady.

May's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Demeter Familia? That's... unexpected. But hey, as long as you're happy."

A brief moment of silence passed between them, during which May leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering. "I wanted to thank you again for helping me that day. You really saved me from a tough situation."

Muichiro's gaze remained steady, but a sense of acknowledgement lingered in his eyes. "It was the right thing to do."

May smiled warmly. "You're a good person, you know? Not many would've intervened like that."

He nodded, his gaze shifting towards the patrons of the tavern. May's smile widened. "I'm glad I met you that day. By the way, are you here for some food?"

Muichiro paused, considering the question. "Yes, that would be appreciated."

She clapped her hands together. "Great! I'll whip up something special for you."

As May went about preparing his meal, Muichiro observed the bustling tavern around him.

The conversations, the clinking of glasses, the camaraderie—it was a stark contrast to his own muted emotions. Yet, in the midst of it all, he found a sense of belonging, even if he didn't or couldn't express it outwardly.

When May placed the plate of food in front of him, he offered a nod of gratitude. "Thank you."

She winked playfully. "Dig in! Let me know how it tastes."

Muichiro took a bite of the food, his expression unchanging, but his senses keenly aware of the flavours that danced on his palate. May watched him with anticipation, waiting for his reaction.

After a moment, he nodded, acknowledging the quality of the dish. "It's good."

May's smile was infectious. "I'm glad you like it! If you ever need a place to relax or some delicious food, you know where to find us."

He finished his meal in silence, savouring each bite, even if his lack of reactions might suggest otherwise.

As he pushed the empty plate aside, May leaned against the counter, studying him thoughtfully.

"You're a mystery, you know that?" she said, a playful glint in her eyes.

Muichiro offered a faint, almost wistful smile. "Perhaps."

"Well, feel free to drop by anytime. You're always welcome here," May said, her voice warm and genuine.

Muichiro stood, nodding appreciatively. "Thank you, May."

With that, he left the Hostess of Fertility, his steps measured and purposeful as always.

While his interactions with others might be marked by his lack of emotional display, the connections he formed and the moments he shared were far from ordinary.

As Muichiro's footsteps carried him through the streets of Orario, the setting sun casting a warm glow, he couldn't help but let his thoughts wander.

The encounter with May had been pleasant, a reminder of the connections he was beginning to forge in this city.

He knew that Moon was watching over him and wondered if she was happy with his progress.

Lost in his contemplation, he didn't notice that the once bustling streets had now grown quiet and empty as night fell.

It was the oddity in the silence that prompted Muichiro to pause and glance around, his senses alert.

His keen intuition often guided him, and this time was no different. As his eyes swept the surroundings, a figure caught his attention.

The distinct aura that emanated from them marked them as a god, and a very inebriated one at that.

The goddess stumbled and muttered to herself, her words carrying hints of nostalgia and longing.

"Aisu-Chwaaaan...ahhhh, I mwisss Aisu..."

It was clear that she was drunk, her movements unsteady and her complaints almost comical. Muichiro watched from a distance, intrigued by this unexpected sight.

As the goddess swayed and wobbled, her gaze landed on Muichiro.

She pointed at him, as if attempting to make a declaration, but before she could utter a single word, her balance betrayed her.

With a clumsy tumble, she fell forward, collapsing onto the ground in an undignified heap.

"..."

Muichiro's reaction was swift. He closed the distance between them in a few strides, his instincts kicking in to ensure her safety.

He knelt beside the fallen goddess, assessing her condition. Her rouge red hair framed her face, her features softened by the intoxication that held her in its grasp.

With a calm and measured demeanour, Muichiro checked her pulse and breathing.

She was alive, but clearly in a deep slumber. He glanced around, contemplating his next move. The streets were deserted, and he couldn't just leave her here.

Taking a deep breath, he gently scooped her up in his arms, she was surprisingly light.

He adjusted his grip, making sure she was secure, and began to walk in the direction of Demeter's familial manor. It was the closest place he knew where she could rest safely.

The journey was uneventful, Muichiro's steps steady as he navigated the streets with his new burden.

He couldn't help but observe the goddess's appearance even in her unconscious state.

Her attire was casual and somewhat unconventional for a deity, with short jeans and an exposed midriff.

Her red hair was tied back in a simple ponytail, and the glimpse of her slit eyes beneath her closed lids piqued his curiosity.

Finally arriving at the manor, Muichiro was met with the guards who recognized him and allowed him passage.

Though if Muichiro had paid closer attention he would have noticed the shocked reactions of the guards.

"W-was that..."

"I-I think it was..."

He carried the sleeping goddess inside and tried to find a comfortable place for her to rest. But since he was sleeping in Demeter's room he unconsciously took her there.

Demeter was in bed resting peacefully. But Muichiro noticed that the goddess he was holding in a princess carry smelt like alcohol.

So he removed her clothes so Demeter wouldn't be exposed and bothered by the smell and then threw the goddess's clothes in the hamper.

And despite the heavy smell of alcohol on the goddess's breath, she herself smelt quite pleasant.

Muichiro then layed the goddess down on the bed, while he took a quick shower, brushed his teeth and took off his clothes, wearing only a pair of shorts before resting himself in between the two sleeping goddesses.

"Mhhh~Mu-mu..." Demeter mumbled as she felt Muichiro's presence and hugged his body like she usually did.

"Aisu-Chwaaaan~" The flat-chested goddess who had completely blacked out from drinking, called out some person's name.

She then shivered feeling a bit cold and subconsciously grabbed the closest source of warmth, which just so happened to be Muichiro.

As the two goddesses snuggled up to him, Muichiro just layed there staring at the sealing.

"Good night...Moon." Muichiro whispered before closing his eyes.

He was completely oblivious to the absolute Mayhem that was about to ensue tomorrow morning, because of his thoughtless actions.

.....

(Loki Pictures)