Exposed

Kisuke went back to tending the three girls and a few minutes later, Yoruichi entered the tent, "How is it?" Kisuke asked after taking out some snacks and tea from his sub-space.

"After meeting the executives of the Loki Familia, Hermes solved the feud between Bell's party and the Takemikazuchi Familia. He didn't do anything after that and just returned to his tent. But you're right. He's strangely attached to Bell Cranel.", answered Yoruichi after taking a few sips of warm tea.

"Yeah, and thanks to them inviting me to their discussion earlier, I was able to piece together Bell's connection to Hermes. Although it's all speculation at this point."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Bell Cranel's grandfather apparently drew a picture book about the legend of Dungeon Oratorio with the Hero Albert having a child."

Yoruichi's eye slightly widened and said, "Hey, we already confirmed that existing records of that time are no more since the child's nature is sensitive."

"Yep. And there are only a few people who could have this record which even the other Gods don't know about."

Yoruichi thought for a moment and muttered, "The Zeus and Hera Familia of a thousand years ago or people connected to them..."

"Correct. So I assume that Bell's grandfather is someone connected to them and when he said that his grandfather already passed away, the chances that his grandfather is Zeus himself grew on me."

"I see... And after our initial investigation of Hermes, we figured out that he and his Familia's work can be compared to espionage with them having an obscure contact with the Guild."

"Right~. He could have worked under Zeus at some point considering the fact that he was the strongest Familia back then. I don't know what he wants from Bell, but it seems that Zeus is using Hermes to look after Bell."

"Then this Zeus guy is probably planning something... After all, it's strange that his and Hera's Familias were suddenly kicked out despite being heroes who cleared two of the great quests. At that point of time, history is also unclear, as if someone messed with the records." Yoruichi rubbed her chin in contemplation.

"If Zeus is planning something, then I could guess one possibility," Kisuke muttered.

"You don't have to say it. I can also see it... The possibility of Zeus planning to save Aria from the Black Dragon." Yoruichi added.

Kisuke smiled and said, "Then Zeus must have confirmed that it's possible to save her... Or maybe kill her so that she'll join Heaven's soul cycle and not the Dungeon's cycle."

Yoruichi looked towards Kisuke, "What are you going to do?"

"About what?"

"If there's a chance to save her, will you?"

Kisuke chuckled, "You know me. I don't really like saving people for other people's sake~."

Yoruichi smiled at his answer, "Right. You don't really like that. You won't move as long as there's no clear benefit for you. You're not a hero, after all." Yoruichi then stood up before continuing, "However, you're also a firm believer in teaching others how to catch fish for themselves when they are starving." She walked towards the exit, "I'm going to check the eastern side of the floor. If there are going to be any activities, it's going to be now."

"I see. Be careful out there~."

But before she went on her way, Yoruichi recalled something and turned back to Kisuke, "You probably know this, but Riveria just revealed that you could defeat Ais. What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing." Kisuke answered immediately, "It's not like she told them that I already defeated Wallenstein-san. She only told them that Wallenstein-san couldn't win. It didn't really breach our agreement. And giving her this much freedom should reduce some of the pressure on her. You know how hard it is to keep everything from your trusted subordinates. That will only erode their trust on you and I don't want that to happen to Riveria-san."

"Well, I already guessed as much. But you still have to remind her. We still don't know a lot of things in this world. We don't know where our potential enemy may come from."

"Understood. I'll talk to her and also tell her how much leeway she can get."

.

.

.

Yoruichi didn't discover anyone in her night search but she was able to get some tracks which led to a weird wall. She returned after estimating when the tracks were made and was planning to visit the spot again the next day.

In the morning, Hermes and the rescue group, along with Bell's party and Tiona, Tione, and Anakitty from the Loki Familia decided to take a stroll around Rivira since it would be a good experience for Bell and his party.

Yoruichi also decided to come with them so that she could watch Hermes' movements closer.

In the tent where Sona, Aika and Koneko were resting, Kisuke was wiping the girls with a clean wet towel. While doing so, he suddenly asked the person who was staring at him, "Aren't they going out for a walk? Why didn't you join them?"

"I'm not interested..." Ais answered with a blank face.

"And you're interested in this?" Kisuke asked again.

However, instead of answering Ais asked back, "...Is there anything I can do to help?"

Kisuke looked at her for a moment before sighing and pointing towards Sona, "Help me lift her up a bit."

Ais' eyes shone as she carefully followed Kisuke's instructions.

After they were done wiping everyone, Kisuke cleaned everything up and asked Ais to sit down.

Kisuke then closed the curtain of the tent, sealing the room from outside eyes.

Before talking to her, however, Kisuke manifested a magic circle and from it, he pulled out a table and a variety of sweets on it.

Ais's eyes widened in shock, but she already expected him to be able to do something like this and didn't say anything, only waiting for Kisuke to finish pouring tea in the cups.

Kisuke watched her reaction, he already got a guess about what she wanted to ask. Placing a cup of tea in front of her, Kisuke said, "Thank you for helping out. As thanks, you may eat these extremely rare delicacies~."

"...Thank you." Ais nodded and took one of the cookies. A single bite from it made her eyes shine, making her forget the earlier scene of the suddenly appearing table and she didn't stop munching on it until Kisuke's voice resounded, "Now then, isn't it about time for you tell me what you came here for?"

Ais was startled and stopped munching on the cookies in her hand.

Kisuke passed her a handkerchief with a grin.

Realizing what he implied, Ais blushed slightly from embarrassment before taking his offer and wiping her mouth with it, "...Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm happy that you liked it. But let's move on to the topic."

Ais nodded and put down the handkerchief before sitting straight up and asking in a very serious tone, "You're the one who rescued us from the 59th floor, right?"

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Editors corner

Alexander: Now she got you. So, a new disciple?

28th00: Time to teach her absolutely inappropriate gestures and sayings without ANY context! Riveria-mama is gonna have an aneurysm…