Reason

--- Riveria's POV ---

"I understand, Ren. Lefiya is facing her own set of challenges, and I'm uncertain about how she will cope with such a harsh rejection..."

Honestly, I felt a genuine sense of concern. However, before I went to offer solace to Lefiya, there was something I needed clarification on...

"I don't consider myself her friend or ally, Riveria. Moreover, I can't simply talk her into changing her behavior. From the moment I joined this Familia, she has been opposed to my presence. Each member here has their own opinions about me, and I couldn't care less. However, Lefiya, along with someone else, seeks to wield control over Ais's interactions with me as if they possess the authority to dictate Ais's life. Such audacity is nothing short of infuriating."

Of course, that 'someone else' refers to Loki. Ren was simply being considerate by not explicitly mentioning her.

I let out a weary sigh.

After observing him for several weeks, I've come to understand his mindset to some extent. He strived to become the epitome of a worthy individual in every aspect for Ais.

It seems that she would struggle to find someone better than him.

However, he was not perfect.

He had an abundance of flaws, yet somehow, those very imperfections contributed to shaping his character into something strangely likable.

I could sense his disapproval of Lefiya, and even if he did harbor any liking towards her, it was clear that her fragile mindset wouldn't withstand the demanding trials he would impose.

Consequently, I found myself left with a single burning question, one that I desperately hoped he would answer.

"...I see. Before I go to her, though, may I inquire about something? I understand that the specifics of your connection with her are not necessary to disclose. However, could you kindly share with me...what is it about Ais that captivates you so profoundly that you traversed from another world to be here?"

Typically, when we delved into such inquiries, Ren would dismiss them without much thought.

Hence, I decided to narrow down the scope, focusing on the essence of his affection. That, to me, held the utmost significance.

In response to my question, a transformation occurred within him. His once somber, bluish eyes ignited with a peculiar cyan hue—a phenomenon that piqued my curiosity.

Regardless, what struck me most was the genuine smile that graced his previously stoic countenance. It seemed to be the first true smile I had witnessed from him.

"It was her eyes. Her gaze had the power to make me forget everything else, leaving me breathless. I had never encountered such a type of connection before in my life. Initially, I resisted these emotions, locking them away. But one day, everything changed."

I found it difficult to fathom how such impassioned words could flow so effortlessly from his lips.

The response I received was likely a diluted rendition of the truth, but it sufficed for now.

I found solace in the fact that we had reached a level of familiarity where I could pose simple inquiries and expect genuine answers.

While our Familia had officially recognized Ren as one of our own, it seemed to me that he had embraced this newfound belonging, silently accepting his place within our ranks.

This realization brought a sense of contentment to my heart, albeit a modest one.

His response was exactly what I had sought. At that moment, any lingering questions I held were temporarily quelled.

It also appeared that Ais was privy to the entirety of his past, free to disclose it to anyone, yet she adamantly refused to share it with even me.

This only heightened my intrigue. However, my immediate priority lay in attending to Lefiya.

Thus, after expressing my gratitude for his openness, I departed for our Mansion, where I was certain the despondent Elf sought solace.

--- Ren's POV ---

After Riveria left, I ventured back to Ais's side, relieved to see that she was also unoccupied. We decided to take a leisurely stroll through the city before returning.

It was a nice change of pace, and we enjoyed exploring new places together.

Instead of our usual choice, the Jagamarukuns, we decided to try something different. Variety is the spice of life, after all. But don't worry, it's not some profound analogy about leaving space for Ais to be herself; it's simply about enjoying different foods.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt a soft sensation enveloping my arm, bringing a pleasant surprise.

"What's this, Ais? I never expected you to do something like this!" I chuckled, unable to contain my amusement, and gently patted her head with my free hand.

"I am... learning" she replied with a sweet smile.

Ais was changing even in the span of a few days.

The impact it would have on me, and the subsequent changes it would bring, remained uncertain. But one thing was certain:

My love for this adorable, blonde-haired Angel would never change. It would only grow with time.

---

Meanwhile, within the Guild, an unprecedented influx of individuals crammed into the confined space.

Dwarves mingled with elves, and the Beastkin conversed with Amazonesses.

The workload within the Guild was ceaseless, leaving no reprieve for its staff.

As adventurers flooded into Orario, each one bore their own motivations and desires.

A small fraction of the adventurers merely sought the thrill of spectating.

Orario, a city always bustling with activity, now faced the consequences of Ren's actions. Curiosity and intrigue gripped the air, as everyone awaited to witness how the Loki Familia would navigate this turmoil.

Despite the official statement declaring Ren's position as an executive within the Familia, the influx of visitors persisted.

Some sought to meet him, while others aimed to challenge him in combat.

Astonishingly, a faction of Amazonesses even harbored intentions of kidnapping him the moment he made a public appearance.

As fate would have it, the timing could not have been more fitting.

A female humanoid dragon, adorned with a distinct red gem embedded in her forehead, suddenly awakened in the middle floors of the Dungeon.

Confusion etched across her features as she gazed upon her surroundings, her mind consumed by a single question:

Who... was she?

---

Author's Note:

The plot can now move forward. We're starting the main arc of Volume 3 :)

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