the plums proposal

Fifty kirlos due east from Orario.

While life was going on as usual behind the city wall far away, the Alliance

was still busy dealing with Rakia's army.

"Gahh, I'm soooo bored. Fiiiinn. End this already, will yaaaa."

The battle had begun five days ago.

Loki Familia had built their base of operations in a clearing in the middle of

the plain. There they had a commanding view, from the harsh Alb mountain

range all the way to the edges of the Deep Forest Seoro. While Loki Familia's

flag flew high above their heads, they kept a close eye on enemy movements.

A goddess lazily sprawled out over several chairs lined up side by side

underneath the largest tent inside the base. Finn, meanwhile, leaned over a large

map stretched across a table. He smiled dryly to himself.

"I would like nothing more than to do just that…"

Alone with his goddess inside the tent, Finn studied the locations of different

pieces on top of the map.

"Their movements seem half-hearted, far too indecisive."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"They cause enough commotion to get our attention but never truly go on the

offensive…Even their generals, equal to our second-tier adventurers, refuse to

show their faces. Their forces take one step forward and then three steps back.

Our allies are being spread too thin chasing them down. We can't keep this up."

If Rakia had one advantage over the alliance of powerful adventurers, it was

numbers.

It went without saying that many large familias resided within Orario, but

none had the manpower to match that of an entire country. It might have been

the era of quality over quantity, but overwhelming an opponent with numbers

was still a viable strategy.

Even if the Orario familias committed their forces to eliminating all the small

battalions that were cutting off Orario's trade and crippling its economy, they

would inevitably end up chasing the enemy too far, stretching their already thin

lines to the breaking point.

"So the main army's hidin' somewhere, and the guys we're fightin' now are

just distractions?"

"That can't be completely ruled out, but…"

Finn begrudgingly answered Loki, who hadn't shown the slightest interest in,

nor bothered to remember, any incoming information since the start of the war.

That was when another member of Loki Familia ran into the base and entered

the tent.

"General, I have confirmation."

"Good work, Raul. What's the latest from Port Meren?"

"Everything seems normal. There were no sightings of a fleet or even

suspicious ships, from Lolog Lake up to the cliffs."

Finn listened to his subordinate's report and turned to face the map. His

hands went to the west side of Orario, opposite to their base's location on the

map, and he removed all the stones from the lake, all the way up the coastline.

"So there's no possibility of an incursion by sea…"

Loki got out of her makeshift chair bed and joined Raul beside the map. They

could see that Finn had marked the location of the first battle and indicated the

current location of Rakia's many battalions with red pieces. The troops that Finn

had sent in pursuit were marked blue.

"It appears our enemy wants to draw out this war…They want to spread

Orario's forces as thin as possible, chip away at our supplies and morale, then

finish the bulk of the fighting outside the city."

"Ahhh, got it. So that's what's goin' on."

Loki smirked as Finn worked out Rakia's strategy piece by piece and arrived

at their final goal.

The prum general had a little chuckle at the range of expressions that passed

over his god's face.

"Let's return to the city for the time being. Whatever the enemy is after, it's

there."

"Music to my ears!" Loki jubilantly clapped her hands, rejoicing in her

newfound freedom.

"Raul, we're withdrawing. Spread the word to all units. Leave our flags in

place. Rakia can't know we're gone."

"A-are you sure, General…? If we just abandon the front…"

"We have a good reason to return to the city. I doubt the Guild will

complain."

Finn ignored his subordinate's shocked expression and started packing up his

belongings.

"Freya Familia can take care of the rest."

"Hee-hee-hee! She can't say no to the Guild 'cause of everything that

happened with Ishtar. That airheaded vixen got slapped with a mighty high

penalty. They can take care of all the dirty work!"

Loki couldn't have looked more pleased, since a certain Goddess of Beauty

would have no choice but to obey the Guild's orders. She could unload all the

boring jobs onto that goddess's familia. A small group of messengers rushed out

of the base to deliver the orders to field commanders. Loki Familia was in full

retreat a little less than an hour later.

"Any powerful familias still left in Orario?"

"Hmm…Of the big ones…there's probably only Phai-Phai's kids."

"Hephaistos Familia? That's perfect. I'll have them help out as well."

After going over a few more things with Loki, Finn left to oversee the final

stages of their withdrawal.

Much like during the expedition into the Dungeon, the familia's lower￾ranking members quickly disassembled the base, packed it into cargo boxes, and

carried it all away effortlessly. The only difference was that, this time, it was

under a clear blue sky. They set their sights on the white tower rising up above to

the west.

"General! Need something to drink? Or maybe some food? I just caught a

wild boar! Should I roast some for you?"

"Oh, um, I'm going to have to decline, Tione. If you do start a fire, make sure

there's no smoke."

"Will dooo!"

With bronze, wheat-colored skin and long black hair, the Amazon Tione

Hyrute wore minimalist battle gear that barely covered her lush bosom and

smooth skin. Finn gave his Amazonian field commander a vacant smile as she

made another pass at him.

Tiona shot a look that screamed, "Again?!" at her older twin sister, Tione,

who made no attempt to hide her intentions. This was a common occurrence in

Loki Familia, so Aiz and the other members were used to it and took care not to

get involved.

Finn waited out the storm until someone else got Tione's attention and she

left.

"Finn, what are your plans after our return?"

"Okay to wait fer new orders at home?"

After Tione left, the elf Riveria and the dwarf Gareth came up to talk to him.

Finn turned to face the other two leaders of Loki Familia and opened his

mouth to speak.

"I'll issue orders in advance, so could I have a little time off, Riveria,

Gareth?"

"Oh?"

"Well, that's new. Got somethin' that needs takin' care of?"

Riveria and Gareth cast dubious glances at the prum, but he just smiled back

at them.

"I've thought about looking into something for a while now…"

Finn's eyes, blue as the surface of a lake, narrowed as he looked at Orario's

massive city walls off in the distance.

"There's one other 'mission' that's had no progress at all, despite the fact that

I'm an adventurer, and I'll be checking it out."

"Hellooo. Lilly's here—."

The prum opened a door that didn't fit properly in its frame and entered a

small house.

The sun was just barely visible on the eastern horizon.

Oversize backpack strapped to her shoulders, she paid the pawnshop the

Gnome Trader a visit. Passing through the messy living space behind the main

showroom, she quickly spotted the owner of the establishment; he was barely

awake and sipping hot water from a cup like a groggy child.

Glug, glug, glug. She could hear the water making its way past his white

beard and between his lips.

"Oh, if it isn't Lilly…Mornin'."

"Good morning. But please wash up and sit up straight before drinking hot

water. Lilly won't be here for long."

Without his usual red cap, the gnome's bald head was completely visible.

"Sure, sure," he responded, mumbling to himself as he climbed out of his chair.

Lilly set down her backpack and started preparing the store for business while

the owner washed his face.

Lilly had lived here at the Gnome Trader until Hestia Familia acquired a new

home in the War Game.

Her situation with Soma Familia had come to a head two months ago, and

she had needed a place to stay. She was familiar with this shop from the days

when she frequently stole items from other adventurers and sold them for money.

On that particular day, however, she had arrived at the shop and said, "Please let

Lilly live here in exchange for work." The owner had never seen her real face,

but she'd placed all her faith in him as a person.

"Cinder Ella," Lilly's Magic, granted her the ability to change her physical

appearance at will, and that was the first time she'd let him see what she looked

like. "You're in luck; I've been wanting another set of hands around here," he'd

said, and hired her on the spot. She'd been coming to check on him early every

morning and help out around the store before going into the Dungeon, then again

before going home each night—as a way of repaying her debt of gratitude—ever

since.

"I feel a bit guilty with you comin' in every day like this even when your

familia's grown so much."

"Don't worry about Lilly—worry about your health first, Mr. Bom. Lilly

can't take care of everything if you collapse from overwork like last time."

"Don't know what I would've done without you. This geezer's not worthy."

The shop owner's name was Bom Cornwall.

The fairy races weren't known for individuality, but he had a vibrant

personality. His superb dexterity and eyesight made him right at home in Orario.

When Lilly had asked him why he chose to live in the city rather than out in

nature, he'd simply replied, "This geezer is the worst of the worst when it comes

to fairies."

He made his living by appraising items that came into the shop, buying them

for as cheap as possible, and selling them for profit.

"This breakfast was prepared at Lilly's home this morning—make sure to eat

everything. Also, the lamp in the storage room was broken, so Lilly replaced the

magic stone. The stock of jewels in the safe is running low, so it might be a good

idea to put more in."

"Ah, ahhh, thanks…"

Slightly intimidated by Lilly's efficiency, the gnome put on his signature red

cap. Bald head hidden, his round eyes gazed up at the girl who stood a head

higher than he.

"Off to the Dungeon again today?"

"Yes. We should reach the sixteenth floor today! As you know, Lilly's familia

has been on a roll!"

A beaming smile appeared on her face as she spoke. Thinking of her friendly

and dependable allies, she added, "Lilly will do her best not to hold them back!"

She did a few more things around the shop before taking a glance at the

clock. It was time for her to meet Bell and her other allies at their usual spot at

the base of Babel Tower.

"Mr. Bom, please don't forget to eat the food Lilly brought."

"I won't, I won't. Have a good day."

"Good-bye until tonight!" She responded with a smile still in place and

waved as she went out the door.

"…She can smile like that now, huh."

The owner mumbled to himself, eyes on the door that Lilly had passed

through.

Without the abilities they possessed in the Ancient Times, gnomes had fallen

to the bottom ranks of the fairies, but he was still a member of a race that was

considered closest to the gods themselves.

Lilly thought that her secret past was still hidden, but his eyes saw through

her disguises.

An air of nostalgia filled his gaze. The white hairs of his beard ruffled as a

happy smile grew on his lips.

The moon hung high above Hestia Familia's home, Hearthstone Manor.

Back from the Dungeon, everyone had finished eating dinner together. Now

they were taking turns going to Hestia's room to receive a Status update.

They had agreed that checking their Statuses should happen on a weekly

basis, like this night. Unless one of them had special circumstances, Hestia

would take a look at their Falna one at a time on the scheduled day.

It was Lilly's turn. She was a bit nervous to see how much her own excelia

would be reduced, now that Haruhime had joined the familia, and exposed her

back.

"All done."

Sitting topless in a chair, Lilly pulled her shirt back over her head as Hestia

wrote down her updated Status on a piece of paper.

Lilly looked at the details that her goddess had translated into Koine, the

common language of Orario.

Lilliluka Erde

Level One

Strength: I 81 Defense: H 123 -> 124 Dexterity: G 232 -> 236 Agility: F 383 -> 388

Magic: E 402 -> 404

(Magic)

"Cinder Ella"

• Shape-shifting Magic

• Target will take the envisioned shape at the time of the spell.

Will fail without clear image.

• Imitation is recommended.

• Trigger Spell: "Your scars are mine. My scars are mine."

• Release Spell: "Stroke of midnight's bell."

(Skill)

"Artel Assist"

• Activates automatically when weight carried exceeds a certain

level.

• Amount of assistance is proportional to weight carried.

"…Haaaaah…"

A long, slow breath of disappointment escaped Lilly's lips.

One look at the growth of her Basic Abilities was disheartening.

Lilly never thought that half a year's worth of excelia would be enough to

level up, but…

There had been a six-month period when, as a member of Soma Familia,

Lilly had never received a Status update due to circumstances within that group.

After undergoing Conversion to participate in the War Game, she'd finally

received one. Although her expectations were low, her half year's worth of

excelia unfortunately didn't amount to all that much. Her Basic Ability levels

still placed her among the lower ranks of lower-class adventurers. Every Status

update since had been similar to this one.

It didn't make sense for a low-level Status to improve by leaps and bounds in

only six months.

"Supporter, I understand your frustration, but…"

"Lilly understands; she is a supporter. It's common knowledge that a

supporter's Status improves at the slowest rate."

In fact, Lilly had become a supporter in the first place because she didn't do

well as an adventurer. Growing at a slow pace certainly didn't help.

Her response was rather cold toward Hestia, who had pricked her own finger

so she could use the ichor for Lilly. She turned her back to the sympathetic

goddess and left the room.

She arrived at the living room after walking through the first-floor hallway.

Welf and her other allies were gathered in a happy circle, excitedly discussing

and comparing the Statuses written on the papers in their hands.

Her arrival signaled that it was Bell's turn for an update; he was the last. Lilly

thought about joining the circle as soon as Bell left, but…she caught a glimpse

of the reflection of her back in the window and came to a stop.

Her usual robe was hanging in her room. The shirt she had on now was for

relaxing in. Part of her lower back wasn't covered, and she could see some of the

black hieroglyphs that made up her Status.

Seeing it in plain sight made her eyebrows sink into a stern expression.

"I've been curious for a while…"

She joined the circle in the living room as soon as she saw Bell and Hestia

return from his completed Status update, and she was quick to bring up what was

on her mind.

"Why are our Statuses visible?"

"Ah, I was wondering about that, too."

"I-I as well…I felt it strange that Lady Hestia made no attempt to conceal it."

"I was certain it was a policy in this familia…Did I assume too much?"

"Huh…? There's a way to hide Statuses?!"

Lilly's question got an immediate response from Welf, Mikoto, and

Haruhime, each of whom had once belonged to another familia. Hestia was

stunned—Bell also gave a surprised "Eh?!"—so Lilly explained that there was a

way for gods to "lock" a Status.

It was a technique that deities used to keep the hieroglyphs on their children's

backs invisible to the naked eye. This "lock" made sure that the valuable

information contained in a Status was protected against prying eyes.

Hephaistos, Takemikazuchi, Ishtar, and even the good-for-nothing Soma

knew how to use this Status-hiding technique. Hestia, who had only recently

come to Gekai, was absolutely floored by this information.

"So that's why…I've never seen Statuses on any of the Amazons walking

around the city…I always thought they used body paint."

"N-now that you mention it, Miss Eina said I should always 'lock up' so

others couldn't see my Status…I guess she wasn't talking about locking the

home's doors after all…"

"I'll, uh, ask Hephaistos or someone next time I see one of them…"

The others in the room softly shook their heads, while Bell's and Hestia's

minds had been blown by such common sense. That's when Lilly finally joined

the circle.

"Would it be okay if Lilly saw everyone's Statuses?"

"Sure, no prob."

"Of course."

"This is mine."

With Lilly asking politely, Welf, Mikoto, and Haruhime each passed their

papers over to her.

Welf Crozzo

Level Two

Strength: I 67 -> 70 Defense: I 50 -> 53 Dexterity: I 78 -> 82 Agility: I 36 -> 38

Magic: I 57 -> 61

Forge: I

Mikoto Yamato

Level Two

Strength: H 133 -> 134 Defense: H 129 -> 130 Dexterity: H 178 -> 181 Agility:

H162 -> 167 Magic: I 84

Immunity: I

Haruhime Sanjouno

Level One

Strength: I 8 -> 9 Defense: I 32 Dexterity: I 15 Agility: I 23 -> 26 Magic: E 403 ->

405

Okay, so this is normal…

Seeing that her level of growth was par for the course, she passed her own

sheet around the circle.

Once everyone had seen Lilly's, all eyes fell on the boy who came in last.

Feeling the pressure from being the center of attention, Bell became

flustered.

Scratching his head with his left hand, he didn't put up a fuss and slid his

own paper into the center of the circle.

Bell Cranell

Level Three

Strength: F 377 -> 391 Defense: F 389 -> 396 Dexterity: F 377 -> 392 Agility: D

583 -> 594 Magic: F 352 -> 360 Luck: H Immunity: I

""""…""""

No one could say a word as they stared at Bell's Status. His Basic Abilities

had improved by over fifty points. Of course, Bell was at a higher Level. Still, he

had improved more than any of them.

Something strange was going on.

They were fighting in the same Dungeon against the same monsters. True,

he'd delivered more blows during combat and probably had a higher kill count,

but nowhere near enough to explain such a disparity in growth.

Each of them had thought it a bit mysterious whenever the topic of Bell's

unusually fast growth came up, and today they were united in their curiosity.

"Seriously, what is going on with you?"

"B-beats me…"

Welf held the piece of paper in his hand and pressed the issue. Judging by the

white-haired boy's reaction, though, he really had no idea.

Questioned about his unusual growth speed by so many other people at once,

Bell was clearly uncomfortable because he didn't have an answer for them.

"Lilly thinks it's less Mr. Bell's natural talent and more some kind of special

power at work…"

Making sure that Welf and Bell couldn't hear, Lilly quietly whispered to

Mikoto, Haruhime, and Hestia, looking at them out of the corner of her eyes.

The young goddess closed her eyes and whistled like a child desperately

trying to keep a secret. A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek.

Lilly rolled her eyes at Hestia before making brief eye contact with every

other member of the familia—except Bell.

Her intent was simple: Today, we find out the truth.

"It's getting pretty late. Anyone done for the day should hop in the tub."

Welf made the first move.

He rolled his shoulders and neck, stretching as he turned to face the boy, and

said, "Bell, why don't you head in first?"

"I, um, already took a shower at Babel…"

"But I already prepared the bath tonight. It would be a waste not to enjoy it,

Sir Bell."

Mikoto's words made Bell feel a twinge of guilt.

Hestia stepped in to try and protect him, but Lilly's sharp glare stopped her in

her tracks.

"B-but is it really okay for me to go first? Everyone's worked so hard…If it

would go to waste, why not join me, Welf?"

"I got stuff to do in the forge."

"I must prepare ingredients for tomorrow's breakfast."

"I-I, um, that is…My tail requires grooming!"

Welf's and Mikoto's excuses rolled off their tongues, almost as if they had

planned them. Without missing a beat, each left the circle and started toward

their destinations. On the other hand, the renart was forced to improvise. As soon

as she came up with something, Haruhime turned away from the circle while

holding her tail awkwardly in both hands, pulling out loose hairs.

"Lilly has something to discuss with Lady Hestia."

"Eek…" came the goddess's voice, clearly intimidated by Lilly's half-eyed

stare.

Everyone plainly told Bell to go ahead. "Well, in that case…" he said as he

turned on his heel and left the living room.

Everyone came back to the circle the moment the boy disappeared, and they

surrounded their goddess.

"Now then, Lady Hestia, if you know anything about Mr. Bell's 'growth,'

please say it. Today we want the truth."

Hestia was speechless as Lilly stepped into the leadership role and began

questioning her.

Her head on a swivel, the goddess searched in every direction, only to see she

was completely surrounded. Even more beads of sweat rolled down her face

until she finally gave in. Taking a deep breath, she made a long sigh.

"I suppose it makes no sense to hide things from members of the same

familia…Fine, I'll tell you." She was quick to add, "But it doesn't leave this

room, got it?" before revealing the secrets of Bell's "growth"—although it

pained her to do so.

That's when Lilly and the others learned about the boy's Skill.

"Liaris…Freese…?"

Lilly's soft, stunned voice echoed Hestia's explanation about Bell's Skill,

Liaris Freese.

Everyone was understandably shocked by a Rare Skill that could influence

the rate of an adventurer's growth. But even more so, the finer details of the Skill

left them speechless.

—Rapid growth.

—Continued desire results in continued growth.

—Stronger desire results in stronger growth.

The Skill was directly influenced by the feelings lurking within the boy's

heart.

Those feelings—his feelings for Aiz—had become the driving force behind

his unbelievably fast ascension to the upper ranks of adventurers.

"So basically him falling head over heels for that Sword Princess makes him

grow stronger like there's no tomorrow?"

"Head over heels…?! W-well, I guess that's true…"

"The one…in Master Bell's heart…"

Welf was confirming that he understood Liaris Freese correctly after Hestia

fell silent. Meanwhile, Haruhime and Lilly couldn't hide how jarred they were

by the revelation.

Bell Cranell was more than just interested in Aiz Wallenstein.

That fact took all the wind out of their sails.

There was a reason he was trying so hard. I knew that, but…

Even when she first met him, Lilly knew there had to be something behind

his motivation to work so hard in the Dungeon, that there was some goal.

However, to think that his goal had been to catch up to that famous woman,

the Kenki…

Considering his age, it wasn't all that strange for him to harbor affection for

someone of the opposite gender, but…knowing about how he and Aiz had met,

with her saving him from a Minotaur, was making Lilly's chestnut-colored eyes

tremble.

"D-does Sir Bell know of this? Have you told him nothing?"

"That boy couldn't keep a secret to save his life. If anyone pressed him for

information about his Rare Skill, soon everyone would know. In this case, it's

better to keep them in the dark…And it's not like he'd ever say it's all thanks to

being lovey-dovey for Wallensomething!"

Mikoto and Hestia's conversation passed right through her ears.

It was as though her spirit was disconnected from her body. All sorts of

thoughts and emotions coursed through her heart, but her arms and legs stayed

unnaturally still. Her heart was ripping through her modest chest.

Lilly took an unsteady breath and said the words she just couldn't keep down.

"L-Lady Hestia, c-can you accept…this?" Even as she stuttered, she questioned

her goddess.

She knew that Hestia had feelings for Bell that went beyond a deity's love for

her children. Would she allow this situation to continue? That was her question.

"…Bell himself said he wanted to get stronger. He made his decision. I

couldn't bring myself to stop him once I saw how badly he wanted it."

She couldn't douse her child's determination. Lilly was taken aback by

Hestia's words.

"But that doesn't mean I'll let her have him! Never, not in a million years!

One of these days he'll notice me; I'll make him notice me…!!" Hestia clenched

her fist, trembling.

Their goddess's public declaration made Welf and the others lean away out of

reflex. At the same time, Lilly looked over at Haruhime.

The renart could feel her clinging gaze. Haruhime, dressed in her usual

kimono, avoided making eye contact, glancing left and right before finally down

at the floor.

She brought her hands together above the billowing fabric around her chest.

"I-I have lived as a courtesan…I have no right to pursue romance with

Master Bell."

"…"

"…B-but as his concubine—no, as a one-night stand, surely even one such as

I…!"

"HEY, HEY, HEY!"

The former courtesan's face turned red as she unwittingly loosed a bombshell

into the circle. The goddess rose up, thundering with all her might.

"M-my deepest apologies!" Haruhime squealed, hiding her head behind both

her arms.

"Did you actually think I'd let that slide?!" continued Hestia, her booming

voice echoing throughout the room.

While Hestia and Haruhime's banter went on for some time, Lilly was

isolated in her own little world.

Bell had someone special.

She had never seriously thought that there was a chance she could be by his

side, but the shocking news still cut deep. Lilly was speechless that the boy's

feelings were strong enough to create a Skill. She could only stand there, listless.

Lilly returned to her room shortly after that evening's events, completely

forgetting to take a bath. She collapsed onto her bed right away but stayed wide

awake, unable to sleep.

She stared at the ceiling of her room, her brain working at full speed. Her

heart would twinge every time she closed her eyes. Even rolling over into a more

comfortable position did nothing but make the sound of her rustling sheets hang

in the air of her spacious room. Other than that, the room was silent.

Time crawled by as her thoughts clashed with the emotions in her heart. At

long last, she climbed out of bed.

The darkness of night was coming to an end. Lilly left her room without a

wink of sleep in the very early hours of morning.

"Laughable…"

Robe draped over her usual clothes, she closed the door behind her and

berated herself with a tired expression.

She scolded herself over and over for getting worked up about something so

trivial as she walked through the long hallway.

All members of her familia had rooms on the third floor.

There were times when Welf would spend the night cooped up in the forge,

but for the most part, all of them slept up there.

Hestia's room was the first one at the top of the central staircase, then came

Mikoto and Haruhime's double room. Welf's room was a few doors down from

there…and finally Bell's. Lilly's feet came to a stop for a moment outside his

door, but she thought better of it and decided to get a drink in the kitchen.

The first hints of sunrise were beginning to seep through the windows as

Lilly lethargically made her way through the hallway…Whoosh! Whoosh!

The sound of something sharp slicing through the air came from a window

above the garden outside.

"!"

She quickened her pace and followed the sound all the way to the window.

She could barely see over the windowsill when she stood on tiptoe. Once she

looked down—a white-haired boy appeared.

She panicked and quickly ducked down to hide herself, even though she

knew it wasn't necessary. A few moments passed before she ventured another

peek.

Her eyes peered over the windowsill once again, and she saw Bell's violet

and scarlet blades carving arcs through the air. He was practicing by himself.

Whoosh! His knives sliced through the air, trailing streaks of light and

producing the sounds that had lured her to the window.

…Is he…fighting someone?

The boy launched his body, twisting and jumping at a furious pace all around

the expansive garden. Every move flung droplets of sweat off his body. Lilly

could tell he was visualizing an opponent and fighting as hard as he could.

That, and that his invisible opponent was terrifyingly strong.

Lilly had had many opportunities to watch adventurers at work up close and

personal. Her insight as a supporter told her all this.

The boy was already a second-tier adventurer, and yet he couldn't keep up

with the opponent in his head.

Ahh…He lost.

The boy came to a sudden, unnatural stop.

With his knives in an awkward position, almost like he was trying to block an

oncoming attack, his upper body was leaning backward as though there was a

sword against his throat. He held that position for a few moments before he let

out a "Gah!" and finally took a breath, crouching down.

Hands on his knees and a small river of sweat flowing down his face, Bell's

shoulders rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath.

"…"

Bell's white hair stuck to his wet cheeks and his shirt was soaked through.

Lilly could tell that the boy had been practicing for a long time before she

showed up. She continued to watch in silence.

Who was he fighting just now? Aiz? He'd been getting up this early to train

every day to catch up with her? There was no one to answer her questions. Lilly

stood there like a statue, forgetting to breathe while pondering.

The boy stood back up and started practicing once again.

The intensity of his strikes showed her the level of his devotion, in a very

blunt and direct way. The longer Lilly watched him, the more thoughts began to

stir in the back of her mind.

Turmoil, uncertainty, anguish, and a host of other feelings mixed together.

She could practically hear them breaking her apart from the inside.

That day, everyone met in the morning to go into the Dungeon, as usual.

Having cleared the fifteenth floor the other day, they decided to go on to the

sixteenth. The familia was on a roll and progressing at a good pace. The rest of

the group was in high spirits, but a dark cloud was roiling inside the one wearing

an oversize backpack, and it showed.

"…Lilly, are you okay?"

"!"

Before she knew it, Bell had dropped back to the middle of their formation

when he noticed she was hunched over and dragging her feet. He watched Lilly

with clear concern.

"You look really tired…Are you sick?"

"L-Lilly's feeling fine, Mr. Bell! Lilly didn't get much sleep last night, but

see? It's nothing to worry about!"

She forced a smile, putting on a well-rehearsed show. It was a skill she had

developed during her time as a thief, a smile that could put someone at ease.

Now she employed it to convince Bell nothing was wrong. It seemed that Bell

was not convinced, but the appearance of monsters cut the conversation short,

and they prepared to attack.

That was too close! What am I doing?! Lilly scolded herself again.

They were in the Dungeon. Even the smallest lapse in concentration put her

and her party in mortal danger. Keeping a careful eye on the flow of battle

between her allies and the monsters, Lilly focused on her breathing to keep her

mind clear.

That's right. Lilly is Mr. Bell's…supporter.

But knowing the person whom Bell adored the most had shaken her to the

core. Lilly was starting to wonder what Bell thought of her.

A support specialist. The object of unmasked contempt. A simple laborer for

other adventurers.

Lilly's individual abilities did nothing to help the party. She didn't have the

strength to put herself on the front lines to defend Bell, like Welf and Mikoto.

Never mind standing beside him, she could not even follow from behind.

During her time as a thief, the adventurers she stole from had always called

her "useless," with demeaning grins. All those memories were coming back. On

the surface, her iron will let her put on the mask of the ever-dependable

supporter. But underneath, Lilly's emotions were in chaos.

"…"

The Crozzo Magic Sword clenched tightly in her grip, Lilly was ready to

unleash its power at any moment. Glancing to her side, she saw Haruhime

nervously twitching while watching Bell and the others fight.

Haruhime held the same position as she did, working as a supporter. The big

difference was that she could use a powerful spell.

Level Boost. A type of Magic that brought out amazing strength and speed

from any adventurer it was cast on. With that spell at her beck and call, she could

do more as a supporter to directly assist the party. Haruhime was worth far more

than Lilly.

Not to mention that the renart was gorgeous.

Her bushy, golden fox tail and long, silky hair aside, Haruhime possessed

soft, delicate features that Lilly could never compete with. Even the aura of

purity that surrounded her might give the Sword Princess, Aiz Wallenstein, a run

for her money.

And her breasts were…impressive.

When Miss Haruhime…

If she gained more experience, would Lilly be deemed unnecessary? Would

she lose her place before she ran into the obstacle of Aiz Wallenstein?

Before that happens, should I…stop training Haruhime as a supporter? Or

should I follow through as a teacher?

That's when Lilly realized where her train of thought was taking her—and

vigorously shook her head.

"Lady Lilly?"

"…It's…nothing."

Haruhime had taken her eyes off the battle and was now focused on her. Lilly

barely managed a perfunctory reply.

Why am I so shallow?! She felt sick to her stomach.

Calling herself horrible names, Lilly fell even deeper into the darkness.

Compared to the other women around Bell—she was nowhere near as pretty

as Hestia, Eina, Syr, or Haruhime.

Her heart was unclean. She was so desperate to look good in front of others.

She wasn't right for Bell, a pure, naive child who knew nothing of the real

world.

In the end, this pain, all it really is…

That's right. To put it bluntly, Lilly had an inferiority complex. She couldn't

compare with the girl whose beauty was in the league of goddesses and could

make Bell blush just by talking to him.

She was beautiful, strong, refined. Many adventurers, not just Bell, idolized

Aiz Wallenstein. Lilly could never win against her even if heaven and earth

happened to switch places. Knowing this caused her pain. An inferiority

complex told her she would lose at every turn. Her adversary was a flower in

bloom at the top of a mountain—the place where Bell was always looking. She

would never enter his line of sight.

Lilly could never become Bell's one and only.

That burning truth had kept her awake through the night and brought her to

the brink of despair. Tormented by her jealousy and thrown for a loop by her

emotions, she was disappointed in herself.

"…"

The battle had ended, so Lilly and Haruhime set to work on collecting the

magic stones and drop items from the monsters slain by Bell and the others. She

picked up a magic stone from the floor of the dark Dungeon. The reflection of

her small face on its surface made her heart cringe.

"In that case, is it safe to assume you made it to floor sixteen today?"

"Yes. We still don't have a good grasp on the layout, but we can hold our

own against the monsters without too much trouble."

I arrived at the Guild before dark. The blue sky's still visible outside the

windows as I talk with my adviser, Miss Eina.

Our party came back to the surface and visited the Exchange at Babel before

we went our separate ways. I'm sure they're back at home by now. But I decided

to come here on my own and give a report on how everything went.

There were two reasons why we came back a little bit earlier than usual. The

first was that we had collected an unusually high amount of loot in the Dungeon.

Lilly's and Haruhime's backpacks were filled to the point of overflowing, so it

would've been difficult to bring any more back to the surface.

And the second…was that Lilly didn't seem like herself.

"I couldn't be happier to hear you're making progress. Just don't push too

hard, okay?"

"I'll be careful, Miss Eina."

She really seems glad to hear that we were staying safe despite all our

progress in the Dungeon. Her short brown hair sways back and forth around her

pointy elf ears as she smiles back at me.

We finish discussing everything at the counter rather than going to the

consultation box, so we say our good-byes, and I turn toward the exit.

"Lilly…I wonder what happened."

It wasn't just in the Dungeon, either. Lilly hasn't been her usual self since

breakfast, now that I think about it. She put up a strong front all day, and it's

making me worry.

I cross the Guild's white marble lobby as I continue to think about my

companions.

" Bell Cranell."

"Huh?"

Someone calling my name snaps me out of my train of thought, right as I'm

about to leave Guild Headquarters.

It sounds like a boy about my age, maybe a little younger. I spin around to

find him—and my eyes shoot open as soon as I see the person standing behind

me.

Light golden hair and a small stature.

With a face like his and a body that size, he could pass for a kid, but nothing

about his appearance matches the mature aura emanating from him. No, this is

definitely a top-tier adventurer.

Words leave me the moment I make eye contact with the prum.

"Finn Deimne…?!"

I can't hide my surprise that the leader of Loki Familia is calling out to me.

"Sorry to stop you like this. I'm not here to cause trouble, so please try to

relax."

Finn smiles, completely calm. Meanwhile, I'm stiff as a board and can't stop

shaking.

But there's something soothing about Finn's smile. It loosens me up a little

bit, but I'm still in awe of this top-class adventurer who stands at the very peak

of Orario, basically above the clouds. Trembling, I finally respond.

"Umm, wh-what can I do for you…?"

"Why so nervous? We met during the Minotaur battle, back on the eighteenth

floor, so this isn't the first time, yes? I've been waiting for a chance to talk with

you properly. Unfortunately, contacting you in the usual way would cause a few

inconvenient misunderstandings…Sorry, but I had no choice but to wait for you

here."

Hestia Familia's gained some notice almost overnight thanks to the War

Game. Finn explains to me that our quick rise to fame caught a lot of attention,

so knocking on our front door was out of the question, no matter how much he

wanted to say hello. Doing so as a member of Loki Familia would have led to

many troublesome misunderstandings, so Finn was trying to be low-key.

"Actually, I snuck away from my subordinates," he adds. It's only then that I

realize many girls have gathered around us. He's the center of attention.

"He's so small!" "What a cutie!" "So cool!" Their voices echo throughout the

busy Guild lobby. He forces a smile and looks up at me.

"I have a bit of a favor to ask. If you're not busy, I'd like to sit and talk with

you for a while. What do you say?"

Of course, I have no reason to say no.

Finn and I leave Guild Headquarters and take a series of backstreets to reach

a café called Wish in Orario's southwest district.

"A young elf magic user told me about this place," Finn says as he leads me

through a series of repeating narrow passageways to the front door.

This is actually my second time here. Lord Hermes brought Mikoto and me

here not too long ago, but I haven't been back since. I follow Finn inside, and we

take seats on opposite sides of a table in the quiet café.

"As this is a secret meeting between the highest-ranking members of two

familias, I would like to request we keep what is said confidential. Agreed?"

"Y-yes…!"

We're the only ones in here, with the exception of the café owner, an elf

behind the counter. Being all alone with such an amazing adventurer would

make anyone nervous. Finn takes a sip of the tea he ordered, ignoring all my

anxious fidgeting. He casually starts the conversation.

"For starters, I would like to congratulate you on your victory in the War

Game. I watched the whole thing, and I must say I was impressed. Also,

congratulations on the formation of your familia."

"Th-thank you!"

My body takes over, and I involuntarily bow the moment I hear his sincere

praise.

This prum hero just complimented me…I think this is a serious honor. Even

being singled out to talk face-to-face with one of the most famous adventurers in

Orario doesn't feel real.

Finn smiles and watches me with his clear blue eyes. My heart is trying to

leap out of my chest with nervousness, but I'm also really happy.

"Not to change the subject, but has anything strange happened recently?"

"Strange?"

"It's peaceful inside the wall, but it might be a good idea to keep your eyes

peeled…Recently, it feels like there's going to be trouble," Finn says with his

mouth behind the cup in his hands.

I tilt my head, wondering what he means by that. A hint of some kind,

maybe? Is he referring to the recent trouble with Rakia…Ares Familia's attack?

Well, I know that their army is basically a large group of low-level

adventurers, and they've been fighting against several of Orario's familias for

the past few days.

Wait, wasn't Loki Familia participating in the Guild's mission? Weren't they

ordered to fight Rakia…? Is it okay for their leader to be here right now?

"That's enough small talk; let me get to the point." Finn changes the subject

just as my thoughts start coming to a head.

"I would like you to introduce me to your supporter, a prum with chestnut

eyes."

"...Huh?"

It takes a few long moments for me to comprehend that. But once I do, it hits

me like a ton of bricks.

My supporter—he wants to meet her and is asking me to set it up. The

unexpected request leaves me breathless.

But Finn isn't done. He goes even further.

"Well, I should be more direct. As a member of her race, I would like to offer

her my hand in marriage."

The ton of bricks just exploded.

"—E-EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"

I jump out of my chair, almost sending it toppling to the floor.

This is no joke. My shocked voice is still echoing inside the empty café, but

Finn just looks dead serious. This is by far the biggest surprise of today.

Lilly—is going to get a proposal?!

"Wh-what…what are you saying…?!"

"First off, I would like you to calm down. Then, I would like you to

understand that this is not some spur-of-the-moment proposition."

I'm on the verge of losing my mind, but Finn is absolutely calm, never

stirring from his chair and asking me to relax. Those serene, incredibly blue eyes

lock onto mine. Gulping down the air in my throat, I manage to regain a

semblance of composure.

The elf at the back of the counter looks through his glasses as he wipes off a

just-cleaned goblet at the other end of the room. Meanwhile, I sink back into my

chair. I try to listen to what Finn has to say.

"For starters, you might be wondering why I would make such a proposal to

a member of my race who belongs to a different familia…But first I must ask:

Bell Cranell, do you know of the goddess Phiana?"

The goddess Phiana…I've heard of her.

She's a fictional goddess who many prums believed in.

There once was a group of strong and proud prum knights in the Ancient

Times who worshipped her.

Maybe it was because of their small size and gentle appearance, but prums

were generally considered to have the least amount of potential, compared to

other races like humans and demi-humans. In truth, very few prums at all have

become world famous in the thousands of years of their history.

The exception was that group of knights. Accomplishing one heroic act after

another, they became known as "Spears of the Battlefield." Their glory became

the pride of the prum race and also inspired deep faith in Phiana.

They were so acclaimed that even I've read about the exploits of those brave

men and women in many of the Tales of Heroes.

—However, once the Ancient Times ended and the Divine Era began, faith in

Phiana dried up in the blink of an eye.

It was all because the goddess revered by the entire prum race was not among

the deities who descended to the mortal world, Gekai. Prums everywhere lost

their confidence in their faith, and their lives completely fell apart. It was a

decisive blow their race hasn't recovered from even today…or so I hear.

I lightly nod at Finn, and he cuts right to the chase.

"Prums need a light they can call their own. A new hope that can fill the role

that faith in Phiana once held."

"…And that would be?"

"Just as you're thinking. I came to Orario to live as an adventurer so I could

become that hope for my people and bring them together. I wanted my name to

be legendary, so other prums could have someone to aspire to."

Finn's ambition—no, his magnificent cause—leaves me speechless.

He's fighting to change the fortunes of an entire race, carrying the future of

all prums on his small shoulders. He arrived at the gates of Orario with the goal

of becoming so famous that his very name would inspire his kin around the

world.

And now he's a top-tier adventurer—a member of the highest echelons of the

Labyrinth City, at Level 6.

In Orario—a place that's called the center of the world.

People of other races like me, even the gods and goddesses, know his name.

I'd be surprised if someone didn't. I'm sure that stories of Finn's bravery and

heroics have spread around the world and have already become a source of pride

for prums everywhere.

"However—it can't stop there."

Finn strengthens his tone even though I can't string any words together to

respond.

"One moment of glory is insufficient to build a future for my people. The

light of hope must continue to be cast on prums for years to come."

Finn declares that his people would not know lasting prosperity if they had

no hope. He doesn't try to pad his thoughts but instead speaks clearly and

directly.

"Frankly, the light needs to be passed to the next generation. And the best

way to do that would be to have an heir with my blood in their veins."

"…!!"

"A Half won't do. The pride of our race must be a pure-blooded prum."

Someone has to carry the torch and return their race to glory—it's necessary

to pass on the genes of a prum given the title of "Braver" to the next generation

and beyond. Finn insists that those descendants have a completely prum lineage.

All the races of demi-humans can reproduce only with themselves.

While it goes without saying that spirits like fairies can't have any offspring

at all, elves, dwarves, and animal people cannot have children with one another.

The exceptions would be humans, who can interbreed with demi-humans, and

Amazons, who will always give birth to a female offspring of their own race.

So of course, marrying an Amazon is out of the question, as is having a

human give birth to his heir—a half-prum would face tremendous difficulty

being recognized as the savior of all prums.

Finn says that for the sake of his future child, he must marry another full￾blooded prum.

"A-and you want…?"

"Indeed. I would like to take that girl as my bride and for her to bear my

children."

So that's why. My face grows hot as the words flow out of his mouth.

—He's going to ask Lilly to bear his children.

My cheeks are absolutely burning. The scale of this "favor" has gone way

beyond what I was expecting, on so many levels. I feel so awkward as shock and

surprise swirl in my head, turning my ears red as well.

But Finn is completely the opposite. There isn't even a stutter in his voice,

and that intense look in his eye is starting to make me desperate to find

something to say, anything.

"But she's, um, not in your familia. People in different familias can't get

married, right…?"

That's one of the things that makes being in a familia complicated. I brought

it up to see how Finn answers.

He simply says, "That's not a problem. I have Loki's permission. Well, I

should. I agreed to join her familia under two conditions: one, that I have her

cooperation in assisting my people; and two, that she not get in my way."

Apparently, Finn was the first member of Loki Familia, and that's how the

negotiation played out.

It was an even trade-off for Loki and her first follower.

She secured someone who had great potential for her familia, and he received

the goddess's resources for his own needs.

Even now, the conditions of their agreement are still in effect.

"Of course, I care deeply for my familia. It's grown so much since the

beginning, and I feel it's my duty to protect them."

To think a group as fearsome as Loki Familia had such humble beginnings. I

consider that for a little bit, but he just shrugs and tells me to not get the wrong

idea.

He looks so young, yet he carries all the responsibility of the leader with a

smile on his face. I can tell he's speaking the truth.

"One other thing I'd like to make clear: Even if I do have Loki's permission,

I can't allow this personal matter to make life difficult for my familia. Should

your supporter, Lilliluka Erde, refuse, or should Goddess Hestia object to my

proposal, I won't pursue her any further." Finn is being clear to avoid starting

any problems between our familias. Then he smiles dryly and adds one more

thing. "And I'm not as young as I used to be. I can't urge someone into an

engagement anymore."

"Huh…Um, I-I don't want to be rude, but…may I ask your age?"

"Over forty by now, I suppose."

"F-forty…?!"

"What? Don't tell me you don't know about the side effects of having a

Status?"

Finn looks back at me with that incredibly youthful face and starts to explain,

while clearly enjoying my surprise. He details how high-level adventurers gain

the ability to slow the aging process.

Basically, a stronger spirit container doesn't wear down with age, and in fact

has a greater longevity than most. The effect increases every time a person levels

up.

When it comes to eternal life, with the exception of the creator of the

Philosopher's Stone, mortals have yet to unlock the key to perpetual youth and

true immortality. Instead, over the past thousand years, the repeated leveling up

of many adventurers has displayed the possibility of conquering the aging

process to the world, or so Finn says.

…If Lady Hestia were here, she'd probably say, "Leveling up brings a mortal

closer to godhood."

We gain more abilities the higher we ascend. In other words, the closer we

get to the eternally youthful gods and goddesses, the more we resemble them in

various ways…That's not too hard to wrap my mind around.

Although, actually getting to where deities stand is probably impossible.

Finn ends his explanation by saying that I shouldn't assume anything about a

high-level adventurer based on their appearance. "We got off topic a little bit

there, but…if you don't have any objections, I would like your help in meeting

her."

Since circumstances prevented him from talking to Hestia or Lilly directly, he

needed to make his approach through me. Now that he's said his piece, he states

his intentions one last time.

My head is still a swirling mess, but I'm calm enough to fight through it and

gather my thoughts.

I wasn't able to ask much yet because I was shaking too hard. Regaining

control from sheer willpower, I manage to ask a very important question:

"Why…are you interested in Lilly?"

A simple question. There are so many prums in the world, so why did he

choose Lilly? I don't have the guts to say it, but even at his age, a top-tier

adventurer like Finn could have anyone he wanted. All he had to do was make

himself available, and he'd have more attention than he could handle.

And I don't think this is a case of love at first sight.

He's been so calm and collected ever since we arrived. There's been no

wavering in his voice. It's—I don't know…Finn doesn't seem head over heels

for her, and there's no heat or excitement. It's more like the calm of someone

watching from the sidelines.

Finn closes his eyes when I ask. Then his deep-blue irises appear from behind

his eyelids as he looks directly at me.

"How long ago was it, maybe two months? The day you defeated that

Minotaur on the ninth floor."

The battle against a Minotaur that wielded a greatsword; the day of my first

level-up. I fought that monster with everything I had. It just so happened that

Finn, Aiz, and the rest of Loki Familia were in the middle of one of their

expeditions and witnessed the fight.

Lilly was the one who'd led them to me in a desperate attempt to find help.

"She was so determined to save your life that she ignored her own injuries

and threw away her pride in order to convince us to help you. Seeing her do all

that…It made quite an impression on me."

Finn places his left hand on his heart as if to say that's how he truly feels.

"She's not strong by any standards, but she showed enough bravery to rival

anyone." He narrows his eyes for emphasis on that word. "It's true that I want a

partner, but not just any partner. Right now, what my people need is bravery…

I'm looking for someone who possesses this forgotten weapon of the prums to

join my cause."

Prums are considered to be the weakest of all the races.

They lack the physical capabilities of humans, they don't possess the magical

prowess of elves or the physical strength of dwarves, they haven't developed the

combat expertise of the Amazons, nor do they have the enhanced senses of

animal people.

The one weapon that the race shorter than all the others did possess—was

bravery.

Like the prum knights of the Ancient Times, they possessed the courage to

face enemies much larger than themselves in those days from long ago.

Unfortunately, that one and only advantage had disappeared with the passage of

time.

And that is how Finn is planning to restore his people to their rightful place

in the world: by drawing out the courage they all have buried within them. His

partner needs to be someone worthy of standing next to the man the gods had

named "Braver." Someone who had a great deal of courage and could pass it on

to his future child.

"So then Lilly…"

So that was the reason he wanted Lilly.

He recognized her courage because, rather than running away, she chose to

try to save me. Finn had been moved by seeing her covered in blood and tears,

calling out to Aiz and the other members of Loki Familia for help.

"B-but…if that's the case, wouldn't anyone who meets your standard be…?"

"Yes. You're absolutely right."

I had to remind myself to breathe before pressing further. He didn't try to

deny anything and simply nodded.

Finn doesn't have any special feelings for Lilly herself.

"If they are worthy, and are at least a decent person, then I probably would

offer my hand in marriage to anyone. The idea of having multiple partners

doesn't sound half bad."

—My eyes fly open.

A sharp jolt shoots through my chest.

Gulp. That sounded a lot louder than I thought it would.

Open to the idea of having multiple partners…So, in other words…

A man's dream, the one Gramps would always talk about, the pinnacle of

manliness, a man's romance…

"…A harem?"

Exactly what I fantasized about in my foolish, slightly younger days…

I can't help but tremble as I look at the prum hero facing me across the table.

My lips won't stay still as I try to speak to him.

"I-I hear that's nothing but trouble…"

I wait with bated breath for his next words. And then he says:

"I'm completely serious."

Completely serious…

Looking at his bright, unclouded eyes, I realize the depth of his determination

and resolve.

Finn possesses the courage to do whatever it takes to fulfill his mission

without a second thought. A sudden rush of respect and admiration, one man to

another, overwhelms me. I'd prostrate myself at his feet right now if there wasn't

a table in the way.

"…But of course, I wouldn't actually do that." Finn looks me in the eye and

flashes a quick grin. Adding that he wouldn't be able to help those who depend

on him if he tried to maintain multiple partners, he smiles wryly to himself and

closes one eye.

"I hold the rank of general now. I can't afford to give my subordinates the

wrong idea."

"Ah…G-good point…"

I force myself to laugh and nod.

I feel so stupid for randomly thinking of this guy as a god among men for a

moment.

"…I left all that behind me when I chose this path. I've dedicated my life to

serving my people."

He sits up straight and falls silent for a moment, his face calm once again.

He sounds like a young teenager, but his voice is steady and clear. Each word

resonates in my ears.

"As I stated before, if she or Goddess Hestia rejects my offer, then that's

where this ends. On the other hand, should my offer be accepted, I will take it

seriously and want to devote myself to building a strong bond with her."

All I can do is listen to him. Finn's face brightens with a smile. "She will live

happily, that I can promise. Would you tell her all that I told you today, in my

place?"

With that, he drinks the last of the tea in his cup. Getting to his feet, Finn

withdraws a piece of paper from inside his vest and places it on the table.

"Unfortunately, I only have time tomorrow." He says a few more words and

leaves me sitting alone with the piece of paper, a location written on it.

He pays the entire bill and waves at me one last time before leaving the café.

"…"

—If she has an answer for me, tell her to go there tomorrow.

—If she doesn't want to answer, that's perfectly fine. I'll be there all day

either way.

I take another look at the piece of paper. Directions are written in Koine, in

really nice handwriting, along with a map to a meeting place. I look up at the

ceiling after staring at the sheet for a few moments. I haven't moved from my

chair, still leaning all the way back into it.

Honestly, I don't want to do this.

But I owe Finn, and Aiz, and really all of Loki Familia for everything they've

done to help me. How would they react if I don't follow through with this?

At the very least, I owe it to him to give Lilly the message. I feel like it's my

duty.

…What if…

What if Lilly accepts his offer after hearing what he has to say…? What'll I

do?

This labyrinth I'm stuck in doesn't have an exit. I stay in the chair, staring at

the ceiling for I don't know how long, trying to find an answer.

Lilly was still struggling even as everyone gathered to eat dinner together.

She acted like everything was normal, participating in conversation like

usual. She sealed away the heavy feelings in her heart to keep the mood light

around the table, even smiling and laughing along with everyone else.

Mikoto and Haruhime were in charge of preparing dinner tonight, and they

received many compliments before they were soon deep in their own

conversation, enjoying each other's company. Welf was busy chowing down and

didn't try to engage Lilly in conversation. Hestia, however, could tell something

was wrong. Her deep-blue eyes would occasionally glance in Lilly's direction,

but the goddess said nothing and joined Mikoto's conversation like she normally

did.

Bell looked anxious, and she noticed him looking in her direction more than

once, but she pretended as if she hadn't.

Dinner ended soon after. Lilly didn't go to the living room, and instead

started heading back to her own.

"Um, Lilly…do you have a minute?"

"!"

She was just about to go up the stairs in the main hallway when she heard

Bell's voice behind her.

A small jolt ran through her body as she froze in place. All the uneasiness and

emotions that had been building since last night came to a head. She was extra

conscious of the young boy at the moment.

"Wh-what is it, Mr. Bell?" Lilly responded in a jumpy, forced voice. She

turned to see that Bell seemed embarrassed.

"There's, um, something I need to tell you…"

Since she wasn't sure of her own feelings, she probably should have refused

him. But he asked so nicely that she made an awkward nod and the two of them

went to an unused room on the second floor. Going inside, they turned on a

magic-stone lamp.

Then—

"An offer of marriage for Lilly…?"

"Y-yeah…"

Lilly opened her chestnut-colored eyes as far as they would go. Bell had told

her about an offer of marriage from another prum. Earlier that evening, Finn

Deimne had asked Bell directly to arrange an in-person meeting with Lilly.

With a stunned stare, Lilly looked up from the sheet of paper Bell handed to

her. The boy trembled as he nodded to confirm.

Why would the Braver be interested in her? That was the first question to pop

into her head, but it didn't stay there for long.

There was something more important. Lilly clenched her lips together and

looked at her feet.

As expected, in Mr. Bell's eyes, Lilly is nothing more than…

The fact that Bell had delivered this proposal of marriage sent her into a

tailspin. The fact that Bell offered another man's proposal to Lilly, instead of his

own, gave sharp claws to the emotions coursing through her heart. She had

already been dealing with the Aiz incident from last night, and now this. Her

gaze didn't move from the floor.

Bell took one look at the girl, hunched over and trying to hide her reaction,

and knew that his words had made her upset. Starting to panic, he quickly tried

again.

"Y-you don't have to answer if you don't want to! Finn said he didn't want to

force anything, so I can go tell him you're not interested…!"

She understood Bell's position. Lilly knew the boy could never turn down a

request. Especially if said request came from Finn, the head of Loki Familia.

Considering what they had done for him, Bell would never reject them.

But…

She didn't want to hear it.

She didn't want to hear that news from Bell. The pain tearing through her at

that very moment was all because he delivered the message. That thought alone

filled her mind.

Presenting another man's proposal showed Lilly exactly where she stood with

him.

Bell thought of her as an ally, a member of the familia. If he loved her, it was

as family, not in a romantic way.

Her eyes quivered. The pain, the anguish, and the loss in her heart forced

tears to well up in her eyes. All the feelings crammed into her chest were about

to burst. She had not heard anything he had been saying.

Lilly didn't look up as she forced words through her trembling lips, somehow

making it past the storm of emotions swirling within her.

"Your thoughts, Mr. Bell…?"

She wanted to know his opinion about the offer and how he would respond

depending on her answer.

The night sky was barely visible through the slightly open curtains covering

the windows. The room's magic-stone lamp illuminated only one side of Bell's

face. She could see uncertainty in his shaking eyes.

"I…I, um…"

He started to open his lips, body swaying side to side, but no words came out.

Seeing him flustered was the last straw. Thundering anger roared to life

within the storm of emotions and it all rushed straight to Lilly's head. Teeth

clenched, fists shaking, she felt her chestnut-colored eyes flash menacingly as

she looked up at him.

Her head started to rise—and then a heartbeat later, all the built-up anger

exploded.

"Lilly hates that you can never make up your mind!"

Her shriek rang inside the room, every word raining down on the boy in front

of her like hammer strikes.

"That settles it! Lilly will meet the Braver!"

"You what?!"

"An offer of marriage from the Braver? Lilly will be the envy of not only

other prums but every woman in the city!! He has it all—power, money, fame!

Yes, it's the wealthy marriage Lilly has always dreamed of!"

"L-Lilly, don't you think you're sounding a little desperate…?"

"Lilly is not desperate!!"

They matched each other tit for tat, almost like a quarreling couple. More

harsh words tumbled out as they continued to go back and forth.

Lilly's face turned red as her ranting intensified, which made Bell only more

defensive.

"Finn Deimne is so, so, sooooooooo much better than some indecisive,

womanizing blockhead who can't even understand emotional signals obvious to

a child, like Mr. Bell! He's a class act, the perfect gentleman!!"

Lilly's last verbal blow had the same effect as a knockout punch. "Ge-hah?!"

Bell staggered backward, bent over at the waist.

Being compared to Finn, not only as an adventurer but also as a person,

shook Bell to his core with feelings of inferiority.

Lilly turned sharply on her heel, but Bell wasn't able to make a sound.

"!!"

Flinging open the door, she ran out of the room.

"Lilly!"

Bell stepped forward and yelled at the top of his lungs, but it wasn't enough

to reach her. The girl was already out the back door.

Passing through the rear metal gate, she dashed into the city sparkling with

streetlights.

Lilly let her emotions take over as she ran headlong into the city.

"—Riveria, I'll be away from home all day tomorrow as planned. Keep an eye

on things for me."

The home of Loki Familia, Twilight Manor.

Their residence was composed of a group of several high towers, one of

which contained the office of the general. Finn's room was decorated with a

thick rug that was as colorful as a garden, a marble fireplace, and a tall

grandfather clock. Every item in the chamber was high quality and fitting for

someone of his rank. But the most striking feature inside the spacious room was,

without a doubt, the tapestry on the wall—an image of a goddess wearing armor,

with spear in hand.

Finn was sitting in a chair behind a black wooden desk that was covered in

stacks of paperwork. He filled them out while talking about tomorrow's plan

with his second-in-command, Riveria.

"…This is unexpected."

"What is?"

"I am well aware of your personal mission, as you've told me on many

occasions since we met. It would be unreasonable for me to feel any different

after all this time. However, you don't seem to be showing much interest in

romance. Your extremely assertive approach…surprises me."

The elegant elf's long jade hair flowed down her back below a small ribbon

that tied it back to the nape of her neck. She stood quietly, analyzing Finn's face

from beside him.

Proposing marriage to someone of his own race was much more proactive

than anything he had ever done.

At the same time, ignoring the fact that it was part of his mission, the prum

hero appeared to be looking forward to it.

"…I've been far too busy to reach this stage, but now it feels like taking it

into consideration might not be such a bad idea. That and…there might come a

day when I lay down my life in service to this familia. Taking recent events into

consideration, I can't help but feel that day draws near."

"…"

"Of course, my will is just as strong as ever."

Finn's feathered pen kept moving throughout their conversation. He stopped

writing and looked up from the paperwork.

"I might be getting on in years," he said to Riveria with a strained smile.

Saying that his forwardness might be his own way of having insurance for

the future, the small prum adventurer added one more thing.

"But above all…I was lucky enough to meet someone special. Seeing one of

my own kind do what that girl did that day left quite an impression on my heart."

Finn closed his eyes as if remembering the moment he first saw her. Leaning

back in the chair with a smile on his face, he slowly looked out the window and

up at the moon rising over the city.

"Now, will she come?"

The darkness of night faded, replaced by light appearing in the east. Morning

had arrived.

Many adventurers were already on their way toward the Dungeon. Lilly

trudged her way through the crowd on South Main Street.

"What am I doing…?"

Head low, she whispered to herself while looking at the stone pavement

beneath her feet.

She went directly to the Gnome Trader after running out of her home last

night. Of course Bom, the owner, was surprised to see her, but he didn't turn her

down when she asked him to put her up for the night. She stayed there until

morning…As for the out-of-breath white-haired boy who came looking for her,

she asked the owner to tell him she wasn't there and to send him home.

It was all out of desperation. How shameful. Had she wanted Bell to feel

anxious, worried…or perhaps jealous?

How shallow, Lilly scolded herself as an air of gloom enveloped her. She had

run away to avoid hearing what she didn't want to hear, to turn a blind eye to

what she didn't want to see.

"…"

It shouldn't be a big deal, but she didn't know how to face Bell now. What

could she do? How could she apologize? Could she go home?

Her feet stopped in front of a certain building as she pondered these

questions. It was the place described on Finn Deimne's note; the place where he

was waiting for her.

She had walked a long way from the main street, passing through several

alleyways to get here. Coming this far, she might as well see it through to the

end. She had hit rock bottom and was perfectly fine with letting the cards fall

where they may. Why not? she thought to herself as she stood on the front

doorstep.

The building indicated on the note was surprisingly small. Located in the

west-southwest area of the city, it was on the outer edge, close to the city wall.

Almost no one frequented this area, so the café known as the Hidden Home of

the Prums was very difficult to find among the other tall buildings on this narrow

street.

It also happened to be a bar, by the look of it.

"So this kind of place can be found in Orario, too…"

Lilly passed by a big sign that said PRUMS ONLY! written in big Koine letters,

before placing her hands on the wooden door and opening it with a soft creak.

Everything inside was built with prums in mind—in a word, small.

Not only were the ceilings lower, but the tables and chairs looked suitable for

children of other races. Quite a few patrons were already inside despite it being

before noon. The customers, the waiters on staff, and even the bartender behind

the counter—every single one was a prum.

All of them fit right in with the size of the café, and no one felt out of place.

However, if someone of a different race, like a human, saw what went on here,

they would likely be quite shocked. After all, no one expected to see what

looked like a bunch of children sitting at a bar, downing ale. Even Lilly, a prum

herself, felt it strange to see prums sitting in chairs and their feet touching the

floor.

Despite its location, the prum-only bar did some brisk business—maybe it

was because many of the patrons felt a sense of pride coming here because of

how exclusive it was. Lilly was standing just inside the front door, taking it all

in, when one of the prum waiters came to greet her.

"Welcome. If you're by yourself, there's a spot at the counter—Wait." The

rather discontented-seeming employee froze on the spot once he got a good look

at her face.

The hood of Lilly's robe shifted as she tilted her head in confusion. But then

—

"Ah!"

"Lilliluka Erde?! Hestia Familia?!"

"Might you be…Mr. Luan?"

Lilly recognized the man who had shouted as he pointed at her.

With large, round eyes and brown hair, he looked like a child whom nobles

would hire to take care of odd jobs.

Luan Espel.

An adventurer and former member of Apollo Familia, Hestia Familia's

opponent in the War Game.

Lilly and her friends had emerged victorious from that encounter and, as a

result, exiled Apollo from Orario. Former members of Apollo Familia had been

released and been given the chance to join another familia of their choice…

Luan, it seemed, had taken a job as a waiter at this bar and café.

Luan's surprise quickly turned to anger. He glared at Lilly with seething

hatred.

"I-it's all your familia's fault that I'm stuck here cleaning tables instead of

down in the Dungeon as an adventurer! So, what are you going to do about it?!"

"Wasn't it your side that hunted Mr. Bell and declared the War Game to start

with? There is no reason for Lilly to do anything…But yes, there were a few

dirty tricks involved."

By the sound of it, Luan had been rejected by every other familia after the

War Game.

Prums were already subjected to discrimination, and he was just a low-class

adventurer who had never leveled up. He might have been a former member of

the middle-class Apollo Familia, but unlike third-tier members like Daphne and

Cassandra, no one came to him with an offer.

Even when he went to offer his services, all the talk turned to his apparent

"betrayal" during the battle at Shreme Castle. The obstacle was too much to

overcome, and he had been shown the door every time.

…His reputation as the "Trojan Horse" had spread throughout the city, when

in fact it had been Lilly, disguised as Luan using her Magic, Cinder Ella, who

stabbed Apollo Familia in the back. The real Luan never made it to the

battlefield and spent the entire time locked in a storage container somewhere in

the city. Apparently, all the attention had been on the battle taking place outside

the castle, and there were no witnesses to Lilly's big reveal, when she

deactivated Cinder Ella. Therefore, the dramatic shift in the War Game was

blamed on Luan…He couldn't escape the stigma.

Although it was common practice to devise strategies before the War Game

to reduce an enemy's fighting strength before battle—Welf, Mikoto, and Lyu

themselves had been hindered by a mysterious robber while in transit to the

battlefield—Lilly still felt they had wronged Luan in their pursuit of victory.

"But Lilly has heard that Lord Miach offered you a place in his familia. Lilly

also heard his offer was rejected…Why didn't you accept?"

"E-wh…I-I was a member of Apollo Familia, you know? Why the hell would

I join such a weak familia that's drowning in debt?"

Lilly looked at him with her eyes narrowed in a pointed stare, clearly

unswayed by the short adventurer's excuses.

It wasn't as though she didn't understand the stress that came with a loan…

but more than that, she felt it was Luan's trivial pride that was stopping him. As

proof, Daphne and Cassandra had chosen to join that "weak familia that's

drowning in debt" of their own accord.

"Well then, how about joining Lilly's familia? Lilly will ask Lady Hestia

herself," she suggested with a hint of sympathy in her voice.

"Like hell I would! You guys have even more debt than Lord Miach's lot!"

He shot down the suggestion. He brought up the bombshell of her own familia's

financial situation. Lilly could see there was no point in trying to help anymore

and gave up.

"…Someone is waiting for Lilly, so Lilly's going inside."

"Whatever."

She brought the fruitless argument to an end. Luan turned his back, seething

with anger.

A little put off by his rudeness, Lilly stepped past him and onto the dining

floor.

She started looking for the one who invited her to this place—and found him

immediately.

He was sitting at a table at the back of the bar, next to an open window.

Illuminated by incoming sunlight, he was extremely easy to find due to all the

excited whispers and people looking in his direction.

"—Oh, you decided to come."

Finn Deimne had been reading a small book, one sized for prums. Noticing

Lilly's presence, he looked up from its pages as she approached.

Perhaps to hide his identity, or perhaps as a fashion statement, Finn was

wearing glasses.

They gave him an air of intelligence and suited his combination of childish

visage and mature aura, which was one of the main reasons he was so popular

with female adventurers all over the city. Lilly could see that firsthand now.

He gave her a friendly smile, stirring onlookers into a small frenzy. No one

would have guessed that Lilly was the person the famous top-tier adventurer,

beloved by his people and proud holder of the title "Braver," was waiting for.

Lilly could feel the surprise in their collective gaze gathering around her.

Even Luan, mouth open and glaring daggers at her, was frozen in disbelief. She

felt like a fish out of water, unsure what to do next.

Finn, on the other hand, didn't seem to care about their audience and kept

talking as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"I honestly didn't think you would come here today. Perhaps a messenger,

but never you in person."

"…If you were so uncertain, then why make the offer in the first place?" The

situation with Bell still weighing on her heart, Lilly's response was heavily laced

with irony.

Oh no! she thought as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She had just

addressed a first-tier adventurer, someone who was unquestionably her superior,

with such a rude tone. A thrill ran up her spine as she waited for his response,

but he just quietly chuckled to himself.

His golden hair gently swished in the soft sunlight coming in through the

window.

"How about taking a seat?"

"…"

His calm demeanor was unchanged as Lilly stayed quiet and did as she was

told. She didn't take her eyes off his smile as she sat down in the chair on the

opposite side of the table from Finn.

"Since this is the first time the two of us have had a chance to speak like this,

I think self-introductions might be in order? I'm Finn Deimne. Thank you for

coming today."

"…Lilliluka Erde."

Both of them knew each other's names, but Finn still gave her his name out

of courtesy. Lilly followed suit. Their meeting to discuss the possibility of marriage was officially under way.

Finn set his glasses down next to a cup that was still mostly full. He ordered a

drink for Lilly, and Luan brought it to the table. He set a glass in front of her, his

expression a stew of complicated emotions. As soon as Luan stepped away, their

conversation began.

"Is it safe to assume that you are open to my proposal, since you came here

yourself?" Finn didn't try to make small talk or give any explanations. His voice

was soft, and a gentle smile never left his face as he spoke. All Lilly could do

was look at her lap.

—It might be a good idea to accept his offer, said a little voice inside her

head. Her feelings for the boy would never lead to anything; that was painfully

obvious now. Therefore, she couldn't shake the feeling that going along with the

proposal of the man sitting in front of her was the best option. Finn was a prum

like her, but the one everyone knew as the "Braver."

Bell had said that she would "live happily." That was likely true. Sitting face￾to-face with him, she got a good sense of Finn's integrity as well as the strength

of his character. Considering his social position and resources, whoever became

Finn Deimne's partner would no doubt live in great comfort, without a worry in

the world.

This kind of offer would never come her way again. It was a once-in-a￾lifetime opportunity, her only chance. Without Hestia's permission, Lilly

couldn't leave the familia, but if she chose to follow Finn, most likely she'd live

an easy, privileged life for the rest of her days.

There might even come a day when Finn would displace the young white￾haired boy in her heart.

"…Please answer one question." Lilly had posed many questions and

answered them inside her own head up until that point. Her words came out as

little more than whispers. She slowly lifted her head and her chestnut-colored

eyes met his blue ones. "Why was Lilly selected?"

That was the most important question.

To be blunt, she hadn't had the best upbringing. A life of crime—her past was

stained by her time as a thief.

Lilly thought that a person who had walked her path was unfit to be with

someone like Finn. So she wanted to know how he truly felt.

"Did Bell Cranell not tell you? It was your courage that made an impression

on me."

"Courage? Countless other prums have courage. What's more, there are many

far stronger prums than Lilly."

"You may be right. But strength and courage don't always come together.

You faced incredible danger and still had the will to overcome it while knowing

your own weakness. I remember what you did on the eighteenth floor. You put

your own life at risk to help others, much like the great Phiana. You are a shining

example to prums everywhere."

Lilly blushed as Finn brought his innermost thoughts to light without any

fanfare. Caught off guard by his honest praise for a moment, she shook her head

as soon as she collected her thoughts.

"You give Lilly too much credit. Lilly is not some great angelic prum. As an

adventurer, Mr. Finn surely has heard rumors of a prum with 'sticky fingers'?

One who steals items and money from other adventurers?"

"That I have."

"Lilly is that prum. She lured adventurers into traps and stole everything

valuable they carried. Yes, anyone Lilly didn't like met the same fate. So Lilly is

the worst, a horrible—"

"The fact that rumors exist in the first place means the victims lived to tell

their tale. I have looked into these incidents myself, since one of my

subordinates was involved. Every single one of the victims is alive and well."

"…"

Even after Lilly confessed to her dark past, Finn was unfazed and calmly

pointed out that she hadn't killed anyone.

Lilly looked back down into her lap.

She wanted to refute his words. She had committed so many crimes over the

years, and there were a few times she'd seriously considered taking the lives of

adventurers.

However, those adventurers had been so tenacious.

Despite losing everything, they clung to life with the persistence of

cockroaches.

That was the reason she had stayed her hand—it wasn't worth it.

The best way to get revenge was to make them suffer as much as possible.

Killing them quickly would have been too merciful and a waste, so she chose not

to go through with taking their lives.

Lilly…had been naive.

"I've lived in Orario long enough to know that stealing possessions rather

than taking lives is very tame…I'm no god. I have no right to judge you, nor am

I interested in doing so."

His words were strong, piercing like a spear. But his expression was gentle.

Finn smiled and said:

"All I see is who you are now."

"…"

"And who you are now possesses an important quality that our people have

lost."

Finn's blue eyes blinked. He looked at Lilly with admiration.

"Lilly…hasn't come home."

I whisper to myself while standing in the living room.

I looked all around the city for Lilly last night, but there was no sign of her,

so I came back to our home with my nonexistent tail between my legs.

The one shred of hope that I still had, that I repeated to myself over and over,

was that she'd be back by morning…And now the sun is up, but no Lilly.

"Did she really…go to meet Finn…?"

She said she would. And today's the day.

Welf and Mikoto are making breakfast in the kitchen…I think about it long

and hard, but I decide to go to the goddess for advice.

After climbing the stairs, I arrive at her third-floor room and knock on her

door. "Come on in," comes her voice from the other side.

"Oh, it's you, Bell. I heard from Haruhime that our supporter is gone. You

know anything about it?"

I…I don't know what to say.

She's getting ready to go to work at her part-time job at a Jyaga Maru Kun

street stand when I step inside. She hits me with that question right off the bat. I

avoid making eye contact, looking around the room for a few moments before I

divulge everything that happened last night with what I'm sure is a pitiful look

on my face.

I give her every detail, hoping for some tidbit of advice. She sighs.

A big one, too. I blink a few times.

"Bell. You—If you're trying to make her happy, you can't think so hard

before you take action."

"!"

My head snaps up to look at my goddess.

It's true. Considering all that happened to Lilly while she was with Soma

Familia, I don't want to say it's out of sympathy, but I want her to be happy.

And after Finn said that…Finn said that she would "be happy." And knowing

who he is, I'm sure he would make her happy. She'd be happier with him, a top￾tier adventurer much stronger than me.

Lilly said it herself. That the famous prum hero is much better than me, a

class act, the perfect gentleman.

…No matter what I say or do, nothing will change.

"Just to let you know, should the supporter…Lilliluka…ask to leave my

familia, I won't stop her."

"?!"

My goddess could see right into my mind—Is she actually reading my

thoughts?!

A part of me deep down believed that, as our goddess, Lady Hestia would put

an end to this whole thing if it came to that. Suffice to say, that confidence is

gone now.

"That'd be one less rival to worry about…"

My mind is going in too many directions at once to comprehend what she just

said under her breath. Then she raises her head.

"Bell. From the supporter's point of view, your inability to make a decision

either way just feels like meddling in her business. I'm pretty sure she'd say it

herself: that she'll decide how she wants to live, how she'll be happiest."

"Ah…"

"If I were in her shoes, and you were the one who came to me with that

proposal, it would be a real shock."

She looks at me kindly and says something that sounds like criticism, but it

also sounds like she's enjoying herself.

"Bell, our supporter will disappear if you don't do something. Is that what

you want?"

"I…I…"

"You know, you should be more selfish."

She smiles at me with those pure blue eyes of hers. I stand still for a moment.

My hands curl into fists a heartbeat later.

"—Please excuse me. I don't need breakfast!"

I turn away from Lady Hestia and run out of the room. I see her soft smile

after taking one last look over my shoulder. Then I'm down the stairs and out of

the manor in no time flat.

"…Haaah…Gods always have to suffer."

Hestia let out a long sigh as she watched Bell race through the front gate

from her window, knowing full well she was helping her rival.

Despite what she had said, the smile hadn't disappeared from Hestia's lips.

"Hey! Hey, Aiz! Get a load'a this! Finn's gonna get hitched!"

Aiz turned her head to face the voice and received a hug from behind.

It was at Loki Familia's home, in a narrow hallway of the residence.

The Amazonian girl Tiona ran by many doors as she raced through the

passageway toward Aiz. She had both her arms around the human girl's

shoulders in an instant and was absolutely bubbling with energy.

"Finn is…?"

"Yep, yep! I heard him talking about it with Riveria in the hallway last night!

Just happened to be at the right place at the right time!"

Aiz's golden eyes were wide open in a rare expression of surprise. At the

same time, Tiona was vigorously nodding, barely able to contain her excitement.

"And get this! Finn was wearing glasses when he left this morning—saw it

myself! He was going to meet his bride for sure! Ohhhhh, I wonder what kind of

lady he's gonna bring home?"

Tiona verbalized every thought flying through her head, causing a ruckus in

the hallway.

Aiz did her best to move with the elated Amazon who currently had her in a

bear hug. "Hmm," she said quietly, raising her chin as she thought about it. It

seemed strange to her that that prum, her general, would be discussing marriage.

She was just about to mention that when—

"—Want to clarify what you're talking about?"

A voice as cold as ice.

""Ah.""

Aiz and Tiona froze in place. They knew who the female warrior standing

behind them was without looking.

"I only received the grandiose title 'Braver' because I pressured Loki into it."

It was a corner in the Hidden Home of the Prums.

Finn and Lilly's conversation continued with the whispers of onlookers still

swirling around them.

Finn explained how he had negotiated with Loki to push for his moniker to

be "Braver" at his naming ceremony during a Denatus session. It was his way of

denying himself an escape route from his mission. He was bound and

determined to become the rallying flag of the prum race.

"I'm willing to do anything for the revival of our people. That goes for the

prums yet to be born into this world as well. And to do that…I need an heir of

my own."

Lilly sat, dumbfounded, and listened to Finn talk about the extent of his

resolve and why a fitting partner was necessary for him.

Orphaned at an early age, Lilly had struggled just to stay alive. She had no

time for faith in Phiana, nor did she know all that much about the goddess.

However, she knew that Phiana was important to prums, which was just about

how much other races knew about the prum goddess as well.

Despite that, Finn helped her understand the important role courage played in

providing a beacon of hope in place of Phiana. As well as how much he devoted

himself to it.

"…Mr. Finn, is there no woman who holds a special place in your heart?"

The question came out of Lilly's mouth before she knew it.

Everything she'd heard up to this point made her believe that Finn was

sacrificing himself for the good of his people. She couldn't help but ask. Her

question caught Finn by surprise, but he answered.

"…There is one obnoxious girl who is rather fond of me."

He paused for a moment then chuckled at himself.

"It's led to some embarrassing moments and quite a few headaches…but it

feels like something's missing when she's not around. Sometimes I wonder if

there's something wrong with me."

His lips awkwardly turned up into a forced smile, but Lilly could see the

kindness in it.

"—But I have no interest in just living a happy life. No, the moment a simply

happy life grows on me, everything I've done, every obstacle I've overcome so

far will have been for nothing."

A new wave of conviction passed over his face. Like a valiant knight

renewing his vows, Finn's blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

It was all for his people. As a fellow prum, Lilly was moved by his awe-

inspiring willingness to devote himself to that cause. She couldn't help it. She

could never possess such strong conviction, such dedication to a lofty goal as he

had to his people.

Ah—.

Seeing the way Finn lived his life inspired something within her heart.

No, made her remember. Her feelings for the boy.

That's right…

The one who had rescued her wasn't her fellow prum Finn Deimne, nor was

it one of the gods.

It was Bell.

Everyone had always ignored the muddy prum at their feet. The first person

to look her way, to really see her, was that white-haired boy.

Yes, that's right. Lilly is…

As unlikely as it was, even if Hestia ever turned away from him, Lilly would

never abandon him. Even if the world labeled him a criminal, exiling him to

some faraway place, it would be Lilly right by his side. She would continue to

support him.

The boy was barreling forward at a breakneck pace, but even still, Lilly

would travel that path with him for the rest of her life.

On that day he forgave, accepted, held, and laughed with her—she had made

her decision.

"…"

What's this? Lilly laughed to herself.

All in all, she and Finn were one and the same. It was almost like looking in

the mirror. She had something to devote her life to.

In that moment, a guaranteed happy life slipped through Lilly's fingers. The

same emotions that had caused her so much pain over the past two days would

probably strike again.

However, she had already decided: No matter what happened, she would

never leave that boy's side. It was not completely out of atonement—she simply

wanted to. Lilly would continue to support Bell.

She would devote her life to her family, much like the man in front of her was

doing.

"It really…didn't matter…"

"?"

Lilly quietly whispered under her breath. Finn tilted his head.

In negative terms, Lilly was blind; to a more neutral perspective, she was

loyal. But looking at it in the best possible way, it was unconditional love.

She, a very plain-looking girl, was competing with a goddess, among others.

A tiny part of her felt that way. But whether Aiz Wallenstein was in the running

or not, whether Bell had someone special to him or not, none of that had

mattered from the beginning.