Planning

Reading the recent notes, Misha Flott sighed.

"…Hestia-Familia, Reach the 23rd floor and collect 10 Lizardmen Nail, 25 Vouvre's Fangs…"

She knew the level of this expedition was higher than what was supposed to be issued to a new Familia. Yet, she felt this was completely natural since the rumors regarding Luna's strength, added to Ryuu's already monstrous achievements in the Dungeon, were that important for the Guild to considerate. Of course, there was no way this [Official Expedition] could possibly bring them any harm...

Her thoughts were bound to be wrong.

———

"…I hope we can join as well, Ryuu-dono."

After the expedition was issued to the Hestia-Familia was announced, several adventurers were eager to help them out, such a matter welcomed by any God or Goddess in Orario as this could possibly be an opportunity. However, a bucket of cold water was poured on them since Ryuu did not accept anyone with such intentions in his expedition.

His aim was to ask for help from people he approved of, and Mikoto was certainly one of them.

"Of course, I would be delighted to have you helping us out."

He glanced at a certain Renard. Her complexion was a bit paler than usual, though her gaze was many times different than before.

Radical changes couldn't sprout in a matter of days, no matter how much she tried to improve. Yet, her own immense will and determination still let her progress, as she could now sense threats and properly evade them if the enemy was not too fast.

This was a nice improvement, though the fact she still trembled in fear lessened the effect of her awareness by many times since her movements were slow. If Ryuu could have the assurance of more people looking out for her, then he would rest assured after he left…

'Do not worry, Master. I will not fail.'

She and Hestia received a proper explanation of his intentions regarding this expedition. They didn't like it, but they couldn't argue with him over such an issue as they knew his strength was more than enough. Luna instead grew determined not to disappoint him.

"I didn't expect to have you here as well…"

He added as he glanced at a certain Amazoness.

"You need all the help you can get, am I right? I don't know what you're planning to do, but knowing you, there's no way it's anything sane…"

She shook her head. Since she never particularly liked Ryuu, she ironically understood the man would never allow others to 'help' him. He alone would be more than enough of protection in such a high floor. Yet, he did not refuse them, which meant he was planning something…

She didn't care what these plans were. What mattered was only Haruhime's safety, and she would give it her all to ensure nothing would happen to her.

"You're not wrong and right at the same time. What I am doing is merely necessary for me and maybe for all the adventurers in Orario."

Suppose he found some particular path that could help adventurers avoid death. In that case, he might consider reporting that to the Guild as there was no benefit he could gain from keeping it to himself, though he would never disclose anything he considered sensitive…

His shameless smile made Aisha shake her head in defeat, though she did not add anything else. While the Takemikazuchi Familia, accompanied by the Amazoness, interacted with Haruhime, he formalised Ryuu Lion's presence in the team. However, his plans didn't stop there, as he would be sure to ask the Loki Familia executives as well.

The moment that Familia appeared in his thoughts, a certain Amazoness he had yet to make his erupted in his mind...

Since there could be many unseen variables in the Dungeon, Ryuu considered going without his other Familia members. His true aim was to have someone used to them whom he could trust accompany him since all the knowledge he had was, in the end, only gained through books, and that couldn't possibly be enough to say he could move between them easily.

Only someone who splattered their blood all over them could hold such a claim.

———

"…Alright, I will help."

Ryuu Lion sighed as his smile couldn't be hidden from her…

"These two really have a nice atmosphere around them-nya!"

Anya muttered.

She chose the worst person to talk with as a certain Cat with black hair and green eyes did not show anything unusual on her face, but she still ignored her…

"…It's true that Ryuu-san never interacted with anyone in this way, but I think that is of a different nature from what-"

Before Lunoire could finish her words, she was interrupted as Chloe went to the customers, trying to hide her own emotions.

"That girl…"

She sighed and went to do her work as well, though Anya tilted her head in confusion as in a matter of seconds, many things occurred, yet she understood none of it…

'Just what am I doing?'

Chloe questioned herself. If she did not hurry up, she would soon lose her connection to him; his little gesture clarified that. He did not have the patience, time or bond to possibly wait on her, which meant dwelling like this could not do her any good…

These thoughts seemed to light up a small flame in her as she finished her last order before heading to where he was.

———

As a little less than an hour passed since Ryuu Lion accepted his proposal, Ryuu made her aware of his little plan. The two discussed a bit more regarding his true aim, which he actually told her as she only shook her head with a small smile.

"Only you, Ryuu-san, would think of such a way to explore the Dungeon."

She wanted to add he was a bit too reckless, but it was not her place to say so, causing her to bite her lips in slight frustration even she herself did not recognize.

"I appreciate the concern, but that's not necessary. I have a precious Goddess waiting for me at home, while the rest of my Familia instead will wait for me on the 18th floor. If after a week there's no notice of me, please-"

His words were interrupted as a certain waitress approached. She placed her hand on the table with moderate force, drawing his attention. Her gaze was fixed on him, her eyes deep and intense.

"Go out on a date with me."

She heard him uttering that last sentence, causing her small flame to burst. She realized she was so bothered by Lunoire's words, not because she was afraid he would die, but because she would regret it if she did not follow her heart.

She wished to confirm whether what she felt when he approached her was real or if she was only deluding herself. No one ever liked what she considered 'ugly', only stopping at her 'outer shell' she so hardly tried to raise…

"Yes, I will. But not right now. I still have some matters on my hands. How about two days from now?"

He appreciated her determination and boldness, but this matter involved his Familia's safety. There was no way love would come before family…

"That's fine by me. I trust you still remember you promised to treat me to a nice meal."

She had a small teasing smile on her face as this was what she was seeking, what her heart told her to do.

Of course, she could have asked him if she could come to the expedition, but that was not possible since Ryuu Lion already chose she would go, meaning they would have to cover for her absence already. If two of them left simultaneously, Mia Grand would not take it well…