Chapter 94

Exiting the Hephi's office, I found myself in need of food not only for myself but also for Bahamut, Hephi, and possibly Tsubaki.

As I walked down the streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty about my feelings towards Tsubaki.

Nevertheless, I decided to go with the flow and see where things would lead.

I must admit, finding a woman of Tsubaki's caliber who would be willing to go on a date with someone like me, fully aware of the fact that I am in the process of building a harem, was something very rare.

Despite being the one who usually cooked for my familia, I rarely ventured out to eat, so I was not familiar with many establishments that served good food.

There was one place that came to mind, but for some reason, I wanted to avoid it. Lost in thought, I muttered to myself, "A lot of things to be done," as I searched for a decent store that could cater to our needs.

Just then, a voice interrupted my thoughts. "Draco, is that you?" it called from behind me. I instantly recognized the voice as Syr's. Turning around, I faced her and replied, "Yeah, it's me."

"It's been a while since you've been around," Syr said, a hint of warmth in her voice.

Feeling a mixture of emotions over her sudden appearance, I responded, "Yeah, I just got back today."

Syr then suggested, "Why don't you grab a meal at our store? I am done shopping and heading back anyway." She gestured towards the basket filled with various food ingredients that she was carrying.

Inwardly, I scoffed at the idea of someone shopping for food ingredients in a smithing area.

I was pretty sure Ottar or Allen was lurking nearby, their piercing gazes focused on me. Determined to leave and get food for my goddess, I replied, "Sorry, I have to get some food back for my goddess now. She is waiting for me."

But Syr persisted, "Oh, then you can grab takeouts at our restaurant."

I couldn't help but point out, "I don't remember the Hostess of Fertility ever giving takeouts."

With a reassuring smile, Syr said, "Don't worry, it's fine."

Sighing in resignation, I realized there was no escaping this situation. It felt strange conversing with Syr like an adult, given her current childish appearance.

"Let's go," I said, accepting defeat. However, in the back of my mind, I knew that Bahamut and Hephi would have to wait a while longer for their food.

As Syr and I walked towards the Hostess of Fertility, she continued probing me with questions, as if genuinely curious.

But I knew better than to fall into the web of this scheming goddess in disguise. Each question required careful thought and quick response, mentally exhausting me.

However, before we even entered the store, I caught a whiff of the wind and instantly recognized the unique scent of Ais.

Perhaps due to her being half spirit, her scent had always been distinct, and perhaps as she grew stronger, it has even become more vivid.

Ais's presence here likely meant that the Loki familia was also present.

I couldn't turn back, as Syr was following me, and entering the store could potentially lead to conflict with Ais.

Any conflict within the Hostess of Fertility would ultimately involve its owner, Mia. My mind raced as I considered the numerous variables at play. Eventually I came to a decision.

Determining that my best course of action was to conceal my appearance, I raised the hood of my cloak to cover my face and made sure to conceal any of my draconic features.

With a sense of trepidation, I entered the store. 'What's the worst that could happen now ?' I though as I entered the restaurant.

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Meanwhile back at the Hephaestus familia meeting room, a peculiar scene was unfolding.

Loki, the trickster goddess, and Bahamut, the loli dragon goddess, were engaged in a tense stare down.

The atmosphere had remained this way ever since Bahamut arrived at the meeting room.

Tsubaki, who had accompanied them earlier, had returned to the Hephaestus office to wait for Draco, who had gone out to get some food.

With a sly grin, Bahamut decided to kick off the conversation by taking a jab at Loki's figure.

"So, why is the all flattest goddess seeking me?" she mocked, referring to Loki's rather flat front and back. Loki bit her tongue, desperately trying to hold in her anger.

"What, I was just stating the truth," Bahamut retorted, acting oblivious to Loki's seething rage. However, Loki chose to remain silent, not willing to engage in a never-ending exchange of insults.

Kugh !!!!

Annoyed, Loki grunted and gritted her teeth, fully aware that if she retaliated, it would only escalate the situation further.

Before she could explode, Riveria, who had been acting as Loki's escort, intervened, breaking the tense atmosphere.

"Loki-sama, that's not why we came here," Riveria said, attempting to redirect Loki's attention.

Loki stammered, struggling to articulate her thoughts but eventually gave up.

Opening her eyes wider, Loki made it clear to Bahamut and Hephaestus that she had something serious to discuss.

"I came here to ask you, Bahamut, about what happened on top of Babel," Loki finally uttered, her anger thinly veiled behind her words. Bahamut seemed unfazed by Loki's change in tone.

"Huh, doesn't everyone already know what happened from that blabbermouth Hermes? I went after Erebus or whatever, and then Ouranus showed up and interrupted me. After that, you know the rest," Bahamut replied casually. Loki, growing impatient, pressed for more details.

"You know what I'm talking about. The cloaked figure that fell from the tower. Who is he, and where did he come from? I have a vague idea, but I want to be sure," Loki inquired, her tone slightly calmer. It was evident that she needed answers.

"Oh, that. It was a member of the Tiamat familia," Bahamut revealed, causing Loki to scrunch her face in frustration.

"Tsk, so it's as I guessed," Loki muttered, her suspicions confirmed. Raising an eyebrow, she narrowed her eyes at Bahamut.

Hephaestus observed the exchange from the sidelines, choosing not to involve herself in the conversation.

"Don't you know more?" Loki challenged, her gaze unwavering. Bahamut, exuding her powerful draconic aura, remained unyielding.

"Hmmm, I suppose I could share a bit more. The cloaked figure, as you say, was merely delivering a personal message from Tiamat, which was annoying so I smacked him in anger".

"I have no further information than that," Bahamut responded nonchalantly. Loki, persistent as ever, probed further.

"Is that truly all?" Loki pressed, the intensity in her voice increasing. Bahamut, with an air of authority, made it clear that she wouldn't be pushed any further.

"Don't push your luck, Loki. I am not obligated to reveal the contents of the message, nor do I see any reason to lie to you," Bahamut warned, her draconic presence growing stronger.

"Fine," Loki grumbled, reluctantly conceding defeat. But she had one more question burning in her mind.

"Do you know a child from my familia named Ais?" Loki inquired, her tone softer this time. Bahamut seemed unsurprised by the mention of Ais.

"She's the one you boasted about at Denatus," Bahamut replied. Loki clarified her query.

"I mean, do you know anything about her past?" Loki asked, her curiosity piqued. Bahamut's response was straightforward.

"No, why would I? I wouldn't have known about her existence if you hadn't bragged about it," Bahamut replied, her tone laced with confusion.

Loki sighed, feeling a bit vulnerable as she shared her concerns.

"She became somewhat unstable after seeing you that day," Loki confessed, her expression distant. It was unusual for Loki to show such vulnerability.

"You must really care for that child," Bahamut remarked, her voice laced with subtle amusement.

"Yeah," Loki subconsciously admitted, her voice trailing off.