Chapter 76: The Great Feud (Part 10)

Feeling sunlight hit my face I opened my eyes.

I then sat up and stretched my arms into the air. Careful not to wake up Ryuu.

Getting out of bed I went to the bathroom and handled morning business. I then took a quick shower and got dressed.

Heading down for breakfast after I did so.

Arriving I saw everyone but Millhiore and Leonmtichelli. All of whom were looking in the direction of Athena and Ariane.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Well last night Ariane asked me to join the familia, and I agreed." Athena revealed.

Right after she did so Ariane bowed in our direction. "I will not misuse this opportunity Athena has given me, and I look forward to calling you all my comrades." She said.

"Question." William spoke up. "Why did you join our familia in the first place?"

Standing straight up Ariane began explaining her reasons.

"For many years I've traveled the world, honing my swordsmanship skills." She began. "I've faced many opponents, and thought I knew basically all there is to know. But upon coming to Orarior all of that was shattered. I had heard what a difference falna makes for us in the mortal realm. But I had fought against several people with falna before and bested them so I didn't put much stock in it. Yet only shortly after arriving here I lost to people who possessed falna. Upon this happening I realized just how much I was sorely lacking. So after you rescued me I resolved myself to join a familia, so that I could hone my sword skills even more. And upon seeing Athena the other day I truly came to admire her bravery and warrior spirit. Thus last night I asked to join you all and she agreed. So here I am. Ariane Maple. Please take care of me." Ariane explained.

"Well if Athena's alright with it I have no objections." I said.

"Same." Rogue said.

"Me too." Ryner added.

Everyone did as well. I'm also sure Leonmitchelli, Ryuu, and Millhoire will be fine with this as well.

"Ah, thank you." Ariane said.

Once she did so we all sat down for breakfast.

Then once it was over we split up.

I got ready to head out on patrol, taking Gaul and Rogue with me.

Leaving the others behind to watch over our home and Millhiore.

Besides, the more they rest and recover the better it will be in the long run for the other major battles ahead.

As our trio moved through the deserted streets of the city we killed any Evilus members we saw.

Eventually we stumbled upon some Evilus members harassing several guild employees carrying supplies and amongst them I spotted rose.

Getting a cold look in my eyes I sprang forward, chanting.

{Tear the Earth Asunder!}

[Seismic Burst]

Coating the tip of Vortex Vanquisher in vibrational energy I moved it in a horizontal arc, blowing apart the Evilus members in front of me without any hesitation.

Just after I did so Gaul and Rogue moved to dispatched the rest.

The three of us checking on the guild employees afterwards.

"We'll escort you all to the Guild." I said. "Follow us." I spoke.

As soon as I did so they all fell in line.

We then escorted them to the guild headquarters, the Pantheon without any further issues.

Upon reaching it we also helped carry the supplies inside.

Then once it was done the three of us checked on Rose personally.

Standing off in a corner as to not disturb anyone else, she looked at all three of us with unhidden relief on her face.

"I'm glad you three are all alright." Rose told us. "How are the others?"

"They're doing well." I answered. "A few cuts and bruises but nothing more."

"Yeah, we're all still alive and kicking." Gaul answered.

"And we intend to keep it that way." Rogue spoke. "So you do the same Rose." He said.

"Don't worry, I will." Rose answered.

"Great. Then once this is over how about you and I go out on a date?" I asked her.

"Morax, stop!" Rose shouted.

As she did so several people looked in our direction.

So Rose quieted down. But then immediately after she grabbed my arm and dragged me off. Gaul giving me a thumbs up and Rogue shaking his head as she did so.

In no time we arrived at her private office, where she slammed the door and then turned to glare at me.

"What is wrong with you?!" Rose cried.

"Nothing. I just like you is all." I admitted.

"What?" Rose questioned.

"Yes, I like you." I stated again. "Have for a while now. I want to date you and do other things with you. And have you become my lover eventually." I explained.

Since these last few days of facing death head on at every turn has shown me I need to be a bit more forward in getting what I want.

Like right now.

"But what about Ryuu?" Rose asked.

"Well I love her. But we already talked about this and she agreed to a polyamorous relationship. I mean if you are uncomfortable with it I completely understand. So just say so and I'll back off." I said.

"What, no. I don't have any issues with that." Rose said. "What I'm saying is, stop saying you like me."

"Why? It's the truth."

"Because if you do you'll die!" Rose said in worry. "It happens every single time. The adventurers who confess to me always die the next time they go into the dungeon. I'm no good."

"Yeah, I don't believe that." I retorted. "Listen Rose, I chose to be an adventurer knowing I would be facing death every time I step into the dungeon. But I'm not going to stop. Because this is the path I've chosen for myself. Just like how you chose to join the guild, and chose to keep being a guild advisor to adventurers despite your personal feelings on the matter. Now once again I like you, and yeah I'm an adventurer. So I'm going to get hurt, I'm going to break bones, and end up in pain. But I'm certainly not going to die if I can help. Since I have too many things to live for. Well then, that's all I have to say. Let me know your answer after all this is over."

Once I said my peace I then moved to leave.

But before I could Rose place a hand on my shoulder.

"Wait a moment." She said.

Rose then spun me around and...

*Chu*

Planted a kiss right on my lips.

It only lasted a few seconds before she broke it.

"Oh, and what was that for?" I asked.

"A good luck charm." Rose said. "So that you can come back alive, and then we can discuss this dating thing a bit further." She explained. Getting a bashful look on her face.

I made sure to burn the image into my burn.

"Now I definitely need to come back alive." I said. "See you later Rose." I spoke.

I then left her office, a stupid smile on my face.

Joining up with Gaul and Rogue we continued our patrol, and I continued to grin.

"Did something good happen?" Rogue asked me.

"Yes, I finally tasted the lips of our lovely Rose." I said. "And they were everything I imagined and more." I said.

"So you're becoming a gigolo huh?" Rogue asked me.

"No, no. I'm becoming a man with a harem. There's a difference." I said.

"Sure." Rogue said, giving me a deadpan look.

Since he did so I decided to educate him on what a man with a harem is.

No matter how much he grumbled and tried to stab me with his katana.

-----------------------

(3rd Person: POV)

Sitting in her office Roses' tail and ears moved back and forth. A red blush on her face that could match the color of her hair.

'Why did I do that?' She thought.

Rose couldn't understand why she just kissed Morax.

"It feels like just a while ago he was just a brat, and now he's..."

Trailing off Rose's blush became even deeper.

"And I kissed him. I kissed him." Rose muttered to herself.

Trying to process the entire situation once more.

All the while thinking that maybe one date with Morax wouldn't hurt.

Rose having no idea Morax had already captured her heart.