Chapter 46: The Empty Nest - Old Man Sol

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The ground was scattered with magic stones and various fallen objects, leaving a thin layer across the small nearby area. The family members quickly began gathering up the spoils.

Finally, after wrapping this up, they'd almost be ready to head back today.

Their haul had surpassed expectations.

While everyone was tidying up, Lan seized the moment to lecture those who hadn't followed orders. However, Gnar and the others only looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes, which filled her with guilt as she tried to scold them.

"What are you feeling wronged about?"

Inwardly, she sighed. Raising children, after all, was still Riveria-sama's headache.

An amusing thought flashed in Lan's mind.

——

Back at the family residence, Riveria, who was assisting Tsubaki, suddenly felt a chill and stifled a sneeze, as if someone was thinking of her.

——

After dropping items off at the guild and exchanging materials, the family group returned, carrying their earnings proudly back to the residence. Under the watchful, admiring eyes of other adventurers, they made their way home.

With the recent expansions, their family base had grown considerably, with many areas still under construction. Since Lan and the others had returned slightly late, even the construction workers had already packed up for the day, leaving the site looking rather desolate.

When they reached the family hall, Riveria was waiting for them. Noticing Lan's weary expression, Riveria gave her shoulder a gentle, comforting pat.

"You've done well. Did anything happen?"

"We ran into a Monster Parade on the 15th floor today, but we managed it well. The newcomers are very capable," Lan replied, though her tone held a hint of weariness.

Capable, indeed… If only they weren't so energetic.

After a full day adventuring in the dungeon, Gnar and the others still showed no signs of fatigue, while Lan seemed exhausted in comparison.

——

——

Months passed, and the Sol family's preparations were complete. They had even invited some blacksmiths from Hephaestus to assist them.

Every expedition required significant expenses, and Sol now had a deeper understanding of the financial burden Loki's family faced. The costs for medicines and backup weapons alone were staggering. In addition, they had to hire blacksmiths and healers to join the team, making the expenses even more daunting.

Over these months, the family's earnings from dungeon adventures finally balanced the books. To boost the family's finances, Riveria even led her team to face Goliath and Amphisbaena multiple times.

One way or another, they managed to gather enough funds.

With Riveria leading the family's elite fighters, and accompanied by Kled, Gnar, and the other yordles, the expedition officially began.

Suddenly, the family base was much quieter, no longer filled with the usual bustling energy. Left behind was Vex, a spoiled brat who adamantly refused to go on expeditions.

Of course, Alfia stayed by Sol's side as well.

These two – Vex and Alfia – didn't leave the backyard much. With so few people around, Sol quickly grew bored. Even sparring with Alfia had become a rare source of entertainment.

At first, Sol would walk around Orario regularly, often heading towards the Astrea family's quarters. However, Astrea and her family members were also busy maintaining law and order in Orario, so he rarely found anyone at home.

"This is really dull. Maybe I should go visit Aina."

An idea suddenly sparked in Sol's mind, and a familiar figure came to mind.

Aina, who had originally been Riveria's personal maid, had accompanied Sol on his journey from Alf's Royal Forest. Although she lacked the talent to become an adventurer, her position as Riveria's maid elevated her status somewhat within the family.

Back when the family was still forming and connections were loose, Aina's place in the family had felt somewhat awkward. Riveria herself wasn't fond of being served, and Aina, without adventurer skills, had little to do. Eventually, Riveria had assigned her to manage Sol's daily life.

Then, a few years ago, something surprising happened.

Aina was expecting a child.

There was no mystery about the father—clearly, it was someone who had overstepped his bounds. A loyal elf like Aina would never be with another man. And now, Sol, the infamous god, had certainly stirred things up.

Riveria had been furious, ignoring Sol for months.

Sol, shocked by the news, couldn't believe it at first. While he had taken no precautions, he recalled the years spent in Heaven with countless goddesses, with never a single incident. He had assumed that gods in this world couldn't have heirs…

Who would have thought?

Caught off-guard by Riveria's wrath, Sol barely had a moment to process the implications.

The atmosphere in the room had been tense, like the calm before a storm. Riveria had barely managed to keep her expression in check.

After that, Riveria tightened her control over Sol considerably. For half a year, he wasn't allowed to leave the family residence.

Sol, feeling a little wronged, complied obediently and stayed close to Aina, playing the part of a responsible father. At Riveria's insistence, he kept the situation discreet.

Eventually, Aina quietly left the family residence, finding a peaceful place to settle down in Orario.

Of course, Sol still visited her often.