Three months. Hm, I have a bad habit of this, don't I? I apologize but there's not much I can do about my muse. It does what it wants. So, here's a nice chapter. I really hope I can get to the good parts soon. Apologies once more.

I've been laying plans, so here goes. Oh yeah, 300k words, without ANs here. I did the thing!

...

After her grandkids left home, she sighed, "Those two will cause me all sorts of trouble in the future. When the day comes that I am not around, they will be fine adults." Sofia stood, fixing her robes. She had some business here as well. Staring out the window, she looked straight at Babel Tower. "Looks like I'll need to speak to her. No doubt you've noticed and I pray you to follow the rules I left you."

The wisps that had accompanied her had vanished, their time was done. They would still be able to view her from the Well of Souls. The High Elf adventurer, the strongest woman alive sighed once more. She had a lot to do in order to fulfill her duty. The time of Zeus and Hera Familias may have passed, but a new age was coming to Orario. "I wonder if they went to go see Bell…" Sofia mused as she threw on her hood and left Dia's Complex. No one paid her any mind other than a curious glance.

Orario still had this slight depressive air to it, and it probably had something to do with Freya's recent actions. They knew she could charm all of Orario in a second, so there was no doubt that she could do what she wanted. However, Sofia was not a woman without a plan. She cast anti-charm spells upon her mind, not trusting Freya even for a split second. The potency of Sofia's magic was close to God-level. If one really wanted to classify it, Sofia could be a Goddess herself!

The High Elf mage entered Babel and went for the elevator. She hit the button for the fiftieth floor and waited. No one entered the elevator as it was pretty close to the middle of the night. No one would stop her from having this conversation. We will see if Gods and Goddesses can change. Let's see if you will keep your word. The moment you break it, I will break you.

She sent another mental prayer that neither Isaac nor Irene get involved with her plan. She needed them unaware. Maybe it was rude of her to think that but this conversation needed to happen. Looking up, the elevator hit the fiftieth floor and the door opened. Who greeted her was none other than Allen Fromel.

Upon seeing the unknown person who waltzed into his Lady's territory, his spear was already in hand and swung.

Except there was no impact, "It seems that you have failed to realize who I am, and how you were put into a wall…do we need a repeat?"

"You!"

"That's right, me. I've come to see Freya, or shall I start making good on my promise, starting with you?" Sofia said with a smile from under her hood. She disarmed Allen of his spear before sticking it to the floor. "You can let the other executives know I'm here but it won't matter. This needs to happen because if she crosses the line one more time, I will cross many more to ensure she finally understands what happens when she makes an enemy of Hecate's mortal reincarnation." Coupled with her killing intent, she made good on her threat with her sweet-sounding voice.

Sofia walked by the irate Allen, to which the former was letting out all of her aura. Since it was so high in the sky, no one on the surface felt it, not even her grandchildren. The executives of Freya Familia felt Sofia's presence and they all moved but once they did, they found her outside of Freya's door. "Good, you all came to greet me."

Ottar stood in front of them all, hands on his swords, gripped tightly. Even though he knew that fighting her was pointless but he does not give up, "Why are you here?"

"I simply wish to talk to your Lady. Should she refuse me, I will return at a later date. If she accepts, to which I know she can hear me, then we shall talk, and I will be placing a silencing spell in the room. Whatever we talk about will remain between us. After all, Freya could use some girl talk."

"You will respect our Lady's name!" Hedin shouted at her.

Sofia's aura focused solely on him, and she took great pleasure in watching him pale even further, "No wonder my student never held any inkling of interest in you. Such an unclothe mouth on you. The cat might be the second victim if this continues." Her stare turned to Ottar, her lips quirking up in amusement, "You're shaking, King, do I perhaps, intimidate you, or have I ignited the flames in you once more? You wonder how high you can reach. You wonder if you'll be good enough, serving at her side. I understand that, actually, on a familial level."

"I've heard enough…Hecate, please come in," Freya's voice floated through the door. "Helen, please leave and take all of them with you."

The door clicked open and out appeared a girl with silky long hair, covering one eye, looking apathetic, "Actually, Freya, she can stay. In fact, she's also part of the reason I needed to speak with you."

The girl, Helen, looked surprised and visibly flinched away from Sofia's stare. They weren't getting the Grandmother to Aspis and Harpe. Sofia meant business tonight. She looked back in the room, seeing the chair and the multiple wine bottles. Has she been drinking this entire time? Sofia frowned. Her ears twitched at hearing them walk away, not without protests but her word was final. "Oh, and if you plan to ambush me or harm my grandchildren, this Familia will be losing members without explanation."

Her threat made, Helen held the door open for Sofia who gracefully walked inside, and followed after.

"So, you've returned," Freya's voice did not hold the same elegance that she normally did.

"We did," Sofia said as she walked right up beside Freya and stared out the window, "You know, I thought you would be upset with me walking in unannounced. In fact, I figured you'd try to charm me."

The Goddess of Beauty was still in her favorite dress, her silver hair looked like she had not taken care of herself. "You would think, Sofia Vlahos. In the time you've been gone, I've had much to ponder, and I found myself unable to find an answer."

The High Elf turned to see her swirling around a cup of wine, "What were those questions?"

"Have I failed as a Goddess and as a woman?" Freya asked wistfully, wondering if she could redeem herself in their eyes. Having seen their souls, they were better…but they still had some shattered pieces. The twins' souls each had a piece of them still mending. As she looked again at Issac's soul, she saw a violet stream curl around the broken pieces, gathering them, and attempting to put them back together.

As for the younger one, her pieces were still scattered, as if she has not let anyone in to help. Freya's brow fluttered lightly if only she could help…

Sofia spoke, taking Freya out of her musing, "As a Goddess? Yes. As a woman? No. You wanted my family to be a part of your Familia but that meant taking them away from a place they were already happy in; making you selfish as a majority of deities are. Sure, you may have loved them and it's a toss-up if you still do, seeing their souls and all…but you took Dia from them. You had Dia, one of if not the sweetest Goddess to have walked Gekai, killed before their eyes."

She leaned down above the chair and spoke once more with venom in her tone, "Yet you fail to see how that hurt them, how hollow they looked. It made what your Familia put mine through look like a slap on the wrist."

"I-I just wanted to-"

"Save it, let me finish," Sofia cut her off. Her hazel eyes sharpened enough to cut Goliath. "You wanted or you needed them in your Familia but did they want or need to be in yours? No. Dia was understanding. If you wished to have contact with them, you could have asked. They are accepting but you slighted them, hurt them, and almost killed them. My last remaining family was almost killed and you would not have cared in the slightest. You have messed with many events here in Orario. Do you think I was not informed of Monsterphilia?"

Freya didn't want to admit it but Sofia right now terrified her. Rational thought did not exist for the lovely goddess.

Sofia stepped back, "Do understand that if it was any other deity, they would have been sent back to Tenkai without so much as a trial? Yours was mercy."

Freya sighed, "I know I have done some less than savory things..but…" she trailed off, not having an argument. Usually, she would but this time, she was not at the top of her game.

Sofia sighed, "Do you understand why you received the punishment you did instead of the one I wanted?"

"But of course, Ouranos needs my Familia and Loki's to keep the security of Orario."

"Because as much as you loathe to admit it, not everyone will fall for you. Hera was partially right about you," Sofia said, gauging Freya's reaction.

The hand around the wine glass cracked slightly, "Oh?"

Looking around the room, seeing the many bookshelves, Sofia ran her hand across the many spines, knowing these were probably centuries older than her. "I don't need to explain that, I'm sure you get it. But I need you to answer a few things. First, why did you not help both Zeus and Hera when they asked?"

Freya smirked for a second before sensing the aura of the mage baring down on her, "Why else? For power, a chance, however, you wish to interpret it. After losing that challenge to Hera, I was bound here."

"Amounting to pettiness. Why the interest in Bell Cranel? Aside from his achievements, I never thought you would aim for an underaged boy."

"He is sixteen, a perfect age," Freya glanced over to see the malevolent glare. "Seeing his soul is what interested me. Same with your grandchildren. They have such interesting souls. Bell's is…refreshing to see. I have not been around as long as Zeus and her, but I knew potential when I see it. I watched over him to try to ensure that potential was reached."

"..."

"Did you expect me to say something else, Sofia?" Freya's voice echoed softly, "Do you think I am that shallow?"

"Every deity has their faults, whether or not you admit it," the mage said, watching Helen's reaction. "You, Helen, seem disgruntled at the fact she has expressed interest in the young Cranel. Why is that?"

The handmaiden glared at Sofia, then glanced worriedly at the back of Freya's chair. "Go on, Helen, I would like to hear this reason aloud."

"He's changing you, Lady Freya! He's making you think less clearly, you are a Goddess! You do not fall in love with men and women, they fall in love with you! I dislike seeing you like this, and I feel it every time I-" she paused, fearful of what she was about to say.

"You mean every time you pull your switching act, Syr?" Sofia questioned blandly. Freya dropped her wine glass, "You think I didn't know when magic was being used? Do you think I have lost my edge? I noticed the moment I walked into the establishment. Shame on you, spying on everyone who was just enjoying a meal."

Soon after the question was proposed, Freya's heavenly laugh filled the air, "I expected nothing less from you. A shame you won't transfer Familias."

"I never will. Going into any Familia will throw off the balance Orario currently has," Sofia said. "Now, how much of it was an act, Freya? How much of it was all a game to you? Have you learned nothing?"

Silence.

"I…learned the value of a true friend," Freya admitted, a smile that no one has ever seen on her face, not even Sofia. "She is my precious friend, one who would be stuck in her own personal hell and…I wanted to help her, even if I don't know the first step but our friendship was based on a lie, roleplay…"

"My Lady…"

"No, Helen, it's true. Ah~ poor Ryuu…you never deserved such a fate."

"So little Gale made a friend in a Goddess?" Sofia asked aloud. "Good…now if only you didn't have a one-track mind when it came to love. You of all people should know that love comes in many forms, Freya, I have no desire to say how you do things—only in rare cases—but loving someone as a friend is not a terrible way of doing things."

"Friends…me? Surely you jest, no one sees it that way."

Ah, I see now. "Could you stand please?"

Freya shot her head over, "Whatever for?"

"Just do it." Sure enough, the Goddess stood slowly, as the wine was still flowing throughout her body. Sofia approached, looking her in the eye, a dangerous move, if Freya wanted, she could try to charm her. The spell was holding but if Freya put all of her effort into it…that would be bad.

"I still don't understand the poi-" Freya was cut off as arms encircled her. She stood frozen. "Wh-"

"Sometimes, people need to just take the leap and reach out, Freya. No one has ever even dared try to hug you? To tell you that they'll be there for as long as possible?"

Freya felt something run down her face, and Helen, whose emotions were somewhat linked to her, felt what she did and she felt something that after all this time, she never experienced. Safety.

"Asking for a hug will not make you seem weak but trace amounts of affection like this can go a long way. Not every action can be seen as romantic but platonic. How I wanted to yell and scream and tear you apart for what you did but I knew that would make me no better than you."

"But you're a High Elf and-"

"And nothing. My pride was something I put aside long ago when I married Nicolo. He was the one who showed me the world. Showed me that there was more to it than just prideful arrogance. So, please, Freya, it's okay to be vulnerable. Your Familia is fanatical. Just tell them that you want hugs and they will be more than happy to give them, don't order them. Now, on the topic of hugs and Familia. Do not approach Hestia or Loki Familias about my grandchildren, otherwise, the punishment I had set up will come about, understood?"

Freya, recovering from her shock, realizing her arms circled around the High Elf, laughed, "Ara ara~ Sofia, I might just go for you if you act like this."

"Not on my life or my soul in this lifetime or the next," Sofia said, breaking the hug. "Now, go clean yourself up. The punishment for lowering your Familia's level better have gone through. The number of setbacks Zeus and Hera had been…plentiful. This is a drop in the bucket. You'll bounce back, hopefully, better than before. Helen, do take care of your mistress."

"O-Of course, L-Lady Sofia…" the handmaiden was stunned to see it, to feel what she had just felt.

"I will keep your secret but…you will need to tell little Gale about it eventually. The truth is what she deserves, and tell Mia I will stop by for some of her specials soon. She really does know some fantastic dishes," Sofia said before opening the chamber door. "Freya, I will not involve myself in politics but if they come to me, I will turn them away."

"Even your grandchildren?"

Sofia hummed, "If they want my advice, fine, otherwise they will have to learn on their own. Farewell, Lady Freya."

The door shut with a ka-thun and Helen turned nervously to Freya, "My Lady?"

"Prepare a bath for me, Helen," she said.

"Right away!"

"And you may join me. I wish to learn more about these hugs."

Helen left the room with a skip in her step.

"Dino, what are you doing here? I thought you weren't supposed to be here until tomorrow?"

The Dark Elf chuckled, "Well, we actually weren't that far behind you." He looked over her shoulder to see Hestia Familia staring awkwardly. "My apologies, Goddess, for arriving so suddenly. Lady Sofia left me a message with directions to her to wait."

Hestia shook her head, recovering, "First things first, who are you?

"Ah! Apologies, my name is Dino Ensatra, a Dark Elf, member of Anubis Familia."

Lili could be heard muttering, "The Weeping Goddess?" A name because she is a Goddess of Death, meaning she will know when someone dies.

"Yes, she is based here but we are sent across the world doing various tasks. While myself and Jericho behind me were out and about, we met the Vlahos trio."

Jericho, the raccoon, "Since he avoids saying what he needs to, let me, he's got his eyes on a certain someone and he's-"

"Enough out of you," Dino scolded and Irene saw his cheeks flush, a sight she thought was cute.

Eh? Her thoughts stilled. Isaac snickered silently.

Isaac spoke up, "Some other missing context, Ensatra is a Dark High Elf Family yet you mentioned that you are a member of the branch family?"

"Correct, Issac," Dino said, having recovered. "I…was hoping I could speak with Irene for a moment."

"Even though I am not her deity, I suppose you can but you never answered my second question. Waiting for what?"

"Well…" Dino rubbed his chin in an awkward manner, "Lady Sofia was…specific."

"Oh boy, Gran's up to something again."

Irene sighed, "Fine, I will accompany you. Have you touched base with Lady Anubis?"

"That was next on my list. I would like for you to meet her," Dino said, rubbing his arm nervously.

Irene found the gesture to be sweet. "I don't think I'll do that with Loki. She might just write you off since she seems to like women more."

Dino laughed at that, smiling wider than before, his posture intrigued. Isaac sighed, wondering if this was how he acted toward Mikoto but smiled like a fool at her next action.

Speaking of, she had wrapped one of his arms and put it in between her chest. He blinked, then blushed, looking over to see her staring at the scene in front of her. She then turned toward him, tilted her head, and oh by the Gods, she's so cute! Her hand encased his and she sighed in contentment.

Irene subtly glanced at Isaac seeing him smile at Mikoto, and that was when she knew her brother was in good hands. "This shouldn't take too long. Save me a slice of cake, Isaac!"

"Will do," he waved her off as he then took the chance to embrace Mikoto. Hestia turned and smiled at him. He deserved a little happiness in his life. The poor samurai was blushing beet red but made no motions to end the embrace. She even started snuggling into his chest, and she heard his heart speed up.

Lili was looking at Bell, wondering if he could do that to her. Welf just saw the couple embracing and knew they were going to be just fine. "Oh and Dino? Bring her back before sunrise, otherwise, you'll have a protective brother after you."

Irene chuckled with a sigh, "I appreciate the thought but that will not be necessary. We'll discuss what happened in the morning before I head to Twilight Manor."

The party continued in full swing. Isaac and Mikoto would be situated on the couch that night. Neither would make it to the bed and upon sunrise, he would be spooning her, an arm under her chest.

"So, you haven't explained what you're doing here, Dino," Irene said as they walked past the Hearthfire Manor's gates.

"I thought I did," he replied.

Irene snickered, "No no no, there was something else. I know that you wanted to see me and while I am flattered, please do not ask me just yet." Dino felt his heart freeze in his chest but once she continued talking was he relieved, "I do not know if you know this, but I am demi-sexual."

"Huh?" he exclaimed, almost having stopped walking.

"That means I have to form emotional attachments to people before I even consider them as more in any fashion. Despite the way I act, I tend to keep everyone at arm's length except a few people. You are one of those I'm keeping at a distance so know that it has nothing to do with you."

Dino exhaled, "For a moment, I thought you were going to say that you hate me and want me to go away!"

Irene giggled, "Nope, nothing like that. I do enjoy your company more than other elves."

"Were they not accommodating?"

"The furthest thing from it, multiply it by a Goliath and a dash of Balor," Irene quipped, "We were also dodging arrows left, right, and center. They really did not want us there despite arriving with Gran."

"Did you retaliate?" the Dark Elf asked, curious.

"Could've, should've, would've, but we had to be 'better' than them or something," her air quotes allowed her cloak to expose how many weapons she carries, and for Dino to get a look. The Ensatra Elf idly wonder why she was carrying more weapons than a Supporter does bags but he'd not rather poke that Bugbear.

Dino tittered, "I am surprised you held back, not many would."

"Would you?"

Dino clicked his tongue, "Depends on the severity of the insults and physical attention."

"You would have loved Arrow Roulette," Irene said as they approached the Adventurer's Graveyard were the sounds of wailing could be heard. "Is that?"

"Yes, every time someone dies in Orario, she knows it. If it's one of her Familia, she's almost inconsolable. However, there are days rare as they are, that no one dies and she is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet."

"She sounds pleasant."

A new voice echoed over the Graveyard, "Is one of my children home?! Where are you, darling?!"

"Over here, Lady Anubis!" Dino called and opened his arms. Not even five seconds later, a small dark-skinned lady in mourning black collided with Dino, who remained unfazed. Irene blinked at how fast she was. That was…abnormally quick.

"Oh my precious child, Umi (Mom) is here for you, yes I am!" Anubis said in that tone we all know. She finally noticed Irene, "And you brought a friend!"

"Well, Anubis I, uh, well…"

Irene giggled, "Not to worry, Lady Anubis. However, he did not bring me to convert, if that was the first thing. I wouldn't be able to…"

Anubis' dark eyes widened before wrapping Irene up in a hug, "I heard the news about what happened! I know it was months ago but I never got to express how I felt about little Dia…I…apologize if this is reopening barely coated wounds but know that she is safely in Tenkai, watching over her precious children, okay, alhabiba (Sweetie)?"

Irene exhaled, "That does ease one worry. So, Dino over here wanted to introduce me to you…for a reason, that I still haven't gotten."

"The reason was for you to meet her, Irene," Dino said with a blank look. The child and goddess shared a look before she smiled wide. "Plus, I need to get you back, it's later than I thought. And please, Anubis, head home. Jericho and I will meet you soon to discuss our quest."

"Okay! Run along now! I'll see you-" she paused as she felt another mortal leave this plane. "I-I'm j-just g-going to be h-h-here for a bit l-longer."

"Stay safe, my Lady," Dino said, rubbing her bangs out of her face. For an odd reason, Irene wanted him to do that to her… Oh boy.

She half-expected Isaac to butt in but was pleased he didn't. "Oh, and alhabiba? Please take care of my child, they all mean the world to me!"

Irene smiled at the care, the pain in her posture evident but not dominating. "I will, Lady Anubis. I give you my word."

Dino smiled at seeing his now two favorite women getting along, which he should realize that it was getting bad for him. They're getting along, which means plots and dastardly plans. Jericho was going to have a field day with this, Dino knew.

After their trip to the Graveyard, they ended up outside of Babel. Irene smiled softly at the emptiness of the place, as it gave a serene feel to sure to shield her thoughts, I wish the Xenos could see this. They would love it. Then, she felt a stare at her, making her sigh,

"What is it?" he asked.

"Freya," Irene lamented.

Dino's slate-red eyes hardened, "What about her?" Of course, he's heard what happened as the news spread far and wide. The story was more than likely to get mixed up along the way but he saw the trial and oh how he wanted to run to Orario but Jericho had told him not to bother because they were too far from Orario at the time. Still, he never felt more rage at a Goddess' actions. According to recent rumors, she's been far more docile than normal. Her Familia has been relentless in retrospect.

"She's watching me or is at least glancing at me," Irene sighed. "She would not be so careless to approach me already. I would talk to her if she wanted but not without Issac, Riveria, and Gran."

Dino understood that. She could try to charm them but that's what worried him. He didn't know about her immunity to charm, she would be safe. He didn't express this concern though because he has confidence in her. She wouldn't meet her without some form of protection, even if the protection would be overkill. "Alright, I trust you make your decisions with plenty of forethought. Now, shall I escort you home, Lady Vlahos?" A smirk tugged at his lips as he eyed her.

Irene put a hand over her heart and in a pompous voice, "But of course, Lord Ensatra." She looped her arm with his, checking his face in case this was not what he had in mind. Instead, he blinked and smiled wide, almost giddy, if the sudden pep in his step was any indicator.

Irene enjoyed her night, in all honesty. However, this would be one of the only peaceful nights in the next week. Tomorrow, things were about to heat up.

What they both missed was Sofia exiting Babel, looking at her granddaughter with fondness, "I do hope you get together. I can't wait to spoil my great-grandkiddes! Now, are there any available buildings in the district?"

Underneath Babel.

Multiple cages lined the room, some empty, some filled. The ones who were in the room were people who had less than desirable motivations. One sat on top of the staircase, holding a journal. This journal contained the many many discoveries and notes of one Daedalus. The man was obsessed with the Dungeon, and he wanted to create something that was better than it.

That was over a thousand years ago. Yet, here he stands in the middle of the culmination of many lifetimes' worth of work. Knossos. The hidden underground that encased the Dungeon. The man sitting there had a red spear resting carelessly on his shoulder, reading that book with a smirk on his face, "Stupid old fool. Look at what you've caused. Look at what your line has dedicated to the world and yet…they still persist."

The monsters in the cages, the Xenos unfortunate enough to cross paths with his group were quickly subdued, and some are unlucky enough to be quite the looker. Listen, people have their fetishes and it doesn't affect him.

A low chuckle brought him out of his muse, "Looks like the little child has found himself in a predicament."

"Shut it, you old fart," the man spat with venom. "Because of the Little Rookie, he's costing us money."

A different man spoke now, "Do you want us to make him…have an accident next time we see him?"

The man with the spear stood up and shook his head, "No, but we better get our asses in gear and find more of these monsters," he leered at one, a Formoire before swiftly stabbing it in the chest. He may or may not have a grudge against them.

"Dix, remember to not go overboard."

"Why don't you go be useful for once, Ikelos?" The man named Dix replied, speaking to a God who looked like a stereotypical shady character you encounter in a dark alley.

"Fufu, a child telling me what to do? How disrespectful…but, I'm in the mood for some entertainment. So, this will work for my purposes," Ikelos said. "Don't expose yourself too soon, now you hear?"

"Get the fuck outta here, I got plans to make," Dix said, snidely grinning all the while, his goggles glowing red in his left eye. "Soon, I'll show you…"

The next morning Isaac woke up, feeling rested. The most rested he's ever felt in the past three months. The reason? He was spooning Mikoto, who was still in her outfit from last night, and she looked super adorable, curled up against him. His arm was secure around her waist, and her arms were holding it firm.

He closed his eyes again with a smile but that was when Haruhime walked in and saw them. Obviously, she misinterpreted seeing them like that, thinking they were doing something scandalous like having clothed sex right in the middle of the living room. She didn't faint but her face was beet red.

"Hello, Haruhime," Isaac spoke softly, loud enough for her to hear. "I see you think we've done something."

"N-No, I didn't!"

He chuckled, rumbling his chest, making the still sleeping Mikoto moan slightly, only loud enough for him to hear. He paused. "Sure, anyway, are you making breakfast?"

"I was about to start," the Renard whispered.

"Let me help you, I kind of miss the kitchen," Isaac said, noting that Mikoto was slowly waking up.

"Hmmm, guh mornin'," she stretched, suddenly remembering where she was, and cautiously looked over her shoulder to see Isaac's smiling face. "We didn't do anything, did we?"

"Much-needed cuddling but that's it. I would never take advantage of you," Isaac declared, kissing her forehead.

"Please spare me of the sweetness, I can feel my body reacting to it," a teasing voice said as Irene entered the room, dressed casually in leggings and a loose blouse-like shirt. She wasn't wearing anything on her feet but had the grace of a dancer as she glided across the room to peer over the couch, "How're the lovebirds?"

"I dunno, how was your romantic walk in the moonlight?" he shot back.

"Touché, now, I heard something about you making breakfast?"

Isaac slipped from behind Mikoto, making the samurai whine at the warmth loss. However, she dashed away to the bath, because she just wanted an excuse to use the tub. She promised to be ready before he was done making breakfast.

"Did you see Gran last night?"

"Nope," Irene and Isaac discussed one topic on their minds. Pretty short in that regard.

The younger twin turned to Haruhime, "Is everyone else up?"

"Master Bell was up when I knocked, Lady Lily was groggy, Master Welf fell asleep in his forge, considering his room was unlocked, and Lady Hestia…"

"...is probably knocked out cold because she's being lazy?" Isaac questioned while Haruhime winced. "Well, when everyone is gathered, we need to discuss the plan for the Xenos. Something is going to happen and we'll be in the middle of it. Irene, I doubt you'll be able to get involved without actively 'betraying' your Familia."

Irene sighed, "We'll make it work, now get cooking. I want the grilled cheese!"

Never change, Irene.