"What the heck!?" Loki burst out when she updated Ais' Falna. "You can Level Up!"
The shout seemed to catch some attention because the door to Loki's room was opened by Riveria. "Loki, is there something wrong?"
Loki pointed at Ais, who was still lying on the bed. "Ais can Level Up! I can't believe it!"
"We did some crazy things, all things considered," Ais replied calmly as if she wasn't involved in the craziness. "I just hope Lili can also Level Up since she's the one who needs it the most."
It wouldn't be funny if Ais was the only one who Leveled Up from the fight against the Enhanced Infant Dragon when Lili needed it more than her.
"So you want to Level Up now?" Loki asked for confirmation. "This is gonna paint a target on your back. It's been only what? Almost a year since you had Falna. I think that's a new record, right, Riveria?"
Riveria nodded, "The fastest before you is Alfia from Hera Familia, with one year and two months."
"Right. That's a whole two months faster than the previous. Not to mention you're doing it when you're still seven years old. Are you sure?"
"On second thought, maybe not now. I have to confirm that Lili did Level Up. I would feel bad if she didn't, and I do," Ais decided. "Tonight's our gathering, anyway. I can ask her."
Loki looked at her before she hummed. "If you say so."
"Please don't brag until I confirm Lili's?" Ais requested her goddess. "I know you love bragging to the other deities, but I don't want to disappoint Lili."
Loki smirked. "Fine, but you can't request me to veto ridiculous aliases."
Ais opened her mouth to say something. She had heard that Finn had requested his alias for a favor. But Finn did it because he wanted to become the beacon that gathered the other reincarnates. She weighed the options and realized she didn't really care about the names.
Shrugging her shoulder, Ais replied, "Sure."
She just hoped that the other deities were reasonable.
"Oh, right. Did my Falna say something about Ariel?"
Loki looked down at the paper in her hands. "Nothing changed about Ariel. Why?"
"Huh... interesting," Ais mused. Ariel was an enchant-type magic, but she clearly controlled the wind back in the fight. Does she enchant herself? Enchant Lili? And as far as she knew, the enchantment was giving her boosts in firepower. Never did it occur to her to form blades of wind. She wondered if she somehow gained a new subsection of magic derived from Ariel, but her Falna said no.
Her early conclusion was Ariel allowed her to do just that; she just didn't know about it before. Then again, Ariel appeared alongside the memories of her current life's mother, the Wind Spirit. Maybe because she had her blood, she could command the wind.
"What's interesting?" Loki demanded. "Spill it, Ais. Come on!"
"You saw it, right? I controlled the wind using Ariel. I think Ariel is more than just enchantment."
Loki blinked. Riveria did the same.
"You what?" Riveria grabbed Ais' shoulders. At the same time, Loki put her fist on her palm and said, "Oh yeah, I kind of missed the implication because that was an amazing battle."
Ais just shrugged, although her movement was halted by Riveria's firm grip on her shoulders. "I controlled the wind. I lent my sword to Lili and formed wind blades against the monster."
"...You did it with no more chant? Under the effect of Ariel?"
"Yes, hence I thought I had a sub spell or anything. But it turns out I didn't. It's all Ariel."
Riveria let Ais go and massaged her temple. "Oh, your mother is a spirit. I sometimes forget about that fact. I'm too used to you being a reincarnation from the distant past than you being a half-spirit."
Wearing her clothes again, Ais just chuckled. "Sometimes, me too, Riveria. But still, to think that Ariel is that capable..." Ais looked at her own palm. Now that she could Level Up, she should try her best and not just coast along Lili.
Raul arrived together with the others at Hostess of Fertility. This was actually his first time entering the establishment. On the way there, the others did not let who was gonna be there slip to Aki and him. It was as if they had an unspoken agreement with each other.
When they entered, Raul's eyes were greeted with an empty restaurant. Blinking, Raul asked Finn, "Is this place usually this quiet? I thought you said this is a famous restaurant and bar?"
"No. Usually, it's crowded whenever we have our gatherings," Finn's eyes wandered around to look for clues. Raul did the same and found a big table filled with people. In fact, they were the only people occupying the whole restaurant aside from the green-dressed staff walking towards and away from them.
On that table were several faces that Raul was familiar with. With a plate of snacks in his hand, Alf was laughing with Duval, who was grumbling about something. Gren and Berl patted Lili's head while Lili herself shot a glare, promising death if they didn't cease. On the opposite, Yuri was chugging a glass of beer. Beside him, Helga was eating something from her plate as she discussed things with the smiling Ryulu.
"Oh my, this is quite a surprise," Ryulu suddenly declared when she saw the newly coming group. "Sir Lazar and Lady Aki. It's nice to meet you again. Please take a seat wherever."
Ryulu gestured at the empty seats on their table. Raul and Aki looked at the seating arrangement, looking for two open seats.
"Ahaha, of course," Ryulu chuckled, seeing the two sitting beside each other. "It seems the two of you are as close as ever."
"Where are the others?" Finn, who also took a seat near Lili, asked the others. "It's weird seeing the Hostess empty like this."
"Bah, more drinks for me!" Gareth somehow had started chugging drinks when everyone was just seated.
"Ask Ryuu. She's organizing the gathering this month," Gren pointed with his thumb. "I thought it was to welcome Lazar and Felice, but apparently not?"
Said Elf only smiled, being the center of attention. So her name this time was Ryuu? "Now, now, it wouldn't be a surprise if I tell you now, would it? More importantly, since everyone is here, let's talk about Sir Lazar and Felice! Please introduce yourself!" Ryuu diverted their attention to the two newcomers.
"It's nice meeting all of you again," Raul had a wistful smile on his face. "I feel sad that not all of us were blessed to become this close in our past life."
He felt Aki wipe tears from his cheek. That got an 'aww' from the others, sufficiently making him blush.
"Classic Lazar."
"Sh-Shut it!" He shouted in embarrassment. "Anyway, my name this time is Raul Nord. I hope we can be better friends and companions this time!"
Sitting down, Raul covered his face so he didn't see Aki standing up.
"My name is Anakitty Autumn, but you can just call me Aki like before," Aki curtsied before she winked at Raul. "The nickname 'Darling' is just for Raul, though."
Aki, please! Raul slammed his head on the table.
On one side, Aki teasing him like this was bad for his health. On the other side, he was quite happy Aki could be her free self with the other reincarnates. Most of them only knew her as the cute little catgirl Felice, or the young Queen Alkittiene.
"What? Isn't she Felice?" Helga asked Ryuu, who sat beside her.
"She's Queen Aki I've been telling you. And yes, she was Felice, indeed."
"What the heck, they're the same person?"
"I hope we can have a long-lasting friendship, as Raul said, even better than the previous time. Cheers!" Aki raised a mug filled with (thankfully) non-alcoholic drinks.
"Cheers!"
After that, the others introduced their current name one by one. Grer, Berling, Alfrigg, and Dvalinn Gulliver were the two twins' names. Incidentally, they were quadruplets this time. Ryulu, as mentioned before, was Ryuu Lion. Helga was Lyra, and she didn't elaborate on her family name, so Raul didn't push. Yuri was introduced by Ryuu as Bete Loga because he was already drunk. And that was everyone.
Raul observed the chaotic merry. Hmm, that was quite a nice word to use. It was a similar atmosphere found after a big battle in their previous life. Chaotic merry. Everyone was having fun, but no one wanted to join the fray when they were sober.
These moments were to be cherished. Raul damn well knew he loved the moments he had in the previous life. He was sure everybody felt the same.
"Lili," she heard Ais approaching her with some sliced meat on her plate. "Did you Level Up?"
"I can, but I'll hold off until the new weapon come." Considering that it was made from an Enhanced Species' Drop Item, it would be serviceable to take over Soma Familia from Zanis. "I would lose the element of surprise if I Level Up now and challenge Zanis later."
"It was strange," Ais recalled when she asked for commission works to Goibniu Familia before tonight. "When I described you, he seemed insistent on forging the spear himself. Unlike the other times I commissioned swords to his Familia."
"How long will it take?"
"Around a week, if I remember correctly," Ais informed.
"Hmm," Lili made a thinking gesture. "Come to think about it. Ais, did you Level Up?"
"I could, but I'm waiting for you," Ais replied with a smile, to which she got one back in reply. "I would feel bad if I Leveled up and you didn't, especially when Loki said I would break the record for the fastest Level Up."
"You don't feel too happy about it," Lili pointed at something that caught her attention.
"To be honest, I was happy that my effort was rewarded. But when I heard you also Level Up, wouldn't you be the record holder, then? You Level Up in just six months, after all. So I thought I don't need to feel too happy."
Ais saw Lili blink.
"What are you saying? I have had my Falna since birth."
That moment was the first time Ais Wallenstein felt like a fool, whether in her first life or her current life.
"...Right. I honestly don't remember," Ais chuckled, and Lili did the same.
"But," Lili said after her laughter subsided. "I think it's better if you go first. If what you said was true and you're going to break a record, then the whole Orario will talk about you, yes?"
Ais' eyes widened in recognition. "You can slip away stealthily. Make sense."
"Exactly," Lili nodded, happy that her friend caught on to her thought. "My Level Up will be drowned by news about you, and I can crush Zanis without getting the attention of the whole city."
It went without saying that Soma Familia, while not strong enough to gain attention that way, was actually on everyone's radar by virtue of wine-making. Soma wine was infamous, after all. If words got out that there was some sort of internal coup d'etat, it would surely make others worry about what will happen to the supply of the wine.
When (and not if, in Ais' opinion) Lili gained command of the entire Familia, it would be akin to a Kingdom getting a new king. What policy would be kept, and what would be discarded? Nobody knew, and it might affect the current market of Soma wine. Similarly, it would affect Soma Familia's relationship with other Familia. Zanis might have dealings with Evilus, and Ais doubted Lili would continue the relationship. Lili taking over meant Soma Familia would start from zero, even in the relationship department.
...Loki, you sneaky fox. She never commented on Ais' friendship with Lili. And she no doubt knew about Lili's plan from Finn and the others. She allowed Ais to help, and if the six months limit passed, Ais knew she would let Finn and the others lynch Zanis. Because no matter what happened, Zanis would fall, and Lili, a person with close bonds to her Familia, would take place as the captain.
Loki knew she would get a personal connection to Soma and his wine. It was also why she never asked Lili to join her Familia. She knew that Lili was better served under Soma.
"What's wrong?" Lili asked her.
"Nothing," Ais shook her head. Even in all her wisdom, she wouldn't reach some conclusion if she didn't think about it. But it wasn't like it was her responsibility now. Unlike her previous life, she wasn't constrained by her ruling duty this time. She would enjoy her freedom to act for the foreseeable future. "I'll ask Loki to update after this or tomorrow at the latest. Think the news will dominate Orario for one week?"
Lili nodded. "Definitely. This city is always looking for a new figure."
"Lady Lili, it's time, don't you think?" Suddenly Ryuu barged into the conversation. Lili grimaced at the call.
"Sorry, Ais. We'll continue later."
Ais blinked.
"What was that about?"
"Alright, everyone. May I have your attention!?" Ryuu suddenly demanded, taking the attention of the people. "I know all of you are wondering why I reserved the whole place for ourselves tonight. Well, there's a big reason!"
Ryuu brought out her harp. "I'm gonna present all of you with a magnificent performance!"
Unfortunately, because it caught everyone by surprise, none gave applause at the announcement.
"Ooh, it's unusual," Lyra chuckled. "What's so special about this performance?"
"Well, first and foremost, this song is an unreleased song I made back in my previous life. I wanted to release it, but a certain other storyteller told me it'd bring chaos to the era, so I conceded and let it rot inside my notes," her voice had a nostalgic tone as she remembered the conversation with said storyteller.
"Orna?" Ais asked in surprise at the mention of her half-sister.
"Yes. It was a shame considering it ended up being one of my favorites. But oh well, the peace that we painstakingly reached... There's no way I would shatter it just for my own selfishness," Ryuu shook her head with a smile.
"And so you're releasing it now?" Dvalinn asked the bard. "Is it because we're in a more peaceful era?"
"That's one reason. The other reason is that two people are also here and I think it's a great moment. Isn't that right, Lady Lili?" Now all of the attention turned to Lili, who only sighed.
"...Yeah, whatever."
"Lili?" Grer wondered. "Does that mean-"
"Now, now, don't spoil it. Let's wait until we perform, okay?"
"We?" Lyra questioned. "Don't tell me-!"
Now everyone's attention was back on Lili again. "Yeah... Ryuu forced me to."
"Come on, Lady Lili. I didn't force you. I just mentioned several good points about why you should help me perform this song, and you accepted it," Ryuu chuckled.
Lili sighed for the nth time that night.
Plucking the strings on her harp, Ryuu tested playing several melodies. "Alright. I'm ready. Just as we practiced, Lady Lili."
"Oh, so that's what it was," Lyra whispered to Ais. "Remember when Lili always came to the Stardust Garden and locked herself inside Ryuu's room? I think it was for training."
"Quiet!" They were reprimanded by Alfrigg.
"Finn," Lili suddenly addressed the older Pallum, looking at him directly in the eyes. "I asked you to wait for a while, didn't I?"
"...Yes," Finn answered warily.
Smiling, Lili continued. "Well, here's my answer."
Ryuu started plucking the strings for unfamiliar melodies to the spectator. It was understandable, as it was their first time hearing the song. And then, after several seconds of solo play, Lili entered the music.
The soul that dwells in those eyes.
Burning bright because of sadness.
Just by pulling tender memories,
You stand there, wanting to protect them.
Even if you know you're fake.
You never hesitate,
From the end to the beginning.
This was... Finn was speechless. The first verse of the song clearly referenced him. And it wasn't the glorified Braver Finn either, but the Avenger Finn.
The flame of time dances cruelly.
As if it burns everything to the ground.
In the present, the hope you keep up,
Decays into vengeance.
One day, you'll turn the lie into reality,
And become a real hero.
Under the red blazing sky,
You can overcome despair.
Finn gasped at the lyrics. This was... He glared at the smiling Ryuu, who kept playing her instruments without hesitation. No wonder she was told to never release this! This wasn't some epic showing the world of one of the heroes. This was an honest-to-gods story of his downfall and rise. If she released this at the time when his legend deified him, there would be war!
Finn wanted to say something. He really wanted to say something.
But he held back as Lili stabilized her breathing and let the music continue. It was still ongoing.
Where is the end of the journey?
The roadless paths turn into trails.
Beyond the last hoofprint,
You believe we will meet again.
The heartbeat that comes back to life, embraced by loneliness.
You cut through the silence,
And continue the story.
Finn heard several sobs around him. Lyra was crying, failing to hold back her tears. Grer covered his face while Berling wore his headpiece, no doubt trying to hide the wetness of their cheeks. Even if this song was about him and his struggle, it was as if the first Knight of Fianna holding out their hands for the second. Looking towards Alfrigg and Dvalinn, they both seemed to agree.
The place you're aiming for is paradise.
With a vow of courage,
You charge on the present,
With a smile emerging on your mind.
You don't know love, or even care.
Still, the center is dazzling.
After you fall, you get stronger.
Push forward to hope.
It seemed that Dvalinn couldn't hold it anymore. His thumb wiped his cheeks several times. On the other side, Aki was grasping Raul's hand as she buried her face in Raul's shoulder.
Lili looked at him with a tender smile.
You don't need to pretend anymore.
With determination to face your enemy,
What overflowed from the depth of your eyes.
A dream that leads to dawn.
Unconsciously, Finn's sight turned into a blur. He didn't know why. It wasn't even that sad when he thought about his regret again.
And yet.
And yet.
Why did hearing this coming from Fianna herself make him cry?
The place you're aiming for is paradise.
With a vow of courage,
You ran through the present,
With a smile emerging on your mind.
It's okay to cry, to be who you are!
Live, live, live, live, to hope!
Don't hesitate; keep going forward!
You are not alone.
Believe that.
The harp kept going for several seconds before the song was closed by Ryuu. By the end of the performance, almost everyone was crying. Finn wiped the tears from his face.
"That's..." he tried to speak, but what came out was hoarsely mixed with a sob. That was amazing. Not only the song or the lyrics but also Lili's performance. It resonated with his soul. All the regrets, all the laughs, all the hopes, all the despairs... he recalled everything despite not wanting to, and that was just from Lili's performance.
He saw Lili approaching him.
"Despite my hesitation in doing this, Ryuu's lyrics certainly conveyed my feelings towards your decision, Finn," Lili said to him, a smile on her face. "There's nothing else I want to say to you. And I think..."
Lili let out a breath of relief.
"I think I'd like to be called Big Sister, yes?" Lili opened her arms, allowing him to stand up and embrace her.
A/N: And this is the long awaited resolution to Lili and Finn's relationship! Since the start, I always wanted to resolve this with Lili singing Fortia (the 5th anniv second OST) to Finn. And I hope I did it justice. The interesting thing is Fortia's lyrics structure. If you don't know Japanese, I'll explain it a little. Japanese language is beautiful in that it doesn't need subjects sometimes. And you know what Fortia did? That's right. There's almost nothing referencing 'you' or 'I' in the lyrics except for a certain part, so it can be interpreted in two ways; either Finn singing it for himself, or Fianna singing it for Finn which is the interpretation I like more because Uchida Maaya (Fianna's VA) is singing the song instead of Tamura Mutsumi (Finn's VA). Incidentally, Sekiyuu no Uta which is the first OST of the 5th anniv, has similar lyrics without subjects and that makes it more authentic because the lyrics sounds like a bard (Ryulu) is singing it to tell the stories to the world. Anyway, the lyrics are translated by me using deepl and asking my friends, so if there's something wrong with the lyrics then you can just mention it. Side note, I actually don't like putting OST in the middle of the chapter but this is an exception.
Anyway, I just want to thank DanMemo for going out of their way to make two songs for one anniversary event. Both songs are amazing. Sekiyuu no Uta is literally a bard's tale about a band of knights, and Fortia is an encouragement for a certain hero. Vesta's lyrics last year are all about Hestia's feelings for Bell, while I haven't looked up Justitia's lyrics but I assume it's relevant to Ryuu's feelings for her familia. This kind of quality content makes me happy as a Danmachi fan.