So this is about two months overdue, and probably one of the shortest chapters I've written. Writer's block sucks. I hate it. So, while this chapter wasn't as interesting as I wanted it. I can only do so much before the events of SO6. My plan for the next chapter or two will be at the bottom.

Unironically, it's been sixty-nine days since I updated this. Deadass, I checked. June 26, 2022, was chapter 24, and here we are, September 3, 2022. My interest in this has declined slightly, I will not lie but I do want to at least get to the point of SO9 so I can go all in on Axton's past. That little set of chapters is going to be fun.

Another thing I will say is that while this little section of the 'Truth' is there, I got to hopefully, get to the point. I didn't want to dilly dally too much. So, please enjoy and once again, thank you all for reading.

...

The previous night, just after getting their status updates.

Currently, the only ones in the office were Loki, Ais, and Axton. Since the former had ordered everyone out for privacy, it was just them in Finn's office. The windows remained shut and the door was locked. No one was outside the door either. Axton may or may not have checked with Ariel.

"Is this for real?!" Loki had shouted. The redheaded goddess had absolutely flipped her lid because of the unprecedented growth of her two children; those same children who happen to be True Demi-Spirits. "How could you get over two hundred points in a single update?! Growth like this is unheard of?!" Typically, status updates would give maybe thirty points on a good trip and now Loki was looking at two of these rare anomalies. How was this possible?

"Oh, look," Axton pointed to the bottom of his status sheet, "It seems like we woke up a side of ourselves."

Ais and Loki stared at him blankly, not understanding his meaning right away.

The youngest person in the room sighed, "Since we had to use our Spirit half, we relied upon it more, connecting us with Mom. We accepted ourselves for the first time…" he said when those blank looks didn't change.

"Oh."

"As for Guardian…I…don't know how to properly explain this," he said with a concerned frown. "The hell does it being 'Aware' mean? Should I be worried if the skill somehow gains sentience?"

Loki recovered from the initial excitement of her kiddies' progress, "I can't say for sure, Axton. The Falna is tricky—ironic coming from me—so I won't have all the answers. I want you to note the changes that happen with this development. Ais, this goes for you too. Since this has woken you up, I would advise being cautious entering the Dungeon." The redhead was serious as she continued speaking, "Spirits are often associated with divinity, and that means they can possibly give off an aura of a God or I daresay a demi." There wasn't much that needed to be said on that. "I don't need to tell you about the Dungeon and its ways. Right now, I can't sense any changes with you but that could be a different story come next week."

Ais nodded with steeled determination, her goal for revenge having shifted ever-so-slightly. It would be a start in a new direction for her. The office became quiet. Axton put his sheet down on the desk, stretching himself. "Okay. Is that all?" he yawned. "It'sss getting late and I could use the sleep…" He blinked, "Yeah…definitely need the sleep."

Loki grinned and Axton felt something embarrassing was about to—

"Make sure to cuddle Lefiya so you get a good night's sleep," Loki chirped.

Axton couldn't stop the blush and glared at Loki as his hand twitched, "I have the sudden urge to slap someone…I can't help but wonder who and why…" he whispered lowly as he took one intimidating step toward Loki, who yelped like a little girl and hid behind the desk.

Loki immediately regretted her actions as she sent out an apology, "I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me!"

At the mention of being tired, Ais felt the day's events slam into her, making her fatigued. To make a level six fatigued was almost impossible in general. Ais, using her brain, figured that it was the emotional side of things. She's known as Doll Princess since she's been reported to never express her emotions on her sleeve compared to her brother. He's plained tired coupled with the sense of relief he got because he no longer had to lie to the people closest to him. Ais wanted to find someone like that.

Yet only one person came into mind: Bell Cranel.

For some reason, he wouldn't leave her mind. This in itself was already mind-boggling. Ais using her head and heart? What sort of madness is this? She then found herself being tugged by her wrist by none other than Axton.

He was swaying in his steps, signs of being actually tired. Her golden eyes focused on her only blood-related family, "Are you okay?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah," he mumbled. "Just tired…wanted to talk to Lefiya before bed…but…"

Ais narrowed her eyes at him, not sure whether or not he was telling the truth. She felt as if he was hiding something from her. Maybe it was paranoia or maybe it was because of him withholding things from her. Gee, wonder why that is, hm? Seriously, he could talk to her.

He could argue that she wasn't exactly forthcoming about her stints in the Dungeon. The number of times he's retrieved her, especially at risk of his own life, was numerous. So, that didn't even scratch the surface of what was brewing underneath the surface of Royalty. They each entered their respective rooms, unresponsive to anyone except one another.

Ais sat herself on her bed before conjuring her wind, the light-green ball floating just above her palm. Mother…you are still out there…and one day, Axton and I will save you. Just hold on for a bit longer.

Ais didn't expect anything to happen but for a moment, she felt a warmth cover her as if her wind was covering her. If the lovely Sword Princess was paying attention, she might have heard a voice responding to her, 'I shall wait for that day.'

As for Axton, he just dropped on his bed and started snoozing. Today and the literal past week to two weeks were utter hell. It seems to him that his problems were only beginning. Tomorrow was going to only make things worse. See you one day, Mom.

He shot up when he felt the same warmth that Ais experienced. He looked out the window, only to see his reflection, tears in his eyes. 'I will be waiting. I want to hold my baby boy in my arms again.'

With that, Royalty fell asleep in the deepest sense possible, set at ease.


"'The Truth', huh?" Loki asked in response whilst Axton mentally facepalmed. Yet he could not intervene until he was addressed directly. The Truth is running in their blood. The answers are lying here within. That's what he'd like to say, however, he knows that that kind of answer would not be accepted and seen as disrespectful. "What sort of 'Truth' are you after, Ouranos? I can't just exactly tell you every little truth I know."

The eye roll Axton let out was not unnoticed by Ais, who elbowed him lightly. Lightly being at full strength. He didn't flinch. He wanted this over with because he wanted to see if he could get that voice back.

The voice that he was sure was his mother's. How could he forget it? That voice was one of the most comforting ones that he's ever heard.

"Do no play games with me, Loki," Ouranos warned, flexing his Primordial power across the room, almost making Royalty feel like swearing allegiance to him. That kind of power would be a detriment to Loki Familia. Yet they stood tall, unflinching. "The Dungeon severed my connection for a period of time. Not only that, the two children you have brought with you are part of this disturbance. So, please enlighten me with a proper explanation."

Loki stared back unyielding, "How do you wish for them to show you? I cannot and will not order them to show anything they are uncomfortable with."

"Ais Wallenstein. Axton Wallenstein. Sword Royalty, tell me why the Dungeon would attempt to sever my connection," Ouranos' voice projected over the chamber.

Ais stepped forward and lowered her head, "Lord Ouranos, are you aware of the Sword Hero's tale?" A seemingly random question but the old God's posture shifted at this. "There is a story of how he had his family, his wife and two children, leave the area. B-But the mother stayed whilst sending the children away. Do you happen to know their names?"

Axton stood silently, his head lowered, gripping his hands. Ais was confident in her words, no mumbling. She was taking the lead. Even so, that did nothing to stop the pit from spreading in his stomach. Loki only observed.

The Primordial leaned back in his chair, "I see. So her offspring continue to live and are the ones in front of me." His voice gave away no surprise but clearly thought it was impossible. If not for the fact that he knew they knew they couldn't lie to him, "Tell me your true names."

Axton took the lead first, "Axton Waldstein, Lord Ouranos."

"Ais Waldstein."

Ouranos' eyes widened ever so slightly. His eyes glanced at Loki who only shrugged but had hints of a smile on her visage. "Truly, she had children. That should be impossible."

"Defying the odds is kind of our specialty," Axton murmured.

Ouranos—and his silent aide hidden within the background—were taking their time absorbing the largest piece of information. The Great Spirit Aria had children. Two of them. One was impossible. Two was more than impossible.

Spirits were designed to not have children. Yet two demi-spirit children stand before the Primordial God. "How did you arrive here?"

The answer was simple, "Mother sent us away. It almost felt like we were falling through sand…" Ais answered. Axton frowned, he didn't recall that. Then again, the only thing he could recall was waking up in the wine cellar. "From that point, Lady Riveria and Goddess Loki had found us and sheltered us up to this point."

"You've kept your heritage a secret. I understand why. Loki, why did you not inform me?"

The Trickster scoffed, "You do not know everything in Orario, Ouranos. I did not have to inform you of who I induct into my familia. If you did know everything in Orario, the Evilus attack would have never happened."

"Ouch, too soon," Axton said, thumbing an injury that never healed fully. He's still got the scar. Multiple scars, and at the time of receiving them, they hurt like hell. Nothing could compare. Maybe what that crazy bitch did…

"Noted, Loki. I chose not to interfere with your business as my dedication to the Dungeon takes precedence. You, Axton Waldstein, could you tell me of your time on the twenty-fourth floor? This was the first of many interruptions of my prayers reaching the Dungeon." The booming voice of Ouranos took him out of his thoughts.

"Wha…" and then the words hit him full force. "Respectfully, I don't. However, I know that I'll just keep running from it if I do not open up…I will be honest, I barely recall anything except pain. I was being restrained by those creepy plants, I think. That and pain…" his voice became hollow, his face blank, and he was sure that he was swaying in place.

Ais grabbed him by his shoulders, "Axton."

He blinked, rubbed his head, and blinked again. "Oh…I'm not there. Thank goodness." The haunted look in his eyes made Ais squeeze his shoulders. She was angry that the redheaded woman still affects him. It was blasphemous to think that he would recover. However, it seemed like he hasn't even started to recover.

"You can lean on me, you know?" Ais whispered to her brother, hugging him gently.

His arms locked around her back and breathed deeply to settle his fraying nerves. Why did he have to bring it up?

"I see it has had more of an effect on you than I thought."

"So? Dungeon Trauma is commonplace for adventurers or any person brave enough."

"Yet your disposition puts you at an even greater risk, Axton Waldstein," Ouranos countered the young blond's point. "Now, that is only the first instance of this. The second time was when you ascended from your prison. The Black Goliath responsible for your ascension to level six."

"Oh, right," Axton swallowed nervously. "That, I believe, was the Dungeon taunting me. Goliath was slated to spawn soon but knowing I was trying to escape, it was released. I was heavily injured and delirious from the pain, adrenaline, and blood loss," He said, his voice small but loud enough for Ouranos to hear.

Loki wanted nothing more than to hug her child and protect him. Ais was already there, draped around him, silently encouraging him. This pleased the goddess, knowing that her one goal can be shifted to the side for the here and now. A shame it has to be under these circumstances.

"Yet you still vanquished it without trouble?" Ouranos questioned.

"Not entirely, it underestimated how strong I am even while severely weakened, but that does not mean the fight went smoothly."

"I see," Ouranos said after a moment. "With how this anomaly targeted you and Ais Waldstein, you are not safe. Not only was it your second encounter, but you could also have been killed."

While the retort was on the tip of his tongue, he knew that saying it won't help. Loki, however, spoke in his place, "Are you saying that they won't be allowed in the Dungeon anymore?"

"I have not said such a thing," Ouranos defended himself, his eyes showed that he meant what he said. All he said was that it was not safe. The Dungeon wasn't safe to begin with but with this added baggage, it could very well turn into a living tomb. It already is.

"The implication was clear. You want some of the best adventurers in the city to stay out of the one place they can gain strength. I'm not exactly about to walk over to that snooty bi…her place and ask her to train them." Loki refrained from swearing upon seeing Ouranos' eyes narrow. "She would either charm them and turn them against me or kill them in training and call it an accident. Neither option will ever fly with me. I want my kiddos' goals achieved. Aizu, Axton, may I?"

Royalty turned to Loki with small grateful smiles and nodded.

"Thanks, kiddos," she beamed before turning back to Ouranos, "They want to see their mother, and according to them, she's still alive."

"Impossible!" his voice only raised an octave but it still shook the room. "All the Spirits were either killed or consumed." Now the sibling duo had concerned yet curious looks on their faces upon hearing the words. Ouranos looked to Royalty and continued to explain, "Long ago, many Spirits, Greater and Lesser, descended to Gekai in order to find champions and to drive back the monsters that came from a place known as Oratoria, now modern-day Orario. The place that monsters flooded out of was where Babel resides today. Back then, no Gods or Goddesses descended, as the Spirits were the ones who scouted the world. The Spirits underestimated the ferocity of the Dungeon…causing them to be consumed."

Axton released a shaky breath, "What about those little sphere fetuses? The one that Hashana Dorlia had gone to retrieve. The thing that…"

"Axton, shush," Loki commanded.

Ouranos was curious about where the young Waldstein was going with that line of thought. He chose not to press as it seemed to be a Familia matter. That, and just recently proven, he could not intervene. His mission was clear.

"Those seem to be the work of the Dungeon itself. It must have sensed you in there, now that you've embraced that part of you…tread carefully for I fear what might happen to you if one of those attaches itself to you." That was all he could really ask. He could not tell Pantheon to halt Loki Familia's expeditions at all. The state of Orario would change drastically if that were to happen.

The mind-numbing fear of seeing that thing in the glass orb triggered a memory of it, causing Royalty to shiver. "Understood."

"Was there anything else, Ouranos?" Loki inquired.

"...aside from resting from your recent expedition, no. However, if anything else happens, please notify me. I know how you treat your Familia. Their safety is my concern too." What he didn't say was how he felt when an adventurer died in the Dungeon. Each and every one. He was the Primordial God who oversaw the Dungeon. He, unfortunately, knows these things.

Trickster was gobsmacked at the declaration, "...I see. Thank you, Ouranos."

"Tell your assistant hiding back there that we do appreciate the assistance and…for tipping off the Familia for saving me." Axton lightly quipped before leaving first. After this, he needed to be alone.

Once they left, the assistant, Fels, appeared from the shadows, "He is hurting…but also carries confusion."

"Yes, and it seems she had gotten hold of that artifact," Ouranos whispered. The elder god looked to the ceiling of the room, a slight twist of a frown on his face.

"Lord Ouranos?"

A sigh, "I often wonder how Orario and the world would react if they knew the truth."

"Did you not get the truth from them?"

"It is not them I require it from."

Fels silently pondered that statement before coming to multiple conclusions. Some of which are impossible but considering who was just in the room, it would not be surprising.

More time to experiment then.


Once Axton and Ais reached the top level of Pantheon, he put on his best smile but even Ais could tell he was just holding it in. She silently gripped his wrist in silent support.

"Ais, Loki, I'd like to be alone for a moment. I'm heading to see Dad…"

"I will go with you," Ais affirmed. She wasn't going to let him wallow in self-pity. She knew that this time, she needed to be the pillar in his life.

Let's be honest, Ais is not afraid of much. However, she is afraid of losing what she holds dear and it's already happened twice. She will not let it happen a third time.

Loki looked over at Royalty and sighed, "You two, go. It's been a rough few days for you. Take the day for yourselves. I'm sure T&T would be willing to escort me, considering they are about to glomp you."

Axton looked up to see Tiona, arms spread, as she latched on to Axton. She rubbed her cheek against his, "Princey!"

A half-smirk, "Hello, Tiona. Hello, Tione."

The elder sister smiled at him, but the concern was evident in her posture, "Axton, Ais…how did it go?"

"As expected. He knows now…and we'll have to be extra careful…" Ais still had not let go of his wrist. "Could you two watch Loki for the day?"

""Sure.""

Loki gave a soft smile, unseen by most, at how her Familia interacted with one another. That was another thing that interested her when she descended from Tenkai, the interactions between humans. The fact that these four place each others' lives in their hands only solidifies the bond they share.

"Let's go, Axton."

He nodded and the two headed for the graveyard. They would not be seen for the rest of the day until curfew that night.

One such elf was worried as she saw the expression on his face. One of longing. Her ears twitched as footsteps approached. Turning to her left, Dino was next to her, a healthy distance away. "Are you going to say I should follow them?"

"No. I was actually going to stop you if you did decide to follow. Obviously, they told you something important or were told something that they needed to hear, even if it hurt. Right now, the only one they need now is each other. I imagine when they arrived in Orario, they only had each other."

Lefiya was about to open her mouth to retort but remembered that Dino was not present for their reveal. Her elf ears drooped, "You're right." But I want to tell him something…

Dino saw the look and posture and sighed to himself, the look he gave was one of empathy. Jericho then tapped the Dark Elf on the shoulder, "Come on, we have to head home."

"I know, Jer, but Lefiya…try to talk to him tomorrow. For now, let them rest. This expedition was a little rough on all of us."

The elf nodded and followed the two level fours. She did secretly want to run to him and let him know how she felt. However, she knew that the words would not come to her. She was torn between both but they led to the same endpoint.

Confessing to Axton.

Little did she know, he was in the exact same boat, except the cargo was much bigger.

Confessing to an elf is for the long haul. Elves, a majority of them, only take one lover. High Elves like Riveria follow this rule to the letter. Other Elves are free to choose to take one, take multiple—only if their chosen spouse/lover dies or is unfaithful—or take none. Lefiya was one of the Elves that would take one lover. She has all but decided. Why am I so horrible at expressing myself to him?

She stopped in the middle of the street and looked up then froze as she heard a familiar voice, "Uhm, Miss Lefiya?"

The elf's eyes snapped at the one who called her name. The human. Bell. Cranel. Lefiya's first thought of seeing him was how is this the person that the Captain drew inspiration from? What did he do that was so special? The ninth floor perhaps? What happened? "Mister Cranel."

"Y-You were just staring at the sky. Is…is something wrong?" the white-haired boy wrung his hands in front of him. He was in his standard brown jacket and black pants, making him look like a normal child in Orario and not an adventurer. Lefiya admitted that he looked too innocent to be an adventurer.

The girl sighed, "Just processing." She was keeping in mind that Axton told her to be nice to him as he has done nothing to personally offend her. "A lot has happened."

"D-Do you-"

"I do apologize, Mister Cranel but this is Familia matters," Lefiya gently shot down his offer. She'd love to vent to someone that is outside of the Familia but with the whole 'Royalty is actually Demi-Spirits' thing, she was by far not authorized to say anything. So, this polite rejection was the best thing she can do.

Honestly, the pouting expression he had made him look like a kicked puppy. Lefiya almost chuckled. Axton was right, he's not a terrible person. Naive was something that described him. Selfless another. "I understand," the boy said. "Do you…need an escort back to your Familia home?"

"I can handle myself but since you've offered, I don't see why not," Lefiya acquiesced.

"My grandfather told me not to let a pretty girl walk alone," Bell said after they began walking.

Lefiya giggled, "Really?"

"Mmhmm, very adamant about it too. I never understood why."

The two people in another universe, where one would hate the other for the reason of getting close to their idol, actually had a decent conversation. Lefiya understood Bell Cranel a lot more that day. She understood that he had this resolve that was still coming to fruition.


The Adventurer's Graveyard.

A place that the younger of Royalty has visited multiple times in the past few months. This place would always drag him back. However, it was for a much simpler reason. He just wanted to be close to his father. Ais walked silently next to him, ready to offer, nay, to give her support when he needed it. The blonde Princess wanted her brother to let her in. He's bottling it all up. "Talk to me."

"What is there to talk about?" Axton asked with a dull voice. Truthfully, knowing those fetus orb things were the spawn of the Dungeon made Axton feel…demotivated. His mind was throwing him into all sorts of untrue scenarios. Is that why…she…calls me spawn? Is the reason she wants me because of those things? Am I even her-

Axton's wrist was firmly grasped by Ais, who was almost glaring at him, "Stop those thoughts."

"B-But-"

"I am…beginning to see different sides to you, Axton. The ones you hide from the Familia. From me. Tell me," Ais said sternly, and the way her tone came across made Axton flinch and look away.

The Sword Prince had Ais release her grip before he hugged her and his shoulders shook. Ais immediately wrapped her arms around him, embracing her brother—her younger brother—for what felt like the first time in years. Ais ran a hand through his hair, which was getting slightly long, almost falling to the nape of his neck. "Please tell me what is going on."

Axton just continued to sob into her shoulder, even as the wind picked up, giving the two blonds a sense of warmth, it only coaxed more tears out of him. "T-That woman…"

Ais' intent came out for a split second before retreating. "What about Revis?" The name of the person that almost took her baby brother away from her. If that happened, Ais would never be the same.

"S-She…" he exhaled shakily, "she called me spawn…a-and what we learned at the Guild…"

Ais hugged him tighter, using all of her strength to hold him against her. She knew what he was referring to. She hated that he thought that way. There was no way that that could ever be the case. She had the urge to slap him and have him beg for her forgiveness. For the first time in almost eight years, Ais' voice came out as a growl, "You ever think like that again…"

His arms wrapped around her waist and his head rested on her shoulder, "But I-"

"But nothing! You are my brother, Axton. Nothing will ever change that," Ais' voice softened as she felt her vision become cloudy.

Axton felt relief at the reassurance. He desperately needed that. The contact felt nice. While he was wary of other contact with strangers…he was getting better. The trauma was slowly going away but just like before, the viper will strike when he lets his guard down. Keeping that up forever is tiring.

"I cannot promise you that she won't try again. Next time she does, I will be there. As strong as she is now…we will have to be stronger," Ais said with a smile that Axton hasn't seen in forever. She grabbed him and then kissed his forehead, "I am your sister, let me help you."

He inhaled, exhaled, and looked her in the eyes, "Thank you."

"So, why have you called Shakti 'Auntie'?" Ais asked with a head tilt.

"That is quite the story."

Ais escorted them to a shady tree, "Well, I have plenty of time."


Upon returning to Twilight Manor, Loki's screams of joy could be heard. Following said screams, they opened the door to Finn's office to see Tiona, Tione, and Bete holding status sheets. They all had grins on their faces, well, Bete didn't have a scowl on his face, so there's that.

The door shut and Loki looked up, "You're back!"

Riveria's voice cut in, "And just before curfew. Where were you?"

Ais answered, "Visiting Father."

Realization crossed her face, "I see." Her gaze flicked to Axton seeing the last vestiges of puffiness in his eyes. "As long as you two are okay."

"In other news," Loki exclaimed, "Guess who has three new level sixes?! That's right, me! Oh, and Lefiya is able to level up as well!" This caught Axton's attention, and Loki gained an impish look but refrained from actually saying anything, "I told her not to take the level up because I wanted her to up her other basic abilities. She can be a magical powerhouse given enough time,"

"I'll congratulate her later," Axton said with some giddiness brimming beneath the surface. He then turned to the trio, "Congrats you three. Time for you to catch up."

"Oi, those be fightin' words, Princey!" Tiona said, leaping at him and squishing him in a hug. His knee-jerk reaction was to throw her off but…he trusts Tiona. So, he allowed it. He did not hear Riveria's concern about not doing that because of the trauma.

"Tiona, you know he is still recovering," Tione scolded her younger sister.

"Tione, she's fine. I'm…working through it. What better way than allowing contact?" Axton said but his slightly tense posture was working against him. He did not like having his arms at his sides. Tiona let go of Axton and put her hands on his shoulders.

"Well, you just let me know what is and what is not okay, okay?" She gave him a soft smile that Axton smiled at. This was the caring Tiona, one that honestly acted like another big sister. Tione patted him on the shoulder, offering her support.

"Alright. Now…what's next? There's no way that the Guild did not give you something that we have to do."

Loko giggled but Axton did not like this giggle. The reason being is that this was Loki's perverse giggle, which meant any female in the immediate vicinity was in major danger. Loki was at least clever enough not to loop Ais into the mix because Ais does not need to be corrupted. Axton knew that Bell and Ais would be perfect for one another. The innocent little beans who find ways to fall even more in love.

Speaking of love, Loki is loving this trip, "The ladies and I are going to Melen. So tonight, we're going to the Hostess."

"Why?"

"Two reasons," Loki said, holding up two fingers, and wiggling them.

Axton did not like those reasons.


"We're baaaackkk!"

"Inside voices in the store, please!"

"Aww, no fun, Amid."

"Hello, my friends. It's nice to see you Miss Tione, Miss Tiona, Miss Lefiya, Miss Ais, and…Axton?" None of them failed to notice how she did not refer to him as 'Mister Axton' which he wouldn't allow anyway since she's older than him. The five waved in greeting, Axton giving her a small smile.

She successfully kept her composure.

Yes, Axton decided to tag along to check on Amid from yesterday. The Dian Cecht facility was full of upper-class adventurers and other clerks that work for Dian Cecht himself. Amid happened to be free when the quintet. "Congratulations on your successful expedition. I heard there was an Irregular and from what Axton had mentioned, you were stuck on the eighteenth floor for a few extra days. I hope nothing too serious occurred and you did not report to me."

The girls looked at Axton who held his hands up in surrender, "If you recall, she dragged me here demanding to know what happened. I gave her the long and short of it," he said.

Many glares from the men in the shop reached Axton who turned and stared back, "Perverts. And it didn't happen. Seriously…" go to the RLD if you want to get laid. They will surely accept you.

Amid did not contain her blush at the insinuation of his words. She misinterpreted them. Tiona, purposefully missing the point, and Amid's cherry face, took over, "The battleground was riddled with destruction and the ashes of defeated monsters. Thanks to your potions and supplies, we made it out in one piece."

Lefiya also had something to say, "The elixir also helped boost my magic."

Amid gave them a small smile, "I'm pleased to hear that my products have helped you further along."

"It very much helped me," Axton said, "After being sent flying across the floor because of a massive shockwave."

"You don't have any lingering injuries, do you?" Amid turned to him with a softened look that spelled danger. Even Guardian was acting up and sent adrenaline through his body.

"You asked me that yesterday and the answer remains the same," because I don't think you can help with emotional wounds. Ais looked at the interaction between her brother and the healer with confusion. Ais saw Lefiya pouting slightly and she patted her head.

"U-uh, M-Miss Ais!"

"Hmm?"

"W-What are you doing?" Lefiya asked, happy to be receiving this unwarranted spot of affection.

Ais paused for a moment, her golden eyes flicking over to her brother who was now wandering the store, answering questions from other adventurers who recognized him, and chuckling every now and again, "Cheering you up."

"?"

"You looked…upset?" Ais asked more than said.

Ais was correct. Lefiya was upset. However, she was upset for a different reason. She was still struggling to tell him what she wanted. Is it too soon? Her chest felt tight after thinking of it. Why was she like this?

"Hey Lefiya," Axton said after he came back over, carrying a bag, the sound of clinking coins suggested that it was a bag of valis. He offered to carry it instead of Tiona, who could easily do it but this was the tertiary reason he came. The first was to get out of the Manor for a few. The second was to watch over his fellow familia members.

Finn went to the Guild to trade in stones, and Raul took Anakitty, Narfi, Line, and Alicia to a merchant to sell items. Bete went to Hephaestus to pay off some of his Flosvirt since they had to be remade. Riveria went to a witch named Leona who repaired her staff, and Gareth visited Tsubaki. The entire familia was busy with post-expedition chores.

"Y-Yes?"

He had some flushed cheeks as he looked at her, "Tonight, at the Hostess, will you sit next to me?"

Tione, Tiona, and even Amid all looked at Axton with mixtures of shock, anticipation, and mischievousness. For context, Axton always sits on an end of a table, and the only one who sits nexts to him was Ais, if they were at a round table, it was either Finn or Riveria. Lefiya looked over to Ais to see her nodding with a small smile. "I'm allowing it."

"U-Uhm, okay! That would be nice," Lefiya said with a calmness that she knew was scrapped together. Oh, how she wanted to scream.

"Okay, I'll meet up with you all at the Hostess later tonight, I will run this home," Axton said with an affectionate smile to Lefiya before departing Dian Cecht's.

Ais and Lefiya left first in order to return home and freshen up for tonight. It's not a date.

An angelic sound filled the air before turning to Amid who had a hand over her mouth, a smile playing her lips, "I've seen a lot of what makes the Sword Prince but I've never seen him like this. So nervous when he dives into the Dungeon on a consistent basis and consistently makes me worry."

"Sounds like a maiden in love~" Tiona teased.

"He already has his sights set on someone else."

""We know.""

"..."

"..."

Amid spoke up first, "If your business is concluded, please move along."

Quite an interesting afternoon. Tonight would be one of those nights.

...

So, I hope this was good enough. Not my best, not my worst. Looks like Axton is working up something for tonight. Trust me, that little thing about who sat next to him is a big deal. More on that next chapter. I skipped Loki's meeting with Dionysus and the Hermes members because nothing would change.

So, this plan. I am going to have SO6 pan out as normal because since the men have to stay back from Melen, that means I can have Axton be in Orario with Bell. Those that know the timeline will understand. I plan to increase the brotherly bond between Axton and Bell. I may have something in Lefiya's (3rd) POV so it can focus a bit on Melen.

I once again apologize for making you all wait so long.

Edit: Added a bit about the Black Goliath. Thank you, NiebieskiLis for bringing that to my attention.