Chapter 101: Akira Protects His Innocence

Akira shook his head and replied with a smile that bore a striking resemblance to Astraea's gentle expression, "No need. If my familia wasn't short on funds lately, I would've given them to you for free. As for the rest of the magic tools, just let me know when you run out." He glanced at the small bag filled with precious items, then added casually, "Besides, I doubt you'll be heading out on another expedition anytime soon." Finn nodded earnestly, his voice solemn with genuine appreciation. "Understood. Once again, thank you, Akira. With these magic tools, the chances of our familia members encountering danger in the deeper floors can be significantly reduced." But just as Finn's words trailed off, a sudden movement broke the calm. Loki, who had previously been sprawled out lifelessly in a drunken daze, abruptly sprang to life as if struck by divine inspiration. She lunged toward Akira. "Ahaha~ So that's how it is. I finally understand why they all like you so much..." She muttered dreamily, her eyes sparkling with intoxicated affection. Akira's expression turned stiff. "H-Hey! W-Wait a minute—" Before he could react further, he found himself nearly tackled by the drunken goddess, her arms flung wide open as she closed in for a hug. Panic erupted in Akira's heart like a firework. He raised both hands in alarm, his palms pressing desperately against Loki's face as he tried to hold her at bay. "Hey! I said stop hugging me!! Didn't you say you were drunk just now!?" But Loki merely giggled like a mischievous child, her voice thick with amusement and mischief. "Hehehe~ Who knows? Maybe my deep love for children has sobered me up! Don't fight it, Akira~ Let's get a little closer~" As she spoke, the silly grin on her face twisted into something more terrifying—a lovestruck smile so crazed and predatory it sent chills down Akira's spine. He watched in horror as Loki's flushed face slowly advanced toward him, the stench of alcohol trailing ominously in the air. Her lips edged dangerously close to his. At first, Akira restrained himself from reacting too strongly. He was afraid of hurting her in her drunken state. But when Loki's pursuit showed no sign of stopping and in fact, only intensified—he finally snapped. "LET ME GO, YOU CRAZY BITCH!!!" BANG—!!! A thunderous impact echoed across the room. "AAAHH!!" With a shriek, Loki was sent flying like a human cannonball, her petite frame crashing headlong into the unsuspecting dwarf nearby. Akira stood there, gasping. His chest heaved with every breath, and his right fist trembled slightly in the air—still extended from the devastating punch. Finn, Riveria, and Ais stared blankly for a few heartbeats, stunned into silence. None of them had processed what had just occurred. It wasn't until Loki lay groaning on the ground, a swollen cheek rapidly forming, that the others snapped back to their senses. Riveria immediately rushed to tend to the injured goddess with a resigned sigh, while Finn and Ais hurried to Akira's side, offering words of comfort. Trying to pretend the incident never happened, Akira averted his gaze from the drunken mess on the floor and cleared his throat. "Speaking of which, our familia's heading out on an expedition tomorrow. How about letting Ais join us?" His gaze shifted to the blonde girl standing beside Riveria. "After all, you probably wouldn't want her going too deep into the dungeon on her own." Riveria and Finn exchanged thoughtful glances. Finn crossed his arms. "It's possible... but would that burden you?" Riveria reached out and pinched Ais's cheek affectionately. "You know, this girl tends to be impulsive. She might end up causing you trouble." "Uuu... I won't anymore, Riveria." Ais grumbled softly, puffing her cheeks in mild protest. Akira chuckled and patted her golden head gently. His voice lowered as he said with a tender smile, "It's alright. I'll take care of Ais. And Ais, you'll listen to me, right?" Ais nodded fervently. Her wide eyes shimmered with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, clearly terrified they might still say no. "Mm! Yes! I'll be really, really obedient!" Her earnest reaction made Finn laugh. He turned to Riveria with a persuasive smile. "See? Ais really wants to go, and she'll be in good hands. With Akira around, what could go wrong?" Riveria let out an exasperated sigh and looked away. "Hmph. When did I say I didn't agree? Honestly..." Yet despite her grumbling, her expression was impossibly soft, her eyes filled with a warmth that showed her affection for the girl. Ais instantly threw her fists into the air and shouted with joy, "Yay! That's great!" Akira laughed. "Alright, then let's meet tomorrow at Stardust Garden." Later that night, as he stepped out of the grand doors of the Twilight Manor, Akira raised a hand to his flushed cheek. He could still feel the lingering warmth from the fruit wine. "Damn it... I don't want Astraea-sama to find out I drank." He muttered. As if reacting to his concern, the magic power inside his body surged like a river unbound. The energy coursed rapidly through his limbs, purging every trace of alcohol from his system. In just a blink, the flush on his cheeks faded completely, as though a painter had brushed a fresh layer of white over his skin. With a relieved sigh, Akira pulled out a delicate silver pocket watch from inside his coat. The glowing blue hands of the watch pointed to a time already well into the night. "Wow... It's really late. And I'm so tired after all that... Let's head home." Yawning broadly, he stretched his arms and ambled down the streets with lazy steps. Though darkness cloaked Orario, North Street remained lively. Most of the passersby were adventurers or shopkeepers locking up for the day. In the distance, Akira imagined the lively bustle at the Hostess of Fertility, packed with adventurers laughing, drinking, and bragging about their latest exploits. Roughly ten minutes later, after navigating several winding alleys and turns, Akira finally arrived at his home—a splendid villa not as grand as Loki's castle, but still luxurious and spacious beyond normal standards. He slipped the key into the lock, the door swinging open with a satisfying click. He stepped inside, ready to bathe and crash into bed. But just as he reached for the lock, a soft, familiar voice called from behind. "You're back. Did you have fun at Loki's place, Akira?" Startled, Akira froze. Turning around, he saw a breathtaking sight illuminated by the soft glow of a magic stone lamp. Astraea stood a few steps away, her figure bathed in gentle light. Her face was serene, radiant as starlight, and more beautiful than the night sky itself. Akira gulped and replied softly, "Yes. I had a lot of fun. I got to know more of Loki Familia's members... made a few friends, I think." After securing the door, he tiptoed toward her and lowered his voice, asking in a sheepish tone, "Has Astraea-sama not gone to sleep yet?" She smiled at him, that divine expression like a blossom blooming quietly in the spring. "Hmm~ You're leaving on an expedition tomorrow, aren't you? If I don't take a good look at my Akira tonight, I'll feel so lonely while you're gone~" She blinked at him, her eyes gleaming with affection and playful longing.