Chapter 13: Making an Acquaintance Through Potato Balls

"Hmph. Seeing as you only stole some money and didn't commit any more vile acts... I'll return 10000 Valis to you. Consider yourselves lucky this time." With a dismissive grunt, Akira divided the remaining money into two portions and casually stuffed them into the shorts of the unconscious adventurers. Akira turned to the girl and asked, "By the way, what's your name?" The girl froze for a moment, then nervously reached out to shake his hand. She said, "My name is Nina. Um... what's yours?" He answered with a light smile, "Akira. Wait here a second. I've got some unfinished business." Without waiting for a reply, Akira grabbed the two unconscious men by the arms, teleported outside the alley, and dumped them right onto the main street. As expected, their sudden appearance drew curious glances, then murmurs, then a crowd. By the time members of the Ganesha Familia came running toward the scene, Akira had already disappeared, teleporting back in a flash. "Alright, let's get going." — — — "Oh no! I lost track of time—I'm gonna get scolded!!" As the sky fully darkened, Akira sprinted down the busy street, his expression full of panic. His hurried footsteps echoed against the cobblestones as street vendors began closing shop. At the corner of a humble potato ball stall stood a blonde girl, a sharp sword secured at her hip. She held a paper bag full of steaming fried potato balls, her golden eyes shining in delight as she brought one to her mouth. Just as she was about to take a bite, a hand suddenly slammed into her arm. The potato ball slipped and dropped to the ground with a soft thud. Akira skidded to a halt, his eyes landing on the fallen food. "Ah... and now I've caused more trouble." "My... potato ball." The girl muttered with a slight frown, crouching down to retrieve it. "Wait—don't eat that!" Akira quickly removed his hood and stepped forward apologetically. "I'm sorry for knocking it out of your hand. I'll pay you back. But food that's touched the ground... you really shouldn't eat it." Turning toward the vendor, he called out, "Boss! Two servings of fried potato balls, please!" "...I want red bean cream flavor." The girl murmured. "Make that two servings of red bean cream flavor!" Akira corrected quickly, placing the order without hesitation. Moments later, he received the fresh batch of potato balls. He handed both to the girl and said, "Here you go. One of them's my apology." As she accepted them, Akira finally got a good look at her face—long golden hair as radiant as Ryuu's, golden eyes full of calm resolve, and a peculiar outfit that exposed her arms. He said, "You're Ais Wallenstein, right? The Sword Princess of Loki Familia?" The girl blinked and tilted her head. She observed Akira's sharp black eyes and black hair, then spotted his pointed ears. She said, "Hmm... you're a half-elf? That's rare." Akira replied, "Correct. Well then, if that's all, I'll head home now. You shouldn't linger too long either—your Familia might get worried." With that, Akira turned to leave, walking toward the corner of the street. Before he could go away, a gentle tug on his sleeve stopped him. Ais extended the other serving of potato balls toward him and said, "Thank you." "It's nothing." Akira chuckled and said, "After all, I was the one who made you drop it. So... see you next time." Ais watched quietly as he disappeared around the corner and softly murmured, "Goodbye." — — — Akira arrived at the door, panting slightly from the run. He composed himself, then slowly opened the door with exaggerated caution. "I'm back..." He whispered. "Welcome back." A cold voice sounded from beside the entrance—low, calm, and bone-chilling. "Whoa—! What the heck!?" Akira flinched as he spotted the figure clad in a jet-black kimono. "It's Kaguya-nee! You scared me!" Kaguya, arms folded, raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean by that? Do I rank that low in your heart?" Akira chuckled nervously and said, "No way, I like Kaguya-nee too!" He made a move as if to hug her. She said, effortlessly blocking him with one hand, "You're all sweaty and still trying to hug me? Looks like I've been too soft on you lately." "Let's spar tomorrow. I'll beat you into the ground." "Ugh..." Kaguya continued, "Come on. You must be hungry. Astraea-sama and Alise have finished preparing dinner. Everyone's waiting for you." "I see." Akira nodded, following her inside. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air. A large dining table was already set, with most of the Familia helping arrange the meal. In the corner, however, one person was completely still. Ryuu sat curled up, hugging her knees with a pitiful expression, muttering to herself, "I'm a useless elf... a completely useless elf..." "Good evening, everyone!" Akira greeted the room and walked straight toward her. He asked, "Lion? What's wrong? You look like the world ended." Ryuu slowly lifted her head, revealing her watery eyes and asked, "Akira, am I really... a useless elf?" "I mean... I can't even do something as simple as carrying dishes properly." "Kaguya even said I was a waste..." Akira stared at the usually composed beauty reduced to a self-loathing wreck, and for a moment, the urge to tease her was almost overwhelming. But... I'm a good boy, certified by the goddess, he reminded himself. He comforted her, "Listen, Lion. Everyone has different strengths. You're just not made for chores, that's all. You're a Level 3 adventurer, for heaven's sake. Isn't it kind of a waste for someone like you to worry about dish duty?" He gave her a playful grin and continued, "Besides, if everyone could do the same things, wouldn't we all be the same? You should just think 'If someone has to be bad at this, let it be me.' Doesn't that feel more... liberating?" Ryuu frowned and said, "...Akira, I may be clumsy, but I'm not stupid. That's just a fancy way to run away from reality." Akira laughed and said, "Then I'll run away with you. I'm terrible at cooking too. From now on, we'll be the useless elf duo." He thought to himself, 'Though I can still serve dishes just fine...' "Wahh... even Akira thinks I'm useless..." Ryuu sniffled. "You two, quit chatting and come eat already!" Lyra called out. Akira said, "Alright, alright. Lion's just not great with manual work, but in battle, she's top-class. After all, she is the famous Gale." Akira said, offering his hand, "Let's go." Ryuu looked at the hand in front of her, hesitated, then slowly grasped it. Akira then pulled her up gently. No resistance? So Ryuu... accepts me now? "Thank you, Akira... for comforting me. Sorry for worrying you." Ryuu said with a gentle smile. "Oh, oh, it's nothing..." Akira blinked, caught off guard by the sudden warmth. "That smile... was really beautiful." Ryuu's cheeks flushed red and then even her ears started turning crimson. "S-Stop teasing me, Akira..." She stammered, her icy demeanor melting away. Akira chuckled. "Alright, let's eat before the food gets cold!"