Chapter 96: Who is Freya's Odr?

After saying that, Akira handed the half-empty glass of beer to Ais, who had been sneakily glancing at it with growing curiosity. A faint hesitation flashed across Ais's usually expressionless face. She looked toward Mia for any sign of disapproval. When none came, she mustered her courage and carefully brought the glass to her lips. The moment the strange taste touched her tongue, her entire face contorted in pain. "Urgh... It's awful." Ais groaned, swallowing the mouthful with watery eyes. She glanced accusingly at Akira. "Akira... you're so weird." "Pffft—Hahaha!!" Mia's hearty laughter boomed from the side like a small explosion. Her amusement echoed through the tavern, catching the attention of a few nearby patrons. Just then, a chorus of lively meowing echoed from the kitchen. "Syr, could you and the cat bring out these dishes to the guests at the front bar?" A sweet, gentle voice called out. "Sure!" came a cheerful reply, clear and bright like a silver bell ringing on a spring morning. "Thank you so much, Syr-meow~!" Moments later, the sound of soft, rhythmic footsteps approached from the kitchen. "Sorry for the wait, sir." Syr said brightly, stepping out while carrying a tray of food. Her smile was warm and natural, like a soft breeze brushing across a sunny day. With graceful steps, Syr walked toward the bar, eyes gently scanning the room. Her gaze landed on Akira, sitting casually with a drink in hand and chatting beside none other than the Wargirl herself. A flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes. "What's wrong, meow? Syr, why are you just standing there, frozen like a statue?" Anya's puzzled voice came from behind her, breaking the moment. "N-Nothing." Syr blinked, regaining her composure with practiced ease. "Let's go." Still smiling, she approached the pair and carefully set the plates down on the bar counter in front of Akira. Anya followed and efficiently placed the dishes before Ais with feline dexterity. "Food's here, meow~!" Syr then looked at Akira with a spark of recognition. "Well, if it isn't Akira-sama—the one who helped me the other day. I didn't expect we'd meet again so soon. Could it be you came here to fulfill your promise to me?" "Not really," Akira replied with blunt honesty. "It's just a coincidence. And besides, that time was no big deal. If you hadn't stepped in, you might not have ended up in that situation at all." He paused, then added, "Also, I have enough to pay for both meals. You don't need to treat us." "Ah... that's right." A sudden realization struck Akira. Why didn't I just let her cover the bill? Then I could've avoided this whole awkward situation with this overly sweet goddess of beauty... Her expressions, her tone—too normal. Too natural. It's hard to see through her facade. That's what makes her so dangerous. "Wait, meow? Syr, you know the boy?" Anya's golden eyes widened in shock. Her furry ears perked up, and her tail stood straight like a rod. She looked genuinely astonished. "Sheesh, didn't I mention this before?" Syr tilted her head and smiled. "Meow? Did you?" Anya blinked her large, round eyes, her head tilting adorably to one side in pure confusion. Syr leaned closer, whispering into her feline companion's ear, "That's Morning Star—the one who ranked up so quickly." "Meow?!" Anya's jaw dropped. "I didn't even notice! I have to take a closer look!" In an instant, she darted over to Akira, stood on tiptoe, and leaned in dangerously close. Her face was mere inches from his. "Staaare—" "Yep, it's him, meow. I saw his portrait before! Now I remember!" After a thorough inspection, Anya sprang back to Syr and whispered again. Of course, they thought they were being subtle. But their not-so-quiet whispering was easily picked up by Akira's sharp ears. Akira's hand paused mid-air, fork still in his grasp. His expression stiffened, unsure whether he should continue eating or address the two overly curious waitresses first. In the end, he just gave them a helpless smile. Thankfully, salvation came in the form of Mia. Thud! She smacked the bar with her hand and barked, "Oi, idiots, can't you see you're bothering him? Back to work!" "Meow! Sorry!" Anya squeaked, dashing back to the kitchen like a startled kitten. Syr, unfazed by the outburst, simply smiled. "Yes, yes, Mama." Then she turned to Akira again. "Well then, when Akira-sama comes to eat alone next time, I'll cover the meal." Akira sighed. This girl really didn't know how to quit. "Fine, I get it. Just call me Akira." Syr bowed politely, her voice soft and pleasant. "Got it. Enjoy your meal, Akira. Ais-san." She glanced once more at the now-empty glass, gave a final smile, and retreated gracefully. Akira finally let out a long sigh of relief. He downed the last sip of beer and began eating again. The warm bread, the refreshing juice, and the various side dishes went down smoothly. "Aunt Mia, the food was great." Akira said sincerely, wiping his mouth with a napkin. Not quite as divine as Astraea-sama's cooking, but still impressive. "Oh? Glad you liked it. Next time, I'll show you what real skill tastes like." Mia grinned. Despite the hidden goddess sitting in the room, Akira thought to himself that Mia was one of the few people worth getting to know in this place. As long as he pretended not to know Syr's true identity, things would be fine. After a few more moments, Akira took a napkin and gently wiped the crumbs from the corners of Ais's mouth. Seeing that she'd also finished, he stood up. "Thanks for the meal, Aunt Mia. But we should be going now." He reached into his pouch, pulled out the pocket money Riveria had given him, and placed the coins neatly on the bar. Then, together with Ais, he walked toward the tavern's exit. As they reached the door, Akira suddenly turned around and waved. "See you next time." He stretched out his other hand and gently patted Ais on the head. Understanding his cue, the girl quietly raised her hand and whispered, "Bye." "Oh! Come back anytime, you two!" Mia called out cheerfully, clearly fond of their polite demeanor. Back in the kitchen, Mia leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Syr work. "Didn't expect anyone to actually enjoy that weird beer you made." She remarked. "Miaaa~ You're so mean. Those beers aren't that bad." Syr said playfully, hugging Mia's arm like a spoiled daughter. "So... is he the one?" Mia asked, voice dropping slightly. Syr's expression shifted. Her usual charming smile returned, but her tone was calm and firm. "No. His brilliance is dazzling, but it's not what I'm looking for. Besides... someone's already claimed his star." She tilted her head and said, "Right now, I'm more interested in something purer." Mia exhaled, resigned. "Hah... do what you want." With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Syr—no, Freya—grinned. "Don't worry, Mia. I'll definitely find my Odr."