Then, Riveria turned to look at Akira, who was busy stuffing all sorts of expedition supplies into a huge travel bag, meticulously checking the inventory list with a focused expression.
With a tone that was both firm and earnest, she gave him a final instruction, "Akira, I'm entrusting Ais to your care during this expedition. If she causes any trouble or starts acting recklessly again, don't go easy on her. Discipline her however you see fit—no mercy."
Nearby, the members of the Astraea Familia had gathered around Ais, chatting warmly as they exchanged stories.
It seemed someone had brought up Akira's name, and Ais, with a rare spark in her voice, told them how she gained a new skill under his guidance. She even mentioned how he took her out to explore the city like it was an adventure.
As the tales of their short time together spread, the atmosphere shifted subtly. The girls, initially wary of the famous War Princess, now seemed to bond with her effortlessly, as if her relationship with Akira had created a bridge between them.
Even Akira, observing from the sidelines, felt a bead of cold sweat trail down his neck—this girl works fast.
Upon hearing Riveria's words, Ais rolled her eyes in exasperation, a dead-fish look settling into her golden irises. "Riveria, you've said that like… ten times already. So annoying…"
Without missing a beat, the elegant Elf Princess took several steps forward, her calm demeanor cracking just slightly as she reached out and squished Ais's soft cheeks between her hands.
"How many times do I have to say it for it to sink into that empty head of yours?" She scolded, puffing slightly.
"Do you realize how much trouble you've caused us lately? If we didn't follow you into the dungeon day and night, you'd have died at least five times by now."
"Mmm…" Ais tried to protest, but the words were muffled through her squished cheeks.
Her eyes shimmered with a pitiful glint, like a kitten being unfairly reprimanded, and she instinctively turned her gaze toward Akira as if seeking salvation.
Akira let out a long sigh, helplessly placing a hand on his forehead.
"Can't you just stay quiet and listen for once?" He muttered, then walked over with a disarming smile toward Riveria.
"Riveria-san, how about letting Ais off the hook this time?"
The elf stared at him for a long second before reluctantly letting go. As soon as Ais was freed, her figure vanished in a flash.
In the blink of an eye, she appeared behind Akira like a ghost, hugging his waist tightly from behind. She peeked her small head out from behind him like a mischievous child hiding from punishment, her eyes flicking between Riveria's expression and Akira's back.
Upon seeing that Riveria didn't immediately resume her lecture, a tiny smirk crept onto Ais's lips. There was even a glint of smugness in her eyes, as if silently declaring Victory!
Of course, all of this didn't escape Riveria's sharp gaze. A vein bulged on her temple, and her fists clenched slightly as her lips twitched.
I raised you for two years, and you're more loyal to a man you've known for less than a month? You ungrateful little…
Feeling the tension spike in the air, Akira knew he had to act fast. Before the elf princess could explode, he clapped his hands and raised a hand toward Ais with a feigned smile.
"By the way, Ais, carry this backpack, alright? I'll handle the other one."
Without waiting for a response, he turned toward the group and said loudly, "Then, Ais and I will go wait at the entrance for everyone."
Before his words had even finished echoing, Akira grabbed Ais—now wearing the hefty bag—and dashed out of the hall like the wind. The two figures disappeared past the doorway in a flash.
Watching the dramatic exit, everyone present, including Riveria, burst into laughter.
Standing beside her, Ryuu folded her arms and let out a small chuckle. "It feels like being around Riveria-sama turns Akira a bit more mature… although I'm not sure if that applies to Ais."
Riveria, exasperated yet smiling, sighed. "Ais is just… different from others. There's no taming her."
Then, with a softer voice and a hint of admiration, she added, "But of course, even she isn't quite like your Akira. You know, even Loki believes that one day, he'll surpass all other adventurers and become a true hero."
At those words, Astraea gracefully raised her hand and rested it against her cheek.
Her smile was gentle, but her eyes held unshakable pride as she replied, "My, that's quite the compliment. But I suppose I'll accept it on his behalf. After all… I believe the same."
Kaguya, never one to miss an opportunity, stepped in with a teasing look.
Folding her arms with mock seriousness, she turned to everyone and said, "Isn't it funny how Astraea-sama used to praise us all equally… and now it's just Akira? I'm getting jealous."
"Haha." Astraea laughed lightly.
"Is it really my fault? Everyone here has seen what Akira can do. If we're all thinking it, don't blame me for saying it aloud."
Just then, Lyra cut in, clapping her hands together. "Alright, alright, enough of the proud parent act. If we keep chatting, we won't even reach the 18th floor before noon."
Everyone chuckled again and began walking toward the door.
But the moment they stepped outside, an unexpected sight greeted them.
Akira and Ais were standing near the gate, and rather than preparing their gear or scouting the road, they were… playing hopscotch.
Of course, for adventurers like them, hopping over a few grids was child's play. But leave it to Akira to turn it into something more.
He had drawn a complex hopscotch array by hand—seven oversized squares nearly two meters long and two meters wide—right there on the stone ground.
To increase the difficulty, he'd even added two special challenge points: one requiring a perfect stone toss, the other requiring players to balance precisely on a narrow spot.
At that moment, Ais was mid-jump. She'd gathered her strength to launch toward the third square with explosive power, but just as she leaped forward—
Akira's sharp senses picked up the movement from behind. Without hesitation, he shot out a hand and grabbed the belt at Ais's waist.
In the blink of an eye, he spun her around, using centrifugal force to dissipate the full strength of her leap. Ais, caught midair, was guided into a floating pause, suspended like a leaf caught in the wind.
Startled, her eyes met his as he carefully adjusted her posture with steady, practiced movements. Then, gently, he turned her head to the side—toward the others who were now approaching.
"They're here." He said softly. "Time to go. We'll play again after the expedition."
With that, Akira released the belt, and Ais landed lightly on the ground.