Chapter 49: Chapter 47: A Promise for Later
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The tension that had nearly suffocated the tavern moments ago now slowly unraveled into nervous laughter and raised glasses. The hostess staff resumed their work, relieved the Guild Enforcers had departed. Warmth returned to the atmosphere — at least for most of the people inside.
Ethan sat beside Hestia, who clung to his arm like a protective puppy.
"They could’ve taken you..." she muttered, glaring toward the door long after the Enforcers had left. "I should’ve strangled that Loki when I had the chance."
Ethan chuckled softly. "You did punch her shoulder, which is something."
Loki, across the table with her usual cocky grin, threw an arm around Ais’s neck. "Don’t mind Ais. Girl’s just curious, yeah? She gets interested when someone stabs monsters better than she does."
Ais blinked, looking away, a faint hint of pink on her cheeks.
"He’s strong," she said simply.
Hestia’s grip on Ethan’s arm tightened. "Well he’s not fighting anyone tonight! It’s his level-up celebration, not some duel party!"
Loki snorted. "Relax, shortstack. No one’s gonna throw hands at your banquet." Then she leaned in closer and whispered, "Though your boy’s looking mighty fine for a Level Two. I’m just sayin’."
Hestia growled, eyes narrowing. "He’s mine, tomato hag!"
Ethan sweatdropped. So this is what a "relaxing" night looks like now...?
Still, as plates were served and drinks flowed, the evening turned festive. Lili laughed beside him, sipping juice and teasing Hestia for being jealous. The other adventurers and some familiar faces from the Guild offered congratulations. Even the Hostess staff smiled warmly at the Hestia Familia table.
As the moon climbed higher, the crowd began to thin.
Ethan excused himself from the table to step outside and clear his head. The cool night air brushed against his face as he leaned against a wooden post just beyond the door, gazing at the starlit sky.
Footsteps approached, soft and steady.
Ais.
She stood beside him, arms crossed lightly, her golden eyes watching the horizon.
"You’re different," she said.
Ethan glanced at her. "From what?"
"Most people. Level Twos. The way you fought that Minotaur..." She paused. "It reminded me of something."
There was a brief silence between them, broken only by the wind and the faint laughter drifting from inside.
Then Ais turned to face him.
"I want to spar with you sometime. Not tonight. But soon."
Before he could respond, the tavern door burst open.
Hestia’s voice rang out like a warhorn. "Hey! What did I say about seducing him outside?!"
Loki popped her head out too. "Ais, you trying to steal Hestia’s precious boy already?"
Ais blinked in confusion. "I... I just asked—"
"Get back in here, you string beans!" Hestia shouted.
Ethan sighed with a smile and looked at Ais.
"Next time," he said.
She gave the faintest nod before stepping back into the tavern.
He followed her, unaware of the sharp, distant eyes watching him from a rooftop above — a quiet figure cloaked in moonlight.
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