Chapter 346 - If saving one brings shame, that world doesn't need heroes
"I understand," Finn said, sighing at Ais's resolute expression.
"But you can only get involved with the Ishtar Familia matter, not Apollo's.
"I understand," Finn said, sighing at Ais' resolute expression. "But you can only get involved with the Ishtar Familia matter, not Apollo's. You have a reason to meddle with Ishtar, but none with Apollo."
"I know. This is my personal matter and won't drag in the Familia," Ais said, her porcelain-doll face steady, though her tone carried a faint tremor of conviction.
Loki glared at Mahiro, resentment flashing as she noted Ais' growing emotional depth, sparked by him.
Mahiro met Ais' gaze with a warm smile.
"Since it's settled, we'll head out," Mahiro said, rising to leave with Hestia and Haruhime.
"I'm coming too," Ais said, stepping forward.
"Go back to your Familia first," Mahiro said gently. "You've been gone long enough to worry them."
Ais faltered, aware her impulsive act had caused trouble. She wanted to explain herself.
"Come to me when the War Game starts," Mahiro added. "No need to fret about Ishtar's people. They won't trouble me."
"Okay," Ais nodded, accepting his words.
Mahiro approached Haruhime, tapping the black collar around her neck. With a faint click, it shattered—a tracking device used by the Ishtar Familia to keep tabs on her. Her low strength meant she couldn't flee far, but Ais' speed had outpaced its range, leaving Ishtar to pressure the Loki Familia for her return.
"Sir…" Haruhime stammered, stunned by his action, ripples stirring in her stagnant heart.
"If Ishtar's people come for you, they can deal with me," Mahiro said, leaving with Hestia and Haruhime.
"Tch, that kid's got guts!" Bete said, pouting after Mahiro left. Starting a War Game was bold; targeting two Familia at once was audacious, and Bete grudgingly admired it.
Tiona smirked at Bete. "What?"
"What!" Bete snapped, irritated.
"Know why Mahiro's challenging Ishtar?" Tiona asked, her tone teasing.
"You deaf or brain-dead? He just said!" Bete retorted.
"Of course I heard," Tiona said, grinning mischievously. "But would you challenge a Familia for Ais?"
"Uh…" Bete froze, stumped.
"Mahiro's doing it partly for Ais," Tiona said, sneering. "Without her, he wouldn't care. You get that, right? A werewolf like you, dodging responsibility, has no shot."
She hopped up, grabbing Ais' arm. "Right, Ais?"
Ais blushed faintly, nodding.
Bete seethed, itching to chase Mahiro for a fight, despite knowing he'd likely lose.
"That punk's after Ais?" Loki slammed the table. "No way she's hanging around him!"
Her outburst earned Bete's support, but the others ignored her.
Outside, Mahiro led Hestia and Haruhime through Orario's streets, bypassing their Familia's residence for now.
He glanced at Haruhime trailing behind. "Let's get you some essentials first."
"Thank you, sir," Haruhime said, her gratitude sincere.
"Mahiro, you're not really keeping her at our place, are you?" Hestia asked. "Since she knows Takemikazuchi, we could leave her with him."
"They can't protect her," Mahiro said, shaking his head. "I said I'd save her, so I won't let anything happen. Our place is empty—another person will liven it up."
"Really, if I didn't know your taste, I'd think you're smitten with this fox girl," Hestia said, pouting. "Saving her, starting a War Game…"
Mahiro chuckled. "Saving her's just the right thing to do."
"My lord, I'm not worth this…" Haruhime said, mustering courage, her voice hesitant.
"Why not?" Mahiro asked, glancing at her.
"I'm just a courtesan," she said, her voice fading. "You're a hero in the making, sir. Associating with me will only taint your reputation."
"What, that old tale about courtesans ruining heroes?" Mahiro said, scoffing. "A hero who can't save a courtesan doesn't deserve the title. If saving one brings shame, that world doesn't need heroes."
"Don't say that again. I don't want to hear it," he added, his tone firm, almost commanding.
"Yes, I understand," Haruhime said, lowering her head.
His words, sharp as they were, felt like sunlight piercing her long-dormant heart, warming her deeply.
"He's truly a hero," she thought, a domineering savior of heroic deeds.
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(A/N: hi...)