Alise stood triumphantly on the sofa, hands planted on her hips as she let out a hearty laugh.
Her cheeks were flushed red, still carrying the warmth from all the playful commotion just moments ago.
Meanwhile, Akira lay sprawled across Ryuu's lap like a defeated warrior, completely speechless—as if he'd just been mercilessly ravaged and had no words left in his soul.
As always, it was Astraea who brought an end to the chaos with a gentle authority. She clapped her hands softly and smiled.
"Alright, alright, enough fooling around. Come over, everyone. Akira has something important to share."
Still catching his breath, Akira wiped the corner of his mouth, and clambered out of Ryuu's arms.
Ryuu feigned composure despite the blush still lingering on her cheeks.
Akira a deep breath to steady himself. Once calm, he began to recount in detail everything he had seen and heard earlier, his voice serious, his expression focused.
To ensure everyone's safety, he placed the retrieved Kaensekis a considerable distance away, staying vigilant for any unexpected reaction or sudden explosion.
Upon seeing the suspicious materials, Alise's playful demeanor immediately shifted into solemnity.
Her brows furrowed, and she spoke with rare gravity, "It looks like I'll need to warn Shakti and the others. When cracking down on Evilus, we need to be far more careful."
She glanced at the Kaensekis again, her expression darkening. "The expedition starts the day after tomorrow—not just because the Guild ordered it, but also because our Astraea Familia has invested countless resources, manpower, and invaluable materials into this operation."
"If we cancel now, all of that will be wasted. And the consequences of that failure... would be crushing. We'd be forced to return to the days of surviving on cabbage."
Noin scratched her head in frustration and asked, "So what the hell are those Evilus bastards planning with this many fire Kaensekis?"
Lyra narrowed her eyes in disgust and said, "Tch, what else could it be? Another attack, obviously."
Then she added, voice tinged with irritation, "I swear, if I get roasted in the next few days, I'm going to snap."
As the conversation went on, Akira suddenly froze as if something had just clicked in his mind.
His eyes widened slightly as he said, "Ah! I almost forgot!"
He reached into [Backpack] and pulled out a long, wrapped item—its edges still faintly glowing with residual magical heat.
"Lyra, here." Akira said, holding out the flaming magic sword toward her.
"I figured it'd be a good match for your secret bomb. Even if it only lasts a few strikes, it'll give the enemy a nasty surprise."
Lyra blinked, taken aback. "Where the hell did you get this? Wait—you didn't go off spending money recklessly again, did you? You bought this for yourself and just handed it over to me?"
She folded her arms and looked at him sternly. "You have less spare change than anyone I know."
Used to this routine banter, Ryuu—often brought up as the standard of frugality—merely raised an eyebrow and remained quiet. She too was curious about where Akira had gotten the weapon.
Akira smiled and clarified, "It's a reward from our last commission. Tsubaki-san gave it to me for free."
"Oh?" Lyra's irritation vanished instantly. "Well, if it's free, then I'll take it."
She accepted the weapon without further protest. After all, aside from her and Maryuu, the rest of the familia were still at Level 3. As the vanguard in most battles, Lyra knew this magic sword would definitely come in handy.
After the weapon hand-off, the group sat down to discuss strategies and precautions for the upcoming expedition.
Most of their questions were directed at Akira, of course. Though the team only had eleven members prior, they'd experienced enough expeditions to take his input seriously.
Eventually, as the night deepened and it came time to turn off the lights, Akira made his way toward the hallway to shut down the magic stone lamp. But just as his hand reached for the switch, he heard soft footsteps behind him.
Turning around, he saw Lyra approaching.
"Lyra?" He asked, puzzled. "Did you leave something behind?"
Lyra placed her hands behind her back and took a few light steps forward, stopping just in front of him.
She said, "Well, I did drop something... I dropped you, little guy."
Akira's heart skipped a beat, the implication behind her words hitting him, though he kept his face calm.
"Hmm? If I've been lost, then should I help you look for me?"
But Lyra saw right through him. With all the time they had spent together, she could easily read the flicker in his eyes.
She chuckled and teased, "Tsk, still pretending, huh? You're really good at playing dumb. C'mon, crouch down—I can't reach!"
Akira obediently crouched, lifting his gaze toward her.
Lyra placed her hands gently on his cheeks and said with a hint of exasperation, "So this is really your plan? You want to stay by everyone's side forever? You've done all these little things to win everyone over."
"...Is that so wrong?" Akira whispered quietly.
"…I don't have a reason to stop you." Lyra said softly.
"Everyone's happy when you're around… even me."
Her words were like the softest breeze brushing against his heart.
She continued, "So, you know what you need to do."
Akira reached up and gently held the hand cupping his face, then slowly stood up.
Leaning in, he brought the tip of his nose to hers and asked quietly, "Don't regret it."
Lyra gave him a sideways smirk, eyes sparkling with mischief and affection.
She said, "You're such a handful… but I guess it's my fault for falling for someone like you."
With that, she gave her answer—not with words, but with certainty.
Akira responded by resting his hands on her shoulders, then gently tilted her face upward, brushing her bangs aside.
The moisture on her cheeks glistened faintly. Her lashes trembled, but she didn't look away.
Their eyes met. Everything they wanted to say was exchanged in that brief, unspoken moment.
Akira leaned in again, cupped her cheeks firmly, and pressed his lips to hers.
Time slowed.
A moment passed—maybe two.
"…Hah, hah, you're really good at this." Lyra panted softly, catching her breath.
"Just how many times have you kissed?"
Akira smirked and asked, "Do you remember how many slices of bread you've eaten?"
"Urgh, saying stupid things at a time like this…" Lyra grumbled, lightly punching his shoulder, though her heartbeat was still racing.
Then she smiled, brushing her hair behind one ear. "But… I guess I'll let it slide. That felt nice. Let's call it even for now."
Akira reached out and interlaced their fingers, squeezing her slightly rough but warm hand. "Come on. I'll walk you to your room after I shut off the lights."
Pah—
With a faint, collective flicker, all the magic stone lamps in the hall went out, leaving the grand room shrouded in soft darkness. The once radiant space was now quiet and dim, cloaked in stillness.
In that hush, the sound of two sets of footsteps echoed gently through the corridor.
Akira and Lyra walked slowly, hand in hand. They didn't speak, but each step carried with it the silent thrum of two hearts in sync.
Eventually, they arrived at Lyra's door.
Just as Akira was about to bid her good night, Lyra lifted her head, scratched her cheek shyly, and murmured, "Um… can we do that again?"
Akira's reply was a silent smile. He leaned down once more and kissed her.
When they finally separated, Lyra pushed open the door to her room, her expression dreamy. A faint glimmer of sweetness danced in her eyes.
She looked back at him, smiled, and gave a slow, affectionate wave before disappearing inside.