Ryu secretly perked her ears, eavesdropping from the side.
If it were in the past, hearing such a "conspiracy"-like plan, her upright and stubborn self would probably have been very uncomfortable.
But now, just imagining Rhode possessing Amid's magic, the corners of her mouth hidden beneath her mask couldn't help but curve upwards.
Amid didn't lose anything, Rhode became more versatile, and the Astrea Familia gained powerful healing support to save more people...
Hmm, no one lost, so it's... a win-win-win!
That's right, that's exactly it!
Feeling the girls' wholehearted kindness and consideration for him once again, Rhode's heart was filled with emotion, and his resolve to protect them grew even stronger.
Having transmigrated, he had to do something, right?
"Ryu, Selty, and Nize, I'll trouble you to take these remaining miscellaneous drop items to the Hephaestus Familia to exchange them, and bring our Goddess back while you're at it!"
Ryu suddenly became a little anxious and couldn't help but blurt out.
"Why is Laila the only one staying with Rhode... I, I'm not saying I want to go with Rhode, it's just that I strongly request fair treatment!"
Despite her words, Ryu's red-faced protests couldn't completely offset the teasing glances from the girls.
Before Ryu completely lost control due to embarrassment, Laila forcibly suppressed her laughter and spoke in time to soothe her.
"Alright, after all, Rhode is the biggest contributor and is very tired today, and I'm just a weak Pallum. You can't expect me to carry such a heavy backpack, right...?"
Out of protection for Rhode's abilities, before leaving the Dungeon, everyone had already taken out the items and magic stones and carried them on their backs.
Inevitably, their exaggerated backpacks attracted a lot of attention. If it weren't for the symbols of the Sword of Justice and Wings on their bodies, someone would probably have boldly made a move already.
After all, this era was by no means a peaceful one.
But even anticipating some commotion, the girls still unanimously agreed that the confidentiality of Rhode's abilities was the highest priority.
Although he himself felt it didn't matter, as the most bugged part of Divine Authority wasn't its function as a storage space, his objections were forcibly ignored by the girls...
Ryu, despite hearing Laila's explanation, was still a bit reluctant but eventually accepted the explanation.
She picked up a backpack taller than herself, then looked back at Rhode with lingering reluctance, wanting to say something but holding back.
Rhode smiled and waved.
"Come back soon! I still want to continue practicing swords with you, Teacher Ryu!"
Ryu's slightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed, her eyes filled with joy, and then she couldn't help but chide him playfully.
"I told you not to call me that!... I, I'll teach you all my skills, but don't get carried away just because of today's progress!"
As soon as she finished speaking, perhaps out of shyness, Ryu took off running and disappeared from sight.
"Ryu, wait for us!"
Selty was quite helpless about her fellow race member's flustered performance and privately considered whether to offer her some dating advice.
Tsundere isn't popular these days!
But what should she do since she herself had no dating experience?
Should she practice with Rhode first, then teach Ryu?
Thinking these bold thoughts, Selty couldn't help but feel a little tempted. She secretly glanced at Rhode, then, as if to cover up, quickly called Nize to chase after Ryu, who had fled.
The two remaining at the spot smiled as they watched their companions leave one by one.
A moment later, Laila stretched lazily and suddenly spoke.
"Let's go. Now it's time to resolve that troublesome matter you've been agonizing over."
Rhode looked down in surprise. Laila shrugged.
"Don't look at me like I'm a fortune teller. I don't have mind-reading abilities. It's just that you trust us too much; you didn't even try to hide it."
Laila provocatively swept her gaze over Rhode.
"Or, is my presence getting in your way, and you plan to leave me behind to do something troublesome by yourself?"
"It's not troublesome, but it's my personal matter, and I originally didn't want to involve everyone in the Familia."
Rhode pondered for a moment, looking at the Pallum Laila, seemingly having thought of something.
"However, for you, it doesn't seem like you're an outsider, so you can come with me ~"
Laila was speechless. After a while, she seemingly inadvertently touched the area below her nose.
"O-okay!"
Am I not an outsider...?
Laila lowered her head, hiding her joyful face behind Rhode's back, following him unhurriedly, as if she had become his shadow.
Why do you always spring these sudden attacks on me? Have some self-awareness, you idiot!