Twilight Manor.
Laila looked up at the exaggerated grandeur of the Familia's headquarters and couldn't help but click her tongue.
"As expected of one of the two strongest Familias in Orario right now. So, are we here to thank them for their help last time?"
Rhode was carrying fruits and vegetables. Laila had originally considered buying more expensive gifts, but Rhode rejected the idea.
After all, the Loki Familia lacked nothing, and an overly precious gift would only sour the friendship.
"Part of the reason is that... Also, we need the Loki Familia to do us a favor."
Laila's eyes widened slightly.
"Is it something even we can't help you with? To the point of owing the Loki Familia a favor?!"
If that were true, Laila even suspected that Rhode might be planning to go to war with the Freya Familia?
Rhode shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"We do need to owe a favor, but it's not us owing the Loki Familia; it's Finn owing us."
"Wait, if I heard correctly, you mean you want the Loki Familia to help you with your business, and they'll owe you a favor? And how does this relate to our race's hero?!"
"Hehe, you'll know in a bit ~"
"Damn it, I said I hate riddle-tellers the most! Don't add this role that wasn't originally in our Familia!"
The Loki Familia's headquarters was a mansion that seemed carved from fire.
It was a long and large building, as if built on a narrow plot of land. The towering spires overlapped like a forest of spears, creating a spectacular sight like a mountain of swords.
This was Rhode's third time entering here, and each time his mood was different.
"You... have become stronger."
Blocking the two was still that golden-haired, golden-eyed doll-like girl.
Ais tilted her head, observing Rhode with curiosity and vigilance.
Last time, he was just a guy with somewhat special speed.
But this time, he gives me a dangerous feeling...
And, his eyes have changed, becoming more confident and resolute.
Can someone really transform into a strong person in such a short time?
"Pervert..."
Ais complained without any change in her voice.
"Hey, I heard that! And... you, a guy who reached Level 3 at ten years old, have no right to call me a pervert!"
Rhode looked around, searching for Riveria's figure.
But Ais, noticing Rhode's movements, suddenly got angry, puffed out her pretty cheeks, and reached for the sword sheath on her back.
"Let's have a match... Gareth said you're stronger than you look, and Riveria often praises you..."
"Next time for sure."
"I... Mmph?!"
To deal with the little girl who was jealous without realizing it, Rhode decisively used his newly acquired Iaijutsu, drew out a fried potato, and instantly stuffed it into her mouth.
Ais, after glaring angrily for a moment, soon had her attention drawn by the delicious taste in her mouth, gradually curving her eyebrows as she happily enjoyed the food.
"If you could, please call Finn for me. I'll wait for him in the reception room. The fried potato is the advance payment ~"
Rhode waved his hand and left, carrying the fruits and vegetables. Laila looked back at the innocent and somewhat dazed Ais, her mood complex. Finally, she sighed softly with a frown and nodded, quickly catching up to Rhode.
Ais ate the fried potato, silently watching Rhode's retreating figure, recalling Rhode's movement just now.
"So fast..."
"Ais, did we have a guest? What are you looking at?"
Walking in from the doorway, carrying a longbow, was a beautiful Elf with golden-blonde hair. Her demeanor was impeccable, perfectly matching human imagination of the Elf race.
Every gesture exuded unparalleled elegance, and her cool expression created a sense of unapproachability.
"Alicia, you're back. It's Rhode..."
"Rhode?"
Alicia looked at the expressionless Ais with a look that said, "When did you, a natural airhead, start remembering the name of someone you've only met once?" Then she also showed a subtle expression.
"That's the man Riveria often talks about. I really don't know what makes him, not even an adventurer, so worthy of the Royal Princess's concern."
Ais turned her head, took the fried potato out of her mouth, and seriously retorted.
"Rhode... is very strong!"
Alicia was surprised by Ais's somewhat intense reaction.
"Are you talking about his speed? It was indeed surprising, but it's ultimately just a trick..."
Ais shook her head.
"He's much stronger than when I last saw him, completely unlike the same person. His swordsmanship is very fast..."
Alicia couldn't remain calm this time, her eyes wide.
"Faster than even Ais's sword?"
Ais pondered seriously at the question.
"No."
Alicia just let out a sigh of relief, but then she heard Ais's faint voice.
"But if he can maintain this inexplicable rate of improvement, the next time we meet... he will be stronger than me."
"?!"
Alicia's eyes widened, and she shook her head frantically.
"How is that possible... He just joined a Familia, and you're already a Level 2 adventurer!"
Nine years older than Ais, yet still not Level 2, Alicia understood better than anyone the terrifying potential of this doll-like princess!
And due to Riveria's motherly affection for Ais, Alicia, by extension, was unwilling to believe that the girl she cherished would lose to anyone.
Compared to Alicia, who was unwilling to accept reality, Ais seemed less disappointed; rather, there was a subtle hint of anticipation and excitement in her heart.
If only I could become strong as quickly as Rod...
Alicia took a deep breath, her emotions complex. Although she still had some doubts about Ais's words, she couldn't help but feel a certain interest in this boy named Rod.
"Let's discuss his strength later... What is he doing here this time?"
Ha!
Ais's eyes widened.
Thump!
Her fist, clutching a potato croquette, hit her palm.
"Oh no, I need to tell Finn!"
With that, Ais, displaying a rare moment of panic and disarray, erupted with a powerful gust of wind and vanished from the spot with a boom.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
Alicia, holding her wind-blown golden hair, shook her head helplessly.
"Why do I feel like Ais loses her composure whenever she meets that guy... Never mind, I'll go find Lady Riveria first."