Having her thoughts seen through, Daphne was naturally upset and angry inside.
How did she end up as a superior sacrifice for her Lv.2 self? Which Familia had she joined?
But upon recalling that she had heard about joining the Hestia Familia where Ice-Fire Wine was available to drink, and it was even a 50 million Valis gift package.
The slight unhappiness in her heart instantly vanished.
With a snap from her, the girl's hand patted Levi's shoulder: "Then it's settled like that, Captain."
---
Cassandra
Unlike Alise and Gojouno Kaguya who were "resurrected" back then, Cassandra and Daphne, after seeing the even more harmless new generation and thinking it over, finally decided to drop the price to 5 billion right before their eyes.
Moreover, Levi had clearly written a clause in the contract to help the two women raise their gratitude levels.
---
As the price, every time Cassandra did something wrong, she must come to inform him or Hestia within three hours. If she couldn't find either of them, she must write it clearly on the paper prepared in front of Levi. A spiritual sensation would appear on the back of her right hand, growing stronger as time passed.
This practice had two purposes. The first was its literal meaning, serving as punishment for Cassandra's mistakes.
The second was to prevent her from having a damaging dream but mistaking it for an ordinary one, thus missing the chance to be saved.
This peculiar atonement contract targeted at herself—anyone else might have refused outright long ago.
But Cassandra, deep in her heart, instead felt a thread of happiness that she was still needed.
After Levi finalized the contract, she didn't even glance away or hesitate before impatiently signing her name on the Party B side.
As for Daphne, she signed a different contract, the one with the fewest restrictions and highest benefits among those present.
"Let's go out to eat later."
Levi had been busy all day, preparing sparkling wine for Guild operations and internal use, as well as items needed for the expedition—he was so occupied that he had no mind to cook.
Plus, with new members joining the Familia, he made this proposal.
"Cassandra, Daphne, you two be good today, just like Lili. Drink one cup of wine. Tomorrow, we'll head to the Great Tree Labyrinth together. On the road, I'll have Alise and Gojouno watch over you. You can safely use the Ice-Fire Wine to grow stronger. By the time we arrive, your ability values will be near their limits, perfect for accumulating a wave of excelia to reach Lv.3."
---
"After we return, the new base should be completed by then, and everyone can get their own room."
Daphne glanced at her shoulder upon hearing this: "I don't mind."
Cassandra was even more so, practically molded into Levi's shape: "I'll listen to the Captain."
---
Alise, Gojouno Kaguya, and Liliruca wouldn't oppose it either.
Before heading out, Liliruca used transformation magic to turn herself into an adult form, while Alise and Gojouno Kaguya donned iron-piece cloaks made by Levi that had a "low identification risk" effect.
---
Orario actually has quite a few taverns—even in the 7th District where the Hestia Familia base is located, several can be seen just by walking a short distance.
But the most famous one is undoubtedly "The Hostess of Fertility." At first, other brewers thought the tavern in Orario used some kind of magic when learning the Lv.6 "Giant" recipe from Mia Grand. But soon, they were conquered by the cooking there and would often come to this modestly priced shop for a drink.
Levi had become Odr, and even without being discovered by Orario's citizens, he had become a celebrity.
---
Meanwhile, Alise had secured Levi's sparkling wine at the door, forcing many high-ups from Familias and merchant associations to connect with him on deeper levels.
This time, just a few minutes after Levi's group entered a tavern rumored to have decent craftsmanship, the Loki Familia's captain—followed by several guards and Riveria—directly pushed open the door.
Upon seeing Levi, the Loki Familia's captain, Finn, showed a surprised expression: "Hestia Familia, Levi Captain, how have you two been?"
Levi, having prior knowledge, knew that this leader of the Loki Familia in the 8th District would usually only choose "The Hostess of Fertility" even when going out to greet others.
---
In response, Levi nodded: "Finn Captain, Riveria Lady, Mia Grand, good evening."
The girls at the table also greeted them.
However, perhaps because the Loki Familia's three executives had their attention fixed on Levi, or because the "low identification risk" iron-piece cloaks were effective.
Of course, the greater possibility was that Finn and the others had noticed Alise and Gojouno Kaguya but only thought they looked cute and didn't consider anything deeper.
Conversely, Alise and Gojouno Kaguya didn't appear embarrassed by this sudden "reunion with old friends."
Levi stood up, said a quick greeting to Hestia, and directly sat down at Finn's table.
A spring-breeze-like smile appeared on his face: "Mind if I join you for a meal?"
"How could we?" Seeing that Levi harbored no hostility toward them due to the Loki-Hestia relationship, Finn's smile grew even more charming. "Rather, we've disturbed your gathering."
"But we heard from the Guild that you're heading out to the Great Tree Labyrinth tomorrow, and we have some questions about the projects and products being sold to the nobles, so we had no choice but to come disturb you."
Finn didn't hide that he had come specifically for the Hestia Familia.
Levi didn't mind and raised his hand to have the server bring over a table of food identical to the next one before saying: "Anything unclear, Finn Captain, feel free to ask directly. I guarantee to answer everything I know."
"Levi Captain is straightforward." Seeing the pale-golden-haired youth so direct, Finn didn't hesitate: "Among the projects published by the Guild, the sparkling wine section has clear effects, so I have no doubts there. But regarding the two package deals provided by the Hestia Familia—mainly the escort service package—I hope you can explain it in more detail."
With that, he spread his hands in a helpless expression: "After all, as you know, large exploration Familias like ours appear glamorous on the surface, but inside, there are piles of troubles, especially finances, which feel like walking a tightrope."
"I understand, I understand." Levi nodded, inwardly remarking 'hooked.'
____
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