Regarding his new boxing partner, Takumi's first thought was naturally Riveria, who was already based in Orario. He quickly took the time to come to Orario, and after making inquiries, he learned that the Loki Familia's entire expeditionary force had returned. He prepared a bouquet of flowers and a small gift before arriving at Twilight Manor.
"I wonder if this beautiful lady would do me the honor of having lunch with me."
With a group of people from the Loki Familia watching, Takumi handed the bouquet to Riveria and invited her with a smile.
"Sure." Riveria happily accepted the flowers Takumi gave her.
Then she left with Takumi, leaving behind a group of members who were gossiping about the event, and Loki, who was on the verge of tears. She was always on guard, fearing Takumi would abduct Aiz, but unexpectedly, Takumi turned around and captured Riveria instead.
Although Loki usually doted on Aiz, she did not often express such feelings toward Riveria. In truth, Riveria's status in her heart was very high. However, because Riveria was the elder of the family and the two had been together for so long, their relationship had become steady and familiar. Riveria was mature and dignified, not the type to enjoy being pestered, and since she was full of majesty, Loki usually kept her distance.
Now that Riveria was about to be abducted by an outsider, Loki's emotions were finally revealed.
"Riveria! Don't leave!"
"Riveria! How can I live without you!"
Loki fell to her knees in collapse, stretching out her hand and shouting in the direction the two had left. Her reaction made many new members of the Familia look at each other in confusion, not understanding why Loki suddenly became so attached to Riveria. Only veterans like Finn knew why Loki behaved this way.
Finn and Gareth quickly came up and dragged Loki away.
"Don't cause trouble. Just let Riveria make her own choice; let's not interfere."
Although the companions were all considered family, there was no reason to prevent them from pursuing their own happiness. Both Finn and Gareth treated the situation this way. As long as the other party was not a bad person and Riveria truly liked him, they would let her go.
Broadly speaking, they also wanted to ensure their own personal freedom in the future. So, whether they sincerely wished the best for Riveria or wanted to protect their own interests, they could not interfere with Riveria's love affair.
"Waaah! My Riveria!"
Loki also knew this, so she just shouted in grief and allowed the two men to drag her away without resistance.
...
Setting aside the reactions of the other members of the Loki Familia, Takumi had already taken Riveria to meet Seven in Orario. However, there are very few entertainment activities in Orario, and even fewer suitable for dating. So Takumi just took Riveria to visit the snack street and bought some food and drinks.
He then took Riveria to a quiet place with beautiful scenery for a picnic. The two of them looked at the view while chatting about the few topics they shared, such as the study of magic. They chatted until noon, and when they felt hungry, they began to eat.
When the meal was nearly finished and they were both slightly relaxed, Takumi took out the small gift he had prepared and gave it to Riveria. It was a pendant. There was nothing particularly special about it; it was just something Takumi had made in his spare time. Hestia also had one.
"Thank you. It is beautiful, I love it."
"Let me put it on for you."
"Um."
Takumi put the pendant on Riveria while facing her, but because he could not see the clasp properly, it took a long time. The two just looked at each other quietly, and the air was gradually filled with charm. Since the atmosphere was perfect, Takumi took advantage of the situation and kissed her after fastening the pendant.
Riveria did not resist. She had already accepted Takumi, and after his recent efforts, she was on the verge of falling for him completely. However, Takumi stopped while things were still good. After all, this was not a suitable place for boxing practice. But after this encounter, he also successfully made Riveria comfortable with intimacy.
In the time that followed, Riveria sat in his arms for most of the evening. As night fell and Riveria was hesitating whether to return or not, Takumi quickly exerted his influence again.
"Actually, I would rather invite you to have breakfast with me."
"Why breakfast?" Riveria, who did not understand the underlying meaning, asked with some confusion.
Takumi smiled playfully and explained, "Because you will be having breakfast at my house."
The intelligent Riveria immediately understood the hint and could not help but blush. At the same time, she could not help but silently scold Takumi for being shameless. However, she was quite happy that Takumi expressed his love for her so clearly. No girl hopes she cannot charm the person she likes. After all, women only look their best to please those they care about.
But she felt that this was moving a bit too fast. From the start of their relationship until today, they had only been together for less than forty-eight hours. However, she was afraid he would be disappointed if she refused. Mainly, she feared that if she delayed for too long, Takumi would lose patience.
In their short time together, she had already identified Takumi as the one. She felt she would never meet another person who could meet her requirements as he did. Because of this, she worried that if she missed her chance with Takumi, she would be alone for the rest of her life.
In fact, this is a problem many people encounter: the impression left by a first love is so perfect that nothing else compares. After missing that chance, it is difficult to find someone who measures up, leading to a lifetime of regret. Even if one forces themselves to move on with someone else, conflicts often arise, and things do not end well. Riveria had seen many such examples, so she feared she would end up the same way.
She felt conflicted, but she quickly made a decision.
"So, do you want to have breakfast with me tomorrow?" she asked with a blush.
She understood that she was already quite old. Even if elves had long lifespans, she had not met the right person before, and she was nearly past what was considered marriageable age. Additionally, because elves live so long, she was even more afraid that if she missed this moment, she would suffer for a very long time in the future. So she gritted her teeth and agreed to Takumi's invitation.
"Of course!"
Takumi did not expect Riveria to agree so happily and said quickly: "So, would you like to have breakfast with me tomorrow?"
"Um."
Riveria's pretty face was red. She lowered her head, not daring to look at Takumi, and nodded slightly. Seeing that the beauty had agreed, Takumi did not delay and picked Riveria up.
"Ah!"
With Riveria's exclamation, they teleported back to the Hestia Familia residence. He did not go back to Dimensional City because Hestia was resting there. Takumi did not want a repeat of the situation from last time.
"Where is this?"
Riveria looked at the surroundings that had changed instantly and could not help but look surprised.
"My family's residence."
"Was that teleportation magic? You actually know that kind of magic?"
Riveria looked at Takumi in surprise. She did not expect this man to give her another surprise.
"Is your focus wrong? We are already home," Takumi said helplessly.
"Well..."
Riveria froze when she heard this. Home?! Wouldn't that mean...
"Wait! I'm not ready yet... ugh!"
Riveria wanted to prepare herself, but Takumi did not give her the chance to delay. To avoid any changes of heart, he immediately began getting ready to practice boxing with Riveria. This made Riveria ashamed and annoyed, but it was too late for regrets. Takumi had already attacked, so she could only parry quickly.
...
A night of silence. As expected, Riveria was also defeated by Takumi. After waking up, she complained in the same way.
"You are just an animal. How can there be people like you?"
Takumi replied with a smile, "Who told you to be so charming? I can't help but want to tease you more."
Riveria rolled her eyes and ignored him. Takumi did not mind; he thoughtfully fed breakfast to the exhausted woman. He kept his word and treated her to breakfast.
After they finished, Takumi asked, "What are your plans for the future? Will you stay in the Loki Familia, or come to my side?"
To be honest, Takumi was a little uneasy asking this. He was afraid Riveria would be reluctant to leave her Familia. In that case, he would have no choice but to forcibly take her back to Dimensional City. As for letting her return to the Loki Familia? That was not an option for him. After all, she was already his; he could not let her continue to wander outside.
Furthermore, it would be difficult for him to ensure her safety. If the Loki Familia encountered danger, he might not be able to rescue her in time.
Riveria thought about it and said, "It depends on how much of a betrothal gift you are willing to give. This is not just my business."
Although it was not stated explicitly, it showed her attitude. As long as Takumi handled the arrangements well, she would leave the Loki Familia. However, getting the Loki Familia to release her would not be simple. She was an elder, one of the Big Three, and a pillar of the Familia.
Even if the Loki Familia were willing to let her go out of kindness, the compensation required would be significant. This was something the Loki Familia deserved, and it was also a matter of prestige. Otherwise, if no compensation were received, what would other members think? If one of the pillars were taken away without effort, outsiders might think they could use romance to lure away other members.
Finn would never allow that. So, even if it caused a stalemate, Finn would demand sufficient compensation. While "compensation" might not sound pleasant, it would be presented to the world as a betrothal gift. Smart people would understand the truth, but at least the phrasing was respectable.
Hearing this, Takumi was relieved and immediately promised: "Okay, just watch me. I will make Finn agree to let you marry me."
"Um." Riveria nodded, not doubting his determination.
But then she reminded him, "Don't be too arrogant; just enough will do. It's best to discuss it with me."
Hearing this, Takumi teased her, "Haha, we aren't even married yet and you're already siding with me, but I like it."
"I'm going to die of embarrassment because of you; you have no integrity," Riveria said, rolling her eyes again.
The two of them stayed together for another whole day. When evening came, Takumi sent Riveria back to Twilight Manor. The members of the Loki Familia had been waiting for a long time. After all, Takumi had been gone for two days and one night after taking Riveria away. Anyone could guess what had happened.
When Finn saw the two return, he quickly invited them to the conference room. In addition to him, Gareth, another of the Big Three, was there, along with Loki, whose eyes were bloodshot as she stared fiercely at Takumi. She knew her "cabbage" had been taken, and she looked like she wanted to kill him. However, she did not explode in front of Riveria.
"Riveria, have you decided?"
Finn did not ask Takumi; he asked Riveria with a complex expression. He knew that once this was finalized, it would have a huge impact on the Loki Familia. But he respected Riveria's choice and only intended to take necessary measures. It was important to confirm her feelings.
Riveria glanced at Finn, took a deep breath, and nodded. "Okay, I will apply to change my affiliation."
As she spoke, both Finn and Gareth sighed. As for Loki, the look she gave Takumi turned to pure resentment. But none of the three spoke against it, which served as acquiescence.
"So, Takumi, are you prepared to pay for Riveria's conversion?" Finn asked seriously.
Even though it was voluntary, Takumi bore responsibility for the transition. Takumi nodded and took out a list.
"This is my betrothal gift for marrying Riveria. Take a look. If you think it is insufficient, we can discuss it."
Finn took the list and read it carefully. Then he looked up at Takumi in disbelief. He could not help but sigh, "You are truly generous."
The first item on the list concerned the radio cooperation project. The original cooperation was suspended, and two sets of radios were given to the Loki Familia for free. After those sets were worn out, cooperation would restart. In Finn's view, this was essentially giving them the technology, as the Familia could try to replicate it.
But the second item was even more important: strengthening materials. Takumi had offered ten tons of them. Knowing how rare and controlled these materials were, Finn realized a fortune had been spent. However, Takumi did not think it was a waste. This was a gift for Riveria. The more he paid, the more he showed how much he valued her.
It was a gift to the Loki Familia, but it was for Riveria's peace of mind. It would reduce her guilt about leaving and allow her to focus on him. Takumi felt it was worth it. The scale of the deal shocked Finn. After reading the description of the fortified ingredients, he was amazed such treasures existed—and even more shocked that Takumi offered ten tons. It was a move that proved how wealthy Takumi's family was.
Gareth took the list and had the same reaction as Finn. Riveria had certainly found an incredibly wealthy husband! He quickly handed the list to Loki. Loki took it, stunned, and looked at Takumi incredulously.