Soon.
When the sunset had completely vanished below the horizon and night had just begun to fall.
The group stood once again on the steps outside the Guild's main entrance.
"This... this is..."
"So much money..."
Kashima tightly gripped the parchment contract, feeling as if he were walking on cotton; his steps were unsteady, and his gaze was vacant.
Even Mikoto, Chigusa, and Asuka, who were usually steady, felt like pinching themselves to make sure they weren't dreaming.
This income.
Not only did it solve the [Takemikazuchi Familia]'s urgent crisis.
But even...
Even the large sum for the repairs of the Far East Shrine was accounted for.
"Lord Heimdall!"
The moment they snapped out of it.
Without any hesitation.
Kashima, along with Mikoto and the others, turned around in unison and gave Heimdall a standard, deep bow in the dogeza style.
In that posture, their heads almost knocked directly against the stone floor.
"Thank you... thank you so very much!"
Kashima's voice was a bit choked up.
"With this money, we..."
"Alright, alright."
Heimdall reached out to gesture for them to rise, interrupting Kashima's tearful gratitude.
"I already said."
"This is a transaction."
"And it's the reward you deserve for your hard work."
"Among Adventurers, while there is competition, there is also mutual aid."
Speaking of which.
Heimdall smiled, his gaze seemingly casually glancing at the tachi at Mikoto's waist.
"Actually."
"I'm somewhat acquainted with your main god as well."
"Back in the Heavens, Takemikazuchi was a War God who clamored all day about conquering everything with martial arts; he's a pretty decent guy."
"Eh—?!"
"Are Lord Heimdall and Lord Takemikazuchi friends?!"
Kashima and Mikoto suddenly looked up, their faces filled with shock.
They had been in Orario for a while now.
But they had never heard their own god mention it.
"You could say that."
"So, since you're the Familia of an acquaintance."
"It's only right to look after you a bit."
Heimdall shrugged and didn't elaborate further.
Kashima, Mikoto, and the others looked at each other.
"Well then."
Before they could think more about it.
Heimdall pointed to the brightly lit street ahead.
"So, as I said before."
"Will you do me the honor?"
"If you don't mind, shall we go for a drink together?"
"This..."
Kashima and Mikoto exchanged a look.
A look of hesitation appeared on their faces.
"Um..."
"Right, that's right, Lord Heimdall."
Kashima scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.
"While we'd really like to go... but..."
"Tonight's dinner... we probably won't be able to attend."
"Such great news..."
"We want to go back and tell Lord Takemikazuchi immediately!"
"If we don't go back, Lord Takemikazuchi will worry since it's so late."
This was the truth.
If these kids didn't return soon.
He would probably be so anxious that he'd search the streets for them.
"I see."
Heimdall wasn't surprised and had no intention of forcing them.
"In that case, I won't insist."
"Anyway, everyone is in Orario."
"We'll be seeing each other around."
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
"Yes!"
"Then, definitely next time!"
"Yes! Thank you once again!"
With that.
After Kashima, Mikoto, and the others bowed once more, they hurried off into the deepening night.
Their eager departing figures.
Revealed an irrepressible cheerfulness.
...
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Watching the backs of the group as they disappeared.
Loki, who had been standing by as a background character, finally couldn't help but click her tongue.
Those squinted eyes opened slightly, and with a smirk that seemed to see through everything, she leaned closer to Heimdall.
"Heimdall~"
"Winning people over like that—you're still as skilled as ever."
She continued.
Loki's smirking face leaned in, her squinted eyes opening just a sliver.
"To think you'd even use Takemikazuchi as a front."
"Not only did you earn a good reputation."
"But you also did Takemikazuchi a favor in the process."
"As expected."
"You haven't changed a bit."
"Even in the Lower World, you're still full of tricks."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[email protected]/Rexlent
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"