Chloe let out a mischievous laugh, her tail swishing excitedly behind her.
"I originally thought Ryu went off to do something dangerous again."
"But I didn't expect to see Ryu show that kind of reaction to anyone other than Syr."
"There is definitely something fishy going on here, nya!"
"Mm! Definitely something fishy!"
"In that case, shall we start our stalking plan for tomorrow morning?"
Lunova turned her head to look at Chloe.
Chloe nodded, her eyes gleaming.
"Mm! Start! Nya!"
...
As time passed, the drinks had gone around three times, and the food had been sampled.
The plates of grilled meat that were originally piled up like a small mountain had now reached their bottom, with only some leftovers remaining.
And under the dual assault of alcohol and gourmet food, as well as the enthusiastic "siege" of a group of beautiful girls, the elf girl who had initially wanted to be invisible—Leifia—had now completely succumbed.
"Ugh... hehe..."
Leifia held the empty wine glass in her hand.
Her fair, delicate little face was flushed red, like a ripe apple. Her eyes were unfocused, and a silly smile hung on the corner of her mouth.
The staff she usually gripped tightly was now casually set aside.
"Really?"
"Miss Inaba... can you really tell the number of monsters just by listening to the sound?"
"So, so amazing..."
Leifia muttered, her tongue slightly tied, her body leaning limply against the chair.
"I want to too... If I could be like that..."
"Then I wouldn't be so scared every time I chant..."
"That's simple, just practice more!"
Hanazake Warabi had already taken off her outer coat and draped it over her shoulders, a toothpick in her mouth. She carelessly reached out and patted Leifia's shoulder heavily.
"Next time we go down to the Dungeon, you should come along too!"
"Let Tsukiyo teach you!"
"Anyway, it's all just about hacking monsters; more people means more strength!"
"R-Really? Is that okay?"
Leifia's eyes lit up instantly, but then quickly dimmed again.
She lowered her head, her fingers tracing the rim of the wine glass.
"But... I'm from the Loki Familia..."
"Lord Riveria said we can't just form parties with other Familias..."
"Even if it's in secret..."
Seeing her so conflicted and cute, Kikakujuo Mary, who was beside her, couldn't help but chuckle.
This blonde young lady, although she had also drunk some alcohol and her cheeks were slightly flushed, still sat upright, maintaining the elegance engraved in her bones, and gently reached out to help Leifia tidy up her slightly messy bangs.
"It's alright, Miss Leifia."
"Just like Lord Loki said."
"Our deity and Lord Loki are friends, so naturally, we can be friends too."
"If it's not convenient to go to the Dungeon together,"
"then you can come find us to hang out in your free time."
"I believe our deity, just like us, would be very welcoming to a cute girl like Miss Leifia."
"C-Cute..."
Being praised so directly again.
Lefiya's head felt dizzy and her heart was warm.
That feeling of being accepted, of being liked.
It completely softened her heart, which had always been tense and full of inferiority.
...
"Um... that..."
So, just as everyone was preparing to get up and leave.
Lefiya, who had always been tormented by her own god and had a difficult personality,
emboldened by the alcohol,
her face flushed, suddenly reached out and grabbed the sleeve of Kikakujuo Mary, who was about to turn away.
"Hmm?"
Kikakujuo Mary stopped and turned back, looking somewhat puzzled.
She saw Lefiya hanging her head, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her own clothes.
Riding on the alcohol that hadn't yet dissipated,
Lefiya finally mustered all her courage.
"If... if there's a chance in the future..."
"Please... please be sure to visit the Twilight Manor!"
Lefiya suddenly looked up, her large sapphire-blue eyes misty, shimmering with sincerity.
"Although... although Lady Riveria can be strict sometimes..."
"But..."
"I... I also want to treat everyone to something delicious!"
"I'll prepare tea and snacks for you!"
...
Hearing this, Kikakujuo Mary was taken aback for a moment.
Then,
facing Lefiya's flustered and uneasy expression, Kikakujuo Mary broke into a smile.
That smile, under the dim lamplight, seemed exceptionally gentle.
She gently grasped Lefiya's hand.
"Mm."
"I'll definitely go."
"It's a promise, Miss Lefiya."
"Please... just call me Lefiya."
"Mm! Lefiya!"
...
"Oh my, oh my～"
Loki, already thoroughly drunk and practically draped over Heimdall, watched this scene and giggled, her eyes narrowing into slits.
"Looks like this kid..."
"has finally made some friends."
Loki nudged Heimdall's side with her elbow.
-------------------------
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