DanMachi: The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

Riveria looked at the stubborn boy standing in front of her and spoke to him gently, sincerely. She didn't want Bete's nonsense to give him the wrong idea or shake his spirit—because in her eyes, this boy still had great potential.

That unusual constitution of his indicated he possessed immense magical power. Once he learned to control it, his future achievements might very well surpass her own.

But the reality remained: he was still weak. Just a newly registered Level 1 adventurer.

As she pondered, Riveria couldn't help but reflect inwardly—why wasn't she accepting his confession?

Was it because of his current weakness, and how she instinctively shut down the idea from the start?

Was it because she had never once considered taking a weaker person—or even an ordinary one—as a potential partner?

Was it because she belonged to the Loki Familia and had never imagined choosing someone outside of it?

"…But I'm still weak right now, aren't I? Just a Level 1 rookie, a world apart from you, a Level 5 adventurer."

Yoru spoke calmly, without shame or pride, making it difficult to read his thoughts.

"If I were a Level 5 adventurer like you, standing in front of you right now confessing my feelings… would you say yes then?"

As he asked, Riveria lowered her head, letting out a sigh.

"That's a pretty unfair assumption, Yoru… To us elves, love is sacred. It has nothing to do with strength. If I don't like someone, it doesn't matter how powerful they are—even if they're a god—I'd still reject them."

"Then… do you not like me?"

Yoru's persistent question left Riveria momentarily speechless.

She wanted to say it plainly—that she didn't like him. But looking into his pure, sincere eyes, she couldn't bring herself to crush the dreams and admiration of a young boy like that.

He was just a child—naturally drawn to what was beautiful, powerful, and radiant. That admiration, that longing, was what pushed him to grow stronger. Maybe one day, after experiencing the world and enduring heartbreak, he would look back and laugh at how innocent his feelings once were.

But if she rejected him too harshly now… could it end up destroying the bright path ahead of him?

"My, my, Riveria. So cold-hearted. Are you really going to turn him down like that?"

"Yeah! If you don't want him, how about letting me and my sister take him instead? That slap he gave Bete was very manly—we were impressed."

Tiona and Tione laughed playfully, scooting closer to Yoru. The passionate Amazons didn't care about others' stares—they pressed in on Yoru from both sides, pressing their skin against him without shame.

"All right, you two, enough teasing. Don't bully Yoru."

Riveria spoke with a helpless sigh. Then, looking once more at Yoru, who was still patiently awaiting her answer, she cleared her throat.

"Let me put it this way… You're part of Lady Hestia's Familia, right?"

Yoru nodded lightly.

"Then you must understand—it's basically impossible for members of different Familias to be together. I'm part of the Loki Familia. We can't be together."

Her words were a polite rejection. But, much like Ais, Yoru seemed oblivious to subtext.

"Then if that restriction didn't exist… would you say yes?"

You little… are you doing this on purpose?!

I already gave you an easy way out! Why are you still pushing this?!

I was being kind, letting us both step down gracefully! Why won't you take the hint?!

"…Maybe I would."

Riveria averted her eyes, her face turning red as she recalled that moment when she had hugged this very boy, unable to let go.

Blushing with both shyness and embarrassment, she turned her head away and gave him a vague, ambiguous answer.

The tavern erupted into another round of loud cheers.

He'd done it—his confession had been accepted! The mighty Nine Hells, Riveria Ljos Alf, had said yes!

If it weren't for the fact that they were in different Familias, maybe this lucky bastard really would have won her over tonight!

Of course, some people saw through it. They could tell Riveria's answer was mostly to placate the boy and avoid a scene. But that didn't stop the crowd from joining in the fun.

Even her comrades from the Loki Familia were shocked, staring at the usually composed Riveria in disbelief. She was always gentle, sure—but this was going way too far.

Her answer wasn't a firm acceptance, but it was so ambiguous that it was bound to cause rumors and misunderstandings.

If she had just rejected him outright like she always did before, none of this would've happened. Over the years, Riveria had received countless confessions and always turned them down flat. So why was she being so… indecisive this time?

"…I see. Got it."

Yoru nodded calmly.

And before anyone could react, he leaned in, lowered his head—and gently kissed Riveria on the lips.

"Wait for me… my Riveria."

Riveria froze—he kissed me?!

In front of everyone?!

The entire Loki Familia was stunned as well, watching this brazen boy turn around and leave the tavern without hesitation.

By the time Riveria came to her senses, all she could do was give a long, exasperated sigh.

Great. Now I'll never hear the end of it. The rumors are going to explode tomorrow—tragic love, passionate confessions… it'll be all over the city.

Her emotions were all tangled—a strange blend of helplessness and fondness, but not a shred of anger.

She touched her lips lightly, still feeling the trace of his kiss, and wondered quietly…

What… exactly do I feel for Yoru?

The only one who didn't join in the laughter or shock was Ais. She glanced at the patch of frost that had formed where Bete had fallen…

Then looked toward the direction Yoru had gone—with quiet worry in her eyes.

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