The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

Just as Yoru was left in quiet contemplation by Syr's words, the doors of the tavern swung open, and a large group—more than a dozen strong—entered together. It was clear they'd reserved in advance, as they were led straight to the large open space diagonally across from Yoru's seat.

Judging by their powerful auras and coordinated presence, they were clearly all members of one of the top Familia.

The moment they entered, the previously lively tavern fell oddly quiet.

Yoru's heart gave a sudden thump.

Then, like a thunderclap to his vision, entered a woman with flowing, gentle green hair.

Her beauty was refined and elegant, the kind that looked as if it might shatter if touched—so delicate, so noble that even among the famously beautiful elves, few could compare to her graceful majesty.

She stood with quiet dignity, calm and composed like a noble princess. It was impossible not to be drawn to her—to want to kneel in reverence.

Her emerald eyes, matching the color of her hair, were fixed gently on her companions. The way she looked at them was full of maternal affection, like a mother doting on her children.

Not a single muscle of her perfectly arched brows moved, and her entire being radiated a serene, almost divine presence.

And it was in this moment—right after Syr had been talking about the fluttering feeling of a heart moved—that Yoru experienced that same sensation again.

No, if he were being honest… this was the first time he truly felt it.

Because what he felt for Hestia wasn't this—Hestia gave him peace and comfort, a place to belong. But what he felt now… was exactly what Syr had described.

This… was the feeling of being moved.

This woman—Riveria.

"…Hey."

"Whoa! A total knockout!"

"Idiot, I'm not talking about that. Look at the crest."

"…Ah."

As the surrounding patrons recognized the newcomers as members of the Loki Familia, the atmosphere immediately shifted. Low murmurs filled the room.

"Them?"

"…The Familia of the Giant Slayer…"

"Aren't they all top-tier adventurers?"

"Which one is the famous Sword Princess?"

The voices rolled in like waves—every whisper filled with awe and a touch of fear. Some patrons even began whistling at the beautiful women among them, like Riveria and Ais.

"Syr."

Yoru's voice suddenly called out, as Syr admired the members of Loki's Familia from across the room.

"Huh? What is it, Yoru?"

She tilted her head curiously, sensing something off in Yoru's tone.

"You said earlier… about that fluttering feeling, right? So if you feel that way… should you be bold and go for it?"

"Well… I suppose that's true. But I think most people don't have the courage. I mean…"

She gave a slightly bitter smile, her voice soft.

Some things… no matter how hard you try, you simply can't reach. Not everything in life is like a fairy tale where Cinderella gets her prince.

As Syr drifted into those wistful thoughts, the tavern's silence was shattered by renewed noise and cheers.

"Hey! Back from Dungeon Expedition! Time for a feast—drink up!!"

Someone from the Loki Familia stood and raised a toast. Because of their seating angle, Yoru and Syr couldn't see her face clearly—just her back.

The whole group erupted into celebration. With loud thunks, mugs of beer were slammed together, and meat and alcohol flowed like rivers. Riveria, being an elf, didn't seem to enjoy greasy food and instead quietly sipped on some fruit wine.

Once the Loki Familia had entered full party mode, the rest of the tavern followed suit, continuing their own drinking and merriment.

"The Loki Familia are actually regulars here. That's because their goddess, Loki-sama, really likes this tavern," Syr said with a smile. "Hey… Yoru, are you even listening?"

Yoru was staring blankly in the direction of the newcomers. Syr waved a hand in front of his face.

Why was he so dazed? Was he that mesmerized by the pretty girls? Well, she couldn't deny the women of the Loki Familia were beautiful…

But just as she was thinking that, Yoru suddenly stood up—and began walking toward them.

"Ais! Just what the hell is your relationship with that guy?!"

An angry voice rang out from the Loki Familia's table. A beastman youth—clearly the one who had attacked Yoru in the Dungeon—slammed back two large mugs of ale and now glared furiously at Ais Wallenstein.

"He's just an adventurer I happened to run into," Ais replied calmly, unconcerned.

But the beastman clearly wasn't satisfied. He slammed his hand on the table, voice raised sharply.

"Don't give me that crap! If he's just some random adventurer—why the hell were you holding his hand?!"

The tavern once again fell into that weird silence. The commotion from the Loki Familia's table had drawn everyone's attention. All across the tavern, adventurers stopped what they were doing to listen in.

The Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein, held hands with someone? With a random guy? Who the hell was this lucky bastard?!

"…Because it felt nice," Ais replied, in all her usual blunt honesty.

Her words weren't exactly suggestive—but they weren't innocent either. The tavern exploded with noise.

Even Riveria, who had been sipping her drink with grace, now pressed a hand to her forehead in visible frustration. She was exasperated—not just with Ais's brutally straightforward nature—but also with the fact that Bete had brought this up again in such a public setting.

This was supposed to be their little secret—something only a few of them knew. But now, thanks to Bete's loud mouth, the whole tavern was listening.

And worst of all… she, Riveria, had also clung to that boy quite affectionately in that moment. Even more so than Ais.

Just remembering it made her cheeks flush slightly in shame.

"So there is something between you two, huh?! What's so great about that guy anyway? Why would you fall for some no-name adventurer?!"

Bete stood up abruptly, his emotions flaring as he slammed his hands on the table and leaned forward.

"I'm way stronger than him! He's just some Level 1 loser—and I'm a Level 5! If you had to pick a partner, the answer should be obvious, right?!"

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