"Good… then in three days, when it refreshes, we can finally find Amphisbaena."
Tiona patted her chest in relief. Now that the obstacle to her and Tione's promotion wasn't going to keep siphoning off Amphisbaena, it would finally be their turn. The weight lifted, excitement crept in—those Great Feats for promotion were as good as secured.
Her gaze slid to Tsunayoshi, and a thought flashed. "Tsunayoshi, want to come with us for this Amphisbaena refresh?"
"Me? Isn't this the kind of thing you should do with Finn and the others?"
A solo challenge against a floor boss was never easy. No matter how confident or strong an adventurer was, they still needed support. Even if not during the fight, then at least to ensure a safe return afterward. In large familias, stronger adventurers usually escorted juniors seeking a breakthrough to face floor bosses.
It was the same in the Loki Familia. Only… it wasn't typical for Level 4s to seek the protection of a Level 2—it was usually Level 5s or even 6s who did the escorting.
"Normally, sure," Tiona said, giving him a meaningful look. "But in our familia, going with you is safer."
Tsunayoshi rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. But it was true. The sense of safety he provided was different from everyone else's—not because of level, but because of his abilities. In the face of his overwhelming toolkit, the advantage of level alone didn't count for much. For pure safeguarding, Finn wasn't as useful as Tsunayoshi.
"…Got it," he said at last. Since he could ensure it, there was no reason to refuse. "I'll explain things to Loki-sama and Finn."
"Mm. Then we're counting on you," Tiona said brightly, thumping his shoulder. She then turned toward Tione. "Your turn."
"Eh?"
Staring into Tiona's clear, guileless eyes, Tione could tell her sister had blurted it out without a speck of calculation.
"Like just now—give Tsunayoshi a hug. We've been talking about him so much lately," Tiona continued, utterly matter-of-fact. "Honestly, way more than you usually talk about Captain."
That offhanded line made Tsunayoshi's ears perk up. A fresh, firm note settled in his heart—Tione really did have special feelings for him.
When Tione still hesitated, Tiona pouted, stepped forward, and wrapped Tsunayoshi in a sudden hug. "Jeez. If you won't, I will."
"Tiona!!!"
Tione's voice sharpened. The instant she saw her sister holding him, a hot-and-sour spike rushed through her chest like lightning across her heart. She pried Tiona away and pulled Tsunayoshi into her own arms. It might have been jealousy that spurred her, but once she did it, the worst of the sourness and irritation melted away.
"When we challenge Amphisbaena… I'm counting on you, Tsunayoshi," she murmured.
"Mm. Don't worry. I'll be with you that day." He patted her back lightly. Like a startled kitten, she let go, cheeks still warm.
Why so jumpy? He remembered Tione as rather bold. How had she become so shy around him?
He shelved the question. Whatever was brewing between Tiona and Tione, they'd need to straighten it out. But first, he should talk with Loki-sama—otherwise he just couldn't settle.
"I'll go speak with Finn," he said. "I've been staying with Hephaestus-kami lately and need to update them on my situation."
He started to leave, then paused and turned back. "Hephaestus Familia's matters have wrapped up for now. I'll be staying with our familia for a while. If you need me, just come to my room."
With that, Tsunayoshi stepped out.
"Phew." Outside, he exhaled, gathered himself, and headed straight for Loki's room.
He knew the way well. Loki had told him before to come in without knocking, but habit made him rap his knuckles anyway.
Knock, knock, knock.
"…Just come in already," Loki's weary voice called.
He pushed the door open. Loki sat with her fingers laced on the table, staring straight at him by the entrance—a gaze that somehow made him more uncertain of what to do.
He took a breath and walked in.
"Loki-sama, I think I've discovered something."
"Huh? Discovered what? Don't tell me you sensed that coordinate already?"
"…That's not the discovery I meant."
"No?" She paused, eyes searching his face. Then she stood, moved to sit on her bed, and patted the spot beside her, wordlessly telling him to sit. When he did, she guided his head into her lap, fingers gently kneading his scalp. Her voice softened.
"Looks like you've run into a bit of trouble. Tell me—what's got you knotted up? Even something your abilities can't fix?"
Loki, the consummate gossip, was ready for a story—but somehow, her touch eased him.
He looked up at her expectant face and spoke. "I think… Tione might like me."
(End of Chapter)
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