Riveria Returns to His Shop
Aeron sat on the 5th floor balcony of the Emporium, sipping tea and looking over Orario. The evening breeze brushed against his silver hair, the city glowed gold beneath the sunset, and everything was quiet—
—until someone knocked.
A soft, controlled, familiar knock.
Aeron smiled faintly.
"Come in, Riveria."
The door opened.
Riveria stood there, emerald eyes steady yet conflicted, her hands clasped behind her back with strict discipline. She stepped inside slowly, closing the door behind her with the grace of someone used to command.
"Aeron," she said quietly.
"Riveria."
Silence stretched between them.
She felt her chest tighten.
He felt her magic tremble faintly.
She hated how he seemed to read everything without trying.
Riveria crossed her arms to hide the faint trembling in her fingers.
"You kissed me."
Aeron nodded. "Yes."
"You shouldn't have."
"Probably."
She glared. "Do not humor me."
"I'm not," he said softly. "I meant it."
Riveria's breath caught.
"You—" Her voice wavered for the first time. "Aeron, what exactly do you want from me?"
He stood, walked toward her, and stopped just one step away—close enough for warmth, far enough for respect.
"Honesty," he said.
Riveria swallowed. "From me?"
"Always."
Her heart thudded painfully.
"I… do not understand you," she said quietly. "You are unpredictable. Calm but impossible. And you make me—"
She stopped herself.
Aeron tilted his head. "Make you what?"
Riveria's cheeks warmed.
"…Lose composure."
Aeron smiled gently.
"Riveria."
She looked up.
"You don't have to understand me tonight."
"…Then when?"
"When you're ready."
Riveria exhaled, tension leaving her shoulders. Not quite acceptance, not surrender—something in between.
She stepped closer, and their shoulders brushed.
"…Aeron," she said softly, "don't kiss me again without warning."
Aeron leaned in slightly, very slightly.
"Then tell me when I'm allowed."
Riveria froze.
He smiled.
She left quickly, ears red.
---
— Aiz Seeks Him Out
The next morning, Aeron walked toward the training fields near the Ganesha statues.
A small figure stood waiting.
Aiz Wallenstein.
Her sword rested against her shoulder, hair shimmering gold, expression as unreadable as a calm lake. But her eyes—
Her eyes softened when she saw him.
"Aeron," she said simply.
He nodded. "Aiz."
She hesitated. "Will you… train with me today?"
Aeron smiled. "Of course."
They walked into an open clearing. Aiz drew her wooden practice sword. Aeron picked up one as well—though he didn't need it.
Aiz stepped forward.
For nearly an hour, they fought in silence.
Aiz was extraordinary.
A whirlwind of precision and speed.
But Aeron—calm as wind, fluid as water—redirected every strike with minimal effort.
Aiz panted lightly, sweat glistening on her forehead.
"You're strong," she murmured.
"You're learning," Aeron replied.
Aiz stared at him, her gold eyes unreadable.
"…Aeron. Can I ask something?"
"Anything."
"Why do you train alone? Why not join a Familia?"
He paused.
"I don't want to belong to a god."
Aiz blinked. "Why?"
Aeron stepped behind her, gently adjusting her stance.
Her breath hitched slightly.
"I prefer to choose my own path," he said quietly. "Without limits."
Aiz's chest tightened.
"…That sounds lonely."
Aeron met her eyes.
"I'm not lonely."
Aiz looked away quickly.
Her face warmed—just a little.
"I like… training with you," she said softly.
Aeron smiled.
"Then we'll keep doing it."
Aiz nodded, hiding her small smile behind her sword.
---
Scene 3 — Freya Arrives
It was evening when it happened.
The bell above the Emporium door rang—softly, delicately, almost ominously.
Every employee froze.
Haruhime trembled.
Rose stiffened.
Even seasoned adventurers grew quiet.
Because Freya did not walk anywhere without shifting the air.
She entered gently, the faint scent of silver lilies surrounding her, beauty like moonlight carved into a goddess's form. Her eyes swept the room like a predator marking territory.
Haruhime whispered, terrified, "L-Lady Freya…"
Freya smiled kindly at the fox girl.
Then her gaze found him.
Aeron.
Their eyes met.
The world quieted.
Freya's lips curved slowly, elegantly.
"…So this is the one causing all the ripples," she murmured.
Aeron met her gaze with unshaken calm.
"Goddess Freya," he said softly.
Her eyes shimmered like polished silver.
"I've come to see you."
Aeron stepped around the counter, calm as ever.
Haruhime hid behind a shelf, tail shaking.
Rose watched anxiously.
Freya walked slowly toward Aeron, each step a flowing melody.
"You intrigue me," she said gently. "More than anyone I've encountered in centuries."
"Do I?"
Freya's smile deepened. "You stand outside my charm."
She leaned close. "Do you know how rare that is?"
Aeron met her gaze without a single flinch.
"I'm not easy to move."
Freya's breath hitched—just slightly.
Then she laughed softly.
Beautifully.
Dangerously.
"Oh, Aeron… you may be far more dangerous than I expected."
Aeron tilted his head.
"Is that a problem?"
Freya looked delighted.
"It's irresistible."
Haruhime squeaked.
Rose facepalmed.
Freya circled him slowly.
"You change fates," she whispered. "And I love those who do."
Aeron smirked faintly.
"Careful," he murmured. "I might change yours too."
Freya stopped behind him, close enough for her warmth to brush his back.
"…I hope you do."
Then she left—just as gracefully as she came.
The shop remained dead silent.
Haruhime finally whispered:
"A-Aeron… you might have just seduced a goddess…"
Aeron shrugged.
"Accidents happen."
---
Scene 4 — Loki Familia Learns Freya Visited Him
Back at the Loki Familia home:
Aiz: "Freya visited Aeron today."
Riveria dropped her staff.
Finn choked.
Tiona screamed.
Bete yelled, "ARE YOU CRAZY?! SHE'LL KIDNAP HIM!"
Riveria's heart sank dramatically.
She didn't show it.
Aiz whispered:
"…I don't want Freya to take him."
Lefiya fainted.
---
Scene 5 — Tension Rising
That night, Aeron stood on the roof of the Emporium. The wind was cool, Orario shimmering beneath the moonlight.
He sensed someone behind him.
"Aeron…" Aiz's voice said quietly.
He turned.
Aiz stood there, hesitating.
"…Freya scares me," she said softly. "And she… looked at you like she wanted to take you."
Aeron approached gently.
"Aiz," he said, "I'm not going anywhere I don't choose."
She looked up at him.
"Aeron… can I stay near you? Just for tonight?"
Aeron placed a hand on her head.
"Of course."
Aiz closed her eyes slowly, comforted.
She didn't step away.