— Haruhime's Second Bold Step (Soft Jealousy, Sweet Confidence)
Morning came softly over Orario, golden light spilling through the Emporium windows as the first employees opened the shop.
Aeron was already downstairs, arranging displays and reviewing inventory.
Haruhime walked in carrying a tray of tea, ears perked, tail swaying in measured excitement.
"Aeron! I made your favorite blend."
Aeron turned with a small, appreciative smile.
"Thank you, Haruhime."
She set the tray down carefully… then looked up at him, gathering courage.
"Aeron," she whispered, "may I ask something?"
"Of course."
Haruhime clasped her hands in front of her.
"…Tonight… may we take a walk together? Just the two of us?"
Aeron blinked, surprised by her straightforwardness.
Haruhime flushed bright red.
"I-It doesn't have to be long! I just… want to spend time with you without interruptions."
Aeron touched her shoulder lightly.
"I'd like that."
Haruhime froze.
Then—
Her tail puffed into a huge fluffy arc of joy, her ears shot straight up, and she whispered:
"…Really…?"
Aeron smiled.
"Yes."
Haruhime practically melted.
— Aiz Confronts Her Feelings (Direct, Honest, Emotional)
Later that morning, Aiz walked through the Emporium doors, hair still damp from training, golden eyes sharp as always—except today there was something softer behind them.
Aeron noticed immediately.
"Aiz. You're early."
"Yes," she replied quietly. "I wanted to talk before training."
Aeron gestured upstairs.
"Let's go somewhere quiet."
They moved to the rooftop garden, where the fig tree shaded them from the rising sun.
Aiz stood in front of him, expression unreadable.
"…Aeron," she began, "when I sit with you at night, I feel calm. Safe."
Aeron listened, unmoving.
"And when I train with you… I feel stronger than I've ever felt."
She took one step closer.
"So I want to know… is that okay?"
Aeron looked into her eyes.
"Of course it's okay, Aiz."
Aiz exhaled shakily, something in her chest unclenching.
"…Good."
She looked down briefly, then back up, more determined than before.
"I want to stay close to you. And train with you. And… be with you."
Aeron gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Aiz nodded slowly.
"…Then neither am I."
---
Scene 3 — Riveria Loses Her Composure (But Finds Something Unexpected)
Riveria arrived at the Emporium later than usual, her steps unusually slow.
She paused at the entrance, taking a long breath before approaching the counter where Aeron reviewed invoices.
"Riveria," Aeron greeted warmly. "Good timing. I wanted to show you a new design for enchanted clothing—"
Riveria lifted a hand to stop him.
"Aeron… I wish to speak privately."
Aeron led her to a quieter corner.
Riveria folded her arms, though her posture was tense — uncharacteristically so.
"I spoke to Loki yesterday," she admitted.
Aeron raised an eyebrow.
"That must have been interesting."
Riveria groaned softly.
"You have no idea."
Aeron smiled.
Riveria looked at him, frustration evident.
"She told me that if I… if I am developing feelings—"
She stopped herself abruptly, cheeks warming.
Aeron remained gentle.
"Riveria."
She inhaled shakily.
"…I do not understand why you affect me like this."
Aeron touched her hand lightly.
"That's not a bad thing."
Riveria closed her eyes, steadying herself before whispering:
"Then… please be patient with me."
Aeron nodded.
"As long as you need."
Riveria looked at him — surprised, relieved, and grateful all at once.
"…Thank you," she whispered.
Demeter's Soft Advance (Warm, Comforting, Deep)
That afternoon, Aeron visited the rooftop to check on the plants.
Demeter was there, kneeling as she trimmed a vine with gentle precision.
She saw him and smiled softly, sunlight catching her hair like golden wheat.
"Aeron," she said warmly. "I was hoping you'd come."
He approached.
"Checking the seedlings?"
"Yes," she said, patting the soil. "But also… checking on you."
Aeron blinked.
Demeter stood and stepped closer, brushing dirt off her dress.
"You work harder than anyone I know. And you carry the attention of gods and mortals alike."
Aeron crossed his arms lightly.
"It's manageable."
Demeter smiled knowingly.
"Even gods need comfort sometimes."
She gently brushed a smudge of soil from his cheek — a brief, warm touch that lingered.
"If you ever want peace… you only have to ask."
Aeron met her eyes.
"Thank you, Demeter."
Her smile deepened.
"That's what I'm here for."
— Freya's Move Shakes Orario (Quiet, Elegant, Dangerous)
Atop Folkvangr, Freya stood overlooking Orario with Ottar at her side.
Below, adventurers whispered and pointed.
A massive silver banner had appeared across the walls of the city, shimmering with divine energy.
At first glance it looked like a beautiful artistic display…
Until people realized what it was.
A portrait.
Of Aeron.
Freya watched the uproar spread across the districts.
Whispers turned to rumors.
Rumors turned to panic.
Hephaestus muttered, "Freya… what the hell are you doing?"
Loki nearly spit out her drink.
"Oh no. No no no—this is BAD."
Demeter sighed.
"That woman…"
Aiz stared at the banner with wide eyes.
Riveria's expression darkened.
Haruhime trembled.
"…She's declaring interest…"
Freyas voice echoed across the sky.
"Aeron of Orario… I will have you."
Aeron stood atop his shop, looking at the banner calmly.
"…Well," he murmured. "That's dramatic."
— Aeron Expands the Emporium (New Division: Enchanted Wear)
Down in the underground facility, Aeron got to work.
"Creative Mode: activate."
Walls reshaped.
Floors expanded.
Tables, mannequins, sewing machines, enchantment stations appeared instantly.
A massive new workshop formed:
THE EMPORIUM: ENCHANTED WEAR DIVISION
Combat-ready clothing infused with magic. Stylish, functional, powerful.
Aeron nodded approvingly.
"This will change everything."
He placed a hand on the ground.
"Automatic fabric production. Thread types: mana-infused silk, reinforced cotton, enchanted fibers."
Machines began weaving silently.
Aeron smiled.
"Perfect."
— Night Walk With Haruhime (Tender, Growing Closeness)
When night fell, Aeron met Haruhime outside the Emporium entrance.
She wore a soft white kimono with gold accents — matching the warmth of her eyes.
"Aeron…" she whispered. "Thank you for coming."
He offered his arm.
"Shall we?"
Haruhime's face lit up.
She took his arm gently, her tail brushing his leg as they walked together through Orario's lantern-lit streets.
Haruhime spoke quietly at first.
"It feels different walking like this."
"Different?"
She nodded shyly.
"…Because it feels like we're… together."
Aeron glanced at her softly.
Haruhime bit her lip.
"I know there are others who care about you. Aiz. Riveria. Demeter. Maybe more."
Aeron stayed silent, letting her speak.
Haruhime took a shaky breath.
"But I don't want to hide anymore. I don't want to stay small. I want to walk beside you… even if I have to work harder than anyone."
Aeron stopped walking.
"Haruhime."
She looked up nervously.
Aeron brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You already are enough."
Haruhime's eyes filled with tears — not from sadness, but overwhelming relief.
"…Aeron…"
She leaned lightly against his arm the rest of the walk, warm and content.