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...
"Ah, we're back!"
After conquering Greed Island with Gon and Killua, Mika, Mellie, and Airmid returned to Orario, having witnessed Gon use his acquired card to journey to his father.
"That was quite the adventure!" Yahweh remarked to the trio after returning to her own body. "Traveling, battling the mafia, and conquering a game..."
"You've experienced so much on this journey, yet none of it posed a real threat. Everything was under your control."
"However, what's about to unfold in Orario will be entirely different. So, cast aside your complacency and be prepared, understand?"
"Understood!" Mika, Mellie, and Airmid responded seriously, recognizing the gravity of Yahweh's words.
They knew that any carelessness in the current state of Orario could lead to devastating consequences.
"Good! Remember that!" Yahweh's serious expression softened into a gentle smile.
She patted their shoulders and continued, "Alright, if you understand, then go back to your rooms and rest."
"Take this opportunity to regain your focus and reflect on your recent experiences. You wouldn't want to be caught off guard if someone mentions something from 'yesterday' and you can't follow along."
"Yes, we understand!"
After earnestly acknowledging Yahweh's words, the trio returned to their rooms to prepare themselves mentally.
This wasn't their first interdimensional journey.
Therefore, they each had their own methods for readjusting to their original world.
The next day, Mika, Mellie, and Airmid seamlessly integrated back into their daily lives, resuming their patrol duties.
As the Yahweh Familia's reputation grew throughout Orario, the trio's importance in various Familia expeditions increased.
Their schedules became increasingly hectic.
One day, after a busy mission, Mika received a letter from Yahweh.
"Is this... an invitation from the Loki Familia?"
"Indeed," Yahweh replied seriously. "The Loki Familia delivered this letter earlier today, specifically addressed to you."
"Addressed to me?"
Mika opened the letter, scanned its contents, and then passed it on to the curious Airmid and Mellie.
"Finn wants to meet with you?"
"Yes," Mika replied with a wry smile.
Although he hadn't attended the meeting yet, he had a strong suspicion about the topic of discussion.
It had to be related to Zald and Alfia.
"A ball hosted by the Loki Familia?"
"It seems Finn has a plan," Mellie remarked after reading the invitation and the accompanying letter.
"You mean he's found a countermeasure?" Mika asked, surprised.
"Of course. The ball itself is likely a pretense. Finn's true objective is this."
Mellie pointed to a specific line in the invitation: We request all gods to attend, accompanied by their Familia captains.
In Orario, the gods frequently held banquets and gatherings, inviting the heads of various Familias to participate.
These events were often referred to as "divine conferences."
The nature of these gatherings varied depending on the host.
Some banquets were exclusive to the gods, while others allowed Familia members to attend as well.
Due to the numerous gods residing in Orario, such events were commonplace. The Loki Familia's specific request wasn't unusual.
"A secret meeting!" Mika suddenly realized.
"Precisely. And a highly exclusive, clandestine meeting at that. I suspect only a select few will be allowed to attend."
"I understand!"
Mika nodded slowly, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
As expected of Orario's renowned hero, Finn Deimne had quickly devised a countermeasure upon learning of Zald and Alfia's presence.
"It seems we need to prepare ourselves as well."
Mika turned to Yahweh and asked, "Yahweh-sama, do you have a formal dress?"
"Of course! Although I rarely attend banquets, it's not as if I've never been to one," Yahweh replied with a chuckle.
"Don't worry, Mika. We'll make sure you look your best," Mellie added with a playful grin, noticing Mika's apprehensive expression.
...
After being dragged to a clothing store by Mellie, Airmid, and Yahweh, Mika became their plaything, forced to try on countless outfits.
"Hey, aren't we here to choose a formal dress? Why am I trying on all these other clothes?"
"Don't complain! Just put them on. This is a rare opportunity, and we're going to find you the perfect outfit."
"We have the entire day to ourselves!"
Mika shuddered as he saw the fiery determination in their eyes.
"This is going to be a long day," he thought to himself.
...
In the evening, dressed in the meticulously chosen formal attire, Mika hired a carriage to transport them to the Loki Familia's headquarters, the Twilight Mansion.
The usually quiet mansion was bustling with activity.
Carriages arrived one after another, bringing guests to the grand event.
Inside the banquet hall, beautiful and handsome gods and goddesses mingled and conversed.
Prominent figures from various Familias were also present.
Ottar, the captain of the Freya Familia.
Shakti, the captain of the Ganesha Familia.
And Alise, the captain of the Astraea Familia.
Countless other notable individuals filled the hall.
After all, the attendees were all Familia captains, the most prominent members of their respective groups.
Due to their Familias' reputations and their own striking beauty, Shakti and Alise were surrounded by admirers, receiving countless invitations.
"They're quite popular," Mika remarked, observing the scene from the second-floor balcony.
He was also surprised by their attire.
Although he had fought alongside them and considered them comrades, their elegant dresses were a stark contrast to their usual armor, capturing his attention.
Compared to their typical battle gear, the formal wear highlighted their beauty and grace.
"Not bad, not bad. This trip wasn't in vain!"
Since Yahweh wasn't by his side, Mika felt more relaxed and openly expressed his admiration.
It seemed his gaze had been noticed.
Looking up, Alise spotted Mika and beamed.
She whispered something into Shakti's ear.
Shakti then turned her gaze towards Mika as well.
"Uh oh!"
Sensing impending trouble, Mika quickly retreated to a corner.
He had no intention of becoming someone's shield.
---
"Ah, I'm so sorry, I already have plans with Miss Alise and Miss Shakti."
Mika forced another smile as he waved off yet another Familia captain, his expression visibly drooping as soon as the man turned away.
"I was hiding in a corner! How did you two even find me?!" He turned to Alise and Shakti, who were standing behind him, his voice laced with mock exasperation.
"It's simple. We just asked the waitstaff," Alise replied with a smile. "After all, you're not just some nobody anymore, Mika. You're a hero, someone who attracts attention wherever you go."
"Indeed, you've become quite the important figure," Shakti added.
Looking at their apologetic smiles, Mika chuckled. "Well, since I've already become your human shield, you can stop with the flattery."
"Not at all! You've become a true hero, Mika. Though, not quite as magnificent as the stunningly beautiful me, of course," Alise declared, puffing out her chest.
Mika nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
That's the Alise he knew.
"Thank you for your assistance, Mika," Shakti said, her face flushing slightly. She seemed visibly uncomfortable.
"Shakti, is something wrong?" Mika asked, noticing her awkwardness.
"It's nothing. I'm just not used to wearing formal dresses."
"Really? But aren't you the captain of the Ganesha Familia? I thought Ganesha frequently hosts banquets?"
For various reasons, the Ganesha Familia often held banquets to entertain the gods.
Ganesha even had the nickname "God of Festivities."
"No, I rarely participate in those events. Even when I do, it's as a server, not as the captain of the Ganesha Familia."
"Besides, I only recently took over as captain. With all the recent trouble in the dungeon, I haven't had much time for banquets."
"I only came this time because Finn insisted in his letter that I attend. I couldn't very well refuse."
"So, Adi chose this dress for you?" Alise asked with a knowing smile.
"Exactly. The moment she heard I was attending a banquet, she dragged me to a dress shop and picked this one out for me. Speaking of which, I saw you there today, Mika!"
"Me?" Mika blinked, then asked, "Why didn't I see you?"
"Perhaps your mind was elsewhere. When I saw you, there was no light in your eyes. I must say, your Familia companions are quite... enthusiastic."
Shakti shuddered as she recalled seeing Mika earlier that day, looking thoroughly worn out.
It had been a frightening sight.
She was grateful that Adi wasn't as intense.
No, she was grateful she only had one younger sister.
"So that's what happened..." Mika muttered, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
How embarrassing.
"However, Adi has excellent taste. You look stunning in that dress, Shakti."
"Do I?"
Shakti's face turned crimson at Mika's compliment.
She usually projected an image of strength and composure, rarely showing such vulnerability.
Mika couldn't help but smile at the unexpected change in her demeanor.
"What about me?" Alise chimed in, stepping forward to showcase her own elegant attire.
"You look more beautiful than usual, of course, Alise! After all, I usually only see you in armor."
"That's true!"
The three of them shared a laugh.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation.
"There you are!"
The familiar voice caused them to turn around.
It was Finn Deimne.
Dressed in formal attire, he looked remarkably handsome.
He truly lived up to his reputation as one of Orario's most popular figures.
"Finn, you finally showed up! We thought you were going to hide until the very end," Alise teased.
"Not at all. I just had some matters to attend to."
"Matters?" Alise asked curiously.
"Just needed to reach an agreement with certain individuals."
"Goddess Freya, I presume?" Mika said confidently, leaning against the balcony railing and observing Freya and Ottar, who had just arrived and instantly become the center of attention.
"Indeed. This mission requires Ottar's full cooperation. I needed to secure Goddess Freya's approval beforehand," Finn replied with a sigh.
"Finn, is this going to be a large-scale operation?" Shakti asked seriously, looking at the numerous Familia captains gathered in the banquet hall.
"No, this is a covert operation involving only a select few," Finn replied, shaking his head.
"Of course, you'll be participating, so you can look forward to it."
"However, I need to speak with Mika privately now. Would you two ladies mind excusing us?"
"Certainly," Alise and Shakti replied, knowing that Finn likely had important matters to discuss with Mika. They walked away together.
"As expected of you, Mika. Two beautiful ladies vying for your attention."
"No, no, I assure you, it's not what it seems. I'm being forced into this situation."
"Don't be so modest. There's nothing wrong with having a harem."
"..."
Mika remained silent, unable to counter Finn's teasing.
After all, he was no match for Finn's experience in such matters.
Despite his short stature, Finn was nearly forty years old.
And his dream was to build a vast harem to revitalize the Pallum race.
Mika was no match for Finn's suggestive remarks.
Seeing Mika's embarrassment, Finn decided to spare him further teasing.
"Come with me. Let's talk somewhere more private."
Finn led Mika out of the banquet hall and into an empty room.
Two steaming cups of tea sat on a small table by the side.
"Have a seat."
"I had the tea prepared. Please, help yourself."
Looking at Finn's smile, Mika said, "I'll pass on the tea for now. Let's discuss the matter at hand first. I can't enjoy the tea if I'm on edge."
"Very well."
Finn's expression turned serious.
"I brought you here to ask you some rather personal questions. You can choose to answer them or not, but it will affect future arrangements."
"Please, ask away," Mika replied seriously.
"Mika, are you concealing your true levels?" Finn asked pointedly.
...
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