2nd Illustration is already finished, You can check out the Illustration of Aiz giving an elixir to Shirou at https://www.patreon.com/Rayish
Upon arriving at Twilight Manor, the atmosphere felt familiar and calm after the long journey from Melen. Shirou stepped down from the carriage, gazing at the grand building that had been his home since joining the Loki Familia. The air in Orario was different, with a breeze carrying the unique scent of a bustling city full of adventure.
With steady steps, Shirou walked toward the supply wagon at the back of the convoy. He swiftly retrieved his bag and the souvenir box he had guarded throughout the trip. Both items felt light in his hands, but the box carried an emotional weight for Shirou—a keepsake from Melen and a promise to his friends at the Hostess of Fertility.
Shirou carried his belongings into Twilight Manor, walking through the long hallways he knew so well. Every corner of the place exuded a sense of peace and comfort, a place he now called home. When he reached the door to his room, he opened it quietly and stepped inside.
In the simple yet tidy room, Shirou placed his bag near the small table in the corner. Then, with great care, he set the souvenir box on the table. He gazed at it for a moment, smiling as memories of the night market in Melen and the cherished moments he experienced there resurfaced.
Feeling relieved after unpacking, Shirou sat at the edge of his bed, enjoying the quiet. Although the trip to Melen had ended, he knew that new adventures and challenges awaited him in Orario. For now, though, he simply wanted to rest and bask in the comfort of his room at Twilight Manor.
After resting for a bit, Shirou's eyes wandered toward the window. He slowly stood up and walked over, pulling back the thin curtain. Outside, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft golden light over Orario. The day was still young, and the city's warm atmosphere seemed to beckon him to venture out and enjoy the afternoon.
As he gazed outside, Shirou remembered something important he wanted to do. The souvenir he had brought from Melen—a beautiful wooden ship model—still sat on his table. From the start, he had intended to give it to his friends at the Hostess of Fertility, as a token of appreciation for always welcoming him so warmly.
With renewed determination, Shirou decided that now was the perfect time to deliver the gift. He walked over to the table, carefully picked up the wooden box containing the ship model, and held it gently. A soft smile played on his lips as he imagined how Syr, Anya, and the others would react when they saw the gift.
After ensuring the box was secure in his hands, Shirou left his room and made his way down the halls of Twilight Manor. He descended the stairs with light steps, his spirits lifted by the thought of seeing the people who had supported him. When he reached the front door, he stepped out onto the streets of Orario, which were still bustling with people going about their daily activities.
On his way to the Hostess of Fertility, Shirou felt a sense of joy, knowing he would soon be sharing a memory from Melen with those who had provided him with a sense of belonging in the city. That afternoon, he walked with a spring in his step, eager to deliver the carefully chosen souvenir.
Shirou pushed open the door to the Hostess of Fertility, and the soft ringing of the bell overhead welcomed him inside. The usual lively chatter of the customers and the cheerful laughter of the waitstaff filled the restaurant. As Shirou stepped in, Syr, standing behind the counter, immediately noticed him. With a wide smile, she greeted, "Shirou! Welcome back! It's been a while."
The other waitresses, including Anya, Chloe, and Ryuu, also turned to look his way, some waving or smiling warmly. They were all familiar with Shirou's presence, as he often helped out, especially in the kitchen. However, this time, something different caught Syr's attention—the wooden box Shirou was carrying.
"What is that you're holding, Shirou?" Syr asked, her eyes filled with curiosity, as she stepped closer. Her gaze was fixed on the wooden box he held carefully in his hands.
Shirou smiled mysteriously, enjoying the growing curiosity on Syr's face and the other waitresses' expressions. "This... is a souvenir from Melen," he replied, slowly placing the box on the nearby table. All the waitresses, including Syr, gathered around with heightened interest.
When Shirou opened the box, inside was a beautiful wooden model ship, crafted with delicate precision. The ship was so intricately carved, it seemed as if it could actually sail if placed in water.
Chloe was the first to approach, her eyes shining as she admired the model. "Oh, Shirou, you really brought a souvenir!" she said happily, followed by a small laugh. "I was only joking when I asked for one."
Shirou grinned at their reactions. "I remembered you said you wanted one," he replied playfully, "So I thought, why not?"
Syr gazed at the ship in admiration, then turned to Shirou with a look of sincere gratitude. "It's beautiful, Shirou. Thank you so much," she said warmly. Even Ryuu, usually more reserved, gave a small nod of appreciation, while Anya excitedly marveled at the ship's intricate details.
In the warm and joyful atmosphere, Shirou felt glad to have brought a piece of Melen back for them. To him, it was more than just a souvenir—it was a way to show how much he valued the friendship and support his friends at the Hostess of Fertility had given him.
Ryuu, admiring the ship model with a look of appreciation, spoke up. "This ship is truly beautiful. Maybe we can display it in the restaurant after getting Mama Mia's approval," she suggested in her gentle yet firm tone.
Syr, standing beside Ryuu, smiled brightly. "I'm sure Mama Mia would agree," she said confidently. "After all, it's a gift from Shirou, and we rarely have decorations with a story behind them."
Meanwhile, Anya, ever cheerful, joined the conversation. She looked at Shirou with curiosity. "Why did you choose a ship, Shirou? Did you go sailing in Melen?" she asked excitedly, her expression showing clear interest, as if she was imagining Shirou out on the ocean.
Shirou smiled and nodded slowly, replying honestly, "Yes, I went on a boat there," he said, then added with a lighter tone, "and we... went fishing." Though his words sounded casual, he couldn't help but recall how chaotic and dangerous that fishing trip had been.
The memory of Gareth clumsily steering the boat, Tiona and Tione diving into the sea to chase Violas, and the chaos when sea monsters started appearing almost made Shirou laugh to himself. It was far from a simple fishing trip—it had been a battle on the water. But he chose not to share that part, just smiling to himself and keeping the funny story to himself.
Anya, unaware of all the chaos, simply giggled and remarked, "Boats and fishing, huh? Sounds like a fun trip."
Shirou just nodded, smiling broadly, letting them think it was a pleasant experience, even though he knew how hectic it had been trying to keep the boat from sinking during the sea monster attack.
Initially, Shirou walked toward the kitchen, intending to help out as usual. He always felt comfortable in the kitchen at the Hostess of Fertility, where he often cooked alongside his friends. But before he could go any further, Syr gently stopped him with a soft smile. "Shirou, this time, just sit at one of the customer tables. Let us take care of you," she said in a kind but firm tone.
A little surprised, Shirou could only nod and follow Syr's request. He then chose a seat at one of the tables usually occupied by customers. It felt a bit strange to be on the receiving end of the service, but there was something warm about the atmosphere—as if his friends wanted to give him something special.
As Shirou sat, Syr quickly headed to the kitchen, taking over the cooking duties. From the kitchen, the faint sounds of clattering pots and pans could be heard, signaling the busy activity inside.
Ryuu, who was standing not far from Shirou's table, approached and spoke quietly. "Syr has gotten much better at cooking since you last taught her," she said. "While you were in Melen, she continued practicing. She even tried out new recipes."
Hearing this, Shirou smiled with pride. He was glad to hear about Syr's progress in cooking. Shortly after, Syr returned from the kitchen, carrying the dish she had prepared. She placed it in front of Shirou with eager anticipation.
"Here it is! Try it and tell me what you think," Syr said, her eyes sparkling as she waited for Shirou's verdict.
With enthusiasm, Shirou began tasting the dish. It was different from before—more refined, more balanced, and more delicious. After a few bites, Shirou looked over at Syr and said sincerely, "This is much better than your cooking before. You've really improved a lot."
Syr smiled broadly, pleased with the compliment. However, unable to resist a little teasing, she added, "Well, of course, I was taught by a great teacher." A mischievous smile appeared on her face, causing Shirou to blush slightly at the joke.
After finishing the meal Syr had prepared, Shirou placed his fork and spoon on the plate with a satisfied smile. The dish had exceeded his expectations, and he was genuinely impressed with how much Syr had improved in cooking. With good intentions, Shirou stood up from his seat and walked over to Syr, intending to pay for the meal he had just enjoyed.
"Syr, thank you so much for the food. I'd like to pay for this meal," Shirou said, reaching into his pocket, looking for some Valis to pay.
But Syr immediately raised her hand, declining Shirou's offer to pay. With a wide smile, she said, "No need, Shirou. The meal is free for you today."
Shirou was a bit surprised to hear that. "But I didn't even work today," he protested, feeling uncomfortable about receiving a free meal without contributing.
Syr only smiled with a playful look, her eyes full of mischief. "Well then," she said, leaning forward slightly, "don't forget to make up for it by helping in the kitchen when you have free time. That should be enough, right?"
Shirou chuckled at Syr's response. He knew there was no point in arguing with her about this. The mischievous grin on her face showed that she had planned this from the start.
With sincere gratitude, Shirou nodded. "Alright, I'll help out in the kitchen later. Thank you, Syr." He then gave a small bow as a sign of thanks before saying goodbye.
As Shirou walked out of the Hostess of Fertility, he felt a warm feeling inside. This place wasn't just a restaurant for him—it was a second home that always welcomed him with smiles and laughter.
Shirou made his way toward the gates of Twilight Manor under the calm night sky, the moon softly shining over Orario. After spending time at the Hostess of Fertility, he felt at peace, but as he approached the gates, he crossed paths with Bete, who had just returned as well. Bete's expression looked more irritated than usual—though Shirou knew Bete often appeared angry.
A bit curious, Shirou approached Bete and asked, "What's wrong, Bete? You seem more annoyed than usual." He knew Bete often acted this way, but tonight, something was different in his expression.
Bete snorted, not interested in giving a long explanation. With a sarcastic tone, he replied briefly, "The little rookie is getting cocky."
Shirou raised an eyebrow. "You mean... Bell?" he asked, slightly surprised.
Bete continued with a grumble, "Yeah, that kid. Got into a fight with some members of Apollo Familia at the bar earlier. Acting all high and mighty now, just because he leveled up."
Shirou listened calmly, though inside, he was a bit confused. Bell wasn't the type to cause trouble, especially not by getting into a public fight. Bell's usual polite nature made it hard to imagine what could have sparked the altercation. Bete didn't offer much detail, just grumbling as usual, but the information was enough to make Shirou wonder.
"Bell got into a fight?" Shirou thought to himself, still finding it hard to believe. Even though Bell had grown significantly since the beginning, he was still a quiet person who didn't like causing trouble. There had to be something deeper that caused this.
As Bete stormed into Twilight Manor, his face full of frustration, Shirou paused for a moment, gazing at the gate and the dark night sky. He thought about Bell—the young man had a kind heart, but Orario was tough. Shirou sensed that something bigger was happening around Bell, and he might need to figure out what was going on soon.
After passing through the gate of Twilight Manor, Shirou calmly walked down the familiar corridors. The lights along the hallway illuminated his path, creating a peaceful yet slightly mysterious atmosphere in the large house. After a long day, he felt tired, and his mind kept returning to the information he had heard from Bete about Bell.
When he arrived at his room, Shirou took a deep breath before turning the handle and stepping inside. The atmosphere in the room was quiet and peaceful, offering the comfort he always sought after completing various missions and adventures in Orario.
Shirou placed his bag on the small table in the corner of the room. Then, he sat on the edge of the bed, letting his body relax slightly with his hands resting on his knees. His eyes glanced out the window, where the night sky appeared vast and calming.
Though his body felt weary, his mind kept spinning. The news about Bell and the fight with Apollo Familia earlier wouldn't leave his thoughts. Shirou knew Bell wasn't the type to start a fight without reason. Something felt off about what Bete had said. However, Shirou decided not to dwell on it too much for now.
He stood up, walked over to the table next to the bed, and grabbed the water bottle sitting there. As he drank, he let his thoughts drift to simpler things—his meeting with friends at the Hostess of Fertility, Syr's smile, and Anya's laughter. Those memories brought him a bit of peace amidst the chaos of being an adventurer.
After drinking, Shirou sat back down on the bed and slowly laid down. Exhaustion began to take over his body, and though his mind was still filled with questions, his eyes started to feel heavy. Wrapped in the warmth of his blanket, he closed his eyes, hoping tomorrow would bring the answers he sought.
In the quiet of his room, under the softly glowing night sky, Shirou finally allowed himself to rest.
********************
The next morning, after enjoying a simple yet delicious breakfast at Twilight Manor, Shirou was preparing for his daily routine. However, before he could decide what to do, a messenger from Loki approached him, informing him that Loki had summoned him to her room. A bit confused, Shirou nodded and followed the messenger, wondering what Loki wanted this morning.
Upon arriving at Loki's door, Shirou sensed something different. As soon as he entered, Loki was already waiting for him, wearing a mischievous smile. Before Shirou could say a word, Loki suddenly approached him quickly.
Without warning, Loki started feeling Shirou's body, pressing on his shoulders, arms, chest, and even his back as if she were measuring something. Shirou was caught off guard, his body stiff from Loki's sudden and direct behavior.
"Hey… what are you doing, Loki?" Shirou asked, confused and a bit awkward.
But Loki just chuckled, ignoring Shirou's protest. "Relax, Shirou! I'm just taking your measurements," she replied with enthusiasm. "I'm thinking about how you'll look at the big event. You need the right outfit!"
Quickly, Loki headed to a large wardrobe in the corner of the room, pulling out several tuxedos in various colors and designs. Shirou could only stand there, speechless, unsure of what was going on.
"Try this one!" Loki ordered, handing over the first tuxedo. Still bewildered, Shirou had no choice but to obey. He tried on each tuxedo, one by one, while Loki carefully observed every detail, inspecting how the clothes fit on Shirou.
"Hmm, too loose… this one's too tight," Loki muttered, frowning as she continued matching different tuxedos. Finally, after several attempts, Loki found one that fit perfectly: an elegant black tuxedo with a sharp cut that made Shirou look more mature and dignified.
"Aha! This is the one!" Loki exclaimed with a satisfied grin. "You look like someone ready to attend a formal event in style."
Shirou looked at his reflection in the large mirror in the room, feeling a bit awkward in the new tuxedo. "Is this for something important?" he asked, adjusting the collar, which felt a bit tight.
Loki gave a mysterious smile and said, "You'll find out soon. But trust me, you're going to need this very soon."
Still not fully understanding Loki's intentions, Shirou could only nod and follow the goddess's lead. One thing was certain—whatever Loki was planning, it would definitely involve something big and exciting.
Loki grinned mischievously as she looked at Shirou, who still appeared somewhat awkward in his new tuxedo. With her hands on her hips, she asked, "Shirou, have you ever been to a party before?"
Shirou thought for a moment before answering. "I've been to parties, but not the kind you're thinking of. Back then, I wore a yukata, not a tuxedo," he said with a smile, recalling his past in Japan, where the parties he attended were more traditional, with a relaxed atmosphere and cultural attire.
Loki nodded but raised an eyebrow, showing she wasn't fully satisfied. "So… you've never danced at a formal party?" she asked, noticing Shirou shake his head slightly in response.
Loki immediately clapped her hands with excitement. "Ah, this will be fun!" she said enthusiastically. Without warning, she grabbed Shirou's hand quickly. "Let's try it!"
With a bit of force, Loki pulled Shirou into a dancing position. However, there was one small issue—their height difference. Loki, being quite petite, had to stretch her arms to reach Shirou. Meanwhile, Shirou, being taller, awkwardly had to lower his body to match her dancing movements.
As they attempted to spin slowly in Loki's room, both quickly realized how awkward the situation was. Loki, trying to lead the dance, often had to pull Shirou's hand too hard, making their movements look stiff and unnatural. On the other hand, Shirou struggled not to step on Loki's feet.
"This… is a bit awkward, isn't it?" Shirou said, trying to hide his laughter, though he clearly felt uncomfortable with the obvious height difference.
Loki burst into laughter, realizing how ridiculous their attempt was. "Oh my gods, I forgot how tall you are!" she said, releasing Shirou's hand with a giggle. "Looks like we'll need a better dance partner for you."
Shirou sighed in relief, smiling slightly, while Loki still laughed. "Well, at least I tried," Shirou said, rubbing the back of his neck with embarrassment.
Loki playfully patted Shirou on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, you'll be fine. You just need a bit of practice… with someone more… your size."
As Shirou and Loki were awkwardly attempting to dance, the door suddenly opened, and Aiz entered with her usual calm steps. Her clear eyes observed the scene in front of her—Shirou clumsily dancing with Loki, their hands intertwined, but their movements stiff and awkward. Aiz raised an eyebrow, looking slightly confused.
"What are you two doing?" Aiz asked softly but with curiosity, gazing at Shirou, who looked embarrassed, and Loki, who was giggling.
Loki, amused by the situation, glanced at Aiz with a calculating look. In an instant, an idea popped into her head. With Aiz's tall and graceful figure, she seemed far more suited to be Shirou's dance partner. However, as a goddess fiercely protective of Aiz, Loki hesitated briefly to let her beloved warrior dance with Shirou. After all, Aiz was her favorite, and Loki always felt jealous when she saw Aiz getting close to anyone, especially Shirou, who had grown closer to her recently.
But seeing Aiz's curiosity and interest, Loki finally relented with a long sigh. "Alright, alright," she said, releasing Shirou's hand. "Aiz, why don't you help Shirou learn how to dance? You two seem like a better match."
Aiz, though a bit surprised by the request, nodded calmly. Shirou, on the other hand, grew more nervous than before. He had already felt awkward dancing with Loki, and now he had to dance with Aiz—someone he respected and admired deeply.
The two stood facing each other. Aiz looked beautiful with a shy smile, while Shirou tried to control his nerves. As Shirou slowly reached for Aiz's hand and carefully placed his other hand on her waist, they both instantly felt awkward.
Their movements were slow and stiff, even more so than when Shirou danced with Loki. Their feet barely moved in sync, often stepping out of time, and they frequently came close to stepping on each other's toes. Aiz, known as a master swordswoman, found this situation strange. Dancing seemed more difficult for her than fighting monsters in the dungeon.
"Sorry," Aiz whispered softly after accidentally stepping on Shirou's foot.
Shirou smiled nervously, "It's okay... I'm not very good at dancing either."
Loki, watching from the side, stifled her laughter. "Oh my gods, you two..." she murmured. While she found the situation amusing, part of her felt relieved that the dance between Shirou and Aiz was more awkward than hers with Shirou.
Though their dance was far from perfect, there was something sweet about their effort. Shirou and Aiz continued to try, despite smiling awkwardly every time they made a mistake. They might not have been dancing gracefully, but a connection was forming between them in the quiet moments and the shared smiles.
And for that moment, despite the clumsiness, they enjoyed it in their own way.
As Shirou and Aiz continued their still-awkward dance, Aiz gazed at Shirou in silence. Her golden eyes traced the black tuxedo Shirou was wearing, and curiosity filled her mind. In the midst of the dance, she gently asked, "Shirou, are you going to attend the party later?"
Shirou was slightly startled by her question but nodded with a small smile. "Yes, I think so. Loki made me wear this tuxedo, so I guess it's for the party." However, in his heart, Shirou started feeling a bit of doubt. Big parties were not something he was used to attending.
Aiz, appearing calm as usual, continued, "I've been to many parties before. Loki often brings me, and there, many gods and goddesses come with their most prized Familia members." She spoke in a flat tone, as if it wasn't a big deal to her, though her eyes reflected memories of past parties.
Hearing that many gods and goddesses would be there, Shirou began to feel nervous. He knew how much attention the gods paid to events like that, and as someone who preferred working behind the scenes, he didn't feel comfortable being in the spotlight. Shirou started to doubt his decision to attend the event.
After several more awkward dance attempts, they finally stopped. Shirou thanked Aiz for the short dance, even though they both knew how awkward the situation had been. But as their dance ended, Shirou turned to face Loki, who had been watching them the whole time with mischievous eyes full of curiosity.
With newfound resolve, Shirou approached Loki and spoke calmly, "Loki, I don't think I need to go to that party."
Loki, who had been relaxed moments earlier, suddenly widened her eyes, staring at Shirou with a questioning gaze. "What?" she asked, her tone sharper than usual. "Why don't you want to go?"
Her voice didn't sound angry, but it was clear she wanted to know the real reason behind Shirou's request. Loki rarely let her Familia members skip important parties, especially those meant to showcase her pride to other Familias. With all of Shirou's potential, he was certainly one of the members worth showing off, but his hesitation piqued her curiosity.
Shirou looked at Loki with visible worry on his face. He took a deep breath and spoke honestly, "My reason is simple. I'm still hiding my true status. Officially, to the public, I'm still considered a level 1 adventurer, even though I've already reached level 4."
Loki listened intently, nodding while recalling just how extraordinary Shirou was. He had reached level 4 in only three months, something that had never happened before. In fact, Shirou had experienced a double level-up, going from level 1 to level 3, a feat unheard of in Orario.
"Ah, that's right," Loki muttered with a small grin. "You are special. You leveled up too quickly, and if anyone notices, they might start getting suspicious."
But Loki didn't give up easily. She continued in a cheerful tone, "But don't worry, parties like this aren't always filled with strong adventurers. Sometimes, gods and goddesses bring beginners who are still level 1. So even if you say you're still level 1, no one will suspect anything."
Shirou scratched his head, still feeling uncomfortable with the idea. "That's not the main issue," he said hesitantly. "I just... don't want to draw too much attention. If I go with you to the party, especially as a member of the Loki Familia—one of the strongest Familias in Orario—other gods and goddesses will definitely be curious about me. And honestly, I don't want to be the center of attention."
Loki immediately narrowed her eyes, sensing something behind Shirou's words. In a more serious tone, she asked, "Is this because you don't trust the other gods and goddesses? Are you worried they'll dig deeper into who you really are?"
Shirou looked at Loki with an honest expression and sighed. "It's not that. I trust you, Loki. I also trust Hestia and Miach because I know them. But... with the other gods and goddesses, I'm not entirely sure. There's something that just doesn't feel right in my heart."
Loki listened silently, understanding the reason behind Shirou's unease. The world was indeed full of intrigue among the gods, and Shirou knew that his unique identity could cause problems if it was discovered by the wrong people. Loki realized that Shirou wasn't doubting her, but rather relying on the survival instincts he had developed since arriving in this world.
Loki started feeling a deep curiosity about Shirou. She realized that Shirou had a much stronger wariness toward gods and goddesses compared to most humans in this world. Loki wondered if it had something to do with Shirou's experiences in his previous world. "You're far more paranoid about gods than most humans here. Do you have any interesting stories about the gods in your old world?" she asked, her tone filled with curiosity.
Aiz, who was nearby, also seemed interested. "I'd like to hear it too," she said softly but attentively.
Shirou paused for a moment, thinking about what to say. "Not all the gods in my world were bad. Many of them blessed humans. They brought rain, made crops flourish, and granted good fortune. But... there was also a darker side to them."
Hearing this, Loki grinned as she leaned back in her chair. "Alright, I'm curious. What was the dark side?" she asked, folding her arms.
Shirou sighed deeply before starting his story. "One of the most famous was Zeus. He's also known here, but in my world, he wasn't just famous for his power... but for his habit of forcing himself on women, both mortal and goddesses." Shirou paused for a moment, watching the shock on Loki and Aiz's faces.
"In the Greek mythology of my world, Zeus had many demigod children from those encounters. Most of those children were abandoned. They had to live on their own, facing a harsh world without any support from their father," Shirou continued, his voice slightly bitter as he recounted the well-known myth from his world.
Loki gaped at him. "Zeus... was like that in your world?" she asked, surprised by what she had just heard. "The Zeus I know here is a pervert, but he's never forced himself on anyone. No matter how bad he is, Zeus here knows his limits."
Shirou nodded slowly. "That's why I'm a little more cautious. The gods in my world had immense power, but they could also be selfish and not care about the consequences of their actions toward humans."
Loki nodded, beginning to understand where Shirou's hesitation came from. "I get it now. The gods here aren't all good, but I can assure you, we're not as bad as those stories you've heard," she said in a softer tone. "But still, I understand why you'd want to keep your distance."
After thinking for a moment, Loki smiled and glanced at Aiz. "Alright then, I'll have Aiz accompany me to the party like usual. You don't have to worry about it, Shirou."
Aiz nodded calmly, while Shirou felt a bit relieved. "Thank you, Loki. I think that's the better option," Shirou replied with a slight smile. Though still cautious, he knew that at least Loki understood his feelings.