Is It Wrong to Explore the Dungeon Even Though I’m Overpowered? (Danmachi SI- WC) (Patreon)

Chapter 52: A Promise at Dawn

Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long before Tiona stepped forward, a slight skip in her step as she grinned up at me.

“Hiya, Mr. Sword Saint~” Tiona chirped brightly, waving one hand. “I’m Tiona Hiryute. Nice ta meet’cha!”

Her cheerful introduction seemed to ease the tension, and the other members of the Loki Familia relaxed a little, even Ais, as they stepped forward to introduce themselves.

“Greetings,” Riveria said calmly. “My name is Riveria Ljos Alf, Vice-Captain of the Loki Familia. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Astrea-san.” Her gaze was sharp, but polite.

Next, Lefiya stepped forward, suddenly looking a bit nervous. “I-I’m Lefiya Viridis,” she said with a small huff. “Nice to meet you… I guess.”

Finally, Ais stepped up.

Instead of stopping beside her companions, she took another step, placing herself directly in front of me.

I raised an eyebrow, waiting patiently. I was used to dealing with kuudere personalities thanks to Est and Naaza, and I could tell immediately that while Ais was serious… she wasn’t hostile.

Determined, focused, but not malicious.

“…Would you please spar with me?” Ais asked suddenly, fists clenched at her sides, brows slightly furrowed in a way that somehow made her look both intense and very cute.

“Ais!” Riveria exclaimed, startled. She quickly recovered and placed a hand on Ais’s shoulder. “What are you saying all of a sudden?”

“Oh! Oh! Me too!” Tiona jumped in excitedly. “I wanna spar with the Sword Saint too~!”

“Ais-san wants to spar with a human…?” Lefiya muttered under her breath, eyes widening before she shot me a jealous glare.

Before I could respond, or even try to calm things down, the twins moved.

Ram stepped in front of me protectively, her expression hard. “Hah? Who do you think you are, demanding something like that from Reinhard-sama?”

Ais blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden hostility.

“You should feel honored just to be in the presence of someone as amazing as Reinhard-sama,” Ram continued coldly. “But I see the Loki Familia is full of nothing but brutes.”

Her words immediately drew glares from Tiona and Lefiya, and even a restrained frown from Riveria.

“If you’re so eager to fight,” Rem added, also stepping forward with a matching glare, “then Rem will be your opponent. Rem alone is more than enough to show you how weak you are compared to Reinhard-kun.”

Lili and Naaza stayed silent, but their narrowed eyes made their stance clear.

“How dare you speak to Ais-san like that!?” Lefiya snapped angrily.

“Hihihi~” Tiona laughed, her grin sharpening into something far less friendly. “I don’t mind showing you your place if that’s what you really want~”

I let out a quiet sigh.

Things had escalated fast.

Stepping forward, I raised a hand, preparing to intervene before this turned into an all-out brawl. Ram looked ready to turn the members of the Loki Familia into chunks of meat if I didn’t do something.

“Please calm down, everyone. There’s no need to fight,” I said calmly, raising my hands before gently giving both Rem and Ram light chops on the head.

The effect was immediate. Their angry expressions vanished, replaced with identical pouts as they looked at me with clear betrayal in their eyes.

“Now apologize, you two,” I said gently, but firmly.

They pouted once more, but as the twins they were, they listened. Bowing in unison, they spoke at the same time.

“Please forgive us for acting out of turn.”

While neither of them sounded particularly sorry, at least the effort was there.

Seeing me take the lead, Riveria stepped forward as well. Much like I had done, she lightly bonked Tiona and Lefiya on the head with the tip of her staff.

“Astrea-san is correct,” she said sternly. “There’s no reason this can’t remain a civil conversation. You two will apologize as well.”

Tiona immediately relaxed, the bloodlust fading from her grin.

“Sorry ’bout that~” she said cheerfully.

“I-I’m terribly sorry for acting so rude,” Lefiya added, bowing deeply, her embarrassment painfully obvious.

Ais, who had inadvertently started the entire situation, tilted her head in confusion, looking between Riveria and me.

“…Did I say something wrong?”

Smiling at her innocent expression, so similar to Est’s and Naaza’s at times, I waved away her concern.

“Please don’t worry, Miss Ais. This was just a misunderstanding,” I said calmly, my hands still resting on the twins’ shoulders. “As for your original request… may we talk about it later? Perhaps after joining us for lunch? You’re all welcome, I don’t mind cooking for everyone.”

At the mention of food, I was treated to an unexpectedly adorable sight.

Ais’s stomach let out a small growl. She stiffened, cheeks faintly flushing as she looked away when she noticed my amused smile and slowly nodded her head.

She wasn’t alone.

Lili’s stomach growled.

Naaza’s followed.

Then Tiona’s.

And finally Lefiya’s.

While Tiona simply nodded, clearly unbothered, Lefiya turned bright red and hurriedly held her stomach, staring at the ground in mortification.

“We wouldn’t want to impose,” Riveria said after a moment, though her eyes flicked toward her hungry companions with faint amusement.

“Please, it’s no trouble at all,” I replied with a smile. “I insist.”

And just like that, a potentially explosive situation was diffused, thanks to empty stomachs.

Working quickly, I had Lili stand close and pretend to rummage through her bag while I discreetly pulled ingredients from my inventory. With that done, I got started on the meal while everyone else volunteered to handle the remaining preparations.

While my hands moved on autopilot, I felt Est reach out to me through Conjunction.

“Reinhard. Hungry.”

I paused for half a second, thinking it over. There was no real harm in letting Est join us, as long as we made it look like she’d arrived on her own.

Glancing around, I silently thanked my luck when I noticed that everyone had gone to wash their hands at a nearby waterfall.

“Alright, Est,” I replied mentally. “You can transform back. If anyone asks, say you made your way here by yourself, okay?”

Explaining how a sword suddenly turned into a cute girl would be… difficult.

“Okay.”

A moment later, Est was standing beside me in her human form, eyes fixed on the pot with intense focus. A small line of drool had formed at the corner of her lips, and she casually reached out, taking my hand in hers.

Before anyone returned, I quickly reached out again through Conjunction.

“Everyone, Est is back in her human form because she was hungry. Just a heads-up so no one’s surprised. We’re going with the story that she made her way down to the 18th floor on her own and found us here.”

“Thank you for the warning, Reinhard-sama / Reinhard-kun.”

The immediate, unquestioning responses made me smile. Their trust meant more to me than they probably realized.

Minutes later, everyone returned, including the Loki Familia, and they immediately noticed Est, their gazes filled with curiosity.

“You’re just in time,” I said cheerfully. “The food’s ready. I hope you don’t mind if Est joins us, she’s a member of the Artemis Familia and a close friend. She arrived a moment ago, so I invited her along.”

As I spoke, I gently let go of her hand and rested it on her head, giving her a soft rub. Est’s eyes fluttered shut as she let out a quiet, content sound.

“Reinhard’s headpats are the best~,” she muttered dreamily, a stark contrast to her usual aloof demeanor.

“Hello, Est-chan~,” Rem greeted warmly, waving as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

“Couldn’t stay away from Reinhard’s cooking, huh?” Naaza added with a small smile, playing along perfectly.

“Reinhard-sama’s cooking is to die for after all,” Lili said with a sagely nod, earning curious looks from the Loki girls.

“At least she’s competent,” Ram muttered with her arms crossed.

“Whoa~! You mean she made it here all by herself!?” Tiona exclaimed, eyes lighting up as she sized Est up. “That means she’s strong, right!?”

“Of course we don’t mind, Astrea-san,” Riveria said calmly, studying Est for a moment before turning back to me. “It’s nice to meet you, Est-san.”

Est gave her a small nod, still too blissed out from the headpat to say much.

Lefiya and Ais didn’t comment, simply shaking their heads to indicate they had no objections. Though Ais did seem to recognize Est from the small looks she sent her probably remembering her from Apollo’s party.

“Great,” I said with a satisfied smile. “Then let’s eat.”

As the meal began, conversation naturally followed, with the immediate focus being on the food itself.

“This is delicious~ Nom, nom!” Tiona exclaimed, completely abandoning any sense of manners as she shoveled food into her mouth. “You’re seriously amazing, Sword Saint!”

“Tiona, please eat with some manners,” Riveria chided lightly, though the pleased look on her face betrayed how much she was enjoying the meal herself. “Even if the food is excellent, that’s no excuse to be rude, especially when we’re guests.”

“I’ve never eaten anything this delicious in my entire life,” Lefiya muttered quietly as she ate at a brisk pace, though still with proper etiquette. Tears shimmered faintly at the corners of her eyes. “It… reminds me of home.”

Ais, meanwhile, was eating just as quickly, yet somehow managed to do so with the elegance of a princess, each motion precise and composed.

“Thank you,” I said with a smile. “Please eat as much as you’d like.”

‘Is this another Saber Artoria situation?’ I thought briefly as I watched the blonde, before shaking my head and returning my attention to my own meal, soon getting pulled into casual conversation with Rem and Lili.

Eventually, the atmosphere relaxed enough that I turned my focus back to Ais.

“Miss Ais,” I said softly, catching her attention, even though she didn’t stop eating, which only made it more endearing. “Now that things have settled a bit… may I ask why you wanted to spar with me?”

At my question, everyone paused, attention shifting toward us.

Ais continued eating for a moment longer, then set her now-empty plate aside. She pulled a cloth from somewhere, wiped her mouth neatly, and finally raised her golden gaze to meet mine.

“I wanted to see how strong you were,” she said simply.

Nothing more.

Blinking, I brought a hand to my chin and studied her more carefully trying to figure out what she really meant by that. “I see,” I said slowly. “You’re seeking strength.”

The reaction was immediate.

Ais blinked in surprise. Riveria’s eyes sharpened. Even Tiona paused mid-bite.

“…Yes,” Ais admitted after a moment, nodding once.

“Whoa~!” Tiona exclaimed. “You were able to figure that out already despite barely knowing Ais-tan!?”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I scratched the back of my head. “I apologize if that was too forward, Miss Ais. I just… like to think I have good intuition.” I smiled faintly. “Your eyes gave you away.”

“My eyes?” Ais asked, tilting her head.

“Yes,” I nodded, my tone serious. “I won’t ask why you seek strength, but your eyes belong to someone with a strong conviction to get stronger.”

Her eyes widened slightly at that.

From the corner of my vision, I noticed Riveria studying me with renewed interest… while Lefiya, having recovered from her shock, had already resumed glaring at me in quiet jealousy.

“I see,” Ais said after a moment, finally relaxing her expression as she looked at me expectantly.

“With that in mind, I wouldn’t mind having a spar with you now that I understand your reason,” I said, surprising not only Ais and her companions, but my own as well.

I noticed Riveria about to speak and politely raised a hand, signaling that I wasn’t finished yet. She paused, then inclined her head slightly, allowing me to continue.

“That said… I’m afraid I can’t do that today,” I added, shaking my head gently.

For a brief moment, a crestfallen look flickered across Ais’s eyes, one that almost made me want to pat her on the head.

“You see, the twins and I just fought the Amphisbaena not too long ago,” I continued calmly. “I could really use some rest.”

It was a convenient excuse. Not because I was tired, I wasn’t, but because I had reasons to wait.

First, I wanted to return home and update my Falna. Given the battle we’d just fought, there was a very real chance I would level up. Sparring with Ais, a Level 5, while also being Level 5 myself would still draw attention, but far less than if I fought her while officially below her level if it ever became publicly known.

Second, I preferred that our spar happen privately. Ideally with just Ais, myself, and a single witness. I doubted the Loki Familia would allow otherwise, but I also didn’t want the entire city buzzing about it.

Ignoring the stunned looks that followed my casual admission of having defeated a Monster Rex considered Level 6 by the Guild, I continued.

“Also, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I’d prefer that our spar remain private, just between ourselves and one other person. I’d rather not deal with the entire city knowing about our spar if you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine,” Ais said immediately, answering before Riveria, Tiona, or Lefiya could speak.

“When?” she asked.

“Boo~ I wanted to see Ais-tan fight the Sword Saint,” Tiona pouted, crossing her arms and blowing a raspberry, only to be ignored.

“Ais!” Riveria snapped. “Stop making decisions like that without consulting me first!”

Ais turned to her with an expression that could only be described as devastatingly earnest, wide eyes, steady gaze, and just enough pleading to be unfair.

“…Riveria. Please.”

Riveria froze.

Then sighed.

“Enough. Don’t look at me like that,” she muttered. “You’re not a child anymore.” She glanced at me. “I will be present for this spar. I trust that won’t be an issue, Astrea-san?”

I felt Rem and Ram tense beside me at her scrutinizing gaze, but I answered first.

“Of course, Lady Riveria,” I said immediately, addressing her with respect.

“There’s no need for ‘Lady,’” she replied, shaking her head. She then shot Ais a resigned look. “Now then, when will you be available, Astrea-san?”

I thought it over briefly. Tomorrow would already be busy: retrieving Marie, helping Emma, and investigating who had been watching us recently.

“…Would tomorrow at dawn work for you?” I asked.

“Yes,” Ais answered instantly, her eyes narrowing with anticipation.

“That will be acceptable,” Riveria agreed with a nod.

“Perfect,” I said with a smile before briefly turning to Rem, who immediately perked up when my gaze landed on her. “Rem, would you mind accompanying me tomorrow morning? While I don’t think it will be necessary, having someone who can heal would be ideal.”

“Of course, Reinhard-kun~ Leave it to your Rem~” she replied instantly, beaming as she gave me a thumbs-up.

With that settled, we returned to our meal and finished it not long after. Soon enough, both groups stood facing one another, the Loki Familia preparing to head deeper into the Dungeon, while we turned toward the upper floors.

“This is where we part ways,” I said with a polite smile, directing it toward Ais and Riveria. “I wish you luck in your endeavors. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you. See you tomorrow,” Ais replied, the anticipation still clear in her eyes.

“To all of you as well,” Riveria added with a composed nod.

“Sword Saint!” Tiona suddenly called out with an excited grin. “After your spar with Ais-tan, I wanna fight you too~!”

“Of course, Tiona-san,” I replied easily, going with the flow before the girls behind me could protest.

“Hmph!” Lefiya, meanwhile, merely turned her head away with a cute huff, clearly unhappy with the amount of attention Ais was giving me.

And just like that, we went our separate ways.

‘Today’s been a long one,’ I thought privately as we headed out. ‘I just hope Freya doesn’t hear about this.’

If I remembered correctly, she hadn’t taken kindly to Ais drawing Bell’s attention back then.

And I really don’t need that kind of trouble right now.