The members of the Freya Familia all wore unpleasant expressions, yet Eiji's face remained perfectly composed.
"Oh, what a coincidence? You're here for training too?"
Eiji spoke with utmost sincerity, "To be honest, I'm also here for training. You know, with the potential war coming up and all."
This was true.
Ais believed him—his tattered clothes couldn't lie.
Recently, many in the Familia had been immersed in leveling up, and the atmosphere was palpable.
She hadn't expected Eiji to have the same idea as her—avoiding the overworked executives of their own Familia and instead targeting the strongest members of the Freya Familia for special training.
For a moment, she even felt a flutter of joy at being so in sync with him.
Meanwhile, Eiji's mind was racing.
No matter what, Ais couldn't stay!
If she found out about his… connection with Freya, it would be game over!
"Ais, did you get Finn's permission before coming here?"
Thinking fast, Eiji put on a stern expression as he questioned her.
"..."
Ais immediately averted her gaze guiltily.
Bingo!
Eiji himself hadn't dared to tell anyone before sneaking over here. After all, seeking training from another Familia was a big deal—especially when it involved the two strongest Familias. The slightest misstep could spark conflict, and there was no way Finn and the others would ever agree.
Judging by her reaction, Eiji was certain Ais had come here on her own too.
"That won't do. This is serious—you should've discussed it with Finn first!"
Eiji suddenly stood taller, his tone authoritative.
"What about you?"
Ais shot back defiantly.
"I have Loki's permission!"
Eiji declared with full confidence.
Ais had no comeback for that.
"You should head back now, or Finn will worry!"
Eiji wore an expression of pure concern for her well-being.
Ais puffed out her cheeks silently.
She was annoyed.
But he wasn't wrong.
She had acted impulsively, rushing here in desperation. If Riveria found out later, she'd be lectured for ages.
Still, without Ottar's help, she wouldn't be able to improve much before the expedition.
"What's going on here?"
A languid voice drifted over from the direction of the palace.
Eiji's expression stiffened—alarm bells blaring in his head.
The silver-haired goddess approached with unhurried grace, her voluptuous figure wrapped in a black, gold-trimmed evening gown, its hem lifted by a maid as she glided forward like a blooming lotus.
"Lady Freya."
The leading elf youth bowed respectfully.
"The Sword Princess suddenly visited, stating her purpose was the same as Eiji's—to request training from us and our captain."
"I see."
Freya nodded in understanding.
Her face still carried traces of exhaustion, every movement dripping with lethargy. Her cheeks were flushed, making Ais hesitate to even look at her.
The little pervert's stamina had grown terrifying—last night, she'd sung for hours before finally being lulled to sleep, only waking now as the sun climbed high.
"Out of respect for him, I'll make an exception and allow you to stay."
Freya's gaze shifted between Eiji and Ais several times, her eyes gradually lighting up with keen interest.
Out of respect for him?
A big question mark practically materialized above Ais's head.
Since when did Eiji have such influence? Even the goddess Freya would grant him favors?
"I'll be attending a banquet this afternoon. You two can do as you please."
Accompanied by a young girl, Freya boarded her carriage.
Thank goodness!
Freya didn't say anything unnecessary!
Eiji secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh, one more thing..."
But just before drawing the carriage curtain, Freya suddenly paused.
She turned back, her eyes settling on Eiji.
"I'll be returning late tonight, so don't wait up for me, mwah~"
She blew Eiji a kiss.
Then with a serene smile, she entered the carriage as it slowly departed through the Familia's gates.
Ottar, the cat person, the elf, the dwarf... every member of the Freya Familia who witnessed this scene simultaneously directed murderous glares at Eiji.
Lady Freya was always kind to them, but she'd never shown such girlish behavior before!
Damn it! So jealous!
To receive Lady Freya's first blown kiss!
This man was truly their greatest enemy, the common foe of the entire Freya Familia!
"I'm done for..."
Eiji stood petrified in the wind.
This is bad.
Really, really bad.
With just those words and that gesture, she'd turned white into black!
He stole a glance at Ais.
Ais had crashed.
Her small brain couldn't process such a perplexing scene.
She only felt an inexplicable pain in her chest.
Even when gravely wounded by monsters or facing death, she'd never experienced this strange, unbearable feeling—completely different from anything before.
Incomprehensible. Inexplicable.
Her heart felt hollow.
She didn't know what to think or say.
Maybe I shouldn't have come.
The thought crossed her mind.
If she hadn't come, she wouldn't have to endure this terrible feeling.
"...Sorry, let's talk about training another time."
Ais murmured, struggling to contain her turmoil.
"Maybe my timing wasn't good."
With those words, she turned away.
Activating her Wind Spirit's Haste, she vanished in an instant.
The Freya Familia members exchanged glances before breaking into cold sneers.
'Freya, you absolute menace!'
Eiji mentally throttled Freya in his mind.
"Uh, I've got something urgent to handle. I'll head back for today!"
Under Ottar's homicidal glare, Eiji metaphorically hit the dislike button.
He dashed out the Familia gates like the wind, chasing after Ais's retreating figure.
"He can't even devote himself wholeheartedly to Lady Freya! What does she even see in him?"
Someone shouted indignantly.
"Exactly!"
"Trash!"
"Scumbag!"
"Disgrace!"
A chorus of insults erupted.
"But Lady Freya likes him anyway."
The cat person Allen said icily, eyes burning with anger.
Everyone fell silent.
Though filled with resentment, they couldn't refute this!
Checkmate!
If he were still weak, many among them would have found ways to eliminate him—even at the risk of angering Freya.
But unfortunately, he had now become too strong—so strong that even Ottar, the mightiest in the city, could only fight him to a standstill!
Admittedly, Ottar still had other trump cards, but Eiji hadn't even used magic!
If these two were to truly go all out, even in their own eyes, the outcome would be unpredictable.
Faced with such an Eiji, they could no longer impose any sanctions on him.
All they could do was watch with burning envy as he basked in Freya's endless favor and indulgence, acting without fear of consequences.