The evening celebration was as grand as ever—just as lively as the ones held for Tiona and Tione before.
Tsuna, as usual, sat quietly in a corner. He was never one for noise or crowds, least of all this kind of feast.
After living here for half a year, his skills with knife and fork had improved noticeably. At least now he no longer fumbled awkwardly like in the beginning.
He cut a piece of steak from his plate and took a bite. The meat was juicy and tender, cooked perfectly to his liking—right in his sweet spot of flavor.
Of course, his steak was cooked well-done. Tsuna had always been cautious about parasites, and when it came to food, he insisted on eating it thoroughly cooked.
People in this world seemed to prefer a more western taste—half-cooked meat, pink in the center.
But since his arrival, the Loki Familia's chefs had begun to adjust to his preferences. At least, the dishes set before him now suited his taste quite well.
"Tsuna~"
A drawn-out voice came from behind him, followed by the sudden feeling of someone throwing themselves onto his back. Tsuna sighed softly.
He speared a piece of beef with his fork and passed it backward.
"Ah~"
Tiona didn't hesitate, taking a big bite before chewing happily and swallowing.
"Mmm~ delicious~"
Juicy, tender beef was always good, no matter how you ate it.
Still clinging to his back, Tiona gazed at the meat on his plate with sparkling eyes.
"Why does your steak always taste completely different from everyone else's?"
"It's just a difference in how it's cooked."
Tsuna chuckled, spearing another piece and passing it behind him. Tiona took it again, this time savoring it carefully.
"I prefer fully cooked food. The steaks you all eat are still a bit raw in the center—I'm not used to that. So I told the chef. Now, he always prepares my food this way during banquets."
"I see."
Tiona nodded slightly, thinking she should probably talk to the Familia's chefs too. Maybe it was time to change her tastes a little—at least when eating with Tsuna.
"You're not joining the main party?"
Tsuna gestured toward the other tables, where the rest of the Familia were laughing, drinking, and eating. The air was full of lively cheer.
"Mmm~ going to too many banquets like this gets boring after a while."
"Liar. You, of all people, getting tired of parties?"
For someone as cheerful and lively as Tiona to dislike parties—what a lie.
Even without a God's power to discern truth, Tsuna could see through that easily.
"Heehee~ yeah, I guess that was a lie. But Tiona likes Tsuna more, so I'd rather be here with you."
Indeed, it was a lie—but not entirely. Tiona did enjoy lively gatherings, yet she enjoyed being with Tsuna even more.
Still hugging him from behind, she wrapped her arms around his neck, rubbing her soft cheek against his face like a kitten.
Suddenly, she froze and glanced around. She noticed that no one nearby seemed to be looking in their direction.
"Tsuna, did you use a barrier?"
"No, just a limited presence suppression."
To avoid people coming to bother him, Tsuna hadn't isolated himself completely with a space barrier.
Instead, he had simply activated Limited Presence Reduction.
That way, no one would fail to find him if needed—but neither would he stand out too much.
"So, you really don't like parties?"
"Not exactly dislike. It's just... old habits. And since I have to keep a low profile here, I've gotten used to staying out of sight."
Tiona's question made Tsuna realize that his life here wasn't so different from before.
In his previous world, he'd been practically invisible at school—a quiet, average student. Even with his past life's memories, it hadn't made him any more exceptional.
Just an ordinary person.
In this life, his body was stronger, that was all.
He used to prefer staying home; now, with his improved health, he'd taken to outdoor hobbies—fishing, climbing, camping.
Looking back, he realized he enjoyed solitude far more than he'd thought.
When he was alone, he actually felt most at ease.
Over time, being part of a group had started to feel more troublesome than comforting.
And then, his thoughts drifted to Ais.
"Maybe… that's how Ais feels in the Dungeon."
A lone wolf, used to moving alone, would naturally struggle to blend into a crowd.
"Tiona!"
A sharp, slightly resentful voice suddenly cut in behind them. Both Tiona and Tsuna froze. Turning, they saw Tione standing there, dark aura radiating from her.
Tione immediately grabbed her sister off Tsuna's back.
"Didn't you tell me you wanted juice? I went to get it for you, and when I came back—you're already here with Tsuna!?"
"Heehee~"
Tiona only giggled mischievously, skipping right past her sister's complaint.
"Well, you're here now, aren't you? Where's the juice?"
"Here!"
Tione shot her a glare and tossed the glass of juice into Tiona's hands.
No matter how many times she tried, she could never really handle her sister—Tiona always smiled and danced right out of any scolding.
After glaring at her twin, Tione turned those same eyes toward Tsuna, her tone soft and tinged with a jealousy she didn't bother to hide.
"Tsuna… I want to try some too."
"Eh? Ah."
Tsuna blinked, then quickly speared another piece of beef and held it up to her.
"Ah~"
Tione took it happily, savoring the flavor as a blissful expression spread across her face.
Seeing her like that, Tsuna couldn't help but smile.
"Well, since you're both here, why not sit and eat together?"
"Then we won't be polite!" they chimed in unison.
Without hesitation, the Hiryute twins claimed the seats to his left and right, one on each side.
That evening, the quiet corner of the banquet hall grew just a little more crowded—and a lot warmer.