"I've already processed Raul's memories," Tsuna said. "I made sure he won't unconsciously leak any of my information. Same as before. This time, I also erased everything related to the plan where Ishtar got caught in our trap. There won't be any issues."
"Good. That's fine."
Doing so meant Raul would be of almost no use to them in the future—but Loki still agreed.
Raul was still a Level 4 Adventurer. Yet while everyone else in the Familia was working desperately to improve, his attitude had grown noticeably lax. That alone was enough for Loki to give up any lingering expectations she had for him.
On top of that, he'd gotten a woman pregnant outside the Familia, kept it completely secret, and even embezzled the Familia's funds.
If Raul had just come to her, had asked for help, Loki wouldn't have refused. He was one of her own, after all. What kind of parent wouldn't lend a hand when their child was in trouble?
But instead, Raul chose to hide it. He kept the pregnancy secret and took money that didn't belong to him.
That wasn't his own money—it was the Familia's.
And the moment he used everyone's shared funds for his own affairs, he crossed a line. This wasn't even his first offense—it was his second.
There was nothing more to say. Loki no longer saw any reason to expect anything from him.
She'd leave him alone. Feed him, shelter him—but no more than that. The Familia could afford to carry one more useless mouth.
"Tsuna, let Finn know what Raul did later… no, I'll tell him myself."
After a moment of thought, Loki decided it would be better to speak to Finn personally.
Since Raul's mind was now focused on the next generation, sending him on future Expeditions would only be a liability. Someone that distracted could drag the entire team down. If he didn't want to go, then he could just stay aboveground.
"Understood."
Once Tsuna finished cleaning up Raul's memories, he sent the young man's body back outside the banquet hall and reawakened his consciousness.
Raul stirred. His eyelids felt heavy as he blinked back into awareness.
Huh? Did I just fall asleep?
He drew in a deep breath, the fog in his vision fading a little. After shaking his head, his mind began to clear.
Must be because of everything going on with Liz lately… I'm exhausted.
Haven't had a proper night's sleep these past few days.
He pushed himself off the wall and rubbed his forehead. He really needed a full night of rest. In a week, the Joint Expedition would begin.
But just thinking about that made his head ache. A single thought crept into his mind.
I wonder… can I skip it?
The idea sprouted quietly in his heart—small, but firm.
"Yeah, that'll do."
Tsuna was no longer worried about Raul.
With that suggestion planted, Raul would stop fixating on progress. His thoughts would revolve around the woman and child outside the Familia instead. He wouldn't join the main Expedition forces anymore, and that meant his risks would be minimized. That was the outcome Tsuna wanted.
Some things Loki couldn't do directly—but Tsuna could handle them cleanly.
"What a waste," he murmured.
Raul's diligence and determination had always been plain to see.
He might not have possessed any magic or special skills, but his hard work was undeniable—and his gift for command was remarkable.
He had a rare talent for reading battlefield situations and directing an Expedition team. It was a rare and precious ability.
A pity, then. With a pregnant lover and a child on the way, Raul wouldn't have the time or focus to hone those gifts.
Maybe, years after the baby was born, he'd return to the Familia with renewed purpose.
But by then, others would have surpassed him.
By the time he reached Level 4, the Familia's most promising Adventurers would already be awakening new potential—some even gaining the power of the Dying Will Flame. Even average Adventurers might rise to the core ranks.
But once a man's heart strays, no amount of strength can bring him back quickly.
This was Raul's first time becoming a father, after all. For now, he'd want nothing more than to stay beside his woman and unborn child.
"So yeah," Tsuna muttered, "some things really shouldn't happen too soon."
"Having a kid before twenty can seriously slow down your growth. It's best to start a family only after you've reached a solid point in your life."
"What are you mumbling about?"
Loki's sharp voice cut through his thoughts. Seeing Tsuna distracted made her instantly wary.
Raul had already gone down that path—she wouldn't let Tsuna follow.
"Nothing. Just thinking it's a shame about Raul."
Loki sighed softly at that.
"Tell me about it. They call him 'the Extraordinary Man,' since he doesn't have magic or skills. It's half an insult, but it's also praise for his effort."
"In the whole Labyrinth City, there are countless Adventurers without magic or skill talents. But one who's reached his level without either? Raul's the only one."
"He's the embodiment of hard work itself. There are so many young Adventurers who look up to him. Because Raul's story is one they can actually relate to. The others are too far out of reach."
A heavy sadness filled Loki's chest.
She hated to see him waste years of potential—but there was nothing she could do.
"He's just caught up in having a child now."
"In the Labyrinth City, most Adventurers don't think about settling down. They live day to day, never knowing if they'll survive tomorrow. For them, improving their own lives comes before dreaming of children."
"Cases like Raul's are rare."
She began counting on her fingers.
"Young, talented, strong, ambitious—and part of my Familia, no less."
"And that elf woman from Ishtar's old group? She's not a bad one either. With all that combined, it's no wonder Raul's been drawn into that little family life."
Then Loki shook her head with a bitter smile.
"Forget it. Let him have a few years. If he still wants to be an Adventurer after that, then let him."
She paused.
"And the money he took… forget that too. We'll just call it his settlement money."