In the final week before departure, preparations within the Loki Familia had become increasingly visible—though only to those inside the Familia.
The internal workload was enormous. Supplies had to be organized and stored in advance within the Rest Space, and even the layout of that space required meticulous planning.
Of course, it wasn't just the Loki Familia working tirelessly. The Hephaestus Familia was doing the same. Only the Astraea Familia remained relatively idle.
Since Astraea's group had temporarily joined forces with Loki's, most of their supplies were now integrated into the Loki Familia's stockpile. Naturally, any spoils from the Expedition would be distributed at the end according to contribution and need.
All three Familias were now firmly in a Joint Expedition state of readiness.
Yet, in the midst of this tense atmosphere, Raul displayed a completely different attitude from the other Adventurers.
"You don't want to take part in the Joint Expedition?"
Finn looked at Raul with a trace of surprise.
He already knew what had happened from Loki—he understood why Raul had been distracted and unmotivated lately. But he hadn't expected Raul to come to him personally… or to formally request withdrawal from the Expedition.
"Raul, are you absolutely sure?"
"Yes. Recently, there are some important things I need to take care of. I just can't focus on anything else for now. Captain, please understand."
Raul had his reasons.
Liz was now more than a month into her pregnancy. Though her condition was stable, the usual symptoms had begun to appear. Her body demanded more nutrients, and her emotions had grown increasingly sensitive. All Raul wanted was to make time to stay by her side.
"The Joint Expedition is important, I know that. But if I try to force myself to focus right now, I'll only be a distraction to the team. Rather than being a burden, I think it's better if I step back this time—and come back when my head's clear."
Raul understood perfectly well how critical this Expedition was.
A coordinated operation among three Familias—if this Joint Expedition succeeded, it would set the foundation for future joint missions. This was a test run, a rehearsal for larger collaborations, and a chance to determine how teams would be organized going forward.
Missing it meant falling behind by a wide margin.
But to Raul, Liz mattered more. Especially the life growing inside her—his first child. No matter what, he couldn't let anything happen to either of them.
What a waste… Finn sighed inwardly.
He had always seen Raul as a future commander within the Familia, someone with natural leadership and potential. Now, with Tsuna's guidance, that future seemed even brighter. If Raul ever awakened the power of the Dying Will Flame, his prospects would only multiply.
And yet… all of that was being abandoned.
Finn knew Raul would regret this decision one day. But by then, regret would mean nothing.
Still, what could he say now?
Finn exhaled softly, then picked up a document. With a steady hand, he drew a line through the name Raul Nord on the roster.
"Raul, your request has been approved. For this Joint Expedition, you'll remain behind as part of the home defense unit."
"Thank you very much, Captain."
Raul's expression brightened with relief as he bowed deeply in gratitude.
Not joining the Expedition was a heavy loss—but he had more important things to protect. The regret could wait. He'd make up for it next time.
"Then, I'll take my leave."
"Mm."
Finn watched Raul's back disappear through the doorway, then slowly shook his head.
That choice… meant giving up on his future.
"I can't believe that kid actually gave up on the Joint Expedition," came a gruff voice along with the creak of the opening door.
Gareth Landrock's tone was rough and incredulous.
"Does he really not understand how important this Expedition is? Everyone in the Familia's desperate to be part of it! Except for a few of the older ones who were told to stay behind, no one else has dropped out. And yet he just walks away? Unbelievable."
Gareth couldn't make sense of Raul's decision. To throw away a chance like this—it was beyond comprehension. Does having a kid really change a man that much?
The thought unsettled him. He suddenly felt a strange fear toward the idea of starting a family. Maybe, as long as he was still in his prime, he shouldn't even think about women. Better to wait until retirement, when he could finally afford the time and energy for that kind of life.
"Reproduction and raising offspring are important stages for any race," said Riveria Ljos Alf calmly from behind him. "But Raul is too young to take on the role of a father. At his age, he should be seeking ways to grow and refine himself. Those responsibilities can come later—after he's achieved something greater."
It was true—marriage and childbirth at sixteen or seventeen weren't rare in this era. For ordinary people, that was already a suitable age. Common folk didn't have the chance to pursue power; they became merchants or farmers. For them, early marriage and childbearing were natural.
Farmers had the time to raise their children, and they needed young labor to support their fields as age and strength faded.
But Adventurers were not ordinary people. Their lives couldn't follow the same path.
Adventurers faced monsters far stronger than themselves, and death was always near. For most, even surviving another day was uncertain. That danger made them prone to chasing pleasure, not thinking about the next generation.
Only those with considerable strength and experience—and often after retiring from the Dungeon—would begin to consider family.
For ordinary people, Raul's timing would have been perfect.
But as an Adventurer—one with real talent and accomplishment—it was far too early.
And that was what made Finn, Gareth, and Riveria all feel the same quiet regret.