Declaring Sovereignty

Riveria sighed, casting her gaze toward the hazy moonlight outside the window.

"However..." She paused for a moment, pondering, "Since he is willing to accept your request for special training, it shows that he recognizes you to at least some degree. Perhaps... you could approach this from a more direct angle?"

Ais blinked, clearly not understanding what she meant.

"For instance..." Riveria frowned slightly, trying to explain in a way Ais could grasp, "Is there anything he usually needs? Or... does he have any habitual preferences?"

Ais thought back earnestly.

Thor seemed to collect Magic Stone often, and... he seemed quite concerned about compensation? Lefiya had used 7 million Valis just to trade for a chance at special training.

However, she didn't have as much savings as Lefiya.

Because she frequently broke her weapons, she still had quite a few loans to pay off.

"Money..." she murmured, her tone troubled.

Riveria saw her dilemma and gently patted her shoulder.

"If you cannot help with money, then use a method you are capable of." She paused, "For example, training even harder? Make him feel that teaching you is worth it."

Train harder?

That didn't seem to directly solve the problem of how she wanted to express her gratitude.

Training to become stronger was her own desire, not a reward for Thor.

She remained troubled, that trace of helplessness clearly lingering in her pale golden eyes.

Seeing that Ais was still struggling, Riveria rested her chin on her hand, seemingly thinking of another direction.

"Perhaps... we could take Loki as a reference?"

Ais looked up, her eyes filled with pure confusion: "Reference Loki?"

"Yes."

Riveria nodded, attempting to explain this somewhat risky suggestion.

"After all, within the scope of what we know, the god Loki is the only one closest to that Mr. Thor, although Loki is, in front of him..."

She paused, recalling Loki's terrified and uncomposed appearance.

"...the gap might be vast, but as both are eternal beings, perhaps there are commonalities in what they pursue? The things Loki is passionate about might also be the solace that being seeks?"

What Loki pursues?

Ais's thinking was very direct.

She began to recall the pursuits of her own deity.

She likes to drink and collects all kinds of famous liquors.

She is lecherous, likes to harass the female members of the Familia, and always wants to peek or get handsy.

This chain of realization formed naturally.

Almost subconsciously, she looked down at the white combat suit she was wearing, which outlined her curves under the light.

This combat suit was far too revealing for her, but it was only because Loki had pestered her relentlessly, even threatening to "send her back to the Heaven" if she didn't wear it, that she had been forced to put it on.

So... did Riveria mean that Mr. Thor was also like the god Loki?

Ais raised her gaze again to look at Riveria, her eyes filled with a need for confirmation and a sense of bewilderment that asked, "Is this really necessary?"

However, just as Riveria was about to explain clearly, the sound of hurried footsteps came from the end of the corridor.

Lefiya had finished her bath and changed into light clothing, carrying a bulging, massive backpack on her back that was nearly half her height.

She waved vigorously toward them while calling out crisply: "Ais-san! I'm ready!"

This greeting completely interrupted their conversation.

Ais's gaze was inevitably drawn to that enormous backpack.

It was stuffed to the brim, its shape somewhat distorted, and it looked heavy.

A trace of doubt flashed in her eyes.

Is it necessary to bring so many things to participate in intensive training?

Or did I bring too little?

She wasn't quite sure if she had missed any important equipment.

Lefiya walked over quickly, her small face overflowing with obvious excitement, almost glowing.

"Ais-san, can we set off now?" she asked impatiently, her voice filled with anticipation.

Looking at Lefiya's jubilant appearance, Ais didn't quite understand.

Lefiya seemed very keen on night training? Perhaps even overly excited.

Naturally, she could not know that Lefiya's heart was currently filled with immense joy.

Seven whole days!

To be able to live in the same place as the Ais-san she admired and participate in the same night training! What a precious opportunity this was! She had to make the most of it!

"Sorry, Lefiya," Ais's voice remained as flat as ever, "I haven't packed my bags yet."

She turned to Riveria, a hint of unresolved confusion in her eyes: "As for the question from just now, I will... consider it later."

Riveria had no intention of delaying them any further. Seeing Ais's troubled expression, she offered the most pragmatic advice, one that best suited Ais's personality.

"If you are truly troubled by this, perhaps the most direct method is to ask Mr. Thor himself. Express your thoughts and concerns to him honestly, and listen to his response."

This suggestion seemed to snap Ais out of her daze.

Ask him directly?

That was indeed the simplest and most effective way.

The bewilderment in her eyes seemed to dissipate slightly as she gave a small bow to Riveria: "Thank you, Riveria."

With that, she did not hesitate any longer, turning and walking toward her room to pack the necessary items.

Lefiya was left standing there, watching Ais's crisp and decisive departure, then looking back at Riveria, completely bewildered.

What exactly... were they talking about just now? Why did the atmosphere feel so strange?

Lefiya blinked her clear, emerald eyes, her small head filled with massive question marks.

When the two of them had finished packing and arrived at Thor's residence, they had only just knocked on the door when a light, familiar female voice responded from within—

"Please wait a moment, I'll be right there!"

Lefiya blinked, thinking she had misheard.

Ais also tilted her head slightly, seemingly having guessed who was inside the room.

The door creaked open, and warm light spilled out.

Standing in the doorway, beaming with a smile, was none other than the person they both knew so well: Syr.

"Good evening, Miss Ais, Miss Lefiya! Please, come in!"

Syr's tone was overflowing with enthusiasm as she stepped aside to invite them in, acting as if she were the mistress of the house.

Lefiya was completely stunned.

Why is Miss Syr here?! Shouldn't she be working at the tavern?

Lefiya's gaze subconsciously swept over Syr and the interior of the room, trying to make sense of the scene before her.

Almost instinctively, she asked: "Miss Syr, why are you here?"

Syr puffed out her cheeks slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with the question written all over Lefiya's face.

She lifted her chin slightly, declaring with clarity and even a hint of emphasis:

"I am a member of the Thor Familia, so naturally, I am here!"

She enunciated the words "member of the Thor Familia" with extra weight, as if asserting some kind of sovereignty to the two of them.

With two women coming to live in Thor's home, how could she possibly not be here?

Training is training, but things outside of training are absolutely off-limits, you know~