Chapter 197: Chapter 22. The Banquet
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Although he has yet to become a hero, he has undoubtedly stepped out from the crowd and into everyone's view.
He challenged and defeated the Minotaur at Level 1.
He's only been an adventurer for one month—a novice adventurer.
This is a great feat! Enough to level up to LV2!
Bell Cranel, this small boy, broke the record to become the fastest adventurer to reach LV2.
To celebrate this achievement, Hestia generously dipped into her small treasury. The goddess was so overjoyed that she rented out the Hostess of Fertility to host a banquet, inviting a few of her close friends. This time, Cyd did not stop her.
Bell needed people to cheer for him, as it was well deserved. So Cyd quietly gave Mia a sum of money; otherwise, Hestia's savings would never have covered the cost of the banquet.
[Can poor Hestia really afford to pay for this?!]
At least someone had that expression.
"That's great!" Bell cheered, raising his glass.
"Yes, Bell-sama!" Lili took the opportunity to hug Bell around the waist.
"Get away, you thieving cat!" Hestia grumbled, clinging to Bell as she tried to push Lili away.
"Ah, this looks fun! Maybe I should join in too!" Syr mischievously leaned closer.
"Whack—"
Syr crouched down, holding her head.
"Get back to work," Mia said, retracting her fist.
"This is wonderful," Cyd stood outside the inn, gazing up at the stars. "Teacher, I think I understand how you feel… Even though I'm not the one being embraced and cheered for, I still feel content."
"Why aren't you celebrating with them?" Ryuu poked her head out. "The little rabbit has been looking for you, you know—though he's been swamped by a few others."
"No need, this is enough for me," Cyd shook his head. "A teacher won't always be by their student's side."
"Why do you keep insisting on leaving?" Ryuu said with some annoyance.
"Because I want Bell to be able to face me with his head held high when that day comes," Cyd smiled as he looked up at the starry sky. "Otherwise, I'd be very worried."
"Can't you just…" Ryuu clenched her fists, "stay?"
Cyd was silent for a moment, then firmly shook his head. "A student will eventually walk their own path. As a teacher, all I need to do is—"
"Smack!"
Ryuu expressionlessly slammed the door of the Hostess of Fertility shut.
"Even if you don't want to hear it, reality won't change. A teacher is destined to leave their student," Cyd sighed bitterly and closed his eyes. "A teacher's role is to ensure their students don't suffer the same hardships they did."
A small, cool hand slipped into his palm, gripping it tightly, as if to comfort him.
"Are you worried about me?" Cyd opened his eyes.
"You always make me worry," Medusa whispered. "But I'm sorry, I can only stay by your side and do nothing else."
"Thank you," Cyd said, bending down to pick up Medusa. "It's okay if you're not always in my shadow."
"It's alright, just being here is enough," Medusa buried her face in Cyd's chest, inhaling his scent, and closing her eyes. "As a monster, being able to stay by your side is more than enough for me."
"One day, I will become what I aspire to be," Cyd said, gently patting Medusa's back. "You are important—you're my family…"
"That wildcat has to be there too," Medusa murmured.
"Hahaha…" Cyd laughed awkwardly.
"Then… maybe it's okay for me to ask a little more," Medusa's lips curled into a small smile. "Let me have your warmth all to myself for a while."
"Oh, come on…" Cyd sighed softly.
"Tap—"
Accompanied by clear footsteps, a blonde girl emerged from the darkness and walked straight to Cyd.
Cyd's face twitched, and he silently turned away.
The Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein, Loki's treasured girl—she was certainly a troublesome person.
Ais tilted her head and circled around to face Cyd.
Stare—
"Um… Please, pay attention to the atmosphere," Cyd said, exasperation evident on his face.
Ais blinked, looking at Cyd, then at Medusa buried in Cyd's arms, before nodding and stepping aside.
Stare—
This girl… She's hopelessly clueless.
"What do you want?" Cyd raised an eyebrow.
"I want to become stronger," Ais said, staring directly into Cyd's eyes.
"So, why are you coming to me?" Cyd leaned back slightly.
"You helped a novice adventurer, barely a month into the dungeon, defeat the Minotaur," Ais said, standing on tiptoe and leaning closer to Cyd. "You can help me become stronger too, right?"
"Bell had the ability to defeat the Minotaur himself. I just helped him avoid some detours," Cyd said, raising his hand to press down on Ais's forehead, trying to push her away.
This girl… She's got some strength…
"Then… can you help me avoid some detours?" Ais persisted, not fully grasping Cyd's words but still determined. "I want power; I'll do anything for it!"
"Even if it means killing your familia members?" Cyd tilted his head.
"Um…" Ais hesitated and shook her head. "Can I choose something else?"
"Young lady, don't say things like that until you understand their weight," Cyd said, flicking Ais's forehead.
"Then can you help me get stronger?" Ais asked, covering her forehead and taking a few steps back.
"You're already very strong," Cyd said, looking Ais up and down. "Right now, Bell wouldn't last a single move against you."
"But he'll surpass me one day," Ais said earnestly.
"Of course! He's my student!" Cyd said, lifting his chin with some pride.
"Please teach me!" Ais bowed deeply, sincerely asking.
"Did Loki agree?"
"She will… eventually…" Ais stammered.
Liar…
If Loki knew, she would have already sent a flying kick, not let Ais come here alone.
Speaking of which, that person would definitely shout, [I won't let anyone take Ais away from me!] while hugging Ais tightly, refusing to let her go.
"Alright then, if Loki agrees, I'll try teaching you," Cyd said, raising a finger. "But don't try to trick me~"
"Okay!" Ais's eyes lit up as she turned and ran into the darkness.
She'll agree… yeah, right…
Cyd rolled his eyes.
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