Asahi had no idea what to teach Ais. Her sword skills were beyond his, while her base stats were insanely good, thanks to her being a protagonist. He could help her with equipment and her unique spirit magic. Her rapier was not bad by any means, but it didn't help her in any way other than letting her unleash her full strength. Her armor was in a similar situation.
'Giving her an overpowered weapon will slow down her growth.'
Sure, it will improve her monster-killing potential. But the best way to receive excelia was struggling inside the dungeon.
'Let's start with her sword skills then.'
Riveria and Ais watched him ponder over her training. His serious expression amazed Riveria.
'Even he has his moments.'
Asahi asked Ais to demonstrate her sword techniques. Ais did what was asked of her. Asahi focused, slowing down time to perceive her movements. Her body flowed well except for a few tense muscles. It was not expected since she pushed herself too hard. Ais was wearing a blue half-sleeved tunic with a skirt. A leather garment wrapped her skirt, which had pockets for potions and other necessary things.
"Loosen up."
Ais took a deep breath and relaxed her core, slouching her shoulders a bit. Asahi caressed her tense muscles while imbuing his fingers with the life element.
Riveria would have taken him for a molester if it weren't for his determined expression and Ais's trust in him. Even so, she felt unnerved.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
Asahi explained without stopping his hands.
"I told her to rest, but she doesn't listen to me," Riveria said with a sigh. She had tried it many times. The result was always the same. Ais either ran off to the Guild to accept some quests or she trained in the yard.
"She is desperate," Asahi said, caressing Ais's cheeks. "To reunite with your family?"
Ais nodded without elaborating on her goal. She just knew that her mother was taken into the dungeon by the One-Eyed Black Dragon, and she had to find her. The rest of the story was a blur to her.
"Good grief. You should take it easy sometimes. Show me your magic now."
He was a monster in magic with every natural element at his disposal. While he wasn't an expert in wind magic, he could help her to some extent.
Riveria watched them from the side, listening to him with peak attention. She came here to keep an eye on him. Leaving him alone with Ais was just asking for disaster.
***
Ryuu knocked on Saeko's door. Instead of Saeko, her twin sister opened the door.
"Here for Asahi-kun?" Shiori asked with a smirk. "He would be pleased to see an elf beauty."
Though Ryuu got along with Shiori, she much preferred the calm Saeko's company. Shiori's habit of making lewd jokes got a bit out of hand sometimes.
Ryuu shook her head. "Saeko. Is she here?"
"She is over in that world, helping with the store. I can call her if it's important?"
"Don't. I was going to the Hostess of Fertility. She always accompanies me."
"I can go in my sister's stead. Would you prefer to take Asahi-kun?"
Ryuu couldn't help but blush at her teasing remark. "You can come."
She wouldn't deny if Asahi wanted to come along. Shiori returned to the room and took her katana.
"Doesn't hurt to be careful."
Ryuu nodded. The day she arrived in Orario, she was attacked by the slave traders. Even though she was strong, she always carried her weapon just in case.
Ryuu headed out with Shiori on her side.
"Oh, where is Alise?" Shiori asked. "I haven't seen her since breakfast."
"She went to help Natsumi-san at the west door."
Asahi's friend was keeping an eye out for the people coming from the Far East. Since Alise had nothing to do, she went there with Kaguya to temporarily relieve Natsumi from her duties.
"Quite the kind heart she has," Shiori commented, glancing at Ryuu. "She easily won Asahi-kun's heart with her kindness."
Even the dense Ryuu understood Shiori's hidden attack, but she chose to stay silent.
'Do I like Asahi?'
She wasn't sure what she felt.
"Well, there is no need to rush. Asahi-kun would surely say that if he was here," Shiori said and patted her shoulder.
"Why are you asking me this? Shouldn't you be stopping Asahi from expanding his harem?"
It was the question nearly every woman in the Familia had.
Shiori grinned. "I don't want to bind my man. He has the freedom of doing anything he wants. I'm just here to support him with my imouto."
He stepped into her life when she needed him the moment and gave happiness to her and her sister. He had every right to be selfish just from his position, the husband of the strongest goddess.
Shiori's words didn't help Ryuu's confusion at all. But Ryuu learned something new—Shiori was madly in love with Asahi.
'Is it really new?'
She smiled wryly. Alise and Astraea were head over heels for him. Kaguya showed signs of interest in him. Ryuu knew the others wouldn't deny him if he asked them. It had only been a month since he came to Orario. In one month, he had achieved what nobody could in their entire lifetime. Taking one of the virgin goddesses was just the tip of the iceberg.
'It's crazy… is this the perk of being a god?'
Shiori pushed up her glass as her lips curved into a wide grin. The elf was slowly finding her way to the right path.
(You are evil, but I like it!)
'Oh, Klyscha-sama. My husband has been hungry for this elf's booty for a while. I'm just learning to be a good wife from you.'
Shiori targeted the last words to please Klyscha. Being on the good side of the first wife will always be helpful.
(Um. My love adores this one. She is more immature than Alise, which is to be expected from an elf of her age. How long do you think my love will play with her heart?)
'I don't know, Klyscha-sama. He has been holding back since Saya became pregnant… I'm happy that he has stopped seeking harem like before… but I feel concerned.'
(It's not unusual from my perspective. He is prepping for his daddy role.)
'As if. I bet she will also join his harem one day.'
Shiori could vividly imagine a little version of Saya chasing after her daddy.
(No spoilers.)
'Crap. Uh, Klyscha-sama. What would you do if your girl got a massive daddy complex?'
(I… I'll throw her in my love's bedroom naked… and lock the door from outside.)
'...Nothing less from the first wife.'
Shiori nodded in sheer admiration.