After the news of Astraea Familia's safe return reached the ears of those influential figures secretly backing evilus, restlessness began to ripple through the shadows of Orario.

They understood the stakes far too well. If the truth were to be exposed, their names could be dragged into the light and that would spell disaster.

So, while spitting curses and grumbling about evilus's utter incompetence, these so-called bigwigs hurriedly packed up their belongings. Tails tucked between their legs, they slinked out of Orario in disgrace, hoping to vanish from the public eye until the storm blew over.

— — —

In the bustling streets of Orario, the flow of people surged like an unstoppable tide. In a quiet alley off the main road, Akira and Alise temporarily parted ways.

Akira had to escort Ais home first. She followed beside him obediently, her steps light and silent. Their elongated shadows stretched ahead of them in the afternoon sunlight, dancing gently with each stride.

As they approached their destination, the watchful eyes of the Twilight Manor's gatekeeper immediately picked them out from the crowd.

"Oh? Isn't this Akira and Ais?" The guard called out warmly, his grin wide and familiar. "Haven't seen the two of you for days. So you've finally returned."

Akira gave a polite smile and nodded slightly. "Yes, it's been a few days."

After exchanging a few friendly words, Akira and Ais stepped past the gate and entered the Twilight Manor—their familiar home, now filled with nostalgic warmth.

Standing just outside the main entrance, Akira bent one knee slightly and reached out to gently pat Ais's head, his touch affectionate and sincere.

"This is as far as I go." He said softly. "Ais, you should rest now. You're not allowed to go to the dungeon for the next few days, understand?"

Ais stared up at him, her golden eyes clear and unwavering, without the slightest trace of discontent.

"I understand." She replied with a firm nod.

Akira smiled and handed over a notebook, thick with notes and sketches. "This records the new monsters we encountered. You can pass it to Riveria and the others when you return it."

Just as he was about to turn and leave, Ais paused. A flicker of anticipation danced in her eyes as she extended her arms toward him like a child asking for a hug.

"I want a reward." She said softly, her voice as light and sweet as cotton candy.

Akira blinked.

Huh? Since when was Ais this...adorable?

Was this really the same overly serious Ais he remembered from the anime?

Without hesitation, Akira opened his arms and pulled her into a gentle embrace.

"Haha, someone's acting spoiled again." He chuckled teasingly.

Ais didn't respond. Instead, she leaned into him and rubbed her cheek lightly against his chest, her way of showing both affection and mild protest at his words.

Just as she released him and turned to head inside, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"My, you didn't even tell me you were back. I don't remember teaching you to be this inconsiderate, Ais," came Riveria's voice as she opened the door, her usual composed smile playing on her lips.

The moment she appeared, Ais beamed and rushed straight into her arms.

Akira greeted the elf politely. "It's been a while, Riveria-san. Has anything happened while we were gone?"

Riveria looked at both of them with a glint of surprise in her eyes. "Long time no see, Akira... and Ais." She glanced down affectionately at the girl in her embrace.

Their reunion was brief but warm.

Before long, Akira decided it was time to take his leave. But Riveria's expression softened with reluctance.

"You're leaving already? We've barely spoken for a few minutes." She said gently.

Akira crossed his arms and smiled warmly. "I miss Astraea-sama too, after all. I'll come by again when I have the time."

Understanding lit Riveria's eyes. She nodded with a soft smile. "Alright then. Goodbye."

"Akira, see you next time." Ais peeked out from Riveria's arms, her little hands waving energetically.

Akira turned and waved back. "See you next time—both of you."

With that, he turned and left the Twilight Manor, heading home.

— — —

When Akira arrived and slowly pushed open the heavy door, the familiar scent of home wrapped around him like a gentle breeze. He turned back to lock the door and heard a voice that instantly warmed his heart. A voice that had echoed in his thoughts throughout the entire expedition.

"Welcome back, my child... my pride."

It was Astraea.

Her voice was gentle, elegant, and filled with deep affection. She stood gracefully at the entrance, hands clasped in front of her, her divine beauty bathed in the golden light of the afternoon. That soft, radiant smile on her face—like sunlight breaking through the clouds—welcomed him home.

Akira gently clicked the lock shut, turned around, and walked toward her. Without a word, he opened his arms and embraced her.

Burying his face against her shoulder, he inhaled the comforting scent of her hair, and murmured with heartfelt emotion, "I'm back, goddess."

They held each other quietly, wrapped in the kind of warmth that only distance and longing could deepen.

After a moment, Akira slowly loosened his embrace, took Astraea's hand in his, and together they walked toward the central hall.

As he pushed open the door, the peaceful aftermath of battle revealed itself before them.

The room was filled with the sound of gentle breathing. The girls were scattered around the sofas and lounge chairs, draped across cushions and armrests like sleepy cats.

Some had already dozed off with their limbs splayed in awkward but relaxed positions, while others leaned shoulder-to-shoulder, their chests rising and falling in sync.

A faint chorus of snores filled the room—quiet, rhythmic, oddly comforting.

Looking at them, one couldn't help but feel the exhaustion in the air. Their bodies had clearly reached their limit.

Perhaps it was because they knew they were finally safe. Or maybe it was because this place—this home—allowed them to let their guards down completely.

Nearby, the coat racks and lockers near the door were stacked with maps, enchanted tools, and other remnants from the expedition.

The solid wooden hangers had temporarily become weapon racks, adorned with protective gear, tactical clothing, and a variety of armaments—silver-white one-handed swords, sacred staffs carved from the World tree branches, and sleek Iai blades with crimson-black scabbards.

Everything was strewn about in casual disarray—evidence of warriors returning from battle and collapsing into well-earned rest.

Watching over this tranquil chaos, Astraea's eyes filled with tenderness and love.

She chuckled softly. "It looks like they were really exhausted. They didn't even make it to their rooms."

Akira smiled faintly, his eyes also falling on the peacefully sleeping girls. "A lot happened during this expedition. It's no wonder they're tired."

He let out a soft sigh, voice tinged with emotion.