After sitting down beside Astraea, Alise leaned in and whispered softly, "You're back so early, Akira. I thought the Loki Familia would've dragged you into dinner with them."

Hearing that, Akira's face visibly twitched with confusion, a black question mark almost popping up above his head.

"Huh? I'm not part of their group, why would you even think that, Alise?"

Astraea, standing beside them, chuckled and nodded in agreement with Akira's baffled expression. Without hesitation, she stretched out her arms and wrapped both Akira and Alise into a warm embrace.

Then, she pressed their heads gently onto her shoulders, smiling proudly.

"Exactly! There's no way I'd hand you two over to another god. Even if it's Loki Familia, one of the strongest in Orario."

"I know, I know. We'd never leave you, Astraea-sama. But could you ease up a bit? It's kind of... tight in here." Akira replied helplessly, although his eyes gleamed with affection.

Alise, grinning like a child caught up in the moment, snuggled closer to the goddess. "Mhm! I think so too, Astraea-sama."

Astraea released Akira but pulled Alise tighter into her arms, pouting dramatically.

"Oh no… how tragic. Alise, what should I do? Akira's starting to find me annoying."

Hearing that, Alise puffed out her chest and assumed a comically righteous pose.

"Then allow this beautiful and heroic captain to deliver justice to the evildoer."

Their laughter echoed softly throughout the room, wrapping the three of them in a warm and familiar atmosphere. But Alise couldn't help glancing sideways, her curiosity piqued.

"So? What were you two talking about before I woke up?" She asked, tilting her head inquisitively.

Astraea smiled gently, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, it's nothing serious. I was just noticing how much Akira has grown—again."

"Huh?! Really?!" Alise turned abruptly, eyes widening as she scrutinized Akira's frame. "You've really gotten taller. You're almost eye-level with me now."

Her voice cracked with excitement, loud enough to startle Akira. He flinched and instinctively reached out, placing a finger to her lips.

"Shhh. Quiet down. You'll wake everyone up."

Realizing her blunder, Alise quickly covered her mouth and nodded, looking like a scolded child.

Astraea, unable to suppress her amusement, gently covered her own lips, her shoulders trembling from silent laughter.

But Akira's warning came just a second too late. Though their voices weren't exactly loud, they were still resting in the shared hall rather than individual rooms.

Like a small pebble thrown into a still pond, the faint noise rippled through the room and disturbed the peaceful silence.

"Mnnn... Stupid captain. Can't you be quiet for once?" Lyra groaned as she rubbed her eyes, clearly awakened and not pleased about it. She let out a long yawn, her voice thick with sleepy annoyance. Updates are released by n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net

The other girls stirred as well, their expressions groggy, but most nodded in agreement with Lyra.

Kaguya slowly sat up, her fingers brushing over her wrinkled kimono as she elegantly straightened it out. Every movement was graceful and unhurried, the mark of someone who carried herself with poise no matter the hour.

With a calm demeanor, she glanced at Alise and spoke in her usual composed tone, "Honestly, this is expected of our dear captain. She's as noisy as a rampaging gorilla."

Alise immediately clasped her hands in apology, bowing slightly to the others. "Sorry, sorry. That was my bad."

But then she crossed her arms with a pout and looked straight at Kaguya. "Come on, Kaguya-chan. You called me a gorilla again. At least go with something cuter like a kitten."

As laughter bubbled up from the group, Astraea stepped forward with a serene smile. Her left hand gently touched her chest, accentuating her natural elegance, while her right brushed lightly across her cheek.

"Hehe... Since everyone's awake now, why don't we decide—do we want to celebrate your safe return here at home? Or shall we go out tonight?"

"Ohh! A party? Are we throwing a party?!" Noin perked up immediately, all traces of drowsiness vanishing from her face.

"Of course." Astraea replied warmly, her voice like a gentle melody.

Her eyes swept across the room, full of love and pride. "My dear children of justice have returned from their expedition. Naturally, we should celebrate."

Alise raised a hand and offered a suggestion. "Let's go to the tavern. We just got back from the lower floors—we're all tired, and I don't want to trouble Astraea-sama with cooking."

Astraea laughed softly, shaking her head with fondness.

"How could it be trouble? Preparing a meal for all of you is my joy."

Kaguya, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully, responded in her usual calm voice. "Then let's go to the usual pub we frequent."

"Wooo!! Party! Party!!" They cheered, and soon the whole room erupted in laughter and excitement.

Just like that, the familiar warmth of camaraderie filled every corner.

...

Later that evening, on the bustling corner of Orario's night-lit streets, a group of familiar figures gathered before the entrance of the Hostess of Fertility.

Alise dashed up to the tavern door first. Her fair little hand gripped the wooden handle, yanked it open, and in her usual energetic fashion, called out boldly—

"Auntie Mia! We've come to visit!"

Her voice rang clear and proud, easily cutting through the tavern's noisy hum.

"Alise! That's too loud." Ryuu quickly grabbed Alise by the arm, visibly flustered.

Ryuu had visited the place many times with the others, and knew that the tavern's manager was a kind woman deep down...

But she still felt phantom pain in her head just thinking about Mia's iron-fisted reputation.

After all, everyone knew—when trouble started, Mia didn't hesitate to knock heads together and toss the offenders out like trash.

If no one stopped her, Alise would surely be kicked out the door in the next second.

But she didn't seem the least bit concerned. With a hearty laugh, she patted Ryuu's shoulder and strode confidently toward the pub entrance.

"Hahaha, don't worry! Aunt Mia's not that petty."

And with those bold words, Alise marched right into the Hostess of Fertility without waiting for a reply.

The others exchanged brief glances before trailing in after her.

Bathed in the warm glow of orange-hued magic stone lamps, the tavern exuded a welcoming coziness. Inside, it was packed with patrons. Boisterous laughter, hearty eating, and loud conversation filled the air—lively, noisy, and joyful, like a celebration in full swing.

The moment Astraea Familia's members stepped inside, many eyes turned toward them in surprise.

But just as quickly, the patrons looked away, returning to their food, drink, and animated stories. No one stared for long—this was Orario, after all.

Behind the counter, a dwarf woman of such towering stature that one might doubt their perception was quietly cleaning glasses. Mia Grand, the owner of the tavern, looked up at the sound of familiar footsteps.

"Alise and the others?"

It had been some time since she last saw them. During their patrols in Orario, Alise and her companions would often drop by for lunch if they hadn't packed any, making the tavern their unofficial hangout spot. Over time, they'd grown close. Alise's boundless enthusiasm, in particular, had earned her a soft spot in Mia's otherwise stern heart.

There were even times when Alise left in such a hurry that she forgot to pay. Not that Mia cared—she'd simply charge her later.

But tonight was different. This was the first time they'd come in after an expedition, not for a quick bite, but to celebrate.

Even though she was happy to see the Justice Familia back safe, Mia didn't show leniency.

She called out in a loud, booming voice, "If I find out the door's broken, I'll smash your head in with my fist."

"Ahaha…" Alise laughed sheepishly and rushed over to the counter, already waving a white flag. "I'm sorry, I was wrong, Aunt Mia."

Mia crossed her arms, lips twitching with amusement. "You always say that. Never seen you change."

A round of chuckles and friendly jeers followed from all around.

"As expected of the stupid captain."