Danmachi: A Despicable Stranger

Chapter 80 Is this the power of love?

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In any case, Syr didn't buy it.

After all, in the past, Ryuu had been a cold and aloof person who looked at all adventurers with the same stern face and frosty gaze.

But ever since Ryuu followed Izzy into the dungeon, her attitude toward him had subtly shifted.

While it seemed normal most of the time, the difference became obvious when compared to how she interacted with others.

Especially now. Despite claiming she didn't care, her eyes kept drifting toward Izzy, a fact that didn't escape Syr's notice.

Unable to suppress her amusement, Syr lips curved into a knowing smile.

At the same time, Izzy, aware of Ryuu's glances, casually raised a hand and waved in her direction.

"Someone you know?" Artemis asked softly.

Izzy nodded. "Yeah. I come to this tavern pretty often."

"Oh~ Are you here to charm the tavern's clerk?" Lante teased, downing a glass of juice as she smirked.

Ah, this...

You know what? She wasn't wrong.

"Oh, little girl, what would you know? I come here for the food—it's delicious."

Izzy chuckled lightly, showing no intention of humoring her this time.

In the past, he'd tread carefully, knowing he couldn't win against her sharp tongue.

But now? The tables had turned. He wasn't about to lose ground to her anymore.

Careful, Lante, or there might be consequences!

"Hmph..."

The food at the Hostess of Fertility was well-known across West Street, and with Izzy using that as his excuse, Lante found herself unable to argue back.

She was still just a girl, after all. It was too soon for her to challenge him head-on.

Shaking his head internally, Izzy subtly shifted closer to Artemis.

"Lady Artemis, how long do you plan to stay this time?" he asked.

"If nothing unexpected happens, we'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon..."

Surprisingly, it was Rethusa who answered instead of Artemis.

As the leader of Artemis's Familia, Rethusa knew her goddess's thoughts all too well.

Based on their usual practice, they'd likely enjoy the evening, relax the following morning, and depart in the afternoon.

Though they had a base to call their headquarters, they were essentially wanderers, with no fixed home.

Their mission to eradicate the roots of monsters kept them perpetually on the move—for now, at least.

Artemis, however, twitched slightly at Rethusa's words.

She had been considering whether to stay an extra day or two, but now that Rethusa had spoken so definitively, she felt trapped.

Should she agree? Or deny it? Either option felt awkward now.

"Um... Lady Artemis?"

Rethusa, noticing the goddess's conflicted expression, hesitated. Had she said something wrong just now?

Why did it seem like the goddess was suddenly so indecisive?

"You're leaving tomorrow? Isn't that a bit too hasty?" Izzy interjected, his tone carefully measured.

"Lady Artemis, it took nearly a month to complete the commission. Don't you think it's worth taking a little more time to rest? Everyone must be so tired..."

His suggestion was tentative but hopeful.

Izzy naturally wanted Artemis to stay longer.

After spending time with her, he'd come to understand the strange connection he felt between them.

If he didn't take this opportunity to build on that bond—or, as he jokingly thought, "deceive" her a little—how could he call himself a man of conscience?

Frankly, Izzy felt like this situation mirrored a long-distance relationship. Meeting his "girlfriend" once a month was far from ideal.

"This..." Artemis hesitated, clearly wavering.

Rethusa blinked, realization dawning on her face.

Wait... she was starting to understand something!

The team leader raised her head, locking eyes with Izzy. Their gazes met, and in that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them.

"Ahem, Izzy, while I appreciate your concern for us, the decision ultimately lies with Lady Artemis," Rethusa said smoothly. "That being said, it might be beneficial for us to rest a day or two longer. It would give us more time to prepare supplies."

Her tone was calm, but her next words carried a hint of mischief. "And didn't Lante mention earlier that she wasn't feeling well?"

Rethusa turned to Lante with a sweet smile, while Lante blinked in confusion.

She's not feeling well? When did that happen?

It was news to her—until she felt it.

"Hnnngh!!! Uhhh～～"

Lante suddenly let out an odd, almost comical cry.

A sharp sensation hit her waist, spreading quickly. It was like the ache she experienced during her monthly cycle—simultaneously painful and... peculiar.

Clutching her side, she squinted at Rethusa, whose smiling face betrayed none of the mischief behind the sudden "illness."

"Lante? Are you feeling unwell?"

Artemis's voice drew Lante's attention. The goddess frowned slightly, her earlier indecision momentarily replaced by concern.

She had been so wrapped up in her internal debate about whether to stay that she hadn't noticed the subtle interaction. Still, it seemed odd—Lante had been perfectly fine just moments ago, even bickering with Izzy.

"I have... a stomachache," Lante mumbled, clutching her belly and pulling a convincingly pained expression.

"But you were fine earlier. Are you injured? Should I get some healing potions?" Artemis asked, worry creasing her brow as she reached for the small backpack slung over her shoulder.

"That won't help, Lady Artemis," Izzy interjected smoothly, placing a hand on her wrist to stop her. He gestured toward the table, where a small mountain of empty cups had accumulated beside Lante.

"She's been drinking too much juice. Recovery potions won't have much effect in this situation," he explained, his tone light but firm.

Artemis followed his gaze to the pile of cups and frowned in understanding. "Really? Is your stomach upset now?"

Lante, under the watchful gaze of her leader, decided it was safer to play along. Nodding obediently, she clutched her stomach with an exaggerated wince.

Izzy seized the opportunity to press his point. "Lady Artemis, I think it would be wise to stay a few more days. Look at Lante—she clearly needs some rest."

His words, combined with the perfectly timed circumstances, tipped the scales. Artemis lowered her gaze, deep in thought, before finally nodding.

"Alright, we'll rest for a few more days this time," she said decisively. "Everyone should take care of their health. Don't end up like Lante."

The goddess's tone carried authority, but there was an undercurrent of warmth in her words. Of course, her true thoughts remained a mystery to all but herself.

At her decision, the girls of the Familia, except for Rethusa and Lante, stared in stunned disbelief.

Wide-eyed and slack-jawed, they exchanged glances, as if silently confirming they'd all heard the same thing.

Was this really their Lady Artemis?

The goddess, known for her unyielding discipline, had just been persuaded so easily.

Could this be... the power of love?

Long live love!

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50 Chapters