Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

In response to the goddess's apology, Astraea replied,

"I don't need your 'ending,' Freya. If you want any compensation, Hestia and the others are enough."

Astraea smiled gently, as if speaking to a longtime friend. "And while I feel sorry for Ryu and the others who suffered so much because of this... I'm actually quite happy to know you'd still show this side of yourself. The goddess Freya is even more 'devoted' than I imagined, which makes me especially happy."

It wasn't a question of whether to forgive or not; a forgiving smile appeared on Astraea's face.

"So, stop saying your love life is boring, okay? I prefer you the way you are now to being a queen in response to everyone's love."

"...Hestia or Demeter, you gods of Mount Olympus are all strange fellows."

"Oh dear, gods and all that, aren't they all weirdos?"

Faced with Astraea's relaxed response, which revealed a feeling that was different from compassion and somewhat ambiguous with the 'friendship' of the lower realm's inhabitants, Freya was slightly taken aback at first, then a smile bloomed on her lips, and she answered her with a soft laugh that sounded like the chirping of a hundred birds, "Indeed."

(...the entire tea party was suppressed.)

To be honest, unlike when she was a 'girl,' Ryu was somewhat timid in the presence of the 'goddess.' This was reflected in her actions; she had been fidgeting since the start of the 'tea party.'

If it weren't for this situation, the "girl" would probably never have shown the demeanor of a "goddess" again. The main god of the Freya Familia was once so majestic and oppressive, and was a resident of a different world from Ryūdō not long ago.

Astraea's attitude, which allows the "goddess" to show the same smile as when she was a "girl," is even more attractive.

Every movement was natural and unforced, yet it made the person in front of you feel at ease.

Ryu felt incredibly proud of Astraea's magnanimity and divine nobility. "It's so wonderful to be a member of Astraea's family," Ryu thought sincerely once again.

"Besides, even though you said you caused trouble for Ryu... haven't you been protecting Ryu in my place ever since that day five years ago?"

"!"

At that moment, Liu suddenly realized something.

"Could it be... Lady Astraea conveyed to Hill a divine will to take care of me...?"

"No, I didn't ask her for anything. It's just that after Freya saw me off from Orario... Ryu, Freya has probably been keeping an eye on you."

Astraea gently denied Ryu's guess, then calmly told her,

"From your perspective alone, perhaps your meeting was just a coincidence... Like Hestia, she took in and protected homeless children until you were able to set off again, silently watching over you, wasn't she?"

"...!"

Looking back, five years ago, it was from the day I collapsed in an alley, exhausted, and was rescued by Hill and taken to the Abundant Tavern that the once colorless, gloomy, and gray sky began to clear, transforming into the clear sky of my memory.

"Thank you for fighting for us." "Because I admire people like Ryu... noble people who exist for the sake of others."

These were all the words Hill spoke to Ryu, who was exhausted both physically and mentally after her revenge. She said these things to Ryu, who hoped to reclaim her future and move forward. She said that if she found something she wanted to do, she didn't have to force herself to stay in the shop. She truly said that.

Whether Ryu embarks on a journey for a new justice or seeks to return to Astrea's side, whatever choice Ryu makes, Hill will never try to stop her, but will instead see her off.

To repay Hill's kindness, Ryu chose to stay at the tavern... but the "girl" continued to offer Ryu "unconditional love".

Ryu looked blankly at the goddess sitting diagonally opposite her.

"I simply wanted to express my respect for you and the Astrea Familia for your continued fighting during the dark times and your immense contributions to the peace of the city. I wasn't trying to portray it as a heroic tale; I only feel disgust for praise that deviates from its true meaning."

Freya remained expressionless and calmly replied.

As a result, the truth remains shrouded in mystery.

However, in Ryu's opinion, her profile already gave the answer.

Until now, Ryu had maintained a sense of distance from the "goddess," but now that feeling had completely vanished.

The fairy's delicate lips, like wildflowers in the forest, blossomed into a smile.

"...Besides, as I mentioned before, the souls of everyone in your familia are pure, and I really want them."

"Ah, I did say that! 'If it weren't for my child, I would have taken him long ago,' and something like that. It's rare to have Loki remind me of that! It's really nostalgic."

"--ha!!"

However, in an attempt to change the subject she wasn't interested in, Freya suddenly dropped a bombshell. Astraea merely chuckled, seemingly amused, while Ryu wondered if she'd misheard, thinking to herself, "No, it wasn't something like 'How nostalgic!'!"

"That was seven years ago already. Speaking of which, was that conversation part of the reason why 'Little Hill' came about? 'Things that can only be done in the Nether'... 'Why don't you try imitating me?' You said those things back then, didn't you?"

"Something's not quite right. I started doing 'role-playing' even before I brought the lost kitten back to the tavern, and my imitation of you was during the disaster relief and porridge distribution. During the 'Great Conflict,' I would occasionally participate in disaster relief."

Ryu had all sorts of questions she wanted to ask, but the two goddesses ignored her and continued to tell their stories.

Where did the apology meeting and the "ending" go? — Although she could understand that Lady Astraea wanted to avoid an apology and instead hold a real "tea party" — Ryu was at a loss.

Ryuu was helpless, whether it was towards the former strongest faction's main god who was engrossed in reminiscing with Astraea, or towards his own main god who could still chat and laugh with Freya as if she were a classmate from the "school district".

At the same time, Ryu also thought of it.

These two goddesses, in a place unknown to Ryu, are so "equal" and have such a "no need to worry about each other" relationship.

(This can already be considered a relationship of "god friends", or even "confidants"...)

The goddesses, especially Freya, would probably not deny Ryu's guess.

If one had to pinpoint the exact reason why these two goddesses, whose domains and attitudes towards the mortal realms are drastically different, came together, it was precisely because of Ryu, who was present and could only be teased and joked about by them—though she herself was still utterly bewildered by the conversation just now and completely unaware of it—

"I heard you went to the desert not long ago... Anyway, I'd like to have a chat with 'Little Hill' now."

"I'm really happy... Wait a minute." Although the goddesses were all smiling from the brief reminiscing, Astraea glanced at Ryu, who was at a loss for what to do because she couldn't join the conversation at all, and suggested that it was time to get back to the main topic.

Then, incredibly, the goddess of beauty, whom everyone revered, first stood up—and then, with both hands on the ground, crawled under the table.

Ryu was taken aback, but the rustling under the table didn't stop for a second. Then, with a "whoosh," the silver-haired goddess who had transformed into a tavern girl with light gray hair crawled out from under the table!

"—Alright! Are you satisfied now, Lady Astrea?" "Yes, very good!" Very good! That's not quite right!?

"Hill, Hill!? Why did you deliberately crawl under the table?!"

"Because I don't want people to see the moment I transform from a 'goddess' to a 'bar girl,' right... Just like how girls don't easily let others see their appearance before putting on makeup or going out, right♪"

What are you talking about!?

Seeing the tavern girl's behavior—which would make the goddess worshippers either cry and faint or feel excited if they saw it—Ryu's voice involuntarily rose a notch.

The tavern girl laughed and played a prank, while the fairy loudly reminded her. Astraea smiled and watched as the two returned to their usual interaction, saying with some happiness,

"So, little Hill, can you tell me about how Ryu spent these past five years while I was away?" "—!?"

"Yes, it's my pleasure to serve you. In return, Lady Astraea, I hope you can share with me some things about Ryu that I don't know♪"

"Varied--!"

Ryu was so shocked by Hill's second bombshell statement that she almost fainted. Then Hill's request for an equivalent exchange made Ryu cry out in despair.

"Neither Ryu nor I are good at working at the tavern. At first, we often made Mia's mother angry. We always looked dejected, and Anya and the others called us 'useless fairies~'."

"Hehe. When Ryu first joined my Familia, Leila and the others often said that to her too. She would always blush, looking like she regretted something. Ryu hasn't changed in that way either, which is really nice."

Compared to the seemingly happy and cheerful Hills, Ryu's cheeks were flushed red with embarrassment, making her groan "Waaaaah...!?"

Not only was information never mentioned in their correspondence with Lady Astrea leaked by the tavern girl, but even a dark past that they would never have discussed in front of Hill and the others was exposed by the goddess! Justice is dead!

"W-Could it be that the real purpose of this tea party is...? Please, please stop, Lady Astraea! And you, Hill! No, please don't expose my shame anymore!!"

Only realizing too late that this "tea party" was actually a "guardian meeting," Ryu couldn't help but plead loudly, even in front of Astraea. The goddesses' laughter was incessant. The fairies' shameful cries also couldn't be stopped. Both were absorbed by the heavens and gradually disappeared.

"Lady Astraea and Senior Ryu seem to be having a lot of fun..." "Me too... I really want to join in... I want to curse that fairy." "No, no, we can't be exposed, didn't we agree?"

While waiting downstairs at the rooftop restaurant, Charles, Ulanda, and Iselina listened intently to the fairy's cries as if enjoying music.

As the new leader of the Astrea Familia, Cecily rushed to Orario for the "Factional War" and is now monitoring the shop entrance to protect the "tea party" of the two goddesses and a fairy. At this moment, Cecily showed a relaxed smile.

"That's wonderful, senior. I'm sure all the 'justice' you've witnessed would smile upon you!"

As one of the Star Maidens who knows the inherited magic residing in the fairies—Asteria's Memoirs—Cecilu conveys their thoughts on behalf of the stars sleeping deep in the blue sky.

That is the chronicle of the divine beings' retinue—a little-known interlude in its corners.

The deluxe edition of the short story "The Adventures of Argonauts" includes a letter to Ona as a bonus.

This is a translated version from Bilibili.

Translation: Himuro Raha

To my dear Ona

Under the night sky, I am writing this letter through Fina's hand.

According to her, fortunately, there seemed to be stars streaking across the sky.

Speaking of which, I suddenly remembered that you used to be a astrologer.

You might say something like, "Don't talk nonsense," with an unhappy expression.

However, thanks to the whispers of the stars that I felt so deeply, I felt you were right next to me tonight.

If the sky you look up at is also filled with stars, I hope you can take my place and divine our future.

We haven't made any progress on our end today either.

Based on the limited amount of documentation available, his sanctuary was indeed built at our current location.

But we found nothing. Even when Fina used magic, she couldn't find a single clue.

It's because this place is filled with things that can be called seals, which would hinder not only intrusion into the sanctuary but even perception. That's my guess.

Perhaps it's because my senses have become more acute than my unseen eyes, that I can feel it.

There is likely a power that surpasses that of fairies and elves, spreading throughout this land.

Although I was not fortunate enough to see it, I heard that the sea view in Medira is just as beautiful as the legends say.

Moreover, I believe the sanctuary lies dormant within this great inner sea, where the sound of ripples echoes.

I've also discussed it with Fina, and we plan to go back to Lacurios first.

You'll probably say you absolutely have to come with me this time, but I hope you don't actually do it.

Because if you come, even that horrible older sister will come along.

This seems like it will only make Ariadne more overworked.

Are you living your lives as usual over there?

I heard that the Central Kingdoms have united to repel the monsters' massive attack once again.

I believe you will all be fine, but please tell Yuri, Garumus, Elmina, and Liulu not to push themselves too hard.

After all, what I'm about to say will definitely make them unhappy.

And what about you?

Has Ariadne stopped crying?

No matter how many words I write, won't this letter hurt you? To be honest, this concern weighs heavily on my mind.

I don't want to break my promise to write to you, but even though I can't see anything, the tears you shed in front of me keep lingering in my mind.

As for me, it still doesn't work.

Today I made Fina cry too.

When she smiled, she was like a flower, I told her that.

As a result, she desperately tried to hold back her sobs.

No matter how tightly I held her or how much I apologized, I couldn't stop the tears that soaked my neck.

I hurt her again.

How hateful I am that I can't remember she was my irreplaceable younger sister.

I have to tell you.

Unfortunately, there is no sign that Argo's memories have returned.

I think, as you know, Argo disappeared on the day he defeated the lion.

Thunder's power saved him from the death he was destined to face.

In exchange for the memories and personality of a man named Argo.

That must have been a price enough to reverse fate. A miracle equivalent to the destruction of the soul.

What remains of me is probably some kind of Argonaut's remains or debris.

I am in great pain, but I can no longer let everyone see Argo.

The clowns of dance comedy no longer exist.