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

Looking around at everyone's faces, Sakura smiled and explained to her.

Although the period is only one year, everyone still wants to hold a farewell party for those who have transferred from their own faction to the [Hestia Familia], and they have been planning it for a long time.

In order to give life a surprise, the farewell party was ostensibly held as a celebration for the main god, and Haruhime was also involved. Everything was for this day.

Upon hearing the truth revealed, Ming gaped and looked around at his childhood playmates from his hometown.

"Haruhime also helped make these dishes... We were saying we wanted to celebrate our reunion with her, but she..."

"...Since it's my turn this time, I would also like to congratulate Lord Ming on embarking on a new journey."

Sakura smiled bitterly as she mentioned Haruhime, who then smiled radiantly at her fate.

Seeing the mountain of dumplings on the table, Mikoto finally understood that Haruhime and Takemikazuchi had been talking about this matter yesterday.

"Was it Takemikazuchi who said he wanted to give her a farewell ceremony?"

Hearing Qiancao say this, Ming suddenly came to his senses.

Sakura and the others made way, and Takemikazuchi, who had been waiting at the back of the room, stepped forward.

The overwhelming emotion in her heart left her paralyzed and speechless. All she saw was her crush standing in front of her, scratching his head with one hand.

"Ah—...I'm so sorry about yesterday, fate."

Ming was startled, and Jian Yu Lei smiled at her with his eyebrows lowered.

"To be honest, I still don't understand why I got hit... But anyway, it must be something I did to make you angry again, right?"

"...!"

"After all, I often made you angry when we were in the Far East..."

"No, that's not it!?"

Ming interrupted Takemikazuchi's apology, shaking his head vigorously.

"It was me, it was me who was bad! It was me who liked to complain about Takemikazuchi, I liked to get angry... I liked to be jealous!!" I was being difficult and causing Takemikazuchi a lot of trouble, which made me feel a strong sense of guilt and shame.

With a flushed face and teary eyes, she told him that she had no right to complain, get angry, or be jealous.

I don't have the courage to express my feelings, and therefore I don't have that right.

"Why do you say that? I am your supreme god, and also your father."

The life, with its head bowed, opened its eyes wide.

"You can say anything to me. I'll accept everything about you. Isn't that what family is all about?"

Takemikazuchi laughed and said, "Because it seems like this is the only thoughtful thing I can do."

Mikoto slowly raised her head, her cheeks flushed, her mouth opening and closing slightly. The fact that he planned this event even when separated from his family, just as he said, showed such concern for her, stirred a surge of emotion within Mikoto.

He said he was willing to accept himself—is that really true?

If it's true, I hope he can accept himself. Accept himself, and then respond.

Accept my desire to go beyond being a father and daughter or a family member.

Please reply to my true feelings that have long troubled you, the God.

Listening to the heartbeat that clung to her ears, her lips trembled.

Chigusa, Haruhime, and everyone else, even Sakura, noticed Mikoto's expression and nervously held their breath.

Fate kicked away my pathetic self, and I mustered my courage.

"Takemikazuchi, I am—!!"

"My life, I have something to give you. Wait here."

At this moment, Kenji Rai finished speaking with a hint of smugness and walked to the corner of the room, completely unaware of his once-in-a-lifetime bold decision.

The girl stood frozen in place, her face flushed, while Sakura and the others looked at the god with disappointed eyes, blaming him for being so bad at choosing his timing.

Takemikazuchi didn't notice Mikoto's tears streaming down her face, nor did he notice the gazes around him. With a smile, he handed the item to Mikoto.

"This is a farewell gift."

“Eh…”

He held a short sword in his outstretched right hand.

In his left hand, he also held the same short sword of a different color.

"...The twin swords, one male and one female."

"That's right," Miki whispered in surprise. Takemikazuchi nodded in satisfaction.

"I didn't rely on Sakura and the others; I earned the money myself by working... and then, well, I borrowed some money to buy it."

Upon hearing this, Ming was truly taken aback.

Sakura and the others seemed unaware of this, their faces filled with astonishment.

"I heard that Hestia went so far as to borrow money to buy Bell Crane a dagger. I'm not trying to compete with her, but I feel I should do something in return... Uh, no, I don't think borrowing money is a virtue, but, how should I put it..."

As Takemikazuchi finished speaking, he became hesitant, closed his eyes, and blushed.

Seeing the male god reveal his competitive spirit towards the female god, she felt embarrassed, and her gaze fell on the short sword.

The white sword and the black sword, with scabbards shaped like Japanese swords.

It has the "Gubernau Family" trademark engraved on it, indicating that it was specially ordered.

His bluish-purple eyes trembled and began to moisten.

"...I also want to do something for my lovely daughter."

Seeing his smile, my tear ducts finally broke down.

Seeing Ming burst into tears, Jian Yu Lei smiled bitterly, bent down, and leaned closer to look at her face.

"The male sword 'Tianhua' and the female sword 'Dican'... I'll give you this one to keep, and I'll keep the other one."

Because she was holding something in both hands, Takemikazuchi tied the black short sword—the female sword "Jizan"—to her waist instead.

After tightening the belt around his waist, he looked up at the girl whose tears were still flowing.

"We'll give this sword to you when you come back to us."

So you must come back.

Takemikazuchi saw the white short sword—the valiant sword "Tenka"—and a broad smile appeared on his face.

"I will always wait for you, my destiny."

She let the tears well up in her eyes and slowly closed her eyes.

The warmth of the embrace made his chest tremble, and he smiled with his eyes closed.

When the swords they received became a true pair of male and female swords.

Tell him honestly about the feelings of affection that I couldn't convey today.

Wait until I become worthy of this sword.

When the time comes, I must confess my feelings.

"—Yes!! Please wait for me!"

Fate made tears wet her face, but she forced a smile.

She and Kenjiro, who was by her side, both smiled.

Chigusa, Haruhime, Sakura, and the others who were watching nearby also smiled.

"Um! This is cake... Please, Takemikazuchi and everyone else, have some."

"Oh, thanks, luck! Alright, you guys—come and feast!"

"yes!"

Taking the cake from the laughing-crying boy's hands, Takemikazuchi gave the order, and the room immediately became lively. Several boys seemed impatient, reaching for the prepared dishes.

Chigusa, Haruhime, and the other girls ran to Mikoto's side, touching her back or putting their arms around her shoulders, and smiling at her. Mikoto wiped her eyes and returned the smile.

The magic stone light shone out of the window.

Just like the shrine in his birthplace, the cramped headquarters was constantly filled with cheerful laughter.

*

Sunlight streamed down from the clear blue sky.

Under the bright sunshine that had already ushered in early summer, the gleaming blades echoed with the sound of wind cutting through them.

[Hestia Familia] Headquarters, Courtyard of the Residence.

On a lawn overgrown with artificial plants, someone is ordered to practice sword swinging while sweating profusely.

She moved like a ninja, wielding the short sword "Jizan" given to her by Takemikazuchi.

"I'm starting to have a newfound respect for Takemikazuchi..."

Bell and Welf were quietly watching Ming practice martial arts in the shaded corridor when Nazha spoke up.

She delivered the contracted goods to the mansion, and after hearing what happened last night, she seemed a little happy, wagging her tail.

"I was worried about what would happen, but it seems I was nervous for nothing."

"However, it's wonderful that she's made up with Takemikazuchi, and Miss Mikoto seems very happy..."

"I can't help but say this while leaning on the pillar," said Welf, while Bell beside him smiled.

In front of them, Ming diligently practiced martial arts, occasionally stopping to gaze at his short sword, his cheeks beaming with a soft smile.

The girl seemed too excited to sit still, making Bell and Welf smile wryly. Naza, hearing that Takemikazuchi had prepared the weapon entirely on his own, looked at her idol with new respect and also narrowed her eyes at the girl's excited expression.

"But."

At this moment, Nazha gently raised the corners of her mouth.

"I think it's because Takemikazuchi can do those things so nonchalantly that people misunderstand him and call him slow-witted."

He divided the two swords, one male and one female, among his family and himself, who was a god.

The female sword is given to the woman, and the male sword is given to the man.

This is simply——

"—The wedding ring, which the gods call 'propose'."

"...Yes."

"Ah, hahaha..."

Welf reached up and touched his neck, while Bell couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly.

Being subjected to a marriage proposal-like gesture is bound to cause misunderstandings and excitement. They all share the same thought.

"Hey everyone—! If it's convenient, would you like to practice martial arts together—!?"

He focused on training and waved to Bell and the others.

Holding one of the twin swords, she wore a bright smile.

Volume 8, Chapter 2: Palum's Proposal

Fifty kilometers to the east of the labyrinth city.

Life continues unchanging within the distant city walls, while the Orario Familia alliance continues its battle against the Kingdom's army.

"Ugh, this is so troublesome. Finn, hurry up and get it done!"

Five days have passed since the start of the war.

In the vast grassland area overlooking the treacherous Orb Mountains and the distant "Seolu Forest," the Loki Familia set up a campsite, raising their faction's flag to intimidate the enemy.

Inside a spacious tent, the chief god laid out several chairs together, lazily reclining on them as he made unreasonable demands. Finn looked down at the map spread out on the table and smiled bitterly.

"I really want to do that..."

In his base camp, where he and Loki were alone, Finn glanced at the chess pieces scattered across the map.

"The enemy's actions were too passive, starting strong but ending weakly."

"What do you mean—?"