Danmachi: A Despicable Stranger

Chapter 86: Artemis: I feel like I have lost my mind~

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In Izzy's Personal Room

"Why did you say that just now, Ais?"

Pulling Ais to the chairs at the table in his room, Izzy sat her down and placed his unfinished breakfast on the table. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he asked the question directly.

"Because... it was Riveria's idea..."

Is Mama-san involved in this?

Actually, it made perfect sense. Riveria had always been Ais's emotional counselor, known for her sharp advice and clever tactics. Izzy recalled from the original that she often played matchmaker, coming up with all kinds of ideas to guide Ais through emotional dilemmas.

"So… what's the reason this time?"

"Because I wanted to return the favor," Ais replied, sitting obediently in her chair. Her straightforward tone left no room for misinterpretation.

Through a brief back-and-forth, Izzy pieced together the whole story.

Suddenly, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Really? Couldn't this have been handled privately?

Thinking about the earlier scene in the cafeteria, Izzy felt a shiver run down his spine. He could already picture Loki waking up and coming after him with a sword.

"…Is it not okay?"

Ais, noticing his helpless smile, assumed he wasn't on board with the idea.

"No, of course it's fine."

Are you kidding? How could Izzy turn down such an opportunity? At worst, he could just avoid Loki for a few days. She'd calm down eventually.

"Well then, let's go to Riveria later," Ais said with a faint smile, her voice soft but determined.

"…Go to Riveria? Why?"

"She didn't finish telling me what to do on the date. The breakfast bell rang before she could explain everything."

Ah, so that's it...

For some reason, Izzy had the feeling that this date might go surprisingly well. But then he remembered the vast difference in combat power between him and Ais and quickly pushed the thought aside.

Stay calm, he told himself. One step at a time. There's still Artemis to deal with, so no need to rush.

With that thought, he refocused on finishing his breakfast.

Feeling a bit guilty, he handed two untouched omelets to Ais, who had yet to eat anything.

"Here, eat this. You've been running around on an empty stomach."

The current situation wasn't ideal for returning to the cafeteria; the lingering crowd would undoubtedly make fun of them. Izzy decided he'd prepare breakfast for Ais himself once the cafeteria cleared out.

Explaining things now, with so many eyes watching, would only lead to more chaos.

---

About half an hour later, the two returned to the cafeteria.

The space was much quieter now, most of the Familia members having left to attend to their daily tasks. Only Linie, who was on shift, and a few other staff members remained, cleaning up after breakfast.

"Izzy, Miss Ais… what brings you two back?" Linie noticed their arrival and approached with small, curious steps.

"Ais hasn't eaten yet," Izzy said with a shrug, his tone carrying a hint of resignation.

When Linie turned to Ais for confirmation, the blonde nodded. "I came to find something to eat."

"I see. Miss Ais really didn't eat earlier. Luckily, I set aside a breakfast for her just in case. Please, come this way."

Ever attentive, Linie had noticed earlier that Ais had left the cafeteria without eating. Thinking ahead, she'd saved a plate just in case. Now it seemed like her decision had been spot-on.

As she led Ais toward the food, Linie silently pondered the earlier commotion. Surely, there had been some misunderstanding. Ais wasn't the type to proactively ask someone out on a date… right?

Just as Ize began to relax, a thunderous voice echoed through the cafeteria.

"I-ZZY-!!! GET OUT HERE!!!"

When Linie Brought Breakfast to Ais

A sudden, deafening roar echoed through the cafeteria, accompanied by the pounding noise of its source charging toward them.

"!!!"

Danger!!!

The thunderous sound grew louder, and Izzy instantly recognized the situation.

"Ais, we'll talk about the date later! I'm leaving first!"

Without waiting to explain, Izzy bolted before Loki could catch sight of him.

"——!"

Ais was still accepting the breakfast plate from Linie when she heard Izzy's hurried words. By the time she turned, he was already a blur disappearing from view.

She opened her lips, momentarily stunned, not knowing how to react.

Izzy… why are you so afraid of Loki?

She tilted her head, genuinely unable to understand his actions.

Next to her, Linie froze for a moment, her thoughts spinning. Wasn't Ais supposed to be the calm one? Clearly, things were far more complicated than they seemed.

Suddenly, Loki burst into the cafeteria, a kitchen knife in hand.

Her sharp gaze scanned the room, quickly landing on Ais, who stood alone. Seeing no sign of Izzy, Loki visibly relaxed, the fiery determination in her expression fading momentarily.

But then, as if reminded of the insult to her pride, Loki's lips curled in frustration.

Ais asked someone out on a date! It was something Loki had never been blessed with!

"No! This isn't over!"

With renewed energy, Loki stormed out of the cafeteria, shouting, "Izzy! Get out here!!!"

---

Meanwhile, at the Sacred Baths

To describe this place simply, it could only be called paradise.

"Let me check if they've grown again?"

"How could they have possibly grown… Hey, stop that! Don't rub it!"

If anyone witnessed this scene, regardless of gender, they would likely faint, their face red and nose bleeding profusely.

Amid the thin mist, goddesses who prided themselves on their divine beauty freely displayed their dazzling forms, their soft, curvaceous figures unashamedly revealed.

They laughed, chatted, and teased one another in a natural, uninhibited state.

As its name suggested, the Sacred Baths were exclusive to gods.

This luxurious facility boasted large, intricately designed bathtubs, surrounded by natural elements such as towering trees and sculpted stones to create a serene, nature-inspired atmosphere.

Even the walls and pillars, crafted from finely cut stone, exuded an air of grandeur and divinity.

Built by the guild as a gesture of reverence, the bathhouse was funded by taxes collected from all families in Orario. While both male and female gods had their own designated areas, the male gods' section was rarely used.

When mortals mentioned the Sacred Baths, they were almost always referring to the goddess-exclusive section.

---

Artemis leaned back in the steaming water, her skin glowing a delicate pink from the heat. She let out a soft sigh, her blue hair floating lazily across the surface of the water.

"Hah… It's been so long since I came here…"

Submerging her shoulders fully into the soothing warmth, Artemis closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax.

But her peace was short-lived as her mind wandered to recent events.

"I can't believe I ended up in a drinking contest with Loki," she murmured, her tone filled with regret.

Reflecting on the previous night, Artemis couldn't help but scold herself. Why did I choose to face Loki like that?

Even in the heavens, Loki's reputation as a drunkard was infamous, alongside a laundry list of other less-than-flattering traits.

Artemis didn't even drink often. And yet, in the heat of the moment, she'd foolishly challenged Loki herself.

The more she thought about it, the less sense it made. What had driven her to make such a ridiculous choice?

Unfortunately, the answer was lost to her now.

I was so drunk… I don't even remember.

Since their divine powers were sealed in the lower world, gods were no different from mortals in certain aspects. That included the inability to escape the hazy amnesia of a drunken stupor.