Danmachi: The Sign In System!

Chapter 102 - Demeter's Question

Lili and Tifa returned in the afternoon.

They didn't bring back the materials for crafting the Grimoire, but they brought news.

Miach had asked to meet Orsted.

Orsted agreed without hesitation.

The absence of Grimoire materials clearly indicated a problem.

Miach hadn't told Lili and Tifa anything, instead requesting a meeting with Orsted.

There had to be a reason.

At the location Miach had relayed through Lili and Tifa, Orsted spotted him.

Miach was seated at an open-air table outside a tavern.

"Hey, Orsted, it's been a while," Miach called out warmly, waving as Orsted approached.

"It's only been a few days," Orsted replied, nodding.

"How've you been?"

"Thanks to you, the Familia's situation has been steadily improving," Miach said gratefully.

Since Naaza had resumed dungeon expeditions, the Miach Familia's fortunes had risen.

Orsted's tenfold boost affected Naaza as well.

The magic stones dropped when Naaza defeated monsters were ten times larger than usual—not in quantity, but in quality.

Though Naaza had only joined Orsted for two dungeon runs, her gains were substantial.

She'd even repaid one-fifth of the debt owed to the Dian Cecht Familia.

Surprised by the magic stones, Naaza noticed Orsted and the others didn't comment, so she kept quiet, sensing the change was tied to their team but unsure why.

She chose to stay silent and profit quietly.

Orsted's tenfold boost was peculiar.

When adventuring with him, dropped magic stones and materials were enhanced, but the basic abilities of others, aside from Orsted himself, remained unaffected.

Orsted found this odd but hadn't uncovered any explanation.

Over time, he stopped dwelling on the first reward ability he'd received.

Orsted accepted Miach's gratitude calmly, knowing the reason behind it.

"Let's get to business," Miach said gently. "I visited Demeter's manor, but she wouldn't sell me the materials. She insisted you come in person."

Orsted fell silent, a touch exasperated.

He'd asked Miach to go precisely to avoid Demeter.

Yet, she'd specifically requested his presence.

"Demeter mentioned visiting the Hestia Familia villa several times but missing you," Miach continued, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"She said she misses you and hopes you'll visit her."

"Just her bad luck. I'm at the villa sometimes," Orsted said, rubbing his forehead with a wry smile.

He prepared to go himself.

With twenty elves in the Familia, all eager for Grimoires to learn magic, he couldn't delay.

He wanted to form a mage team—perhaps even a mage corps—to utilize the mage medal.

"Sorry," Miach said softly, seeing Orsted rise.

"It's not your fault. I'll handle it," Orsted reassured him, shaking his head.

"To be honest, I hope you'll see Demeter," Miach added.

"She seems to care about you, and… something feels off with her. I hope you can be there for her."

"Something's off?" Orsted echoed.

Indeed, in the anime, Hestia attended a divine banquet where Demeter sensed something amiss with Dionysus.

She secretly investigated his Familia, only to be ensnared and threatened by him.

Many of Demeter's adventurers faced life-threatening crises, and several perished.

If Miach, typically oblivious to such nuances, could sense something wrong with the ever-cheerful Demeter, it likely involved Dionysus.

But so soon? Had Demeter already uncovered something about his Familia?

It seemed unlikely, but possible.

With these thoughts, Orsted arrived at the Demeter Familia's manor outside Orario.

Demeter herself greeted him, waiting in the courtyard's pavilion.

As Orsted appeared at the gate, she hurried to welcome him.

Unlike their first meeting, Demeter didn't overwhelm him with affection.

Her face was etched with sorrow, her expression so visibly troubled that even someone as unperceptive as Miach could notice.

"What happened?" Orsted asked with concern, forgoing mention of the materials.

At his caring tone, Demeter looked up, a flicker of melancholy in her eyes.

"Orsted, if you found a friend straying down a dangerous path, how would you save them?" she asked softly.

Orsted was certain now—Demeter had discovered something about Dionysus and was troubled by it.

He didn't respond, unsure how to answer.

Demeter offered a faint smile. "Sorry," she murmured.

"Orsted, can I… hold you for a moment?" Before he could reply, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and resting her face against his chest.

"Your presence is so comforting," she whispered.

Orsted: …

"Demeter, some things are better left alone. Don't dig too deep," he said after a moment's hesitation, his tone gentle but firm.

The Demeter Familia was vital to him, as they provide the materials for his Grimoires.

Just kidding, he can't let this cutie be sad, can he?

He offered only a kind warning, leaving the choice to her.

Demeter stiffened slightly in his arms. After a pause, her voice came, soft and resolute. "I understand…"

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