Rubbing her temples, Lena’s mother wracked her brain but couldn’t come up with a reasonable explanation.

Nico decided to stop overthinking. Two things had become crystal clear:

First, this adorable boy Kuber was incredibly strong—a perfect son-in-law candidate.

Second, this mithril weapon was exactly what she needed.

So Nico kept fondling the mithril blade, utterly captivated. Kuber felt a chill down his spine, realizing with dread that showing this weapon might’ve been a terrible mistake.

Sure enough, Nico put on a pitiful pout and shamelessly asked, "Um, little Kuber... could Auntie borrow this weapon?"

"Huh? What would you even need it for?" Kuber braced himself but still jolted in surprise. Selling it would make sense—but why else?

"Well," Nico explained smoothly, "the Adventurers’ Guild just discovered a new S-rank Labyrinth near Black Forest. With so few S-rank adventurers in Ferrol City lately, they’ve conscripted me—I used to be S-rank myself, you know. An S-rank Labyrinth is deadly dangerous... but with this mithril weapon, I’d stand a much better chance."

*Holy crap. Lena’s mom is an S-rank adventurer?*

Kuber nearly choked. And that "new S-rank Labyrinth"... was it the Labyrinth Tower he’d cleared? If so, she had nothing to worry about—he’d just escort her. Besides, Nico’s "borrowing" looked suspiciously like permanent confiscation.

He opened his mouth to refuse. "I—"

Then something squirmed against his lap. Glancing down, he saw that mischievous black-stockinged foot rubbing against him again.

"... ..."

Kuber silently lifted his teacup, sipped to cool his burning blood, and changed his answer. "No need to borrow, Auntie! It’s just a mithril weapon—I’ll gift it to you. Consider it my lodging fee these past days!"

*Lust truly has its price.* That mithril blade could fetch a fortune. Kuber’s heart bled, but what could he do? He was a die-hard foot fetishist.

"Really? Little Kuber, you’re amazing! Auntie loves you~ Mwah~!"

Nico squealed with delight, blowing him a kiss. His generosity saved her the trouble of dodging repayment later.

"Wait! Mom! How can you do this?!"

Lena finally snapped, stepping forward to defend Kuber. A mithril weapon was far too precious—this was outright robbery!

"Oh dear~" Nico sighed dramatically. "My own daughter, not even married yet, already siding with outsiders? How heartbreaking."

"Mom, you—?!"

"You what? Would you be happy if I died in that Labyrinth?"

"I—I—"

Outmatched, Lena flushed crimson, stammering into silence. Kuber rushed to mediate. "Don’t worry, Lena. A mithril weapon means little to me. I’ll join the Labyrinth expedition too—I’ll keep Auntie Nico completely safe."

"Aww, such a thoughtful boy~" Nico beamed. "Unlike my ungrateful daughter. If only I had a son like you..."

"Ahaha... you flatter me, Auntie."

...............

After dinner.

In a cozy bedroom, Lena helped Kuber change into pajamas like a devoted wife. Even this pampered boy felt awkward—being waited on while staying at her home made him seem helpless.

The small bed was soft and warm. As Kuber lay still, Lena tucked him in, her bright eyes blinking before planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Goodnight, Master Kuber."

"Goodnight, Lena."

She clapped softly. The glowing stones embedded in the ceiling dimmed instantly. Lena left, leaving Kuber alone on the plush bed—well, almost. Beside him, fluffy little A Luo snored like a log, a tiny bubble clinging to her nose.

Kuber pulled the blanket over his face, inhaling the sweet scent of youth. Tension melted from his body. His mind grew hazy... drifting into sleep.

Outside, Ferrol City settled under the night sky.

Beneath the bright moon, a shadow leaped across rooftops, letting out a strange cry:

"Ee-ya~~~~~~~!"