Today, at the foot of Starfall Mountain, Valhalla City buzzed with gossip.

“Have you heard? The second young lady of House Dewell is a lesbian?”

“I heard, I heard! And super aggressive too!”

“Coming out publicly like that… kinda admire her.”

“Who’s the one she came out to?”

“No idea, but she brought three gorgeous girls with her.”

“One versus three? So *that’s* a top-tier lesbian?”

“They say Lady Molly was furious. Wonder if she’s cooled off yet?”

“I wish the sisters would step on me…”

“Hehe, awesome! Gonna be bloodshed!”

And just like that, Torina’s reputation floored the accelerator into weird territory. On the streets, female passersby either gave her a wide berth or flashed suggestive smiles. Truly divine.

…

…

…

“Young Miss, here are your four rooms. Luggage’s already set.”

“Oh, thanks…”

“Need anything? Just call my name—I’ll appear instantly.”

“Nah, creepy.”

“Then… have a good time.”

Sebas settled them in a modest building on the city’s edge—low-profile enough to keep nosy crowds away. Plain outside, lavishly furnished within: four spacious rooms (one each), plus a private basement bar and entertainment lounge.

“Oh, Young Miss—one thing I forgot.” Sebas materialized again, ghostlike.

“What now…”

“The basement lounge is huge, soundproof, and sturdy. Use it freely.”

He vanished. *Actually* vanished this time.

The four sat in the living room, exchanging uneasy glances. The awkwardness was so thick you wanted to vanish into the floorboards.

“Um… I think I… acted impulsively…” Mylora murmured weakly.

Less than thirty minutes ago, riding a wave of Phoenix Overlord energy, she’d blurted wildly embarrassing lines. Now cooled down—deep in sober regret—she wished for a crack to swallow her whole.

“…You were reckless! Impulsive! Do you realize you’ve made yourself the target of everyone’s criticism?” Annawiel said, displeased.

“And dragged all of us into the spotlight… This isn’t just personal—it’s about the team,” Patti added with a wry smile.

“W-waaah… sorry…”

“There, there. No use blaming yourself now.” Torina gently patted Mylora’s head.

Torina felt no anger—only a flicker of warmth. When her sister paraded those suitors, panic had gripped her. Annawiel’s words weren’t enough to counter Molly. But Mylora? Her inner strength surged exactly when needed.

To have someone stand up for you… to feel *that* fiercely cared for? Honestly… not bad.

“Torina…” Mylora looked up, eyes glistening with remorse.

“Don’t get teary. You helped me. Now answer this: Are you truly prepared for the consequences of those explosive words?”

“Resolve…?”

“This is my future. My life. Since you stepped in—I need you to take responsibility. Win. Give me a happy future.”

!!!!

Mylora’s eyes shot wide. Annawiel flinched. Patti covered her mouth.

*(Torina meant: “Win! So I won’t get forced into marriage and can keep adventuring!”

But it sounded like: “I’m entrusting my life to you—marry me.”)*

Mylora slammed the table and stood.

“OF COURSE! I HAVE THE RESOLVE! ABSOLUTELY! I-I-I’LL MAKE YOU HAPPY!”

“? Oh… thanks? I want happiness too.”

Torina scratched her head awkwardly.

Annawiel watched Mylora’s fiery determination. Annoyance faded from her face, replaced by quiet self-reproach.

“…I envy you, Mylora. Speaking your mind. Acting without hesitation.”

“Huh? Insulting me…?”

“Compliment. Seriously.”

Annawiel dug sharp nails into the tabletop. After a silence, she spoke firmly:

“You don’t want Torina married? Neither do I. If she leaves, the team shatters. I may not like you—but our goal’s the same. I’ll give you every support I can.”

“I’ll help too! Anything I can do,” Patti chimed cheerfully.

“You guys… thank you!”

Mylora’s heart swelled. Comrade bonds were *so* uplifting! Team unity = boss’s blessing!

“Don’t get emotional yet!” Annawiel cut in. “Valhalla’s crawling with elites. Those suitors Molly lined up? Not pushovers. You *really* think you can beat them?”

“I have to! I’ll give my all—and fill the rest with spirit!”

“Spirit my foot! We need a tight training plan. Make you strong enough to stand alone—*fast*. Starting now: Torina, me, *and* Patti will coach you.”

“W-whoa… overwhelmed…”

“No time to lose—plan starts *now*!”

“Y-yes!”

Mylora, Annawiel, and Patti dove into schedules and curricula.

Torina scratched her head awkwardly.

Somehow… the plot had veered sharply off-track.

What *else* could she do for Mylora? This wasn’t just Mylora’s fight—it was hers too…

——————

——————

Inside the mansion, the banquet had ended. Molly Dewell’s expression? Far from pleasant, even with generous wording.

Torina attended the academy, formed an adventurer team—Molly had hoped for growth. Instead? Worse character. A lesbian. As eldest sister, disappointment cut deep.

And that girl claiming she’d defeat all suitors? Utterly improper. An eyesore.

“Arrogant little girls…”

Frowning, she sipped Beast Brand tea while scanning the festival itinerary.

Per rules: Recommendation holders could enter the Niflheim labyrinth upon opening—three attempts total during the festival. After closure, the Battle Festival began: real combat, heated rivalry. The top performer earned House Dewell’s reward—and this time, Torina herself. If the victor sought marriage, Molly would offer her sister.

“Hmph. Let that Mylora make noise. With her skill? She won’t stir a ripple.”