What kind of will does it take to resist the addictive nature of Soma's Divine Wine?
Soma had never considered the answer to this question, but Liliruca, who had once harbored hope only to be met with disappointment, used her actions to explain everything.
Her sincere words struck directly at his heart.
"I have to consider if this is my only chance in this life."
"You are truly surprising..."
His voice was very soft. Although he couldn't empathize, he could still see Liliruca's difficult situation within her Familia from her experiences.
An emotion named "guilt" gradually emerged in Soma's heart.
Without refusing again, he nodded slightly and said, "Your application to leave the Familia has been approved. I will also ensure Chanis no longer bothers you."
"Should..."
"Shouldn't be necessary, right?"
Her state had gradually returned to normal. Thinking of Chanis, sprawled on the ground like a dead dog, and... Keare's incredibly reliable figure.
A smile unconsciously blossomed on the girl's face.
Liliruca didn't actually care about the conditions of the Familia Keare belonged to. As long as she stood firm in her heart's choice, the outcome would surely be correct.
An Adventurer with 'healing' and strong combat ability.
Given enough time, he would definitely become a powerful Adventurer on the stage of Orario in the future!
"Mm."
"Regarding changing Gods, the new God can simply cover it with their Divine Blood."
Soma nodded expressionlessly, looking at the girl heading towards a new life. He softly said, "I apologize. I failed to fulfill my duties as a God."
"I allowed the Familia to fall into chaos."
"I hope that in your new Familia, you can integrate smoothly and get along well with your companions..."
He didn't offer empty blessings, but it was everything he could think of to say to Liliruca. The same curiosity also enveloped Soma.
"Can you tell me about..."
"...the person who helped you?"
The girl suddenly didn't know what to say. She racked her brains, recalling the details of their interactions, and finally realized that the most profound impression was actually his words in the Dungeon.
"After this storm ends, prepare to become my private property."
Although she hadn't experienced these things.
As a low-level Adventurer, how could she not understand the underlying meaning? A blush gradually spread across Liliruca's fair neck, all the way to her earlobes.
"That..."
"I don't know how to describe it, but I don't dislike him!!!"
Leaving Soma's brewing room, the goal she had worked towards for years was finally achieved. Liliruca felt as if a stone pressing on her heart had quietly vanished without a trace.
Embracing a better future.
She was looking forward to it, but now that she finally had some free time, a practical problem appeared before her.
"Keare..."
"Will his God allow me to join?"
Liliruca had never asked such a question, but these complex thoughts resurfaced when she saw the tall figure waiting for her.
She walked over proactively and made her request with her new identity:
"Um... I've successfully left the Soma Familia. Since... since we'll be developing together in the future, I should be joining your Familia, right?"
"Will your God agree?"
"Definitely."
After many twists and turns.
At least the final result aligned with Keare's goal. Liliruca's addition as a Supporter would benefit the future development of the Hestia Familia.
Putting aside the so-called reincarnation theory.
Finn's sister from a previous life, the fictitious Pallum Goddess Fiana, the current Liliruca, is very skilled in management, intellect, and economics.
Running a Familia.
It's definitely not as simple as he thought.
Keare could make a vow to "form a Familia for life" while controlling the bigger picture with a small amount, but he had to consider the reality for other members.
Familia exploration income.
Salary expenses.
Purchasing various Dungeon exploration tools, economic coordination, diplomacy, and so on.
"Chanis has been dealt with. From now on, no one from the Soma Familia will bother you again," Keare explained in a relaxed tone.
She wanted to express many words of gratitude.
But in the end, Liliruca found herself unable to speak, because... this guy kept talking about a transaction, but in reality, he was the one unilaterally giving.
"Thank you..."
"The crucial thing now is to find you a place to stay."
Stuffing Liliruca into an abandoned church?
Keare didn't even dare to entertain such a thought. Also, some matters were definitely better handled outside than in a basement.
Facing the girl's puzzled gaze.
He sighed, his eyes helpless: "The Familia's base temporarily can't accommodate anyone. Hmm... the situation is a bit tight, but it will definitely get better later."
"I believe you."
They didn't linger at the Soma Familia.
As Keare led Liliruca away, he noticed a faint gaze behind him. He paused, turned his head, and spotted the figure on the second floor.
The highly recognizable attire, and the face with most of it covered by black hair.
The God of Wine, "Soma."
It was also a gesture from him, leaving behind a mess and taking Liliruca. He raised his hand and waved casually, then finally left the Soma Familia's headquarters.
"Very good."
"Next up is, counting my spoils of war!"
Keare had no intention of interfering with the operation of the Soma Familia. He left it to Decree to handle freely, having already used "Memory Alteration" to strip him of his addiction to Soma's Divine Wine.
In the extremely chaotic environment, having lost the Familia captain Chanis.
Decree, whose strength was decent, was indeed a strong contender. And holding the leverage of him killing the former captain, it wasn't just about earning some extra money.
Whether it was Dungeon exploration or Familia development.
Going it alone was destined not to last long. It was also... establishing a proactive diplomatic relationship, so they wouldn't be isolated and helpless if they encountered a War Game.
Following Liliruca's steps, he arrived at the inn she rented.
Due to the frugal habits she developed in the Soma Familia, she didn't need to worry about saving money. The room Liliruca chose was quite narrow.
Not to mention the various cluttered items.
Making the already not-so-spacious room appear even more cramped.
Just as Keare found a place to settle, he saw the girl rummaging under the bed, finally pulling out a black cloth bag full of valis. She explained:
"This is the money I saved up in previous years."
"A lot of this money... came from unclean sources. If I keep holding onto it, I always... I always think of the terrible, nauseating things I've done before."
There was a hint of self-abasement in the girl's smile.
Especially since Keare knew about her past, when facing him alone, this dark history became a scar that could never be forgotten.
"Keep some of it."
"At least enough for daily expenses like rent and food."
Forgiving Liliruca for being a victim had nothing to do with Keare. And now, the incident of her leaving the Soma Familia had completely concluded.
He only wanted to collect his due reward.
"Liliruca."
"You also don't want... you also don't want to be an untrustworthy Supporter, right? Now that you've successfully left the Familia, then what happens next..."
"Do you know what to do?"
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The girl nodded gently.
But the face, gradually covered by a blush, already indicated her current mood. This time, she had to seize... her own future!