In the final week, preparations within the Loki Familia became increasingly visible—though only on the inside.
The internal work was intricate. Large amounts of supplies had to be stored in advance inside the Rest Space, and arranging that space properly was crucial. Of course, it wasn't only the Loki Familia working on this; the Hephaestus Familia was doing the same. Only the Astraea Familia had it a bit easier.
Since Astraea's group had effectively merged into Loki's, the materials they used were folded into Loki's logistics. The spoils from the expedition would be divided later as needed.
In short, all three Familia were in full "Joint Expedition" readiness.
Yet in this tense atmosphere, Raul displayed an attitude completely different from the other adventurers' eager energy.
"Not participating in this Joint Expedition?"
Finn looked at Raul with a hint of surprise.
He already knew from Loki what was going on with Raul, and why he had been listless lately. But he hadn't expected Raul to come seek him out and request to sit this expedition out.
"Raul, are you certain?"
"Yeah. Lately I… have some things I must do—very important things. I can't shift my focus elsewhere right now. So, Captain, I'm asking for your permission."
Raul had his reasons.
Liz had been pregnant for over a month. Her condition was stable, but the usual symptoms had appeared. Her body needed more nourishment, and her mood had grown sensitive. During this period, Raul wanted nothing more than to clear his schedule and stay by her side.
"The Joint Expedition is important, but if I force my attention onto it right now, I won't be able to do it properly. Rather than join the team while my mind is elsewhere, it's better I wait until I can truly focus."
He knew how significant this Joint Expedition was.
A three-Familia operation—if it succeeded, future expeditions might adopt this very model. This was an initial test and dry run, a rehearsal for future team composition.
Missing it would, in all likelihood, mean falling far behind.
But to Raul, Liz mattered more—especially since the child in her womb would be his first. No matter what, he didn't want anything to happen to Liz or the baby.
What a pity… Finn sighed inwardly.
He had long viewed Raul as a future tactical lead for the Familia, and Raul indeed had the talent. With Tsuna's support, his prospects had looked even better. If Raul received the Flames of Dying Will, he could go further still. But now, that chance was slipping away.
Finn was sure Raul would bitterly regret this decision one day—but by then, regret would be meaningless.
And what good would more words do now?
Finn shook his head slightly, pulled out a document, and drew a line through the name "Raul" on the list.
"Raul, I understand your request. For this Joint Expedition, you'll be assigned to home defense."
"Thank you very much, Captain."
Receiving the answer he wanted, Raul bowed with a smile.
It was a real shame to miss the expedition, but he had more important matters now. As for this regret—he'd make it up next time.
"Captain, I'll take my leave."
"Mm."
Finn watched Raul's back as he left, then lowered his gaze and shook his head again.
A choice like this meant giving up on the future.
"I can't believe the kid really chose to skip the Joint Expedition."
The door opened, and with it came a rough, low voice tinged with disbelief.
"Does he not grasp how important this is? Everyone in the Familia wants in—aside from a few of the older ones we're leaving to guard the home front, nobody is passing. And he decides to pass."
Gareth simply couldn't wrap his head around it. To throw away a chance to move up so easily… did the next generation truly weigh that much?
The thought put a chill in him about having children. At his prime, he'd best avoid entanglements; if anything, marriage could wait until retirement. Otherwise, children would demand enormous time and energy.
"Procreation is important for every race," Riveria said from behind Gareth, speaking only after he'd finished. "But Raul is too young to be a father. At his age, he should be pursuing opportunities and pathways to grow stronger—then consider starting a family once he has achieved more."
In this era, marrying and having children young wasn't uncommon; sixteen or seventeen was already of age. Ordinary people lacked avenues to pursue power. They became merchants or farmers. For them, marriage and child-rearing at that age made sense. Farmers had time to teach their children, and they needed new hands to offset aging bodies and declining strength.
Adventurers, however, are not ordinary. They face monsters of superior power, and death is never far away. Most must tread carefully, or tomorrow could be their end. For that reason, adventurers often chase pleasure more than the patient work of raising the next generation. Only those with proven ability, or those who have grown older—or retired—tend to plan for children.
For ordinary people, Raul's age is just right to consider family.
But as an adventurer—one with decent ability and real achievements—he's too early to focus on it.
That was what made Finn and the others lament.
(End of Chapter)
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