Hestia eagerly speared a piece of grilled meat and stuffed it into her mouth, her eyes narrowing in bliss. "Mmm~ It's so delicious!"
Ying Ping tasted the stew, and it was indeed exceptionally delicious.
The meat was tender, the sauce rich, and paired with the special bread, it was simply a perfect match.
"Master, try this."
Kokoro thoughtfully cut a piece of dragon fish for Ying Ping and gently placed it on his plate.
"Ying Ping-kun, try mine too!"
Hestia immediately pushed her plate over.
The three of them enjoyed their meal in such harmony, occasionally breaking into cheerful laughter.
Ying Ping noticed that Syr seemed to always pass by their table, intentionally or unintentionally, but always maintaining a perfect distance.
After a few drinks, Hestia's face was flushed, and she began gesticulating wildly, recounting amusing stories from the Celestial Realm.
Kokoro had also relaxed considerably, occasionally giggling at Hestia's antics.
"Sorry to keep you waiting~ Here is the red wine you ordered."
Syr walked over with a tray, elegantly pouring wine for the three of them.
As her fingers inadvertently brushed Ying Ping's glass, a subtle, almost imperceptible anomaly flashed in her eyes—
"Although that loli elf's soul color is very pure, it's not my type."
"After all, it doesn't sparkle, and there are quite a few flaws in it, and she's a girl."
"However, as for this man's soul color... why can't I see through it?"
"Why is there no color at all?"
"All I feel is a deep, unfathomable chill... it's like looking into an abyss."
The next second, Syr, unable to comprehend, resumed her professional smile. "Please enjoy."
Hestia was already eager to raise her glass. "To celebrate Kokoro-chan joining us, and today's great harvest, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Three glasses clinked in the air, making a crisp sound.
Ying Ping took a sip, and the rich aroma of the wine spread through his mouth.
He noticed that as Syr left, she turned back and gave him another deep look.
"Why did I still catch her attention…" he thought with a bitter smile, but was quickly pulled back to reality by Hestia's excited voice.
"Never mind, it doesn't matter. I'll deal with whatever comes my way."
"Ying Ping-kun! Try this too!"
Hestia speared a fragrant piece of steak and held it directly to his mouth, gesturing, "Ah—"
Ying Ping reluctantly opened his mouth and took it. The meat was tender and juicy, and the seasoning was just right.
"Is it good?"
Hestia asked expectantly, blinking her big eyes.
"Mm, it's great."
Upon receiving a positive answer, Hestia's eyes curved into happy crescents.
She turned to Kokoro. "Kokoro-chan, eat more too! You both worked hard today!"
"Th-thank you, Goddess-sama!"
Kokoro, flattered, took the food Hestia offered.
After a few rounds of drinks and dishes, Hestia's cheeks were flushed with a lovely blush.
She suddenly lowered her voice mysteriously. "Ying Ping-kun, I've actually already thought of who to find to forge your new weapon…"
Ying Ping's heart stirred. "Could it be…"
"That's right!"
Hestia proudly wagged her index finger. "It's that hot-tempered forging goddess—Hephaestus!"
She leaned close to Ying Ping's ear, a faint scent of alcohol on her breath, and whispered, "Although her personality is a bit difficult, for the sake of our old friendship, she will definitely forge the best weapon for you~"
Ying Ping looked at Hestia's confident expression, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly felt a gaze from the direction of the bar.
He turned his head to see Syr wiping glasses, watching him thoughtfully.
Their gazes briefly met in the air—
Syr's lips curved slightly, revealing a sweet and charming smile.
Ying Ping's heart tightened, but he maintained his calm demeanor.
He raised his glass and nodded to Syr.
Syr paused for a moment, then returned a polite nod and turned to attend to other matters.
"What's wrong?"
Hestia asked, puzzled.
"Nothing."
Ying Ping withdrew his gaze, smiled, and raised his glass. "Come, another toast to the future of our Familia!"
"Another toast!"
Hestia and Kokoro shouted in unison.
Amidst the crisp clinking of glasses, Ying Ping secretly made up his mind.
No matter what Freya's plans were, he would protect these two girls he cherished.
After all, with the Shadow Monarch System, as long as he was careful, he was destined to reach the pinnacle!
Just as the atmosphere was at its peak, Loki suddenly stumbled to her feet.
She swayed unsteadily, carrying a wine bottle, and walked towards Ying Ping's table.
"Yo~ Isn't this the little runt?"
Loki, tipsy, leaned against the table, squinting at the three of them. "What a coincidence, you're eating here too?"
"*Hiccup*~ Three people ordering so much, looks like you've been making money, huh~"
Hestia's small face immediately flushed bright red. "Who are you calling a little runt! You flat-chested squinty-eyed hag!"
"Oh my, my~"
Loki dramatically clutched her chest. "Being so fierce isn't good, you know~"
She suddenly leaned close to Ying Ping, her breath reeking of alcohol. "Hey kid, ever considered switching to our Loki Familia? Excellent benefits, you know~"
"Hey!"
Hestia jumped up in anger, protectively shielding Ying Ping with both hands. "Loki! Ying Ping-kun is mine, don't go too far!"
"Is that so? I was just talking, I'm not really that interested in him anyway."
"As for this elf sister~"
Loki reached out to touch Kokoro's ear. "Such a cute little one is wasted with Hestia~"
"Slap!"
Hestia slapped Loki's hand away. "Get lost! Stay away from us, don't you dare touch my Kokoro-chan!"
Hestia stood on her tiptoes, trying to grab Loki's collar, but the other party easily held her head down, making it impossible for her to reach.
"Pfft-hahaha!"
Loki burst into laughter, seeing Hestia's exasperated expression. "A little runt is just a little runt~"
"Ah ah ah! I'll fight you!"
Hestia stomped her foot in anger and lunged at Loki, clawing.
"Oh my, why is the little runt so angry?"
Loki giggled, letting her be pulled, and even deliberately pinched Hestia's cheek. "Still so soft-skinned, little one~"
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling person, and Loki was an old acquaintance of Hestia's.
So Ying Ping originally didn't want to interfere in matters between gods.
However, he soon realized that Hestia was completely outmatched—
Loki, using her height advantage, easily pinned Hestia to the table and kneaded her.
"Hey, that's enough."
Ying Ping frowned, preparing to teach Loki a lesson, when a tall figure suddenly blocked his way.
"Hey, you worthless rookie."
Bete Loga stood with his hands in his pockets, kicking over an empty chair nearby.
Dangerous glints flickered in his golden wolf eyes. "If you dare lay a finger on our Loki-sama, I'll make you bleed right here, believe it or not?"
Ying Ping's expression instantly turned grim.
He slowly took a few steps forward, meeting Bete's gaze. "You can try."
Before he had strength, Ying Ping would choose to endure.
But now that both he and Bete Loga were LV5, who was afraid of whom?
Moreover, with his physical prowess and skill effects,
Even if Bete Loga had already leveled up to LV6, he would still dare to fight him beyond his level.
Kokoro nervously tugged at Ying Ping's sleeve. "Master…"
"Heh, this mere fodder seems to have some backbone after all."
Bete grinned arrogantly, revealing his sharp canines. "However, I'll make you realize that fodder is fodder, and backbone is useless."
"Come on, make a move, I guarantee you'll regret it."
Just as the tension was about to erupt, a glass full of juice was placed heavily on the table.
"Bete-san, and Loki-sama."
Ryu Lion stood expressionlessly to the side. "Please don't cause trouble in the store. These guests are all valued customers of ours."
"Tch, useless elf, mind your own business, get out of my way!"
Bete snorted disdainfully, but clearly reined himself in a bit.
The Amazon sisters, seeing this, quickly came to mediate. "Bete, you've had too much to drink!" "Come back and sit down!"
Finn, Gareth, and Riveria, the three executives, also walked over.
Finn apologized to Ying Ping with a nod, "Sorry, our member drank too much."
"I apologize to you on his behalf; we were rude."
Riveria bowed gracefully.
Gareth directly grabbed Bete by the collar, "You brat, come back with me and sober up!"
Seeing so many people speak up for him, the anger in Ying Ping's heart finally subsided a little.
After all, he wasn't someone who would hold a grudge when he had the upper hand.
Making a big deal out of it and exposing his strength prematurely wouldn't do him any good either.
Bete burped, still defiant, "Kid, you got lucky this time..."
"Enough!"
Finn sternly stopped him, "Bete, apologize to the Hestia Familia!"
"I refuse!"
"I will never apologize to any weakling, let alone a mere rookie!"
The werewolf Bete was incredibly stubborn and was then forcibly dragged away by the Amazon sisters.
Seeing the Loki three giants being so polite to him and so strict with the werewolf Bete, Ying Ping didn't press the matter further.
After all, he was too lazy to bother with a drunken husky.
He nodded to Ryu, "Miss Waitress, thank you for helping me out."
"It's nothing."
Ryu nodded slightly and turned to continue her work.
At this moment, Loki's squinted eyes suddenly opened a little, and she thoughtfully examined Ying Ping.
"This kid... seems a bit unusual."
She seemed to sense something, and her expression became serious.
Riveria walked over to Kokkoro and asked gently, "Little girl, were you not scared just now?"
Kokkoro quickly shook her head, "No, I... I was just worried about Master..."
"Master?"
Riveria was stunned for a moment, then looked at Hestia in confusion, "Are you saying... Goddess Hestia is your master?"
Kokkoro nervously tugged at Ying Ping's sleeve and said something astonishing, "No, Lord Ying Ping is my master."
"Huh?"
Everyone present instantly fell silent.
Although slave trading was not forbidden in Orario, Riveria, as a member of the Elf royalty, immediately frowned.
Her sharp gaze fixed on Ying Ping, "Although I don't want to interfere in other familias' domestic affairs, as a member of the Elf royalty, I believe I have the right to understand this child's specific situation."
Hestia quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, "Uh, it's not what you think! Kokkoro voluntarily joined our familia!"
She quickly explained Kokkoro's background, emphasizing that she was not forced but willingly followed Ying Ping.
Ying Ping calmly explained, "Kokkoro is my attendant, but we have an equal partnership."
"I have never forced her to do anything she didn't want to do."
Kokkoro also nodded nervously, "Yes, I willingly follow Lord Ying Ping and Lady Goddess."
Riveria carefully observed Kokkoro's expression and, after confirming there were no signs of coercion, her expression softened, "My apologies, I was presumptuous."
She bowed solemnly to Ying Ping, "It seems you are an upright adventurer."
Ais stood to the side, a hint of curiosity flashing in her golden eyes.
She quietly observed Ying Ping, developing a slight interest in this man who could attract Riveria's attention.
After the conflict was resolved, the members of the Loki Familia gradually returned to their seats.
Before leaving, Finn apologized to Ying Ping again, "I hope tonight's unpleasantness won't affect the relationship between our two familias."
Ying Ping nodded, "It's alright, I understand. Some people have poor alcohol tolerance, and losing control after drinking is quite normal."
He subtly glanced at Ais.
Ying Ping knew that this woman had caused even more astonishing commotion when she was drunk.
She even almost sent Loki back to the heavens, and from then on, she was forbidden from drinking by the Loki Familia members.
When everyone dispersed, Hestia let out a long sigh, "Phew... it's finally over."
Kokkoro whispered, "Master, that werewolf just now was so scary..."
Ying Ping ruffled her hair, "Don't be afraid, I'm here. He's just a mere husky."
He looked in the direction of the Loki Familia, meeting Ais's gaze.
The moment their eyes met, Ais quickly looked away, but Ying Ping still caught the fleeting curiosity in her eyes.
"Ais Wallenstein, I hope we can become companions too..."
Ying Ping murmured softly, a determined smile playing on his lips.