Chapter 162 – Luan is playing with Ais.

Chapter 162 – Luan is playing with Ais.

I walked downstairs to meet Ais. The inn also served food, so she sat at a table, waiting for her meal. I approached her and sat down next to her.

When I sat, Ais turned to me. "I haven't seen Tione anywhere. Are you sure she came down?" I paused momentarily, thinking about what to say, and quickly made up a plausible lie.

"Tione was in the bathroom the entire time. I didn't notice her." I didn't laugh or make prolonged eye contact.

"Hmm..." Ais thought for a moment and believed in me. "I didn't order enough food for her since I thought she'd already eaten."

"Don't worry," I called the innkeeper to order food for Tione. I thought about ordering something for Luan, but I dismissed the idea.

A few minutes later, Tione slowly came down the stairs.

She wasn't acting naturally. She was scared Ais would figure out what happened last night; she couldn't even meet her eyes. Tione glanced at me, and I signaled for her to stay calm.

Tione took a deep breath and sat down at the table.

"What's wrong? You seem worried about something," Ais asked her. Tione looked at me, but I stayed silent. It was her problem. I wasn't going to get involved.

"It's nothing. I was thinking about Luan. I wonder if he managed to get a room last night." I looked at Tione in disbelief. She had brought up Luan's name unnecessarily.

"I don't know if he found a place to sleep either. But I'm sure he's fine. There are inns around here that stay open nearly all day." Ais smiled, and soon after, our food arrived.

We began eating silently, and Tione gradually calmed down and started acting normally.

Thankfully for her, Ais didn't suspect a thing.

However, when Luan came down the stairs and walked over to the table, Tione almost stood up and left.

I held her hand and asked her to stay and act normal. Ais didn't notice because her attention was entirely on Luan.

"I'm sad you didn't order food for me."

"I didn't know you were staying here! You can have some of mine if you want."

"Luan? Aren't you leaving?" Ais asked.

"I have something to take care of. I'll see you later," I replied, glancing at Tione. She turned her face away and started walking off.

Tiona gave me a judgmental look and followed her sister.

"Got it. See you tonight."

"Oh, right, the dinner."

"Don't tell me you forgot again."

"Of course not. I'll be waiting for you."

"... Alright, until tonight then."

Ais walked away.

I'll admit I almost forgot about the dinner. I also nearly forgot about my training with Mikoto.

Fortunately, since I slept inside the dungeon, I feel great.

I have food and water with me, too. The only issue is that I won't be home for an entire day, and Hestia might start to worry about me.

I began walking to look for Mikoto. After about ten minutes, I finally saw her. She was also searching for me. When I got closer, her face lit up with a big smile.

But as we approached, her smile faded.

She cleared her throat and said, "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too, Mikoto. Did you rest well? Our training will be exhausting," I smiled.

"I'm always prepared!"