*??????*
After the srizing dance, Charlie gazed at Aphrodite, who was still smiling at him with sparkling eyes.
The Banquet of the Gods was still lively, with deities joking, laughing, and enjoying delicious dishes. Despite the vibrant atmosphere, Charlie felt an undeniable discomfort.
After all, everyone present were Gods and Goddesses. The mortals in this place stood out starkly.
Charlie slightly bowed to Aphrodite, showing his respect.
"Thank you for inviting , Goddess Aphrodite. However, I feel I shouldn't stay here for long. This banquet is for the gods, not for ."
"Oh, Charlie... I invited you here because I wanted you to be here with . You know that, right? Don't feel unworthy." Aphrodite showed a hint of disappointnt.
"I appreciate that. However, as a mortal, I feel there are boundaries I must respect. The presence of the gods is too grand for soone like ." Charlie smiled faintly.
'And I can't stand the gazes directed at .' He thought to himself.
The majority of the Gods and Goddesses were intrigued by him. To be able to dance with two Goddesses of Beauty in turn, it was impossible for him to be ordinary; there must be sothing about him.
'Most likely, Aphrodite knows more. If not, she wouldn't be so enthusiastic. The fact that Freya approached that man is the best proof. Hera, you're really a lucky crazy woman. Why wasn't it
who discovered... No, it's not a good thing that he joins my Familia. I'm worried Aiz-tan will be taken from !' Loki regretted yet felt relieved that Charlie was not a mber of her Familia.
Loki knew Charlie was special. At that mont, she happened to see his back while he was fighting Bete. For the first ti, she doubted her own knowledge.
Never before had there been an adventurer with an EX rank in basic abilities!
"..."
Aphrodite stared at him in silence, as if trying to convince him to stay. However, she also understood that it was not easy for Charlie. Finally, she nodded in agreent.
"Alright then. I respect your decision. This ti it was indeed my fault for deceiving you."
"I'll take my leave now. Good night, Goddess Aphrodite."
After that, Charlie walked out of the hall, leaving the crowd and the dazzling lights behind. Passing through the main door of the Ganesha Familia residence, he finally reached the bustling streets of Orario.
Charlie sighed in relief and loosened his collar, feeling the burden of formality finally lift.
"Finally free... Next ti I need to be more skeptical of Aphrodite. I must not let this happen again."
The star-filled night sky of Orario, along with the hustle and bustle of adventurers passing by, brought him a different peace from the banquet atmosphere. He began to walk more leisurely, enjoying the vibrant city life.
The night's hustle and bustle created a different atmosphere, far more lively and spirited than during the day. At every corner, adventurers of various races—Elf, Dwarf, Humans, Demi-Humans, and even Pallum—were chatting, laughing, or exchanging information.
For Charlie, this was a more real and simpler world, far from the clamor of the gods who only wanted to have fun.
On his way ho, his steps halted when he saw a flower shop at the corner, just as its owner, Anna Claes, was about to close the shop. Charlie stepped in with a faint smile, as usual, to buy a bouquet of blue roses, his late wife's favorite.
Anna was surprised to hear his footsteps, then smiled brightly when she saw Charlie.
"Ah, Charlie-san! You almost missed it today. I was just about to close the shop."
"Fortunately, I arrived just in ti. As usual, one bouquet of blue roses." Charlie said lightly.
In fact, except for the Dungeon explorations that required him not to return to the surface, he bought flowers every day as a form of mourning for his late wife. Charlie didn't want to forget Dinda.
This was his daily routine.
Because of that, he had a good relationship with Anna. After all, he was a regular custor.
"..."
anwhile, as Anna prepared the requested flowers, she occasionally stole glances at Charlie. Her feelings were mixed; she was happy to see him, yet there was still an undeniable sadness every ti she arranged blue roses for him.
"Charlie-san really loves his late wife; you buy her favorite flowers... Honestly, it makes any woman envious to have a romantic man like you." Anna tried to sound cheerful while tying the bouquet with a simple ribbon.
Charlie chuckled softly, his eyes looking lancholic.
"Yes, these flowers remind
of her. I just feel this is the best way to keep her mory alive."
"I see. Your wife must have been very happy to marry a good man like Charlie-san."
Even though she knew this story, every ti she heard it, the pain still lingered. Anna harbored feelings for Charlie, but the courage to express them was always held back by the fear of ruining their relationship.
"I was the lucky one to marry her. It's a sha, my foolish idealism... No, forget it."
Caught up in the conversation, Charlie almost revealed the biggest regret of his life.
"This is it. The price is the sa as usual."
Anna handed the bouquet of blue roses to him.
Receiving the bouquet politely, Charlie looked at her with deep gratitude.
"Thank you, Anna. You always make them so beautifully. I really appreciate it."
"I'm glad to help you, Charlie-san. Whenever you need, you know where to find ." Anna replied softly.
"Good night, Anna."
"Good night, Charlie-san."
After saying goodbye, Charlie turned to continue his journey ho.
"..."
Anna watched his retreating back, holding back the tumultuous feelings in her heart.
As the shop door closed, she touched her abdon; she could feel her womb warm every ti she was near Charlie, as if desiring his seed.
"What am I thinking...?! I'm not a cheap woman like those in the Entertainnt District."
Slapping her blushing cheek, Anna shook her head, dispelling the indecent thoughts that kept bothering her.
??????
"I'm ho..."
After scattering the flowers he bought on the walls of Orario, Charlie slowly opened the door to his house.
Removing his formal clothes and putting on casual wear in his room, he embraced Aishia, who was already asleep in bed.
"Good night, Aishia."
"..."
Feeling the warmth of Aishia's body, Charlie felt his mind calm, closing his eyes; he quickly fell into a deep sleep.
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