Chapter 124 - Xiaoxiao's Invitation
While Xiaoxiao was in the shrine, her party and Kyoya were outside waiting for her. They were looking at the red trees and shrine as if appreciating this place's beauty, but then one of the people closed up the distance.
He introduced himself as Gumba back then during the first meeting.
"This is a beautiful place, right?"
"Right. Is there something you want from me?"
Kyoya spoke briefly as he noticed that Gumba glanced at Xaya more than enough. His wife's touch already became a little tighter, but Kyoya didn't need any signs. He knew that this man couldn't contain his lust.
However, Kyoya knew that this man cared about Xiaoxiao and was the former party leader. He might've resigned from this role because Xiaoxiao was stronger or because he wanted to use this to his advantage in becoming closer to Xiaoxiao. It was something Kyoya couldn't really know, but he was aware that Gumba was charmed by Xiaoxiao and wanted his feelings to be conveyed.
So Kyoya got rid of Xaya's displeasure by caressing her hand, which was close to his chest. As a yandere wife, the husband's back belongs to her no matter what time and day, and so she was naturally here.
This made Gumba's eye twitch as he had different thoughts about that.
'You don't have to show how affectionate you two are. I was just looking.'
Of course, every man was greedy and lustful, but Kyoya would already be using his knives and cards if the situation was different. He withstood such eyes while keeping an amiable smile.
This smile was misunderstood, though.
'You don't have to smile so cheekily, tsk. Xiaoxiao isn't worse than your wife, and she will be mine soon.'
Gumba whispered inwardly, then proceeded with his plan.
And what kind of plan could this guy possibly have? Of course, it was a plan related to his party's leader, but exclusive to him. Gumba wanted to know more about Xiaoxiao and also to show Kyoya that he was closer to her.
Whether Kyoya was after Xiaoxiao or not, Gumba had to go with this plan as he also wanted to know more about Xiaoxiao. This somehow turned into a 'love triangle,' but the current husband had no plans of expanding his relationships.
He never thought about Xiaoxiao as the lady who could be only his. The harem's jokes were also non-existent in Kyoya's life as Xaya's current common sense and issues were more important.
Kyoya believed that she had to make more friends before such a route could be opened for him. Furthermore, Xaya couldn't be even four of a kind disciple, so their progress was truly critical.
However, Kyoya had a unique house in the Grooma Kingdom, which was in the territory of a strong adventurer party. It meant that he saw a lot of influential people and their families. The harem wasn't only 'a joke' in Kyoya's mind ever since then. People indeed had many women for their own interests, whether it was ties or just simple pleasure.
Anyway, Kyoya had his priorities. If he said that it took some time for him and Xaya to seal the deal, no one would believe him! No one would believe the principles of the husband, and the same went for Gumba.
"Our meeting wasn't really unusual. We met in the adventurer's guild."
"That was the same for me."
Gumba answered immediately after Kyoya, but he lied as his party was here. He even made it as if he was the one to invite Xiaoxiao, but it was also not true. Regardless, it wasn't something Kyoya was bothered about.
Rather than this, he felt like this man would hinder Xiaoxiao, even though they were climbing up the floors quickly. Of course, Xiaoxiao was the leader and strong woman, but to follow the influential people, one also needed to be a particular adventurer.
"This shrine stands out in the Quadr City."
"Indeed."
"But do you know about the festival in this region? This is the only time where the city can match the beauty of this shrine with people going all around submerged in the cheerful atmosphere."
Gumba spoke about the festival in Quadr City, which was the festival that celebrated the victory that happened one hundred years ago here. This city was something that people were looking forward to here.
There was no need for mobilization; every resident would just come out and prepare for this day! Even visitors and merchants from surrounding cities would come here to enjoy the time here.
Such a festival was something that Kyoya wasn't aware about. The same went for his party, but Gumba was keeping an eye on him and Xaya. When he saw both of them slightly dilating their eyes, he knew he had to strike right now!
"I want to invite Xiaoxiao to this festival."
"Invite? I guess that's fine. I am sure Xiaoxiao would like to continue climbing and fighting for others."
"T-that's right… I hope she will make an exception."
Gumba got surprised by Kyoya here, but the husband just smiled and looked at his wife. She didn't really seem interested in the festival as it would be full of filth such as this guy. He planned to invite Xiaoxiao, and it was clear they weren't together yet.
And even despite these feelings, this man was lusting over her with his eyes.
Filth!
However, the couple's goal was to have the best adventure, and such festivals were part of this. Xaya was also more resistant, so it was like another step. Kyoya smiled when he saw the eyes of his wife approve this.
As for another couple, Josef and Maria were ready to have some fun too! They were already in their own world thinking about this festival while cuddling. Josef also said something about merchants willing to give discounts in such festivals to which Maria just kissed him with understanding!
As for Kyoya and Xaya.
"It will be fun, Xaya."
"Mmm…"
"Hmm, we have a lot of money, so we might as well rent the whole inn for the festival."
Kyoya felt like a big place was needed for him and the newly created party for the pyromaniacs. This idea was even liked by Gumba as he already felt like his date with Xiaoxiao was settled.
He continued to nod like a woodpecker striking the tree.
"This is a great idea."
"Yeah, we will need to talk about it with Lioe too."
The two men seemed as if they became closer after this talk. Some time passed, and Xiaoxiao finally left the shrine. As she left, Xiaoxiao's mind was full of the new concept that appeared in her body. It was the concept of longevity, the concept that was deeply related to her goddess.
Of course, Xiaoxiao got the help of her goddess. Lord Fiana scouted the 15th floor and found a strong fire source in one certain place. This place was already marked on Xiaoxiao's minimap, so it was fine for her to be like that. No way Xiaoxiao would forget about such a thing, though!
"Xiaoxiao! Are you fine? Did it fail?"
"N-no! How could Lord Fiana stay indifferent to such evil deeds? I think I know where these people are!"
"Great!"
Gumba was the one who approached Xiaoxiao first. He shared the joy with her and high-fived with her, but Xiaoxiao quickly returned to her thoughts. It looked like there was more to this, so the party just decided to reunite with Lioe in the silence.
Though there was one thing that suddenly made Xiaoxiao go 'Ah'.
The party didn't even reunite with their other part, yet they stood in silence.
It was because Xiaoxiao asked Kyoya to go to the festival.
"Would you like to spend some time with me at the festival? I want us to be alone, Kyoya."
""""...""""
"Wow."
The one who went 'Wow' was Maria as she hid behind Josef. She still peeked through his shoulder at Xiaoxiao and Xaya, who were eyeing each other with two opposite emotions. One was clear-minded, ready to answer any questions. Of course, Xiaoxiao wouldn't go all out here with everyone around, but after meeting with her goddess, Xiaoxiao had a lot to talk with Kyoya.
This wasn't time for thanks, but it was also included in their time.
Her beautiful orange jewels didn't back off and continued to shine despite Xaya's eyes turning wolf-like while dilating as much as possible. Her hug was also tighter to the maximum, her whole self just melting into Kyoya.
But Kyoya could see… and feel Xiaoxiao's emotions. She wanted to be alone and speak honestly with him.
It felt like he was becoming closer with his divine energy by looking at her while guessing those emotions. There was also no lust within Xiaoxiao's eyes, just beautiful light that wanted to be with him.
Kyoya just couldn't refuse, nor he planned to do so.
"We can have some time for ourselves then, Xiaoxiao. It means I have to prepare for the festival, though. Spicy food, was it? Haha!"
"Yes, I like spicy food the best! Do you remember? Hehe~~"
"I remember trying it out due to someone's offer!"
"Hehe!"
Both of them laughed despite the crowd being in the utmost silence.
[A yandere wife!]
[A yandere wife!]
[A yandere wife!]
[A yandere…]
Kyoya was the bravest one, though, his eyes just covered in the game system messages about a yandere title, but he didn't back off. He was ready to explain everything to Xaya as he knew how sensitive and misunderstanding she could be.
"We should now focus on the pyromaniacs! This mission is no longer the same, and ample rewards await us."
Kyoya yet again used his convincing voice of the trickster, but unlike many trickster gods, he just used it for his convenience and good as that was how the husband was… He followed his principles while growing up in strength as an adventurer!