More than a year passed in the blink of an eye.
During that time, the Labyrinth City of Orario underwent many changes.
Foremost among them was the destruction of Evilus' main force.
Its chief cadre, Valletta, was killed. Olivas was captured. In addition, countless Evilus elites perished in that war, and even many hidden strongholds were eradicated.
Although Finn and the others were unable to completely wipe out every remnant Evilus had hidden away, those leftover forces no longer had the ability to launch large-scale attacks as they once had.
With the troublemakers of Evilus gone, Orario's public security improved dramatically.
Under the cooperative governance of Loki Familia, Astraea Familia, and Ganesha Familia, the efficiency of cracking down on crime increased significantly.
In the past, crimes occurred in Orario every single day. Now, the moment an incident appeared, it was immediately suppressed.
It was around this time that Ganesha Familia began to earn the title of "Guardians of the City." Together with Astraea Familia, they took on the responsibility of patrolling the entire city.
As for Freya Familia... they had only begun patrolling because of a deal between Elise and Freya. Now that Evilus was gone and the city's security had improved, they naturally returned to their own affairs—resuming their internal duels and competition.
However, although Freya Familia no longer involved itself in managing the city, its influence within Orario had not diminished in the slightest. Compared to Loki Familia, it was even greater.
The most significant change was that the captain of Freya Familia, the "little giant" Mia Grand, completely stepped down from her position and handed it over to the fierce warrior Ottar.
Of course, if Ottar had merely been Level 6, he might have still lacked a bit of qualification.
But one must not forget that he had been training with Elise at regular intervals.
The accumulation of his status had progressed far faster than in the original timeline.
Originally, Ottar had achieved the Great Feat required for a Level Up by defeating the Level 7 Gluttony during the Great Feud.
But now, simply through battling Elise, he had already accomplished that milestone—reaching it far earlier than before.
Yes, Ottar was now Level 7.
At this point in time, without the Great Feud having taken place, Finn, Gareth, and Riveria of Loki Familia were still only Level 5.
No one failed to understand what the appearance of a Level 7 meant.
In private, Freya Familia had already begun to be called the "strongest Familia," and for once, Loki Familia offered no comment.
Their highest members were only Level 5, while Ottar stood at Level 7—two entire Levels above them. Even if they fought, their chances of victory were slim. Unless Finn and the other two leveled up as well, the gap between them and Freya Familia would only continue to widen.
Yet despite outsiders labeling them the strongest, the members of Freya Familia paid no attention to such rumors and continued doing as they pleased.
This left many puzzled. Were they truly uninterested in the title of strongest?
But puzzled or not, no one dared to ask. After all, this was a time when Freya Familia's prestige was at its height. Offending them now would make the days ahead far from pleasant.
In any case, with Evilus no longer threatening Orario, the future would only grow brighter. Many promising Familias seized this opportunity to develop.
This period later came to be known as the Era of Budding—a symbol of Orario's rebirth.
Astraea Familia was no exception.
During this time, many newcomers joined their ranks. What had once been a Familia of only a handful of members had now become far more lively.
Following Alise, Kaguya, and Lyra, seven more individuals gradually joined the Astraea Familia family.
Iska, Celty, Neze, Ryana, Maryuu, Asta, and Noin.
Each of them had been personally approved by their chief goddess Astraea and their captain Elise before being accepted. Their talent might not necessarily have been outstanding, but their sense of justice and kindness was beyond doubt.
"Everyone! It's ready—come and have a taste!"
Elise emerged from the kitchen, carrying an exquisitely decorated cake in her hands. Even from a distance, the rich fragrance of cream could be smelled.
At that moment, whether it was Celty reading a book, Iska admiring herself in the mirror, or other members occupied with their tasks, all turned to look.
"Ooh! Is this the captain's latest creation? I can't wait!"
As a werewolf, Neze possessed the keenest sense of smell among them. She had already been seated at the dining table, waiting, even before Elise entered the living room.
"That's right. I used quite a few new fruits this time. Compared to the last one, the flavor has definitely improved," Elise explained with a smile.
After more than a year of honing her culinary skills, she had firmly captured the stomachs of her Familia members.
"Everyone, come over—including Lady Astraea. I'll help you slice the cake!"
As the members took their seats one by one, Elise picked up a knife, ready to cut the cake.
"Wait! Since this is the captain's latest masterpiece, shouldn't it have a beautiful name?" Seeing such a lovely cake, Iska's eyes sparkled.
"Good idea. But since we're of the justice faction, it should be related to justice, right?" Ryana glanced at Astraea and Elise as she made her suggestion.
"Mm!" Asta nodded in agreement.
"How about calling it 'Colorful Justice'?" Noin stared at the vibrant fruits on top, clearly eager. Life was meant to be enjoyed with good food and drink.
"It's very descriptive, but I feel like it's missing something," Maryuu said with a gentle smile, her hand resting lightly against her cheek. She looked every bit the benevolent saint.
"Then... how about 'Brilliant Justice'?" Celty suggested, recalling a phrase she had read before. "What do you think?"
"That's a good one! At times like this, we can always rely on Celty. You read more books than any of us," Lyra joked, leaning back in her chair. "If I came up with it myself, who knows what terrible name I'd invent."
"Terrible names aren't your specialty alone, little one." Kaguya covered half her face as she looked toward the smiling Elise. "I think 'Sweet Trap' would be more appropriate."
"Come on, don't say things like that at a time like this. Or are you and Lyra... not planning to eat?" Alise wore a teasing grin. "In that case, I'll reluctantly take your portions."
"Get lost!"
"Ah—"
One certain someone, seeing the slice placed before her, opened her mouth wide to take a bite.
"Don't start eating yet, Est! Lady Astraea hasn't taken a bite!"
The members of the Familia chatted and laughed together, while Astraea quietly observed the scene with a sweet smile.
"Everyone is truly wonderful."