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Chapter 89: Rival
With their spectacular victory in the War Game secured, the Hestia Familia finally departed the Ruins of Shreme Castle. They were currently riding in a carriage, making the long journey back to Orario.
"It's finally over..."
"Gau..."
With the tension completely gone, Tsuna slumped against the wooden seat, thoroughly exhausted. Natsu lay sprawled out on his lap, looking equally relaxed.
"Hey... are you seriously the same guy who was fighting like a demon just a few hours ago...?"
"D-Daphne!"
Daphne stared at Tsuna in absolute disbelief. The terrifying, oppressive aura he had radiated on the battlefield had vanished completely, leaving behind an ordinary, slightly goofy teenager. Cassandra panicked at her bluntness.
Thanks to Tsuna's strategy liberating them from Apollo's grasp, the anti-Apollo faction had quickly formed a friendly rapport with the Hestia Familia.
"Well, when I'm fighting, I guess you could say I'm just fighting with my Dying Will..."
"Yeah... that makes zero sense..."
While Tsuna's explanation of his "Dying Will" state was technically true, it was hardly an answer that made sense to anyone outside of the Mafia.
"By the way, what are you two going to do now? Are you going to transfer to another Familia?" Tsuna asked, changing the subject.
Because Hestia had demanded the complete disbandment of the Apollo Familia and the confiscation of all their assets as the terms of their victory, Tsuna knew Daphne and Cassandra were now officially factionless.
"I guess so. We came to Orario to be adventurers, after all."
"Then why don't you join the Hestia Familia? Hestia is a great Goddess, so you definitely won't have to deal with what happened before. I'm sure everyone would welcome you."
"Oh, that's a great idea." Welf agreed.
"I'm sure Goddess would be thrilled." Bell added with a smile.
"Having Level 2s like Lady Daphne and Lady Cassandra join us would be a godsend." Lili nodded enthusiastically.
"Please, consider joining our Familia." Mikoto bowed slightly.
No one was opposed to Tsuna's proposal. In fact, they were all eager to welcome the two experienced adventurers into their ranks.
"W-Well... I'll think about it...!"
"D-Daphne... you really are..."
"Really what!? It's not like that at all!"
"Iff hurff! Daffine, fhat hurffs!"
A-Again!! Why do I feel this way!? Seeing Daphne blush and sneak glances at Tsuna, Cassandra was once again painfully aware of her friend's crush. Desperate to hide her embarrassment, Daphne grabbed Cassandra's cheeks and pulled them forcefully, causing the poor healer to whine with muffled speech. Meanwhile, Ryuu felt that same agonizing grip on her heart, the intense jealousy flaring up once more.
"If you two join the Hestia Familia, I'll be able to rest easy. They'll be fine even after I'm gone."
""Eh...!?""
Tsuna's casual statement hit Daphne and Ryuu like a physical blow. They stared at him in utter shock.
"W-What do you mean 'after you're gone', Mr. Sawada!?" Ryuu demanded.
"Y-Yeah!" Daphne echoed.
"I decided a while ago that once this War Game was over, I'd be going back to my hometown."
""...""
For the two girls harboring feelings for him, the sudden revelation hit so hard they were rendered completely speechless.
"U-Uhm... Do you really have to go back...?"
Seeing her friend's heartbroken expression, Cassandra tentatively asked, hoping to find a way to make him stay.
"Yeah... I only really ended up in Orario by accident. I always intended to go back home eventually."
"I-I see..."
Realizing that Tsuna's resolve was firm and his decision final, Cassandra drooped sadly.
"S-So, you're leaving right away...?" Daphne asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Hmm... I haven't decided exactly when I'm leaving yet... I figured I'd stay in Orario for a little while longer, at least."
"T-Then...! Before you leave, will you have tea with me...!?"
"Eh?"
"What!?"
Realizing she still had a little time, Daphne immediately seized the opportunity and asked Tsuna out on what was essentially a date. Tsuna blinked in surprise, while Ryuu visibly panicked.
"D-Don't get the wrong idea! I just want to repay you for freeing us from Lord Apollo's curse! That's all it is!"
"Repay me...? I just gave you the push. You were the one who found the courage to stand up, Daphne. I don't think you owe me anything."
"E-Even if you think that, I still feel like I owe you! And I'm the type of person who can't stand leaving debts unpaid!"
The usually cool and composed Daphne was uncharacteristically desperate, determined to secure a date with Tsuna no matter what.
"Well, debt or no debt, I don't mind getting tea with you."
"Eh...!? R-Really!?"
"Yeah."
"N-No, Mr. Sawada! You must not agree to such a thing so easily!"
Just as Tsuna cheerfully agreed to the date, Ryuu forcefully intervened.
"For a man and a woman who have only just met to have tea alone together is utterly indecent!"
"That's just your strict Elven values talking! For humans, it's completely normal! And why the hell do you get to tell him what he can and can't do!?"
"A-As Mr. Sawada's friend, it is my duty to watch over him and ensure he does not stray from the righteous path!"
"You're exaggerating! And if you're just friends, why do you care if he gets tea with someone else!?"
The carriage quickly devolved into a heated shouting match between Ryuu, who was desperately trying to stop the date, and Daphne, who was determined to make it happen.
F-Friend...J-Just friends... However, amidst their furious bickering, the very words they used to justify their arguments—"friend"—struck both of them directly in the heart, inflicting massive, unintended emotional damage on themselves.
"U-Uhm... Please, both of you, calm down..."
"Quiet!" Daphne snapped.
"Please remain silent!" Ryuu echoed.
Tsuna shrieked in terror, and even Natsu whimpered, hiding his face in his paws. Completely oblivious as to why they were fighting, Tsuna tried to mediate, but the sheer, overwhelming pressure of the two glaring girls forced him back into his seat.
"Master Bell... Is it possible that Lady Ryuu has feelings for Lord Tsunayoshi...?"
"Y-Yeah..."
Lili, who had been separated from the group while undercover in the Apollo Familia, was completely out of the loop regarding Ryuu's feelings. She whispered the question to Bell, who nodded awkwardly and replied in a hushed tone.
"So a rival has officially appeared..."
"Honestly... I wouldn't be surprised if there are even more rivals lurking around out there..."
"Daphne..."
Knowing that Tsuna was planning to leave Orario soon, Mikoto, Welf, and Cassandra couldn't help but look at the fiercely arguing girls with profound pity.
And so, the exhausting verbal spar between Daphne and Ryuu continued without a single pause until the carriage finally rattled through the gates of Orario.
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