Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 965 965: Butterfly effect, Enyo starts his plan early

*Ding dong~!*

Asfi's arrival at the Seiya Familia residence was announced by the ringing of the gate bell that morning. Sunlight caught her light blue hair, reflecting both eagerness and a touch of anxiety in her eyes.

In recent days, she had been grappling with how to entice Eiji into taking the initiative to revive Lidith. While she had sought counsel from the women of the Hermes Familia, she had, naturally, omitted the fact that she herself was the one in need of advice.

She had framed her request as though a friend were confused and required guidance...

Asfi considered herself quite clever, unaware that Lulune and the others were far from foolish and had easily discerned she was speaking of herself!

However, they chose to play along to spare her any potential embarrassment.

Poor Asfi.

Her standing within the Hermes Familia had already taken a hit, now carrying the unspoken reputation of 'a woman smitten and infatuated with a certain man'.

Hermes himself even chuckled upon hearing the whispers circulating within his own familia. It wasn't particularly difficult for him to deduce the identity of the man Asfi was pursuing...

"What a pleasant surprise. Asfi, have you missed me already?" Eiji emerged to greet her at the gate.

He appeared remarkably refreshed, his handsome features as striking as ever. Despite a night of exertion that left him with no sleep, he was brimming with energy. This was a stark contrast to Haruhime, who remained asleep in his chambers.

Asfi was unaware of this detail.

Had she known, perhaps she wouldn't have felt quite so flustered by Eiji's playful remark. Her response was immediate: "Eiji-sama, while it's true I missed you, I also have important business to discuss."

"Oh?" Eiji was taken aback that Asfi readily admitted to missing him, a departure from her usual demeanor. Her willingness to do so now was... interesting.

It seemed Asfi had thrown the ball back into his court!

Her gaze held a hint of flirtation, and her smile was soft. A mental 'hiss' seemed to echo.

[Hiss!]

Asfi found herself puzzled by the sound.

[Today, Asfi carries herself differently. It truly seems she intends to make me her husband.]

That was Eiji’s immediate thought upon seeing her again!?

Asfi fought to suppress a blush, though inwardly she didn't dispute the thought. Eiji's lips curved upwards further, and with a natural ease, he draped an arm around her shoulders.

"Then, let's head inside to talk. I've also prepared pancakes for breakfast this morning. Would you care to try them?"

"Pancakes? Mhm, alright..."

Asfi was unfamiliar with pancakes, but the unexpected physical contact sent a jolt through her.

Her heart began to race.

Still, she didn't object. For the sake of reviving her mentor, Lidith, she was willing to endure this man's advances!

Biting her lip, Asfi followed Eiji into his familia's home. A short while later, after savoring Eiji's delicious pancakes, she conveyed the crucial matter she had come to discuss.

In truth, her visit was partly opportune.

She had used this supposed business as a pretext to meet him.

"So, that's the situation..." Eiji mused, resting his chin on his hand, one leg crossed over the other as he sat on the sofa. From his perspective, Asfi's stated business was a secondary concern, unrelated to the main narrative. "The Hermes Familia suffered losses among members dispatched on an investigation mission to the 24th Floor. Consequently, Hermes requested your familia's assistance directly, Asfi."

This situation connects to a spin-off of Danmachi, Sword Oratoria! The original narrative centers on the adventures of the Loki Familia, renowned as one of the most formidable adventurer groups in Orario. It explores the perspectives of Ais Wallenstein, the 'Sword Princess,' and Lefiya Viridis, a gifted mage, detailing their challenges, internal conflicts, and clandestine operations that unfold concurrently with the primary storyline featuring Bell Cranel.

Frankly, Eiji's recollection of the Sword Oratoria details was hazy. However, Rasiel had provided him with the information. Although, in this current life, certain events had diverged from the original course.

For instance, instead of seeking aid from the Loki Familia for their covert mission, the Hermes Familia had now turned to the Seiya Familia.

"Yes, Eiji-sama. Naturally, their request isn't without compensation. Hermes-sama stated that he..." Asfi's cheeks flushed as she hesitated to utter the potentially embarrassing condition.

Eiji wondered what offer Hermes had extended. He surmised it wasn't Valis or magic items that would pique his interest.

He suspected it was something else entirely...

"What did Hermes propose, Asfi? He seems confident I won't refuse to assist his familia," Eiji inquired with a slight smile.

Asfi took a deep breath, deciding to set aside her embarrassment. "He said... he said you could have me completely, Eiji-sama. That I could become a member of your familia if you so desired."

"Tell Hermes that the Seiya Familia will offer aid to his!" Eiji declared without a moment's hesitation.

Indeed, Hermes possessed an uncanny knack for knowing precisely what would pique Eiji's interest.

He had previously contemplated requesting Asfi's transfer, but he hadn't anticipated Hermes proactively offering her.

A slight twitch played on Asfi's lips; though she resented Hermes for essentially 'selling' her, she felt a distinct lack of resistance towards joining Eiji's Familia.

This situation, she mused, would simplify her efforts to win him over.

Ahem! Of course, these thoughts were for Lidith's sake.

"Thank you, Eiji-sama. The Hermes Familia is indebted to you."

Eiji brushed aside Asfi's subtly tsundere demeanor, confident that her confession of love was merely a matter of time. "There's no need for such formalities. After all, the Hermes Familia, or rather Hermes himself, has already provided me with what I desire most from him."

He spoke these words while casting an amused glance at the woman before him.

Asfi couldn't help but blush, lowering her gaze slightly. Meanwhile, in a separate chamber, Artemis observed Eiji appearing to flirt with another woman, her brow furrowed.

'That man is such a flirt! Last night, he 'consumed' Haruhime, and now... he's set his sights on another woman!'

The Goddess of the Hunt felt a pang of jealousy.

Simultaneously, her regret over her decision to retreat to her chambers the previous night intensified.

Across the way, Scáthach simply shook her head and took a sip of her tea. Today, too, seemed to be a fine day.

Especially for her man, Eiji.

He had practically acquired another beautiful woman to add to his growing harem. She wondered how much larger his 'family' would continue to become?

"Now then, elaborate on the mission details, including the nature of the Hermes Familia's undertaking?" Eiji inquired, feigning ignorance.

Asfi happily divulged the specifics of the clandestine mission Hermes Familia was undertaking. Two days prior, Fels, Ouranos's trusted right-hand man, had visited the Hermes Familia residence to deliver a secret assignment. The mission instructed the Hermes Familia members to investigate an anomaly: monsters on the 24th Floor were behaving unusually. They were observed congregating frequently in the 'Pantry' – specific chambers within the dungeon where monsters typically gathered to feed. Furthermore, the Hermes Familia members were tasked with retrieving a peculiar magical artifact known as the Jewel Fetus from this location.

"Jewel Fetus? What is that?" Artoria inquired.

"Foolish lion. It's undoubtedly a gem, sounding quite valuable," Morgan responded immediately, her tone dripping with mockery.

Incidentally, Eiji had convened his Familia members, with the exception of Haruhime, and even the Artemis Familia, to hear the details of the secret mission from Asfi collectively.

Artoria shot Morgan an annoyed glare. "You know I wasn't asking about its value, Morgan. You just want to taunt me."

"Precisely."

"You...!"

Before the two women could escalate their argument, Eiji feigned a cough, signaling them to cease their bickering.

Artoria and Morgan fell silent.

They understood their husband.

Good women.

"According to Fels's account, the Jewel Fetus is a parasitic entity resembling a green crystal gem, containing the fluid and nascent form of a female monster. This object is the genesis of the Demi-Spirit, one of the most perilous monster threats within the dungeon."

Asfi continued her explanation slowly. "This artifact functions akin to a monster's 'egg' or 'seed.' It is deliberately positioned near the quartz pillars in the Pantry to absorb sustenance from the liquids of parasitic flora and the magic stones of other monsters, facilitating its growth."

"Once it attains sufficient size, the Jewel Fetus will propel itself to latch onto and parasitize a host, be it a formidable monster or a human. The outcome, whether survival or demise, is uncertain."

"Upon successfully integrating with its host, its form transforms into that of a Demi-Spirit—a colossal monstrosity possessing the lower physique of the original monster and the upper torso of a stunningly beautiful woman, wielding power said to rival that of a deity."

Hiss!

Artemis and her Familia members gasped in shock. However, Eiji and the women within his own Familia remained impassive.

"Such a monstrous entity must not be allowed to come into being! If possible, my Familia and I wish to offer our assistance." Artemis declared, her expression heroic.

Asfi hesitated in her response.

Eiji cast a gentle glance at Artemis. "My dear Artemis... there is no need. You and your Familia shall remain to safeguard my Familia's home for me. Have you forgotten who was recently nearly devoured by an ancient monster? Unless you possess strength comparable to mine, a goddess such as yourself should refrain from joining your Familia members in battle."

Artemis froze, a flush of embarrassment creeping onto her face as she recalled her recent terrifying encounter. Yet, Eiji's intimate address only exacerbated her blushing, causing her face to redden instantly.

Her revered image as a Virgin Goddess was utterly shattered in the eyes of everyone present.

"Eiji, don't say such things! But fine, my Familia and I will simply wait here."

Eiji nodded, satisfied. "Good wife."

"I-I'm not your wife! We're not even married yet!"

"Ah, you're right. I forgot." Eiji stated innocently, though his expression clearly showed he was teasing her.

Artemis gripped her dress tightly, fixing the man with a glare.

To any onlookers, their interaction resembled a playful flirtation, which made Asfi's heart ache with a tinge of jealousy.

She couldn't help but wonder why a goddess like Artemis would reside in a member of the Seiya Familia's home. This woman...

Could she be another rival?

It certainly seemed that way.

"Is that all you have for me, Asfi?" Eiji refocused on the matter at hand.

Asfi replied, "Yes, for now... We still don't know what caused the unusual monster activity on the 24th floor, nor who was responsible for placing the Jewel Fetus on the quartz pillar."

She then hesitatingly inquired, "Eiji-sama, do you possess any knowledge about this?"

"Perhaps."

Eiji didn't outright deny knowing the mastermind behind the peculiar occurrences within the Dungeon.

[If my memory serves me right, this current predicament involves the remnants of Evilus. Those individuals still harbor intentions of destroying Orario.]

!!!

The heroines within Danmachi couldn't help but stir upon hearing the name 'Evilus' and their plot to raze Orario.

Especially a certain green-haired elf, who believed she had completely eradicated the very group responsible for the deaths of her comrades in the past. Ryuu clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing with cold fury.

At this precise moment, she felt an intense urge to approach Eiji immediately and demand detailed information.

Naturally, this outcome was also part of Eiji's meticulous calculations. He wouldn't employ his inner voice to no avail.

An opportune moment to court the other heroines, subtly positioning himself ahead of the protagonist, had presented itself. How could he possibly let such a chance slip by?

Jie jie jie.

[Host, could you refrain from that kind of laughter?]

Then, how am I supposed to laugh?

[Laugh normally.]

Jajaja.

[You genuinely consider that normal laughter?]

Eiji and the System engaged in a brief, petty argument over an exceedingly trivial matter.

From an outsider's perspective, like Leme who was accustomed to observing their interactions, it appeared as though the two of them were merely engaging in playful banter.

"Perhaps? Could you elaborate further, Eiji? Tell us the specifics." Artemis pressed, despite having heard Eiji's inner voice, he still hadn't divulged much regarding Evilus's schemes.

Eiji, unfazed, decided to address the women directly. "It was most likely the work of the Evilus Faction, or rather, what remains of them."

"...?" The collective response from everyone present.

Alright, what else could there possibly be?

You already declared it from your heart!

Seriously, can you stop feigning ignorance and reveal what they are about to face?

This individual truly relished putting on an act, piquing the curiosity of others.

"To the best of my knowledge, they should be concealed within the artificial dungeon, Knossos. That particular dungeon serves as a conduit, linking the original Dungeon with Daedalus Street."

Eiji casually disclosed the location of Evilus's clandestine stronghold to the gathered women.

Those harboring themselves within that fortress would undoubtedly face a surge of panic upon hearing his words.

Furthermore, he revealed that the architect of this grand scheme was a deity who referred to himself as Enyo.

"Enyo? I don't recall any god by that name in Heaven. Eiji, are you perhaps mistaken?" Artemis inquired.

It was understandable that she wouldn't know, as Enyo was merely the alias adopted by a particular divinity. This deity even maintained his own Familia within Orario.

Yet, Eiji simply responded, "Maybe."

"....." Silence fell upon everyone.

Sensing the palpable annoyance emanating from the women who could perceive his inner thoughts, Eiji remained wholly disinclined to offer any further spoilers.

Doing so would undoubtedly diminish the enjoyment, a prospect he wished to avoid. Within his mind, he was already concocting several intricate plans and strategies to torment 'Enyo'.

He bore no personal animosity towards the god. However, if certain events unfolded as depicted in the original narrative, that individual was poised to make Demeter a scapegoat once his true identity was on the verge of exposure.

[Demeter is my lady; any who dare to cast slander upon her shall face dire consequences!]

The heroines found themselves perplexed. Why had Demeter's name been abruptly brought into the conversation?

Demeter, too, was bewildered, yet a sweet warmth bloomed within her heart. Should she perhaps pay a visit to the Seiya Familia's residence tonight? Then, she could let Eiji 'plow her fields' once more, bestowing upon her an abundance of high-quality 'fertilizer.'

...

Within a certain Familia residence, situated along Daedalus Street.

A god, idly sipping his self-brewed wine, suddenly experienced an inexplicable shudder.

"This is merely a hunch... Could it be that my alternate persona has been exposed? Perhaps there was a minor hiccup in my carefully laid plan?"

He mused, his expression devoid of any discernible anxiety, replaced by a faint, enigmatic smile. While not possessing Eiji's striking good looks, he exuded a prince-like aura, rendering him remarkably handsome for a deity.

He was tall and slender, with shoulder-length blonde hair that framed mesmerizing green eyes. Such an appearance, undoubtedly, suited the role of a villain perfectly.

In the eyes of Orario's gods and goddesses, he was perceived as a benevolent deity, approachable and genial. Yet, this outward appearance was merely a facade, concealing his genuine nature.

He held utter disregard for others, viewing them as mere refuse fit to be spat upon. By his very nature as a deviant God, his most profound and exhilarating joy was derived from witnessing 'orgia'—scenes of utter despair, palpable fear, and agonizing pain, accompanied by the screaming and frantic flight of those he deemed a 'beautiful madness.' This was his true essence.

Enyo, or more accurately, Dionysus, embodied this persona.

"Dionysus-sama, shall I investigate the situation below?" inquired Filvis Challia, a female elf and the captain of the Dionysus Familia.

Taking another draught of his wine, Dionysus responded, "There is no need. Ein is already present, observing Revis and the others. For now, your focus should be monitoring the movements of the Loki Familia, or any other families that warrant our attention... Seiya Familia, in particular."

He had, indeed, heard of Eiji and his familia, even glimpsing them at Apollo's festivities. However, out of an abundance of caution, he had elected to maintain a distance, refraining from any direct interaction.

Upon learning of Eiji's accomplishments in his brief tenure in Orario, Dionysus found himself surprised, concluding that Eiji might represent the most significant impediment to his grand scheme.

Before Filvis could offer a reply, he interjected, "Correction: Your sole task is to observe the Seiya Familia's activities. If an opportunity arises, endeavor to cultivate a favorable relationship with one of their members, or someone closely associated with them. Ascertain more information regarding the Seiya Familia."

"Understood, Dionysus-sama. I shall carry out your command."

Filvis offered no resistance; even if she had harbored a desire to refuse, she possessed no authority to do so.