Chương 114: Takemikazuchi Familia's Debt

"I did not expect us to meet like this, everyone from Takemikazuchi Familia," Cael said with a faint smile. The bow in his hand disappeared, but the sword remained.

"My memory is a little blurry, but I believe we have met before. About ten days ago, my goddess asked Lord Takemikazuchi to send you to help me. Is that correct?" Cael remembered the scene from his first day in the Dungeon. Hestia had begged her divine friend for help, and Takemikazuchi had responded. Cael was grateful for that. But gratitude did not mean he would ignore what had just happened.

"Thank you for remembering us," Ouka said, exhaling in relief. He bowed.

"And thank you for saving us. We will repay this properly." The other members of Takemikazuchi Familia also bowed in silence. For a moment, they thought the matter might end there. Then Lili stepped forward beside Cael, her expression cold.

"Lord Cael, are these people Lord Cael's friends?"

"Their god and my goddess are divine friends. That is the connection." Cael understood why Lili had spoken. When it came to the safety of herself and the home she had finally found, Lili never backed down.

"Then Lili does not think we should accept their thanks so easily," she said.

"They fled toward our camp. This is a known temporary rest point. They could not have been unaware. They were trying to drag us into danger so they could escape." If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it. The members of Takemikazuchi Familia lowered their eyes in guilt.

"Even if it did not harm us, that kind of malicious choice is enough to become a deadly grudge," Lili continued.

"Breaking one leg from each of them would not be excessive." That was the truth of the Dungeon. If a party deliberately passed danger onto another party, they were in the wrong. Even their god would have to swallow the consequences. Kyojuro and the others stood quietly behind Cael. They respected Takemikazuchi, but wrong was wrong. They would not change their principles because of a god's relationship.

"Lili, you do not need to play the villain for me." Cael looked at the members of Takemikazuchi Familia.

"I know what to do." He took a step forward.

"Your silence proves Lili is right. Since you made that choice, you were prepared to offend us, correct?"

"I am deeply sorry." Mikoto immediately knelt, pressing her forehead to the ground. Her hands clenched the moss beneath her fingers.

"No matter how you condemn us, we deserve it. But we did not know it was you. If we had known..."

"The world does not run on 'if,'" Cael said coldly.

"If we had not noticed in time, and if we had been weaker, think about what would have happened." Mikoto fell silent.

"Mikoto, stop," Ouka said. He handed the injured Chigusa to her and stepped forward with a firm expression.

"I sincerely apologize, and I am grateful that you saved us. No matter what punishment you choose, I will accept it. Running this way was my decision. The others strongly opposed it. But if I had to choose again, I would still make the same choice."

"Lord Ouka!" Mikoto cried.

"If I did it, I accept the price." Ouka gritted his teeth.

"Cut off my hand or leg if you must. Please spare my companions."

"So you want to take all responsibility yourself." Cael smiled slightly and shook the sword in his hand.

"I will not let this go just because you said a few brave words. This involves the safety of my companions." He walked toward Ouka step by step. The Hashira did not stop him. Cael was the captain. If their companions had been placed in danger, they would also be angry. Lili turned her head away and bit her lip. Lord Cael was kind most of the time, but when his family's safety was involved, he would not be soft.

"Please wait." Mikoto raised her head, panic in her eyes.

"I know this is shameless, Lord Cael, but please do not cut off Lord Ouka's hand or leg." The other two members begged as well. Could they stop him by force? They had considered it, but they knew it was impossible. He had destroyed enough monsters to wipe out their party before they even saw him.

"Do not beg," Ouka said.

"This is the price I owe." He closed his eyes tightly as Cael raised the sword. The members of Takemikazuchi Familia shut their eyes in regret. Then Ouka screamed.