Hermes led me through the bustling pleasure quarter, the main source of income for the Ishtar Familia, making their fortune vast. No matter how powerful men could become, their primal desires eventually took control.
One of these primal desires is the need for intimacy; many men succumbed to the allure of the women who worked in the pleasure quarter. They would relieve their frustrations after long days of adventuring, leaving their money behind for the Ishtar Familia.
At night, this part of the city looked oddly pleasant, illuminated by pink and purple crystal lights that created a romantic atmosphere. Each house was filled with beautiful women, and lustful men waited for their sessions.
As we passed, I noticed various prostitutes eyeing potential customers. Regardless of their race, each woman was intent on attracting someone. I had to stay cautious myself—many of these prostitutes were strong adventurers too.
"So, what do you think of the atmosphere, Niall? If you're interested in finding a girl for yourself, just let me know. I have some… helpful items you might find useful."
Hermes grabbed a handful of aphrodisiacs from his pouch, a small purple potion known to enhance desire. They were expensive, which made them valuable, but knowing Hermes, I wasn't even going to ask where he got them.
"No thanks, I'm not interested in that sort of thing, Hermes. It's you who should be on guard. I don't want you getting molested by a lustful Amazoness. Asfi would probably beat us both to a pulp if I let you get caught."
Hermes laughed at my comment and patted me on the head. Over time, he and I had developed a bond almost like that between a parent and child. Even though I didn't bear his Falna, he treated me as if I were part of his Familia.
"How long are you going to keep lying to yourself, Niall? Every man has his desires. You can't keep denying it forever, you know."
He shot me a skeptical glance, and for a moment, he almost seemed genuinely concerned.
"I never really understood why people care so much about others' sexual lives. Not that I'm annoyed by your concern, but it does confuse me. But if you must know, I already have a wife, and I don't want to make her angry."
Hermes stopped abruptly, his eyes widening as if he'd just seen a ghost.
"You… you… have a wife?"
Grabbing my shoulders, Hermes peered into my face, searching for any sign that I was joking. I kept silent for a moment, regretting mentioning my relationship status, even if it wasn't a formal marriage.
"Yeah, so please stop looking at me like that."
Hermes coughed, realizing his reaction quickly lowered his hat with a sly grin that promised nothing but trouble.
"That doesn't mean you can't have a little fun, right? I swear I won't tell your 'wife'—once you introduce me to her, of course."
He patted me on the shoulder, and I wondered how he'd react if he ever met Azathoth. Based on Freya's reaction to my soul, he'd likely be terrified.
"Today, we're headed to the Ishtar Familia's home. I have some private business with Ishtar, and I figured I'd bring you along. I could use another assistant besides Asfi—especially a male one."
His plan sounded terrible, sending me into a literal den of vipers. I wasn't strong enough to fend off a certain toad woman just yet, and he wanted me to play his male secretary. Knowing Asfi, the job was no cakewalk.
But on the other hand, this could be my chance to find Haruhime and get her away from those people. I wasn't sure if she'd even be there, but my regeneration would help me survive any potential encounters.
"Fine, I'll go with you. But promise me you'll keep any woman from laying a hand on me, especially a certain disgusting… individual."
Hermes tilted his head, processing who I meant by "disgusting individual," until a light bulb seemed to flick on.
"Oh, you mean Phyrne! Don't worry; as long as you're with me, you won't have any trouble with her. Ishtar won't let her near you either, but that business comes later. Why don't we visit a café first?"
I planned to gather as much information as possible during the meeting with Ishtar, and then secretly try to locate Haruhime. I wasn't trying to play the hero, but for some reason, I wanted to save her from her so-called comrades.
The plan was to kidnap Haruhime and bring her to the dungeon, where she could stay until things on the surface cooled down.
Now, someone might ask why I'd go to all this trouble for a girl I'd never even met. It was because taking Haruhime would be a critical blow to Evilus, preventing them from using her against me in the future.
She didn't deserve to die at anyone's hand—she deserved a happy life with people who cared for her. I had no real empathy or compassion, but placing her with Hermes' Familia seemed like a better choice than keeping her with me.
Besides, I wasn't eager to have someone else relying on me in battle. Even with her powerful level-boost ability, it would be too much trouble to protect someone else.
"Alright, lead the way. Just don't take me somewhere with naked men or anything. I know how tricky you can be, Hermes, even with that innocent smile."
He paused, a serious expression flashing across his face before he slowly grinned, clearly amused that I could read him so well.
"Don't worry, my new 'secretary,' I'll make sure you end up somewhere with a charming lady who can make you shiver—if that's what you want. Now, follow me to the very gates of Eden!"
With a dramatic point to the sky, he led the way toward the café, drawing a few curious glances from passersby as we marched onward.