The voices from the vast crowd that filled the streets of the Pleasure Quarter grew a little quieter once we stepped inside the café. From the outside, the place wasn't anything special, but inside was a different story.
The interior was cozy, like any other café, but what made this one popular were the beautiful women serving as waitresses. Most of them were Amazonesses dressed in revealing outfits, and, from what I'd heard, they offered other services as well.
We settled at a table with comfortable seats, the café being half-empty thanks to the bustling activity outside. I took a look at the menu and glanced over the items and prices—they were too expensive for my taste.
Hermes made himself comfortable, removing his hat and placing it beside him, while I scanned the area around us. Then, the first waitress approached—a striking Amazoness with long black hair and yellow eyes.
Her muscular yet feminine figure could make any man stare. Dressed in nothing but a bra and panties, she approached with a pen and notepad in hand.
"Hey there, God Hermes! Looking healthy as usual! And… who's this fine piece of meat you've got with you?"
The Amazoness approached Hermes with a warm, genuine smile that perfectly suited her face. But the moment her eyes landed on me, her focus shifted, and she moved closer without hesitation.
"Ah, hello there, Maya. It's nice to see you again," Hermes greeted her. "This here is Niall. He's my assistant for the night, as I have some business with your goddess. Don't tease him too much—he's a bit of a sucker for romance, or so he says," Hermes chuckled softly.
Maya, the Amazoness, gave me a smile and immediately grabbed my hand, attempting to pull me from my seat.
"Come on, then! I'll change his mind about romance once he spends a night with me. I won't even charge you, because it's not every day an Amazoness like me gets to enjoy a human as pretty as you."
Despite her best efforts, she couldn't move me an inch. Maya's frustration grew as a vein popped on her forehead, while Hermes simply kept his amused smile.
After a moment of trying to drag me away, Maya gave up, releasing me and turning around to give me an annoyed look.
"Have it your way, then! You might want to cover your face if you don't want women chasing after you here—they can be feisty. Now, what can I get you two? A drink, or maybe you're in the mood for some food?"
Hermes took a good look at the menu before glancing at me. "I'm going with a hot chocolate, Hermes. Not in the mood for food right now."
He nodded, handing the menu over to Maya. "Then I'll have the same as Niall. Maybe I'll figure out what's so special about this hot chocolate he likes."
Hermes dropped the menu on the table and relaxed in his chair, crossing his arms and closing his eyes as if lost in thought. Meanwhile, Maya gave me a quick wink before heading off to place our orders.
The café was fairly empty, and those who were here seemed to be occupied with the Amazoness workers who spent time entertaining them. Amazonesses enjoyed this job—their wild nature set them apart from typical human women.
"You know," I said, "her idea about the mask isn't bad. I should wear a cloak and mask to look more serious around Ishtar, but I left mine at home."
Hermes stopped his train of thought, giving me a curious look as he scanned me. Then, leaning forward, he adjusted his posture in the chair.
"That might be a good idea. I know a shop that sells masks and similar accessories not even a hundred meters from here. Once we finish our drinks, we'll go and get you something fitting."
Through the pink-decorated glass, we had a perfect view of the busy streets outside, where women prowled for their chosen targets of the night. Amid the bustling crowd, I noticed the same Amazonesses who had followed us earlier slipping away.
"Do you realize I've been followed this whole time by a group of Amazonesses? They just left," I murmured quietly, so only Hermes could hear.
Hermes gave me a curious look but chose to remain silent for a moment. Judging by his expression, I realized he'd noticed them too. As a god of trickery, he was bound to pick up on something like that.
A few minutes later, our drinks were ready, and Maya brought them over, moving gracefully through the café. She bent down, giving me a glimpse of her chest as she placed the hot chocolates on the table, then smiled and playfully pinched my cheek.
"Two hot chocolates, just for you!"
With a teasing smile, Maya left the table and retreated, her long black ponytail swaying as she moved her hips. Despite her revealing outfit, she carried herself with an unusual elegance for an Amazoness.
While drinking, I considered my options for a cloak and mask. My current set was back at home—in the dungeon—and getting it would take longer than I had time for. It might be best to buy a new outfit, maybe one with a Far Eastern touch. I'd always wanted a kitsune mask.
Hermes and I enjoyed our drinks in the peaceful atmosphere. Despite the Amazonesses' antics, I found myself enjoying the visit. I'd come back—if it weren't for the relentless flirting.
"Ahh, that was some good hot chocolate! I can see why you like it so much," Hermes said. "Why don't we head out now and get you that outfit? You can pick whatever you like; I'll pay. Got to treat my children right, after all!"
Hermes grinned and gave me a few pats on the back, clearly pleased with my company. He and I shared a unique bond, one I hadn't formed with anyone else in quite the same way.
"Niall, take this bag of valis and hand it over to Maya or another waitress who'll take it," he said, smirking.
I shot him a deadpan look, fully aware he was trying to force me into interacting with the women here. He knew I had a wife, yet he still insisted—it was a little annoying, to be honest.
"Now, now," he chuckled, reading my expression. "I know what you're thinking, but I'd prefer you handle it this time. You need interactions with real people—not just monsters in the dungeon, ha!"
Did he just call me a "dungeon neet?" I blinked a few times, only for him to wave me off.
Sighing, I shook my head and walked over to a table where another Amazoness waitress stood, this one in slightly less revealing clothes.
"Excuse me, may I pay for two hot chocolates?"
I held out the bag of valis, and the Amazoness switched her focus to me, looking intrigued and amused. She rested her face in one hand as if relieved for a break from the monotony.
"Sure thing, handsome. And be sure to visit us soon, or else one of us will come and fetch you personally," she teased, winking as she took the bag.
With that done, I nodded to Hermes, and we both left the café, heading to the clothing stand for my new attire.