We continue to tour the massive city and visited several popular locations such as the Jagamarukun stall, the infamous Amphitheatron, the grand bazaar in western market area filled will all sort of foreigners buying or selling various kind of goods, the free market where adventurers trying to sell rare or unique drops for higher prices, the Saint Fulland's Cathedral, the Amor Square and finally at the end of the day, we ended our tour at the popular and well known Hostess of Fertility.
Actually, the Hostess of Fertility was closed since the owner, Mia Grand, is suddenly away for an important matter along with one of her employee. But not something impossible to fix.
Upon entering the pub, we were immediately seated by the cute waitress and took our orders. My order was spaghetti and meatballs and big fried fish accompanied with the infamous fruit wine that caused many to frequent the pub.
The atmosphere was lively and rowdy as one would expect from a pub. But good enough that it isn't annoyingly loud.
Sirin seems to enjoy the atmosphere, saying it felt like during her childhood with people like to gather and drink at the restaurant that she helped with before she was taken away by the evil people.
Although, she is the only one enjoying it. Sakura and Asia could bear it but Ravel didn't and he had to help damp out the noise for her to make it bearable.
"Ray! Ray! Can I try?" Sirin asked while looking at my food with sparkly eyes holding back her drool.
"Sure." He replied before she took a forkful of the spaghetti drenched with the sweet and tangy tomato based sauce and the rich and creamy melted cheese.
"Yum! It was so delicious!" Sirin exclaimed with pleasure and basking at the afterglow. "If only I knew the food here was this delicious. They are also cheaper than rations from Rivira."
"Let me try your next, Sakura!" Sirin turned her aim to the spicy looking stir-fry meat and sausages with various vegetables served on rice.
"Sure… Go ahead." Sakura offers her food as Sirin continues to taste and eventually the food of everyone.
It was a heartwarming scene like a normal family enjoying a night out at a restaurant. Everyone is laughing and smiling while eating and talking about topics they wish to share.
Sirin is the rowdy one while Sakura is the silent one that will silently listen unless she is asked a question. Asia the curious one, asking about Sirin and Sakura's experience adventuring in the dungeon while Ravel is the adult-ish one that gives them advice whenever possible and answering some questions directed to her by Sirin which mostly is about ways she can improve with using her ability and defeating monsters.
As for Ray, he is content being the silent observer, watching and enjoying their interactions while eating his food and sipping the delicious fruit wine.
That is until suddenly Sirin asked to taste his wine and somehow managed to bring Sakura and also Asia into this.
"No. All of you are underage." Ray vehemently denies them knowing what will happen if he allows them to drink.
"Then why can Ravel drink wine too?" Sirin pouted and threw a tantrum.
"Well… she can hold her alcohol well. But definitely not the three of you." He replied with a deadpan face.
Although, Sirin could drink quite a bit before getting drunk unlike Sakura and Asia. The two of them get drunk from the first sip. Probably because Sirin has the fabled Russian blood. She is from a small village in Belarus after all, a former USSR territory.
But after a little tantrum and nagging from Sirin and the swayed Sakura, Ray finally had enough and let them drink as they wished. Not that he cares that much and his sense of responsibility as an adult is near non-existence.
"Fine. Drink all you want. Just don't come back to me and cry about it." I shrug and let them order a jug of wine to share amongst themselves.
Ravel looks concerned especially with Sakura who already looks tipsy from a single whiff.
"Master. Is this really alright?" Ravel asked with a worried tone.
"Eh. Let them be. The worst they can do is force us to put them to sleep and drag them back home." I shrug and chug another barrel. Which looks funny as a cat is comically chugging a barrel of wine.
"So, did you enjoy today's activities?" Ray was slightly bored and decided to have a conversation.
"It's fun. I never thought I could experience the experience of another world." Ravel nodded and put down her cup.
"Hmn. It's Underworld kinda have a similar experience? The fantasy world settings, I mean." To my question, Ravel paused for a moment to think of an answer.
"It is. But a real fantasy world like this is different. The atmosphere and people here are very different from Underworld as Underworld is quite similar to Earth in some sense. Here, it's a real and genuine fantasy world untainted by the problems of the modern world." Ravel pointed out and looked at the other patrons in the pub.
Ray could understand what she meant as the Underworld mirrored the Earth in some sense. Their civilization advanced just like humans. The majority of Devils are Reincarnated Devils that are no different than normal humans. They work their bones off to secure a comfortable life, worrying about debt, their livelihood, etc. Only the pureblood Devil lived an aloof life and could afford even the common luxury.
In some sense, Reincarnated Devils have it harder than the average human as they themselves are constantly oppressed and feel the discrimination from the pureblood Devils that run the Underworld and Devil society while doing their best to secure their livelihood and future as it can be seen from Sona Sitri who sought to change it was face with ridicule from her peers and other pureblood Devils for trying to establish a school for the Reincarnated Devils.
"Hmn. I guess." Ray replied with an unreadable expression as he nodded understandably.
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