Unlock new chapters and exclusive illustrations at https://www.patreon.com/Rayish
Shirou and Riveria returned to Orario as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky. The city's streets were bustling, filled with merchants closing up their stalls and adventurers making their way back from the Dungeon. Walking side by side, Shirou and Riveria moved at a leisurely pace, yet remained alert.
Riveria turned to Shirou with a small smile. "Climbing the floors today was more enjoyable, especially since you gave me a chance to shoot at monsters. Not like before when I was just gathering magic stones."
Shirou chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I think I've shown off enough for one day. If I keep flaunting my abilities, I might lose my student."
Riveria gave a knowing smile at Shirou's jest.
When they reached the gates of Twilight Manor, Riveria paused and lowered her green hood, letting her long green hair cascade down. She turned to Shirou with a gentle smile. "You can head back first, Shirou. I want to stop by the Elven clothing shop to buy another green cloak like this one before they run out."
Shirou hesitated for a moment, a flicker of unease crossing his mind. He knew the cloak was the same style he had chosen for Ryuu just the other day, and he could only imagine the chaos if the two women noticed the similarity. Trying to dissuade her, Shirou said, "Riveria, why don't you just let me project the cloak whenever you want to wear it? It's easy for me to do."
But Riveria shook her head, her resolve firm. "No, Shirou. I want the real thing. Your projections only last three days, and I don't want to trouble you to keep recreating it."
In her heart, Riveria smiled warmly. This cloak was chosen by Shirou and suits me perfectly. I want to keep it as a memento of what felt like our first date, she thought while looking at him.
Seeing her determination, Shirou could only sigh softly. "Alright. Be careful on your way, Riveria."
Riveria smiled and waved. "I won't be long. See you later, Shirou."
As Riveria walked away, Shirou pulled back his own hood and touched his ears, activating Alteration Magecraft to revert them from their Elven form to normal. Feeling the cool evening breeze on his face, he let out a long sigh. I hope they don't notice the cloaks are the same. I don't even want to imagine what might happen if they do.
Shirou decided to return to Twilight Manor first before heading elsewhere. Climbing the stairs to his small room on the second floor, he noticed how quiet the manor felt, with only a few members of the Loki Familia wandering the halls. Maybe they're out for dinner or still on a Dungeon expedition, Shirou thought as he opened his door.
Once inside, he set down the large bag he was carrying and placed it in the corner of the room. Opening the bag, he took out a pouch filled with the magic stones he had gathered during the day's journey. Looking at the heavy pouch, he recalled Riveria's words earlier.
"These magic stones are yours, Shirou. You defeated most of the monsters, so they rightfully belong to you."
Shirou smiled faintly, recalling Riveria's firm yet gentle tone as she said that. He opened the drawer under his bed, which was already packed with magic stones from previous expeditions. Adding the new pouch to the collection, he thought, I still don't need the money. Maybe these stones will be more useful for Magecraft experiments. Who knows? They might come in handy for new research.
Shirou then removed the black Elven cloak he was wearing, folded it neatly, and placed it in his laundry pile in the corner. His black armor and red outfit dissolved into prana, vanishing without a trace. Grabbing a small towel from his desk, he wiped the sweat from his body and sprayed on a light fragrance. At least I don't want to look like someone fresh out of the Dungeon.
Feeling refreshed, Shirou opened his wardrobe and glanced at the shirt Syr had chosen for him yesterday—a simple yet stylish piece. He pulled it out and put it on. Standing in front of the small mirror in his room, he nodded in approval. This looks decent enough for the Hostess of Fertility.
Satisfied, Shirou left his room and strolled down the hallway, planning to enjoy dinner at the Hostess of Fertility, a place that felt like a second home. Maybe I can help out in the kitchen tonight if they're busy, Shirou mused as he closed the manor door behind him.
Night had fallen over Orario, the cool evening air refreshing after a day in the Dungeon. The dark sky was dotted with twinkling stars, creating a serene backdrop for his walk.
When Shirou arrived at the Hostess of Fertility, the atmosphere inside was more relaxed than usual. The restaurant wasn't too crowded, with only a few regulars chatting while enjoying their meals. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, making Shirou's stomach growl.
At the entrance, Ryuu greeted him with a gentle smile. "Good evening, Shirou. You've come at the perfect time," she said, crossing her arms over her green uniform.
"Good evening, Ryuu," Shirou replied with a polite nod. Glancing toward the kitchen, he asked, "Do you need help in the kitchen tonight? I can lend a hand if it's busy."
Ryuu shook her head, her smile unwavering. "There's no need. Syr is helping in the kitchen tonight. Mama Mia has started to trust her more after you taught her how to cook. She's learning quickly."
Hearing that, Shirou lowered his head slightly, a hint of disappointment on his face. "So, I'm not needed in the kitchen anymore?" he murmured jokingly, though there was a faint trace of loss in his voice.
Ryuu chuckled softly at his expression. "Don't be like that. You're still needed here, just not in the kitchen tonight." She pointed to an empty table in the corner. "Why don't you sit down and relax for once? Let us take care of you."
Scratching the back of his head, Shirou looked a little awkward. "I'm more comfortable helping than sitting idle," he admitted honestly.
Ryuu placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Even heroes need a break. After spending all day in the Dungeon, you deserve to sit down and enjoy a meal without having to prepare it yourself."
Reluctantly, Shirou gave in, letting out a small sigh before nodding. "Alright, I'll leave it to you tonight," he said as he made his way to the table Ryuu had indicated.
As Shirou sat down, Ryuu gave a slight bow and smiled again. "Wait here. I'll bring something for you," she said before heading toward the kitchen, leaving Shirou to settle in and enjoy the peaceful evening.
Seated at a corner table, Shirou took in the warm, tranquil atmosphere of the Hostess of Fertility. The clinking of glasses mingled with the soft murmur of conversations, and the enticing aroma of food lingered in the air, making him feel at ease.
Before long, Ryuu returned from the kitchen carrying a large tray laden with food. On it was a plate of fragrant spiced rice with crispy grilled meat, a bowl of warm soup filled with vegetables and chicken, garlic butter toast, and a fresh green salad adorned with bright cherry tomatoes.
Seeing the tray, Shirou's eyes widened. "All this? Is it really for me?" he asked, half in disbelief.
Ryuu calmly placed the tray on the table and gave a small smile. "Think of it as a thank-you for all your hard work. Besides, Syr worked hard preparing all of this, so you should honor her effort by finishing it."
Shirou let out a long sigh, looking at the feast before him. "I guess I don't have a choice, huh? If I don't finish it, Syr will probably be disappointed," he joked.
Ryuu stifled a small laugh. "Exactly. So, dig in."
Shirou picked up a fork and started tasting the spiced rice and roasted meat. The flavor was extraordinary, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet, the sauce seeping deep into the tender meat. "Hmm, this is amazing," he murmured to himself.
After a few bites, Shirou noticed Ryuu sitting across from him. He raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Ryuu, why are you sitting here? Don't you have work to do?"
Ryuu crossed her arms on the table and smiled. "It's not too busy tonight. I have some time to relax."
Shirou sighed, slightly disappointed. "I thought you'd sit down to help me finish all this food. This feels like too much for just me."
Ryuu smiled softly. "You'll manage, Shirou. Think of it as another form of training. An adventurer must be strong, even when it comes to their stomach."
Shirou chuckled at her joke and continued eating, though he knew finishing everything would be a challenge.
As she sat calmly in front of him, Ryuu rested her chin on her hand, observing Shirou as he devoured the meal. Her sky-blue eyes softened, and she started a conversation. "So, how was your training with Lady Riveria in the Dungeon today? Did you learn much?"
Shirou, in the middle of chewing his roasted meat, paused for a moment to think. He was still intent on keeping his true power hidden. He answered calmly, "The training was fun. Riveria showed me the most efficient paths through the Dungeon. It was really helpful in understanding the layout."
Ryuu nodded slowly, but her eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Oh? How far did she take you? What floor did you reach?"
Without much thought, Shirou replied, "We went as far as the 20th floor."
His answer made Ryuu go silent for a moment, then she leaned forward slightly, raising an eyebrow in clear surprise. "The 20th floor? Isn't that a bit much? You're still Level 1, right? Why go so far?"
Hearing her question, Shirou, who was sipping his tea, immediately choked and almost dropped his cup. He coughed lightly, trying to calm himself down. In his mind, Shirou cursed his impulsive honesty. Damn, I forgot Ryuu still thinks I'm Level 1.
Ryuu watched him with a concerned look. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.
After his coughing subsided, Shirou nodded quickly and gave a stiff smile. "Ah, I'm fine. Sorry about that." Hoping to steer the conversation away, he added casually, "Maybe Riveria just wanted to prepare me for the future. Who knows, someday I might venture that far into the Dungeon."
Ryuu studied Shirou for a moment, as if weighing his response. Finally, she gave a faint smile and leaned back in her chair. "Lady Riveria always plans ahead. Maybe she really is preparing you for bigger challenges. Still, I can't help but wonder why she's personally training you."
Shirou chuckled nervously, trying to dispel the tension. "Maybe she just wants to make sure I don't get lost in the early floors."
Ryuu smiled, though her thoughts lingered on how special Shirou must be to garner Lady Riveria's direct attention. However, she decided not to press further, noticing Shirou seemed flustered enough.
Ryuu's tone shifted slightly as she leaned forward, her expression serious. "You know, Shirou, knowing the paths in the Dungeon isn't enough. You also need to hone your combat skills. The Dungeon isn't just about memorizing routes or defeating weak monsters. There will come a time when you face something far more dangerous."
Shirou nodded in agreement, though he began to feel slightly uneasy. "That's true. I need to learn more," he replied, keeping his tone light.
Ryuu continued with determination, "Tomorrow morning, I want to train you. Not just to survive, but to fight more effectively. I want you to be ready for anything."
"Tomorrow morning?!" Shirou thought, alarmed. How am I supposed to hide my real level if I train with Ryuu? My fighting techniques will give everything away.
He tried to buy some time by asking, "So, where would this training take place? Do you have a specific location in mind?"
Ryuu nodded confidently. "In front of the servants' dormitory at Hostess of Fertility, there's a small training ground we use for personal practice. It's quiet enough for you to focus without distractions."
That small training ground... an open space away from any crowds. There was no excuse left to refuse, was there? Shirou felt increasingly uneasy about turning down Ryuu's kind offer. He took a deep breath, then nodded with a faint smile. "Alright, I'll be there tomorrow morning," he said, though his heart was still filled with doubt.
Looks like I don't have a choice. If I refuse, she'll definitely get suspicious. I'll have to find a way to hide my true level and abilities. Maybe I can use Tracing to mimic the fighting style of a beginner-level adventurer. With a few intentional mistakes here and there, it should look convincing.
Ryuu smiled, satisfied with Shirou's agreement. "Good. I'm sure you'll learn a lot. And don't worry, I'll make sure the training is effective," she said as she leaned back in her chair.
Shirou could only nod, forcing a smile.
After taking the last sip of his tea, Shirou finally managed to finish his meal. True to habit, he immediately reached for the tray, plates, and dirty cups. But as he stood to carry them to the kitchen, Ryuu was already one step ahead, grabbing some of the dishes from the table.
"Shirou," Ryuu said in a calm tone as she held the tray. "Didn't I tell you earlier to just relax today?"
Shirou sighed softly, still standing. "But… I can't just sit around. At least let me help take these to the kitchen. Just this one thing."
Ryuu stared at Shirou for a moment, then gave a small, amused smile. This guy really is different. Instead of enjoying time to relax, he looks like he's suffering from it.
"I suppose if I try to stop you again, you'll just keep insisting," Ryuu finally said in a gentle tone. "Alright, but you're only allowed to help carry the dishes, nothing more."
Hearing that, Shirou smiled contentedly and quickly picked up the tray full of dirty plates. "Deal. I promise I'll only carry these to the kitchen."
With the tray in hand, Shirou walked alongside Ryuu, who was also carrying a few dirty utensils. As they passed other tables, Shirou noticed untouched plates that hadn't been cleared yet. Without hesitation, he picked those up as well.
Ryuu shook her head slightly, smiling. "You can't even stand seeing other tables uncleared, can you? You're way too diligent, Shirou."
Shirou chuckled lightly. "I just want to make sure everything's tidy. Besides, it's already a habit of mine."
Ryuu let out a soft laugh, feeling a sense of warmth from Shirou's attentiveness to even the smallest things. Together, they brought all the dirty dishes to the kitchen, making Shirou feel a bit more at ease knowing he could still lend a hand despite being told to relax.
Once they reached the kitchen, Shirou and Ryuu quickly placed the dirty dishes in the already-crowded sink. Shirou instinctively rolled up his sleeves, ready to help wash them, but Ryuu stopped him immediately, giving him a firm look.
"Don't forget, you're supposed to relax today," Ryuu reminded him, her tone gentle but firm.
Shirou nodded, slightly disappointed. "Alright, alright, I get it."
Before Shirou could step out of the kitchen, Syr's cheerful voice called out from the corner of the room. "Oh, Shirou! You're actually wearing the shirt I picked for you yesterday!"
Shirou smiled warmly, pointing to his shirt. "Of course. You have great taste, Syr. This shirt is really comfortable."
Syr, who had already been grinning widely, looked even prouder. "Of course! I have excellent fashion sense. I could totally be a stylist, right?"
Shirou laughed lightly at Syr's sudden confidence boost. "You're not just good at picking clothes, your cooking gets better every time I taste it."
Hearing the compliment, Syr's face lit up even more. She stood confidently, puffing out her chest with pride. "Of course! I've become the head assistant in this kitchen. At this rate, I might even replace Mama Mia someday!"
Ryuu, watching the scene unfold, shook her head and stifled a laugh. "Shirou, I think you should stop praising Syr. If you keep this up, her head will get so big that she won't be able to fit through the kitchen door."
Syr pretended to pout at Ryuu. "What's that supposed to mean, Ryuu? I deserve the praise!"
Shirou simply smiled and shrugged. "I'm just telling the truth. If someone deserves a compliment, I won't hold back."
Syr nodded in agreement, her tone playful. "Exactly, Shirou! You should follow Shirou's example, Ryuu!"
Ryuu returned Syr's gaze with a flat but meaningful expression. "I prefer to keep things balanced. There's no need for anyone to get too full of themselves."
Syr laughed softly, while Shirou scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile. The cheerful atmosphere returned to the kitchen, filled with lighthearted laughter.
As Shirou continued to joke around with Syr and Ryuu, a deep, commanding voice boomed from behind them. "Syr! Do you think you're done fooling around?"
Syr jumped, immediately standing up straight. Her bright smile turned into an awkward grin. "I... I was just taking a short break, Mama Mia."
Mama Mia snorted, crossing her arms. "A break? If you have time to rest, you have time to chop vegetables! Get back to work!"
Without protest, Syr quickly grabbed a knife and began chopping vegetables obediently. But as she worked, she glanced at Ryuu with a sly grin. "See? Ryuu was also relaxing with Shirou earlier. Why am I the only one getting scolded?"
Hearing this, Mama Mia turned her sharp gaze to Ryuu, who tried to stay calm despite her obvious discomfort. "Ryuu! So you were slacking off during work hours too, huh?"
Ryuu raised both hands in mild protest. "I was just sitting for a moment to make sure Shirou enjoyed his meal."
But Mama Mia wasn't interested in excuses. "I don't care. If you're done relaxing, you can start washing all the dirty dishes in the sink! Now, move it!"
Ryuu sighed quietly and walked to the sink with a resigned expression. "Syr chats with customers all the time, but I'm the one stuck with dish duty…" she muttered under her breath.
Syr, overhearing her, flashed a mischievous smile while continuing to chop vegetables. "That's my specialty, Ryuu. I know exactly when to sweet-talk."
Mama Mia, unwilling to hear more complaints, turned her attention to Shirou. But instead of scolding him, her tone softened. "Shirou, would you like to help in the kitchen again? You're always reliable, and look at Syr now—thanks to you, she's finally cooking properly. If not, I might have kicked her out by now."
Shirou felt flattered by the praise and was about to accept Mama Mia's offer. But from the sink, Ryuu gave him a sharp look and subtly shook her head, silently reminding him to stick to his promise to rest.
Catching Ryuu's signal, Shirou let out a small sigh and responded with a regretful tone. "Thank you for the offer, Mama Mia. But... maybe this time, I'll actually take a break."
Mama Mia stared at him for a moment before breaking into a small smile. "Alright, Shirou. You need time to relax too. But remember, my kitchen door is always open for you."
Shirou nodded politely, bidding farewell to everyone. But just as he was about to leave the kitchen, Ryuu whispered softly while still washing dishes. "Don't forget about the training tomorrow morning, Shirou."
Shirou gave her a small smile and whispered back, "I'll be there. Don't go too hard on me."
Ryuu only nodded slightly, her expression neutral, but her sky-blue eyes hinted at her serious intentions for the training. With that, Shirou left the Hostess of Fertility, feeling a mix of heaviness and happiness after a pleasant evening spent with them.