Mildiesta, Hensberg Kingdom, Northern Continent.
"This is your order, Miss."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
Afterward, I stepped toward the door and left the shop.
The place I had visited earlier was one of the alchemist shops in Mildiesta. Since I needed to prepare provisions for our first hunt tomorrow, I purchased some Heal Potions and Mana Potions.
Heal Potions are items that help heal minor to moderate wounds on the body. They can also restore the user's stamina. Meanwhile, Mana Potions are items used to restore a user's mana. Mana Potions are crucial for me as a Priest since priests are mages who focus on support magic.
In truth, there are other important items, such as Elixirs and Ethers. Elixirs are used to heal severe injuries, even critical conditions. On the other hand, Ethers are items that can boost the user's abilities. In essence, Ethers can enhance one's speed, strength, or magical attack power for a certain period.
But Elixirs and Ethers are expensive! It's impossible for me to buy them. At least for now, I definitely can't afford them.
I also bought a few other types of potions, such as Antidotes and Paralyze Potions. Antidotes are potions used to cure poisons in the user's body, while Paralyze Potions are items that remove paralysis effects inflicted by monsters. Paralysis renders someone immobile, unable to move for a while—a fatal condition during battles. Thus, carrying Antidotes and Paralyze Potions is as essential as bringing Heal Potions and Mana Potions.
"Sigh..."
I let out a long sigh, recalling the commotion in the Mildiesta Guild hall yesterday. Yes… the commotion caused by Ryuji-san. The fact that Ryuji-san is a Swordmaster ranked at S caused a massive stir in the guild.
But… do I even deserve to adventure with Ryuji-san?
I'm just a Priest ranked at C. Thinking back, I did sense some unpleasant gazes directed toward me in the guild hall. Perhaps they think I'm just riding on Ryuji-san's coattails.
I'm the one who summoned this 'S-Rank Swordmaster' into this world!
Honestly, I almost blurted that out, realizing those unfriendly stares. But never mind—it's better they don't know the truth. Although Anna-san appeared a bit suspicious when she asked,
"Is Ryuji-san really from this world?"
She furrowed her brows, scrutinizing me.
"I don't know Ryuji-san's origins. He suddenly appeared and saved my village during a savage ogre attack," I answered with a fabricated excuse.
Ryuji-san briefly glanced at me, as if understanding my intent, and then said firmly to Anna-san,
"I don't need to explain my origins to you, do I?"
Anna-san looked flustered upon hearing Ryuji-san's stern response and apologized to us. She explained that as long as there was no specific report or record from the Hensberg Kingdom regarding criminal acts, it was valid for Ryuji-san to register as an adventurer.
Before we left, Anna-san bowed once more to Ryuji-san, apologizing if she had made him uncomfortable.
Wasn't Ryuji-san a bit too harsh on Anna-san?
I only just realized this fact. Does Ryuji-san show kindness and gentleness only to me?
My face suddenly grew hot.
"What am I even thinking!"
I slapped my cheeks with both hands to shake off the strange thoughts in my head.
And I had arrived in front of our inn, named Noctis Amor. What an embarrassing name. What was the owner thinking when they named the inn Noctis Amor (One-Night Love)?
This is ridiculous!
What's worse, I foolishly invited Ryuji-san to stay here. I hadn't thought much about it at the time, considering the rent was surprisingly cheap for a town like Mildiesta. It was a big help for us, given how empty our wallets were.
But today, I realized something—after spending the night there, I noticed the inn was filled exclusively with couples. Couples shamelessly displaying their affection everywhere.
How could they not be embarrassed by their behavior?
But this was entirely my fault. The signboard clearly says Noctis Amor Inn. Yeah… this was a hundred percent my own carelessness.
Now, I entered the inn and looked for Ryuji-san. He said he would be waiting for me at the bar inside. And there he was, sporting his characteristic nonchalant expression. Ryuji-san didn't seem bothered at all by the couples acting lovey-dovey around him. How could he maintain such a composed face so perfectly?!
And… who is she? Who's the woman sitting beside Ryuji-san? Eh… isn't she drunk? What does she want with him?
I quickened my pace towards them, catching snippets of her voice,
"Why are you so stiff, Swordmaster-san? Can't you see this beautiful onee-san is feeling lonely? Say something..."
She's an Elf… Huh?! Why is an Elf woman drunk in public like this? Is she really an Elf?
To my knowledge, there are two types of Elves: Elves and Dark Elves. The Elf race, known for their nearly eternal lifespans, lives in forests. They are generally ethical, dignified, and uphold morality and purity. In contrast, Dark Elves mostly dwell in darkness, like caves or abandoned mines. Their lifestyle is more akin to Dwarves—glamorous, party-loving, and avid sake drinkers.
But this Elf woman before me is completely drunk. Worse, she's flirting with Ryuji-san. What kind of Elf woman behaves like this?
"Ara... it seems your girlfriend has arrived."
She said, turning her flushed face to me with a teasing smile.
"You're back, Elena-san."
"Am I interrupting something?"
I asked, irritated. I wasn't jealous. Not at all. I was just annoyed. That's all.
"What do you mean?"
Ryuji-san looked slightly puzzled at my question.
"Oh… are you jealous, Little Miss?"
This Elf woman turned her teasing on me now.
"Of course not!"
I answered firmly.
The Elf woman appeared unconvinced.
Why was she doubting me? Do I look like a lovestruck girl in her eyes? What a bizarre woman!
"Miss Aella! Please visit the kitchen for a moment. The head chef is asking for you."
Called out one of the inn's waitresses, approaching us.
"Alright, I'll head there now."
Staggering drunkenly, Aella walked away with the waitress.
I sighed deeply, at a loss for words as I watched Aella leave. How could an Elf woman act like that?
I sat across from Master Ryuji, glaring at him while furrowing my brows. What was this man doing while I was busy outside preparing for tomorrow's hunt? Instead of helping, he was casually mingling with an Elf woman.
"Why are you giving me such a scary look, Miss Elena?"
"Never mind..."
I muttered softly.
"What do you mean, Miss Elena? Could you explain why you look so upset with me? Miss Elena… Miss Elena, please answer me—don't just stay silent!"
Ah… could Master Ryuji actually be a womanizer?
†*******************†
This is the opening chapter of the first arc of my story, titled "Aella Mead, Heart of Mother."
Please sit back and enjoy my story!