Hostess of Fertility – Late Night
The tavern remained lively, laughter and conversation filling the air.
Orcbolg ate his stew in silence, occasionally glancing around.
The rumors were consistent.
Monsters acting strangely in the middle floors.
Some adventurers claiming new species had emerged.
The Guild keeping things quiet.
He would need to investigate.
But for now—he listened.
An Annoying Presence
"You're an interesting one, aren't you?"
A silver-haired girl slid into the seat across from him.
Syr.
She rested her chin on her hand, smiling. "Most people at least talk to their waitress."
Orcbolg didn't respond.
Syr giggled. "Not much of a talker, huh?"
He continued eating.
Her eyes studied him closely.
"You don't seem like a normal adventurer," she said. "You don't brag, you don't drink, and you keep listening to other people's conversations. Almost like a…"
She tapped her finger against the table.
"...Hunter?"
Orcbolg stopped.
Just for a second.
Then he resumed eating.
Syr's smile widened.
Sharp.
Ryu's Warning
"Leave him alone, Syr."
A new voice.
Orcbolg glanced up.
The elf from earlier—Ryu Lion. She stood beside the table, arms crossed.
Syr pouted. "I was just being friendly!"
"You're bothering him," Ryu said.
Syr sighed dramatically but stood up. "Fine, fine~"
She winked at Orcbolg. "Come back soon, alright?"
She left.
Ryu, however, remained.
She looked at him carefully.
"You hunt things," she said. "Not just monsters."
Orcbolg met her gaze.
"You've fought before. Outside the Dungeon."
He didn't answer.
Ryu exhaled softly.
"...Be careful in Orario," she finally said. "Not all prey are monsters."
She walked away.
Unanswered Questions
Orcbolg finished his meal, stood, and placed coins on the table.
As he left the tavern, he felt several eyes on him.
Syr.
Ryu.
And others.
The Hostess of Fertility had taken notice of him.