Chapter 4
God’s Wine
“Please”
“Okay”
The decoration was placed onto the counter. Wearing a red hat, the Gnome owner
sporting a white beard, held the embedded jade jewelry into the depths of the shop.
The Gnome’s Miscellaneous Goods Shop. In this antique shop with an uncreative
name, it was engaged in small scale business transactions today.
Inside the shop with numerous decorations, the customer Hobbit was quietly
standing, surrounded by items that lack any uniformity.
“Ararara, I’ve made you wait”
“How is it?”
“It has been beautifully given <Status> support……to poison effects. It is high
class. So…… How about 48000 Varisu?”
Towards the owner’s words, the Hobbit nodded with satisfaction. The trade was
established.
“Do I have to pay with cash today?”
“No, it is fine if it’s the same as usual”
The negotiations occurred in a bland manner.
The large clock that was tilted inside the shop, had the sound of its hand swinging
spread between them.
“This old man, although I can’t say I am a great Gnome……”
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Slowly, the Gnome owner spoke.
Ignoring the customer who tilted his head, he played around with his decorations
using his hand and after a short period of them, he continued to speak.
“It is still better not to put your head into something overly dangerous. Although it
may have been too late by now.”
“……”
“Although the general public does not know to this extent, this has been
spreading among the Adventurers that there is a dishonest Hobbit that steals
belongings. He would occasionally even empty the whole team”
“……What are you saying?”
“Nothing, also,I am not doubting you. That Hobbit is a female, and it seems to be a
repeated offender. To you, who is a male, these words may indeed be said to the
wrong target”
Only, the Gnome owner moved his white beard.
“I heard that all the items that were stolen, almost all of them were appraised by
this old man’s eyes……Isn’t it? This old man was thinking that it may be better to
not overdo something if you want to have a relationship with your friends”
Throwing a sinister sight at the owner’s words, the male Hobbit revealed a slightly
arrogant expression and exposed a smile.
“It seems like there is a rather malevolent Hobbit. But even if they say this, what’s
the problem, the Adventurer-sama shouldn’t be qualified to talk about other, right?
Most of them are also doing dirty acts. Aren’t they similar? Robbing, or
intimidating”
“That is, Nnnnn…….”
“If it was me, I might also want to say this. Do not turn a blind eye to your own
actions”
In the end, the Hobbit customer gave off a faint laugh.
“It might be cruel, but it is still the side that got tricked was still at fault”
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Nnn, the distressed moan by the owner was absorbed by the sorrowful sound of the
large-sized clock.
× × ×
“Ugguuuuu~……!”
“……What are you doing, Bell-kun?”
I maintained my posture of lying down on the sofa, while pressing a cushion onto
my head. Although Kami-sama was confused about the meaning of my posture that
covered the head, but not the body, I couldn’t answer her.
I fled from Wallenstein-san back there.
While I had no clue how that situation evolved like that, the only thing that I was
clear about was that everything was real. Whether it was that the person I look up
to did a lap pillow, or me, acting like a big idiot as usual, and fleeing with all my
strength.
Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn……I want to die,
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……
“Is it that, you wet the bed?”
“NO~”
If it was usual, I would ferociously reply back. But right now, I could only issue an
unpromising sound.
After the atmosphere of shame and confusion that appeared in front of that person
had disappeared, where I went, how I got there, I already completely forgot about
it. When I had already noticed, it was already night time. When I noticed it, I was
already dragging my body back to the door of our base, as if I had lost my soul.
“Ha. Although I do not know what happened, but you are really still a melancholy
and moody child……”
It is not melancholy and moody, Kami-sama, it is painfully heartbroken.
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I, who slowly got up, still had my ears red. Anyways, I should eat breakfast
together with Kami-sama.
Although I thought about continuing to be depressed, but, as I expected, it
wouldn’t work. The matter about Wallenstein-san, I should forget about it for
today……What, it was probably impossible.
When will the day come when I will thank and apologize for this day.
“Right. Bell-kun, let me see the book from yesterday. I am very free until noon”
“Ah, yes. No problem.”
Kami-sama seems to have her work shift at noon today. In addition to
<Hephaestus’s Familia>’s job, she was continuing her work at the stall……Is her
body okay?”
I handed the heavy book that I borrowed from Seal-san towards Kami-sama.
“Fuu, the more I look at it, the more I feel that it is a strange book, wha……?”
Staring at the cover, Kami-sama simply browsed through it and suddenly stopped
her action.
Just as I was thinking about it, her corner of her eyes twitched. As if a problem that
she did not know about had occurred.
Eh……?W…What?
“……Isn’t this a Magic Guidance Book?
“Magic Guidance Book?”
I spoke the never heard words like a parrot.
The nasty premonition had already become sweat and exposed onto my face.
“W…What is that thing, that……?”
“In short, it is a book that forces mastery of Magic……”
I felt that another of my sweat glands had opened up inside my body.
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“If I talked about <Development Ability>, you will not understand. Anyways, this
book can only be created by a person who had reached the limits of the rare skills
<Way of Magic> and <Mystery>……”
——I understand what you mean, Kami-sama.
The achiever of two types of <Development Ability>……This means they will be
at least a Lv.3 or above <Familia> member. And this book is the work of a person
who was far stronger than those Adventurers……
Probably, it was similar to the person known as the <Sage-sama> in the legends,
that poured its soul……
I revealed a petrified and broken smile.
“This is the reason why you obtained Magic, right……By the way, Bell-kun, how
did this Magic Book end up in this place?”
“I borrowed it from an acquaintance……It seems like it was something that
someone dropped……”
“……”
“Is it very expensive……”
“The same as <Hephaestus’s Familia>’s top class goods, or perhaps even
more……”
Bikiri, cracks appeared from my petrified body.
“Incidentally, the effects will disappear after reading it once. Once you used it, it is
only a heavy and useless book……”
It’s over.
The expensive book that condensed magic to externally interfere and obtain a
<Miracle>. Not only was it casually flipped open and read, the one-time use was
also consumed. The thing that was worth millions of Varisu was wasted by
me……
A gloomy silence enveloped the headquarters.
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I, who had done this irreparable act, could only despair.
Kami-sama, as if she was wearing a mask to wipe out any emotions, pulled over a
chair and walked in front of me shortly. She stood up and placed her hands onto
my shoulders and said to me from above.
“Listen carefully okay, Bell-kun? If you suddenly meet the owner of the lost book,
before it was read, just directly hand it over to the owner. As long as the book is
not in your hands, it does not exists the possibility of using the Magic Book in the
first place……That’s how it will go”
“That’s too black hearted, Kami-sama!?”
Why would you want to brush it off so normally!?
“Bell-kun, there are many things that aren’t perfect in the Lower World. I have
personally witnessed it. Just like being chased out from the place where I was
living, not being able to buy potato croquettes when I’m hungry, being held up in
the basement of a ruin……being forced to hold a large debt. There are so many
things that do not make sense in this world”
“Isn’t this all Kami-sama’s fault!?”
Rather, isn’t the last sentence too unlucky!?
Why did you hide it and not say anything, Kami-sama!
“A…Anyways, I will explain it clearly to the person that lent me the book!”
“Bell-kun, no, you are too pure! The world is even more fickle than the gods!”
“Don’t give out false words at this moment!? Hiding it, won’t it be revealed one
day for sure!”
There was already no path to take! Not only will Seal-san ask whether if he had
read the book, even if we continue to lie, it will be over the moment the owner of
the book appears!
Since things have progressed to this point, why not directly confess to it without
being secretive, and gamble using <Dogeza>!
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I rejected Kami-sama’s advanced to stop me, and single-handedly carried the book
and rushed out the headquarter’s door.
“Is Seal-san here!”
“Ohoh, this nyaa is the boy. Morning nyaaa”
At the entrance of the wine bar <Mistress of Abundance>, a female catperson, who
was sweeping the ground, talked with me.
Indeed, it is the shop personnel called Chloe right, her tail behind her was shaking
left and right and revealed a smile towards me as if she was up to something bad.
“Nyaa what, nyaa what? You did not even say a greeting and you want to call Seal
nyaa, so full of vigor in the early morning——“
“Please help me call Seal-san!!”
“——Nyaaa!? I understand, nyaa!?”
Towards my menacing look and desperate cries, Chloe-san jumped up surprisingly.
Was it because she noticed that I was unusual, she hurried inside the shop. The
doorbell issued out a crisp sound.
Quickly, Chloe-san leaned out her head from the door and beckoned me over.
I stepped into the shop that was still in preparation.
“Good morning, Bell-san. Is there any problem?”
“Seal-san!”
Seal-san, who was, patapata, running over quickly from the kitchen to this
direction, was still holding a wooden tray.
Towards Seal-san, who had a bandana equipped on her light-rust colored hair, I
began to explain the situation from start to the end.
Seal-san, who was revealing a confused smile, gradually began to widened her
eyes as the topic advanced, and at the same time, the color of her face was
constantly changing……Until I was finished, I, as usual, looked away.
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“……Really now, you did something incredible, Bell-san”
“Wait a minute Seal-san!? Why are you talking as if it was somebody else’s
matter!?”
Towards the unnatural attitude, I could not help but frantically shout out. It feels
like I was treated as the sheep for the sacrifice.
Seal-san lifted the tray that she was holding onto and covered her lower face, she
stared at me carefully.
“So, it’s not okay?”
“Although it is very cute, but no!”
I made a clean break towards Seal-san’s petition with a red face.
“It’s really annoying, brat. In someone else’s shop, and also this early in the
morning”
We had launched a question at the spot, was it because she heard the commotion,
but I do not know why the female boss Auntie Mia appeared. Regardless of the
dwarf’s identity, she, who had a strong body, easily pulled out the book from me,
who was frozen , and casually flipped through it.
“Indeed it is a Magic Guidance Book……But if it was already read, then there is
no other way. Brat, do not mind it”
“Ehhh!? B…But……”
“Originally, it was the fault of the person who placed it in the shop as if he was
saying please read this book. Even if you, brat, did not read it, a nearby Adventurer
who noticed this precious Magic Guidance Book, will aim for this book claiming
that it was his own item. This is that kind of thing.”
Towards the mysterious persuasiveness, I kept silent and listened, Mia-san issued a
hum from her nose.
“The moment the owner let go of it, he should already have the resolve. Brat, you
too, if you lost your wallet stuffed with money, will you imagine that someone will
return it back to you untouched?”
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“That……”
“That’s the case here. Even if you continue to think about it, it will go nowhere.
Just pretend that it was a treat from the sky and quickly forget about it.”
Auntie Mia rightfully declared it.
Seal-san, who was looking beside her, was also plagued with a wry smile
expression. Her head was tilted to the side.
Should I say that it feels like it was too ambiguous. In the end, I still revealed an
unaccepting expression……and was stared fiercely by Auntie Mia. She said, “If
you are a man, then don’t murmur nonstop!”.
Towards that loud roar, I reflexively stood up straight stunned, “Yes!?” and
expressed my understanding.
While sending off Auntie Mia, who disappeared into the depths of the store, I
wondered if this is really okay.
Using my hand to scratch my head, my emotions were somewhat complicated.
“……That, I’m very sorry, I caused trouble. Then, I’ll leave now”
After a period of time, I said this, and prepared to return. Seal-san took the basket
from Chloe-san, who suddenly approached……and timidly handed it out to me.
“Today, can you also accept it?”
“……T…Thanks”
While I stammered out my thanks, I took the basket with both hands with an
embarrassed smile.
Although I usually always feel that it was rude, but whenever it was during this
moment, Seal-san always seemed to be very happy. It felt that an unusual joy was
also slipped in……No, although it does not mean that I was normally not
happy……Why, it was impossible to use words to describe it well.
I blushed while thanking again. This time, I really left the <Mistress of
Abundance>.
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Once I returned to the headquarters, I placed down the Magic Guidance Book, in
order to wear the equipment to explore the dungeon.
After explaining the situation at the wine bar to Kami-sama, she sent me away with
a gentle voice, “Safe trip”.
(Speaking of which, my recovery potion was used up right……?)
As I was walking down the street, I suddenly remembered the situation regarding
my items. Three days ago, I had used up all my recovery potions in the dungeon
exploration. My pouch strapped on my left thigh was beautifully empty.
(I was also taken care of a lot by them up till now……Should I make a trip?)
On the path heading towards the dungeon, I decided to visit the shop that I had
neglected for a long time.
The shop location was situated at the West Main Street’s outer area, in the depths
of an alley.
A single building was built alone in a slightly damp land, it had a logo of a
<Familia> that seems to imitate a complete bodied human, as if it was a decoration
for the sign.
“Excuse me, good morning……”
Peeking in through the slightly pried open wooden doors, a female beastman was
currently looking at the items on the shelves inside this slightly dim shop. She
noticed me and turned her half-closed eyes to this side.
“Good morning, Bell. Long time no see……”
Although the sleepy voice coupled with the sleepy expression makes it easy for
others to think that she had just woken up, but this is this person’s usual state.
Above her skirt that her tail was sticking out from, she was wearing a strange shirt
with short-sleeves on the left and long-sleeves on the right. Her right hand was
even wearing a glove. Although her age range was similar to Eina-san, but the
petite figure stopped what she was doing and moved to the counter where it was
located in the depths of the shop.
“I’m really sorry for coming this early in the morning. Is it fine right now?”
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“It does not matter. After all, even if Bell goes back, there will not be any
customers……Then, what are you buying today?”
She, who was separated by the counter, suddenly pulled out a box from who knows
where and placed it onto the table.
Inside the large box, tubes filled with different colors of liquid were arranged in an
orderly manner.
“Speaking of which, where is Miach-sama? Not here?”
“Miach-sama has some personal business until evening. Today I am the only
one……”
I asked and obtained this kind of response while I was comparing the tubes……the
various recovery potion.
This is the <Miach’s Familia>’s shop that was led by Miach-sama, and at the same
time, it is their base. Then, the other member that belonged to <Miach’s Familia>
was her, Naaza-san.
She used her hand to take out a recovery potion that seemed to have a high purity,
and patiently tried to sell it to me.
“Bell, how about this. Isn’t it time for you to try this <High Class Recovery
Potion>……”
“N…No thanks, it is still too early for me~”
While being handed a high class recovery potion that costs tens of thousands of
Varisu, I politely refused with a twitching smile. It was probably because both
sides were from poor <Familia>. Once they have the opportunity, they will
desperately promote and we would desperately try to cut down prices. This could
already be regarded as a routine.
Although facing the strong-headed Naaza-san, almost all the time, it was my side
that was defeated……
“Bell, how come you did not come to our shop recently……”
“Nnnn……!?”
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“Miach-sama was very lonely. His stomach was also growling……Because he was
hungry”
Because after hiring Lili, who took care of everything about the items, I really did
not come to this shop for a long period of time. Towards Naaza-san, who seemed
to be using lines to use my conscience, I tensed up.
Not good, if this continues, I will be forced to purchase some extra items……
“S…Speaking of which, I had a strange thing happened to me when I entered the
dungeon yesterday!?”
I, who attempted to immediately change the subject, began to talk about the
situation where I fell unconscious after using Magic in the dungeon yesterday night.
Naaza-san only silently listened and then whispered “Ahhh”.
“That is Mental Exhaustion. It will often happen after people, who had just
awakened magic, gets carried away…….”
“Mental Exhaustion……”
“After all, using Magic consumes this energy called Mental Power. When the
consumption was too severe, it will lead to sudden fainting.”
So……Naaza-san continued to speak as she rummaged the drawers underneath the
counter.
“Just drinking this Recovery Potion that recovers Mental Power, although it is still
in the early stages. It was just recently made……”
“Ehh, b…but that is very expensive right……”
“No problem, since Bell is a regular customes, I will discount it a bit for
you……8700 Varisu.”
Instantly, I retreated a step away.
“I understand……”
Looking at me like this, Naaza-san had her dog ears drooped from her head, then
she took another two tubes out.
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“If you buy this at 8700 Varisu, plus another 2 Recovery Potion, I will only charge
you 9000 Varisu……How about it?”
Listening to this proposal, I widened my eyes and quickly clutched my brain and
think.
<Miach’s Familia>’s Recovery Potions are sold at least for 500 Varisu. If it was
just about this point, then this purchase will indeed be cheap. Although 9000
Varisu is still an amount that makes others feel bitter, but if it was an item that
could extend the usage time of Magic, then it was indeed very attractive.
Being able to respond to emergency situations was also a condition to becoming a
first-class Adventurer……
“In the dungeon, it is impossible to know what will happen. It is still better to keep
a hand open……”
This sentence had become the decisive factor.
The timid me weighed money and safety of the team, and chose the latter.
“I understand. Then I’ll buy it”
“Thanks, Bell. Love you……”
Naaza smiled towards me with half-closed eyes, and was not ashamed to have blurt
out such words, I blushed while I took the items and hurried to leave.
“So easy, Bell……”
……Although I felt that I heard something when I was leaving, but I did not heard
anything. I must be hearing voices, hearing voices.
I, who left the shop, stepped again onto the West Main Street that I walked back
and forth all the time, and appeared in the central plaza.
Under the cloudless skies, the wide and round plaza also gathered many fully
armed warriors today.
(Still haven’t come yet……?)
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I attempted to search for Lili’s figure within the plaza, but inside my gaze, there
were no beastman girl.
While thinking that it was rare, I headed towards Babel. On the way, a familiar
scene appeared.
In the corner of the central plaza that had broadleaf trees planted at equal intervals.
Under the sunlight that passed through the gaps of the leaves, it created a
comfortable shade as the wind blew the leaves. Lili and a group of male
Adventurers were there.
The three burly men surrounded the petite Lili. They stood with hideous faces
while yelling something, Lili used all her effort to turn her face the other way. It
was absolutely not a harmonious atmosphere.
——Could it be <Soma’s Familia>’s members?
The moment this thought flashed through my mind,I began to stare intently over
there.
“……Enough……Give it to me!”
“Already……don’t have……it! Really……!”
From Lili and the others, the sound of their quarrel continued to spread over here.
I, who was anxious, stood situated behind the broadleaf tree in a dead angle
location and was prepared to burst into the scene.
“Hey.”
“!”
However, suddenly.
As if it was to prevent such actions, my shoulder was caught. I turned around in
surprise.
A male Adventurer. Equipped with a long sword behind him. A burly black-haired
human.
(Huh, this person……)
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“It really is that brat from that time……Forget it and listen to me. You formed a
team with that shorty?”
That voice and tone, it can’t be wrong. It was the male Adventurer that I met a
while ago in the alley.
“Hey, quickly give me a reply. You, did you hire that Supporter?”
“……That child isn’t the same child as the Hobbit you were chasing.”
In front of the man who revealed an irritated expression, I replied. It could also be
said that half of it was based on my reflex.
Although dressing a large robe and hood that was bigger by 1 size and was difficult
to discern, but Lili was not a hobbit but a dog person.
Please do not recognize the wrong person. Although I intended to say this……but
the man crooked his lips and laughed.
“Idiot……I will not say it, but what you think is your own choice. Enjoy your
idiotic play then.”
While being sprayed with a lot of complaints, but I was more curious about his
tone.
This accusation, it feels as if I was being lied upon.
And I did not fully believe the words that the man had said……
I revealed a puzzled look. The man no longer laughed and changed his expression.
“Compared to this, kid, help me out…….to trap that shorty”
“What……”
“I won’t tell you to do it for nothing. I will not only give you a reward and I will
also divide half of the money that I get from her.”
The male seems to be seriously saying this. I temporarily became speechless.
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“You just have to pretend to go to the dungeon with that shorty as usual. Then just
casually find a reason to leave for a while and let that guy fall into a trap. It isn’t a
big deal right, very simple?”
The man could not help but have the corner of his mouth split open into a smile.
An annoying smile. I felt a despicable atmosphere that I have never felt before.
The chill and disgust quickly arose from inside my body. I tightly clasped my fists.
“Why do you have to say that kind of thing……?”
“Ahah? Very annoying right, but you only have to say “Yes” and nod your head.
After all, you will be able to make money just like this. Isn’t it a decent proposal?”
Ha, the man laughed loudly.
“Think it over carefully for me. Isn’t that thing only a baggage? She cannot even
help out and could only be incompetent. Isn’t she of no importance? Squeeze out
everything you can squeeze out from her, then discarding her is enough.”
My boiling point had already exceeded its limits.
Inside my eyelids, it felt extremely hot.
It was different than the time in the alley. There was no time to even fear, the
decisive anger dominated my entire body.
“Absolutely NOT……!”
“You brat……!”
The man’s face was twisted into a ghost-like momentum to scare people, but I
only placed all my strength into my eyebrows.
The tense atmosphere surrounded us. As if from this overflowing anger , it began
to fear, the leaves above our head trembled and rustled.
We temporarily glared at each other. Shortly after, the man turned around and
walked away speechlessly.
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With a sinister look in my eyes that I could not remove, I continued to glare at that
far away figure.
“……Bell-sama?”
“!?”
A whisper came from behind me
As if she was deeply attracted to me and looked at this side, Lili was currently
looking at me stunned, in close proximity.
“L…Lili? When did you get over here?”
“Just right now……What did you say with that Adventurer-sama?”
“That……Nothing much, I was only being picked upon……”
I do not know why I hid the truth and said nothing. In order to hurt the person in
front of me, and was being negotiated upon, it was impossible to say it out loud.
Lili, who was staring at my chest moving up and down, tightly closed her lips and
exposed a dark expression.
“R…Right! It seems like you were caught up by someone, are you okay Lili!?”
“So you saw……There is no need to worry. As you can see Lili is unscathed”
Lili opened her arms and quickly turned in a circle on the spot. Then, finally, she
revealed a smile underneath her hood.
There was no signs of being roughly handled, it seems like she was really not hurt.
I calmed down.
“Lili, those people are……”
“Lili was being picked upon just like Bell-sama. No matter Lili or Bell-sama, looks
like we still look so weak, right?
It covered up my voice.
Lili, who was smiling while joking around, clearly rejected further questions.
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“Then, let’s hurry Bell-sama. After all, Lili had already been dropped twice for
explorations, I am looking forward to Bell-sama’s activeness today, oh?”
Passing through my side, Lili headed towards Babel. Turning around to look at this
side, through the swaying bangs I saw the maroon-colored eyes. It was calm and
peaceful as if nothing had happened.
I also did not continue to mention about it. I closed my mouth and silently
followed Lili.
What kind of expression is Lili revealing while heading forward, despite the noise
from the crowd, I continued to think.
“……Is it already that time”
× × ×
“Ara, Eina is also preparing to leave?”
“Yes. I was planning to”
Eina nodded towards her colleagues’ inquiry.
At the guild’s headquarters’s window side. The reception hall that was located on
the first floor, whether it was the floor or the walls, it was covered with white
marble and exuded an serious atmosphere. From the sunset’s ray that seeped in
through the windows, it illuminated this spacious and organized hall.
While looking at the scene of the hall near the window-side, Eina was probably
tidying up her work space and stood up from her seat.
“WAA, so punctual!? That Eina would actually end her work at this time, it must
be a lie. Could it be because of a man!?”
“Why did it become like this……”
Nono, she waved her hands and gave a wry smile while she faced the lobby with
her back.
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Then excuse me, after saying this, she turned around and walked through the
backdoor only used by employees.
“Then……”
While the plain and simple boots provided by the guild, toto, stepped onto ground,
Eina took a step in the reverse direction of where her residence was. Although her
residence was near the guild’s headquarters, but her destination was not.
Currently, in the North-West Main Street area that was already dyed by the color
of the sunset, there were almost no mobile kiosk or street vendors. There were only
giant shops that were neatly arranged on both sides of the road. As a street set up
for the guild headquarters, the shops here were mainly related to Adventurers.
If the people nearby were to talk about it, in this complex street area, this street
could also be called <Adventurer’s Street>.
The road was extremely spacious. Even Adventurers, who were wearing heavy
armor, could still pass through without touching anyone.
(In the end, just by relying on the information from the guild about <Soma’s
Familia>, it would not be able to escape from their perspective……)
In the recent days, Eina had been investigating about the internal situation of
<Soma’s Familia>.
Why, if she was asked about it, she would reply clearly that she was concerned. If
she had to add more words to thoroughly explain it, it was because she was
worried that Bell was involved in some sort of trouble.
(Even if I was to ask the person in charge of the <Soma’s Familia>, the contents
that I will hear about will almost be the same……why not try to investigate
through my own efforts)
Even if she searched through the reference and gossips collected by the guild, there
were no impressive result.
It only revealed that they had an abnormal persistence towards money, a strange
atmosphere that caused the members to entered a blind state. The truth on the
surface was limited to this. Eina summarized the points while she continued to
advance through her thinking.
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(The Main God must have incited the <Familia> for his own purposes……No, it
feels that point is not exactly right)
It could be called as an impression of the smell of gunpowder, if you want to list
out the points about the problems, it would be their dedication to money and the
size of the faction itself.
Inside the <Familia>, there were a large number of members that did not
correspond to the amount of believers to Soma.
(If the reason was not the God Soma itself? No, if they were attracted by
something else, the <Familia> itself……the members are on a rampage?)
When she had thought up to this point, Eina temporarily stopped her footsteps.
A large wine bar entered her sight.
“Nnnnn~……If I could enter this place, it would be the best……”
From ancient to modern times, when it comes to collecting intelligence, you will
naturally think of bars and the downtown areas.
However, Eina was somewhat tangled about the place.
To her……no, to an elf, the wine bars that gathered numerous Adventurers was
mostly gates of hell.
In other words, no matter which race it was, as long as they were male, they would
be attracted to them like bees to a flower, and would absolutely not ignore her.
“Ahaha……As I expected, it really won’t work.”
Probably she had imagine what would happen next, Eina gave a wry smile and
passed through wine bar that exuded an adult’s atmosphere. Once she heard the
rough voices of the Adventurers inside, she slightly increased her pace in panic.
(This is not considered as arrogant……)
Eina was somewhat aware of her own appearance.
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Inside her body, the blood that flows was from the elves, it had a reputation for
having handsome men and beautiful women. The opposite sex would instantly
change their eyes and swarm over them. This was something they had to accept.
(Even though I am not the type that is a bit slow for relationships)
Remembering the moment when she left her workplace, her friend’s surprised face
when she said was it a man.
Eina did not intend to live alone as an innocent girl that was ignorant of the
worldly affairs. She was already 19 years old. It shouldn’t be strange if she was in
a relationship. She, herself, felt that sometimes this was a slightly empty line.
Was it a mishap from being completely devastated by work.
(But, she had not yet met a person that gave her the impression of <It’s this
person!>……)
The people that talked with Eina, half of them were robust and lean Adventurers.
To her, it felt that when they were going to hold hands, all of them would make her
turn and rotate around, this overly reliable Adventurers.
Just because they were like this, Eina was somewhat fearful.
(Can’t they be a little less reliable or what……)
Maybe she wanted a type where everybody wanted to take care of, the type that
was ordinary……Eina thought bluntly about this matter.
A person who was plagued by problems, and through his own efforts, and finally
plodded over to her side in the end, this kind of person. Eina would smile and take
care of him, while thinking it can’t be help. The two of them would work together
to build up a relationship gradually, a give and take relationship.
Able to rely on their own, or perhaps a person who arouse her desire to protect. To
Eina, this was just right.
(Ahah, why does it sound like a man just like Bell-kun……)
Yes, just like that.
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She found what was most suitable. When she tried to say it out, she finally
understood.
If I could find a man just like Bell-kun, then it would be okay….ahhaha…, Eina
finally got this conclusion in the end.
(……Huh)
Hey hey, she extended her hand towards this void space.
A person just like Bell, then——isn’t it already determined.
In a place where they was nothing, she blushed, in a place where no one was there,
she “ahahahahaha!?” laughed by herself.
“Ah, it’s here, it’s here!”
Even though she was the only one who shouted, the heat on her face had not
subsided. She walked and entered a two-floor high item shop that was constructed
with jagged stones. The name written on the sign of the shop was <LEE TAIL>.
The reason for her to come here was in order to investigate the wine that the
<Soma’s Familia> sells.
Although there is a factor of only being able to select one of the remaining, but she
was still suspicious of the unnatural act of selling little. Eina thought hard by
herself and still could not reach a conclusion, so she wanted to come and
investigate it herself.
(Compared to last time, it seems that the variety had increased?)
The clear crystal bottles that was harder than glass seems to be casually placed as it
occupied the center of the shop. Eina turn her head around to look back and forth at
the products high up.
There were many products placed onto the shelves. The blue liquid that was inside
a flask that was round on the bottom was a recovery potion, the liquid in the
slender tube was a antidote, and served inside the elegant bottle was the
elixir……All of these were items from commercial-type <Familias>.
228
As long as it was a product from <Familia>, most of the item shops would
basically sell it. This shop not only occupied the area near <Adventurer’s Street>,
which achieved a high rating from Adventurers, but another important factor was
that the variety of items were also complete.
After Eina roughly viewed the items that Adventurers use, she casually walked
over towards the groceries area, which was indicated by the arrow mark inside the
shop.
(WAAAA! They have it, they have it!)
Eina, who found the <Soma’s Familia>’s sign on the wine bottle shelves, suddenly
became happy.
What was placed on the wine shelf was a glass bottle without any decorations. The
stuff inside was also transparent. Even if you were to look at it positively, it
absolutely did not look like something that would taste good.
And under the situation where other wine still had many remaining, <Soma’s
Familia>’s item only had one bottle left. Looks like the demand being high was
indeed true.
(……<Soma>?)
Looking at the white label that did not seem to have any motivation, Eina’s jadecolored
eyes blinked instantly.
The name of the wine was the same as the Main God……Could it be that Soma,
himself, named it?
Eina shook her head slightly while she prepared to call a shop employee to take out
the product from the display box. At this point, she suddenly noticed the price.
60000 Varisu.
Don! Eina’s forehead hit the shelves.
(A….Ahhhhhhhh~~~~~~!? It is just only wine!?)
——Can’t believe it! It was more expensive than the entire set of Bell’s
equipment!
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Eina rubbed her forehead that was turning red while staring at <Soma>.
It was on par with the high-class Adventurer’s specially used items or equipment.
It can also be said that it was even more expensive than that. Although it was by no
means unattainable, but it is not something that a normal person can just “Hey, this
one” and casually take it.
As a product for a hobby, the level difference was too big.
(T…The money I brought, there is no way I have that much…….)
Although the guild’s wage was in no way inferior than Adventurers, but it has not
reached the point where you would carry 60000 Varisu around. Moreover, if she
bought a bottle, Eina’s living fees would be cut down immensely. After all, she had
even bought an armor as a present for Bell.
Standing in front of the wine shelf, Eina was suddenly caught in endless frustration.
“……Is it Eina?”
“Eh?”
A stern voice brushed through her ears. She heard someone call her name, Eina
turned around.
Standing behind her was a tall elven beauty, even to a female.
The beautiful sparkling emerald-colored hair that seemed to extend all the way
towards her waist was tied up into a bundle. The ears, which passed through the
beautiful hair, seems to be pointed up like leaves. Even among the beautiful elves,
this face can also be described as a divine and gem like beauty. It would not be
wrong to say that she would be super popular.
She, who was wrapped by a never-ending awe-inspiring atmosphere, had a similar
color eyes like Eina. No, it should be an even more clear jade-color.
This time, Eina was really surprised.
“R…Riveria-sama!?”
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“As I expected, it was you……Long time no see, in the short period of time we
have not met, you have become even more beautiful. I nearly did not recognize
you”
Although it cannot yet be called a smile, but the corner of her mouth had gently
bent. Towards Riveria Rios Alfr, Eina hurriedly became respectfully.
“I…I am deeply grateful! These words are too exaggerated, I deeply fear
that…….!”
“……Do not use that tone. This is not our native home for elves. Speaking of
which, you were not even born at our native home, there was no need to pay
attention to that.”
“Although it is true, but my mother had taught me before that we should never
forget and be reverence towards nobles…….”
“She actually taught something like this to Eina……That’s really sad, even though
we were companions that left our native home together”
Fuuuu, she spat out what could be a charming sigh. Riveria cast a powerful sight
towards Eina.
“Although it is necessary to master the ability to at least differentiate, but above
that, it is unnecessary. I am annoyed of the cage-like atmosphere that comes from
the bottom of my heart. If you wish to respect me, then please understand my
feelings first.”
“H…How could it……”
Towards Riveria’s words that were mingled with coercion, Eina shuddered in fear.
Indeed, Eina was born in a city of freedom that opened the doors towards mixed
races living together, and only had the knowledge about the native elf
home……However, the person in front of her was from the royal family.
Half of her blood that flowed inside her body made her bow down.
“That said, there is no need for you to completely change your attitude. There is no
need to be that sensitive towards it, that is what I am saying.”
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“I…I understand……”
“Correct”
She nodded satisfactorily, but on the contrary, Eina still did not lay it down yet.
Her eyebrows was twisted in a strange direction.
While pushing the words “I’ve really got to hand it to you” deep inside her heart,
she was changing her own consciousness, and once again, she was able to become
happy.
When she was small, Eina had returned to her hometown repeatedly, but she did
not see Riveria.
Although when Eina had entered the guild and due to her work, she quickly knew
about the existence of Riveria. However, because of the work arrangements, it
became difficult for them to meet up.
Although it was not impossible to meet, she had always been afraid and was
hesitant.
“Being spirited is good enough. I did not expect you to work at the guild”
“Sorry, I originally wanted to contact you…….”
“Don’t worry. I had been diving into the dungeon every day after coming to this
city. There was no time to care about other things. Delaying things until now”
Riveria elegantly nodded. Although Eina had also grew up through the influence of
her mother’s good conduct, she still could not compare to her, who was born from
the royal family. The dimensions were too far apart.
“Riveria-sama, why are you here?”
“Nothing much, I had used up my items in the exploration a few days ago. I am
replenishing it.”
“Can’t Riveria-sama use Healing Magic……If I can ask this, isn’t it too silly”
“Ahah. After all, Magic is not almighty. If it is a situation where I could use items,
I would not consider to use Magic. What about Eina?”
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“Ah”
She remembered her own goal when she was asked. Under Riveria’s urge “Tell
me”, Eina hesitated a little and tried to not involve the information of investigating
about the <Soma’s Familia> when she replied.
She made the judgment that it was to avoid unnecessary gossip about a member of
the guild specially investigating a certain faction.
“Ho, this wine is it. A lot of people in my <Familia> enjoys it.”
“Eh……A…Ahh, Riveria-sama? Among the people who enjoys drinking this
wine, is there any particular symptoms that showed up a little, such as dependency
issues or similar?”
“If you want me to say it, I think everybody who drinks wine is abnormal……but
there is no one that acts beyond the ordinary. Why do you ask this kind of thing?”
“That……Yes, although a friend had recommended this wine, but I heard that
<Soma’s Familia>’s wine seem to have somewhat negative rumors……”
A way of speaking that mixed a tiny bit of truth into it. Just asking about the
contents of the past was indeed a good strategy. Perhaps asking Riveria, she may
be able to get an unexpected reward.
“I see. Indeed, I heard that <Familia>’s members had some poor rumors”
“Riveria-sama, do you know anything?”
She was slightly looking forward to it, her voice even sounded slightly excited.
There was no success.
Towards Eina, Riveria closed one of her eyes and stared.
Nnnn, Eina was stumped. This was bad, she thought.
Riveria was very sharp. She could easily see through the secrets inside the inner
heart and then following it to understand the real intentions of the other. When she
was small, as long as she was in front of her, she could not hide any secrets.
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The fact that she was investigating <Soma’s Familia> was probably already
exposed.
While Eina was in cold sweat, she waited for Riveria’s response.
“……Forget it. Unfortunately, what I know about that <Familia> is not a lot.
Perhaps the same as you, or even less than you.”
“I…Is that so”
Did she let her go, Eina, who was not further inquired, rubbed her chest.
Riveria only just temporarily looked at her, then she began to talk.
“Although I am not clear……but I do know a person who understands clearly
about that faction”
“……Eh?”
“Want to come along? To my <Familia>’s headquarters”
× × ×
A long lodging house.
If you had to use words to describe it, you would call it like this.
(Although I have heard of the rumors……As expected of one of Orario’s top
exploration <Familia>’s headquarters……)
In the north most area of Orario, beside a street that was a little bit far away from
the Main Street Area.
A long and large hall was built roughly on the land. The tall towers seem to be
overlapping each other like a forest, and complementing each other. The top of
each tower formed a flower frog.
Although the red copper colored hall’s height was far less than Babel, but it was
still to the extent where staring at it would be painful to your neck. The top of the
highest central tower stained the sunset slightly green.
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It was as if it was a house built from pieces of fire.
This was the expression most appropriate for it.
“Riveria-san, welcome back”
“Excuse me, this is……a member of the guild?”
“This girl is my friend. I hope you can bend the rules a bit”
After explaining to the male and female guards, Eina and Riveria passed through
the door of the hall.
Although the two of them standing together looked like sisters, but truthfully, their
age difference was definitely more than doubled.
Among the demi-races, elves could be considered as a race with a long life.
“About this, it might be too late to say it……But is this really okay?”
“What happened?”
“Allowing me, who belong to the guild, to enter the headquarters……If <Loki’s
Familia>’s information that was blocked to others was stolen by me……”
“If you won’t do it, then don’t say it, Eina. If you have ulterior motives, then I
would not invite you in the first place. Or are you insulting me in a roundabout
way?”
“N…No. That’s not the case……”
She slightly recalled her childhood scene, while Eina was brought inside the hall
into the reception room.
The room, that used an orange-yellow color, gave off a calm feeling and was
facing the hallway. Several sets of seemingly expensive sofas and cross-placed
round tables were configured around. Compared to using a high-class studio to
describe it, this reception room seems more like a room where friends gathered.
Just by seeing this space, it feels like she was able to experience the atmosphere
within <Loki’s Familia>.
235
(Eh, not bad, I want to look around a bit more……Nnnnn?)
While Eina looked around the room, a scene entered her view. Looking at the back
of the armchair. A group of golden colored things were lying alone onto the back
of the chair.
No, it was a person’s head. Long golden hair poured out from the armrest.
A person was sitting on the chair, she twisted her slender neck and slowly looked
over to Eina’s side.
Soon Eina gasped.
“Welcome back, Riveria”
“Ahah, I’m back. Aizu”
A beautiful girl that was younger than Eina.
Delicate facial features that was filled with gentleness and the eye-catching aweinspiring
body lines. Also, the beautiful golden eyes seemed to be crystal-clear,
and could only be described as spotless.
Inside her body, there indeed coexists sublime battle spirit and adorable
childishness.
Just as Eina had previously said to herself, she was a beauty that others could not
help but sigh.
Aizu Wallenstein.
Bell’s crush, a golden-haired, golden-eyed Adventurer.
“That person……Is who?”
“Ah……I…I am”
“A person that is just like my relative. The two of you also should do a simple
greeting.
Being urged to self-introduce herself. Aizu looked directly at Eina and clearly said
her name.
236
Aizu, who was not wearing any equipment, seemed like a lady that was nurtured in
the greenhouse. The pure white dress wrapped along her skinny body gave off a
strong impression of her being delicate. Even her boobs, that could only be
regarded as average, seemed to be slightly bigger.
The pure white bare foot, that was not bounded, seemed to be as smooth as
snowflakes dripping down.
……I can’t calm down.
Although she felt sorry to Aizu, but Eina still thought like this. Even though the
two parties did not meet each other directly, the feeling of the dilemma of Bell and
Aizu still came.
Despite her being somewhat stiff, Eina still sat down together with Riveria facing
Aizu around the table.
“Aizu, did you replenish the items you consumed? 10 days later, there will be
another expedition”
“Yes……I’ll go tomorrow.”
Aizu, who was sitting on the chair hugging her knees, quietly muttered. Her voice,
that was like the shaking of wind chimes, echoed.
While facing the same thing a long time ago, Riveria, who seemed as if she was
looking at her own child, was slightly surprised. Eina could not help but quietly
ask about a thing that she was concerned about from the beginning.
“That, Riveria-sama”
“What is it?”
“Do you not think that Wallenstein-san is slightly depressed?”
From the body of the girl that had half her face buried under the white cloth fabric
near her knees, you could feel that she was somewhat not spirited. Her long
golden-hair also bowed down depressingly.
Even Eina, who had never met her before, was able to detect it to this extent. That
was how depressed she was.
237
Towards Eina’s inquiry, Riveria revealed a rare laughter sound.
“What, it seems like a male that she was concerned about for a while now had
escaped”
Isn’t it very interesting, Riveria continued to tremble, but this was not something
that Eina could laugh at. “Huh……” The hand she was holding her forehead
slightly began to hurt.
Looks like the spring for her cute little brother will temporarily be impossible.
Must hide it from Bell, Eina decided to seal the thing she heard today inside her
heart.
“……Riveria-sama. It is almost time, about the matter that I mentioned
earlier……”
“Ahah, sorry. Let’s call her here”
Riveria, who was laughing lively, brought her hand into the bag she carried.
What she took out was, that <Soma>.
“About that, Riveria-sama? Aren’t you going to call someone……?”
“Leaving here to search will be very troublesome. Ultimately, there is a possibility
that we will not be able to find her. Letting her come to us is the right choice”
Ignoring Eina’s puzzled face, Riveria took the cork of the wine that she purchased
——By submitting an application to <Loki’s Familia> it would be completely
reimbursed, this was really impressive —— and pulled.
Soon, the sweet and unique smell, that did not seem like wine, overflowed through
the entire reception room.
“Waaaa……What a refreshing smell”
“Fumu. Although I have long been accustomed to the smell, but still”
Eina, who was temporarily immersed in the fragrance, unconsciously took the
glass that Riveria delivered. When she noticed that she let her, who was royalty, to
pour for her, she almost fainted on the scene.
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While huddling her body due to excessive fear, she slowly lifted the glass towards
her mouth.
(Waaaaa…….)
The moment she touched the wine glass, Eina widened her eyes.
So good. It was too good.
As if her entire tongue was paralysis by a strong sweetness. It was smooth as if it
melted the instant it entered her mouth.
The fragrance instantly entered her noise. The refreshing aftertaste, even the final
and last aftertaste was still swirling in her consciousness. It was just like every
cranny inside her body was infiltrated.
This should be able to attract customers repeatedly, Eina understood this just from
one sip.
“This smell is……”
Then, shortly after Eina had drank Soma.
Dadadada, As if the smell of the wine had caught her, intense footstep sounds was
approaching constantly.
“You, IS IT SOMA!?”
The next instant, with flowing red hair, the <Familia>’s Main Goddess, Loki
appeared.
“She came”
“Letting her come, so that’s how it is……”
“Ahah! Really, it really is Soma! What, Riveria specially bought it!? UWAHH,
you caring fellow!”
Eina first looked at the wine glass that was emitting the mellow fragrance, then
understanding what Riveria had envisioned, she had beautifully lured out Loki.
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Even in the darkness, the red color hair and eyes still reflected a blood-red color.
Although her squinted eyes brought an amused feeling, but the flawless appearance,
that seemed to be something that a sculptor spent his whole life to create, was
undoubtedly something that belonged to the Gods. Her slender and upright face
was currently sparkling happily like a dog waving its tail.
“Although I was the one that paid for it, but the one who wanted to buy it was not
me”
“Then it is Aizu! Coming back depressed was just so everybody could have a
surprise!? Ku~, Aizu-tan is really cute!”
“That’s not it”
Loki, who was excited and wanted to directly hug her, was intimidated by Aizu’s
sword aura, which she sent out in her depressed state. It was a feeling that if you do
anything strange, I’ll cut you.
Loki sweated “Ah, ara?” while taking a step back.
“A…Aizu, isn’t it a bit overdone for just rubbing, how do you see it?”
“If you want me to agree, then please use words that I can understand. Compared
to that, the one that brought that specialty was this child”
Ah, so that’s how it was.
Just like this, Eina understood Riveria’s intentions.
The person who knew the insider information about <Soma’s Familia> was
undoubtedly their Main God Loki. In other words, if you pay a tribute to the God,
you would be able to receive an answer.
Although it was scary to directly hear from a God, but Eina still decided to
continue.
“Nnnn? Who, this child?”
“First time meeting you, Goddess Loki. My name is Eina Tulles. For this sudden
visit……”
“Ah, ah, whatever is fine. I feel that my head was slightly itchy. Stop speaking”
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Loki, who was waving her hand wildly as if it was troublesome, seemed to have
noticed something and continued to stare at Eina’s uniform.
Widening her right eye, she revealed a sinister smile.
“What is this, a person from the guild wanted to come in contact with my
<Familia>……Uranus, that old man, wanted to abandon his neutrality, is this it?”
“N…No!? I did……”
“This child is my guest, you’re not allowed to slander her.”
“Ah, is it. If it’s Riveria’s guest, then it’s fine. Sorry, Eina-chan. Please forgive
me?”
“N…No problem. There is no need to be apologetic……”
After being stared by Riveria’s quiet eyes, Loki seems to shrug disappointingly,
then she revealed a wry smile.
She sat on the sofa rudely.
“Okay, let’s skip the formalities, and quickly go into the main topic. Since you
brought my favorite, what do you wish to ask about?”
“……Then, I will go straight to the point. If you know any information about
<Soma’s Familia>, could you please tell us?”
“So you just wanted to ask about Soma? Haha, so that was it”
Holding a glass in one hand, while pouring wine into the glass with the other.
Fuahh, Loki spat out a intoxicated sigh, and looked at Eina with a slightly red face.
“I also do not have a very good relationship with Soma, that idiot. Although I don’t
know if I can respond to Eina-chan’s expectation……Anyways, it doesn’t matter,
it is just a slip of mouth. What do you want to hear?”
“……The reason about the abnormality inside the <Soma’s Familia>, what do you
know about it?”
“Nnnn, you went straight to the core issue……But, how should I put it”
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Loki swirled the glass while looking at the rippling wine inside.
After some time, she drained the wine inside the glass.
“Okay, let’s talk about the dispute between me and Soma! Ah, Soma refers to the
wine, Soma? Don’t think that it is that idiot God?”
“Ha, ha”
“Then……I love wine. Love it, love it, absolutely love it. I would switch shops
numerous times in a day, and continued to taste a variety of wine. Drinking till I’m
drunk then I’ll barf, then drinking again and barf again. Just like that, I passed
through an infinitely repeating happy life, until one day……I had a chance
encounter with this wine, Soma”
I don’t understand. Riveria sighed and closed half her eyes to recall the past. Loki
did not mind and continue.
“Should I call it as a fateful encounter? After I drank a mouthful, I was completely
hooked onto it! I did not care about which <Familia> produced it. When I finally
reacted, I was already collecting, collecting and collecting Soma nonstop within
Orario……Then, while I was doing such thing, I had unconsciously overheard
something interesting?”
“Something interesting……?”
“Do you believe it, Eina-chan? This wine, Soma, was actually a failure”
What……, Eina could not help but do the same action as Bell when he had heard
the news from Lili.
Loki smiled even deeper.
“I was very curious. If the failure was already this tasty, then how is the <Finished
Product>? Thus, I directly sneaked into the <Familia> that was producing Soma”
Eina froze. This time, even Riveria was stunned. Although it was not out of
hostility, but a God casually entering another God’s base was the same thing as
saying that she was about to attack here.
242
There were also manners between Gods. Even from the perspective to prevent
information leaks, there was no reason to easily allow other <Familia> people to
invade their base.
“Although I screamed in front of their entrance “Soma! Marry me!”, I was pitifully
rejected……Then I was very angry and did not even say hello and really entered”
Her head starts to hurt, Eina staggered and propped her head.
But at the same time, she had doubts about the <Soma’s Familia> who was not
interested in the other factions’ interference.
“I successfully entered. There was not even a child there. But is that really their
base? Why is there no one there? From that moment, I felt that the atmosphere was
a bit wrong……However, I did not care, I was so happy that I was broken and I
immediately began to stir around the items”
“……”
“Please, Loki. Refrain from exposing your own ugliness”
“Hmphhh, Riveria is really evil. Nnnn, forget it. Although I searched, but I could
not find the true wine, Soma. Just when I felt that I drank enough and wanted to
head back……That idiot was apparently there.
Was it that she was recalling the scene at that time, Loki bowed down and revealed
a fierce expression.
“Ah, how should I put it afterwards, that idiot did not even say “Welcome”? But it
was the first time that we met? He did not even take a few glances and headed to
the garden to work with a shovel. Only later did I hear that all the ingredients of
the wine was planted by him. Ah, he did not even use anything as fertilizer, you
know?”
In the gap between the conversation, Loki had continued to drink wine. Her
flushed cheeks seems that she was a bit tipsy, her pitch was also raised up.
“Just that, that God called Soma……was a really annoying fellow”
“Eh?”
243
“No matter what topic was raised, he would only just “Ah” or “Nn” reply. Even
though he was so actively taking care of his garden……Isn’t this another way of
saying that I was not even not worth that dung-sprinkled land”
Was it that she was recalling the scene at that time, you could see that Loki’s anger
was constantly increasing.
Eina wiped her sweat.
“Even though he was an indecisive and timid male God, he actually treated me as
an idiotic scarecrow and completely did not care about me……Ahhhhh, damn.
Once I think about it, it really makes me mad!”
“……”
“And, and, Eina-tan!”
“E…Eina-tan?”
“Forgiving that arrogant attitude, in order for me to get the true wine, Soma, I even
bowed down in good faith! I even did up to that!? But guess what that idiot said
after!?”
Truthfully, Loki did not feel the slightest hostility from Soma, so she thought that
she might be able to succeed. There should be a way if it was just around one liter.
So she was too careless.”
Looking at the seemingly harmless God, only then, did he stopped the hands that
were working. He looked with sincere eyes at Loki and said.
“No”
Only at that moment, did he poured out a strong will.
“Mmmahhhhh! That kind of line said by that garbage was the most irritating!”
“Loki, enough is enough. Be careful not to deviate and quickly enter the real topic”
Fufu, after breathing a few times like that, Loki sat down on the sofa in a calmed
down expression again.
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“Sorry, sorry. After all the twists and turns, I finally tried to ask about the
<Familia>’s situation from that person. If I ask, you could also reply normally,
isn’t that right idiot? It did not feel like that fellow was managing a <Familia>. Or
perhaps, from the very beginning, he did not have any motivation to”
Eina’s slender eyebrows slightly twitched.
From the very beginning, he did not have any motivation……?
In the end, what kind of goal does he have. This thinking penetrated her.
“Eina-chan, it is best not to think too complicated? In other words, Soma only
loves about his own interest. He is an idiot that only wants the utmost perfection.
He does not even have ambitions or any evil plots. He was only living simply for
his motivation, a God that was simply motivated by his hobbies.”
“Although I say this, that fellow is also an existence like a person trying to become
enlightened” said Loki, who mixed in a joke.
Among the numerous Gods, he was also one of the top in terms of weirdness.
Eina embraced this impression towards Soma.
“Then, the problem here mentioned was the <Wine (Soma)>. That idiotic god, for
his own interest……created a <Familia> just to make Wine (Soma). However, his
<Familia>’s income was not ideal. If that’s the case, the hobby that cost a lot of
money will not be able to continue. That fellow, after racking his brains, thought
up the idea of <Prizes>. In order to make his Familia members to work harder as a
catalyst.
“Could it be……”
“That is correct, it is the <God’s Wine (Soma)>. The finished product.”
The wine drop that was sticking on her lips, Loki stretched out her tongue to lick it
off.
“I think that Eina, who drank the failure product, should be able to understand. If it
was the finished product then it won’t be just good. After you drink it, you will
become <Drunk>. Not the drunk as in being tipsy and falling down? But issued
from inside your heart, simply being drunk for the <Wine>. In other words, being
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enchanted. As long as it’s a human’s heart, it would be easy for the heart to lead
the body, right?”
Eina felt a chill hit her.
She remembered the high feeling when she drank the failure.
It was not malicious. Purely by the wine’s flavor, it penetrated her consciousness
and attracted her. Her heart was really floating up.
And above that, was it the feeling of being enchanted?
Underneath her uniform, she was quietly filled with goose bumps below.
Loki used “If I say it like this, it would be much easier to understand, right?” as a
premise to conclude.
“The children there do not worship Soma, but <God’s Wine (Soma)>”
What they have faith in is not the god, but the <God’s Wine (Soma)>.
In other words, the reason why <Soma’s Familia> did not have proportionally
matched amount of members for Soma, was because of the God’s Wine (Soma)
that he created. It was stealing their minds.
Just by drinking a mouthful of the God’s Wine that brings supreme happiness, the
believers were deeply addicted to it.
“That is the true form of that idiotic God. Without letting a member with
<Mystery> to help, using his own ingredients as the starting point and mixing it.
Then using a recipe to create <God’s Wine (Soma)>. Even if we consider the idiots
that are enjoys their hobbies, it was still extreme”
Eina noticed.
Within Loki’s title of Soma as an idiot, it also includes feelings of fear.
“Since all of the God’s <Power> cannot be used. He was similar to those children,
no it should be that he was below them and yet he worked hard to that extent. It
really is incredible? If you could use human hands to create God’s Wine. It even
makes people want to ask him what he was doing in Heaven”
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“Fumu. You can almost see the whole picture. In other words, the God Soma used
God’s Wine to lure in members……”
“Yes, that’s correct. Once the members taste the God’s Wine, they will do
whatever they can to earn money. Since it is impossible to allocate the prize to
every member. In that situation where they confirm the amount of gold, only the
highest ranked person would be awarded the God’s Wine. Thus, the members
inside the <Familia> began to compete. Ah, if they were able to earn a bit more
than the budget, they will be able to receive a small cup?”
I can’t remember anymore. Towards Loki, who moaned, Eina could only leave it
aside. At least she finally understood somewhat.
The numerous times she saw the <Soma’s Familia> having an abnormal obsession
towards money. That was produced due to the hunger for God’s Wine.
“However, isn’t it an item that seems to be more dangerous the more you hear
about it? Is it really okay to not care about it?”
“Nnnn ——, that way of saying is incorrect. Although it <Allows one to feel
drunk>, but it is not something that will mess up your brains like drugs. It is only a
feeling. Exciting you. Wanting to have one more sip. However, if they get drunk,
they will also sober up. Just like normal wine.”
This was the difference between a drug, Loki said.
There were no forbidden symptoms. There was also no dependency syndrome.
In the end, the believers being enchanted was only a momentary thing, as long as
you wait for a while, the effects will completely disappear.
Except that while you are in <Soma’s Familia>, the interval between drinking was
too short. It became difficult to escape this ant-like hell.
“Ultimately, there are only short-term symptoms for dependence, is it like that?”
“Yes. After they stopped drinking God’s Wine, there are also many normal
children that recovered, right?”
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To further add on, it was the resistance towards God’s Wine. High-ranked
members of <Soma’s Familia> would not achieve this kind of <Drunk> and will
be able maintain a calm state.
Speaking of which, Eina remembered. Among most of the Adventurers inside
<Soma’s Familia> that are persistent towards money, there were a few people that
reached Lv.2, who were relatively calm.
“To sum it up, beside his own interest, the idiotic god, who do not have any other
hobbies, is being irresponsible for managing his <Familia>. God’s Wine (Soma)’s
Magic, and the member’s thirst for the wine, all of this adding up, created this
crazy <Familia>”
Originally, if the Main God of the <Familia> was responsibly managing it, it
would not become like this.
By using the Main God’s authority to issue a statement, no matter what <Familia>
it is, they will all calm down. If at that time, there were any children rebelling
against the Gods, what may happen is the ending where they were deprived from
<God’s Grace>.
Thinking about what lead to this situation, although it was harmless to humans, it
really was Soma himself.
“Since I have already said this much. Then, Eina-chan, do you still have anything
you want to hear?”
“No, this is enough. I am very grateful”
She had already understood the situation about <Soma’s Familia>.
Although the thirst that deviated from normal wine was terrifying, but it was still
within permissible range.
Wine, on top of that was the people who were only interested in money. If they
really had to compare it to the other Adventurers that enter the dungeon seeking
money, it was not that different. What was scary was that, yes, the moment when
they try to achieve their goal at all cost.
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If it was just like how Loki had said, this risk will only happen to a small amount
of believers. Thinking back about what Bell had said, the Supporter he hired was
not indulged in the wine, so she should be completely normal.
At least, it will not develop up to the worst situation where Bell was exposed to
dungeon. Thus, Eina settled down.
Towards her, who was racking her brains, Loki opened her thin eyes and stared.
“Eina-chan”
“Yes?”
“It is just like the donkeys who have a radish hanging in front of them, they will
never be able to eat that radish, do you know?”
“Towards being suddenly asked a strange question, Eina froze for a moment.
Loki used her index finger on both hands, Pipi, and moved it up and down in turn.
Without waiting for a response, she continued to speak.
“The donkeys that ran out of strength will fall first, then the greedy donkeys will
eat the other donkey’s radishs, and until they were kicked away, they will continue
to snatch”
At first what emerged was confusion, followed up by understanding.
Eina understood what Loki was trying to say.
“Currently, that <Familia> completely gave off that type of feeling. After all, it is
only an idiotic radish, no one will stop it”
Following that, Loki folded all her fingers, and only the little finger was still
standing up.
“Then, it is not strange that there will be a donkey that will not be discouraged
even when their companions kicked it away. As a substitute for a person not being
able to do anything……It will work hard to be adopted by other owners to feed it.
A donkey that was cunning and clever and is not easy to deal with.
The red eyes that reflected her own face was silently stiff.
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“When they notice it, their entire body may be completely stripped. This kind of
situation may also happen.”
Loki seems to be glimpsing into the depths of Eina’s eyes and recovered her
posture. She sat on the sofa and buried her waist into it.
She poured half of the remaining wine into Eina’s glass and urged her to drink.
“If? There were friends that were involved with that kind of people, it is better to
remind them. What do you say? Even if it is unlikely to develop into a big situation,
it is still possible to cause them to suffer”
The guild having to take care of Adventurers must be very troublesome. Loki
changed to a cross-legged posture and intentionally made fun of it.
She was seen through. As expected from a God.
Eina took a deep breath and honestly nodded.
“Did you nod your head, it might be an unnecessary concern”
“……There’s no such thing. I’ll keep in mind”
She is a decent God.
She was more friendly than what she had heard. Or was it just because she was an
acquaintance of a comrade inside her Familia.
Eina used her gaze to greet her, Loki gave off a hearty laugh.
“Then, since the wine is almost gone, let’s end it here”
“I’m sorry. I made you accompany me to the last moment”
“No problem. I also feel that it was fun to talk with the beautiful and cute Einachan”
“Ahaha……”
Yes~, Loki, who stood up stretched her lazy waist, she turned towards the silent
Aizu.
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“Look, Aizu. How long do you want to be depressed”
“……”
“Right, why not update your <Status>? You haven’t done it since you’ve come
back right? Nnn?”
“……I understand”
“Fuhehe, it’s been a long time since I touched Aizu-tan’s soft skin……!”
“If you do anything strange, I’ll cut you”
Towards the meticulous sound “It can’t be” of Loki’s response. Loki leaned
forward and wraped her arms around the shoulder of Aizu and walked out of the
reception room. Before disappearing behind a wall, she waved towards Eina and
sent out a wink.
“She really is an interesting Goddess”
“Although I can only agree with the fact that she is interesting, but she switches
too quickly. We all deeply trust her.”
“Riveria-sama also?”
“Ahah, yes, me too.”
Looking at Riveria, who closed both her eyes and revealed a slight smile, Eina also
smiled.
After a while, Eina stretched her hand and took the last glass filled with wine.
——Tomorrow, she’ll see Bell-kun.
While she thought about Loki’s advice, she felt a bit depressed while sipping the
God’s Wine (Soma).
“AIZU-TAN REACHED LV.6
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”
“PFFT!?”
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“……Eina”
“UWAHHHHHHHH!? I’M SORRY!?”
Chapter 4
God’s Wine
“Please”
“Okay”
The decoration was placed onto the counter. Wearing a red hat, the Gnome owner
sporting a white beard, held the embedded jade jewelry into the depths of the shop.
The Gnome’s Miscellaneous Goods Shop. In this antique shop with an uncreative
name, it was engaged in small scale business transactions today.
Inside the shop with numerous decorations, the customer Hobbit was quietly
standing, surrounded by items that lack any uniformity.
“Ararara, I’ve made you wait”
“How is it?”
“It has been beautifully given <Status> support……to poison effects. It is high
class. So…… How about 48000 Varisu?”
Towards the owner’s words, the Hobbit nodded with satisfaction. The trade was
established.
“Do I have to pay with cash today?”
“No, it is fine if it’s the same as usual”
The negotiations occurred in a bland manner.
The large clock that was tilted inside the shop, had the sound of its hand swinging
spread between them.
“This old man, although I can’t say I am a great Gnome……”
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Slowly, the Gnome owner spoke.
Ignoring the customer who tilted his head, he played around with his decorations
using his hand and after a short period of them, he continued to speak.
“It is still better not to put your head into something overly dangerous. Although it
may have been too late by now.”
“……”
“Although the general public does not know to this extent, this has been
spreading among the Adventurers that there is a dishonest Hobbit that steals
belongings. He would occasionally even empty the whole team”
“……What are you saying?”
“Nothing, also,I am not doubting you. That Hobbit is a female, and it seems to be a
repeated offender. To you, who is a male, these words may indeed be said to the
wrong target”
Only, the Gnome owner moved his white beard.
“I heard that all the items that were stolen, almost all of them were appraised by
this old man’s eyes……Isn’t it? This old man was thinking that it may be better to
not overdo something if you want to have a relationship with your friends”
Throwing a sinister sight at the owner’s words, the male Hobbit revealed a slightly
arrogant expression and exposed a smile.
“It seems like there is a rather malevolent Hobbit. But even if they say this, what’s
the problem, the Adventurer-sama shouldn’t be qualified to talk about other, right?
Most of them are also doing dirty acts. Aren’t they similar? Robbing, or
intimidating”
“That is, Nnnnn…….”
“If it was me, I might also want to say this. Do not turn a blind eye to your own
actions”
In the end, the Hobbit customer gave off a faint laugh.
“It might be cruel, but it is still the side that got tricked was still at fault”
208
Nnn, the distressed moan by the owner was absorbed by the sorrowful sound of the
large-sized clock.
× × ×
“Ugguuuuu~……!”
“……What are you doing, Bell-kun?”
I maintained my posture of lying down on the sofa, while pressing a cushion onto
my head. Although Kami-sama was confused about the meaning of my posture that
covered the head, but not the body, I couldn’t answer her.
I fled from Wallenstein-san back there.
While I had no clue how that situation evolved like that, the only thing that I was
clear about was that everything was real. Whether it was that the person I look up
to did a lap pillow, or me, acting like a big idiot as usual, and fleeing with all my
strength.
Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn……I want to die,
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……
“Is it that, you wet the bed?”
“NO~”
If it was usual, I would ferociously reply back. But right now, I could only issue an
unpromising sound.
After the atmosphere of shame and confusion that appeared in front of that person
had disappeared, where I went, how I got there, I already completely forgot about
it. When I had already noticed, it was already night time. When I noticed it, I was
already dragging my body back to the door of our base, as if I had lost my soul.
“Ha. Although I do not know what happened, but you are really still a melancholy
and moody child……”
It is not melancholy and moody, Kami-sama, it is painfully heartbroken.
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I, who slowly got up, still had my ears red. Anyways, I should eat breakfast
together with Kami-sama.
Although I thought about continuing to be depressed, but, as I expected, it
wouldn’t work. The matter about Wallenstein-san, I should forget about it for
today……What, it was probably impossible.
When will the day come when I will thank and apologize for this day.
“Right. Bell-kun, let me see the book from yesterday. I am very free until noon”
“Ah, yes. No problem.”
Kami-sama seems to have her work shift at noon today. In addition to
<Hephaestus’s Familia>’s job, she was continuing her work at the stall……Is her
body okay?”
I handed the heavy book that I borrowed from Seal-san towards Kami-sama.
“Fuu, the more I look at it, the more I feel that it is a strange book, wha……?”
Staring at the cover, Kami-sama simply browsed through it and suddenly stopped
her action.
Just as I was thinking about it, her corner of her eyes twitched. As if a problem that
she did not know about had occurred.
Eh……?W…What?
“……Isn’t this a Magic Guidance Book?
“Magic Guidance Book?”
I spoke the never heard words like a parrot.
The nasty premonition had already become sweat and exposed onto my face.
“W…What is that thing, that……?”
“In short, it is a book that forces mastery of Magic……”
I felt that another of my sweat glands had opened up inside my body.
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“If I talked about <Development Ability>, you will not understand. Anyways, this
book can only be created by a person who had reached the limits of the rare skills
<Way of Magic> and <Mystery>……”
——I understand what you mean, Kami-sama.
The achiever of two types of <Development Ability>……This means they will be
at least a Lv.3 or above <Familia> member. And this book is the work of a person
who was far stronger than those Adventurers……
Probably, it was similar to the person known as the <Sage-sama> in the legends,
that poured its soul……
I revealed a petrified and broken smile.
“This is the reason why you obtained Magic, right……By the way, Bell-kun, how
did this Magic Book end up in this place?”
“I borrowed it from an acquaintance……It seems like it was something that
someone dropped……”
“……”
“Is it very expensive……”
“The same as <Hephaestus’s Familia>’s top class goods, or perhaps even
more……”
Bikiri, cracks appeared from my petrified body.
“Incidentally, the effects will disappear after reading it once. Once you used it, it is
only a heavy and useless book……”
It’s over.
The expensive book that condensed magic to externally interfere and obtain a
<Miracle>. Not only was it casually flipped open and read, the one-time use was
also consumed. The thing that was worth millions of Varisu was wasted by
me……
A gloomy silence enveloped the headquarters.
211
I, who had done this irreparable act, could only despair.
Kami-sama, as if she was wearing a mask to wipe out any emotions, pulled over a
chair and walked in front of me shortly. She stood up and placed her hands onto
my shoulders and said to me from above.
“Listen carefully okay, Bell-kun? If you suddenly meet the owner of the lost book,
before it was read, just directly hand it over to the owner. As long as the book is
not in your hands, it does not exists the possibility of using the Magic Book in the
first place……That’s how it will go”
“That’s too black hearted, Kami-sama!?”
Why would you want to brush it off so normally!?
“Bell-kun, there are many things that aren’t perfect in the Lower World. I have
personally witnessed it. Just like being chased out from the place where I was
living, not being able to buy potato croquettes when I’m hungry, being held up in
the basement of a ruin……being forced to hold a large debt. There are so many
things that do not make sense in this world”
“Isn’t this all Kami-sama’s fault!?”
Rather, isn’t the last sentence too unlucky!?
Why did you hide it and not say anything, Kami-sama!
“A…Anyways, I will explain it clearly to the person that lent me the book!”
“Bell-kun, no, you are too pure! The world is even more fickle than the gods!”
“Don’t give out false words at this moment!? Hiding it, won’t it be revealed one
day for sure!”
There was already no path to take! Not only will Seal-san ask whether if he had
read the book, even if we continue to lie, it will be over the moment the owner of
the book appears!
Since things have progressed to this point, why not directly confess to it without
being secretive, and gamble using <Dogeza>!
212
I rejected Kami-sama’s advanced to stop me, and single-handedly carried the book
and rushed out the headquarter’s door.
“Is Seal-san here!”
“Ohoh, this nyaa is the boy. Morning nyaaa”
At the entrance of the wine bar <Mistress of Abundance>, a female catperson, who
was sweeping the ground, talked with me.
Indeed, it is the shop personnel called Chloe right, her tail behind her was shaking
left and right and revealed a smile towards me as if she was up to something bad.
“Nyaa what, nyaa what? You did not even say a greeting and you want to call Seal
nyaa, so full of vigor in the early morning——“
“Please help me call Seal-san!!”
“——Nyaaa!? I understand, nyaa!?”
Towards my menacing look and desperate cries, Chloe-san jumped up surprisingly.
Was it because she noticed that I was unusual, she hurried inside the shop. The
doorbell issued out a crisp sound.
Quickly, Chloe-san leaned out her head from the door and beckoned me over.
I stepped into the shop that was still in preparation.
“Good morning, Bell-san. Is there any problem?”
“Seal-san!”
Seal-san, who was, patapata, running over quickly from the kitchen to this
direction, was still holding a wooden tray.
Towards Seal-san, who had a bandana equipped on her light-rust colored hair, I
began to explain the situation from start to the end.
Seal-san, who was revealing a confused smile, gradually began to widened her
eyes as the topic advanced, and at the same time, the color of her face was
constantly changing……Until I was finished, I, as usual, looked away.
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“……Really now, you did something incredible, Bell-san”
“Wait a minute Seal-san!? Why are you talking as if it was somebody else’s
matter!?”
Towards the unnatural attitude, I could not help but frantically shout out. It feels
like I was treated as the sheep for the sacrifice.
Seal-san lifted the tray that she was holding onto and covered her lower face, she
stared at me carefully.
“So, it’s not okay?”
“Although it is very cute, but no!”
I made a clean break towards Seal-san’s petition with a red face.
“It’s really annoying, brat. In someone else’s shop, and also this early in the
morning”
We had launched a question at the spot, was it because she heard the commotion,
but I do not know why the female boss Auntie Mia appeared. Regardless of the
dwarf’s identity, she, who had a strong body, easily pulled out the book from me,
who was frozen , and casually flipped through it.
“Indeed it is a Magic Guidance Book……But if it was already read, then there is
no other way. Brat, do not mind it”
“Ehhh!? B…But……”
“Originally, it was the fault of the person who placed it in the shop as if he was
saying please read this book. Even if you, brat, did not read it, a nearby Adventurer
who noticed this precious Magic Guidance Book, will aim for this book claiming
that it was his own item. This is that kind of thing.”
Towards the mysterious persuasiveness, I kept silent and listened, Mia-san issued a
hum from her nose.
“The moment the owner let go of it, he should already have the resolve. Brat, you
too, if you lost your wallet stuffed with money, will you imagine that someone will
return it back to you untouched?”
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“That……”
“That’s the case here. Even if you continue to think about it, it will go nowhere.
Just pretend that it was a treat from the sky and quickly forget about it.”
Auntie Mia rightfully declared it.
Seal-san, who was looking beside her, was also plagued with a wry smile
expression. Her head was tilted to the side.
Should I say that it feels like it was too ambiguous. In the end, I still revealed an
unaccepting expression……and was stared fiercely by Auntie Mia. She said, “If
you are a man, then don’t murmur nonstop!”.
Towards that loud roar, I reflexively stood up straight stunned, “Yes!?” and
expressed my understanding.
While sending off Auntie Mia, who disappeared into the depths of the store, I
wondered if this is really okay.
Using my hand to scratch my head, my emotions were somewhat complicated.
“……That, I’m very sorry, I caused trouble. Then, I’ll leave now”
After a period of time, I said this, and prepared to return. Seal-san took the basket
from Chloe-san, who suddenly approached……and timidly handed it out to me.
“Today, can you also accept it?”
“……T…Thanks”
While I stammered out my thanks, I took the basket with both hands with an
embarrassed smile.
Although I usually always feel that it was rude, but whenever it was during this
moment, Seal-san always seemed to be very happy. It felt that an unusual joy was
also slipped in……No, although it does not mean that I was normally not
happy……Why, it was impossible to use words to describe it well.
I blushed while thanking again. This time, I really left the <Mistress of
Abundance>.
215
Once I returned to the headquarters, I placed down the Magic Guidance Book, in
order to wear the equipment to explore the dungeon.
After explaining the situation at the wine bar to Kami-sama, she sent me away with
a gentle voice, “Safe trip”.
(Speaking of which, my recovery potion was used up right……?)
As I was walking down the street, I suddenly remembered the situation regarding
my items. Three days ago, I had used up all my recovery potions in the dungeon
exploration. My pouch strapped on my left thigh was beautifully empty.
(I was also taken care of a lot by them up till now……Should I make a trip?)
On the path heading towards the dungeon, I decided to visit the shop that I had
neglected for a long time.
The shop location was situated at the West Main Street’s outer area, in the depths
of an alley.
A single building was built alone in a slightly damp land, it had a logo of a
<Familia> that seems to imitate a complete bodied human, as if it was a decoration
for the sign.
“Excuse me, good morning……”
Peeking in through the slightly pried open wooden doors, a female beastman was
currently looking at the items on the shelves inside this slightly dim shop. She
noticed me and turned her half-closed eyes to this side.
“Good morning, Bell. Long time no see……”
Although the sleepy voice coupled with the sleepy expression makes it easy for
others to think that she had just woken up, but this is this person’s usual state.
Above her skirt that her tail was sticking out from, she was wearing a strange shirt
with short-sleeves on the left and long-sleeves on the right. Her right hand was
even wearing a glove. Although her age range was similar to Eina-san, but the
petite figure stopped what she was doing and moved to the counter where it was
located in the depths of the shop.
“I’m really sorry for coming this early in the morning. Is it fine right now?”
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“It does not matter. After all, even if Bell goes back, there will not be any
customers……Then, what are you buying today?”
She, who was separated by the counter, suddenly pulled out a box from who knows
where and placed it onto the table.
Inside the large box, tubes filled with different colors of liquid were arranged in an
orderly manner.
“Speaking of which, where is Miach-sama? Not here?”
“Miach-sama has some personal business until evening. Today I am the only
one……”
I asked and obtained this kind of response while I was comparing the tubes……the
various recovery potion.
This is the <Miach’s Familia>’s shop that was led by Miach-sama, and at the same
time, it is their base. Then, the other member that belonged to <Miach’s Familia>
was her, Naaza-san.
She used her hand to take out a recovery potion that seemed to have a high purity,
and patiently tried to sell it to me.
“Bell, how about this. Isn’t it time for you to try this <High Class Recovery
Potion>……”
“N…No thanks, it is still too early for me~”
While being handed a high class recovery potion that costs tens of thousands of
Varisu, I politely refused with a twitching smile. It was probably because both
sides were from poor <Familia>. Once they have the opportunity, they will
desperately promote and we would desperately try to cut down prices. This could
already be regarded as a routine.
Although facing the strong-headed Naaza-san, almost all the time, it was my side
that was defeated……
“Bell, how come you did not come to our shop recently……”
“Nnnn……!?”
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“Miach-sama was very lonely. His stomach was also growling……Because he was
hungry”
Because after hiring Lili, who took care of everything about the items, I really did
not come to this shop for a long period of time. Towards Naaza-san, who seemed
to be using lines to use my conscience, I tensed up.
Not good, if this continues, I will be forced to purchase some extra items……
“S…Speaking of which, I had a strange thing happened to me when I entered the
dungeon yesterday!?”
I, who attempted to immediately change the subject, began to talk about the
situation where I fell unconscious after using Magic in the dungeon yesterday night.
Naaza-san only silently listened and then whispered “Ahhh”.
“That is Mental Exhaustion. It will often happen after people, who had just
awakened magic, gets carried away…….”
“Mental Exhaustion……”
“After all, using Magic consumes this energy called Mental Power. When the
consumption was too severe, it will lead to sudden fainting.”
So……Naaza-san continued to speak as she rummaged the drawers underneath the
counter.
“Just drinking this Recovery Potion that recovers Mental Power, although it is still
in the early stages. It was just recently made……”
“Ehh, b…but that is very expensive right……”
“No problem, since Bell is a regular customes, I will discount it a bit for
you……8700 Varisu.”
Instantly, I retreated a step away.
“I understand……”
Looking at me like this, Naaza-san had her dog ears drooped from her head, then
she took another two tubes out.
218
“If you buy this at 8700 Varisu, plus another 2 Recovery Potion, I will only charge
you 9000 Varisu……How about it?”
Listening to this proposal, I widened my eyes and quickly clutched my brain and
think.
<Miach’s Familia>’s Recovery Potions are sold at least for 500 Varisu. If it was
just about this point, then this purchase will indeed be cheap. Although 9000
Varisu is still an amount that makes others feel bitter, but if it was an item that
could extend the usage time of Magic, then it was indeed very attractive.
Being able to respond to emergency situations was also a condition to becoming a
first-class Adventurer……
“In the dungeon, it is impossible to know what will happen. It is still better to keep
a hand open……”
This sentence had become the decisive factor.
The timid me weighed money and safety of the team, and chose the latter.
“I understand. Then I’ll buy it”
“Thanks, Bell. Love you……”
Naaza smiled towards me with half-closed eyes, and was not ashamed to have blurt
out such words, I blushed while I took the items and hurried to leave.
“So easy, Bell……”
……Although I felt that I heard something when I was leaving, but I did not heard
anything. I must be hearing voices, hearing voices.
I, who left the shop, stepped again onto the West Main Street that I walked back
and forth all the time, and appeared in the central plaza.
Under the cloudless skies, the wide and round plaza also gathered many fully
armed warriors today.
(Still haven’t come yet……?)
219
I attempted to search for Lili’s figure within the plaza, but inside my gaze, there
were no beastman girl.
While thinking that it was rare, I headed towards Babel. On the way, a familiar
scene appeared.
In the corner of the central plaza that had broadleaf trees planted at equal intervals.
Under the sunlight that passed through the gaps of the leaves, it created a
comfortable shade as the wind blew the leaves. Lili and a group of male
Adventurers were there.
The three burly men surrounded the petite Lili. They stood with hideous faces
while yelling something, Lili used all her effort to turn her face the other way. It
was absolutely not a harmonious atmosphere.
——Could it be <Soma’s Familia>’s members?
The moment this thought flashed through my mind,I began to stare intently over
there.
“……Enough……Give it to me!”
“Already……don’t have……it! Really……!”
From Lili and the others, the sound of their quarrel continued to spread over here.
I, who was anxious, stood situated behind the broadleaf tree in a dead angle
location and was prepared to burst into the scene.
“Hey.”
“!”
However, suddenly.
As if it was to prevent such actions, my shoulder was caught. I turned around in
surprise.
A male Adventurer. Equipped with a long sword behind him. A burly black-haired
human.
(Huh, this person……)
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“It really is that brat from that time……Forget it and listen to me. You formed a
team with that shorty?”
That voice and tone, it can’t be wrong. It was the male Adventurer that I met a
while ago in the alley.
“Hey, quickly give me a reply. You, did you hire that Supporter?”
“……That child isn’t the same child as the Hobbit you were chasing.”
In front of the man who revealed an irritated expression, I replied. It could also be
said that half of it was based on my reflex.
Although dressing a large robe and hood that was bigger by 1 size and was difficult
to discern, but Lili was not a hobbit but a dog person.
Please do not recognize the wrong person. Although I intended to say this……but
the man crooked his lips and laughed.
“Idiot……I will not say it, but what you think is your own choice. Enjoy your
idiotic play then.”
While being sprayed with a lot of complaints, but I was more curious about his
tone.
This accusation, it feels as if I was being lied upon.
And I did not fully believe the words that the man had said……
I revealed a puzzled look. The man no longer laughed and changed his expression.
“Compared to this, kid, help me out…….to trap that shorty”
“What……”
“I won’t tell you to do it for nothing. I will not only give you a reward and I will
also divide half of the money that I get from her.”
The male seems to be seriously saying this. I temporarily became speechless.
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“You just have to pretend to go to the dungeon with that shorty as usual. Then just
casually find a reason to leave for a while and let that guy fall into a trap. It isn’t a
big deal right, very simple?”
The man could not help but have the corner of his mouth split open into a smile.
An annoying smile. I felt a despicable atmosphere that I have never felt before.
The chill and disgust quickly arose from inside my body. I tightly clasped my fists.
“Why do you have to say that kind of thing……?”
“Ahah? Very annoying right, but you only have to say “Yes” and nod your head.
After all, you will be able to make money just like this. Isn’t it a decent proposal?”
Ha, the man laughed loudly.
“Think it over carefully for me. Isn’t that thing only a baggage? She cannot even
help out and could only be incompetent. Isn’t she of no importance? Squeeze out
everything you can squeeze out from her, then discarding her is enough.”
My boiling point had already exceeded its limits.
Inside my eyelids, it felt extremely hot.
It was different than the time in the alley. There was no time to even fear, the
decisive anger dominated my entire body.
“Absolutely NOT……!”
“You brat……!”
The man’s face was twisted into a ghost-like momentum to scare people, but I
only placed all my strength into my eyebrows.
The tense atmosphere surrounded us. As if from this overflowing anger , it began
to fear, the leaves above our head trembled and rustled.
We temporarily glared at each other. Shortly after, the man turned around and
walked away speechlessly.
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With a sinister look in my eyes that I could not remove, I continued to glare at that
far away figure.
“……Bell-sama?”
“!?”
A whisper came from behind me
As if she was deeply attracted to me and looked at this side, Lili was currently
looking at me stunned, in close proximity.
“L…Lili? When did you get over here?”
“Just right now……What did you say with that Adventurer-sama?”
“That……Nothing much, I was only being picked upon……”
I do not know why I hid the truth and said nothing. In order to hurt the person in
front of me, and was being negotiated upon, it was impossible to say it out loud.
Lili, who was staring at my chest moving up and down, tightly closed her lips and
exposed a dark expression.
“R…Right! It seems like you were caught up by someone, are you okay Lili!?”
“So you saw……There is no need to worry. As you can see Lili is unscathed”
Lili opened her arms and quickly turned in a circle on the spot. Then, finally, she
revealed a smile underneath her hood.
There was no signs of being roughly handled, it seems like she was really not hurt.
I calmed down.
“Lili, those people are……”
“Lili was being picked upon just like Bell-sama. No matter Lili or Bell-sama, looks
like we still look so weak, right?
It covered up my voice.
Lili, who was smiling while joking around, clearly rejected further questions.
223
“Then, let’s hurry Bell-sama. After all, Lili had already been dropped twice for
explorations, I am looking forward to Bell-sama’s activeness today, oh?”
Passing through my side, Lili headed towards Babel. Turning around to look at this
side, through the swaying bangs I saw the maroon-colored eyes. It was calm and
peaceful as if nothing had happened.
I also did not continue to mention about it. I closed my mouth and silently
followed Lili.
What kind of expression is Lili revealing while heading forward, despite the noise
from the crowd, I continued to think.
“……Is it already that time”
× × ×
“Ara, Eina is also preparing to leave?”
“Yes. I was planning to”
Eina nodded towards her colleagues’ inquiry.
At the guild’s headquarters’s window side. The reception hall that was located on
the first floor, whether it was the floor or the walls, it was covered with white
marble and exuded an serious atmosphere. From the sunset’s ray that seeped in
through the windows, it illuminated this spacious and organized hall.
While looking at the scene of the hall near the window-side, Eina was probably
tidying up her work space and stood up from her seat.
“WAA, so punctual!? That Eina would actually end her work at this time, it must
be a lie. Could it be because of a man!?”
“Why did it become like this……”
Nono, she waved her hands and gave a wry smile while she faced the lobby with
her back.
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Then excuse me, after saying this, she turned around and walked through the
backdoor only used by employees.
“Then……”
While the plain and simple boots provided by the guild, toto, stepped onto ground,
Eina took a step in the reverse direction of where her residence was. Although her
residence was near the guild’s headquarters, but her destination was not.
Currently, in the North-West Main Street area that was already dyed by the color
of the sunset, there were almost no mobile kiosk or street vendors. There were only
giant shops that were neatly arranged on both sides of the road. As a street set up
for the guild headquarters, the shops here were mainly related to Adventurers.
If the people nearby were to talk about it, in this complex street area, this street
could also be called <Adventurer’s Street>.
The road was extremely spacious. Even Adventurers, who were wearing heavy
armor, could still pass through without touching anyone.
(In the end, just by relying on the information from the guild about <Soma’s
Familia>, it would not be able to escape from their perspective……)
In the recent days, Eina had been investigating about the internal situation of
<Soma’s Familia>.
Why, if she was asked about it, she would reply clearly that she was concerned. If
she had to add more words to thoroughly explain it, it was because she was
worried that Bell was involved in some sort of trouble.
(Even if I was to ask the person in charge of the <Soma’s Familia>, the contents
that I will hear about will almost be the same……why not try to investigate
through my own efforts)
Even if she searched through the reference and gossips collected by the guild, there
were no impressive result.
It only revealed that they had an abnormal persistence towards money, a strange
atmosphere that caused the members to entered a blind state. The truth on the
surface was limited to this. Eina summarized the points while she continued to
advance through her thinking.
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(The Main God must have incited the <Familia> for his own purposes……No, it
feels that point is not exactly right)
It could be called as an impression of the smell of gunpowder, if you want to list
out the points about the problems, it would be their dedication to money and the
size of the faction itself.
Inside the <Familia>, there were a large number of members that did not
correspond to the amount of believers to Soma.
(If the reason was not the God Soma itself? No, if they were attracted by
something else, the <Familia> itself……the members are on a rampage?)
When she had thought up to this point, Eina temporarily stopped her footsteps.
A large wine bar entered her sight.
“Nnnnn~……If I could enter this place, it would be the best……”
From ancient to modern times, when it comes to collecting intelligence, you will
naturally think of bars and the downtown areas.
However, Eina was somewhat tangled about the place.
To her……no, to an elf, the wine bars that gathered numerous Adventurers was
mostly gates of hell.
In other words, no matter which race it was, as long as they were male, they would
be attracted to them like bees to a flower, and would absolutely not ignore her.
“Ahaha……As I expected, it really won’t work.”
Probably she had imagine what would happen next, Eina gave a wry smile and
passed through wine bar that exuded an adult’s atmosphere. Once she heard the
rough voices of the Adventurers inside, she slightly increased her pace in panic.
(This is not considered as arrogant……)
Eina was somewhat aware of her own appearance.
226
Inside her body, the blood that flows was from the elves, it had a reputation for
having handsome men and beautiful women. The opposite sex would instantly
change their eyes and swarm over them. This was something they had to accept.
(Even though I am not the type that is a bit slow for relationships)
Remembering the moment when she left her workplace, her friend’s surprised face
when she said was it a man.
Eina did not intend to live alone as an innocent girl that was ignorant of the
worldly affairs. She was already 19 years old. It shouldn’t be strange if she was in
a relationship. She, herself, felt that sometimes this was a slightly empty line.
Was it a mishap from being completely devastated by work.
(But, she had not yet met a person that gave her the impression of <It’s this
person!>……)
The people that talked with Eina, half of them were robust and lean Adventurers.
To her, it felt that when they were going to hold hands, all of them would make her
turn and rotate around, this overly reliable Adventurers.
Just because they were like this, Eina was somewhat fearful.
(Can’t they be a little less reliable or what……)
Maybe she wanted a type where everybody wanted to take care of, the type that
was ordinary……Eina thought bluntly about this matter.
A person who was plagued by problems, and through his own efforts, and finally
plodded over to her side in the end, this kind of person. Eina would smile and take
care of him, while thinking it can’t be help. The two of them would work together
to build up a relationship gradually, a give and take relationship.
Able to rely on their own, or perhaps a person who arouse her desire to protect. To
Eina, this was just right.
(Ahah, why does it sound like a man just like Bell-kun……)
Yes, just like that.
227
She found what was most suitable. When she tried to say it out, she finally
understood.
If I could find a man just like Bell-kun, then it would be okay….ahhaha…, Eina
finally got this conclusion in the end.
(……Huh)
Hey hey, she extended her hand towards this void space.
A person just like Bell, then——isn’t it already determined.
In a place where they was nothing, she blushed, in a place where no one was there,
she “ahahahahaha!?” laughed by herself.
“Ah, it’s here, it’s here!”
Even though she was the only one who shouted, the heat on her face had not
subsided. She walked and entered a two-floor high item shop that was constructed
with jagged stones. The name written on the sign of the shop was <LEE TAIL>.
The reason for her to come here was in order to investigate the wine that the
<Soma’s Familia> sells.
Although there is a factor of only being able to select one of the remaining, but she
was still suspicious of the unnatural act of selling little. Eina thought hard by
herself and still could not reach a conclusion, so she wanted to come and
investigate it herself.
(Compared to last time, it seems that the variety had increased?)
The clear crystal bottles that was harder than glass seems to be casually placed as it
occupied the center of the shop. Eina turn her head around to look back and forth at
the products high up.
There were many products placed onto the shelves. The blue liquid that was inside
a flask that was round on the bottom was a recovery potion, the liquid in the
slender tube was a antidote, and served inside the elegant bottle was the
elixir……All of these were items from commercial-type <Familias>.
228
As long as it was a product from <Familia>, most of the item shops would
basically sell it. This shop not only occupied the area near <Adventurer’s Street>,
which achieved a high rating from Adventurers, but another important factor was
that the variety of items were also complete.
After Eina roughly viewed the items that Adventurers use, she casually walked
over towards the groceries area, which was indicated by the arrow mark inside the
shop.
(WAAAA! They have it, they have it!)
Eina, who found the <Soma’s Familia>’s sign on the wine bottle shelves, suddenly
became happy.
What was placed on the wine shelf was a glass bottle without any decorations. The
stuff inside was also transparent. Even if you were to look at it positively, it
absolutely did not look like something that would taste good.
And under the situation where other wine still had many remaining, <Soma’s
Familia>’s item only had one bottle left. Looks like the demand being high was
indeed true.
(……<Soma>?)
Looking at the white label that did not seem to have any motivation, Eina’s jadecolored
eyes blinked instantly.
The name of the wine was the same as the Main God……Could it be that Soma,
himself, named it?
Eina shook her head slightly while she prepared to call a shop employee to take out
the product from the display box. At this point, she suddenly noticed the price.
60000 Varisu.
Don! Eina’s forehead hit the shelves.
(A….Ahhhhhhhh~~~~~~!? It is just only wine!?)
——Can’t believe it! It was more expensive than the entire set of Bell’s
equipment!
229
Eina rubbed her forehead that was turning red while staring at <Soma>.
It was on par with the high-class Adventurer’s specially used items or equipment.
It can also be said that it was even more expensive than that. Although it was by no
means unattainable, but it is not something that a normal person can just “Hey, this
one” and casually take it.
As a product for a hobby, the level difference was too big.
(T…The money I brought, there is no way I have that much…….)
Although the guild’s wage was in no way inferior than Adventurers, but it has not
reached the point where you would carry 60000 Varisu around. Moreover, if she
bought a bottle, Eina’s living fees would be cut down immensely. After all, she had
even bought an armor as a present for Bell.
Standing in front of the wine shelf, Eina was suddenly caught in endless frustration.
“……Is it Eina?”
“Eh?”
A stern voice brushed through her ears. She heard someone call her name, Eina
turned around.
Standing behind her was a tall elven beauty, even to a female.
The beautiful sparkling emerald-colored hair that seemed to extend all the way
towards her waist was tied up into a bundle. The ears, which passed through the
beautiful hair, seems to be pointed up like leaves. Even among the beautiful elves,
this face can also be described as a divine and gem like beauty. It would not be
wrong to say that she would be super popular.
She, who was wrapped by a never-ending awe-inspiring atmosphere, had a similar
color eyes like Eina. No, it should be an even more clear jade-color.
This time, Eina was really surprised.
“R…Riveria-sama!?”
230
“As I expected, it was you……Long time no see, in the short period of time we
have not met, you have become even more beautiful. I nearly did not recognize
you”
Although it cannot yet be called a smile, but the corner of her mouth had gently
bent. Towards Riveria Rios Alfr, Eina hurriedly became respectfully.
“I…I am deeply grateful! These words are too exaggerated, I deeply fear
that…….!”
“……Do not use that tone. This is not our native home for elves. Speaking of
which, you were not even born at our native home, there was no need to pay
attention to that.”
“Although it is true, but my mother had taught me before that we should never
forget and be reverence towards nobles…….”
“She actually taught something like this to Eina……That’s really sad, even though
we were companions that left our native home together”
Fuuuu, she spat out what could be a charming sigh. Riveria cast a powerful sight
towards Eina.
“Although it is necessary to master the ability to at least differentiate, but above
that, it is unnecessary. I am annoyed of the cage-like atmosphere that comes from
the bottom of my heart. If you wish to respect me, then please understand my
feelings first.”
“H…How could it……”
Towards Riveria’s words that were mingled with coercion, Eina shuddered in fear.
Indeed, Eina was born in a city of freedom that opened the doors towards mixed
races living together, and only had the knowledge about the native elf
home……However, the person in front of her was from the royal family.
Half of her blood that flowed inside her body made her bow down.
“That said, there is no need for you to completely change your attitude. There is no
need to be that sensitive towards it, that is what I am saying.”
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“I…I understand……”
“Correct”
She nodded satisfactorily, but on the contrary, Eina still did not lay it down yet.
Her eyebrows was twisted in a strange direction.
While pushing the words “I’ve really got to hand it to you” deep inside her heart,
she was changing her own consciousness, and once again, she was able to become
happy.
When she was small, Eina had returned to her hometown repeatedly, but she did
not see Riveria.
Although when Eina had entered the guild and due to her work, she quickly knew
about the existence of Riveria. However, because of the work arrangements, it
became difficult for them to meet up.
Although it was not impossible to meet, she had always been afraid and was
hesitant.
“Being spirited is good enough. I did not expect you to work at the guild”
“Sorry, I originally wanted to contact you…….”
“Don’t worry. I had been diving into the dungeon every day after coming to this
city. There was no time to care about other things. Delaying things until now”
Riveria elegantly nodded. Although Eina had also grew up through the influence of
her mother’s good conduct, she still could not compare to her, who was born from
the royal family. The dimensions were too far apart.
“Riveria-sama, why are you here?”
“Nothing much, I had used up my items in the exploration a few days ago. I am
replenishing it.”
“Can’t Riveria-sama use Healing Magic……If I can ask this, isn’t it too silly”
“Ahah. After all, Magic is not almighty. If it is a situation where I could use items,
I would not consider to use Magic. What about Eina?”
232
“Ah”
She remembered her own goal when she was asked. Under Riveria’s urge “Tell
me”, Eina hesitated a little and tried to not involve the information of investigating
about the <Soma’s Familia> when she replied.
She made the judgment that it was to avoid unnecessary gossip about a member of
the guild specially investigating a certain faction.
“Ho, this wine is it. A lot of people in my <Familia> enjoys it.”
“Eh……A…Ahh, Riveria-sama? Among the people who enjoys drinking this
wine, is there any particular symptoms that showed up a little, such as dependency
issues or similar?”
“If you want me to say it, I think everybody who drinks wine is abnormal……but
there is no one that acts beyond the ordinary. Why do you ask this kind of thing?”
“That……Yes, although a friend had recommended this wine, but I heard that
<Soma’s Familia>’s wine seem to have somewhat negative rumors……”
A way of speaking that mixed a tiny bit of truth into it. Just asking about the
contents of the past was indeed a good strategy. Perhaps asking Riveria, she may
be able to get an unexpected reward.
“I see. Indeed, I heard that <Familia>’s members had some poor rumors”
“Riveria-sama, do you know anything?”
She was slightly looking forward to it, her voice even sounded slightly excited.
There was no success.
Towards Eina, Riveria closed one of her eyes and stared.
Nnnn, Eina was stumped. This was bad, she thought.
Riveria was very sharp. She could easily see through the secrets inside the inner
heart and then following it to understand the real intentions of the other. When she
was small, as long as she was in front of her, she could not hide any secrets.
233
The fact that she was investigating <Soma’s Familia> was probably already
exposed.
While Eina was in cold sweat, she waited for Riveria’s response.
“……Forget it. Unfortunately, what I know about that <Familia> is not a lot.
Perhaps the same as you, or even less than you.”
“I…Is that so”
Did she let her go, Eina, who was not further inquired, rubbed her chest.
Riveria only just temporarily looked at her, then she began to talk.
“Although I am not clear……but I do know a person who understands clearly
about that faction”
“……Eh?”
“Want to come along? To my <Familia>’s headquarters”
× × ×
A long lodging house.
If you had to use words to describe it, you would call it like this.
(Although I have heard of the rumors……As expected of one of Orario’s top
exploration <Familia>’s headquarters……)
In the north most area of Orario, beside a street that was a little bit far away from
the Main Street Area.
A long and large hall was built roughly on the land. The tall towers seem to be
overlapping each other like a forest, and complementing each other. The top of
each tower formed a flower frog.
Although the red copper colored hall’s height was far less than Babel, but it was
still to the extent where staring at it would be painful to your neck. The top of the
highest central tower stained the sunset slightly green.
234
It was as if it was a house built from pieces of fire.
This was the expression most appropriate for it.
“Riveria-san, welcome back”
“Excuse me, this is……a member of the guild?”
“This girl is my friend. I hope you can bend the rules a bit”
After explaining to the male and female guards, Eina and Riveria passed through
the door of the hall.
Although the two of them standing together looked like sisters, but truthfully, their
age difference was definitely more than doubled.
Among the demi-races, elves could be considered as a race with a long life.
“About this, it might be too late to say it……But is this really okay?”
“What happened?”
“Allowing me, who belong to the guild, to enter the headquarters……If <Loki’s
Familia>’s information that was blocked to others was stolen by me……”
“If you won’t do it, then don’t say it, Eina. If you have ulterior motives, then I
would not invite you in the first place. Or are you insulting me in a roundabout
way?”
“N…No. That’s not the case……”
She slightly recalled her childhood scene, while Eina was brought inside the hall
into the reception room.
The room, that used an orange-yellow color, gave off a calm feeling and was
facing the hallway. Several sets of seemingly expensive sofas and cross-placed
round tables were configured around. Compared to using a high-class studio to
describe it, this reception room seems more like a room where friends gathered.
Just by seeing this space, it feels like she was able to experience the atmosphere
within <Loki’s Familia>.
235
(Eh, not bad, I want to look around a bit more……Nnnnn?)
While Eina looked around the room, a scene entered her view. Looking at the back
of the armchair. A group of golden colored things were lying alone onto the back
of the chair.
No, it was a person’s head. Long golden hair poured out from the armrest.
A person was sitting on the chair, she twisted her slender neck and slowly looked
over to Eina’s side.
Soon Eina gasped.
“Welcome back, Riveria”
“Ahah, I’m back. Aizu”
A beautiful girl that was younger than Eina.
Delicate facial features that was filled with gentleness and the eye-catching aweinspiring
body lines. Also, the beautiful golden eyes seemed to be crystal-clear,
and could only be described as spotless.
Inside her body, there indeed coexists sublime battle spirit and adorable
childishness.
Just as Eina had previously said to herself, she was a beauty that others could not
help but sigh.
Aizu Wallenstein.
Bell’s crush, a golden-haired, golden-eyed Adventurer.
“That person……Is who?”
“Ah……I…I am”
“A person that is just like my relative. The two of you also should do a simple
greeting.
Being urged to self-introduce herself. Aizu looked directly at Eina and clearly said
her name.
236
Aizu, who was not wearing any equipment, seemed like a lady that was nurtured in
the greenhouse. The pure white dress wrapped along her skinny body gave off a
strong impression of her being delicate. Even her boobs, that could only be
regarded as average, seemed to be slightly bigger.
The pure white bare foot, that was not bounded, seemed to be as smooth as
snowflakes dripping down.
……I can’t calm down.
Although she felt sorry to Aizu, but Eina still thought like this. Even though the
two parties did not meet each other directly, the feeling of the dilemma of Bell and
Aizu still came.
Despite her being somewhat stiff, Eina still sat down together with Riveria facing
Aizu around the table.
“Aizu, did you replenish the items you consumed? 10 days later, there will be
another expedition”
“Yes……I’ll go tomorrow.”
Aizu, who was sitting on the chair hugging her knees, quietly muttered. Her voice,
that was like the shaking of wind chimes, echoed.
While facing the same thing a long time ago, Riveria, who seemed as if she was
looking at her own child, was slightly surprised. Eina could not help but quietly
ask about a thing that she was concerned about from the beginning.
“That, Riveria-sama”
“What is it?”
“Do you not think that Wallenstein-san is slightly depressed?”
From the body of the girl that had half her face buried under the white cloth fabric
near her knees, you could feel that she was somewhat not spirited. Her long
golden-hair also bowed down depressingly.
Even Eina, who had never met her before, was able to detect it to this extent. That
was how depressed she was.
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Towards Eina’s inquiry, Riveria revealed a rare laughter sound.
“What, it seems like a male that she was concerned about for a while now had
escaped”
Isn’t it very interesting, Riveria continued to tremble, but this was not something
that Eina could laugh at. “Huh……” The hand she was holding her forehead
slightly began to hurt.
Looks like the spring for her cute little brother will temporarily be impossible.
Must hide it from Bell, Eina decided to seal the thing she heard today inside her
heart.
“……Riveria-sama. It is almost time, about the matter that I mentioned
earlier……”
“Ahah, sorry. Let’s call her here”
Riveria, who was laughing lively, brought her hand into the bag she carried.
What she took out was, that <Soma>.
“About that, Riveria-sama? Aren’t you going to call someone……?”
“Leaving here to search will be very troublesome. Ultimately, there is a possibility
that we will not be able to find her. Letting her come to us is the right choice”
Ignoring Eina’s puzzled face, Riveria took the cork of the wine that she purchased
——By submitting an application to <Loki’s Familia> it would be completely
reimbursed, this was really impressive —— and pulled.
Soon, the sweet and unique smell, that did not seem like wine, overflowed through
the entire reception room.
“Waaaa……What a refreshing smell”
“Fumu. Although I have long been accustomed to the smell, but still”
Eina, who was temporarily immersed in the fragrance, unconsciously took the
glass that Riveria delivered. When she noticed that she let her, who was royalty, to
pour for her, she almost fainted on the scene.
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While huddling her body due to excessive fear, she slowly lifted the glass towards
her mouth.
(Waaaaa…….)
The moment she touched the wine glass, Eina widened her eyes.
So good. It was too good.
As if her entire tongue was paralysis by a strong sweetness. It was smooth as if it
melted the instant it entered her mouth.
The fragrance instantly entered her noise. The refreshing aftertaste, even the final
and last aftertaste was still swirling in her consciousness. It was just like every
cranny inside her body was infiltrated.
This should be able to attract customers repeatedly, Eina understood this just from
one sip.
“This smell is……”
Then, shortly after Eina had drank Soma.
Dadadada, As if the smell of the wine had caught her, intense footstep sounds was
approaching constantly.
“You, IS IT SOMA!?”
The next instant, with flowing red hair, the <Familia>’s Main Goddess, Loki
appeared.
“She came”
“Letting her come, so that’s how it is……”
“Ahah! Really, it really is Soma! What, Riveria specially bought it!? UWAHH,
you caring fellow!”
Eina first looked at the wine glass that was emitting the mellow fragrance, then
understanding what Riveria had envisioned, she had beautifully lured out Loki.
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Even in the darkness, the red color hair and eyes still reflected a blood-red color.
Although her squinted eyes brought an amused feeling, but the flawless appearance,
that seemed to be something that a sculptor spent his whole life to create, was
undoubtedly something that belonged to the Gods. Her slender and upright face
was currently sparkling happily like a dog waving its tail.
“Although I was the one that paid for it, but the one who wanted to buy it was not
me”
“Then it is Aizu! Coming back depressed was just so everybody could have a
surprise!? Ku~, Aizu-tan is really cute!”
“That’s not it”
Loki, who was excited and wanted to directly hug her, was intimidated by Aizu’s
sword aura, which she sent out in her depressed state. It was a feeling that if you do
anything strange, I’ll cut you.
Loki sweated “Ah, ara?” while taking a step back.
“A…Aizu, isn’t it a bit overdone for just rubbing, how do you see it?”
“If you want me to agree, then please use words that I can understand. Compared
to that, the one that brought that specialty was this child”
Ah, so that’s how it was.
Just like this, Eina understood Riveria’s intentions.
The person who knew the insider information about <Soma’s Familia> was
undoubtedly their Main God Loki. In other words, if you pay a tribute to the God,
you would be able to receive an answer.
Although it was scary to directly hear from a God, but Eina still decided to
continue.
“Nnnn? Who, this child?”
“First time meeting you, Goddess Loki. My name is Eina Tulles. For this sudden
visit……”
“Ah, ah, whatever is fine. I feel that my head was slightly itchy. Stop speaking”
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Loki, who was waving her hand wildly as if it was troublesome, seemed to have
noticed something and continued to stare at Eina’s uniform.
Widening her right eye, she revealed a sinister smile.
“What is this, a person from the guild wanted to come in contact with my
<Familia>……Uranus, that old man, wanted to abandon his neutrality, is this it?”
“N…No!? I did……”
“This child is my guest, you’re not allowed to slander her.”
“Ah, is it. If it’s Riveria’s guest, then it’s fine. Sorry, Eina-chan. Please forgive
me?”
“N…No problem. There is no need to be apologetic……”
After being stared by Riveria’s quiet eyes, Loki seems to shrug disappointingly,
then she revealed a wry smile.
She sat on the sofa rudely.
“Okay, let’s skip the formalities, and quickly go into the main topic. Since you
brought my favorite, what do you wish to ask about?”
“……Then, I will go straight to the point. If you know any information about
<Soma’s Familia>, could you please tell us?”
“So you just wanted to ask about Soma? Haha, so that was it”
Holding a glass in one hand, while pouring wine into the glass with the other.
Fuahh, Loki spat out a intoxicated sigh, and looked at Eina with a slightly red face.
“I also do not have a very good relationship with Soma, that idiot. Although I don’t
know if I can respond to Eina-chan’s expectation……Anyways, it doesn’t matter,
it is just a slip of mouth. What do you want to hear?”
“……The reason about the abnormality inside the <Soma’s Familia>, what do you
know about it?”
“Nnnn, you went straight to the core issue……But, how should I put it”
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Loki swirled the glass while looking at the rippling wine inside.
After some time, she drained the wine inside the glass.
“Okay, let’s talk about the dispute between me and Soma! Ah, Soma refers to the
wine, Soma? Don’t think that it is that idiot God?”
“Ha, ha”
“Then……I love wine. Love it, love it, absolutely love it. I would switch shops
numerous times in a day, and continued to taste a variety of wine. Drinking till I’m
drunk then I’ll barf, then drinking again and barf again. Just like that, I passed
through an infinitely repeating happy life, until one day……I had a chance
encounter with this wine, Soma”
I don’t understand. Riveria sighed and closed half her eyes to recall the past. Loki
did not mind and continue.
“Should I call it as a fateful encounter? After I drank a mouthful, I was completely
hooked onto it! I did not care about which <Familia> produced it. When I finally
reacted, I was already collecting, collecting and collecting Soma nonstop within
Orario……Then, while I was doing such thing, I had unconsciously overheard
something interesting?”
“Something interesting……?”
“Do you believe it, Eina-chan? This wine, Soma, was actually a failure”
What……, Eina could not help but do the same action as Bell when he had heard
the news from Lili.
Loki smiled even deeper.
“I was very curious. If the failure was already this tasty, then how is the <Finished
Product>? Thus, I directly sneaked into the <Familia> that was producing Soma”
Eina froze. This time, even Riveria was stunned. Although it was not out of
hostility, but a God casually entering another God’s base was the same thing as
saying that she was about to attack here.
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There were also manners between Gods. Even from the perspective to prevent
information leaks, there was no reason to easily allow other <Familia> people to
invade their base.
“Although I screamed in front of their entrance “Soma! Marry me!”, I was pitifully
rejected……Then I was very angry and did not even say hello and really entered”
Her head starts to hurt, Eina staggered and propped her head.
But at the same time, she had doubts about the <Soma’s Familia> who was not
interested in the other factions’ interference.
“I successfully entered. There was not even a child there. But is that really their
base? Why is there no one there? From that moment, I felt that the atmosphere was
a bit wrong……However, I did not care, I was so happy that I was broken and I
immediately began to stir around the items”
“……”
“Please, Loki. Refrain from exposing your own ugliness”
“Hmphhh, Riveria is really evil. Nnnn, forget it. Although I searched, but I could
not find the true wine, Soma. Just when I felt that I drank enough and wanted to
head back……That idiot was apparently there.
Was it that she was recalling the scene at that time, Loki bowed down and revealed
a fierce expression.
“Ah, how should I put it afterwards, that idiot did not even say “Welcome”? But it
was the first time that we met? He did not even take a few glances and headed to
the garden to work with a shovel. Only later did I hear that all the ingredients of
the wine was planted by him. Ah, he did not even use anything as fertilizer, you
know?”
In the gap between the conversation, Loki had continued to drink wine. Her
flushed cheeks seems that she was a bit tipsy, her pitch was also raised up.
“Just that, that God called Soma……was a really annoying fellow”
“Eh?”
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“No matter what topic was raised, he would only just “Ah” or “Nn” reply. Even
though he was so actively taking care of his garden……Isn’t this another way of
saying that I was not even not worth that dung-sprinkled land”
Was it that she was recalling the scene at that time, you could see that Loki’s anger
was constantly increasing.
Eina wiped her sweat.
“Even though he was an indecisive and timid male God, he actually treated me as
an idiotic scarecrow and completely did not care about me……Ahhhhh, damn.
Once I think about it, it really makes me mad!”
“……”
“And, and, Eina-tan!”
“E…Eina-tan?”
“Forgiving that arrogant attitude, in order for me to get the true wine, Soma, I even
bowed down in good faith! I even did up to that!? But guess what that idiot said
after!?”
Truthfully, Loki did not feel the slightest hostility from Soma, so she thought that
she might be able to succeed. There should be a way if it was just around one liter.
So she was too careless.”
Looking at the seemingly harmless God, only then, did he stopped the hands that
were working. He looked with sincere eyes at Loki and said.
“No”
Only at that moment, did he poured out a strong will.
“Mmmahhhhh! That kind of line said by that garbage was the most irritating!”
“Loki, enough is enough. Be careful not to deviate and quickly enter the real topic”
Fufu, after breathing a few times like that, Loki sat down on the sofa in a calmed
down expression again.
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“Sorry, sorry. After all the twists and turns, I finally tried to ask about the
<Familia>’s situation from that person. If I ask, you could also reply normally,
isn’t that right idiot? It did not feel like that fellow was managing a <Familia>. Or
perhaps, from the very beginning, he did not have any motivation to”
Eina’s slender eyebrows slightly twitched.
From the very beginning, he did not have any motivation……?
In the end, what kind of goal does he have. This thinking penetrated her.
“Eina-chan, it is best not to think too complicated? In other words, Soma only
loves about his own interest. He is an idiot that only wants the utmost perfection.
He does not even have ambitions or any evil plots. He was only living simply for
his motivation, a God that was simply motivated by his hobbies.”
“Although I say this, that fellow is also an existence like a person trying to become
enlightened” said Loki, who mixed in a joke.
Among the numerous Gods, he was also one of the top in terms of weirdness.
Eina embraced this impression towards Soma.
“Then, the problem here mentioned was the <Wine (Soma)>. That idiotic god, for
his own interest……created a <Familia> just to make Wine (Soma). However, his
<Familia>’s income was not ideal. If that’s the case, the hobby that cost a lot of
money will not be able to continue. That fellow, after racking his brains, thought
up the idea of <Prizes>. In order to make his Familia members to work harder as a
catalyst.
“Could it be……”
“That is correct, it is the <God’s Wine (Soma)>. The finished product.”
The wine drop that was sticking on her lips, Loki stretched out her tongue to lick it
off.
“I think that Eina, who drank the failure product, should be able to understand. If it
was the finished product then it won’t be just good. After you drink it, you will
become <Drunk>. Not the drunk as in being tipsy and falling down? But issued
from inside your heart, simply being drunk for the <Wine>. In other words, being
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enchanted. As long as it’s a human’s heart, it would be easy for the heart to lead
the body, right?”
Eina felt a chill hit her.
She remembered the high feeling when she drank the failure.
It was not malicious. Purely by the wine’s flavor, it penetrated her consciousness
and attracted her. Her heart was really floating up.
And above that, was it the feeling of being enchanted?
Underneath her uniform, she was quietly filled with goose bumps below.
Loki used “If I say it like this, it would be much easier to understand, right?” as a
premise to conclude.
“The children there do not worship Soma, but <God’s Wine (Soma)>”
What they have faith in is not the god, but the <God’s Wine (Soma)>.
In other words, the reason why <Soma’s Familia> did not have proportionally
matched amount of members for Soma, was because of the God’s Wine (Soma)
that he created. It was stealing their minds.
Just by drinking a mouthful of the God’s Wine that brings supreme happiness, the
believers were deeply addicted to it.
“That is the true form of that idiotic God. Without letting a member with
<Mystery> to help, using his own ingredients as the starting point and mixing it.
Then using a recipe to create <God’s Wine (Soma)>. Even if we consider the idiots
that are enjoys their hobbies, it was still extreme”
Eina noticed.
Within Loki’s title of Soma as an idiot, it also includes feelings of fear.
“Since all of the God’s <Power> cannot be used. He was similar to those children,
no it should be that he was below them and yet he worked hard to that extent. It
really is incredible? If you could use human hands to create God’s Wine. It even
makes people want to ask him what he was doing in Heaven”
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“Fumu. You can almost see the whole picture. In other words, the God Soma used
God’s Wine to lure in members……”
“Yes, that’s correct. Once the members taste the God’s Wine, they will do
whatever they can to earn money. Since it is impossible to allocate the prize to
every member. In that situation where they confirm the amount of gold, only the
highest ranked person would be awarded the God’s Wine. Thus, the members
inside the <Familia> began to compete. Ah, if they were able to earn a bit more
than the budget, they will be able to receive a small cup?”
I can’t remember anymore. Towards Loki, who moaned, Eina could only leave it
aside. At least she finally understood somewhat.
The numerous times she saw the <Soma’s Familia> having an abnormal obsession
towards money. That was produced due to the hunger for God’s Wine.
“However, isn’t it an item that seems to be more dangerous the more you hear
about it? Is it really okay to not care about it?”
“Nnnn ——, that way of saying is incorrect. Although it <Allows one to feel
drunk>, but it is not something that will mess up your brains like drugs. It is only a
feeling. Exciting you. Wanting to have one more sip. However, if they get drunk,
they will also sober up. Just like normal wine.”
This was the difference between a drug, Loki said.
There were no forbidden symptoms. There was also no dependency syndrome.
In the end, the believers being enchanted was only a momentary thing, as long as
you wait for a while, the effects will completely disappear.
Except that while you are in <Soma’s Familia>, the interval between drinking was
too short. It became difficult to escape this ant-like hell.
“Ultimately, there are only short-term symptoms for dependence, is it like that?”
“Yes. After they stopped drinking God’s Wine, there are also many normal
children that recovered, right?”
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To further add on, it was the resistance towards God’s Wine. High-ranked
members of <Soma’s Familia> would not achieve this kind of <Drunk> and will
be able maintain a calm state.
Speaking of which, Eina remembered. Among most of the Adventurers inside
<Soma’s Familia> that are persistent towards money, there were a few people that
reached Lv.2, who were relatively calm.
“To sum it up, beside his own interest, the idiotic god, who do not have any other
hobbies, is being irresponsible for managing his <Familia>. God’s Wine (Soma)’s
Magic, and the member’s thirst for the wine, all of this adding up, created this
crazy <Familia>”
Originally, if the Main God of the <Familia> was responsibly managing it, it
would not become like this.
By using the Main God’s authority to issue a statement, no matter what <Familia>
it is, they will all calm down. If at that time, there were any children rebelling
against the Gods, what may happen is the ending where they were deprived from
<God’s Grace>.
Thinking about what lead to this situation, although it was harmless to humans, it
really was Soma himself.
“Since I have already said this much. Then, Eina-chan, do you still have anything
you want to hear?”
“No, this is enough. I am very grateful”
She had already understood the situation about <Soma’s Familia>.
Although the thirst that deviated from normal wine was terrifying, but it was still
within permissible range.
Wine, on top of that was the people who were only interested in money. If they
really had to compare it to the other Adventurers that enter the dungeon seeking
money, it was not that different. What was scary was that, yes, the moment when
they try to achieve their goal at all cost.
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If it was just like how Loki had said, this risk will only happen to a small amount
of believers. Thinking back about what Bell had said, the Supporter he hired was
not indulged in the wine, so she should be completely normal.
At least, it will not develop up to the worst situation where Bell was exposed to
dungeon. Thus, Eina settled down.
Towards her, who was racking her brains, Loki opened her thin eyes and stared.
“Eina-chan”
“Yes?”
“It is just like the donkeys who have a radish hanging in front of them, they will
never be able to eat that radish, do you know?”
“Towards being suddenly asked a strange question, Eina froze for a moment.
Loki used her index finger on both hands, Pipi, and moved it up and down in turn.
Without waiting for a response, she continued to speak.
“The donkeys that ran out of strength will fall first, then the greedy donkeys will
eat the other donkey’s radishs, and until they were kicked away, they will continue
to snatch”
At first what emerged was confusion, followed up by understanding.
Eina understood what Loki was trying to say.
“Currently, that <Familia> completely gave off that type of feeling. After all, it is
only an idiotic radish, no one will stop it”
Following that, Loki folded all her fingers, and only the little finger was still
standing up.
“Then, it is not strange that there will be a donkey that will not be discouraged
even when their companions kicked it away. As a substitute for a person not being
able to do anything……It will work hard to be adopted by other owners to feed it.
A donkey that was cunning and clever and is not easy to deal with.
The red eyes that reflected her own face was silently stiff.
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“When they notice it, their entire body may be completely stripped. This kind of
situation may also happen.”
Loki seems to be glimpsing into the depths of Eina’s eyes and recovered her
posture. She sat on the sofa and buried her waist into it.
She poured half of the remaining wine into Eina’s glass and urged her to drink.
“If? There were friends that were involved with that kind of people, it is better to
remind them. What do you say? Even if it is unlikely to develop into a big situation,
it is still possible to cause them to suffer”
The guild having to take care of Adventurers must be very troublesome. Loki
changed to a cross-legged posture and intentionally made fun of it.
She was seen through. As expected from a God.
Eina took a deep breath and honestly nodded.
“Did you nod your head, it might be an unnecessary concern”
“……There’s no such thing. I’ll keep in mind”
She is a decent God.
She was more friendly than what she had heard. Or was it just because she was an
acquaintance of a comrade inside her Familia.
Eina used her gaze to greet her, Loki gave off a hearty laugh.
“Then, since the wine is almost gone, let’s end it here”
“I’m sorry. I made you accompany me to the last moment”
“No problem. I also feel that it was fun to talk with the beautiful and cute Einachan”
“Ahaha……”
Yes~, Loki, who stood up stretched her lazy waist, she turned towards the silent
Aizu.
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“Look, Aizu. How long do you want to be depressed”
“……”
“Right, why not update your <Status>? You haven’t done it since you’ve come
back right? Nnn?”
“……I understand”
“Fuhehe, it’s been a long time since I touched Aizu-tan’s soft skin……!”
“If you do anything strange, I’ll cut you”
Towards the meticulous sound “It can’t be” of Loki’s response. Loki leaned
forward and wraped her arms around the shoulder of Aizu and walked out of the
reception room. Before disappearing behind a wall, she waved towards Eina and
sent out a wink.
“She really is an interesting Goddess”
“Although I can only agree with the fact that she is interesting, but she switches
too quickly. We all deeply trust her.”
“Riveria-sama also?”
“Ahah, yes, me too.”
Looking at Riveria, who closed both her eyes and revealed a slight smile, Eina also
smiled.
After a while, Eina stretched her hand and took the last glass filled with wine.
——Tomorrow, she’ll see Bell-kun.
While she thought about Loki’s advice, she felt a bit depressed while sipping the
God’s Wine (Soma).
“AIZU-TAN REACHED LV.6
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”
“PFFT!?”
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“……Eina”
“UWAHHHHHHHH!? I’M SORRY!?”
