Chapter 11: Ryuu Lion

Chapter 11: Ryuu Lion

Hestia's casual tone, yet Liam could hear the hidden killing intent within it. Even the way she referred to her was particularly familiar.

"Wallen-so-and-so-kun."

Of course, she knew the Sword Princess Ais-tan's name; not calling her by her name directly was purely intentional. He keenly caught this crucial point.

Of course, this couldn't be considered a desire for self-preservation.

Moreover, his interaction with Ais-tan was solely based on the Minotaur and swordsmanship. Liam's tone was frank.

"I met her during my Dungeon adventure today. She was curious about the swordsmanship I use. After a simple exchange, we got to know each other."

"Oh."

"After all, Wallen-so-and-so-kun, she's a high-ranking member of the Loki Familia. If you get too close to her, I'm worried it might cause you trouble."

Not doubting Liam's explanation, Hestia naturally had her own selfish reasons for saying this, but it was more of an objective analysis.

Getting close to high-ranking members of other Familias could very likely make one a target of animosity from other members.

"Of course."

Liam nodded lightly, then shifted his attention to the dinner menu. Meeting the Loki Familia was just an interlude.

Coming to "The Hostess of Fertility" restaurant, the goal was to improve their meals.

For ordinary people, the restaurant's prices were a bit high. A noodle main course with a drink would cost 500 Valis.

Today's recommended grilled fish set meal was priced at 850 Valis.

If not for the relatively bountiful harvest from today's Dungeon adventure, there definitely wouldn't be enough money to eat to their heart's content.

He looked at the eagerly excited young woman beside him and asked with a smile, "So, Lady Hestia, what would you like to eat tonight?"

"I'll have a main course set meal."

"Mm, and a drink."

Hestia's gaze swept over the menu; the overall prices were quite expensive. Based on her previous part-time income, it would only be enough for this one meal.

Considering Liam was still stubbornly insisting on repaying the debt for the weapon.

As a goddess, she naturally had to consider her child. She just ordered a relatively cheap set meal from the restaurant. Even so.

The food was an improvement compared to yesterday.

"Alright."

If Liam remembered correctly, the portion size of the noodle main course was quite sufficient. In addition to that, he ordered two of today's recommended grilled fish dishes.

It could be considered a rather sumptuous dinner, costing less than 3000 Valis in total.

Thinking of this, he looked at the young women in the restaurant wearing green maid dresses with pure white aprons tied in front, constantly busy.

He gently waved his hand to indicate he needed to order.

Noticing a customer waving at a two-person table in the corner, a young woman with white maid hair accessories and light green hair tied up in a ponytail.

Ryuu Lion, after placing the dishes in front of the customer, walked unhurriedly towards Liam and Hestia.

Her gradually greening pupils coolly sized up the unfamiliar faces who were likely first-time visitors to the restaurant. Should be new adventurers a few years younger than herself?

His appearance was quite handsome, but one's attention was easily drawn to Liam's demonic eyes.

Ryuu quickly averted her gaze, her demeanor exceptionally cold, yet her tone was unexpectedly gentle, "What would you like to eat?"

Before them stood a young woman with her hands clasped together holding a wooden tray, wearing a leaf-colored maid dress, paired with black stockings and brown boots.

Her slender, upturned elven ears signified her elven identity. Her skin was the most striking feature, a cool, pale complexion that seemed to glow with a light luster.

The naturally exuded ice-mountain aura already had "strangers keep away" written all over her face.

"Ryuu Lion."

Liam, of course, knew her identity. On the surface, she was an employee at The Hostess of Fertility restaurant, but in reality, she was formerly of the Astraea Familia.

A Level 4 adventurer, her more renowned title should be 'Gale'.

"Two orders of the noodle main course, two drinks, and two of today's recommended grilled fish."

"Okay."

After noting down Liam's order, Ryuu didn't recommend any other specialty dishes. From the perspective of not wasting food.

Her vermillion lips parted lightly, "For two people, the portion is enough."

"Alright."

Watching Ryuu's retreating figure as she turned and left, Liam quickly withdrew his gaze but was still being stared at by a pair of resentful eyes beside him. Hestia's voice was thick with emotion, though it was unclear if it was because of the coolly beautiful Ryuu.

Or because the dishes ordered were too expensive.

"Liam-kun, I think it's fine to come here occasionally, but the prices are a bit expensive. Ordering all these things costs so much money!"

"."

Was it really about the money, or some other reason?

Liam really couldn't say for sure in this regard, but he chose to go along with Hestia's thoughts. After all, given their current economic situation.

If they spent like this every day, they would probably spend all the money they earned.

Improving their lives, repaying debts, and if financial conditions permitted, he still needed to save money to purchase other types of swords.

"Today is a celebration with Lady Hestia, so that's why I ordered so much."

"Later, we definitely need to control our spending. There are still many things to spend money on, whether it's improving our lives or developing the Familia."

"It all requires a lot of money!"

Liam sighed a little, though he didn't feel too much pressure. After all, one couldn't get fat with one bite; everything had to be done step by step.

Hearing these words.

Hestia slumped somewhat dejectedly onto the table, her slender fingers tracing circles on the tabletop. "It's because I'm not famous..."

"So no citizens are willing to join my Familia."

As she spoke, the young woman tilted her head slightly to look at Liam. If she didn't know how heavy his burdens were, otherwise.

She really wanted to say, "Actually, it's quite nice for the two of us to continue like this."

Hestia still didn't say it, but instead, from the perspective of a goddess taking care of her dependant, "I'll continue to work hard during this time."

"I can't bear to see Liam-kun shouldering the burden alone."

"Isn't Lady Hestia also working hard?"

Liam asked back with a smile. Regarding whether Hestia should recruit more dependants, he truly had no intention of interfering.

His main approach was to let nature take its course.

Exploring the Dungeon with a Familia team would save a lot of trouble, but even without it, he would still adventure in the Dungeon as usual.

"As long as we get through this period, everything will get better."

"Liam-kun..."

When Liam said these words, in Hestia's eyes, it wasn't just his soul that was shining; he himself was no exception.

"Thank you."

"To have met a child like you, I'm truly a fortunate goddess!"

"Thump!"

What interrupted their conversation was the sound of dinner plates being placed on the table, along with the sumptuous food arranged on them.

Liam and Hestia looked at each other, then smiled.

"Let's eat!"

The pale white moonlight of the night splashed onto Orario's streets. Liam and Hestia walked side by side, sharing his experiences in the Dungeon.

Of course, he omitted the part about the Minotaur.

From a listener's perspective, Hestia was somewhat relieved that Liam's Dungeon adventure had been exceptionally smooth and he hadn't encountered any danger.

He possessed his own skill right after receiving the "Falna."

This represented Liam's extremely strong talent. Now, after a whole day of adventuring in the Dungeon, she was very much looking forward to the changes in his status.

They hadn't even returned to the basement of the abandoned church yet.

Hestia was already impatient, clenching her fists, her voice cheerful, "Liam-kun, when we get home, let me update your status for you!"

(End of this chapter)