"Hah… Well then, we'll take our leave!"
--------------------------------
After bidding farewell to everyone, Fron and Ryu set out on their journey home.
Compared to when he came alone, on the return trip he now had the company of a beautiful elf. No matter how you looked at it, this was something to be happy about.
Even though Ryu, because of the elves' stubborn and shameful instincts, refused to flirt with Fron in public or do anything overly outrageous that exceeded her tolerance, just having her by his side while he ate simple, convenient food made Fron feel it tasted better.
"In the words of the Far East, this is what they call 'a beauty that whets the appetite,' right?"
Although Fron didn't explain the meaning of the idiom, Ryu's intelligence was high enough to understand its straightforward literal meaning in an instant.
She shot him an annoyed glare, then placed the tomato from her bowl into his mouth.
"Mr. Fron, this is a tavern. Please stop making remarks that could cause misunderstandings. If any other man dared say such things to me, then he would already be…"
Remembering all the violent rumors about the Hostess of Fertility, Fron looked at the delicate, refined face of Ryu across the table and couldn't help smacking his lips.
"You people from the Hostess of Fertility… not a single normal one among you. From Mama Mia down to you waitresses, seriously…"
"Acting according to the underworld's code of conduct, right?"
"Ah, well, whether it's the underworld or the surface world, it's all the same law of the jungle. But at least the people on the surface try to cover it up, act a little more reserved. In the underworld, though, it's just bare-faced violence."
Ryu's expression didn't change. She ate her food elegantly, her tone utterly calm.
"The chaos of the underworld is something people living in the surface world cannot imagine. Five years ago… that was before you came to Orario. The environment back then… how should I put it… the entire city was engulfed in darkness. Factions fought one another, the Evilus took advantage of the chaos, countless familias were wiped out, gods were sent back to heaven… The entire 'Dark Era' caused Orario's strength to decline to its lowest point."
"The purging that followed the chaos wasn't perfect either, and it left behind many problems. For example, me. Or those girls in the tavern. More or less, everyone still carries habits from that time. So…"
Fron understood.
"So, those guys still mixed in the underworld… they're just carrying on with that same way of doing things, huh."
Gulp.
Fron understood everything.
This was something so big that even the Guild couldn't handle it properly, let alone him.
The two stopped talking and simply enjoyed their dinner quietly.
...
The rest of the journey went by without incident.
After just over ten days of travel, the colossal, majestic white tower of the dungeon city had already emerged over the horizon.
"Almost home."
Walking along the muddy path that cut across the beautiful wilderness, the signboards of familiar areas came into view.
As they drew nearer to the great city, more travelers, adventurers, merchants with caravans, bards, and ordinary citizens appeared on the road.
"Hey, look over there!"
A few adventurers escorting what was clearly a foreign caravan nudged each other with their elbows, then gestured toward two figures ahead in green and black cloaks.
"Adventurers? Why are you so curious?"
"Idiot, look closer!"
"Huh?" His companion put away the whip, his face full of doubt.
Just then, a breeze lifted Fron's and Ryu's hoods.
"Holy crap… the Night Weaver!"
"The Night Weaver of the Loki Familia? What's she doing here? When we passed through Melen Town, weren't they, "
"And also with that upper-class adventurer, huh? Your observation skills are awful. Didn't you notice? Back in Melen Town, every member of Loki Familia was a beautiful girl, there wasn't a single male member. You get what I mean, right?"
"Now that you mention it, yeah, I didn't see the Breaver or the others."
"But… why would the Night Weaver be coming from the north? Melen's supposed to be to the southwest…"
"Probably went out to finish a commission. You think first-class adventurers don't need money? Everyone's gotta make a living, okay."
"…"
...
Following the crowd, Fron and Ryu lined up at the city gate to await inspection.
Compared to the first time, entering the city was much easier this time.
Not only did Fron have an exit permit issued by the Guild and proof of a completed commission, but just standing there and letting people see his face was enough to bypass inspections.
The Night Weaver, Fron Argon, was no longer an obscure rookie adventurer. After nearly two years of growth, his name and face were already known throughout the world!
"Long time no see, Argon."
After a short wait, the two reached the gate.
Interestingly, the ones still on duty were the Ganesha Familia, who served as the city's security. And once again, it was an old acquaintance, their captain, Shakti.
"Well, if it isn't the famous Ankusha. Why are you personally on duty again? Don't you have better things to do? I mean, Finn's running around busy every day, shouldn't you also…"
"What do you think I'm doing, being lazy? It's not like-" She almost let something slip, but when she noticed Fron's teasing gaze, Shakti swallowed her words.
Glaring fiercely at him, she let the two pass without further inspection.
"If you're so curious, go ask your captain yourself!" Then, without another glance at Fron, she called up the next in line.
"…" Fron and Ryu exchanged looks, both sensing something unusual in Shakti's attitude.
"Uh, I didn't provoke her, did I? What's going on?"
Ryu glanced around at the gate and the surrounding area. With her experience, she instantly noticed several thieves and adventurers hiding in the shadows.
"Lately, it seems like Orario's security has increased. Is it just my imagination?"
Walking shoulder to shoulder with Ryu along North Street, Fron turned back to squint at the towering walls.
He vaguely caught fleeting figures disappearing into the shadows, concealing themselves from sight.
"The Guild and the Ganesha Familia have strengthened Orario's defenses… external enemies? Impossible. With this city's strength, no one with a brain would dare provoke it. That only leaves one possibility."
Thinking of that place, Fron already had his answer.
Seeing Fron's thoughtful expression turn into one of sudden realization, Ryu knew at once… Fron was hiding some information from her.
But even though their relationship had reached the level of lovers, there were still some secrets best left unasked.
Besides, Fron was already quietly preparing for the conflict with the Evilus. Because he knew that if he told her, Ryu would immediately do something he didn't want to see…
------------------------------
T/N: First bonus chap for crossing 600 power stones; 5 more bonus chapters remaining~