Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Just now, I managed to escape into the back alley and finally get rid of that large group of deities.

Logically speaking, my physical abilities should be much better than theirs, but... what exactly are those gods? Several times I almost got caught, and only narrowly escaped with my life after countless hardships. It was the first time I felt that those gods were so terrifying.

Why did they suddenly contact me...?

"Seele and the others have been waiting for you, meow—. The kitchen is incredibly busy, but they still made time for you, so hurry up, meow."

"No, I'm sorry..."

"Without the main character, there's no need to have the party. Go on."

Anya, one of the cat-like shop assistants, came out to greet me with a reproachful tone. The human shop assistant… I think her name was Miss Lunova; she was also smiling at me.

I wiped away the sweat, straightened my bent back, and stepped into the tavern.

"Lord Bell—! Over here—!"

The shop was as bustling as ever, with all the seats occupied. I saw Lily waving from behind. She was standing on a chair, looking quite happy.

Lily had already decided to attend today's party. I thought it was a rare opportunity, so I tried inviting her, and she said she would be happy to, so I had already asked Miss Seele and the others for permission.

...At that moment, a thought suddenly occurred to me: how wonderful it would be if Miss Ais could come too. However, she was currently on an "expedition" in the deepest part of the dungeon, making it impossible to invite her. I shook my head slightly, trying to shake off this greedy thought.

The table they had prepared was near my special seat—in the corner of the bar. Besides Lily, Miss Seele and Miss Ryu were also sitting at the table, still wearing their shop uniforms.

Miss Seele smiled at me, while Miss Liu greeted me with her eyes. I bowed my head in apology for being late.

"Bell...?"

"The Hestia Familia?"

I walked quickly toward them, but noticed several gazes that felt like needles pricking my face.

Inside the bustling store, a section erupted into a cacophony of different kinds of noise.

I just glanced to the side and didn't stop walking.

"A white-haired human... there's no mistake. What's his name again... [Rookie Star]?"

"Just that little brat?"

"I heard he's known as the world's fastest white rabbit (record holder)."

"Hey, it's already confirmed, right? It's just those idiots making a fuss, isn't it? Saying something in a month is too much of an exaggeration." (Zhu Yue: bailan, a Hokkien term, means someone who is stupid, long-winded, and troublesome.)

"That's right."

"However, I heard that he really did defeat the Minotaur. The one on the 9th floor."

"It's just killing a Minotaur. What's the big deal?"

"Can you defeat the Minotaur at Lv.1? Alone, by yourself."

"Hehe, only someone who's tired of living would do something so stupid."

...As I walked past several tables, people everywhere glanced at me, whispering in hushed tones with each glance.

I could feel that many people were watching me, which made me a little flustered. I almost became unnatural, and my eyes couldn't help but look to the side, where they met those of an adventurer who grinned.

I suddenly felt nervous and tried to keep my posture as low as possible, rushing to the table as if I were running away.

"Lord Bell has suddenly become a big star."

"W-Really? I feel so uncomfortable... I was just chased by a bunch of unfamiliar deities..."

"This is the inevitable path for any adventurer who becomes famous. It's not just Lord Bell who has to go through this, so please bear with it."

Lily smiled at me, while I gave her a weak look.

I put my right hand behind my neck, but I always felt uneasy sitting there.

"Hehe, now that Mr. Bell is here, let's begin."

"Um, Miss Seele, aren't you busy with things at the shop...?"

"Miya's mom said she's lending us to you, and that you should laugh as much as possible, drink as much as possible, and then sprinkle lots of gold coins."

Hearing Ms. Ryu's calm voice, I gave a wry smile.

The female owner, Aunt Mia, laughed heartily behind the bar and waved her hand casually a few times. She was probably saying, "On such a special day, relax and have a good time!"

Then, we immediately started toasting each other.

On Aunt Mia's recommendation, I tried drinking some alcohol. I started with a large glass of ale.

Miss Seele is drinking citrus-colored fruit liqueur; Lily says she's too afraid to drink alcohol anymore, so she'll only drink fruit juice; and Miss Ryu insists on only drinking water. Wait, why are only Miss Seele and I ordering drinks...?

When the food was served, their gazes disappeared, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Casually responding to Miss Anya and Miss Chloe's jokes, we were immersed in a joyful time.

Because of the earlier commotion caused by the thief, Lily seemed a little afraid of Miss Ryu and the others, but now she was laughing heartily and showed no fear whatsoever. Miss Seele was also smiling, while Miss Ryu answered fluently.

I wondered what might have happened before I arrived, looking at Lily's profile.

"Come on, Mr. Bell, please have some more drinks. After all, you're the star of the day. Or would you like something to eat?"

“Thank you…”

Miss Seele appeared beside me at some point and took great care of me.

She poured me wine and served me food on small plates; she was so diligent… Lily smiled as usual, but I found her a little scary.

I was flustered and at a loss, but Miss Seele seemed quite happy.

"I feel like... Miss Seele, you seem to be in a very good mood."

"Have it?"

Seemingly excited, Miss Seele touched her slightly flushed cheeks and then smiled shyly.

"It might be too much of a boast to say it was my doing... but just thinking that giving that book to Mr. Bell back then might have come in handy makes me very happy."

The book she was referring to must be a "grimoire." She looked at me with fiery passion.

Looking into my eyes, Miss Seele's smile was incredibly powerful.

Lily reached out from the side and squeezed my hand with a strong grip.

Various reasons caused my expression to twitch. I don't know what my face looks like now.

"However, congratulations, Mr. Craney. I never imagined you could achieve this [upgrade] feat all by yourself... It seems I misjudged you."

"N-no, no..."

The people sitting opposite me and in front of me also expressed their congratulations.

Even though Ms. Ryu's expression didn't change, I still felt shy.

"Yes, it's because many people helped me that I was able to do it. Miss Ryu helped me too..."

"No need to be modest. Defeating the Minotaur among Lv.2 monsters is indeed a feat. Mr. Craney, you should be more proud of yourself."

Miss Liu spoke with a stern expression, her piercing gaze fixed on me.

It was only then that I realized I was actually quite afraid of receiving excessive praise.

With my face slightly flushed, I could only manage a weak "Yes..." that sounded like a groan.

Even Miss Seele is chuckling to herself...

"But Lily is worried sick. Her chest has been torn open countless times..."

"I'm so sorry, Lily..."

"...But, Lord Bell, you were really handsome back then, weren't you?"

Okay, okay...

Lily pressed her face against my shoulder, smiling sweetly, leaving me at a loss for what to do.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her large chestnut eyes looked up at me from very close range.

Perhaps due to the effects of the alcohol, my body began to feel slightly warm.

"Mr. Craney, what are your plans for the future?"

"?"

"I'm a little curious about what you're up to."

After exchanging a few words with Lily and the others, just as I was struggling to drink the incredibly bitter liquor, Ms. Ryu spoke to me. Without hesitation, I told her about my planned itinerary starting tomorrow.

"Well—anyway, I plan to go shopping for equipment with Lily tomorrow. We've broken a lot of armor."

"...Regarding this matter, Lord Bell..."

"What is it, Lily?"

"It's like this, the family I'm staying with suddenly has a lot of work to do... Lily probably won't be able to go with you tomorrow."

"Oh, is that so?"

Lily shrank back apologetically. But after all, she had been taken care of, and there was nothing she could do about it... I told Lily not to take it to heart and to reconsider her plans for tomorrow.

It's about time to explore the dungeons, so I need to at least prepare my armor.

I can buy the equipment by myself, so I should be fine going tomorrow, right?

Although my judgment may not be that good... I'll just treat it as a learning experience.

"So, Mr. Bell, are you going shopping alone tomorrow?"

"That seems to be the case."

"Then, may I go with you?"

“Eh!”

I gasped in surprise upon hearing Miss Seele's suggestion.

Lily, standing beside him, was taken aback at first, then immediately raised her eyebrows, creating a threatening atmosphere...

"W-Why did you suddenly want to do this?"

"Because I should also go and buy some things... It might bother Mr. Bell, but if you don't mind, I'd love to go shopping with you."

"No, Lord Bell! Miss Seele just wants someone to help her move her things! Yes, Lily knows that perfectly well! If this continues, Lord Bell will be drained of his very essence! Please refuse her!"

"Well, it's not that exaggerated..."

Lily's aggressive manner made me break out in a cold sweat. Then I looked at Miss Seele.

She wasn't swayed by Lily's words, but simply smiled sweetly. Her pale gray eyes seemed to gently tell me, "I would never do such a thing—".

What should we do...?

I don't mind shopping with her, and I don't really want to unilaterally refuse... Ah—, but after all, Miss Seele has a history. It was the first time I was invited to the hotel... Last time, she even tricked me into washing dishes.

Caught between Lily's protests and Miss Seele's smile, I felt torn and hesitant—suddenly, in silence.

A tall shadow appeared behind Miss Seele.

"Stop talking nonsense."

“Woo-gu!”

The tray was swung diagonally downwards, making a "thud" sound as it hit Miss Seele's head.

It was Aunt Mia. She gave Miss Seele a sharp tap on the back of the head without any hesitation, then looked down at her as she rubbed her head.

"You just give me time off like that? What am I supposed to do if you don't let me keep my shop open? You delinquent girl. Don't push your luck."

"What do you mean by wanting to skip work without telling me?" Aunt Mia continued.

Miss Seele, who had been lying on the table enduring the pain, slowly got up and looked up at Aunt Mia.

Her hair, tied up in a ball and with a single stalk hanging down, was pale gray and facing us. Although we couldn't see her face, it was easy to imagine that she was protesting to Aunt Mia with a mournful look in her eyes.

"Looking at me won't help. I am the law here. Ryu, keep a close eye on Seele tomorrow."

Aunt Mia snorted and turned back to the bar before Miss Liu could answer.

We remained silent, surrounded by the excited cheers of the other guests.

An awkward silence lasted for a while before Miss Seele turned to us.

"Mr. Bell, I've lost my virginity. Would you please pat my head to comfort me?"

"Alright, Lord Bell! Anyway, please go pick out the good stuff by yourself tomorrow! Lily is looking forward to your performance!"