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

After hearing Hedin's explanation, the four Jaliba brothers unanimously uttered harsh words.

"Bell Crane is Freya's prey! How dare we act on our own!"

"To be honest, it's not like I can't understand how you feel!"

"I've also considered secretly taking care of him!"

"But the problem is, if he dies, Goddess Freya will definitely be very sad!"

The little people, who lived solely for God, loudly rebuked them.

While his brothers were cursing and swearing, Alflick, the eldest son, spoke the most crucial truth with a fierce look on his face.

"If Bell Craney were to die, the goddess Freya would probably return to the heavens to follow his soul!"

"Huh!? No, no way! This won't do...! What do we do now!? Everyone!!"

"Don't suddenly reveal your true nature! You cowardly elf, just die!!"

When the plan was pointed out in a single sentence, Hegny was so taken aback that he not only abandoned his usual tone but also completely lost his composure. Seeing this, the four Jariba brothers were so angry that they launched into another round of cursing.

The Freya Familia, the largest and most revered faction in the city, is respected throughout Orario.

However, because of their excessive loyalty to the main god, this group of people easily loses their composure and caution when it comes to anything related to the main god.

The scene had descended into chaos, and the meeting itself was far from serious.

Faced with a deadlock in the discussion—and the expected reactions from his companions—Ota remained silent for the time being.

Hedin, who was still in his seat, let out another heavy sigh.

"—Utterly boring."

The person who stood up from his seat and uttered those words was Allen.

He seemed indifferent to the meeting and the "trouble" the "girl" had caused, and turned to leave the round table room.

"Wait, Allen, this meeting isn't over yet..."

"Anyway, I've always been responsible for protecting 'girls,' you can decide the rest yourselves."

--It's really annoying to look at.

After saying that, Allen pushed open the two doors and walked out of the room.

The four Jariba brothers clicked their tongues at the back of the cat-man who was going about his business, while Hegni looked around in bewilderment.

This time, Ota quietly closed his eyes as if trying to suppress the bitterness in his heart.

"..."

In this process—

Unlike the others, the white elf was lost in a dense forest of thoughts.

Volume XVI Monologue I

On the day I secretly met the goddess alone, I began to "negotiate" with her.

It was a "secret agreement" and a "contract," as well as a "battle for victory."

I confessed my true feelings to the goddess.

—I've fallen for "him" too.

—Because of your decree, I accidentally fell in love with "that boy".

After hearing my confession, the goddess showed a rare expression of surprise on her face.

"That's really surprising."

"That's what I mean."

The goddess was relieved upon hearing my whisper.

After gaining the goddess's understanding, I proposed "negotiation".

I am ultimately a "fake".

He knew he was merely her "prop".

I still begged her to grant me a day of freedom during the "Feast of Abundance".

—I want to have a fair competition with you to see who can win his heart.

Please give me a chance.

I understand how shameless and arrogant this request is.

But I refused to budge no matter what I said.

Because time cannot be turned back. If I miss this opportunity, I will definitely regret it.

Even as a bead of cold sweat slid down my cheek, I resolutely refused to look away from the goddess's gaze.

After hearing my plea, she remained silent and sat on the throne, lost in thought.

The goddess probably doesn't know yet.

They are unaware of my "intentions".

They are unaware of my actions, which amount to treason.

but.

Even if it's a foolish and unrealistic hope—

I also want to realize this almost insane "wish".

Will my wish ever come true?

After the goddess presented her "conditions," she finally accepted my "negotiation."

When your "lie" is exposed, you have to admit defeat.

—At that time, you must not harm that child again.

—From now on, you are not allowed to appear in front of that child.

That suits me perfectly, since I had no choice at all anyway.

I indicated my willingness to accept the conditions by pointing to the three fingers that were raised.

"Good luck!"

The goddess smiled gently.

She narrowed her beautiful eyes as if in a provocation.

"I will also enjoy this feast in my own way."

In the end, all I could do was bow deeply to the goddess.

This was a fair fight.

Even if the goddess imposes conditions that I cannot refuse, I was the one who initiated this "negotiation," so I cannot go back on my word.

The gears of time have begun to turn.

There is only one longing held in my heart.

I implore God to grant my "wish"—

Volume Sixteen, Chapter Two: The Eve of Tears and Laments

As autumn arrives, you can feel the sunrise getting later and later.

I left the clan's headquarters and went to the "abundant mistress".

The purpose was to talk to Miss Seele about the letter she sent me yesterday.

"That being said, I'm not sure where to begin..."

I walked on the streets where the crowds had not yet appeared, muttering to myself.

What does the date mentioned in the letter mean?

Is it not simply about traveling together, as the words themselves suggest?

Are you trying to mislead me on purpose?

...How could I possibly ask such strange questions?

To be honest, I feel that it's inappropriate to ask a girl these kinds of questions.

Never mind, if it's a misunderstanding, then so be it.

"Oh, Mr. Bell, really! I only wrote 'date' in the letter, and you had such strong fantasies? I'm sorry, I made you misunderstand. I didn't expect Mr. Bell to be so childish. You're so cute~"

Being told that by Miss Seele is actually quite relaxing... not really, I still feel hurt after hearing it.

Filled with hesitation, I looked at the letter in my right hand.

Because the invitation was sent via a cryptic message, I couldn't help but feel particularly concerned and inexplicably nervous. If this is Miss Seele's intention... it seems I'll never be able to do anything about it.

If Miss Seele had waited for me to visit the bar as usual and extended an invitation during our conversation, I think I wouldn't be in this state of mind now.

It feels like when we first met, I promised her I'd visit the bar again, jokingly saying she's really good at budgeting, and then I accepted her invitation.

"...About six months have passed since then..."

I stood in the middle of the street, looking up at the colossal tower that seemed to reach straight into the sky.

I remember the first time I met Miss Seele was also on a morning like this.

As I recall, it was even earlier then, when the spring morning light shone into the city from the other side of the city wall.

Now, the morning sun, carrying the scent of autumn, shines directly upon me.

The temperature felt slightly chilly.

From then until now.

What changes have occurred between us?

"...Let's go see Miss Seele first. Worrying like this won't help!"

Contrary to my usual behavior, I fell into deep thought, first shaking my head vigorously, then clenching my left hand into a fist.

That's right, procrastination will only lead to trouble; it's better to be as adventurous as possible and forge ahead. Compared to then, I should have grown in some way.

"Okay!" I nodded firmly, leaving my heavy steps behind, and ran forward along the street.

As I was about to step onto West Side Street, where "the bountiful mistress" resided—

"—Ugh!?"

Just at this moment.

I've been captured.

Suddenly, a hand reached out from the narrow alleyway on the side, covered my mouth, and dragged me inside.

And—I can't break free at all!

The fact that I, with my Lv.4 [ability stats], couldn't break free from that slender arm threw me into a panic. The adventurer, who had suddenly vanished, was dragged into a dark alley without anyone noticing.

The scenery flashed by, and I found myself dangling in the air, unable to touch the ground, when someone grabbed my face—it hurt so much!! My face was being gripped so hard, and my neck felt like it was being torn apart!!

Because my mouth was gagged, I couldn't even scream. After crying out in my heart dozens of times, I was thrown into a deserted, dark alley.

"Pfft! What... what do you want to do...!?"

I collapsed onto the floor with a thud, and when I looked up with a dizzy head, I was speechless for a moment.

The criminal who kidnapped me is standing right in front of me.

Clad in a black combat suit that covered his entire body, revealing not a shred of skin, and a white belt and cloak that seemed to hint at his obsessive-compulsive disorder, both adorned with gold embroidery, he resembled a mage more than an adventurer. No, more like a priest in his robes.

He had long, slender limbs and didn't look like someone who could have brought me here with just one hand.

What caught my attention the most was the slender ears, unique to elves, that could be vaguely seen through the long golden hair.

Coupled with his extremely handsome and intellectual appearance, this person must be an elf.

"You...you are...!?"

I stared blankly as I opened and closed my mouth.