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

The long-awaited "Goddess Festival" had finally arrived. Although the streets were busier than usual, it wasn't noisy. Pedestrians made joyful footsteps, as if praising the earth's bounty. A band appeared out of nowhere, playing trumpets and clear flutes, and dwarves in fitted suits could be seen singing along to the lively drumbeats. Hearing the surprisingly loud singing, the audience clapped and cheered, laughing happily.

Under this clear blue sky, everyone has the right to enjoy the celebration on this day.

The streets were bustling with activity.

"—The streets are so lively, why do we have to work here?! !!!"

However, at this moment, a heart-wrenching scream from the goddess rang out.

The sound originated from "The Abundant Mistress" on the main avenue to the west.

"I was wondering why you guys suddenly called me here, and it turns out you want me to help out at a bar! Why?! What happened?! The workload is practically god-killing!! It's not even as tough as working as a potato ball fryer, it's even harder than working for the God of Forging!"

The bar was bustling with activity, just like any other restaurant, with Hestia constantly going back and forth taking orders for people.

She wore a light green waitress uniform with a white apron, the standard uniform of the "Abundant Mistress".

Hestia's long black hair, tied in a ponytail, swayed incessantly, while her full breasts, tightly encased in her uniform, bounced up and down with her movements as if to emphasize the excessive workload she was under.

Hestia was so busy that she was dizzy with exhaustion.

"Enough talk, let's get to work, meow!"

"Have you forgotten how the cats saved that white-haired head, meow!?"

"Damn it! It's true that I received your help, and I can't refute it at all!"

Faced with the explanations of the cat-human duo Chloe and Anya, Hestia, caught red-handed, could only swallow her grievances with tears in her eyes.

It all started when Chloe and her friends stormed into the base camp.

About a month ago, during the "expedition," Chloe and the others agreed to Hestia's request to go to her rescue. As soon as they entered, they demanded that Hestia repay this favor.

Putting aside Chloe and the others, if we go by Lunova's account, to be honest, they were just going to the "deep" to pick up people and didn't make much of a contribution.

However, Hestia and her friends, who knew the journey was dangerous but still asked for help, couldn't refuse Chloe and the others' request.

So, on the first day of the Goddess Festival, which is early this morning, Hestia was forced to come here to work like a slave.

"I finally managed to get a day off from my part-time job, and now it's all gone! Waaah, Belle!"

"Get to work! Stop chattering away!! Your hands and feet aren't allowed to stop!"

"Eek!? I'm sorry! Manager—!"

A dwarf's roar came from the bar, startling the little goddess so much that she jumped up on the spot.

Mia is someone who can be used without mercy even by the gods. If anyone makes a mistake, she will yell at them with the volume of a shrew. Therefore, Hestia is powerless to resist. Moreover, she has apologized for her failures dozens of times and has long become a puppet who dares not disobey Mia.

"The majesty of a goddess has vanished... The thought that she was our chief goddess fills Lily with sorrow..."

"Don't pressure her. I'm just as afraid of that shop owner... By the way, do I really have to have this uniform made for myself...?"

Glancing at Hestia, who was being scolded, Lily, petite and adorable in her uniform, also looked tired and complained softly. Welf, dressed as a male waiter and helping to serve drinks to customers, was told, "There are no uniforms for dwarves or men in the bar, so please prepare one yourself." Therefore, most of his fatigue was mental. The combat suit making skills he had learned for the boy were now being used to make uniforms for the bar, and a shadow of gloom could be seen on his back.

"Lady Hestia, everyone... I'm so sorry..."

In contrast, Ryu looked apologetic from beginning to end.

After all, she had fallen into the "deep" with Bell and had been rescued by everyone. Now, however, she was making all the members of the Hestia Familia work as laborers in the store, a situation that truly tormented her conscience.

If possible, she would gladly take on all the work herself to repay this kindness.

But such naive ideas are absolutely unacceptable in "The Abundant Mistress".

"Lord Ryu, please don't feel guilty! Even putting aside the 'expedition,' we have all often received your help, and this is a good opportunity to repay you! Whether it's temporary work or anything else, we will do our best!"

The most efficient and energetic person at work responds to Liu.

After a struggle between her conscience and her own mind, she finally went to invite Takemikazuchi to visit the festival together. Although it was a pity that the original plan had to be canceled, she actually valued human relationships and morality more.

The girl has undergone various forms of training since the impoverished Far East era, and is proficient in all kinds of household chores such as cooking, laundry, and cleaning. Even Mia couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh~ so someone can still be of use after all." As an adventurer, she is also destined to be multi-talented, and here she shows a side that is even better than Lily and the others.

"Help take orders and keep an eye on the store; if there's free time, help wash dishes and take out the trash..."

"That's right. Basically, you just need to follow Mia's instructions, but being able to adapt to changing circumstances can be a big help. I heard you were originally both a princess and a prostitute, but you seem quite adept at the job of a waiter."

"I...I still need to improve...!"

Haruhime, who usually works as a maid, performs exceptionally well after being granted the task. She gently sways her fluffy fox tail as she listens to Lunova's instructions, starting with the tasks she excels at.

Besides taking orders, delivering food, and cleaning tables, they also need to help with washing dishes, taking out the trash, and going out to buy groceries. Faced with countless tasks in the store, speed is the most crucial factor.

Watching the staff, besides Anya and the other employees, bustling around in the kitchen, even disregarding the fact that it was especially busy during the festival, Hestia really wanted to shout, "How has this bar managed to stay afloat with such a small number of people?!"

"Hehehe... This is the Hestia Familia's live sacrifice operation! Since we don't have the money to hire temporary workers, we'll just use favors to coerce them, meow!"

Thanks to Hestia and the others' help, Chloe, who was relatively relaxed in comparison, revealed a sly grin.

Needless to say, this is the "foolproof plan" that the black cat spoke of.

"As long as there's a goddess with beauty that rivals cats and a huge bust, along with her retinue, customers will definitely flock here! The shop will make a fortune! Mommy Mia won't have any complaints now, meow! It's just too perfect, meow!"

"Although I feel a little embarrassed towards Goddess Hestia and the others... it's definitely very effective!"

"You're really impressive, meow, Koro~!"

"Hehe~ Feel free to keep praising me!"

Watching Hestia and the others working diligently, Chloe, Lunova, and Anya, who had slipped into the kitchen, shared their thoughts one after another.

In fact, the success of "The Abundant Hostess" is unmatched by any other restaurant.

The reason is that the Hestia Familia working as waitresses here is quite a topic of conversation, and as Chloe said, these beautiful girls are practically living advertisements. Furthermore, the sight of Mikoto and Haruhime, two stunning beauties from the Far East, busily working in their bartender outfits, makes customers of all genders unable to resist following them. Even the diminutive Lily, diligently moving back and forth between the bar's various sections, has the majority of the customers, mostly gods, saying things like, "I really want to pat her head~" and "Yeah, yeah!"

These girls successfully filled the void left by the absence of the mascot.

Now, Chloe and her friends are finally going to carry out their "real" purpose.

"Miya's mommy, get out of the kitchen, meow! Now's the perfect opportunity!"

"Let's go, Ryu!"

“B-But…”

"Don't you care what happened to Seele and that white-haired guy, meow!? And if you want to enjoy the festival, now's the time, meow! My dream of eating on the go finally has a chance to come true, meow!!"

When Ryu heard that Chloe and the others were going to spy on Seele and Bell's date, she was greatly shaken.

She appeared unusually hesitant and simply stood there.

"If Seele's relationship with the boy changes without you realizing it, won't you regret it?"

Krooi, abandoning her usual frivolous attitude, seriously posed the question, causing Ryu's heart to tremble with anxiety... and she was ultimately persuaded.

She silently raised one hand and placed it on her chest, giving a reluctant nod in agreement.

"Let's go, meow—!" Anya shouted and rushed out of the bar's back door first. Ryu couldn't help but turn around, looking at Mikoto and the others with a guilty expression, but she was quickly pulled by Chloe's hand and ran outside.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Bell, for suddenly writing you that letter..."

"I was really shocked when I saw in your letter that you wanted to invite me on a date."

We held hands and started chatting.

Although I couldn't completely eliminate the tension in my heart, I tried my best to hide it and avoid making the atmosphere awkward as I walked with Miss Seele on the street decorated with various ornaments.

"I'm sorry, but I really want to visit the Goddess Festival with you... So, Mr. Bell..."

Miss Seele leaned closer, as if trying to convey her true feelings, a beautiful smile appearing on her face.

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

Her light gray hair swayed gently, and a mature woman's fragrance wafted into my nostrils.

If I said my heart didn't race because of this, I would definitely be putting on a brave face.

Looking at that sweet smile... I would never dare to admit that I was threatened by Mr. Hedin to come to the appointment.

I managed a wry smile in response. Miss Seele also put on a shy smile, but she gripped my hand a little tighter.

Although this idea is a bit strange, do our current shy appearances make us look like a newly dating couple to outsiders?

Upon realizing this, I immediately stopped thinking about it.

I had a hard time keeping myself calm, and if I were to explode, all my efforts would be wasted.

"Luckily, the weather is nice today."

"That's right. I even unusually prayed to the gods, hoping for at least good weather today."

We chatted casually to avoid an awkward atmosphere as we walked towards the particularly lively area.

After walking a short distance along the road leading southeast from "Amor Square", the view suddenly opens up.

"Whoa...!"

There were many vendors on site, each with a large wooden box filled with wheat, fruit and vegetables.

Looking at this street scene I had never seen before, I couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

This is the bustling area on the south side of the city, which is usually quite lively.

When it comes to the area in Orario where you can best experience the festival atmosphere, this is definitely it.

Centered on the main avenue on the south side, one can see crowds of people and countless agricultural products.

"This is the 'highlight' of the Goddess Festival..."

The most eye-catching part of the street is the large number of wooden crates lined up side by side like mine carts, each large enough to hold a cow.

The wooden crates were filled with golden heaps of wheat, brightly colored berries and apples, large pumpkins, and a variety of other produce. These crops, symbols of abundance, looked more magnificent and captivating than the jewels in the treasure chest.

There were no shop assistants next to the wooden crate, making it seem like it was just for display. Passersby casually picked up a piece of fruit from it, took a bite, and enjoyed it.

And no one stepped forward to stop them.

"I've heard a little about it... I didn't expect it to be truly free for anyone to use."

"Yes, as long as you pay in advance to the guild staff or members of the military police, you can freely take the goods on site. Do you see everyone wearing the same badge? That badge is proof that 'I've already paid~'."

As Miss Seele explained, the Goddess Festival in Orario allows people to enjoy various agricultural products displayed on the streets by paying the required amount in advance.

Most of the vendors around are even cooking shops.

If you bring ingredients that are not convenient to eat raw, these stores will help you cook them for free.

I took a quick look around and noticed that both adults and children were happily enjoying their meals.

For example, there was steaming hot bread, various steamed vegetables, mainly potatoes with cream, and shaved fruit made into ice cream. I noticed an elven girl carrying wheat in both hands approaching the shopkeeper. The hospitable Lilliputian woman ladled a bowl of milk porridge from a large pot that had already been cooked, handing it to the girl as if exchanging wheat for it. It was probably sweetened, because the girl's eyes lit up as she looked at the bowl of milk porridge in her hands, which contained berries and flower petals, and she happily stuffed her mouth full of porridge.

The sight before me amazed me.

Even during the harvest festival, if this had happened in my hometown, I would have been forced to kneel as punishment and given a severe scolding. In fact, my grandfather did do that, and I was caught in the crossfire.

Because I was on a date with Miss Seele, I kept my composure and avoided looking around like a country bumpkin. But seeing this scene on the ornately decorated street made it hard for me to contain my excitement.

This must be the scene in Orario, a place that has flourished due to the magic stone industry and is known as the "center of the world".

"Since this is a rare opportunity, shall we go get something to eat?"

"That's true. Although it's still a bit early for lunch, I haven't actually eaten anything since this morning."

"Is this true...? Ah, I'm also hungry because of preparing for my date..."

"Hehe, me too."

Seeing Miss Seele gracefully cover her mouth with her hand and chuckle softly, I returned a shy smile. Since that was the case, I quickly found a guild employee nearby and struck up a conversation.

The badge costs one thousand faeries. It's embroidered with wheat and a goddess—the symbol of the Demeter Familia, which means "southern" in Common Tongue. I've heard that the crops sold on each main road are different, so if you want to travel around and eat your way through different regions, you'll have to buy the specific badges for each area. This is probably based on the "guild's" policy; they really are shrewd with their money.

Miss Seele said that every year she sees many people who plan to try all the food in the city, but end up eating so much that they collapse on the ground unable to move.

Incidentally, this badge is also a magic stone product and seems impossible to counterfeit.

Anyone who dares to exploit the loopholes will be immediately taken away by the patrolling Ganesha Familia and the volunteer adventurers.

I originally intended to follow my master's teachings and cover the badge costs myself, but Miss Seele insisted on not budging on this point, so we split the bill. As if I were hallucinating, I heard a voice in my head saying "Deduct one point," which startled me so much that I trembled all over. At the same time, I carried the wheat, each grain of which was larger than a gold nugget, and walked toward one of the vendors with an oven.

After the slightly plump orc auntie accepted the wheat, she handed us the freshly baked bread.

On the other person's recommendation, I spread peanut butter on the bread and then took a small bite—

"It's so delicious!"

"Mmm, this is absolutely delicious!"

The steaming bread with slightly sweet peanut butter seemed to melt in my mouth, and even I, who don't like sweets, couldn't help but want another serving. Miss Seele and I naturally smiled at each other, and to appease our protesting stomachs, we began to enjoy the pleasure of eating as we walked.