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

It will be given to Vera, and to the people reflected in her eyes.

Making "hmm~ ah" sounds, lying in a starfish position, rolling around, it seemed to be the embodiment of laziness. But it was not poisoned by the "boredom" that the gods despised the most, and like the sacred fire (flame) that has been burning to this day, it has been waiting and watching.

(Ah, I see. So that's why I felt so uncomfortable from the moment we first met—)

Vera smiled.

She smiled, just like a pure and innocent young girl.

She clearly understood that she concealed her "anxiety," which was different from the hostility she felt towards those who "ordered" her, within a smile as pure as snow.

This guy's kindness is infuriating.

I hate this guy.

That was thousands of years ago, in a corner of the celestial realm before it began to descend to the mortal world, when Vera and Hestia met.

The prologue to Volume 19 features a story from a visitor from overseas.

Taiwanese version from Angel Anime Forum

Angel Anime Entry Group

Image source: Wen He

Input: kid

"That was absolutely amazing!!"

Missia shouted at the top of her lungs.

Eina had lost count of how many times Misia had cheered loudly in high spirits.

"A war game between the Hestia Familia and the Freya Familia! It's absolutely amazing!!"

"Missia, please lower your voice a little..."

It was afternoon, and most adventurers had already entered the dungeon, so the number of people visiting the "Guild Headquarters" had decreased significantly.

When Eina reached out to stop her colleague Missia Flott, who was shouting loudly in the office next to the service window, she was ultimately unsuccessful.

"No problem! After all, this battle was just that exciting! Anyone who hears me say that will definitely nod in agreement!"

Looking around, the other guild staff and waitresses nodded frequently, just as Missia had said, and whenever they had free time, they would only talk about the same topic.

This topic is the "War Game" that was held five days ago.

This war game, also known as the "Faction Wars," is an epic battle between faction alliances and the strongest familia (the Freya Familia).

"Every scene in this battle was absolutely spectacular, and all the first-level adventurers were completely baffling! But the most exciting part was that the little brother and his companions actually teamed up to defeat the renowned [King of Warriors]!"

Missia spoke excitedly, gesturing wildly like a child, her peach-colored hair swaying gently with her movements.

She has looked like this ever since she witnessed that earth-shattering battle.

Even now, I haven't cooled down from the high spirits I was in back then.

"The reinforcements, [Swift Wind], swiftly took down a whole group of people!"

"While the actions of the [Hildr Slave] were surprising, they were absolutely awesome!"

"The [King of Glory] is ridiculously powerful!"

"But, but the most handsome one has to be Belle!"

Missia talked on and on.

Whenever she recalls the various scenes from that time, she shares her thoughts with great enthusiasm.

Eina could understand Missia's feelings.

In fact, adventurers and ordinary citizens alike are still enthusiastically discussing that fierce battle, and people from other countries outside the city are probably no exception.

Defeating the renowned Freya Familia is a feat in itself that could drive the world mad.

Eina could completely understand this.

Although it is understandable—

"Seeing your little brother Bell so active, I'm sure you, Eina, are quite proud, aren't you?"

"I feel honored... but I haven't been able to do anything for him at all."

"No way! I bet after this battle, you'll get a raise as Bell's brother's advisor! How enviable!"

Missia had no intention of being sarcastic; she was genuinely happy for Eina.

The other waitresses also jokingly congratulated them, saying, "Congratulations on becoming the number one candidate for promotion!"

Eina could only manage a wry smile.

"Actually, I have absolutely no energy left to be happy for him or to cheer him on."

"Eina...?"

"To be honest, I'm actually quite scared... I'm worried that when I wake up I'll find it was all just a dream."

These are Eina's true feelings.

The adventurers under Eina's care were at the center of a series of upheavals. So much had happened up to the "faction war" that she had no time to rest, both physically and mentally.

Eina was always worried about Bell's safety, and even worried so much that she couldn't sleep at night.

Once the war game began, she was constantly terrified by the almost hopeless battle, her face pale and her whole body trembling.

I don't even know how many tears I shed for Bell.

The moment Bell and the others confirmed their victory, she even collapsed to the ground, her legs giving way.

Even though the whole thing has been settled, Eina still can't help but suspect that her memories have been altered... In short, she is so exhausted that she can't celebrate as happily as Missia and the others.

To put it bluntly, it was because she was overly stressed, which led to mental exhaustion.

"Hmm~ I see~ Come to think of it, it makes sense, since Eina's favorite person is Belle!"

"I love...Missia the most!"

Whether Missia had already figured out Eina's feelings or not, she laughed heartily.

Eina blushed and protested loudly.

"But then again, we should definitely celebrate for Rabbit Foot, who has been so consistently supported and encouraged!"

When someone pointed out the key point, Eina was left speechless.

She wanted to pout to express her dissatisfaction... but she couldn't help but smile.

(Right now I just feel completely exhausted and have no energy to think about anything else... but next time I see Bell, I'll give him a good compliment... right?)

After the great battle ended, Eina, a guild employee, and Bell, a participant, were both busy with the aftermath of the war game, so the two have not met yet.

In that case, I should think carefully about what to say to Bell.

The most reliable "thank you for your hard work"?

Or is it "I'm very worried about you"?

Or should it be "You're great"?

Or else it is—

"You're working very hard."

"My heart is pounding."

"You're so handsome."

"I like you the most—"

"Wait! Why did it turn out like this!?"

"Eina!?"

Eina buried her face in her hands on the desk, leaving Missia speechless with shock.

The other employees were also startled by her unusual behavior.

Although the last sentence was almost inexplicably nonsensical, Eina believed that if she were looking closely at Bell at this moment, she would definitely blurt it out, and might even accidentally hug him in her excitement.

The reason is that the thought of Bell actually being claimed by the goddess of beauty (Freya) makes Eina believe she will live the rest of her life in regret for not being able to confess her feelings. Therefore, it is understandable that she would have thoughts such as wanting to hug Bell, saying something that is similar to a confession, or even deciding to invite Bell to a candlelight dinner.

(In short, I need to find a way to restrain myself from overstepping the bounds!)

With her distinctive pointed ears and slightly flushed cheeks, Eina first adjusted her glasses before raising her head.

"And if we keep dragging this out, the 'school district' will have to turn back."

Just then—

Eina, whose mind was filled with images of the boy, was stunned by Missia's words.

"Once the 'school district' returns, all the guild staff (us) will be working ourselves to the bone again!"

"..."

Missia, contrary to her previous excitement, began to make strange "woo-wah~~" noises.

Eina, who had been stunned, silently turned her head to look out the window.

"I see... Time really flies."

The season is approaching the beginning of winter.

Orario, located at the westernmost part of the continent, is also starting to get cold and gradually taking on the colors of winter.

In a few days, the once-gone autumn sun will hang high in the blue sky. Eina seems to be gazing into the distance, her emerald-green eyes hidden beneath her glasses slightly narrowed.

"That child... is about to return to Orario."

A tall tower can be seen in the distance.

It was a giant white tower that seemed to pierce the sky and reach straight into the heavens.

This building, known as the Tower of Babel and the tallest in the world, is clearly visible even from the sea.

The city that stretches out from the base of the tower is the "City of Heroes".

It is also the only labyrinth city and "center of the world" in the lower realm.

She harbors a secret hope that coming here might change her, yet deep down she doesn't want to visit this place, gazing at her destination.

"That's... Orario..."

A "giant ship" sails majestically on the vast ocean.

The girl standing on the deck narrowed her emerald green eyes with a hint of sadness.

"elder sister……"

Volume 19, Chapter 1: Celebrating the Victory Banquet

As the setting sun was completely blocked by the western mountains, and night fell—

The numerous Materia lamps within Orario emit a light that rivals the stars in the sky, which is why it's also known as the City That Never Sleeps. The reason the city has become even noisier and more bustling than before is undoubtedly because the aftereffects of a certain "great battle" have not yet subsided.

Centered around a total of eight main avenues, shouts, screams, and cheers echoed throughout the city.

Faced with adventurers who drank and ate meat and made merry, as well as many gods, the taverns offered their prized wines and delicacies without reservation, which fueled the unrest in the city.

And our "Abundant Mistress" is one of them.

"Let's celebrate the victory in the war game—cheers!!"

"Ugh ugh ...

Under the guidance of the goddess Hestia, the sounds of countless wine glasses clinking together overlapped.

The store was packed with people, and a large number of deities also came to the scene.

The Abundance Tavern is booked out tonight by the Hestia Familia and all the allied factions.

Needless to say, it was to hold a victory celebration banquet for the war game.

"Have you started drinking yet? [Rookie] ~~~~~!?"

"Well, the banquet has only just begun... By the way, Mr. Modo, my current title is 'Rabbit Foot'..."

"What nonsense are you spouting?! If we don't drink now, when will we?!"