12 Party.

We entered the pub. It was rowdy and festive. Judging by how no one was finding this level of noise abnormal, I could guess this is a daily scene. I was no stranger to parties, but this was very adventurer-like, I would say.

My musings were briskly interupted.

''Hello customer, how can I help you?'' said a brown-haired and brown-eyed short cat-kin, wearing the same uniform as all the other waitresses. She seemed somewhat similar.

[Anya Fromel-lvl4]

HP: 1800

MP: 500

''Just give me the usual Anya-chan. Make it double with the big guy here.'' Said Tsubaki putting an arm around my shoulder.

''Should I not maybe know what am I getting to?'' I questionned.

''Well. It's your first time, so I was planning to let you take it easy,'' said Tsubaki grinning.

It took me a while to catch on to what she meant, and couldn't help but smile a little bit— despite my attempt at giving her an unimpressed stare.

I was not used to having 'bro' female friends. I couldn't help but find it refreshing.

She led me to her usual spot as she said. It was a table to the right of the pub counter. I could even see the kitchen entrance from here.

We were having a casual talk when she said '' You seem pretty interested in Hephaestus-sama.'' I couldn't feel more surprised how the casual talks switched to this topic.

'Are we seriously going to have a shovel talk or something?'

I nodded slightly confused.''I thought I made that clear.''

''And what are you going to do about it?'' she hummed.

''What do you mean?''

Isn't she coming off a bit too strong here?

''You know that I know you get what I meant.'' She said unimpressed.

''Well, I plan to ask her out on a date.''

''Good,'' said Tsubaki with a hum.

She continued as if nothing was said.

''Here are your orders.''

[Ryuu Lion-lvl4]

HP: 1700

MP: 900

She was an elf with green hair and sky-blue eyes. She was both as beautiful and as stoic as I thought she would be. But, she gave me no lasting impression otherwise.

''Thank you,'' I said non-committedly. She left after nodding at that.

What she brought back was a big plate of steak, with a side of vegetables. I saw some cow-like creatures while I was touring Orario, so I'd assume it was made from it. Although, I didn't particularly care about it.

The highlight was a very large mug full of alcohol to the brim. I took a sip out of it, and it was honestly not something to write home about.

I was taking another small sip '' You don't drink like someone who won't get drunk, champ.'' said Tsubaki laughing.

I decided to ignore her remark. We'll see who gets the last laugh.

I took a bite of the steak, and it was a lot better than the booze was. It was tender yet well-done. The best combination for my tastes.

The vegetables were well-cooked and well-seasoned. They were something you could enjoy as a main dish.

Overall, each part was above average. The whole package along with the ambience is what makes this an excellent meal.

As I was giving a masterchef critic moment in my mind, the next fork stab was met with a click of the wooden plate.

I looked down, only to find the plate completly empty.

'I guess that must have been much better than I thought it was.' I smiled slyly.

''Damn, how come you're already done? You got a vortex in your stomach or something. You even finished the mug.'' She said the last part was particularly loud gathering attention to ourselves.

''Look, I'm just built differently. You know that.'' I said.

My attempt to explain my unique position fell on deaf ears. It seems like it only made her livelier instead.

''Mama Mia! Two large ale mugs here'' She shouted to the whole pub to hear.

''Tsubaki is having another contest! It's a pretty boy this time. Let's watch!'' shouted Adventurer A to his group.

''Look, he's wearing the Hephaestus emblem,'' said Adventurer B

''Is that a new member?'' said Adventurer C

And before I knew it, there was a circle around us. With half-drunk people shouting and clapping.

'My God, this is too much like college.' I grimaced.

I succumbed to peer pressure like I always did in parties.... This festive mood seemed to bring a lot of memories back to me.

''You better not regret this.... I can drink for days.'' I laughed before downing the huge mug in one go.

The cheers got louder.

'' The young'un talking shit'' a middle-aged dwarf said.

I was slightly surprised when Tsubaki returned the gesture with the same fervour.

I really wouldn't be able to do that without my skills.

''Another two coming up!'' Shouted Mama Mia from behind the counter. She seemed a bit too happy looking at us, no wonder counting the money I will have to pay.

Tsubaki practically inhaled her mug before I could even touch mine.

''The disrespect!'' said Adventurer D trying to hype the mood.

''Right back at you! Come on.'' I taunted her with one as I drank with the other.

---------------------

It took several hours of drinking, laughing and taunting for Tsubaki to go down, but she did eventually. As she should.

I have no doubts that if anyone attempted to drink even a quarter of what we did back on earth. A liver failure is the the least of that person's concern.

We must have had a full barrel or something.

The pub was filled with half-drunk men trying to lift their dead-drunk friends and carry them. Only to fail and trip again. It was quite a hilarious sight.

I was shocked when I was feeling a bit tipsy, something that shouldn't have been possible. I guess I don't get full immunity to alcohol?

''That was a nice bout, young one. You seem to have a bit more in you.'' Said Mama Mia boisterously.

I could see some people perk up when she said.

''No, no. I think this is just about enough for the day. Maybe for the week even. I still have to carry her home.'' I gestured to Tsubaki.

''Too bad.'' She said as she shook her head. ''Now you gotta pay up'' grinning handing me a receipt.

''Of course, I do.'' I said stopping a moment when I saw the value.

It was 114000 valis, a non-negligible sum of money. I don't know how much we drank. We even started eating at some point. It seemed appropriate. And I didn't have a glaring need for money anyway.

Besides, good work means good money. And I had a good night.

I just handed her a valis pouch. It had 120000.

''There is 5000 valis more.'' She said after counting it in a surprisingly quick manner.

''Just keep it. Take it as noise compensation or something.'' I just waved it off and went to pick up Tsubaki

I didn't know where to go. I didn't get where she lived the other time. The only place I could think of was Hephaestus's workshop or my room.

I ultimately decided to go to the workshop first. I am betting Hephaestus is still in there.

--------------------------------

[One-Handed-Sword Mastery: Lvl66.]

[Elemental Magic: Lvl62.]

[No-Ele-Magic: Lvl24.]

[BlackSmithing: lvl 61.]