Gale Wind

English is not my first language so you might find some mistakes in the translation of the chapter.

This chapter has been translated by various means in order to obtain the best result, so you may find some simple or normal wordings.

xxxxx

Translating eight thousand words was a disaster for me. When I did this chapter I got excited and therefore I wrote a lot forgetting that I have to translate it.

I think it will take me a while for the next chapter since I have final exams soon and that's something I can't avoid.

I made an auxiliary chapter so read it to clarify some things.

xxxxx

Enjoy the chapter.

xxxxx

Opening my eyes, the first thing I see is the sunlight coming through the window marking the beginning of the day as it always does.

I still don't get used to getting up in the morning, but unconsciously I do it and after a while I get used to the feeling of waking up and I fill myself with energy and avoid falling asleep.

The thing is that if for some reason after getting up and not letting some time pass and I go back to bed then I will get sleepy again and I will have a hard time getting out of bed.

So, for that reason I avoid lying down or sitting down after getting up.

Grabbing my clothes for the day I see the underwear and I couldn't avoid letting out a sigh and then change as I always do.

Not that I want to, I'm just doing it to get used to it. I have in mind to ask Riveria about clothes that can be useful for the dungeon, that are comfortable and not like panties.

I only like to dress very feminine in the case that many people will not see me, here at the Hostess of Fertility I don't have much choice to change because I would have to face Mama Mia and in this place her word is law.

Looking at myself in the mirror I notice that I'm properly groomed, and I start the day like others, except that my time in this place is temporary.

I'll ask Loki or in another case I could ask Finn how to fight properly so I can improve my moves.

Good.

xxxxx

"Good morning"

"Oh, g-good morning"

Like other days I found myself sweeping at the entrance of The Hostess of Fertility and like other times a few people greeted me during the day to which I responded in a cordial manner, it's good to be nice with other people.

Sometimes it surprises me when someone does it. Most of the time it's done by senior citizens or regular city folk, most adventurers just give a sidelong glance and go on their way.

Disrespect abounds around here.

Letting out a weary sigh I finish spreading the dust that ruins the presentation at the entrance of the pub and arrange the decorations to catch the attention of the clientele.

I hope Mama Mia appreciates my work.

"Still not finished?"

Damn.

"I have just finished" I said placing a planter correctly "It's ready Mama Mia. Presentable as always"

"Good because I need you for something very important" Mia told me seriously.

"Huh?" I blinked a little at her words "Wouldn't someone much older be better to offer you help Mama?"

"No" Mia gave me a hard look "I chose you, so you'd better come with me if you want to get on with the job, girl"

"Ah... okay" I nodded defeatedly, best to heed Mama Mia and avoid her wrath.

She wants me as one of her daughters, but Mama Mia already knows about my Family so she would only send me back if necessary, since I only work here as my break and she's a little short of staff so she could use an extra pair of hands.

She's bad, but she's also good.

"Follow me, Syr probably already finished with her" Mia said to me then walked into the pub leaving me behind thinking about her words.

Her?

...

Oh.

She's already awake.

xxxxx

"¡!"

Her eyes suddenly widened and she began to blink as she looked up at the wooden ceiling of the room.

The first thing she did was feel the sheets and blanket wrapped around her body proving that she had been sleeping for a long time.

'This place... Where am I?'

She remembers being gently taken by someone else and eventually a small reminder of her companions. For all that she was going through she understood that she had been saved.

The sunlight was coming through the window showing that it was daylight to which she could let out a small sigh knowing that she wasn't in the dark like that time.

'I should be in the alley...'

"Kugg!"

After the elf tried to get up a great wave of pain passed through her all over her body. She took a seat on her bed and noticed that her body was bandaged.

'Ah... I've been treated'

*Door opening sound*

"Ah. Good thing you woke up. I'm glad"

The elf looked at the newcomer.

She was carrying bandages and a cloth in her hands. It was the same girl the elf remembered seeing extending her arm to her in the alley. She was wearing a store uniform, just as in her memories.

It was clear to the elf that she had saved her on that night, but she still remembered one more silhouette that was not present now.

"Are you...?"

"Don't try to move too much" The girl smiled gently "You've been sleeping for 3 days. It's good that you were able to wake up"

The elf upon hearing those words could only look at her with no surprise, she already knew of her fate, so she only had one thought in her head that was bothering her.

"...I'm still alive"

"Ah" the girl who just arrived turned around and spoke in a friendly manner "My name is Syr Flova"

As she looked at her the elf only watched the introduction of the one now known as Syr. She was cute and that affable smile only made up for the surroundings and put Ryuu at ease.

"This is a small building in the tavern where I work. After I found you in the alley I brought you here-"

"Why?"

"Eh?" Syr just blinked in confusion at the interruption from the elf who lay on the bed with much uncertainty.

"Why did you help me?"

She had lost everything.

Having eliminated her enemies, she had no reason to go on living. There was only emptiness inside her. There was no reason to live. Thoughts of regret and despair mingled endlessly.

"Let's see..." Syr placed her finger on her chin and hummed in thought at the look on the elf's face "I couldn't leave someone so hurt in the rain"

"…"

The elf only looked at Syr with a lax gaze. Probably if she was in her prime she would have done the same, but unfortunately that was just a thought so it wouldn't happen right now.

"But..." the elf looked straight ahead averting her gaze from Syr 'If she knew who I was, Would she still be able to say that?'

"Me being in that place... Didn't you find it suspicious?"

Syr let out an affable chuckle at the elf's question "I've done that before" Syr reminded a rabbit "Orario is dangerous no matter what and I'm also used to people with special circumstances"

'Used to? Has she done that before? Who is she?'

Skeptically the elf only looked at Syr for signs of a lie, but still she only saw her with the same smile she came into the room with.

"Miss elf, could you tell me your name?"

"What do you... need to know for? What are you going to do?" the elf just looked at Syr dubiously trying to understand the girl.

"Because I would like to call you by your name" Syr replied and smiled in the process making the elf's words catch in her throat as she looked at her.

She did not understand. The girl's attitude was strange and it was difficult to answer her.

The elf had no will to live, her eyes should have looked dead. However, when Syr approached her kindly the elf was quickly confused in the process and didn't know what to think.

She tried to walk away, to reject the innocent, and sunny will of the girl, however....

'Still... she's the second person...'

She remembered her old friend who invited her to join her Family. The first and last person up to this point to offer her hand and help her in her loneliness. Back then the elf would shake hands with people who tried to shake her hand when they spoke.

But... on that rainy day, in a dark alley. She who had just seen her had already grabbed her hand and helped her.

'But she's not Alise' the elf sighed internally not knowing what to think 'Then why...?'

She looked at Syr's smile and her hand. Full of insecurity and unable to look away she opened her mouth.

"Ryuu... Lion"

"Ryuu..." Syr looked at her for a few moments before a smile blossomed on Syr's face "That's a pretty name"

The one now known as Ryuu just stared at the blanket trying to find something else to think about. She still didn't understand how Syr's smile could baffle her to the point where she didn't know what to do.

*Coughs*

Pretending to cough Syr just started with her plan "Anyway..." she held up her hand waving a finger.

"Ryuuu wiiiill feeeel beeetter. Feeeel beeeetter!" Syr started twirling her finger in front of Ryuu's eyes and nose puzzling her in the process.

"…" Ryuu just stared blankly.

"Ryuuu will smileeeee!"

The finger kept moving under Ryuu's gaze. After that Ryuu froze as she tried to think what was going on.

'What is this?'

'Some kind of ritual?'

'Is it some kind of psychological attack?'

"Hooray!"

For the end Syr pressed Ryuu's nose to which she just looked stunned at what just happened because of Syr.

"It's a good luck charm, to make you feel better" explained Syr sincerely "I do it with the kids I meet all the time" after speaking Syr smiled as if she had finished a difficult task.

Unable to intercept it Ryuu froze again.

'My skin was touched'

"E-Eh" Syr looked confused as she watched Ryuu freeze "You didn't start smiling? That's strange..."

Ryuu shook her head after a few moments only to squint at Syr as if to say, 'What are you doing? That's rude'

Syr forced a smile as she scratched her head as she didn't notice Ryuu's sullen look.

Ryuu's eyes that seemed empty began to cloud with excitement at Syr's actions, at least she had made a breakthrough even if it was a small one.

"Is that elf still in bed?"

At that moment a person entered the room.

A dwarf with a good physique. A curious fact was that she was tall for a dwarf, even taller than Ryuu. The word giant fit her perfectly.

The look she had was one full of seriousness that even managed to send a shiver down Ryuu's back.

Ryuu looked at her carefully and then saw that behind the dwarf a head with white hair was peeking out and red orbs were inspecting her closely.

'It's her...'

Ryuu still remembered the other person in the alley. There was no doubt that she was the one who accompanied Syr that night and had probably helped her at that moment as well.

Looking at her properly Ryuu understood that she was still very young and also had the same clothes as Syr, the strange thing was the look of distrust and curiosity Ryuu was getting from her.

Ryuu didn't understand her.

"That's right Mama" Syr's voice brought Ryuu out of her thoughts "Her name is Ryuu Lion"

"Ryuu-san" Ryuu turned her head to look at Syr "This person is the owner of the place where I work. Her name is Mia"

'Mia...?'

Upon hearing that name a reaction was provoked in Ryuu, but she quickly dismissed it from her head and continued to stare at the newcomers.

"Oh, that's right" Syr spoke with a bit of embarrassment "Sorry for not seeing you there Riku. Ryuu the name of the girl behind Mia is Riku"

The elf looked at the girl only to see her nod with a stoic look on her face as she grabbed the edge of the dwarf's clothing, she maintained a jovial attitude without changing the mood.

Ryuu just blinked.

"Tch, what a troublemaker" Mia gritted her teeth in clear annoyance "More trouble. This time it's not a stray dog or cat you've picked up, but a nuisance, elf"

"But Mama Mia" Syr pouted "You let me help her, didn't you?"

Ryuu frowned as she listened to the conversation. She glanced at Syr and Mia seeing an exchange of looks and after that she turned her attention to Riku to see her frowning and shaking out Mia's clothes.

She also heard Mia speak as a dwarf which, naturally, did not get along with the elves.

"Notice the clothes and equipment you brought with you... You're Gale Wind, aren't you?"

In that instant Ryuu's expression changed rapidly and she narrowed her eyes at Mia, sharpening her gaze in the process.

Syr seemed surprised by what happened and Riku squeezed Mia's clothes tighter showing that from the beginning staying hidden was the best option and she had to be alert in Ryuu's presence.

"So, what if I am?" Ryuu said in a piercing voice "What are you going to do? Will you turn me over to the Guild?"

Mia just snorted at Ryuu's stupid attitude "Why do you need to do something so troublesome you idiot?"

"Wh-?" Ryuu was interrupted.

"When you can move again do whatever you want. Just pay a reasonable price for your three-day stay in my tavern" Mia stated bluntly.

Ryuu could only stare in disbelief at what the large dwarf was saying.

"Ryuu-san? If it's convenient for you, why don't you stay here for a while?" Syr spoke sincerely trying to help the elf "If you stay in this place, you'll be safe. At least until the excitement has died down a bit"

'I don't understand what you're saying'

'It would be normal for them to be afraid of a top-tier wanted person or at least feel excited by the opportunity to get money. Still...'

Ryuu looked at Syr only to see her with a friendly smile, she turned to look at Mia and only saw her with an irritated expression and lastly, she looked at the girl who only saw Ryuu with her taciturn form that she had shown since she arrived with Mia.

"Mama Mia is really strong. She can definitely protect you Ryuu-san"

'Don't come any closer'

'Stop looking at me with that smile'

'Don't hold out your hand with a smile that reminds me of her'

"I also wish to know more about you. So..." Syr speaks sincerely smiling in the process stunning Ryuu.

Ryuu's eyes widened and her throat quivered. Being unable to bear the anguish she blurted out her thoughts about what happened.

"I... I...!"

She screamed trying to disappear anyone who would want to help her and finish what she started.

"Already... I have nothing left, no home and no comrades" Ryuu clenched the sheet as she felt in her heart the regret for her actions "I did something incredibly stupid and I should have died back then"

"Ryuu-san..." Syr showed a sad expression upon hearing Ryuu's distress.

"Arrrrgh! No way. This is what you get from elves, how annoying" Mia just looked indifferently at Ryuu without caring about her pain "Your life would have ended if she hadn't done anything. Think of it as good luck"

Mira snorts with clear annoyance "And what's with that shit you're talking about? Since when did elves become so impolite that you can't even say thank you to the person who saved your life?"

"Tch! What are you going to understand you rude dwarf!" Ryuu exclaimed angrily forgetting her pain in her indignation and showing her stubbornness for Mia "My reason for living is gone! No more ha-!"

*Guruu*

"…"

"…"

"…"

Ryuu froze in anger when she heard that small sound. Syr looked at her in bewilderment and Mia was shocked to recognize what she had heard.

The proud elf turned red as she shuddered in embarrassment.

"Well even I can understand what was heard" for the first time since entering the room Riku spoke with clear amusement "It seems that Ryuu's body doesn't think the same as her Mama"

"Gah!"

Ryuu heard a stimulated laughter from Syr, her ears warmed up as she looked down, she was annoyed by her physiological response. She understood that sleeping for 3 days was natural for the body to crave that sort of thing.

"You're not wrong about that Riku" Mia gently placed her palm on the girl's head "Well elf, looks like your body wants to live"

"Mama Mia" Syr winked at Mia causing her to hesitate a bit, but after a gesture from Syr she smiled then spoke a bit loudly.

"There's nothing to do. Ignoring a hungry person will damage the tavern's reputation" Mia waved her hand "Come on, we'll give you something to eat"

"W-Wait a minute! I didn't say anything!" Ryuu didn't finish speaking because Mia didn't know what was allowed as she glared at her angrily and grabbed the elf's head tightly.

"Ah!"

"Your babbling is annoying, listen to what people say stubborn elf"

'But what? This force...'

Mia's hand tightly clenched her head and Ryuu couldn't evade it. She couldn't react either, or rather she couldn't escape at all.

A trickle of sweat forms on her forehead as Ryuu understood the difference in strength between the two and refrained from opening her mouth again.

"Get changed and come get some food" Mia released Ryuu then left the room.

"Guh"

Ryuu looked at Riku only to see the corners of her lips twitch into a small smile and then bow slightly and leave the room behind Mia.

"Mama Mia is scary when she gets angry. I think we'd better listen to her, don't you?" Syr said with a cheerful smile as she helped Ryuu.

xxxxx

Ryuu was taken to the dining room. The place was deserted, only four people were there.

Riku came again, but now in her hand she had a deep dish with a steam rising from it. It was a risotto with various colored vegetables and carefully cut and boiled chicken meat.

"Here it is" Riku delicately placed the dish in front of Ryuu on the table and set a spoon beside it for Ryuu to take.

"Eat it before it gets cold" Mia said and crossed her arms.

"Mama Mia's food is super delicious" Syr said as she clasped her hands together with an expression full of happiness.

"..."

Ryuu couldn't say no. She remembered that grip on her head and shuddered slightly. With a reproachful look she took the spoon and scooped up some vegetable rice and blew a little.

She lifted it to her lips.

"..."

Ryuu lowered her hand slowly.

The pleasant taste spread through her mouth. The soft rice and the taste of the vegetables were enough to spread a very good sensation in Ryuu's mouth.

The chicken seemed to melt on her tongue and with the ingredients they blended into each other. She looked at the risotto and the aroma coming from it.

"...The taste is strong. I prefer the simpler taste"

"Is that so?"

"Dwarf cuisine is too rough. Elven cooking is more refined"

"That's too bad"

Mia ignored Ryuu's words as she kept one eye closed and the other watching her. Behind her followed Riku keeping on guard of the elf, she still didn't trust her and clearly, she committed several acts that Riku understood what they could have been.

Syr watched Ryuu watching her list her complaints, but finally her cheeks flushed and a whisper came out of her mouth.

"But... it's warm and delicious"

Mia smiled a bold smile in clear victory. Syr smiled broadly and Riku watched carefully then nodded as if she had accepted something.

"'Eat delicious food'. That's a good purpose to have in life, a reason to keep living"

'Indeed...' Ryuu reasoned in her thoughts 'The reason why people keep on living may be something like that'

Ryuu picked up her spoon and took another bite of the risotto, and another, and another.

Before long the plate was empty.

"Jojo! You ate it all!"

"...Thank you very much"

Riku took the plate from the table and carried it away while Ryuu awkwardly thanked her.

Ryuu looked at her bandaged hands with an expression full of embarrassment, her lips loosened slightly and she felt what she never thought she would feel again.

She smiled happily.

"So... you ate it all" Mia's voice suddenly changed and Ryuu couldn't avoid looking at her questioningly.

"That's the result of someone's work you know" Mia smiled proudly "They put a lot of valuable ingredients in it as well"

"...What are you saying?" the voice of Ryuu hesitated, but also hardened as she sensed the change in the atmosphere.

"You didn't think that feast was free, did you? I'll let you eat something and I'll be sure to charge a price. I'll make you pay the bill in full" Mia smiled as she answered Ryuu.

"The price is 50 million valis"

"Th-That's absurd!" Ryuu slammed her hand on the table as she stood up sharply upon hearing the price.

'What kind of dish has a value like that' Ryuu didn't understand and was sure she had gotten herself into something big.

Even Riku gripped the plate tightly as she looked at Mia in disbelief, her face contracted several times and she remembered how she got to the tavern and thought about what could have happened to her.

Syr just placed her hand on Riku's head and lightly rubbed it to make her feel safe to which Riku sighed as she thanked Syr.

"It looks like you can't pay. I guess there's no other option" Mia looked at the elf arrogantly "I'll make you work here to pay what you owe"

"Wh-?!"

"That's perfect. You come at a good time, as I've been short staffed" Mia spoke nonchalantly.

Mia spoke without hesitation as if it was all planned.

"That's oppression. A fraud! Like I would let you do something like that!"

Ryuu would normally take things in stride and not lose her composure, but at this moment an indignation like this was definitely more than enough.

Her fists clenched in humiliation.

"This is Orario. You never know what will happen, above ground in the dungeon" as an imposing figure Mia did not hesitate with her words and said her arrogant demand.

Ryuu looked at Syr.

"In this tavern whatever Mama Mia says is absolute" Syr wiped away a fake tear as she spoke.

'She has that girl's help and she's just shedding fake tears!'

Ryuu's face contracted and she looked at the last person who could do anything.

Riku just looked at Ryuu while frowning "Don't even think you'll get anything from me. I'm just a helper in the tavern so I'll only be able to watch your suffering. Mama Mia's word is absolute"

Ryuu watched as the girl still kept her face serious, but a glint of amusement appeared in her eyes at the moment and Ryuu just looked at Mia.

"They're both right"

Ryuu felt fear and could only stare.

"My words are absolute. If I say black is white then it becomes white"

The giant dwarf smiled victoriously.

'I've been set up!' Ryuu shouted in her mind with a horrified expression.

From that moment on Ryuu began to work on the Hostess of Fertility.

xxxxx

"A contract? Again?"

A wandering girl found herself in the Labyrinth City, Orario.

Because of her strength she was known as Black Fist in the underworld.

"Gale Wind's killing spree ended with the last of Evilus, isn't the power struggle over?"

She was in a tavern buried in an alley, around her were several people having secret conversations.

With a scarf around her neck, she was protecting the lower half of her face. In front of her was a human merchant who, having noticed her strength, had brought her some contracts.

Her name is Lunoire Faust, a bounty hunter.

Since the main God of her Family left this realm, she traveled from place to place changing factions over time until she became what she is at this moment.

"Is Gale Wind the target this time" the merchant replied.

"I have heard that Gale Wind died in the crossfire" Lunoire's face couldn't avoid hardening at what the person in front of her was saying.

"Gale Wind is still alive" the merchant affirmed her words " In the end she left us a clue. Just after Evilus' hideout was destroyed someone spotted an elf stained in blood"

The merchant slid an image across the table showing the image of the elf running through the streets. Deep sky-blue eyes and beautiful golden hair full of dirt that dulled the sheen.

"My men conducted a thorough investigation and we know where she fled to" the man let out a sigh "She is in the Hostess of Fertility"

*Thud*

After speaking a bag full of money was left on the table with a thud, this one held the advance payment.

"One of my men under my protection was injured during Gale Wind's most recent spree. Plus, she might have discovered that our Bruno corporation was connected to Evilus. Before it all comes out eliminate her"

Before Lunoire spoke the merchant stood up and quickly left the bar. She took a deep breath trying to assimilate everything that had happened.

Lunoire had come far with her brute strength and had gotten reward after reward to make an easy living.

But she was getting tired.

"Orario's adventurers are too strong" Lunoire muttered as she shook her mug and took a sip of her drink.

Orario's adventurers were by a large margin much stronger. Even for Lunoire with her one hundred percent success rate the second level and above adventurers were tough battles.

Her nerves were wearing thinner and thinner with each passing day. Even the mead she loved so much at the bar had lost its flavor.

"Argh"

Lunoire put her face on the table and rubbed her head in frustration "I just want to be able to settle down with someone to take care of me. I could stay home all day and he doesn't have to be attractive..."

Lunoire Faust. Seventeen years old.

"Maybe I should stop being a bounty hunter...?" she muttered as she looked at the ceiling.

xxxxx

"Another contract? How much was there this month?"

A stray cat found herself in the place known as the center of the world, Orario.

Thanks to her success rate of her assassinations her name spread throughout the underworld under the alias Black Cat.

"Well, if you prepare a commensurate reward, I'll do the job but..."

She was wearing a hood to hide her identity as well as her feline features. The man in front of her was a dwarf trader. He apparently had many enemies and is greedy. He had many connections to get money and gathered contracts with her.

Her name is Chloe Rollo, she is an assassin.

She had belonged to a certain Crime Family and after getting tired of her endless mandatory jobs she completed an unreasonable task set by her main God and was allowed to leave.

When she traveled she earned her livelihood as an assassin.

"Ah, of course. The target this time is Gale Wind" the dwarf replied.

"Hm, Gale Wind..." Chloe recognized that name "Is she still alive?"

"Yes. If you take the job, I'll give you the details" the dwarf searched through his clothes "It's a first class wanted person this time"

After a few seconds he pulled out a poster and handed it to Chloe.

Drawn on the poster was a masked adventurer wearing a hood. The sum written was around 80,000,000 valis.

"It is unheard of for your reward to be worth so much. This is a priority request. We got it before anyone else so the money was in an even split..."

"Forty million up front" she said interrupting the dwarf "and I'll take 70 percent of the reward"

"W-Wait" the dwarf spoke nervously "Even for you... it should at least be sixty-forty"

"No. You can say she's weakened, but this is the monster that single-handedly destroyed Evilus" Chloe stood her ground "Killing someone like her... If I don't get at least that, it's not worth it"

Her hood fluttered in the breeze. As her eyes were exposed by the wind the moonlight illuminated her eyes momentarily.

"I can do it myself, you know" she raised her hand and extended a finger towards the dwarf "I could always get the information out of you"

The dwarf let out a silent squeak filled with fear "O-okay I got it!" he handed her the scroll with information about Gale Wind and left the bell tower as if running for his life.

Watching as the dwarf left the place and she knew she was alone she let out a deep sigh.

"... Easy nya"

Her tone of voice changed.

"That party pooper had no guts at all, he wasn't cool at all nya... Getting the contract back would be better nya"

She wore a facade that could not be belittled and threw herself into her business during the nights.

Each time she was getting more and more tired.

"Murder in this place doesn't end up paying off nya" her face crumpled momentarily "All the money earned is spent on the preparations for the next job nya"

For Chloe and her success rate of almost one hundred percent was too little for the Orario adventurers as they were too strong.

Some time ago she had managed to defeat a second level adventurer and after that the jobs were challenging.

The requests more and more were increasing, she couldn't spare any money and also no time to eliminate the stress. Her tail bristled proudly ready for what was to come.

"Ahh. I want to live a fancy life with a handsome boy waiting for me nya" Chloe spoke in a dreamy voice "I want a little piece of ice where he pats my belly and butt and makes my heart race until he's filled me up nya"

Chloe Rollo. Sixteen years old.

With full of desire the young kitten whispered as she looked up at the moon "Maybe I should get out of the murder business nya..."

xxxxx

"No..." Ryuu stood muttering in shock.

At this moment in a room of the Fertility Hostess a waitress was reflected in the mirror.

She was wearing a light green dress that went to below her knees with a white apron wrapped around her slender body.

Ryuu felt incredibly out of place and even thought that if her companions were watching she would be laughed at. Goddess Astrea would definitely be trying to hide her laughter.

"It looks great on you Ryuu-san, you're super cute!" Syr said happily as she clasped her hands together "To be on the safe side we had to dye your hair so no one would recognize you!"

Indeed, her bright golden hair had been dyed a green color.

While Ryuu looked horrified Syr was having fun.

A day had passed since Ryuu woke up and she finally recovered and was reborn as the Hostess of Fertility's employee.

"Alright let's get to work" Mia declared as she looked at the two girls "Time to pay for that expensive meal, right?"

"Kuh" Ryuu gritted her teeth silently and reluctantly agreed.

Smiling Syr said no unapproved movement was accepted, if she ran off without returning the favor to the people who had made an effort to heal her then the honor of her proud forest species would be sullied.

"I'll introduce you to Anya and the others later, but first I'll teach you about the job" Mia said seriously "Hey, what do you say when someone teaches you something?"

Ryuu was caught between the two girls and could only open her mouth with a blush running down her face.

"I hope... to work with you..." Ryuu's voice trembled as she whispered those horrible words to herself.

Thus began Ryuu's daily struggle.

xxxxx

I guess it's all over now.

Letting out a sigh, I start to arrange things in the kitchen. Because it's the first hour of the day things are messy around here and I was put in charge of the kitchen along with Anya and May.

I decided to stay another day, since honestly seeing what that elf will do interests me a lot, I told about my thoughts to Loki and she accepted because she prefers me to concentrate on other things and very little on the dungeon.

I didn't say anything about Ryuu to Loki, I hope I don't get in trouble for that.

If I didn't trust others, I would think Loki wants me to stay weak until I'm much older, but according to Loki my feelings are the problem since I still don't have much control over them, silly because I'm still growing and feelings are what have a change in the growing process.

"How do you think she is nya?"

"From what I saw she won't trust anyone until we demonstrate our behavior and actions"

"Too bad nya" the cat girl deflated, but kept working "Well nya, let's hope everything goes well nya"

"Yeah, are you okay on your side May?"

"Of course nya!"

Anya had shown a great interest in getting to know Ryuu and being her superior at work.

Ever since I walked in, she was trying to look like someone Ryuu could trust. For my part I remained uncertain about the whole process.

I remembered my arrival at the Fertility Hostess and thought about the differences we both had. She slept for three days and I slept for five days.

Ryuu got hungry after waking up and I lasted for a while until my body asked for food, I even washed the dishes before eating.

I still don't believe the price that Mama Mia gave to that elf for eating a plate. She asked me to help in the process of cooking the risotto and giving it to the elf.

At that moment I remembered what might have happened if I had been someone older and she charged me that price for my stay at the tavern.

I would not have resisted.

At that instant Syr and Ryuu entered the kitchen.

Anya's tail started wagging for what she expected to be her presentation and May just smiled as she continued working. I just watched what happened trying not to get nervous.

Ryuu is dangerous and I don't know if she will still do the same thing she did before we found her.

"This girl is Anya"

"Nice to meet you nya!"

Ryuu nodded at the greeting and continues to listen to Syr.

"Your first task will be to peel the potatoes. All of these" Syr set down a large deep plate on the table where Ryuu was standing making some noise.

"I understand" Ryuu replied as she looked at the potatoes and the knife that was on the table.

After that Syr retired to her work and Anya continued with her work waiting for the perfect moment to teach Ryuu as her superior.

Things went on quite normally around the place and only the footsteps of my companions could be heard going from one side to the other, since we would soon be opening and receiving people so beforehand, we prepared ourselves to give the best service.

"Hey, newcomer nya" at that moment I heard Anya's voice at Ryuu's position "Don't you know how to peel vegetables nya?"

"No" Ryuu replied looking at the potato pieces scattered on the table "In my faction where I was in it was always all finished"

"I understand nya" Anya's tail wagged "Look nya, the way to do it properly is like this nya. Let me show you nya"

Watching the interaction of both girls I couldn't avoid smiling, if Ryuu showed a breakthrough with Anya then I might as well give it a try at some point.

I'd rather be Ryuu's friend than become her enemy, well it's not like the second thing I said would happen in the presence of Mama Mia. She controls everything here that it's impossible.

Let's leave it at that...

"You just have to-"

"Don't touch me!"

*CRASH*

Shit.

I tightened my grip on the knife in my hand and looked at what was going on in the kitchen.

I just looked at Anya who was lying on top of the bags of vegetables, I didn't know if Anya was just knocked out or if she had been hurt. Anya is a former level 4 adventurer so I think she's fine.

Ryuu had hit her for just touching her.

"Kyaaaa!" May screamed in horror, but I watched as she was looking between the vegetables and Anya so I didn't know what to think at that point.

I guess elves don't like contact or it's just Ryuu and her way of acting.

"What the hell are you doing you idiot!" Mia yelled from her spot.

"B-But my hand-"

"DON'T MAKE EXCUSES!" Mia exclaimed with clear annoyance causing Ryuu to stiffen "You can't hit your co-workers just because they touched you!"

Ryuu just nodded looking at Anya who was getting up as if nothing had happened.

"How rude nya! That hurt nya!" Anya said while shaking off her clothes.

"What happened?" Syr came to our place "I heard a big sound just now"

"Ryuu hit Anya for touching her" I replied from my place as I walked over to pick up the fallen vegetables telling May to continue with the food receiving a 'thank you' from her.

"Oh, I understand" Syr replied as she looked between the two culprits of the problem.

I think Ryuu's reaction was too much for a simple touch, even someone who doesn't like physical contact would just roughly pull their hand away and not hit someone for that reason.

That elf is crazy.

"Syr! Where are you? People are coming!" a companion shouted from the entrance and I couldn't avoid a glance seeing a large amount of people entering the tavern.

Damn, we're already open and we're still not done around here.

"Anya, go out and help Syr" Mia said as she came in giving orders "May keep cooking and Riku take care of showing Ryuu how to work properly"

"What?!" I shouted in clear surprise at her order.

"Hm" Mia snorted in annoyance "Who would think elves are no good at cooking. And to think a little girl helps a lot more in the kitchen than you"

Clearly her words were meant to annoy Ryuu and it worked, as she just grumbled in annoyance.

"Okay" Mia placed her palm on my head "This girl here will show you the reins so be careful with her, okay? Compared to the other cat girl she is very fragile so... What should you tell her?"

"Please... treat me nicely" Ryuu said forcing herself to be nice.

"Alright. Get on with the work" Mia walked away leaving Ryuu and I in the kitchen not knowing what to say.

Looking at Ryuu I could see her trying to look friendly on the spot and failing constantly so I started with what I had to do.

"Like Mama Mia said I have to teach you what to do in this place" I started looking at her and the smashed potatoes "Show me how you do it"

Ryuu nodded to take one potato and hold the knife with the others, I look at them carefully before starting to cut the potato with slow but equally rough movements.

I know what is wrong. She picks up the knife as if she is going to fight someone else or some monster. I can understand that she hasn't made any food for quite some time.

"Stop. I know what you're doing wrong"

She looks at the table where the potato was without skin, but with much of its body was cut up in large quantities. Definitely nothing like the first time I did it.

"The grip you have on the knife is the wrong one" Ryuu frowned looking at her hand and the knife in it "If you're going to stab someone then your grip is correct, but right now you have to peel a potato"

She had the nerve to blush momentarily before continuing her attitude of uncertainty towards everything she saw.

"Watch me perform it and take a base idea to do it" I told her to take a knife with my right hand and a potato with my left and started with my work.

Slowly I started to cut from the top and gently slide the knife into the skin of the potato without putting too much force to avoid cutting more than I should.

I slowly turned the potato to continue cutting evenly and kept the part that had already been peeled at the top to slowly lower it down.

When I finished, I lifted the potato and looked at Ryuu who kept her gaze on the potato and then looked at the potato she had recently cut.

"Did you understand what you have to do?"

"Yes... I think so" with some uncertainty Ryuu answered and looked at the things in her hands thinking whether she should start already or keep failing.

"Don't feel bad if you fail" Ryuu looked at me "When I started, I failed a few times before I got the hang of it" lie, but I have to make her feel good so it's all or nothing "Try it and little by little it gets better"

Ryuu nodded and started with a little more confidence and I watched her result and the process of peeling a potato.

And after a few seconds the result as always was not the desired one, but it could be considered acceptable to use, at least we will no longer have horrible potatoes to see in the future.

"Good, you're getting better" I said to go to my position "You can continue that way and refine your technique with the knife and if you need anything call May and me if you need it"

Ryuu just nodded again and entertained herself with the potatoes she had in the deep plate and looked at the potato I left on her table.

At least my friendship relationship with her is going very well.

xxxxx

"Haaa..."

Sighing in the bathroom I thought about the things I had to do.

I needed to buy a new weapon for the dungeon and after that fight for some time and Riveria's lessons will definitely be a headache.

At least they are a big help the things she teaches me.

Getting up from the tub I affirm to myself and get dressed in my civilian clothes and keep the dirty clothes for myself.

Because I will be leaving and coming back in several more days my stuff, I have to take care of and I need to keep my time tidy.

I already talked it over with Mia and she just told me that if I was going to come, I should tell her when, as she didn't like me suddenly coming and asking for things, the good thing is that she needs some extra hands so she accepts me at the pub.

Walking towards the exit I said goodbye to some of my coworkers. Some wished me luck, others to look out for me, it's nice that people care about you. It's a nice feeling.

Especially Syr. For some reason it's hard to avoid her or try to deny her advances, she's very good at making you feel embarrassed, good thing it's the same for her.

I didn't expect to meet someone on my way out though.

"Ryuu... -san" I said with some uncertainty to refer to her as equal or with respect.

Good thing she only nodded at my greeting "Riku-san" she looked at me for a few moments "Where are you going?"

"With my Family" I replied to see her eyes widen "I am or well, I was like you before a God accepted me into her Family. I just come to work as a rest"

I don't know if it's well, but Ryuu looked at me for a few moments before speaking "You're too young"

"Excuse me?" I blinked several times "I didn't understand you"

"You're still too young to go into the dungeon, why don't you wait a while before you reach an age for that?"

"There is no age limit and I think it's the same for many adventurers" I shrugged remembering other adventurers who started very young "Leveling up takes a long time so I better start young and when I grow up I'll be much stronger"

"No one can say they won't die in the dungeon" Ryuu frowned.

"Who decided that?" I said squinting my eyes "If you say that's fine, but the only one who decides whether I will level up or not will be me. I have a goal to reach and I won't die until I meet my goals"

She looked at me as she opened and closed her mouth several times and then frowned as she looked at me again.

I just let out an amused laugh and walked past her and as I was about to leave I turned to say something to her.

"Take care of Syr" I said so she looked at me confused "She is very troublesome and gets in where she shouldn't, but other than that she is a very good person and I hope she will help you like she helped me"

Without waiting for an answer, I walked out of the Hostess of Fertility and headed back to the Twilight Mansion.

Time to get back to the grind.

xxxxx

"Thank you very much"

"No problem"

Thanking the guard, I entered the mansion and walked through the corridors with my backpack. Even if I already bathed, I will take a bath again, the feeling of bathing is fascinating to me.

I walked through the corridors greeting some members of the Family without stopping and chatting.

I want to see someone.

And exactly she was seeing me.

"Loki-sama"

"Riku-tan"

She approached my position and I couldn't help but smile internally, I think she saw through me and my excitement.

"How was the work? I hope you're not tired if the whole point of this was so you could live like a person your age"

"No incident happened" I ignored Ryuu's images in my head "Everything was fine"

"Are you hiding something?" Loki opened her eyes slightly as I looked away.

"... Maybe" I replied as I scratched my cheek and smiled "I plan to go out tomorrow to do some shopping. I couldn't do it on the way as it was getting dark and I still feel insecure at night"

"Oh!" Loki was slightly surprised "You already know what you're looking for?"

"Yes. I need a bigger weapon" I raised my hand "A knife won't do me any good in the deeper floors of the dungeon unless I'm fast and skilled so I want to get some distance from the monsters"

"Hm I see you've already decided on your way of combat"

"Of course. Combining melee combat and swordsmanship would be very good"

"You want to use a sword?" Loki asked me curiously.

"That's what I've been thinking, but sometimes I imagine myself with a big hammer hitting all the monsters and just to do that I want to train, it would be funny if I could pull that off"

"Then leave it to me"

"What?" look at Loki questioningly "What do you mean?"

"Gareth is very skilled with weapons so I could ask him to help you tomorrow"

"Really!" I got excited at the words that came out of Loki's mouth.

"Yes" Loki nodded "In case Gareth isn't busy he could help you buy some weapons that better suit you"

"Good. Then I take my leave Loki-sama, I need to rest for tomorrow"

"Hehe, good night" Loki bid me farewell as I ran off to my room.

Let's wait until tomorrow.

I still have time after all.