Chapter 10: The Bountiful Mistress and the Unexpected Encounter with Loki's Clan
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When leaving the weapon shop, Hestia wasn't in high spirits, but she forced herself to appear excited and eager for the celebration banquet.
The reason was naturally Hephaestus’s earlier explanation.
Hestia didn’t feel that Hephaestus’s divine image had been shattered before Ryomoon; rather, Hephaestus wanted Ryomoon to understand her own efforts.
As a goddess, it was only natural to care for her followers.
Hestia thought this was perfectly normal and did not expect anything in return from Ryomoon. If there were any such expectations...
Then it was enough that Ryomoon could use this weapon and return safely from the dungeon!
Hephaestus’s earlier words had placed the pressure on Ryomoon, and receiving such a resolute reply genuinely pleased Hestia.
Yet, she also worried that Ryomoon might put himself in danger during dungeon adventures because of the burden of debt.
“Actually, you don’t need to worry about the debt, Ryomoon-kun.”
“Why?”
“The reason is simple. You go off adventuring in the dungeon, and I’m left here in Oralie alone—I have to find something to do, right?”
Feeling the seriousness in Ryomoon’s attitude, Hestia grew anxious and tried to analyze things in a lighter tone.
“Even working part-time wouldn’t be too boring!”
“Lady Hestia, you already take good care of me, and I think a certain amount of pressure is the driving force behind striving.”
If decisions made with such determination could be easily changed, then an easier path would lie ahead in the process of swordsmanship training.
Would he still persevere?
Ryomoon wanted to follow the decision of his heart, which was a responsible choice for a normal person, and gently declined Hestia’s suggestion.
“I know you worry about my safety.”
“But I still hope you can respect my choice. This is not just about repaying debt; it’s about not letting my inner resolve waver.”
“If someday, I find the path of swordsmanship too arduous—”
“Would I choose to abandon it?”
“...”
Ryomoon’s tone was light, but Hestia could feel the weight behind his words and chose not to persist further.
This was the path he had decided to take.
Although she wanted to say that “letting go a little would be easier,” she ultimately refrained, because in Ryomoon she saw that unique, proud inner light.
Hestia found it hard to imagine what kind of environment could have matured Ryomoon’s character to such a degree.
“I don’t know what else to say to you, Ryomoon-kun, but please remember—if you ever... feel tired, you can try leaning on others.”
“For example, me!”
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“Of course.”
Without dwelling on the subject, Ryomoon pointed to West Avenue not far ahead, shifting the topic with a relaxed smile.
“Lady Hestia, how about we go to The Bountiful Mistress for dinner tonight? I hear their food is quite good.”
The Bountiful Mistress was the most famous restaurant in Oralie. Before being kicked out, Ryomoon had been there with Hephaestus.
Hestia certainly knew the food was excellent.
But the prices were somewhat steep; even working full-time at the fried potato stand, she could only afford a set meal there.
Now, she had no savings on hand.
To avoid the embarrassment of not being able to pay the bill, she suggested considering another restaurant.
“It might be a bit late now; there probably aren’t any seats available.”
“Of course not.”
Placing a pouch heavy with money into Hestia’s palm, Ryomoon smiled and said, “I can’t very well not afford to pay for this food!”
“...”
Feeling the hefty weight, Hestia confirmed no one was nearby before opening the cloth pouch.
The gleaming gold coins left her somewhat stunned.
There was a great deal of money.
Uncertainty flickered in her eyes. How could Ryomoon have earned so much on his very first dungeon adventure today?
She opened the pouch again for a closer look.
The amount was indeed as it seemed—nearly twenty thousand gold coins, Ryomoon’s earnings from today’s adventure!
“Ryomoon-kun.”
“How did you get all this money?”
“A secret.”
He chose not to tell her about the encounter with the Minotaur; explaining that would be difficult.
They continued along West Avenue.
Soon, The Bountiful Mistress appeared before Ryomoon, clearly livelier than the surrounding buildings.
Brightly lit,
Inside, the chatter of adventurers could be heard from time to time.
Even at a modest distance, the scent of food wafted through the air, teasing Ryomoon’s taste buds.
The poor-man’s meal he had eaten at noon had long been burned off.
He was eager to feast, but even as he stood at the entrance of The Bountiful Mistress, he hadn’t stepped inside yet.
The Loki faction, having finished their celebration banquet, were leaving, led by a red-haired girl with a single ponytail and a satisfied squinting smile.
The Loki faction—
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Among them were some familiar faces: the dark-skinned Amazon sisters, Tiona and Tione, the orc youth Bert, and others.
What truly caught his attention...
Was the relationship between Hestia and Loki—not exactly bad, but their personalities clashed completely. When these two powder kegs met, explosions were inevitable.
This was not unexpected by Ryomoon.
Even a tipsy Loki noticed Hestia standing next to Ryomoon and squinted, unable to resist teasing.
“Hestia?”
“What are you doing here? I saw you working part-time just the other day. Planning to charm adventurers into becoming your followers by dining here...”
“Aren’t you afraid you can’t pay the bill?”
“Where I eat is my own business.”
“You can’t eat here every day, get your nutrition that way, and still be no different from a guy now, can you...”
Faced with Loki’s jabs, Hestia didn’t see material hardship as something shameful. Instead, she retorted with a relaxed smile.
The effect was surprisingly good; body issues were always a sensitive spot for Loki.
Holding a bottle of wine, Loki wanted to rush over and argue with Hestia, but the Tiona sisters stopped her.
“Lady Loki, you’re drunk.”
Tiona said with a troubled expression, “Let’s go back for now.”
“No, I have to show Hestia how formidable I am!!” Loki shouted, unable to break free.
Then she was forcibly led away by faction members.
Mainly because having their goddess drunk and brawling with other deities in public somewhat damaged the faction’s reputation.
Witnessing this farce, Ais Wallenstein kept a cold expression.
Noticing Ryomoon standing beside Hestia, she had a fairly deep impression of this fellow adventurer who had developed his own sword technique.
Out of politeness, she nodded lightly, greeting in a cool tone.
“Ryomoon.”
“Sorry to disturb you.”
“No problem.”
Ryomoon smiled and nodded, unbothered by the interruption. His gaze swept over the departing Loki faction members before he led Hestia into the restaurant.
Just as they found a seat and before they could order,
Curious, Hestia casually probed, “Ryomoon-kun, you actually know someone named Wallenstein?”