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"Smooth talker!" Ryuu Lion's tone seemed disdainful, but she secretly appreciated the compliment.
"Do you have any idea how worried I was about you?! Apollo's Familia not only has two mage squads, but also countless powerful adventurers!"
Many admired and praised Yuto for his daring actions, but only those who truly cared for him, like Ryuu, understood the immense danger he had faced. She was like a wife sending her husband off to war, her heart filled with deep concern.
"Ryuu, you care so much about me. Does that mean you like me?" Yuto teased, watching the usually composed elf become flustered. A playful smile tugged at his lips.
"W-Who likes you?!" Ryuu stammered, her fair face turning a deeper shade of red. "I-I just… didn't want to see you get yourself killed, you idiot!"
Her blush spread across her porcelain skin, turning it a lovely pink. Yuto couldn't resist any longer. He wrapped his arm around her slender waist and stole her first kiss.
"You! Mmm…" Ryuu struggled briefly but soon melted into his warm embrace. The cool, aloof elf softened like cotton candy, resting against him as she caught her breath.
The moonlight bathed them in a soft glow, and the gentle night breeze carried the scent of the city. The magic stone lamps cast a steady light, elongating their shadows as they stood together.
"Why are you so good at this?" Ryuu finally managed to say, breaking the romantic atmosphere and making Yuto chuckle.
"Hmph! I knew you were a flirt!" she huffed, though she didn't seem too upset. Surprisingly, Ryuu didn't dwell on it. Feeling the warmth of his hand, she realized their relationship had crossed a new threshold. After a moment of hesitation, she made up her mind.
"It's late, but I want to take you somewhere… a place that holds my past. I want you to see it."
"Let's go," Yuto agreed, taking her soft hand in his. Ryuu blushed but didn't pull away, instead intertwining her fingers with his.
They walked through the streets and soon arrived at the Dungeon. Ryuu didn't hold back, showcasing her full strength as she danced through the monsters with her sword, her movements swift as the wind. Her skill was a testament to her past as a member of a powerful Familia.
They made quick progress, with no monster able to escape her blade. After half a day, they reached a forest in the safe zone of the Dungeon. Ryuu navigated the terrain with ease, leading them through the trees and crystals without encountering any threats.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination.
"What is this…?" Yuto asked as they passed through a narrow tunnel of trees and emerged into a small, secluded graveyard. The area was surrounded by dense foliage and clusters of crystals, with a single beam of light illuminating several wooden crosses tied with rope. The graves were well-maintained, suggesting someone regularly tended to them.
"When I miss them, I ask Mama Mia for time off to come here," Ryuu said softly, her expression a mix of solemnity and sorrow. She pulled a bottle of wine from her bag and uncorked it with a soft pop, the faint aroma filling the air. She poured the wine over each grave, honoring her fallen comrades.
"These are the graves of my former Familia members," she explained, her voice tinged with grief. "Since we're together now, you'd find out eventually… I didn't want you to regret not hearing it from me."
She looked at him, her eyes pleading. "It's selfish, but… will you listen?"
Yuto nodded, his expression serious.
"I'm still on the Guild's list of dangerous individuals," Ryuu began. "My status as an adventurer was revoked long ago. It all started when I was part of the Astraea Familia, serving under the goddess of justice and order. I was somewhat known back then."
A nostalgic look crossed her face. "Ryuu Lion is my real name, but I was also called 'Gale.' Our Familia not only explored the Dungeon but also dealt with criminals disturbing the peace. Orario was chaotic back then, with evil forces running rampant."
Her voice grew heavy. "One day, a rival Familia set a trap in the Dungeon and ambushed us. Everyone died except me."
Her face twisted with pain and anger. "I couldn't even recover their bodies. I buried their belongings here on the 18th floor, the place they loved. They used to joke that if we all died, the last one standing should bury us here."
She paused, collecting herself. "For revenge, I left the Familia and became a lone avenger. I used every trick in the book; ambushes, traps, anything to strike at my enemies. I didn't stop until I'd killed them all… but by then, I was spent. I collapsed in an alley and was found by Syr."
She smiled faintly. "That's why I live here under a different name."
Ryuu's voice softened as she concluded her story. "As you can see, I'm not a good person. I'm a ruthless avenger. If you can't accept that, you're free to leave."
Though her words were calm, her trembling body and clenched fists betrayed her fear. She dreaded being rejected after baring her soul.
But Yuto's expression softened. "Ryuu, you trust me enough to tell me this. Aren't you afraid I'll expose you?"
"I trust my judgment, and I trust you," she replied firmly.
Yuto smiled. "Then be with me, Ryuu."
"Yes," she whispered, her eyes shining with emotion. Her usually stoic face melted into a gentle smile, her lips curving softly like a blooming white lotus.
After paying their respects, they returned to the Hostess of Fertility, where they took the final step in their relationship, transforming from friends to lovers.
…..
Meanwhile, the outside world buzzed with talk of Yuto. Some sought him for fame, others for profit, hoping to ride the coattails of the God-Slayer. Yuto ignored them, focusing on training Daphne and Cassandra in martial arts and magic. He spent his days with the women in his life; Riveria, Ais, Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione from the Loki Familia, honing their skills and deepening their bonds. At night, he enjoyed intimate moments with Hestia, Hephaestus, Ryuu, and the former Apollo Familia members, savoring the pleasures of life.
…..
As the full moon approached, Yuto decided it was time to rescue a certain fox girl. Using his sun god powers, he transformed into a tall samurai and ventured into the Pleasure District, controlled by the Ishtar Familia.
"The Ishtar Familia's territory reeks of decadence," he muttered, wrinkling his nose at the scent of perfume and vice. The district was a haven of indulgence, far removed from the rest of Orario.
Goddess Ishtar, ruler of the night, harbored a deep rivalry with Freya, the other beauty goddess.
"Even in darkness, there is light, and where there is light, the sun's influence lingers."
As the Sun God, finding a small fox girl was child's play. He soon located a modest room and pushed open the door.
Creak!
The light spilled in, startling the figure inside. A girl knelt on the floor, her lips pressed together in nervous anticipation. Her golden hair and emerald eyes complemented her fox ears and fluffy tail, giving her an alluring, exotic beauty. Dressed in a kimono, her voluptuous figure was accentuated, radiating a shy yet captivating charm.
"I-I am Haruhime. May I ask who you are, sir?" she asked softly, her voice trembling.
When her sorrowful gaze met Yuto's, recognition dawned. "Y-You're the God-Slayer?!"
The memory of Yuto slaying Apollo was etched into the minds of everyone in Orario. Haruhime had witnessed the legendary battle from afar, idolizing the hero who had ascended to godhood.
"I can't believe I'm meeting such a great hero! Is this a dream?" she whispered, her eyes wide with awe. Then, realizing her situation, she blushed deeply, her tail swishing nervously.
Haruhime adored tales of heroes and was a devoted fan of heroic legends. Meeting the man she admired so much left her flustered.
"P-Pleased to meet you, Lord Yuto. Thank you for coming. Please, try some tea I've prepared," she stammered, standing to guide him to a small table.
But as she felt the warmth of his hand, she tripped over her own feet and stumbled forward.
"Careful," Yuto said, catching her effortlessly.
Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling. Haruhime let out a cute yelp and tried to step back, only to trip again, pressing her ample chest against him.
'Quite the welcome,' Yuto thought, feeling the weight of her assets. 'Fox girls certainly have their advantages.'
After a moment, a blushing Haruhime sat beside him, still flustered.
"Miss Haruhime, since this is our first meeting, why don't you tell me about yourself?" Yuto suggested, sipping tea he had warmed with his sun fire.
"Yes, if Lord Yuto wishes to know, I'll tell you everything," she replied eagerly, lifting her head from her impressive bust.
Her lips parted as she began her story.
"I come from the Far East, an island nation surrounded by the sea…"
Under the soft moonlight streaming through the window, Haruhime recounted her life story. At age eleven, she was disowned by her father for allegedly eating food meant for the god, leading to her exile. Sold to Orario, she ended up in the Ishtar Familia, where her unique magic made her a tool for refining magical artifacts. Trapped and aware of her grim fate, she knew death was imminent.
Her voice grew faint, her body trembling as tears welled in her eyes. "I used to hope someone would come… that maybe I wouldn't be stuck here forever."
Yuto stood, calm and certain. "Then let me help. You don't have to stay here."
"But… Lord Yuto, am I worth it? You're a world-renowned hero, and I'm just a courtesan from the red-light district."
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