Chapter 26: Date, Unexpected Meetings
The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was Demeter.
She was still asleep, her face soft with a rare kind of peace. Her chest rose and fell in slow, steady rhythm, one hand resting lightly on the blanket, the other near her cheek. That content little smile tugged at her lips, and just seeing it made my chest warm.
I smiled to myself and took in a slow breath through my nose, letting it out just as quietly.
Today was the day. And I was calm…for the most part. A flicker of excitement stirred in my chest, one I didn't bother hiding. I was going to spend the day with Ariel. Just the two of us.
Demeter stirred beside me. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, still half-lidded, until they met mine. A small smile curved up, sleepy and knowing.
"Good morning, sweetheart," she said in a hush, her voice still coated with sleep.
"Morning," I replied gently, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face.
She stretched lazily, then let her arms fall across my chest. "Would you like to join me for breakfast?"
"Absolutely," I said without pause. "Though…I'll be eating light. Got a date to get ready for."
That made her perk up. She gave a proud little hum and leaned up to kiss me softly. "Mmh…then go get handsome, Mr. Playboy."
I chuckled, "Still not a playboy."
She didn't dignify that with a response, just gave me a smug look and another kiss before I slipped out of bed.
I padded down the hall and into my room, rubbing the last bit of sleep from my eyes as I stepped inside. The sun was already peeking through the window, casting a soft gold glow across the room.
Alright…date prep. Nothing over the top. Just something clean, something reliable.
I made my way over to the wardrobe, opening it with a faint creak. My hand moved almost instinctively toward the tried-and-true outfit. Ol' reliable.
Black dress shirt. Slim black slacks. Hybrid boots polished to a soft gleam.
Maybe it was a little formal. But it worked. It always did. Besides, I knew I looked good in it, and Ariel never seemed to mind.
A quick shower came next, fast and efficient. The kind where your thoughts linger more on the day ahead than on the water itself. After drying off, I slipped into the outfit. The collar sat just right, the fabric smooth against my skin.
With one last check in the mirror, I nodded to myself and headed out.
Time for breakfast…then time for the date.
——————————————————————
The scent of warm bread and sweet fruit filled the kitchen as I stepped in. Morning light filtered through the wide windows, casting a golden hue across the wooden dining table, where Demeter was already placing down a bowl of fresh berries and some kind of honey-glazed loaf.
Persephone was there too, seated with her usual composed posture, already dressed in her Familia uniform—well-kept, modest, and formal. I blinked at the sight of her. It had been a while.
"Captain," I greeted with a light nod as I took a seat.
"Good morning, Chico-san," she said politely, before glancing at me with a little more softness. "And please, it's Persephone-san while off-duty."
"Right, of course," I replied, offering a small smile. "Good morning, Persephone-san."
Demeter returned to her seat beside me, smiling warmly at the both of us as she slid a plate of food my way. "Eat while it's hot," she said.
"I will," I said gratefully, taking a bite of toast before Persephone cut in with her usual directness.
"I've heard about your recent progress," she said, eyes sharp with curiosity. "Unfortunately, I've been swamped with Familia logistics, so I've missed your updates."
I nodded, wiping my mouth before leaning back slightly. "I've been diving pretty deep lately. Spent a good amount of time on the 10th and 11th floors. Orcs, Imps, Bad Bats…ran into a Silverback too."
Persephone's eyes widened just slightly, and I could see genuine interest bloom across her face.
"Go on."
I smirked. "Well, I've mostly been prioritizing magic stone efficiency, tracking monsters with valuable drops. Took down swarms of Imps, a bunch of Orcs, even wiped out some Bad Bats despite their annoying screeching. Managed to bring back 177 stones and over 100 item drops…just from yesterday."
That finally got a proper reaction.
"To think you are on the cusp of entering the middle floors in just two and a half weeks…" she murmured, setting down her fork with a touch more reverence. "Your pace is simply unheard of. Almost legendary."
I blinked, a little caught off guard by the praise. My mouth opened, then shut, then opened again. "I…don't think I deserve that."
Persephone tilted her head, not unkindly.
"I mean," I went on, rubbing the back of my neck, "I'm not doing this for the glory or status or anything. I just…want to get stronger…for my girls."
I turned to Demeter as I said that, my voice honest and steady. Her expression softened instantly, and a slight blush touched her cheeks as she smiled at me.
Persephone, of course, picked up on the phrasing.
"Girls?" she echoed, raising a single eyebrow.
My smile froze.
I turned slowly to her. "…Did I say that out loud?"
Persephone stared for a moment…then her eyes narrowed slightly in thought. A glint of realization dawned. "Ah, yes. Mother did mention another special woman in your life. Something about you being a…'playboy,' was it?"
Demeter immediately burst into giggles beside me. Not just a little laugh, full, amused giggles that made her press her knuckles to her lips as her shoulders shook.
I, on the other hand, let my forehead fall onto the table with a groan. "Of course she told you…"
"Of course she did," Persephone replied, tone dry but amused. Then, after a brief pause, she muttered under her breath, "Though, to be fair, Mother would alone be more than enough for anyone…especially with how she is."
Demeter gasped, then gave her daughter a gentle but pointed look. "Persephone…"
"What? I said it with love," she said, and for once, there was a very faint smirk tugging at her lips.
The rest of breakfast passed in that kind of easy warmth. Quiet chatter, bits of laughter, more food than necessary, and a comfortable rhythm that I hadn't realized I missed until I was sitting in the middle of it again.
Eventually, the time came. I glanced at the clock and smiled.
"I should get going," I said, rising to my feet.
Demeter stood with me, brushing her hand along my sleeve with that soft maternal fondness of hers. Persephone gave me a parting nod.
"Enjoy your date," she said, the tiniest hint of teasing in her voice.
I could only shake my head as I made for the door, heart light and a smile on my face.
Time to spend the rest of the day with Ariel.
——————————————————————
The carriage rolled gently through the cobbled streets of Orario, the familiar sounds of morning chatter and merchant calls filling the air as we made our way toward the central plaza. I sat back with my satchel resting beside me, a pouch heavy with over 100,000 valis tucked securely inside. Probably too much for one date, but…I wanted to be prepared.
The driver brought the carriage to a smooth stop near the plaza's edge. I stepped down and reached into my pouch, flipping the man a generous tip. "Thanks."
He tipped his hat with a grin and drove off, leaving me standing there with the sun shining almost at its morning peak.
Central Plaza was already bustling. Kids ran by with snacks in hand, shopkeepers set out fresh displays, adventurers headed towards Babel, and the fountain in the middle of it all sparkled under the sunlight. I made my way to it, choosing a spot near its edge and settling into the rhythm of the day.
I thought about getting her flowers. Something simple. But…nah. This wasn't supposed to be anything stiff or formal. This was just the two of us. A bit of a casual date. Kinda like before.
So I waited. Watching the water shimmer as it danced into the air and fell back into the stone basin.
Then I heard it.
"Chico!"
The voice rang clear, warm, and familiar. I turned my head—and froze.
There she was.
Ariel.
She was walking toward me, one hand raised in a little wave, and my brain just kind of…paused.
The sunlight hit her just right, catching the edges of her white sundress as it swayed with each step. Her hair was let down, and it looked amazing. She wore simple white sandals, comfortable and elegant, and around her neck was a necklace. A small, familiar flame charm dangled from it, the same one she'd given me before I left Trellis.
She looked…incredible. Effortless. Soft and radiant all at once.
And I was just staring.
Her steps slowed when she noticed, her cheeks coloring slightly as she looked away. "You're staring," she murmured, almost shy.
That snapped me out of it. I blinked rapidly, rubbed the back of my neck, and gave a sheepish laugh. "Right…sorry." I cleared my throat. "It's just…you look absolutely beautiful."
Ariel turned back to me slowly, her expression melting into a warm, bashful smile.
I smiled too, eyes dipping to the charm around her neck. "And I love the necklace."
She touched it gently with her fingers, her eyes on mine. "I'm glad. Thought it would be a nice touch."
"You weren't wrong," I said.
Then she looked me up and down, her smile widening into something teasing. "You clean up pretty well yourself, you know. Dashing, even."
I gave a mock bow. "Only the best for my favorite advisor."
She laughed softly at that, and with that, the two of us fell into step beside each other and began walking.
The plaza was alive. Music drifted from a nearby performer's lute, and the smell of fresh pastries wafted in from an open bakery stall. Ariel reached out toward a merchant stand, her eyes catching on a small trinket—a carved wooden pin shaped like a phoenix.
"It's cute," she murmured.
"You want it?" I asked.
She shook her head. "No, just looking."
Too late. I handed over the valis without another word and passed the pin to her before she could protest. She blinked down at it, surprised, then looked up at me.
"…Spoiling me already?" she asked.
I shrugged, grinning. "Gotta keep my date happy."
She clipped it to her dress with a gentle smile, then nudged me with her shoulder. "You're impossible."
We spent the next hour browsing through different shops, stopping now and then when something caught her eye. Clothes, accessories, small gifts. I didn't care what it was—we were just together. Talking, laughing, and moving from one moment to the next without pressure.
Eventually, we found ourselves near a line of food stalls. The smell of grilled meat and spices had us both glancing around.
"Hungry?" I asked.
"…A bit, didn't really eat much today, had to make sure I looked good," she admitted.
"And you do."
We settled on skewers, grilled meat and vegetables, freshly seasoned. We ate while leaning against a railing near the park, watching kids chase one another and old couples feed birds.
"This feels…nice," Ariel said between bites.
"It really does," I said. And I meant it.
The day was still young, and there was more to come, but for now, this, this simple peace with her, was perfect.
——————————————————————
The shopping district was already bustling, but Ariel didn't seem bothered. If anything, she looked like she was in her element, strolling beside me with a spring in her step.
"I wouldn't mind checking out some clothes," she said, her voice casual but hopeful.
I glanced at my reflection in a shop window. Black shirt, black slacks, black boots. "…You know, I could probably use more color in my life," I admitted, scratching the back of my neck.
Ariel perked up instantly. "Really? Finally! I was starting to worry you were allergic to anything that wasn't charcoal or pitch black."
I raised an eyebrow. "Hey now, I wear white sometimes…"
She gave me a flat look. "Undershirts don't count."
I huffed a laugh, holding the door open as she stepped into the first boutique we came across.
The inside of the shop was cozy, with a bit of a rustic charm. Mannequins dressed in light linens and patterned summer dresses lined the walls. A clerk greeted us, and Ariel wasted no time diving into the racks with an excited hum.
She held up outfit after outfit against herself, glancing at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Alright, I'll go first."
I gave her a mock salute and sat on a nearby bench, prepared to wait.
A few minutes passed before the changing room curtain slid open.
Ariel stepped out in a sky-blue dress with a ribbon tied just below her chest. "Thoughts?"
I blinked, then smiled. "You look beautiful."
She gave a small, bashful smile and twirled once before ducking back behind the curtain. The process repeated, again and again. A red floral wrap. A lavender skirt and blouse combo. A green off-shoulder dress. She kept trying them on, each one different from the last.
Some made us both laugh, a frilly outfit with way too many bows had Ariel dramatically gasping at herself in the mirror. Others made us pause, smiling a bit softer, the air around us quiet and tender.
After ten outfits, she finally leaned out with a playful grin. "Alright, your turn. Don't worry, I already picked things out."
"…You what?"
"Chico," she said, placing her hands on her hips, "you're hopeless when it comes to anything that isn't black. Time to fix that."
She shoved a small pile of shirts and pants into my arms and pushed me toward the changing rooms before I could protest.
The first shirt was a soft cream color. The next one was pale blue. Then came a deep forest green, a slate gray with silver buttons, and even a rust-orange short-sleeved one that I thought was a mistake, but Ariel said it made my eyes stand out.
She stood there every time I stepped out, nodding in approval or scrunching her nose.
I came out in a button-up with a light pattern across the shoulders.
"Huh. This one's not bad," I said, flexing my arm a little to test the fabric.
She tilted her head. "I like that one. You should get it."
I chuckled. "That's at least three so far."
"You need a full rotation," she said with a grin.
After cycling through half a dozen outfits, I finally handed the rest back to the attendant, sighing like I'd just run a marathon. Ariel, of course, looked thrilled with herself.
"Alright, shoes?" she asked, her smile wide.
"Lead the way, boss."
The next stop was a spacious cobbler's shop with rows of boots, sandals, and everyday shoes lining the walls.
Ariel tried on a pair of sandals with leather straps and twirled around, glancing at her reflection. "Too much?"
"Not at all," I said. "You pull them off."
She turned to me, a playful smirk on her face. "Your turn. And no black boots."
I groaned, but relented. I tried on some simple brown walking shoes, a pair of clean-looking gray sneakers, and even some light dress shoes. She gave opinions freely, sometimes laughing, sometimes nodding with thoughtful approval.
The shopkeeper probably made a week's worth of profit off us.
When we finally left, we were both carrying bags, and I could feel the lightness in my chest.
Ariel looked over at me, her smile easy. "This is nice."
"Yeah," I said, my hand brushing hers, "It really is."
We kept walking, the sound of the plaza humming in the distance as we looked for a spot to eat.
And the day wasn't even halfway over.
——————————————————————
After they wrapped up their clothing spree, Chico and Ariel decided to have all their purchases delivered, his to the Wheat Manor, hers to her guild-issued apartment. It saved them the hassle of carrying it all, especially considering just how much they'd ended up with.
"You think you need anything else?" Chico asked as they stepped outside into the mid-afternoon sun.
Ariel paused, thinking, then shook her head. "Nothing comes to mind…but I wouldn't mind lunch."
Chico smiled. "Then lunch it is. After that, maybe I'll stock up on potions and a few dungeon supplies."
She nodded, and they set off once more, this time toward a cozy-looking café nestled just off one of Orario's main roads. A place filled with warm aromas and soft chatter.
The café itself was open-air, with hanging plants and colorful glass lanterns gently swaying in the breeze. They picked a table near the edge, under a shaded canopy. The menu was light and refreshing, drinks, sweets, fruits, and small sandwiches, and they each ordered something simple.
Chico sipped at his citrus tea, watching Ariel across the table as she plucked a piece of fruit with a tiny fork. Her cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed, and something about the casualness of the moment made his heart feel full.
"I…honestly missed this," Ariel murmured, glancing up. "Just…sitting and talking with you, together."
"Same," Chico replied softly, his eyes never leaving her.
She smiled into her drink, her gaze dipping for a second before returning. "Charmer."
They talked for a while, about the Dungeon, about some of the crazy outfits she saw him try on earlier, about her gripes with the endless paperwork at the Guild. There was a rhythm to their conversation, like it was second nature. Neither forced, nor planned. Just two people enjoying each other.
Eventually, with bellies full and moods even brighter, they paid and moved on.
They didn't have to go far, the building ahead bore the familiar insignia of the Dian Cecht Familia. Chico recognized it immediately, noting the polished stone steps and golden trim. The interior looked remarkably like the shop at Babel, same potions, same scent, even the same overly polished counters.
"Wait a minute…" Chico muttered as they stepped in. "There's definitely two of her. One here, one at Babel."
Ariel elbowed him gently, her lips curved in amusement. "Or maybe it's just coincidence. The Dea Saint is the Familia Captain after all, makes sense she'd oversee a few shops."
He nodded. "Fair. Still feels like a twin situation."
The shop was quiet, with only a couple of adventurers browsing. Chico made his way down an aisle and picked out a few essentials: two high potions, two magic potions, and a basic antidote. As he looked over his selection, Ariel peeked into his basket.
"That's quite the collection," she teased.
He exhaled a small laugh. "Yeah, pretty expensive too."
"But worth it?" she asked, playfully arching an eyebrow.
He nodded. "Definitely. Besides, I've still got more funds at home."
They approached the counter, and the woman behind it turned to face them. Airmid Teasanare-san.
She moved with calm, practiced efficiency, her expression soft but focused. "That will be 42,000 valis."
Chico reached into his pouch, counted out the sum, and handed it over. As Airmid packed up his purchases with quiet speed, she glanced up briefly.
"All have you know there is only one of me," she said with a faint smile. "And that I do manage all the shops."
Chico blinked. Ariel covered her mouth as she laughed.
"Told you," she said under her breath.
Chico laughed along, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. You win."
"Thank you for your patronage," Airmid added politely, handing over the small bag of supplies.
With their potions secured, they stepped back out into the street.
"So," Ariel asked, glancing at him as they started walking again, "where to next?"
Chico tapped his chin in thought. "Let's swing by the Blue Pharmacy. There's a few more things I want to grab…then, let's do some more wandering and after, maybe dinner?"
She smiled. "Definitely, dinner sounds great."
Without missing a beat, they both said it in unison.
"Hostess."
They froze, turned to each other, and burst into laughter.
It was just like before, that last night in Trellis, before he left.
As they calmed down, they didn't even realize that they were holding hands, even if they did, they wouldn't have minded.
He loved this.
This…was nice.
——————————————————————
Chico and Ariel walked hand in hand, their steps casual as they made their way down the wide, cobblestone street. The sun had begun to dip particularly low, casting golden tones across the buildings and signs of the Marketplace District. After a beat of silence, Ariel glanced up at him.
"So, what are you buying at the Blue Pharmacy?" she asked, brushing a bit of hair from her cheek.
"Some minor healing potions," Chico replied. "And a few other dungeon items. I noticed once that they sell things like smoke bombs and monster repellents…I thought they'd be good to have."
Ariel gave a slight grin, her eyes lighting with a bit of pride. "As your dungeon advisor, I'm really glad you're taking this seriously," she said. Then, her grin shifted. "Though, I have heard a few rumors about the Blue Pharmacy…"
He gave her a look, one eyebrow raised. "Yeah?"
She gave a small hum. "There's been talk that they…maybe water down some of their potions."
Chico just smiled at that. "They probably do," he said, not even sounding the least bit surprised. "Though I doubt Miach-sama has anything to do with that."
Ariel tilted her head, brow lifting slightly, clearly wanting him to elaborate.
He mellowed a bit. "They must be struggling," he said. "Honestly, I don't really mind giving some support. I kinda like the two people who run things over there. Miach-sama's…down to earth. Kind, thoughtful, and definitely insightful. Naaza-san's cool too…a bit cold, but I like her dry humor."
Ariel smiled warmly at his answer. The two continued on their way, shifting into easy conversation about small things, life, their surroundings, idle plans, and a few observations neither would remember by the next morning.
It took a little while to reach the Blue Pharmacy. As they neared the storefront, Ariel glanced around and commented, "This is my first time coming here…there's not a lot of blue for a place called the Blue Pharmacy."
Chico huffed a chuckle. "Paint probably wore off a long time ago."
"Hm," Ariel murmured.
They stepped up to the door. Chico opened it and gestured her in first. She nodded in thanks and stepped through, with him right behind.
Inside, standing behind the counter, was Naaza Erisuis. Her posture slouched a bit and her eyes were barely open. As they drew closer, her nose twitched, one ear flicked, and her eyes opened…slowly.
She glanced between them, expression unreadable. Before she could say anything, Chico lifted a hand and offered a greeting.
Naaza ignored it. "Terrible place to take someone on a date," she said dryly, "but I'm flattered you thought of this place."
Chico gave a soft huff. "I just need to buy a few things, then we're heading to dinner," he said. "Besides, you should be grateful. I'm most definitely one of your most valued customers."
"Not even top ten," Naaza replied instantly, deadpan. "If you want to climb the rankings, you need to spend more coin. Lots and lots more."
Both Chico and Ariel burst out chuckles at that. Chico shook his head. "Never change Naaza-san, never change."
"I have no idea what you mean," Naaza replied, her lips curving just slightly.
Chico moved off to shop. He picked out 4 minor healing potions, each one labeled at 500 valis. After that, he moved across the room to a side section labeled Dungeon Tools. Rows of shelves were stocked with grappling hooks, smoke bombs, monster repellents sealed in double containers, arrows, bolts, a few specialized knives, and more.
He selected two smoke bombs and one monster repellent. The price tags read 5000 and 12000 valis each respectively.
Ariel followed behind him as he brought the items back to the counter. As he set them down, he noticed Naaza's tail wag, slowly. Which made him smile.
Naaza rang up the total. "24,000 valis," she said.
He paid without hesitation.
"So…does this bump me up the valued customer list?" he asked playfully.
Naaza gave the faintest of smiles. "Congratulations. You've moved up 1 rank. You're now officially top 10."
Chico raised a fist in exaggerated victory. "Did you hear that?! Top 10!"
Ariel laughed joyfully, hand covering her mouth as her eyes shone. Even Naaza gave a light laugh.
With his items wrapped and packed, Chico gave her a nod. "Thanks for the service."
"Thanks for the coin," Naaza replied. "Come again."
As Chico and Ariel made their way to the door, Naaza called out, "Bring more coin next time!"
Chico lifted a hand above his head and waved as he called back, "I will!"
Ariel giggled once they were a short distance away. "That was fun," she said. "I can see why you like it there."
Chico nodded. "Yeah…they've got a good atmosphere."
The pair strolled along once more, casually wandering as the city began to glow with the amber tones of evening. They still had time before dinner. For now, they were content to just walk. But they both did not expect the next interaction…
——————————————————————
The lively chatter of the marketplace continued on, Chico and Ariel continued hand and hand, oblivious to the moment that was quietly unraveling just a few blocks away…
~??? POV~
"Thirty valis."
…
…
…What?
The words struck like a blow to the gut. She blinked, stunned. "30…30 v-valis…?" Her voice cracked. She looked up at the gnome merchant, waiting for the punchline. There had to be one. This had to be a joke. A sick, cruel joke.
The gnome, clearly used to this kind of reaction, simply sighed and reached beneath his stall. He pulled out a crisp, white sheet of parchment paper and laid it across the countertop. Without a word, he used the knife and tried to slice the paper.
The blade only made it a few inches in before halting, as if it had hit rubber.
"You see?" the gnome muttered, tilting the knife slightly. "It's got no edge. It's duller than a training dagger. Can barely cut paper…wouldn't pierce leather armor, let alone monster hide."
Her hands trembled slightly as the knife was placed back in front of her. "But…it cut through a killer ant's shell like it was butter," she whispered, more to herself than to him.
"…I'm sorry, kid. Thirty valis is all I can offer. If even that."
She didn't respond. Just snatched the blade and stormed off.
It wasn't fair. It made no sense. Her chest felt hollow, like something had been scooped out and tossed aside. This was supposed to be her ticket. Her way out. Her chance. She had seen what it did. It cut monsters with ease…so how? How could it be worthless?!
She wandered through the crowded district without direction. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting everything in long, golden streaks of light. She found a small alley, leaned against the wall, and stared at the blade again.
The symbols were still there…etched into the surface like scars. The blade shimmered faintly as she turned it, but when she ran her finger across the blades edge…it didn't even leave a mark. It couldn't even cut through skin…
Nothing.
She couldn't even cut her finger with it. Her jaw tightened.
It wasn't fair. Nothing ever was.
Still gripping the knife, she stepped out into the street again, thoughts racing. She had to think of something. Maybe someone could reforge it. Maybe it just needed magic. Something. Anything.
She didn't notice the couple walking her way until it was almost too late.
A man and a woman. Laughing softly, relaxed. The woman had her hair down, a faint necklace glittering at her collarbone. They looked like they belonged together…like they didn't have a care in the world.
She made herself look smaller, trying to blend in. She tucked the blade into her sleeve, tightening the cloth around it. She would pass by, quiet and unnoticed.
But then…
"Hey…"
She froze. That was directed at her.
The man had stopped. She felt his eyes were on her.
"I know that knife."
Her heart dropped.
She kept walking, carefully.
"I have no idea what you mean-"
"I even know the person to which that knife belongs."
She dared a glance back. The couple was now approaching.
"I think you're mistaken, sir," she said quickly, calm on the outside, while inside she was panicking.
"Am I? I'm almost certain that knife belongs to one Bell Cranel."
Her eyes widened. Her hands clenched at her sides. That name…it shook her more than she expected. She had to get away. She couldn't be caught. Not now.
Not when she was this close.
With trembling fingers she reached into her cloak. She grabbed a single smoke bomb.
"I'm sorry…but I must be going now."
She hurled it to the ground.
Smoke burst around them. The man stepped in front of the woman, shielding her. She didn't wait. She ran.
Where to? It didn't matter. She just had to get away. To hide.
Thankfully, she reminded herself, they didn't see her face…
——————————————————————
~Chico POV~
"Well…that happened."
Ariel burst into laughter, muffling the sound into his chest. The smoke was starting to clear out, the heavy cloud of whatever that bomb was slowly dispersing. Chico backed up a little, giving her space, though he still kept close.
"You alright?" he asked softly.
She looked up, her face flushed a bit, and gave a small nod. "Yeah…thanks, my hero."
He smiled at that. "Anything for my favorite advisor."
They held each other's eyes for a moment. Ariel's lips curled into something more thoughtful, then she tilted her head, golden hair swaying slightly as she asked, "Are you planning on chasing after her?"
He pursed his lips. "…Yeah, the idea did cross my mind."
And with a mischievous grin, he held up two fingers. "So, what'll it be…piggyback or princess carry?"
Ariel matched his energy with a smile of her own. "Piggyback, obviously."
Without a second of hesitation, Chico knelt down. Ariel climbed on easily, arms slipping around his neck, legs wrapping around his waist. As she got settled, she murmured near his ear, "Glad I wore shorts under this dress…"
Chico snorted a laugh and pushed forward, dashing through the thinning smoke and back into the alley. He didn't know exactly where the girl had gone, but he had a feeling that luck would be on his side.
The alleyways ahead twisted and wound like a miniature maze, but Ariel's excited cheers behind him kept him going.
——————————————————————
~??? POV~
She'd been running for a couple minutes now, cutting through the alleys with practiced skill. A few alternate turns to lose them, a zigzag here and there, and she'd finally be able to break for the main road. That was the plan.
Except…it really wasn't going her way.
She could hear laughing and cheering echoing behind her. They were chasing her. Seriously?
But the main road was only a couple of turns away now. Just a little further…
Until she almost crashed into a pair of women in matching green dresses and aprons.
Her eyes widened.
Oh no…Hostess uniforms.
Strong. Dangerous. Very much not who she wanted to run into right now.
Without even slowing down, she darted away, even when one of them called out, "Stop."
That voice was cold. Really cold.
But she didn't stop.
Just one more turn…she could still make it.
——————————————————————
~Chico POV~
Chico was having a blast. This was completely out of nowhere, but somehow, that just made the date even better.
And now he could feel it in his bones…he was catching up.
A blur turned a corner up ahead and he bolted after it. That was her. He could feel it.
The next corner brought something unexpected—two women in unmistakable green dresses under white aprons.
Waitresses from the Hostess.
One blonde. The other had silver hair.
He recognized them immediately.
As he zipped past, he gave them a quick wave. "Yo."
No time to stop.
The figure ahead was close now, barely seconds away from escaping to the main road. He picked up speed, but just as the girl reached the end of the alley, she ran directly into someone.
A familiar someone.
Bell Cranel.
Chico slowed down, approaching the mouth of the alley with Ariel still on his back. His eyes caught on something black and familiar at the edge of the road.
A knife.
Her knife.
He walked over, crouched, and picked it up. The girl's hood had fallen back, revealing canine ears and a face flushed with panic.
A "Chienthrope".
He moved toward the downed pair, Ariel still holding on as he closed the distance. Bell looked up—and froze.
"S-Sol-san…" Bell stammered. He stilled almost instantly. And now he looked like he was about to bolt.
Chico just raised his hand, the knife glinting in the light.
"Hey kid! You lose something? That little one over there found it and she's been looking everywhere for you!"
Bell's eyes went wide as he looked at the knife. "M-My…knife…"
His gaze shifted to the girl, who still hadn't gotten up.
And without a word, he dropped to his knees and pulled her into a hug, holding her tight. He started whispering thanks over and over again, his voice trembling and tears filling his eyes.
Chico took the moment to let Ariel off. She slid off his back and gave him a questioning look.
"What are you doing?" she asked, brow slightly raised.
Chico shrugged with a grin. "It's alright…I've got a plan."
She blinked, then just gave him a small shake of the head, letting it go.
They both turned their attention back to the scene in front of them. The "Chienthrope" girl looked like she was going to melt from embarrassment and shame, face fully flushed, ears twitching low. Chico stepped forward.
Bell had calmed down enough to notice him approaching.
Chico held the knife out. "Careful next time. A weapon like this…you don't want to let it out of your sight."
Bell took it with both hands, bowing quickly. "H-Hai…!"
Chico chuckled at the response. "Get going, alright? Don't want to keep your goddess waiting."
Bell's eyes widened. "You're right! Thank you, Sol-san!"
With that, he dashed off, leaving the poor Chienthrope girl behind, still too embarrassed to speak.
Chico glanced at Ariel. She gave him a look that said, really? but didn't press him.
He smiled again.
Now…what to do with this one…
Eh…guess he'll just wing it.
Once he was far enough away, Chico turned towards Lili and began to speak.
"Tell me something. Are you his supporter in the dungeon?"
She responded with a low "…Yes."
He continued.
"Tell me…has the kid ever hurt you?"
She immediately shifted her gaze from the ground and looked at him in disbelief and shock.
"W-Wha…"
Chico continued.
"Has he ever hit you, or yelled at you?"
She shifted her gaze back to the ground.
"No…" she responded.
"And does he pay you fairly for your hard work?"
"…"
She didn't respond for a couple of moments. Then she asked a few questions of her own.
"…Why are you asking Lili these questions…? Why didn't you tell him what Lili did…?"
Chico didn't respond for a moment. There were a few things he could say, but he felt that he had to be a bit careful. So he went with his gut.
"You know…that kid once saved my life,"
That seemed to grab her attention.
"There was a Minotaur on the 5th floor a week and a half ago. It was my first time on the 5th floor, next thing I know, a kid came flying around the corner, and following him was a Minotaur. In that moment I froze. Couldn't move, no matter how much I wanted to. And that kid, instead of giving himself even the slimmest chance of survival, and sacrificing my life for his…he led the Minotaur away."
As he finished that, he looked at Lili's expression. She held a shocked expression, so he continued.
"I honestly believe…that I wouldn't be here now, if it weren't for him. In my mind I owe that kid a debt of gratitude."
Lili then cut in.
"Then why? Why didn't you tell him? Lili doesn't understand…"
Chico was honestly a bit surprised at the bit of remorse, even a little guilt. And Chico responded.
"You must've done that for a reason right?"
She didn't respond to that, just kept her gaze on the ground.
"You must be struggling…but I believe that the kid can help you, and maybe in turn you can help him…"
Lili once again looked at him, this time in shock, confusion, and even more confusion.
"…That doesn't make any sense…"
Chico chuckled and admitted that it really didn't…but he believed that she would understand. And so he told her that it would be best if she got going. She didn't remain any longer, and she walked away.
As he was turning back to Ariel, he noticed that they weren't alone. The two waitresses from the Hostess were standing a bit away. And before he could greet them, the blonde elf, Ryuu Lion spoke.
"Are you sure that was for the best? I'm not so sure having someone like her close to Cranel-san is a wise decision."
Chico responded after a moment of thought.
"…Maybe not. But sometimes those who have faced hardships and continue to suffer…may just need someone to give a helping hand."
She looked at him quietly for a few seconds, then spoke again.
"Even still, perhaps you should've told Cranel-san the truth. Then he could've decided whether he wanted someone like her around him."
Chico shrugged.
"Maybe. Maybe not. But I believed this was for the best."
The elf stared at him a moment longer…but then shut her eyes and gave a small sigh.
"I don't know the full story, so I should not make any presumptions."
Chico smiled at that, then shifted his gaze to the silver-haired waitress, and recognition was made evident. He smiled and waved at her.
"Hey, partner in crime~."
She covered her mouth and giggled.
"Good evening, Sol-san."
He then turned to Ariel and playfully exaggerated.
"That chase definitely worked up my appetite…I'm more than ready for dinner."
Ariel laughed lightly.
"That was fun. I'm hungry too."
Chico grinned.
"We planned to have dinner at the Hostess. Think we can tag along?"
Ryuu looked to Syr, and Syr immediately answered with a bright smile.
"Of course! The more the merrier!"
And so they began to walk…until Chico noticed that a pair of footsteps were missing. He turned around and immediately noticed the mischievous look on Ariel's face.
"What's with that look?" he asked in exaggerated dread.
"I think you know what this look means."
Chico groaned with a very exaggerated sigh.
"You want another piggyback ride…"
"You know me so well," she said with a smile.
Chico walked to her and picked her up piggyback style, muttering under his breath.
"…The things I do for my favorite advisor…"
Ariel poked his cheek and grinned.
"And for your date."
He just smiled at that.
Ryuu stood emotionless, waiting. But Syr had stars in her eyes. She turned towards Ryuu, shoved the bags onto her, and without hesitation climbed onto her back.
"I want a piggyback ride too!"
Ryuu, with grace, easily held onto the bags and managed Syr's weight…though she did let out an embarrassed,
"S-Syr…"
Both Chico and Ariel chuckled at that.
And so, the group headed out, toward the Hostess.
——————————————————————
Along the way, the group decided to converse after introducing themselves.
Ariel was the first to ask a question.
"So…what did you mean by calling Syr-san your partner in crime?"
Chico chuckled.
"Well…I may or may not have bribed the Sword Princess herself. Syr-san witnessed it…and I politely asked her to keep it a secret."
Ariel leaned forward, her face poking over his shoulder in disbelief.
"You bribed the Sword Princess…the Sword Princess? One of the strongest adventurers in the city, an executive of the Loki Familia…that Sword Princess? What did you even bribe her with?"
Chico laughed.
"About 1,500 valis. I told her it could buy her like a hundred jagamarukuns…and she took the offer without question."
Both Ariel and Syr began to giggle at that.
Ariel recovered first. "Okay, but what did you need to bribe her for?"
Chico smiled, recalling the moment.
"Back on my first date with Demeter…I saw Bell run out of the Hostess like a man on a mission. Looked like he was headed straight to the Dungeon. I didn't want to leave Demeter hanging, but when I noticed Ais-san outside looking off in the direction he went, I asked her if she could give him one of my high healing potions. Just to make sure he made it out safe."
He shrugged.
"Looked like it worked out fine in the end."
Ariel's smile returned.
"That was really kind of you."
Chico scratched the side of his face, smiling at the praise.
Then Syr spoke up, tilting her head slightly.
"So…you guys are on a date, right? What about Demeter-sama?"
Ariel blinked, but didn't deny it.
Chico glanced her way, then back at Syr with a calm nod.
"Yes. But I'm still with Demeter. She's actually the one who suggested this."
Syr raised her brows, then nodded slowly.
"Well…we are in the center of the world. And Orario isn't exactly known for its strict monogamy. Polygamy happens more than you think."
Ariel leaned in with a grin.
"Chico's got a big heart."
He turned red at that, caught off guard.
They kept walking as the sun began to dip below the buildings. The Hostess of Fertility wasn't far now.
The mood was light. Easy. Conversation flowed.
It was time for dinner. And after that…he'll see that the date ends on a high note.
——————————————————————
"Thanks for walking with us," Syr said warmly as they reached the tavern steps, hopping off of Ryuu.
"Enjoy yourselves," Ryuu added, her tone even, though the small nod she gave Chico carried some weight behind it.
Chico returned it with a grateful look. "We will. Have a good shift."
Syr flashed a wink and tugged gently on Ryuu's arm. "Come on, let's not keep Mama Mia waiting."
The two slipped through the side alley toward the back entrance.
Chico ushered the both of them through the door.
A wave of warmth, spice, and laughter washed over them. The tavern was lively but not packed. And the smell of ale was very prominent.
Ariel looked around with a small smile. "This place has a good vibe."
"You say that like it's your first time here," Chico said, and she gave him a blank look. "Really? Were you waiting for the right company~."
She laughed at that flirty remark. "Well a guild workers salary isn't nearly as much as the average adventurer, and this place is much more catered towards adventurers."
"Ah, fair enough."
They found a booth along the wall, tucked just enough away to talk without yelling. The table was clean, with the wood worn. Ariel slid in first, glancing over the menu.
Before they could settle too much, a familiar face appeared, tying off her apron with a loose knot. "Evening," she said, giving Chico a curious once-over before her gaze slid to Ariel. "Cute date."
Ariel raised a brow but said nothing, lips curved.
Lunoire set down two cups of chilled water, along with a bread basket, then casually asked, "So…what happened to Demeter-sama?"
Chico didn't flinch. "She's doing great. We're really happy."
"Oh?" Lunoire folded her arms. "And she just let you go off on a date?"
"She's the one who suggested it."
That earned a loud snort. "Hah. Honestly…with how Demeter-sama is, I figured she'd be too much. Especially with how she is."
Chico laughed. "Persephone-san said the exact same thing."
Lunoire blinked, then huffed out a chuckle. "Of course she did." She shook her head, then turned toward the bar. "I'll get your orders in."
After she left, Ariel leaned in. "How she is?"
Chico tilted his head thoughtfully. "Wouldn't really know, to me she's perfect, same with you."
"Charmer~," Ariel said, picking at a slice of bread.
Chico smiled to himself.
Dinner came quick. Roasted chicken slices, garlic butter coated potatoes, tomato stew, and a crisp salad drizzled in olive oil. They dug in with casual ease, trading bites and occasional jabs. Ariel teased him over how many potatoes he ate. He countered by stealing the last piece of chicken off her plate with zero shame.
The rest of the night passed in waves of laughter, small talk, and quiet glances. No pressure, no performance. Just two people enjoying each other's company in a warm place.
Eventually, Lunoire returned with the bill. Chico didn't hesitate—he handed over enough valis to cover everything, plus a hefty tip. She blinked at the total.
"You sure about this?"
"Food was good," Chico said. "Service too."
Lunoire rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'll accept the flattery."
They stood from the booth. Ariel stretched with a satisfied groan. "Alright…now I'm full and sleepy."
"Not a bad way to end a day," Chico said.
They stepped outside into the Orario night. The streets were quieter now, the breeze cooler. Lanterns flickered in windows. The sky above was a deep navy, the moon rising behind clouds.
Ariel slipped her arm around his. "Let's walk a bit."
Chico smiled, not saying anything as they moved down the cobbled path together.
The day was almost done. And there was one last moment to have.
——————————————————————
The walk back was quiet. Not awkward, not tense…just peaceful. The kind of silence that said everything without a single word. The cobbled streets of Orario were mostly empty, save for the occasional night owl or returning adventurer. Moonlight spilled across the stone pathways, and every few steps, the gentle sound of his boots and her sandals echoed in the calm.
Chico walked just a half-step behind Ariel, hands in his pockets, casting a glance her way every now and then. Her blonde hair shimmered under the silver light, swaying gently as she walked beside him.
"I had so much fun tonight," Chico finally said, voice low but sincere. "I'd be glad to do something like this again."
Ariel tilted her head, shooting him a teasing grin. "Would this be a group date, or are you thinking single date again?"
The question actually made his heart flutter. He perked up, smiling wide. "A group date with you and Demeter would be so much fun, honestly. You two would get along way too well."
Ariel laughed, soft and genuine. "I wouldn't mind it. But I think I'd prefer it during a festival. Something with music, lights, maybe a little dancing…"
Chico nodded without hesitation. "Then it's a plan."
They reached her apartment a minute later, stopping just before the stairs that led to her door. Neither moved right away. The moment hung in the air, suspended like the stars above them.
Ariel turned first, smiling at him with warm eyes. "I had such a wonderful time, Chico. I mean it. I absolutely loved today."
He stepped forward, it felt right, he gently placing his hands around her waist. Her arms moved naturally to his shoulders, pulling them closer. "I did too," he said quietly. "I'll remember this day for a long time."
They looked into each other's eyes, soft breaths mingling in the space between them. Neither could tell who leaned in first…maybe it didn't matter. Under the glow of the moonlight, in front of her door, they kissed.
Slow, heartfelt, and warm.
When they finally parted, they didn't pull away completely. Their foreheads rested against one another, breaths slow and steady.
"Today was perfect," Ariel whispered.
"Yeah…today was perfect."
——————————————————————
~Chico POV~
Feat Achieved! Earn Ariel's Affection! A Polygamous Relationship!
Description: Congratulations on entering a relationship with Ariel! And you know…2 makes polygamy…3 makes a harem…
Rewards: 1x Random Silver Gatcha Ticket & 1x Random Silver Advantage Gatcha Ticket
'Pervert Gatcha.'
I was well on my way back home. I decided to walk rather than take a carriage. Tonight was just too peaceful to rush on home. Though he couldn't wait to see Demeter. He owed her a thanks, along with hugs and kisses.
The Gatcha was a nice surprise. And with thought, I rolled.
'Roll Gatcha.'
Rolling…
Smite (3.1 Rarity, 0.18% odds)-Rare Ability-
Your next attack is suffused with divine power, amplifying its power and dealing severe damage to unholy beings.
+
Blood Pack (1.4 Rarity, 0.29% odds)-Common Trait-
Your body holds inordinate amounts of blood, approximately 5 times the average person, this does not affect your body in any noticeable way... somehow.
Or
XII - The Hanged Man (1.5 Rarity, 0.36% odds)-Common Item-
Tarot Card - Allows you to absorb all of the wounds and ailments of a target while lessening their intensity by 20%. 120 Hour Cooldown
Oooo…Nice! That ability really had my attention. And the first thought that came to mind…was something absolutely stupid, idiotic, reckless, and stupid again. This literally could be a key to my rank up…Dangerous thoughts for later.
As for the advantage ticket…he didn't really know which to choose. So why not gamble?
I pulled out a single vali coin. Heads for Blood Pack and Tails for The Hanged Man tarot card. And with a flip…
Heads.
So he chose Blood Pack.
Anyway. He was almost home. Time to head to bed.
——————————————————————
He made his way through the Wheat Manor, lights dimmed and the halls quiet. After washing up and changing into his sleepwear, he stepped into the master bedroom where Demeter was already waiting, seated at the edge of the bed with a gentle, knowing look on her face.
"So…" she began, voice light with curiosity, "how did the date go?"
Chico had a goofy smile, he couldn't help it after such a day. He walked over, sitting beside her as he ran a hand through his slightly damp hair. "It was…fun. Exciting. Honestly, it was perfect."
Demeter let out a pleased breath, her shoulders relaxing. "I'm glad," she said warmly.
He turned to her then, expression sincere, eyes meeting hers without hesitation. "Thank you. Really. This was all thanks to you. I wouldn't have thought to take her out like this if you hadn't encouraged me. And now…" He exhaled softly. "Now my heart just feels…more full."
Demeter reached out and touched his hand, squeezing it gently. "That's what I want for you."
Chico grinned a little at that, adding, "She also said she's open for another date. And actually…she said she'd love to have a group date next time there's a festival or event in town."
Demeter's face lit up, delighted by the idea. "That's a wonderful idea, Chico! And…if that's the case, then you're in luck." She leaned closer, her eyes shining. "The next big event in Orario is the Holy Moon Festival. It's scheduled for about a month and a half from now."
The name sparked something in the back of his mind…a strange feeling, a flicker of recognition he couldn't quite place. But he let it go.
"I can't wait for that," he said instead, lying back against the bed with a content sigh. "Though…I wouldn't mind a couple more single dates with either of my girls before then."
Demeter laughed, soft and full of affection. "Greedy."
"Maybe," he muttered, grinning as he slid under the covers.
Demeter joined him, settling in beside him as the room dimmed into a peaceful stillness.
And just like that, Chico drifted off to sleep, heart light and ready for whatever came next.
Chapter 26 End