The straightforward half-elf lady before him was gradually overlapping with the impression Liang Yue had of her. Wearing her guild uniform paired with black heels, she was slightly taller than him.
With her hands clasped behind her back, Eina leaned forward slightly. Her emerald-green eyes, like glittering jewels, did nothing to hide the smile deep within.
"Or…"
"…was Liang Yue just saying that casually?"
Enough was enough.
Liang Yue felt it was necessary to put down Eina's smug attitude — even if the upward curl of her lips carried the sweetness of first love.
"Of course, I wouldn't joke about something like this."
"I just didn't expect Miss Eina to agree so readily. Let's have dinner at the Hostess of Fertility."
"If we leave now, there should still be seats available."
"What an honor."
Her beautiful eyes lingered on the boy's handsome features, confirming there was no trace of reluctance in him before she nodded lightly. She didn't want her sudden whim to become a burden on him.
But upon noticing the infectious smile on Liang Yue's face, a trace of worry clouded her brows.
Considerate by nature, Eina quickly added, "Actually, we could just have a meal together when we're both free."
"Your own matters should come first, Liang Yue."
"That's not the point."
Liang Yue spread his hands, his tone tinged with helplessness. "It's just… with so many adventurers at the restaurant, if they see me having dinner with Miss Eina, I'm pretty sure they'll want to kill me."
"…."
"And if it actually happened, I suppose I could call it a worthy death!"
He spoke with full conviction, completely unaware that the half-elf standing beside him had turned bright red.
The setting sun's glow on her delicate face made it less obvious.
——
By evening, the Hostess of Fertility was bustling, the chatter audible even from outside. But that noise was destined to be short-lived.
When Liang Yue walked in, the atmosphere remained normal.
When Eina stepped in after him, however, the place went unusually quiet — even people's eating motions paused.
As adventurers, most here had dealt with guild employees before.
Some had even tried to flirt with Eina, only to be coldly rejected. Now, seeing Liang Yue take the lead, it was as if flames lit in their eyes.
So young, looking like a rookie adventurer — aside from being a bit handsome, he didn't seem to stand out much.
From the perspective of these "imaginary rivals," some didn't see a single redeeming quality in him.
"That's Miss Eina?"
"Then who's that random brat!?"
"Could it be Miss Eina likes younger-looking guys? Can a rookie adventurer like that really make her feel safe?"
"…."
"Damn, guess I'm out of the running…"
In the sudden quiet, whispered conversations became especially clear.
Liang Yue had expected something like this, but not to this exaggerated extent — he could practically feel the hostility in the air.
They probably thought…
The one standing next to Eina should've been them.
The silence was broken by the thump of a heavy wooden tray on the counter. The one who set it down was Mia Grand — despite being a dwarf, she had a towering, brawny build.
Her sharp gaze swept the room, and she spoke bluntly. "If you're here to eat, then eat. Don't just sit there and gossip."
"If you're not eating, there's plenty of others who will!"
"…."
Intimidated by Mia's sheer presence, the adventurers dropped the subject — though now and then, curious glances still flicked toward Liang Yue.
It didn't bother him much, but when he glanced at Eina, his eyes clearly said: "See? Told you so."
"You see—"
"Pfft!"
Eina couldn't help but laugh behind her hand at his slightly exasperated look.
The contrast was striking — here was a rookie adventurer who had slain a Minotaur alone, someone with a maturity beyond his years… yet he still cared about something like this?
Feeling underestimated, Liang Yue lightly shook his head and flipped open the menu. "Forget it. Miss Eina, what would you like to eat? Don't hold back."
"Of course."
Though this could count as her "first date," Eina still maintained a ladylike image — but she ordered only small portions, all inexpensive items.
Handing the menu back to him, she added, "Working at the Guild all day… eating too much will just make me gain weight."
"Understood."
As a reward for today's Dungeon run, Liang Yue ordered the restaurant's 1,500-valis signature dish for himself. Drinks were, of course, a must.
He also planned to pack a meal for Hestia on the way back — since she'd willingly taken on three months' debt to buy him a weapon, he couldn't stomach the thought of eating alone.
After placing the order with Mia, Liang Yue was still thinking of ways to keep the meal from feeling too stiff when Eina spoke up first.
Resting her cheek on her left hand, she tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes. "Liang Yue-kun, why did you want to become an adventurer?"
"…."
He couldn't exactly say: "I transmigrated into the DanMachi world with a cheat ability — of course I want to get stronger."
Still, he didn't dodge the question.
"Dreams?" His tone turned serious. "I guess it sounds a bit cliché… but if you want to survive in Orario, you need enough strength. That's why I became an adventurer."
"…."
There were many reasons someone might want to be an adventurer, but Eina hadn't expected such a practical one — plain and straightforward.
Survive in Orario, so get stronger.
She sipped her orange juice, not harboring any ill will toward Hestia, but thinking… if Liang Yue's only goal was to get stronger, wouldn't joining a more powerful, well-known Familia be more efficient?
Given that he had slain a Minotaur as a rookie, she doubted any major Familia would pass up such talent.
"This might sound forward, but… since your goal is strength, why not choose one of the more famous, stronger Familias?"
"They took me in when I was at my lowest."
"Even though the Familia's conditions are poor, my goddess still did her best to help me." Liang Yue spoke without guilt, then smiled warmly at her. "Back in my homeland, we have a saying: 'A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring.'"
"Instead of joining an already strong Familia, I'd rather help my own grow stronger with my own hands. That would feel much more rewarding."
"…."
In Eina's eyes, the boy's pure and earnest attitude was a bright light. She didn't know what he had been through, but to have such admirable character…
…paired with his calm and humble maturity — and his talent — made her think…
Perhaps it wouldn't be long before the name "Liang Yue" was known among Orario's adventurers.
"Liang Yue-kun."
Her gaze was steady, her smile as warm as a spring breeze. She encouraged him sincerely. "I believe you can do it."
---
Access more chapters at patreon.com/dzeref887