Chapter 6: More new people!

- Suel –

"Cheers!" exclaimed Suel and his companions as they reunited at the Hostess of Fertility, the most renowned pub in Orario. The pub had been opened by a retired adventurer, lending it an air of authenticity that attracted patrons all over Orario.

Around their table, Suel's group garnered curious glances do to someone enigmatic attire. Suel remained shrouded from head to toe, while Alfia, Haruhime, and Zald persisted in using the ring of seeming, concealing their actual appearances.

An intense sense of relief radiated from Zald, almost close to tears of joy, as Suel handed him the ring. The promise of shedding the cumbersome disguise he'd worn for so long was like a newfound freedom.

"Ryuu-chan, another round of beer, if you would," Suel's voice carried across the room as he beckoned a charming elf waitress with a wave of his hand. Despite her beauty, the elf maiden approached their table with a hint of reluctance, spurred by a teasing colleague's gaze.

"Please refrain from using that nickname," Ryu's voice was devoid of emotion as she placed another frothy mug of beer on the table.

"Of course, Ryuu-tan~," Suel retorted playfully, seemingly unbothered by her request. Ryu's eye twitch went unnoticed as Suel pressed on, maintaining his composure against her banter. Her immunity to such jests was evident, a testament to the numerous teases she'd endured over time, despite a hint of nostalgia tugging at her heartstrings.

Ryuu Lion, a female Elf with eyes as vivid as the sky and hair as green as spring leaves, was adorned in a meticulously crafted green maid uniform. Her ensemble included a white frilled headband, a matching apron, and a pair of brown boots complemented by black leggings.

"Is there anything else you require?" Ryuu's tone carried a note of professional poise as she inquired, her unwavering composure a testament to her refined demeanour. Haruhime piped up, listing some dishes they desired. Ryu took note, executing an elegant bow before departing the table.

Suel's attention shifted to the two girls who had embarked on an early morning escapade, and his curiosity piqued about their day. Haruhime's lively retelling painted a vivid picture – stories of playful ventures, culinary delights savoured, and the fascinating house they'd found.

Observing Haruhime's joy warmed Suel's heart. Their initial meeting had been less than ideal, but it appeared that Haruhime had overcome her past traumas a little. Suel recognized Alfia's role in nurturing this progress, which was a relief since he wasn't good at this subject.

Alfia's voice seamlessly connected with Haruhime's narrative, detailing prospective real estate opportunities. Purchasing land through the guild's assistance had not previously crossed Suel's mind. The prospect of owning a piece of land resonated deeply within him; a sanctuary to safeguard their shared secrets was necessary.

However, the revelation of descending deities truly ignited Suel's curiosity. An unspoken understanding passed between him and Zald, a silent accord. The prospect of fooling one of these arriving deities held a lot of allure for the group.

Alfia's curiosity about Suel's sales yielded a hearty laugh from him. "Ah, the curiosity is irresistible. Well, I won't keep you in suspense. The sales have been prosperous indeed – copies of Rokushiki and three asauchi flew off the shelves. And something in my gut tells me that an influx of customers is imminent."

Zald pondered aloud, "All thanks to the Loki Familia, I assume?"

"Bingo!"

"The Loki members, especially Ais Wallenstein, carry an allure that captivates Orario. Ais's meteoric rise to level 5 in record time has garnered her the title of the city's strongest adventurer."

"Imagine someone of her standing gracing our humble stall – it's a recipe for intrigue! Prepare yourself, Zald."

Yet, Zald's dissatisfaction surfaced, prompting him to voice his reservations. "And Alfia? Why isn't she coming with us?"

Suel looked at Zald with disdain, knowing why he asked such a thing. "And what of Alfia? Does she not have her own tasks to attend to?"

"I do?"

"Indeed."

Their synchronized bewilderment was interrupted as Suel tossed a ring to Alfia, who caught it with a flicker of suspicion.

"Refrain from overthinking it. That's a portion of our day's earnings. I want you to head to the guild and inquire about available, unclaimed land. It's an investment in our future together."

Alfia nodded, comprehending her mission, and resumed her drinking. Suel's hunger beckoned his attention to the approaching Ryuu and another waitress, both bearing plates of food.

Suel indeed recognized the waitress beside Ryuu as she was the one who welcomed them inside the pub. She was Syr Flova and had bluish-gray hair that she kept tied with a small knot in a ponytail style. Her eyes are the same colour as her hair, and she has light peachy-coloured smooth skin. She wears a white blouse and a leaf-colored knee-length long skirt. She also wears a slightly long half-apron around her waist. She wears a pair of brown boots over black stockings.

"Ah, my two favourite waitresses! Syr and Ryuu grace us with their presence again! How can I assist you?" Suel's jovial tone resonated, though it didn't escape Ryuu's cold gaze or Syr's bashful reaction.

Ryuu's response carried an icy edge, her demeanour aloof. "Here is your food," she intoned curtly, her gaze fixed on the table.

"Mouuh, Suel! Your relentless teasing is a risky game, Suel! We shan't remain still if you continue!" Syr's pouted and later giggle drew a hearty laugh from Suel, who remained unaffected by her charming threats.

Yet, their jovial ambiance took an unexpected turn as a smiling woman approached – Mia Grand, the retired adventurer and owner of the Hostess of Fertility. Suel's mirth subsided not due to fear but from an awareness of the implications of this encounter.

Locked in a wordless exchange with Mia, she spoke first, her tone carrying an undertone of sternness. Suel responded in kind, expressing his remorse.

"Suel?" Mia questioned, her tone masking the playful grins of Syr and Ryuu, who seemed to lurk behind her.

"Eh? It seems like I might have had a bit too much fun tonight, so I suppose I should pay for the round of drinks," Suel mumbled with an embarrassed scratch to his head, prompting a chorus from the entire customers inside the pub.

"You escape, well." Said Mia with a smile.

"Hahaha, I don't know what you are talking about," said Suel as he played dumb.

Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Syr grinned, and even Ryuu exhibited a slight smile. They harboured no resentment toward Suel, understanding that his teasing was harmless.

Meanwhile, Haruhime enjoyed her meal, blissfully unaware of the interaction unfolding around her.

~~~

-Airmid Teasanare –

Airmid Teasnare, the captain of the Dian Cecht Familia, stood behind the counter and heard the sound of the door as she greeted Finn, the captain of Loki Familia, and her dear friend, Amelia White.

"Hello, Finn. Dian Cecht-sama is waiting for you behind this door," Amid said as she gestured toward the door behind her.

"I see. Thank you, Amid," Finn replied as he left Amelia behind and entered the room.

"Amelia!" exclaimed Amelia as she rushed forward for a warm hug, which Airmid gladly reciprocated. They had formed a strong bond when they first met during their trip to Orario. Amelia White, a young girl from the Loki Familia, also held the rank of Lv. 2, much like Airmid. With her long, straight white hair and striking blue eyes, Amelia was often seen wearing a flowing white coat filled with various vials and snacks, a true alchemist.

Their friendship blossomed during that journey, with dreams of joining the same Familia. However, Amelia's talent as an alchemist had led her to Loki's Familia, a fact that Airmid still held a slight grudge about.

Seeing her best friend today surprised Airmid, as she knew Amelia typically preferred the seclusion of her workshop. Something important must have compelled her to leave her sanctuary.

Airmid's intuition was correct; Amelia had come for a project. Airmid curiously watched as her friend placed four unusual elixirs on the counter.

"What's this?" Airmid inquired, her expression serious as she noticed the elixirs' unique properties. For some reason, Amelia seemed unusually proud, as if she were the one who had concocted them.

"Hehehe, I suppose you haven't heard the news yet, but fear not—I shall enlighten you," Amelia replied with an air of superiority.

A vein throbbed on Airmid's forehead as she playfully put Amelia in a chokehold position. Amelia gasped for air and tapped Airmid's arms in surrender.

"Kuhh, Kuff, Arghh... You're as ruthless as ever, Airmid. Just as I'd expect from my besto friendo," Amelia managed to say with a thumbs-up.

"Get over yourself already," Airmid retorted.

"Fine, here's the situation," Amelia began, explaining the involvement of Suel, the mysterious vendor, the elixirs, her captain's request, and her ambitious goal.

"So, you want to replicate these elixirs and perhaps rank up?" Airmid asked, studying the Elixir of Wrath.

"Exactly! I'll show that Loki captain that I can recreate these elixirs and won't settle for a degraded version! I'll make them even better, starting with this Elixir of Wrath!" Amelia declared with unwavering determination.

Airmid glanced at her friend, understanding the pride of an alchemist burning within her. 'I guess that's her pride as an alchemist,' Airmid thought, sympathizing with Amelia's passion.

Airmid was genuinely intrigued by Amelia's proposal for collaboration. She was sure her god wouldn't object.

Airmid had also developed a keen interest in the enigmatic Suel and wanted to meet him personally. Perhaps they would find some valuable items in his shop.

"Amelia," Airmid began.

"What's up, Airmid?"

"Do you want to pay a visit to this man? I'm quite interested in meeting him, and who knows, we might stumble upon something beneficial for both of us."

Amelia's eyes lit up with excitement, and she quickly made her way to the door, reminding Airmid to bring money as they planned to meet at the market.

As Amelia exited, the door behind Airmid swung open, revealing Finn and Dian Cecht, who had just concluded their meeting.

"Hmmm? Has Amelia already left? Well, no matter," Finn mused as he bid farewell to Dian Cecht.

"Yeah, yeah, just don't forget to bring back the good stuff as I asked," Dian Cecht grumbled, using Finn as an intermediary to accomplish his request.

"Of course, Dian Cecht-sama," Finn replied with a smile, aware of this god's temper.

"Goodbye, Airmid," Finn said as he left the store.

"Goodbye, Finn," Airmid replied.

Finn departed, leaving Airmid alone with her god. Dian Cecht turned his attention to her. "Is there something you'd like to discuss with me?"

"Yes, Dian Cecht-sama. It's about..." Airmid began to explain.

Dian Cecht listened intently, scratching his chin as he examined the Elixir of Wrath that Amelia had forgotten to reclaim.

"I see," he muttered, his interest piqued. "You may leave and take this pouch of money with you. Try to acquire some of this man's good stuff. I'll have Martha cover the shop for now."

Airmid nodded and left the shop, leaving Dian Cecht alone with his thoughts and the elixir in hand. He couldn't help but wonder about the name "Suel"; it seemed oddly familiar.