[11] Familia Found

The Guild's main hall buzzed with afternoon activity. Adventurers lined up at various windows, showing off their spoils or arguing over crystal valuations. I scanned the counters until I spotted a familiar flash of red hair.

Rose was dealing with another adventurer, her golden eyes focused on the paperwork before her. Even from here, I could see the slight tension in her shoulders - probably had been a long day of managing overconfident newbies.

"I'm sorry," Rose was saying, her tone professional but tinged with exasperation, "but as I've explained before, Guild employees are not permitted to engage in romantic relationships with adventurers. It's a conflict of interest."

The man – tall, muscular, probably level – slumped visibly. "But Rose, we could keep it a secret! No one would have to know-"

"That's quite enough," Rose cut him off firmly. "My answer is final. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other adventurers to assist."

The rejected suitor trudged past me, radiating dejection. I couldn't help but smirk. "Tough break, buddy," I muttered under my breath.

Rose's eyes swept the room, landing on me. Her professional mask slipped for a moment, surprise and concern flashing across her features. "Dante? What happened to you?"

I grinned, ignoring the twinge of pain. "Oh, you know, just a day at the office. Nothing we couldn't handle."

Rose hurried over, her eyes scanning me for injuries. "You're hurt," she said, frowning at the various cuts and bruises adorning my visible skin. "Didn't I tell you to buy some proper armor before venturing into the dungeon?"

I shrugged, wincing slightly at the movement. "The best defense is not getting hit in the first place."

I tossed the bag of crystals onto Rose's counter. The impact scattered a few loose papers, but her quick reflexes caught them before they could flutter away.

"I need these exchanged for valis," I said, keeping my voice casual despite the burning in my ribs. "Whatever the going rate is."

Rose opened the bag, her professional demeanor cracking as she peered inside. Her golden eyes widened, and she looked up at me sharply. "This is... Dante, how many monsters did you face?"

"Lost count somewhere after eighty." I leaned against her counter, trying to make it look casual rather than necessary. "They just kept coming."

"Eighty?" Rose's voice dropped to a whisper. She glanced around before pulling me closer. "You registered yesterday. Level ones don't- they can't-" She paused, collecting herself. "The standard recommendation for new adventurers is three to five monsters per expedition. Maximum."

I gave her my best innocent smile. "Nobody told me that."

"I did. Twice." She started sorting through the crystals, her movements precise and methodical despite her obvious agitation. "During your registration. And again when you picked up your status sheet."

"Did you? Must have slipped my mind."

Rose's expression hardened. "This isn't funny, Dante. You could have died."

"But I didn't."

"That's not-" She pressed her lips together, clearly fighting to maintain her professional composure. After a moment, she began methodically counting and cataloging the crystals.

I watched her work, noting how her fingers trembled slightly. The silence stretched between us, broken only by the scratch of her pen and the distant chatter of other adventurers.

"Forty-seven thousand valis," she finally said.

"That's it?"

Rose's pen stopped moving. "That's it? This is more than most adventurers make in a week. And they work in parties."

I straightened, immediately regretting it as pain lanced through my side. "Good to know. I'll take it in notes, if you don't mind. Coins are heavy."

"Dante." Rose's voice was soft but firm. "What really happened down there?"

I met her gaze. Behind the professional concern, I caught something else - curiosity, maybe even a hint of fear. Not of me, but for me. It was... interesting.

"Nothing special," I said. "Just figured out a few tricks. Found a good spot where they funnel in predictably. Basic tactics."

"Basic tactics don't explain this." She gestured at my injuries. "Or these numbers."

I shrugged again, more carefully this time. "Maybe I'm just that good?"

"Nobody's that good on their second day. Nobody." She began counting out notes, her movements sharp and precise. "Whatever you're not telling me-"

"Rose." I cut her off gently. "You're my Guild advisor, and I appreciate your concern. But some things are better left unsaid, don't you think?"

She stared at me for a long moment, then pushed the stack of notes across the counter. "Your exchange receipt needs to be signed. And you need to file an expedition report."

"Can't we skip the paperwork?"

"No." Her tone brooked no argument. "Standard procedure exists for a reason. Especially for cases like... this."

I took the forms she thrust at me, scanning them quickly. "These look complicated."

"They are. And I expect them filled out properly." She pulled out a fresh sheet. "Start with the floor number and time of entry."

I settled in to work on the forms, watching Rose from the corner of my eye. She was worried, obviously. Suspicious, definitely. But she was also intrigued. I could use that.

"You know," I said casually as I wrote, "if you're so concerned about my safety, you could always give me some personal pointers. Over dinner, maybe?"

Rose's pen scratched loudly across her paper. "That would be inappropriate. As I just finished explaining to your predecessor."

"Ah, but I'm much more charming than him."

"You're also bleeding on my forms."

I looked down. She was right. "So I am. My apologies."

"The Blue Pharmacy is two blocks east," she said pointedly. "I suggest you visit them after completing your paperwork."

"Is that concern I hear in your voice?"

"That's professional advice from your Guild advisor." But the corner of her mouth twitched slightly. "Now focus on your forms."

An hour and several hand cramps later, I'd filled out every form Rose had thrown at me. My handwriting had deteriorated from "barely legible" to "drunken chicken scratch" by the end, but she seemed satisfied.

"Try not to die tomorrow," Rose said as she filed away the last form. "The paperwork for deceased adventurers is even worse."

"You say the sweetest things." I gathered up my valis, tucking the notes into an inner pocket. "Sure I can't tempt you with dinner?"

"Goodbye, Dante."

I gave her a mock salute and headed for the exit, my ribs protesting every step. The afternoon sun hit my face as I emerged from the Guild, and I took a moment to lean against the building's stone facade.

『You should seek medical attention,』Minerva chimed in.

"Working on it." I pulled out the stack of notes, counting through them again. Fifty-seven thousand and change.

『The Blue Pharmacy is-』

"Two blocks east, I remember." I pushed off from the wall, orienting myself. "Time to pay our debts."

The walk gave me time to think. Forty-five thousand for a single potion - highway robbery by any standard. But the way Bell had looked at me when I'd offered to cover it... that kind of loyalty might be worth more than valis in the long run.

『Your injuries are worsening,』Minerva noted.

"Thanks for the update." Blood had soaked through my shirt in places, and each breath felt like someone was jabbing needles between my ribs. But I'd had worse. Probably.

The Blue Pharmacy's worn wooden sign came into view. I pushed open the door, setting off a small bell. The shop's interior was dim and cluttered, shelves crammed with bottles and jars of every description. And behind the counter...

"Back again?" Naaza's perpetually sleepy expression didn't change as she looked up from her ledger. "Lord Miach isn't here."

"That's fine. I'm here about the potion from earlier." I approached the counter, trying not to limp. "The one for Bell Cranel."

"Ah." Her tail swished once. "Lord Miach said you don't need to-"

I pulled out the stack of notes and placed them on the counter. "Forty-five thousand valis, as agreed."

Naaza stared at the money, then at me. Her purple eyes narrowed slightly. "Lord Miach specifically said the debt was forgiven."

"And I specifically say take it anyway." I pushed the notes closer. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill between familias."

She didn't move. "You're injured."

"Observant."

"These funds would be better spent on healing potions."

I shrugged, immediately regretting it. "I'll manage."

Naaza's tail swished again, more slowly this time. She picked up the notes, counting through them with practiced efficiency. "Wait here."

She disappeared into the back room before I could respond. I heard muffled movements, the clink of glass, then she returned with a small vial of red liquid.

"For your injuries," she said, placing it on the counter. "No charge."

"I don't need-"

"You do." Her tone left no room for argument. "And Lord Miach would be disappointed if I let a customer bleed out in our shop."

I picked up the vial, examining it. "Seems like bad business practice, giving away free potions."

"Perhaps." A ghost of a smile crossed her face. "But we find it tends to encourage customer loyalty."

"Clever." I uncorked the vial and downed its contents. The effect was immediate - warmth spread through my body, and the stabbing pain in my ribs faded to a dull ache. "And effective."

"Of course it is." Was that pride in her voice? "I made it myself."

I set the empty vial on the counter. "In that case, I'll know where to come next time I need supplies."

"Assuming you survive long enough to need them." But her expression had softened slightly. "Try not to get yourself killed, Mister Valac. Dead customers are bad for business."

"I'll do my best." I headed for the door, then paused. "And Naaza? Just Dante is fine."

I stepped out of the Blue Pharmacy, rolling my shoulders. The potion had done its work - my ribs no longer screamed with every breath, and the various cuts had sealed themselves into pink, healing flesh. Not bad for free medicine.

『Your vitals have stabilized,』Minerva noted. 『Though I'd recommend avoiding strenuous activity for the next few hours.』

"Noted." I headed back toward the church, enjoying the simple pleasure of walking without pain. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the streets, and the air had cooled to something almost pleasant.

The church's weathered facade came into view. I descended the stairs to the basement, knocked once, then pushed open the door. "Anyone home?"

"Dante!" Hestia's voice rang out. She sat cross-legged on Bell's bed, where the white-haired boy himself was propped up against the wall. Some color had returned to his face, though dark circles still ringed his eyes.

"Oh, um, hello." Bell straightened, wincing slightly. "I'm Bell Cranel. Thank you for... earlier."

"Dante Valac." I leaned against the doorframe. "Feeling better?"

"Much better." He touched the mostly-healed cut under his eye. "The potion helped a lot."

Hestia bounced to her feet. "Bell, this is our newest familia member! He just joined yesterday." She beamed at me. "How was the dungeon today? Did you stay safe? Did you make any money?"

"It was productive." I pulled out the remaining valis.

Bell's eyes widened at the stack. "That's... from one day?"

"Solo run," I said. "Found a good spot where the monsters funnel in predictably."

"Solo?" Bell leaned forward, eager despite his obvious exhaustion. "But you just started yesterday. How did you-"

"Bell." Hestia's tone was gentle but firm. "You need rest."

He slumped back against the wall. "Yes, Goddess."

I studied him for a moment. Young, earnest, practically radiating determination to grow stronger. And something else - a familiar hunger in those red eyes. The same drive that had pushed him into the dungeon alone last night.

"The bathhouse is still open," I said. "Once you're steady on your feet, we should go. Nothing better for sore muscles than a hot soak."

Bell perked up. "Really? I've never been to-" He caught Hestia's look and deflated. "But maybe tomorrow..."

"Tomorrow," Hestia agreed. She turned to me. "You should go, though! You've had a long day too."

I pushed off from the doorframe. "Planning on it. Need anything while I'm out?"

"Just come back safe." She gave me one of her bright smiles. "And maybe some food? We're running low."

"I'll see what I can do." I glanced at Bell. "Rest up, kid. The dungeon's not going anywhere."

He nodded, though I could see the frustration in the set of his jaw. That desperate need to improve, to catch up, to prove himself - yeah, I recognized that look.