Grimoire(1/2)

As Ryuu made his way home from his business dealings, he couldn't help but notice a small, unassuming shop that caught his attention. Despite its dilapidated appearance, he felt drawn to it, as if something within was calling out to him.

Acting on his curiosity, he stepped inside and was greeted by an elderly woman who seemed startled by his presence. The woman didn't seem to care much about customer service, unlike the employees of the Hephaestus Familia's shop he was used to. However, the mysterious feeling that had pulled him to this shop persisted, and he knew he had to investigate further.

"Welcome. What are you here for?"

He paid little attention to her and focused his gaze on a shelf where a book stood quietly. Despite its unremarkable appearance, the book seemed to radiate powerful energy that caught Ryuu's attention. Its mere presence was like a beacon in his eyes.

'Just what is the deal with Magic in this world?'

He was perplexed. Despite his exceptional observation abilities, he couldn't comprehend the energy radiating from the book. Although his understanding of this concept was limited, he was not used to being unable to understand or interpret something. The only form of energy he had yet to grasp fully was supposed to be divinity…

'…I should research this.'

His eyes gazed at the book with absolute seriousness as outwardly, he only uttered

"I want that book. I suppose it's a Grimoire."

It was the only explanation he could think of for the book's powerful aura….

He resolved to seek out those proficient in magic and ask them to demonstrate how they use it, as his experience with the Ishtar Familia was not enough to gain a full understanding.

"Oh, that. It's indeed a Grimoire, but I don't intend to sell it at a standard price."

The old woman referred to the book's price, which was already exorbitant. But she was not content with that. Her wrinkles creased as she grinned wickedly, clearly intending to charge at least twice or even three times the book's actual value. This tactic had discouraged any previously interested buyers, but Ryuu was unfazed as he placed a check on the counter that he had prepared for such situations.

"I wouldn't have asked someone shady like you if I didn't have the money or the confidence to take it. You will greatly benefit if you choose to give it to me."

He spoke truthfully, as a little extra Valis would not make much of a difference to him. As long as he didn't attempt to buy an entire street or something similarly excessive, his wealth would not deplete at a faster rate than what he was earning, which was already an impressive feat considering many Level 1s struggled to earn enough to avoid starvation.

His words made the old woman laugh as she nodded.

"Youngsters these days should have this kind of heroic spirit! I'm glad this one will finally find its rightful owner…"

The old woman caressed the book as if it were a cherished work of art. Ryuu couldn't help but smile at her shameless behavior, knowing that if Hestia were present, she might jokingly wonder if they were long-lost family members.

With quick and efficient negotiation, Ryuu completed the transaction, and the Grimoire was now in his possession.

---

While Ryuu was occupied with his own pursuits, Hestia had also spent more time away from their mansion. She had been secretly visiting the Hephaestus Familia manor to see a particular Goddess.

"…There is no problem with the money. I'll make sure to pay for it!"

she reassured herself, knowing that Ryuu's confidence was not arrogance. Though, this did not stop her from worrying about him. Her heart would not be at ease until she knew he was just a little safer in the dungeon.

Hestia knew Ryuu planned to commission armor for Luna and Haruhime, but he had not mentioned anything about getting one for himself, which she found unacceptable.

"Why not just use your adventurer's money? He has a lot of them…right?"

The Goddess who spoke had a striking appearance, with a single crimson eye and cascading red hair that fell to her neck. Her features were sharp and slender, but the eyepatch over her right eye commanded attention. It concealed something that would likely instil fear in most people.

"That would have been easy, but…I don't like it."

Hestia knew that if she used Ryuu's money to buy him armor, his reaction would likely be unchanged. But her pride wouldn't permit her to accept such an offer. She wanted to provide the funds herself as it was a meaningful gift and a way to show her worry. Even though she currently did not have the funds, she was determined to work and earn the money, paying it back over time.

"…I'll do it this once, but if you fail to pay me back in time, then I will ask for your adventurer's funds."

After several similar conversations, Hephaestus finally relented and began working while Hestia left with a pleased smile to find suitable employment…

———

"…Welcome Home, Ryuu-san"

As Haruhime was the only one at home, she was the only one to greet Ryuu upon his arrival. He did not approach her too closely, maintaining a distance between them.

"How's it going, do you think you can keep up?"

His question caused Haruhime's tail to twitch slightly as she struggled to adjust to her new reality. She had seen the darker side of human nature, but she had never experienced such violence. The several attempts on her life made something within her change abruptly. It was a challenging mental state to cope with…

"Y-Yes, I will just need some time…"

She lowered her head as she felt ashamed of herself to have him worry about her, though he blowed away her worries as he patted her head.

"You are doing great. I am asking only because I know what it takes not to feel overwhelmed…"

Her determination grew stronger as she nodded in agreement. This was enough for Ryuu to smile and tell her to rest. The house had recently been renovated, and he suggested she take it easy with cleaning for the time being. If Haruhime still couldn't find time for it after a few weeks, he would implement the plan he had in mind so that she wouldn't have to sacrifice her training for housekeeping.

As she smiled and chose to train for a little more, Ryuu went to his room as it was time to read the Grimoire he bought…