Home Sweet Home

Rosy watched Adonis disappear into the throng of adventurers, a dreamy smile lingering on her lips. Her reverie was shattered by a sharp voice.

"Hello there, Earth Rosemary," drawled Adele, the receptionist at the next counter.

Her light brown hair swished around her shoulders as she sauntered closer, her brown eyes gleaming with an unwelcome intensity. Rosy, ever the picture of politeness, replaced her smile with a polite frown. Adele, with her sharp features and a body that could only be described as "curvaceous," was a constant source of irritation.

"What can I do for you, Adele?" Rosy asked, her voice laced with a hint of frost.

"Oh, nothing serious," Adele responded, her voice dripping with something that resembled mock sympathy.

"Just curious why you were practically swooning over that newbie. He is a rather attractive piece, wouldn't you say?"

Rosy gritted her teeth internally. Adele had a reputation, a reputation for using her looks and undeniable charm to ensnare promising adventurers. Rumors swirled around her like dust devils, whispers of countless broken hearts and shattered dreams. Thankfully, Adonis seemed completely oblivious to Adele's advances, his attentions firmly focused on Rosy's friendly demeanor.

"Guild policy," Rosy replied curtly, her voice a neutral mask. It was a well-known rule – discourage romantic entanglements with adventurers. The heartbreak that could follow a messy break-up could potentially cloud judgment and lead to reckless behavior, putting both the adventurer and the guild at risk.

Adele scoffed, a dismissive sound that grated on Rosy's nerves.

"That rule? Nobody takes it seriously," she challenged, her eyes narrowed in a way that sent shivers down Rosy's spine.

"There's a reason for it," Rosy countered, refusing to back down. Internally, however, a flicker of worry sparked. Maybe there was some truth to Adele's words. Did other receptionists secretly date adventurers? Was she being naive?

"Suit yourself then," Rosy said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"If you don't make a move, I might just steal him away."

A primal growl escaped Adele's throat, her chest rising and falling rapidly. For a moment, Rosy held her gaze, a newfound determination hardening her features. Adele might be confident in her looks, but Rosy had something far more powerful – a genuine connection with Adonis.

Scowling, Adele spun on her heel and retreated to her own desk, muttering under her breath. Rosy watched her go, a deep breath escaping her lips. Adonis may be oblivious, but Rosy wouldn't underestimate Adele's threat. A silent vow formed in her heart. She wouldn't let Adele take Adonis away, she would become his exclusive receptionist because she felt like he would achieve a great things in the future. Call it woman's intuition.

Oblivious to the silent competition brewing between Rosy and Adele, Adonis weaved his way through the bustling crowds, the afternoon sun glinting off the polished windows of shops lining the street. His stomach rumbled, reminding him of the long day ahead. Tonight, he wouldn't be eating outside.

He made a beeline for the market, a vibrant tapestry of colors, smells, and sounds. Stalls overflowed with an abundance of fresh produce – plump tomatoes, glistening eggplants, and baskets overflowing with emerald green leafy greens. Butchers hawked their wares, their voices a rhythmic chant, praising the quality of their cuts. Bypassing the trinket stalls and enticing sweet shops, Adonis focused on his mission – a hearty meal for one.

After a careful negotiation with a jovial butcher, he secured a hefty slab of prime rib and a selection of plump mushrooms. Balancing his purchases in a woven basket, he navigated the throng once more, his destination – the second residential area.

Heartfilia, sprawling and diverse, boasted seven distinct residential zones, each catering to a different social and economic class. The second area, where Adonis called home, offered a comfortable blend of affordability and convenience. Here, towering apartment buildings jostled for space with quaint townhouses, their windows adorned with colorful flower boxes.

Adonis hopped onto the elevated railway, the rhythmic rumble a familiar lullaby. The train zipped through the city, offering him glimpses of bustling markets, serene parks, and the towering spires of the prestigious First District. As he disembarked at his stop, a familiar pang of loneliness tugged at his heart. Being an adventurer was exciting, a constant test of his skills and courage, but it was also solitary. He missed his family, the warmth of their shared meals, and the easy camaraderie he once took for granted.

But then, a smile tugged at his lips. He was building a new life here, a life filled with challenges and, hopefully, rewards. And who knows, maybe someday, he'd have a home filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal, no he had to made sure to achieve this.

Adonis finally reached his haven. It wasn't a grand palace, but a cozy two-bedroom, one-living-room house that held a heart full of memories. A gift from his father, it was originally intended for him and his wife to use for vacations. His father, Robert, had understood his choice to live his life freely and not become the next head of the county after him.

With a smile, Adonis hefted his basket of groceries and approached the house.

Sunlight glinted off the polished doorknob as he reached for it, a familiar warmth spreading through him. Here, amidst the bustling chaos of Heartfilia, he found a refuge, a place to rest his weary muscles and plan his next expedition.

"Home sweet home, I'm back!" he announced, pushing open the door. The scent of a leather and aged books greeted him, a comforting aroma that spoke of countless stories waiting to be unearthed.

Stepping inside, he closed the door behind him, ready to shed the weight of the day and embrace the quiet solitude of his little haven.