"Justice and Revenge"
The Hostess of Fertility, a renowned adventurer tavern in Orario. Even large Familias like the Loki Familia frequently held banquets here.
The tavern was highly praised by adventurers for its top-notch food and charming waitstaff.
Every single person working there, including the owner, was anything but ordinary.
The owner, Mia Grand, former captain of the Freya Familia, a Level 6 adventurer.
The elven waitress, Ryuu Lion, a former Level 4 adventurer.
Two Cat-person waitresses: Anya Fromel, a former Level 4 adventurer of the Freya Familia, titled "Vana Alfi"; and Chloe Rollo, a Level 4 assassin with a 100% success rate, titled "Black Cat".
The two human waitresses were equally extraordinary: Syr, Freya's avatar; and Lunoire Faust, a Level 4 bounty hunter from the Demeter Familia, with a 100% success rate, titled "Black Fist".
Remarkably, a single tavern boasted a Level 6, four Level 4s, plus a goddess's avatar—a lineup most Familias in Orario could only dream of.
Previously, wary of attracting Freya's attention, Drake had avoided this establishment.
However, due to Ryuu's outburst, certain things had already been revealed, and Drake no longer hesitated.
Guided by the two women, Drake arrived at the famous tavern.
After seating Drake, Syr went to the kitchen; shortly after, a tall, powerfully built woman emerged.
Affectionately called "Mama Mia" by the staff, this Level 6, top-tier adventurer exuded an aura of formidable power, clearly perceptible to Drake.
Impressive! Standing at 180cm, Mia is a dwarf, titled "Demi Ymir".
180cm… one wonders about the definition of "dwarf"!
Mia approached Drake. "Never seen you before, kid! First time at our place?
I hear my staff was rather rude to you; let me make it up to you with some excellent hospitality! I'll order for you; just relax and enjoy!"
Drake replied, "It was a misunderstanding; all's well now."
Mia clapped Drake on the shoulder, smiling. "Kid, you're a real man. Look forward to my cooking!"
Drake nodded. "Then I won't be shy."
Mia glanced at Ryuu sitting opposite Drake, sighed without comment, and returned to the kitchen to prepare the food.
Drake placed the earring on the table. Seeing the item that had once adorned her enemy's ear, Ryuu's composure faltered.
However, she managed to maintain control, staring intently at the earring. "This… where did you get this?"
Drake said, "I encountered the man wearing this in the Dungeon. Yes, the one you're thinking of—Revis of the Alecto Familia."
"Where is he?" Ryuu gritted her teeth, her eyes burning with hatred.
Drake shook his head. "You won't see him again."
Ryuu paused, looking at Drake in confusion.
Drake pointed to the earring on the table. "Do you think he willingly gave this to me? That guy's remains are probably long gone, devoured by the monsters of the 27th floor."
"He… is dead?"
Ryuu was momentarily at a loss for how to feel.
Happy? Yes, she should be; the man responsible for her friend's death had met his end in the Dungeon, his very body consumed by monsters.
Sad? Yes, she hadn't achieved personal revenge; that was natural.
Ryuu felt her heart was a tangled mess of emotions.
Drake watched Ryuu's complex expression, sighing deeply.
He seemed to constantly encounter individuals burdened by such struggles; witnessing their pain and turmoil, Drake always felt compelled to offer solace.
"Miss Ryuu, I've heard about the Astrea Familia incident."
Hearing the familiar name, Ryuu looked up at Drake.
Drake continued, "After encountering Revis, I investigated him and learned about you and the Astrea Familia.
I haven't met the goddess herself, but I've learned about her ideals of justice."
Astrea, the goddess of justice, didn't bend to power like some others.
From Drake's modern perspective, the goddess's ideals of justice resonated deeply with his own understanding.
Drake couldn't help but feel regret at arriving in this world so late! If he had been in Orario before the tragedy, he would have done everything in his power to prevent it.
Ryuu's face showed bitterness. "Do I even have the right to speak of the goddess and justice anymore?"
Drake finally understood Ryuu's internal conflict.
Five years ago, the calamity had claimed the life of her close friend; since then, revenge had consumed her.
For revenge, she had left Orario at her goddess's request, abandoning the justice she and her comrades had always upheld.
In her pursuit of revenge, she had used every means necessary—interrogation, traps, poison, assassination—completely abandoning her moral compass, let alone the elegance and grace expected of an elf.
Justice—the only thing left besides her friends' broken weapons—had been cast aside for revenge.
But she didn't regret it; given another chance, she would still choose the path of revenge. But that didn't negate her suffering.
Drake, missing this nuance, said, "Is there a conflict between revenge and justice? Many say revenge is meaningless, only bringing pain and more hatred.
But that's wrong! Revenge does have meaning. For both the perpetrator and the victim, it's their deserved punishment and a path to peace. Isn't that justice?"
Seeing Ryuu's continued pain, Drake knew his words hadn't fully resolved her inner conflict.
He continued, "The only time revenge is truly meaningless is for the avenger. Even if successful, the dead won't return, and the pain will remain."
Ryuu deeply agreed; in the years since her revenge, she'd often wished she'd died alongside her comrades on the 27th floor.
Drake looked into Ryuu's eyes, speaking with conviction. "That's why you must strive to live. The avenger carries not only hatred but also the lives of their fallen comrades.
Your life is a testament to their sacrifice. Even if you're condemned as shameless, live strong. Their sacrifice won't be in vain."
Drake looked away, silent. Ryuu lowered her head, lost in thought; silence filled the air.
Bang!
Mia, who had been observing, approached, placing a platter heavily on the table.
Sizzling steaks, glistening with oil, released an alluring aroma; the rich sauce made Drake's mouth water.
Mia said heartily, "This is a special dish for you. Men should eat and drink heartily; it's an adventurer's romance."
She placed a large goblet before Drake.
"This one's on me. Thank you for helping my waitress."
Drake, eating his steak, waved his hand dismissively.
Mia smiled and went to get more food.
Ryuu remained silent, while Drake devoured the meal. When Ryuu finally looked up, only empty plates remained; Drake had already left.
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