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AND
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Following behind Karmac's caravan, Damien was waved through Orario's gates without issue. The merchant paid the entry fee for both of them, and Damien promised to pay him back one day.
"Hah! Pay me back?" Karmac laughed, throwing his head back. "Darling, you can settle your debt only when you stand at the very top of Orario!"
Damien gave a faint, awkward smile at the man's dramatic flair, but as soon as they passed the walls, his thoughts were stolen away.
The city hit him like a tidal wave.
Streets thronged with people of every kind—broad-shouldered dwarves barking out prices for their wares, Pallum darting between legs with heavy loads on their backs, beastmen laughing with toothy grins, and elves walking with serene elegance that made them look like they were carved from starlight. Among them bustled countless humans, some armored and carrying weapons, others dressed like simple merchants or townsfolk.
It was a cultural kaleidoscope, and for Damien, it was intoxicating. 'This… this is the real Orario. I'm really here.'
"Oh-ho?" Karmac's painted lips curled into a grin. "Looks like it's your first time in the labyrinth city, isn't it?"
"Yes… I've never been here before." Damien's voice was hushed, almost reverent. "Quite the fascinating place…"
"Indeed it is!" Karmac clapped his hands together and spun on his heel, turning to his Pallum aide. "Doran! Tell the driver to head for the Hostess of Fertility immediately! Tonight, we feast!"
The Pallum bowed his head and scurried off with quick little steps, and soon enough, the carriage rolled to a stop before a bustling two-story building that radiated warmth and life.
Damien froze. 'No way… the Hostess of Fertility? Seeing it in person is surreal…'
The painted sign above the entrance swung in the breeze, and from inside came the roar of laughter, the clatter of plates, and the musical notes of voices raised in drunken song.
"Come along, darling!" Karmac beckoned as he strode boldly inside.
Damien followed, stepping into a storm of energy. Adventurers packed the long tables, mugs clashed together, meat roasted over the fire, and barmaids wove between the chaos with trays in hand.
But the true centerpiece wasn't the food or drink. It was the waitresses.
Each one was striking in her own way—beauty sharpened by spirit. It was little wonder the place was always full; no one in their right mind would pass up good food, strong drink, and the company of such women. And no one dared harass them, either—rumor had it, doing so was less a mistake and more a death sentence.
"MIA! MY LOVE!"
Karmac's shout nearly made Damien choke. He stared in horror as the merchant threw his arms wide toward the counter.
From behind it, a girl with auburn hair leaned against the wood, grinning mischievously. "Mamma Mia! The weird merchant's back again!"
Heavy footsteps shook the floor. A towering woman emerged from the kitchen, scarred arms folded and scowl set deep on her face.
Mia Grande. To most, she was the owner of the Hostess. To Damien, who knew the truth, she was once a Level 6 warrior under Freya herself.
"What are you shouting for, you fool?" she barked.
Karmac pressed a hand to his chest dramatically. "I've come to finally claim your heart, my love!"
A frying pan swung through the air and cracked against his skull, sending him crashing to the floor with a dull thud.
Damien recoiled in horror, raising both hands quickly. "I'm not with him. At all."
Laughter chimed from behind the counter. One of the waitresses leaned forward, chin in her hand, Auburn hair spilling down as her brown eyes gleamed. "Ohhh, Mamma Mia, he's so cute! Can we keep him?"
Damien jerked back as if stung. "What? I'm not a damn pet!"
Mia's glare shifted onto him instantly, and Damien felt the weight of a predator's eyes. "Watch your language, boy."
"Right—uh, my bad," Damien muttered quickly, straightening up.
"Stop calling customers pets, Lunoire," Mia growled, her gaze sweeping back to the elf.
"Yes, ma'am!" Lunoire saluted playfully, smile never fading.
"HAHAHAHAH!" Karmac's voice boomed from the floor as he pushed himself upright, clutching his bruised head. "Ahh, the fist of love from my Mia!"
"You got brained by a Pan, man," Damien muttered, staring at him.
"Nonsense!" Karmac waved him off with glittering eyes. "That's just her way of expressing affection."
Rolling her eyes, Lunoire turned back to them. "What can I get you this time, Mr. Karmac? And who's the cute one beside you?"
"Oh, him?" Karmac swept Damien into a side hug before he could escape. "This is Damien! My new friend. I found him lost outside the city, and as his uncle, I've taken him under my wing! Now, bring us food and drinks, enough to fill our bellies!"
"Coming right up!" Lunoire chirped, spinning away to the kitchen.
Damien groaned, face buried in his hand. "Why do I feel like I've just been adopted against my will…"
...
Another waitress approached with a tray in hand, balancing plates and mugs with ease. She had sleek black hair and vibrant green eyes that seemed to gleam mischievously under the tavern's lanterns.
"Hello, hello~! Here's your food and drinks, nya!" she chirped, sliding the plates onto the table with practiced grace. "How've you been doing, Mr. Karmac?"
Karmac took a bite of the food, closing his eyes in satisfaction. "Absolutely perfect! As expected of my darling Mia's cooking!" Then, glancing up at the girl, he grinned. "Ah, Chloe! I've been wonderful. Just returned with a marvelous silk collection from the East—you wouldn't believe how smooth it is, honey."
"Oooh, that sounds exciting, nya~!" Chloe's ears twitched (well, metaphorically), and she leaned in playfully. "I've been wanting new clothes, so if your silk is really that good, I'll have Syr stitch me a brand-new outfit, nya!" Her green eyes then slid toward Damien, her lips curling into a sly smile. "And what do we have here, hm? A snack of yours, Karmac~?"
Karmac nearly choked on his drink. "Chloe!" he hissed, flustered. Leaning closer, he whispered harshly, "You know I don't do things like that!"
Chloe laughed, tail—if she had one—practically swishing in amusement. "I know, nya~! Just teasing, Mr. Karmac! If you ever did try something like that though…" Her grin turned sharp. "…I'd slit your throat before you could blink, nya."
The mood around the table froze. Damien blinked. "...What the hell's a snack supposed to mean?"
Chloe's grin widened, eyes narrowing playfully. "Why, you're the snack, nya~."
Damien's eyebrow twitched. "The fuck does that mean—wait, wait, don't tell me…!?" His face paled as he shot up from his seat. "Karmac! I'm not into that shit!"
"I'm not either, darling, relax!" Karmac waved his hands frantically. "Only red district merchants deal in that sort of filth. I have eyes only for Mia!"
Damien groaned, slumping back into his chair with relief. "…You people are insane."
Chloe giggled behind her hand, green eyes sparkling with delight. "You should've seen your face, nya! Oh, right, introductions!" She extended a hand toward him, claws faintly tapping the wood. "I'm Chloe. Chloe Rollo, nya~."
Damien hesitated but shook her hand anyway. "Damien. Damien Ardent."
"Damien, huh? Nice to meet you, nya. So what brings you to Orario?" she purred, head tilting like a curious cat.
"The same reason as every other fool in this city, isn't it?" Damien muttered, taking a sip from his mug. "I want to be an Adventurer."
"Oooh, ambitious, nya~!" Chloe's grin only grew wider. "But tell me, nya—have you found a god to follow yet?"
Damien shook his head. "No. I just got here. Haven't even tried."
"In that case, nya~…" Chloe leaned closer, lowering her voice just enough to sound like a secret being whispered in his ear. "You'll want to sign up for the guild's upcoming tournament! Adventurers and ordinary people without a familia can compete, nya. Show off your skills, and you might just catch the eye of a god."
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If you Like this story! Check out my other storys ! Sukuna in DC! and Dragon Slayer in Marvel!
AND
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/Riadooo"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !