"Let's slip away quietly?"
The girl, watching Arthas and Ryuu talk, thought this and tried to leave unnoticed.
But Arthas reached out and gently tugged on her hood.
"Our agreement. Don't forget."
Seeing Arthas's impassive face, the girl, slightly afraid, nodded.
"I'll wait for you at the Dungeon entrance tomorrow. Don't keep me waiting."
Though gentle, it sounded like a threat.
"I understand. I'll be there."
"I helped you, so…"
"I know. Three days' pay is enough, right?"
The girl muttered this to herself, annoyed.
What… is he being stingy? Adventurers are all annoying.
Arthas nodded, satisfied, and released her.
"Who was that girl?"
Ryuu asked curiously.
"A support member. She seems good."
Arthas said; Ryuu shook her head.
"Choosing a support member is serious. You can't just choose based on looks, though she is cute, but…"
"It wasn't like that. I just happened to meet her. She had problems, and helping her saved me money."
"That's even more careless…"
Ryuu looked helpless; she wanted to say more, but couldn't meet Arthas's gaze.
"Fine. It's your choice. Just be careful; a good support member is crucial in the Dungeon. Syr would be heartbroken if anything happened to you."
"What did you mean earlier, about me and Syr?"
Arthas asked, remembering Ryuu's words.
"Are you planning to abandon her?"
Ryuu looked at Arthas intently, her question full of pressure.
"I… don't understand."
Arthas looked confused. When had he abandoned Syr?
"I… need to clarify. I only like Riveria."
Arthas said seriously, expecting understanding.
"I understand, but that's irrelevant. If you upset Syr, I won't forgive you."
After this intense gaze, Ryuu turned and left, leaving Arthas confused.
She's angry? But why?
...
With a support member, I should encounter monsters, right?
The next morning, Arthas thought as he prepared his equipment.
He carried Hestia's Blade and wore the emerald bracer Eina had given him.
If it doesn't work… I'll tell Hestia.
"Hestia, I'm going to the Dungeon."
"Okay… stay safe."
Still in bed, Hestia waved lazily.
The support member shouldn't stand me up. I've seen her many times at the Dungeon entrance.
Her large backpack was noticeable.
He took a shortcut to the central plaza.
Following the crowd of adventurers, Arthas reached Babel Tower.
He wasn't disappointed; the girl with the oversized backpack was there.
"I'm glad you kept your word."
Arthas said; the girl hummed quietly.
She didn't know why she'd come; she'd just found herself at the plaza, waiting.
Why am I doing this? I could have hidden for a few days. Why am I his support member? And working for free for three days!
Remembering Arthas's words from the alley, she pouted.
Such a stingy adventurer! Other adventurers might be stingy, but they're polite before hiring.
They only turn nasty after the job, when dividing the money. He's deducting three days' pay before even starting!
"I'm your support member. Pleased to meet you."
Though unhappy, she acted enthusiastic.
"Let's go."
Arthas nodded, heading straight for the Dungeon.
So straightforward. Another battle-obsessed idiot? But at least they're easier to deal with.
The girl followed.
"Mr. Adventurer, shouldn't you introduce yourself? My name is Liliruca Arde. How should I address you? 'Sir'?"
"Call me Arthas."
"Arthas-sama?"
"No need for 'sama'."
Arthas disliked the formal address.
"But I'm a humble support member; it's disrespectful not to use honorifics."
The girl said naturally, with a false smile. Arthas stared at her for a moment, then continued walking.
Something… is different about him.
Liliruca tilted her head, then stopped thinking and followed.
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