"Mr. Adventurer, have you had breakfast yet today?"
As usual, Yoru passed by the roadside tavern in the morning, and just like she had been waiting for him, Syr stood by the entrance holding a small basket, smiling warmly.
"Thank you for your concern, but I've already eaten."
Declining her offer, Yoru couldn't help but return a soft smile.
"Will you be free tonight? How about I treat you to dinner?"
"Eh… I-I couldn't possibly! I still have to work at the shop tonight…"
Syr's cheeks flushed as she hesitated shyly. Yoru, on the other hand, shook his head without concern.
"Work can wait. Worst case, I'll just pay your boss to cover your shift."
Of the 3,000 valis earned from the Minotaur's magic stone, Hestia had only taken 1,000—leaving Yoru with 2,000. Now that he had money on hand, he wanted to properly thank this kind girl who had quietly supported and cared for him.
"Eh…"
Syr froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond to Yoru's sudden invitation. He, however, simply smiled and turned to leave.
"Then it's settled—tonight… wait for me."
With a playful, suggestive tone, Yoru left behind the blushing, flustered girl and walked away in a relaxed stride.
"…What the heck. It hasn't even been that long, but Mr. Yoru feels like a completely different person now."
Syr thought back to their first meeting, when Yoru was reserved and wary, always keeping his distance. Compared to how he was now—open, teasing, and smiling—he seemed like a whole new man.
But… this version isn't bad at all. You look really handsome when you smile, Mr. Yoru…
With that shy thought lingering in her heart, Syr turned around and returned inside the shop.
—
Later that evening, Yoru arrived at the Guild looking rather dejected.
"…What's wrong? Another monsterless day?"
Eina raised an eyebrow as she looked at Yoru curiously.
"Yeah… Just like always, I didn't run into a single monster."
Yoru sighed lifelessly. After meeting that Minotaur yesterday, he thought maybe his luck had finally turned—but unfortunately, today was another disappointment.
"Come with me for a moment."
The Guild lobby wasn't too crowded, but still not the place for private discussion. It was best not to let others overhear Yoru's… unusual condition. Who knew what kind of rumors might spread?
Eina led him to a private consultation room and took a seat by the desk, her expression serious.
"…How deep did you go today?"
"The fifth floor."
Yoru replied honestly. Eina let out a small sigh of relief.
Fifth floor, huh… At least that was better than charging straight to the ninth like yesterday.
Better? Your ass!
He's only been an adventurer for three days and already talks about going to the fifth floor like he's just strolling through his backyard!
"…We really need to deal with this issue. If you keep doing whatever you want, I'll have no choice but to report everything to Lady Hestia. If something happens to you in the deeper floors, I'd be held accountable for failing as your advisor."
Eina rubbed her temples, clearly frustrated. And just as she predicted, Yoru straightened up at the mention of Hestia's name.
"That won't happen. I'm telling you, I can't run into monsters."
"Then what about yesterday? Didn't you encounter a Minotaur on the ninth floor?! That's what I've been trying to say! Sure, maybe you've been lucky so far, but sooner or later, that luck will run out. And then what—are you just going to sit down and wait to die?!"
Her words struck hard. Yoru lowered his head, looking genuinely apologetic.
"I told you from the start, even if you're not encountering monsters, stay on the first floor! What did you think I meant when I said that?!"
"...Wind in my ears."
"…What did you just say?"
"N-Nothing! I meant to say I've always kept your advice in mind, Eina!"
Yoru quickly corrected himself, mentally cursing his slip of the tongue.
Eina just sighed in exasperation. Unlike most adventurers who valued their lives, Yoru acted like his didn't matter in the slightest.
Did he not feel any fear? Did he not understand how one reckless mistake could cost everything?
"I know I'm just a Guild advisor, and maybe you don't really listen to what I say… But for Lady Hestia's sake, please take better care of yourself. Don't do anything reckless. Dungeon exploration isn't something that can be rushed—take it step by step."
"…Don't worry. I won't tell Lady Hestia you've been sneaking into deeper floors. But please, do better from now on."
"…Got it."
Yoru nodded obediently. Though deep down, he was already thinking: Next time I'll just avoid telling her.
But Eina seemed to sense exactly what he was thinking. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"…And don't even think about hiding things from me. You know what'll happen if I find out, don't you?"
"Got it! Got it! Can I go now?"
Yoru nodded so fast it looked like a bird pecking at grains, making Eina snort a laugh.
"Go, go. Honestly, you make it seem like I'm some kind of demon."
Yoru turned to leave. But as he reached the door, he suddenly looked back, smiling warmly.
"You're not like that at all, Eina. You're always thinking about me. Honestly, I've just been immature and made you worry too much. Thanks for everything, Eina."
With that, he left the room.
"…W-What the heck… Don't think flattery like that is going to make me happy, okay!"
Despite her words, Eina's heart felt warm. She touched her cheek without thinking. Guess I do have some charm after all…
She always thought she had no effect on him whatsoever.