Chapter 29: Suspicious Invitation
English is not my first language so you might find some mistakes in the translation of the chapter.
This chapter has been translated by various means in order to obtain the best result, so you may find some simple or normal wordings.
If you find any grammatical error or misspelled word, please feel free to correct it or write a recommendation to improve the story. Your support would be appreciated.
Enjoy the chapter.
xxxxx
The sunlight hit my face for not having closed the curtain properly the day before causing me to move around in bed avoiding the light without succeeding in the process.
I got out of bed and slowly closed the curtain to slowly walk back to my sleep, however, I stepped on the sheet causing my foot slip and fall to the floor.
In the fall my face hit the mattress so I could say that I bounced and fell to the floor, yet with the hard floor I did not move and mumbled annoying words as I stood up awkwardly.
I am not tired as such, but my head still remembers yesterday when the Amazoness twins took me to take a bath with them. The place was not empty and there were several women chatting with each other.
What made me tired was having to put up with the different bodies that were in my field of vision and the embarrassment of being naked with someone else. I was raised differently and I took baths on my own.
The discomfort I felt throughout was too much to ignore so I preferred to face the wall and talk to Tiona and Tione without making eye contact.
Of course they realized my problem so I explained to them that I did not feel comfortable being around a lot of people in that way. They understood so they helped me adapt little by little.
Something that I took as a game ended up being an extremely complicated situation for me. I was never naked with other people in my old life so that uncomfortable feeling I didn't suffer from.
Aside from the discomfort I also felt embarrassed for having to avoid looking at the adventurers' women's shapely bodies, I appreciated the curiosity for the demi-humans, but considered it disrespectful to spy on them.
Thinking about many things at the same time was what made me tired, however I already know that I rested so the only thing that does not let me get up is myself and that is not complicated to overcome.
I got up from the floor and walked to my closet past the mirror causing me to stop.
In the reflection was my body in its maximum splendor wearing only simple panties. I got used to seeing myself, but every time I look at my chest area I reflect on all the problems I might have because of it.
I may be noticeably young; I think I am nine years old. I constantly forget my age, but my breasts are already starting to show with little mounds as the beginning of all that is to come.
I run my hand over my shoulder and my chest reaching down to my lower part. When my hand brushes against that place I always shudder and shake my head away from those impure thoughts.
I still consider myself too young to do that and in case I do the feeling will bother me to do it again and feel that little pleasure.
I do not know what a woman's orgasm is like and the good or bad consequences it has on my age so I want to avoid that.
There's Riveria to help me. When I am older I will ask her why it feels weird every time I stick my finger in... yeah, that should work.
How smart you are Riku.
Dressing in my usual adventurer's attire. Black pants and a long-sleeved white shirt, black boots, and a black coat with a white patch on the right side.
In short, my clothes are black and white, I do not really like colors so this is a good outfit for the dungeon. Riveria also told me it was fine for my fighting form.
I felt my pants slack and at that I remembered my buckle belt that I had bought in a strange store.
I quite liked the design. It was a bell surrounded by fire, something simple but useful for me.
I picked up my backpack and checked if everything I wanted to carry was inside it, making sure everything was there I left my room and started walking towards the exit of the headquarters.
I had one place I wanted to visit and that was the Guild.
I cannot depend on others to help me with everything so let's start with the most important thing first.
I hope it will be easy.
xxxxx
The Guild.
This place was where I checked in and got my ID in the city dungeon. That time I felt good that I had insulted a person who annoyed me and also started my way to the top.
Still I must apologize to her if necessary, I don't want a Guild advisor who has connections to spread a rumor about me and damage my reputation.
Carefully enter without disturbing the adventurers, those people just for bumping into them rant a lot of things at you and think they can hit you just because they want to.
I walked up to the counter and looked around for the workers at the entrance. Unfortunately, for me as it was still early the receptionists were busy with adventurers.
I sighed with annoyance for coming early, I guess I will go buy something to drink to start the day off right, however, my gaze crossed with someone else's.
She was a woman with long red hair and wolf ears.
She was the one who greeted me with Bete that time and I insulted her because I did not like her somewhat hostile attitude when I entered the dungeon.
"..."
"..."
I did not say anything and neither did she, I have only been here a few seconds, but it feels like it's been a long time.
It's all or nothing.
"Hey, how's it going?"
"..." She said nothing and only looked at me critically. I honestly didn't know what to do at this point.
"Riku Cranel" I wanted to shrink in my place at the tone she used, but I stood my ground "I see you're still alive"
"Hey that offends me" I placed my hands on my waist "Monsters can be dangerous, but if I have what it takes then victory is for me"
"Hm, that's not what I meant child. The dungeon is a dangerous place, living in this one can take you to another state where it will be difficult for you to return"
I frowned and pondered that "You mean my state of mind?" she nodded and I let out an 'Oh' as I understood "That...is complicated for me"
"I understand" she spoke, but that tone made me feel that she still didn't believe me "Do you wish something?"
"I was coming to exchange my items I got" I patted my backpack making it resonate from the load on this one "I want to learn for future exchanges in the Guild and avoid shenanigans"
"Doesn't the Loki Familia teach its members this sort of thing?"
"Yes they do, however, I want to learn on my own the things that need to be done" I shrugged "Hey... What's your name?"
She blinked for a few moments before sighing and looking at me professionally "My name Rose Fanett, I'm a receptionist at the guild"
"Riku Cranel, although I guess you already know me from that day" I felt bad, but at the same time good to remember "For your information I don't like to bother others and when someone bothers me I let loose a little"
"Don't worry about it. I considered it as a child's outburst" Rosa ignored my apology "Follow me, I'm going to teach you about the exchange and also give you the value for your objects"
"I thank you" Rose hums and leads me to a room separate from the reception.
It is time to learn.
xxxxx
Fuck the studies.
All the information about magic cores and drops items are a much more complicated hassle than the studies on being an adventurer by Riveria.
There are many characteristics and minimal details that are taken into account when exchanging the stones for valis, Rose was too explicit for my request and I liked that, but it was a pain to remember to learn everything.
I was quite tired and Rose told me that in case I needed help with something to come another day, it was good that she was no longer bothered by what I told her.
The good thing was that Rose gave me the value for my objects. For the next one I will exchange it with the right person in case the things are too many it is necessary to go to another place with a receptionist.
Eventually, I took a seat to rest and read my dungeon notebook for a bit. Comparing this with the information shared with me by others my book has tips of its own that may be useful to me at times.
As I was reviewing my notes one thing led to another and now I find myself sharing a drink with a girl I met at the Guild.
Her name is Maris Hackard, a level 1 novice adventurer who was returning from the dungeon.
She looked over my shoulder and was surprised at my notes, we talked a bit and now we are in a small public place after buying a drink.
"So, you're also a newbie like me?"
"Yes" I nodded taking a sip of fruit water "Not long ago I joined a Familia and have been on the upper floors killing Goblins and Kobolds"
"Haven't you seen Dungeon Lizard?" she asked me in confusion.
"The giant lizard-like monster that can stick to walls and has fast and effective attacks?" Maris nodded and I shook my head "I've barely been in the dungeon for almost a month and recently went down to the fourth floor"
"What?" Maris looked at me in surprise.
"Is something wrong?"
"How old are you?"
"I think nine"
"Do you think?"
"Yeah" I looked at her with a raised eyebrow "I forgot quite a bit of stuff so I don't remember very well"
"Ah, uh, I mean *cough* Sorry about that" Maris apologized and ducked her head a little.
"Don't worry about it. It's normal for others not to know this and I don't want to be telling others"
"Well, I wasn't saying that because of your age. I'm saying it because you're still young for the dungeon" she grabbed a lock of hair and twirled it "I lasted long enough until I could get down to the next floors"
I could tell she was a little upset because someone else did something and had a better result compared to her.
"If it makes you feel good I was accompanied by higher level peers as a guide until I could defend myself"
"You're still so young!" she exclaimed in surprise "Not to be mean, but are you really capable of fighting monsters?"
"That's thanks to my effort," I told her with a proud smile.
"Heh, I see" Maris slumped in her seat drinking from her juice somewhat depressed, but then she perked up "Hey, what do you say we team up?"
"What?"
"You know. We make a group between you and me from time to time and support each other in the dungeon. When we're done we split the profits evenly"
"Ah" I understood what she was trying to say "The truth I'll have to talk that over" I can't trust others too easily "My Goddess is someone who should know what I do"
"Wow, won't that be very obsessive of you?" Maris asked me with a frown.
"No. It's just that I'm considered too young to do certain things. Recently, I can do my own things without intervention from others"
"I've decided!" Maris stood up from her seat and pointed at me in confusion.
"... What did you decide?"
"You are my rival" she told me in a tenacious manner "We are both novice adventurers so we will decide who will be the winner when one of us levels up faster"
"Hey...leveling up takes about a year and a half or two years" I was expressionless for her "I don't think it's easy to do"
"Nothing else is impossible for those who say that" eh, at least she has the confidence.
"Honestly do what you want" I shrugged; Maris' eyes sparkled with enthusiasm "It's been very monotonous for me these past few days"
"Hehehe, then we are rivals. I have several things to do Riku, it was nice meeting you"
"The pleasure is mine Maris" I said goodbye to her as we both went on our way.
Maris is a nice girl. She is from another Familia, but it was still fun to chat with someone outside my comfort zone. At least I just proved that I could talk to others without feeling some social anxiety.
I enjoy my juice; however, I have to put my belongings away.
I hope and expect to arrive early to the Hostess of Fertility and that there will be no setbacks.
xxxxx
The time has been good for me... I guess.
When I returned I put my things in my room and went with Riveria to explain about my little trip to the Guild and my new friendship with Rose as receptionist and adventurer.
Rivera congratulated me for having apologized to Rose. She told me that Bete had already told her how I had registered at the guild that day.
I felt ashamed, but I stood firm. I must avoid hesitating and appearing weak before others.
Books are particularly useful in this world and I will never tire of saying those words (or the author because he always remembers), as there are no other things to research and make notes on.
I miss my computer...
The notes on trivial things are immensely helpful at the beginning, but after a while they are no longer useful, for example I made my notes about Goblins, but they are no longer useful because I can kill them easily.
The books I have are about Orario, the cities outside, economics, politics, general knowledge, etc. The dungeon books are separate and I also like to learn by experience and not by words.
It is not as if a surgeon learns how to perform his/her operations only by reading a book explaining the procedure.
I have bought blank books to write memories of my past to keep an entertainment for myself, obviously I wrote it in my language (Spanish) to avoid the peeping toms.
Although I have to check if the Gods can understand the written language, Loki can understand my native language so there are things to check and more things to think about.
I shook my head with a calm smile on my face, we must put aside the chores and go to rest directly, the small meal that Syr scheduled is tonight so I must not disappoint her.
She has helped me a lot so I feel that to miss or refuse the offer would be an insult to Syr.
Heh, sometimes I don't like my sentimentality. It makes me feel weak.
If at some point a friend I trusted betrays me, there is a chance that I will hesitate to attack and that will cost me my life. I have already felt the betrayal of someone close to me, so I hope it will not happen again.
Walking through the streets of Orario, again, I head to the pub where I work part-time. A good place to enjoy the peace and arduous work.
Mama Mia is a woman who can be taken as an example for women who want to be strong and to be respected. I did because I am a woman and she is like my mother so she is an incredibly good inspiration.
I feel like she has done so much for me and I still have not thanked her enough.
Well, I cannot think too much that way, after all I am still a child and she is the owner of the place so all of us employees are her responsibility and she will help us.
Mama Mia screaming a lot is a different matter.
Oh, I'm here.
I don't bother much to bring anything because I have a space for myself in the place, more explained there is something like a locker where I keep things that are useful to me for work.
When I left I only took my personal items with me and not what I use when I work as a waitress.
It is good to be cautious and attentive with certain things.
I entered to the premises and apparently it is not open.
The sign that was hanging outside at the entrance of the place said closed for some reason, I hope there are no problems.
I was about to call someone, but a person arrived and I was a little surprised to see who it was.
"Ryuu"
"Riku"
It's okay, she still feels like the same taciturn girl from the first time we saved her that day.
At least the feeling around her is no longer as unpleasant as the first time, it looks like she wants to be accepted in this place.
"What are you doing here? I thought you had business with your Familia"
"Syr invited me to a little meeting" I explained and she nodded "She sent me a letter and since I was bored of doing nothing I came to the place. I see it's closed"
"Mama Mia has several things to do and will be out soon so she decided to close the Hostess of Fertility much earlier than normal. We will also not be open in the evening"
"I see. Where is Syr?"
"She's-"
"Oh, I see you're early"
I looked at the source of the voice and contemplated Mama Mia as she folded her arms.
"Mama Mia" I greeted her cheerfully "Ryuu told me a little bit about something she has to do"
"Yes, certain people are behaving very badly and could end up affecting my place" ah, I don't know whether to feel bad for those responsible or thankful that they won't make trouble "Because of that I asked Syr to call you to take care of some things"
"Ah"
"I can assume she said it differently didn't she"
I just nodded and Mia snorted with amusement.
"That girl knows how to convince others" Mia shook her head "Anyway Riku I have a lot of things to tell you while I'm gone. Ryuu finish what you have to do"
Ryuu nodded the order and left the place while I followed Mia. We walked through the place until we reached a room where Syr was moving some things.
She smiled as she always did and waved at me to which I waved back. Syr is someone who always knows what is going on at the Hostess of Fertility so it is normal for Mia and Syr to be doing various things.
The detail is that Syr can avoid work when no one expects it.
That makes me envious.
"Then I'll tell you the gist Riku" Mama Mia spoke to me seriously and I straightened up in my place "There are certain matters to settle as I told you a little while ago. I asked Syr to call you because you are one of the most responsible workers"
"Eh"
"If I say so then it's true brat" Mia said and I shuddered in my place at the same time nodding several times "Fine. Syr is coming with me so it's your duty to warn the rest of the girls who still don't know why we're closing early"
"Sure thing Mama Mia"
Mia smiled and patted my head as she walked away with Syr.
It's time to get to work.
xxxxx
"That's excellent news!" Anya, as she always did, exclaimed with joy and the other girls began to murmur about the situation.
Getting a day off just like that was the best they could get. It wasn't that they were suffering from labor abuse, it was just that they wanted to slack off and do nothing.
One girl among them raised her hand "What should we do? It's not a common opportunity like this" the girls near the one who asked nodded not knowing what to say.
Soon after that each one started saying very crazy ideas and I was beginning to know why Mama Mia told me to take care of it in case something dangerous was going to happen.
"Let's have a party nya!" Anya shouted with elation as she raised her hand and the other girls also gave their shout with her. Apparently all of them want a party.
At least there will be a meal as stated in Syr's letter.
"Wait a minute!" May came out of the kitchen, eh she was listening from there "What if Mama Mia finds out about this?"
Oh, the voice of reason.
The enthusiasm suddenly disappeared and instead I sighed a little thankfully that I didn't have to think about explaining the situation when Mia returned.
If something is destroyed it will be up to me who Mama Mia comes to talk, but if I explain in detail what happened and sacrifice the girl responsible then I will be fine.
"Heh" I heard a chuckle and turned to appreciate Anya who had a devilish smile quite different than usual. I think she is planning something "It's simple May nya. We just won't let Mama Mia find out nya"
The place fell silent before the girls nodded at Anya's words. Well, we work here a lot, so it is normal for them to take advantage of the free time.
"Are you with us Riku nya?"
I looked at Anya who looked happy about the situation and shrugged my shoulders to which Anya's tail wagged and she smiled happily at my easy acceptance.
We have personal supplies so there are no problem spending ingredients on what we will make.
Syr told me there would be a meal so I will tell Mama Mia it was Syr's idea if she asks me why we did this.
Now it is time to start arranging the site and creating plans in case of emergencies.
xxxxx
By the time Mama Mia had left the Hostess of Fertility and the sun was already setting so the little party we had was well underway without a hitch.
The most important thing at a party is the food to enjoy and I can say that May excelled at presenting us with multiple recipes that she has been looking to practice or prepare for quite some time.
At first things were like any other party, but little by little the rowdiness was starting to show. The girls were talking about any interesting topic and there were some playing cards, hm I should learn that or create some board game from my old world.
I could earn money...
Continuing, after lunch we continued the discussions, games, and some witticisms between girls, I still need to learn that about women.
However, everything got out of control when a girl arrived and loudly exclaimed that she was carrying alcohol. All the girls got drunk except Ryuu and me.
I sat next to her as I watched my coworkers get drunk. Ryuu does not really enjoy getting drunk and losing her elven composure and I for one don't want to lose control.
To entertain myself, I laughed at the silly things the girls did that were out of their five senses and I was in charge of preventing them from breaking anything. I picked up the plates and glasses and left them in the kitchen to clean up later.
Ryuu helped me to tidy up the place. She is really nice; I hope her behavior will improve and she will not be apathetic.
The party went well and there was no problem with the behavior of the girls who were drunk from alcohol. Each one of them fell asleep and together with Ryuu we helped them to get to their rooms, not all of them needed help, but we had to supervise.
Slowly everything calmed down and I can say that I enjoyed the party. I may be an introvert, but I fit in well and I liked that very much.
I cleaned the tables and put away the rest of the food, I could say that I work awfully hard, however this entertains me and I think about many things when I work.
Ryuu was with me the whole time and from time to time we exchanged words to facilitate the cleaning work.
"Riku"
I watched Ryuu speak to me as she moved some chairs and placed them upside down on the table "Is something wrong Ryuu?"
"Thank you"
"Uh" I blanched when I heard that " Why, I haven't helped you with something recently"
"It's not that" Ryuu shook her head and spoke to me honestly "Since I arrived you have been patient with me and helped me. I'm aware that I'm not the best person to live with, but you've accepted me without any problems"
"He" I snorted a bit remembering things "You know, the truth the first time I saw you the first thing I thought was to leave you there and get away from the place, in short I wanted to let you die to protect Syr and me"
"..."
I continued speaking to Ryuu's taciturn gaze "However, after spending time with you I remembered a bit of how I got here and I sympathized. I thought about telling you this for a long time but there was no right time"
"After that I wanted to know more about you with a similar background to me. I came here with no memories and probably my family is dead so meh, sorry if you were offended by my words"
Ryuu looked at me for a few moments and I assumed that I had already screwed up my friendship with her, but surprisingly a small smile grew on Ryuu's face.
"You are really kind... your honesty is so much fun. Thank you for trusting those words to me Riku"
"Oh, no problem" I blush a little and look away, definitely an elf like her smiling is pretty and also her accepting my honesty is rare for me. People would get mad at me for speaking truths.
"We have to finish before Mama Mia comes back"
"Right" I nodded and looked around, the place was almost clean "Thanks for helping me"
"Don't worry. Mama Mia would also scold me and all the others for the mess"
"Right" I remembered something at that instant "Ryuu"
"Is something wrong?"
"Do you mind if I speak to you by your first name directly?" there is a custom to speak by last name first, I internally grateful that Ryuu denied "Then can I ask you something?"
Ryuu nodded and I paused at the thought of what I was about to ask being rude.
"I... Can you give me your hand?"
"?" Ryuu looked at me questioningly and I could see that she frowned several times and looked at her own hand "Why the question?"
"I've seen that elves have certain details about someone else touching them" Ryuu nodded confirming my doubts "Also you always hit Anya sometimes"
"Well, she has tried to touch me so my reaction is sudden" Ryuu muttered looking away.
"I know. Anya is that animated so I want to help you with that. Can I touch your hand and know if I can touch you and avoid a blow from you?"
For a few instants Ryuu kept pondering, then she looked at me and nodded to extend her hand to me.
Carefully I also reached out my hand and took hers.
I was a little surprised by the softness of Ryuu's skin, but I put that aside and concentrated on shaking her hand.
It was normal and Ryuu did not flinch at the touch like she normally did, at least that says I am someone who could help her in special cases. After the handshake we both stood in a small awkward moment.
"Well, let's finish the job and get some rest"
"Hm, I think the same thing"
Eh, a breakthrough in friendship for someone like me is a success.
Let's get on with the work.
xxxxx
In my room I looked out the window and admired the moon rising in the night sky.
I never understood why, but I really like to look at the sky and think about how beautiful it is admired and the things that come into my head as I contemplate the sky over and over again without thinking that it was boring.
I think it's because of that dream I had a long time ago. That woman... she was very pretty and her sad look was something that made me feel bad for her like I wanted to go and give her a hug.
Unfortunately, she is already dead and there is nothing I can do.
I realized that not only did I lose my memories as Riku, but also many memories of my old life were gone. To put it another way it was as if they were there but at the same time they were not.
For that reason I feel that I am stupid in some things, thanks to the fact that all the time I consider that there were some things that I didn't realize and that affected me in small details.
At least now I know what made me more foolish and childish, I don't mind being so at this age, however, I feel I lost important things in my life. I wish to regain the memories of Riku and thus honor the life I lost and regained.
However something does not let me contemplate the night sky as I always do, I feel a little discomfort whenever I see the city. As this is Orario anything can happen and that is really something to take into account.
Just remembering how Ryuu was scammed by Mama Mia to stay in the Hostess of Fertility is a fact to review to avoid similar situations.
I laughed lightly, closed the window, and blocked it with the curtain so I could walk over and lay down on my bed, for some reason now I am not sleeping only in my underwear as I normally do.
I am wearing a white shirt and pajama pants to bed. I stopped wearing pajamas a long time ago, but now I find them useful.
I closed my eyes and wait for sleep to take me; I hope and the night will be quiet like all the others.
It is not like anyone would be stupid enough to attack Mama Mia's... Or are they?
Meh, let's go to sleep.
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