Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Wealthy tourists and travelers probably wouldn't want to risk their lives sightseeing after seeing this. It's a well-known fact that Orario, while known as the "most passionate city in the world," is also the "most dangerous city where adventurers run rampant."

"Orario is really that vast..."

Haruhime stopped to look at the map, and her tail wagged excitedly as she approached the roadside awning.

These maps are usually obtained from guilds. Incidentally, they're not free.

The demand is driven by wealthy tourists and travelers, with the Familia leading the way in planning to establish their base in the labyrinth city.

The map Bell brought seemed to be hand-drawn by the guild's receptionist; the color coding was very easy to understand, and it even made one want to explore Orario as a tourist destination. Compared to ordinary maps that are inorganic and only focus on function, the term "tourist map" was indeed more apt.

It is said that these tourist maps are sold not only by the guild but also by other clans, who provide introductions and explanations of the scenic spots from different perspectives depending on their faction.

The fun of Orario is completely different just because of this sightseeing map.

"Although I heard from Lily that besides the resource recycling in the dungeon and the magic stone product industry, the guild seems to be promoting a policy called 'tourism,' centered around entertainment facilities (casinos) in the bustling city."

"Tourism, is that right?"

"Yes. Although from the perspective of adventurers (us) who infiltrate the dungeon and then return, it doesn't seem like a tourist attraction..."

The guild aims to attract wealthy individuals with assets. Whether this policy is actually aimed at displaced travelers and ordinary members of the "familia" is a separate issue for now.

In fact, Orario does have many buildings of historical value.

In a way, the Tower of Babel and other such structures are symbols of the "Age of Gods" after the arrival of the gods.

"I was so excited when I came to O'Reilly, and I looked around at all sorts of places. I was so worried about not finding my Familia soon... I accidentally got into sightseeing mode."

Bell, holding the unfolded map, started walking again and began to talk about what happened after he came to Orario, before he formed a contract with Hestia.

Chunji, whose gaze kept shifting between the tourist map and the map, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"...Lord Bell, actually, I've already decided on a place to go, is that alright?"

"Of course! Just tell me where you want to go."

Seeing Bell nodding happily, Haruhime made up her mind for the first time and put on an expression that suggested she was about to say something willful.

That was the place I wanted to visit after arriving in Orario.

Haruhime confided in him, recalling the sacred tales of labyrinths she had read while living in the Far East.

"My little girl wants to visit the Adventurers' Graveyard!"

Hearing this wish.

Bell shuddered, and unusually, opened his mouth wide and laughed.

"Hahahaha!"

"Bell, Lord Bell?"

Hearing the sudden laughter, Chun Ji was at a loss.

While wiping his eyes and apologizing, Bell told Chun-hime with a smile.

"When I first came to Orario, I went straight to the same place. Pretty funny, right?"

Bell and Haruhime's city tour begins.

The first place they went to was the "Adventurers' Graveyard," which Haruhime had wanted to visit. Seeing the cluster of dark tombstones deep within the graveyard—a memorial to the heroes—Haruhime was deeply moved. Essentially, she was exactly like Bell when he first came to Orario.

Bell offered the flowers she had bought along the way, clasped her hands together and silently prayed, and then the two strolled around in various other places.

Although Haruhime said she wanted to visit the "Adventurer's Graveyard," she couldn't decide where to go. While there were too many options, Haruhime was always worried about tiring Bell out, so she couldn't make up her mind.

Seeing Haruhime so bewildered, Bell would...

"How is it here?"

"This place seems to be very popular."

Actually, I want to go too.

The proposal was made in this way.

Haruhime, whose autonomy was stifled during her upbringing in a wealthy family in the Far East and even during the era of prostitutes, was extremely nervous simply because this was Bell's first time being a tour guide.

Despite the recent lack of major events and relative leisure, the city still boasts a striking circular arena, a factory producing magic stone products for the city's unemployed laborers, and the Twilight Mansion, the headquarters of the Loki Familia, often referred to as the "Chief's Residence," visible from a high platform. Haruhime marveled at these urban sights she rarely saw. She also visited the former workshops used by Welf before joining the Hestia Familia—of course, she had made sure to greet the main god (Hephaestus) properly—her interest undiminished. In addition, there were places strongly recommended by Bell, such as the "Hero's Bridge" and the "Saint-Fruland Grand Hall," famous sites associated with heroic spirits that she had visited when she first arrived in Orario; she had seen them all.

Even as they moved through the city center, Haruhime was still marveling at the sights.

The Tower of Babel is commonplace when traveling to the underground city, but the situation is different if you are climbing instead of diving underground.

The second and third floors housed the medical facilities and exchange shop they had previously dealt with. Beyond the fourth to eighth floors, where the Hephaestus Familia had opened a branch, lay the twentieth floor, which was rented out as shops. Bell and his companions moved using an elevator. While there were many things adventurers and sorcerers should see—a vast array of weapons and items, including the 'Elven Protector' which could only be obtained in this 'Tower of Babel'—Bell and his group were there to see the view of Orario through the enormous windows.

Upon witnessing it, Haruhime exclaimed, "Wow…!" The view from the twentieth floor of the skyscraper, which was already taller than the massive city walls, was undoubtedly spectacular. For Haruhime, who had never been above the second floor of the Tower of Babel before, including those who had undergone rank ascension during her time as a member of the Ishtar Familia, being able to see it was a joy in itself. In this place, which Bell had actually visited for the first time using a tourist map, Haruhime looked out as if this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This is one of the Orario landscapes that Haruhime was unaware of.

If you move along the circular floor and look southeast, the entertainment district that once imprisoned you is surprisingly small.

Moreover, beyond the city walls that surround the metropolis, a magnificent world unfolds.

Since arriving in Orario, Haruhime, who could only look up at the moon from the latticed windows of the Flower District, finally has the real feeling of being at the "center of the world." At the same time, she also feels just how vast the world truly is.

Chunji kept expressing her gratitude.

Bell waved his hands with a wry smile, while simultaneously curving his lips into a seemingly pleased expression.

No one complained about occupying the shop space without buying anything, just enjoying the view. It seems this floor is often used as an observation deck by adventurers. Incidentally, the shop that opened alone on the twentieth floor and now has a 'Closed' sign is a famous restaurant frequented by all sorts of people, from gods to merchants.

A luxurious dinner with a beautiful night view, suitable for both men and women, costs over 500,000 Valis. Bell and Chunji, who initially thought it was quite romantic, swallowed their "Oh dear!" and retreated on the spot, utterly dejected, upon hearing the price.

"Thank you, Lord Bell. You've taken Haruhime to so many places."

"As long as you're happy. But actually, there are quite a few places I've been to for the first time myself... I had no idea there were places like that in Orario."

The two, still exhilarated after emerging from the Tower of Babel, strolled along the street.

The golden sun overhead was just reaching its zenith.

Summer is almost here.

Although it was early summer and still a bit hot, many of the passersby were already drenched in sweat. Those who were beastmen like Chun Ji were particularly uncomfortable because of the fur on their tails and ears. Needless to say, those wearing thin clothes were uncomfortable, and there were also quite a few people walking by drinking refreshing fruit juice chilled in ice water.

While sweating profusely, she gulped down the drink as if it were delicious, and Chun Ji was inadvertently drawn to her gaze.

"Should we go buy some juice too?"

"Eh? No, it's alright, Lord Bell! I... I don't really want it...! And the money..."

"I'll pay for it. Besides, look, it's already lunchtime."

Bell smiled at Haruhime, who was blushing and waving her hands in a fluster, and walked toward the open-air shop.

She bought freshly squeezed apricot and raspberry juice, as well as fried potato balls. The latter had a sweet matcha cream flavor that reminded Haruhime of the Far East. After bowing several times, Haruhime drove to a park that happened to be empty and sat on a bench in "Amer's Square" to enjoy her lunch.

(What's going on? Lord Bell seems even more majestic today...)

Chun-hime ate the fried potato balls with small, cherry-like bites, secretly glancing at the person next to her.

Although the pretty paper straws provided by the shop were unusual, Belle, who was drinking juice like a child, noticed Haruhime's gaze and smiled shyly. Seeing this smile, Haruhime became even more flustered and quickly looked away.

Something was definitely not right.

No, although it might not be surprising, Bale looks 30% more handsome than usual.

How should I put it? Very reliable.

From the moment we emerged from the street, we were guided by Bell.

Although Bell would quickly transform into the appearance of a battle-hardened adventurer once he entered the dungeon, the "coolness" that Haruhime felt right now seemed to come from other aspects.

Is it the joy of being able to act alongside her, or the feeling that I value her that's been conveyed...?

While feeling her blood rushing to her head and lost in thought, Haruhime sipped her juice and wagged her tail...

(Miss Spring, aren't you enjoying yourself? But for today, you have to act like an older brother...!)

—On the other hand, from Bell's perspective, racking his brains to make the dejected Haruhime smile was nothing more than desperately straightening his body.

Then, while persuading Haruhime to go outside, she was casually given some guidance by someone she had been discussing fate with, who kept saying, "You absolutely must do this! You absolutely must!!" Incidentally, this guidance was the so-called "Ten Secrets" that she and Chigusa desperately wanted to be guided by the men they longed for, the warrior god (Takemikazuchi) and Sakura. This was the product of the fantasies that the beautiful young women had discussed at the tea party.

It seems that the heartwarming "support shot" from the childhood sweethearts in the Far East had an effect.

"ah……!"

"Miss Haruhime! Are you alright? There are a lot of people here, shall we hold hands?"

"Okay, okay!?"

"It would be terrible if we got separated."

After lunch, swallowed up by the crowd, Bell tightly grasped the hand of Chun Ji, who had almost gotten separated from him.

Haruhime's face flushed the reddest it had been that day as she was forcefully pulled closer by the adventurer—no, by the power of the opposite sex. Even after accepting the offer to hold her hand, the heat on her face wouldn't subside. Unable to even manage a proper groan, Haruhime could only nod slightly in response.

Their fingers intertwined with the boy's right hand, which they were now holding, as they walked toward the main road filled with pedestrians.

(This, this, the day when I can hold hands with an adult and stay together is truly...!)

And it's just the two of them!

And he's with the person he loves!

Chunji's heart pounded loudly and uncontrollably.

She had already given up when she fell into prostitution; isn't this just like the small happiness that an ordinary girl dreams of?

Her palms shouldn't be sweaty, and her sweaty neck shouldn't smell strange. These anxious thoughts filled Chunji's mind.

(This is just like... 'YueHui')

Chunji thought about it this way,

(This, this is, 'YueHui'...!?)

Then, his face flushed with a radiant red.

Shopping with the adult I like. So that's what 'YueHui' is.

This is undoubtedly a "date" that often occurred among the veteran prostitutes in the red-light district!

As soon as she realized this, Haruhime became increasingly restless.

The thick fox tail twitched even more vigorously than before, and its ears twitched incessantly.

Her face was almost as red as a boiled crab, and her beautiful emerald green eyes seemed to be swirling in circles.

They almost wanted to let go of each other's hands, but no matter what they did, they couldn't untie them, and instead they gripped them tightly again.

Her chest pounded uncontrollably, and the sound almost reached the boy through their clasped hands. Haruhime, nearly collapsing from shame, closed her eyes. —Seeing such a healthy reaction, "Guha—!?" "Could this be an endangered, innocent beauty…!?" "This is amazing, this is amazing! So cute!!" Even the gods, far away, were captivated, collapsing en masse.

Haruhime noticed the sudden commotion around her, and slightly opened her eyes.

"what……"

"..."

Bell's face also flushed slightly.

Is it shyness, or a rush of blood to the head?

Bell, though not as composed as Haruhime, slightly raised his chin and fixed his gaze on the sky.

Could it be that Haruhime simply didn't notice?

It's probably always been like this ever since I brought her out of the mansion.

From the moment I began to guide him until now, as we hold hands, I have probably always been aware that Haruhime is shy.

The moment she thought of this, Haruhime's voice changed.

The melody is still as fast as before, but it's no longer as intense as a giant wave. Instead, it has a warm feeling that envelops the whole body.

With her face still flushed, she looked up at the profile of the boy who was slightly taller than her.

The boy should have noticed the gaze, but he didn't turn his head. Instead, his face gradually turned red, just like Haruhime's.

Haruhime, through her kimono, used her free right hand to stroke her chest.

With their hands clasped together, Chunji wanted to shorten the distance between them—to get closer to the past. She mustered her last bit of courage and was about to lean in.

however.

"Hey, Little Rookie is out with another woman again..."