Chapter 337 - No trouble
After Mia spoke, the tavern's atmosphere vanished, replaced by a heavy silence.
Under her piercing glare, the adventurers fell mute, heads bowed.
No one caused trouble at the Hostess of Fertility.
It was an unspoken rule among Orario's adventurers, born from the grim fates of those who'd dared in the past.
The tavern's charming maids belied its ironclad order.
Mia, with her imposing presence, could floor an adventurer with a single punch.
Rumors had once spurred curious souls to dig into the tavern's secrets, revealing ties to the Freya Familia, one of Orario's twin kings.
Mia herself was its former captain—a Level 6 adventurer.
With such a figure at the helm, only the reckless or clueless stirred trouble here.
Moments ago, the crowd had cheered Mahiro's victory.
Now, they pitied him, expecting Mia's wrath.
"Who flipped these tables?" Mia demanded, her gaze skipping Mahiro to land on Syr.
"Them!" Syr pointed at the Apollo Familia members sprawled on the floor.
"They provoked Mahiro for no reason, trying to start a fight. He just settled it."
"You're not one for trouble, kid. Sit, eat," Mia said, nodding at Mahiro.
"Syr's been moping over you. Catch up."
She turned to the crowd.
"You lot, fix these tables now, or I'll have words when I'm back."
Hoisting two flour sacks, Mia strode to the kitchen, leaving the stunned adventurers behind.
What the hell? Letting Mahiro off that easily? In the past, troublemakers—provoker or provoked—faced her fury.
Yet Mahiro walked free.
Syr flashed a sly, devilish smile, crouching beside an adventurer.
She poked one, saying, "Better compensate, or Mia's anger is terrifying."
The adventurer, mid-groan, froze at the threat.
"Pay up and get lost," Mahiro said, nudging another with his foot.
The Apollo members scrambled up, tossing a coin pouch to Syr before dragging the unconscious Hyakinthos and pallum out into the night.
"Made Mia some valis again," Syr said, pocketing the pouch with a grin before returning to her seat.
"Didn't expect Apollo's creeps to target you," Hestia said, shuddering.
"Be careful, Mahiro. Don't let their weird vibe rub off."
Mahiro sighed, speechless.
Settling back, he checked his system's task panel.
[Main Quest 6: Fame in Orario, Progress: 186,321/1,000,000.]
"Hundreds of thousands in one day," Mahiro noted, pleased.
He wondered if this lesson would cool Apollo's vendetta.
That god wasn't known for letting grudges slide.
Hestia eyed him, worried. "I know you're strong, but Apollo's… unsettling."
"I'd rather not deal with those weirdos either," Mahiro said, exasperated.
The Apollo Familia, while stronger than the Soma Familia, was second-rate in Orario.
Mahiro had been itching to spark a Familia war but needed a worthy foe and a just cause.
Apollo's lot seemed too weak for his first conquest—ideally, he'd target a Familia with Level 4 or higher adventurers.
"By the way, Hestia, do you remember which goddesses chased us today?" Mahiro asked.
"Why?" Hestia said, instantly wary, suspecting he was smitten.
If he showed interest, those goddesses would leap at the chance.
"I mean," Mahiro said, catching her jealous glare and rolling his eyes, "after being hounded all afternoon, shouldn't I return the favor?"
After leaving the Hostess of Fertility, Mahiro and Hestia strolled Orario a bit longer, returning home near ten.
Hestia scouted the residence's gate with exaggerated caution, ensuring no gods lingered.
Satisfied, she waved Mahiro over.
"All clear, Mahiro!"
He chuckled.
His senses had already confirmed the coast was clear, but Hestia's antics were endearing, so he let her play lookout.
Back home, they wrapped up their date and went to sleep.
The next day, Mahiro headed straight to the Guild.
---
Read 20 Chapters In Advance:
patreon.com/heavenlydawn