On a peaceful evening in the village of Bloomy, the residents were strolling about calmly. Children played while adults chatted, free from the suffering caused by those wyverns attacks. Far from the village, in a tree-filled area, there were large numbers of mushroom monsters—but a single person was fighting them, Laos.
"So, Thalesa, let's try the fourth form."
"That's the third form. Don't count the default one."
"Whatever. What's its name?"
"The Aqua Blaster. It's a form specialized in amplifying projectiles—in other words, it increases the size of your attacks. Try firing a Water Ball with it."
Oh my god, this is amazing. I might actually be able to take down at least one wyvern with this form. Whether it's the third or fourth, doesn't matter... it looked so cool. A short blade, icy blue in color, with flowing water coiled around it like decorations. What a stunning design. After that, I stared at the mushroom monsters approaching me with their huge mouths, then chanted: "Water Ball."
At that moment, a ball of water was launched—not like any previous one, but much larger, probably the size of a goblin. It flew toward them, and unlike before, I managed to kill them all in one shot... This is absolutely incredible! I started staring at the sword, filled with joy. Yeah, I think I can actually kill a wyvern with this. Damn, the Spirit Power System is seriously overpowered! And I'm still just getting started.
"Now try the two abilities: Aqua Rains and Ground Wave."
I continued training and testing out the new power I had obtained. Aqua Rains was a storm of rapid rain pouring from the sword, and the second was a powerful water wave that shot from the ground and carved its way toward the enemy. Either way, I just reached another new level!
"You seem to be a spirit user," said a familiar voice from behind.
When I turned around, I saw Rose. She looked as beautiful as always, standing there with her stunning body on full display. I bet I could recognize that body from miles away. She stepped toward me, eyes focused on the Astral sword. Crap, she must know about the Spirit Power System. There's no way out of this—I have to come clean.
"Yes," I muttered.
"How did you get the Astral sword?"
"From my father."
"Your father? …Laos, is your father Gaziel?"
"No," I answered coldly, trying to project as much aura as I could.
Looks like she knows Gaziel. Come on, dumbass, Thalesa told you that yesterday. Why are you surprised? So what now? Should I ask her not to tell anyone? But when I looked at her, I saw a sad expression. One I didn't see yesterday. Her eyes carried feelings of sorrow... and a bit of fear, like she had seen a monster.
"Actually, we got word from the capital that they're sending Gaziel to kill the sleeping dragon... but it's been a month and no one has come. So, Laos, did something happen to Gaziel? We haven't heard a thing about him... and maybe you know something, since you're using the weapon he was famous for as the kingdom's strongest adventurer," she said, her expression still unchanged.
"I told you I got this sword from my father, and I know nothing about this Gaziel," I replied with a cold, emotionless face. Damn, I look cool right now.
"Well, sorry for bothering you. I heard you're going back to Iveleth to renew your Yavan license since it expires today, so I wanted to say goodbye in person."
"Thank you," I said while picking up my bag and walking away.
"Take this!" she said with her lovely voice, handing me a necklace with a pink bud.
"They say it brings good luck... I got it when I was a child… You can consider it a gift from me for saving my sister."
"No need for all that. Just consider me an ordinary adventurer."
"..."
"Please take it," she said after insisting on giving it to me. For a moment, I had no urge to refuse anymore, so I took the necklace, wore it, and continued on my way.
"Laos! Thank you for everything! Safe travels!" Rose shouted.
After that, I walked away, and she kept watching me from behind. What a beautiful scene—I look like a true hero. Who would've thought a fucking NPC like me would get farewells like this from the leader of a village suffering from wyvern attacks? Damn, my life's improving little by little. Looks like going to Yavan was the best decision I ever made.
Alright, just like Rose said, I'm on my way to Iveleth. The Yavan license expires today, so I need to go back and renew it. There's no way we'll finish the wyvern hunt in under a day, so I decided to return while Ponier stays behind to study the nest and come up with plans to raid it. I won't be long—I'll stay for one night, then quickly head back to Yavan.
Also, I can't tell Maris I'm going to fight a wyvern or she'll freak out. Might even lock me up. I'll just tell her I'm living in a peaceful place killing only tier 4 monsters. Damn, it's only been a week and I already miss her. That's hilarious. I'm a really good husband, aren't I, Thalesa?
"Actually, you've surpassed Gaziel in terms of relationships."
"Really? How was Gaziel with his relationships?"
"He'd get with a girl, sleep with her, then bounce. Same thing over and over with different girls. Man just couldn't commit."
"But I heard he got married and had a daughter."
"Really?! Then maybe that happened after he left me in those ruins. I guess you're even, since he eventually changed his ways and became a good husband. Who was his wife, anyway?"
"She died."
"Oh…"
After that, a long silence fell. But I didn't feel like staying quiet either, so I kept chatting with Thalesa on the road. We talked, laughed, and fought a few monsters until we arrived at the village of Flut. There, I got on a covered wagon heading to Iveleth and set off to return to the adventurers' town—the first town where I truly felt like I belonged.
◆ ◆ ◆
The sun had set on the town, and wagons began entering through the gates. Lights lit up the streets and alleys packed with people. Among the incoming wagons was one carrying Laos—he had reached Iveleth. After a while, he stepped off after paying the driver, then quietly went on his way.
Finally made it. Alright, I'll head to the tavern first, then renew the license tomorrow and go back. Or maybe renew it tonight and leave tomorrow morning? Nah, I want to sleep in. I hate waking up early. I headed to the tavern feeling really excited—and happy too. I actually miss Maris. Didn't think I'd miss her this much after just a week… Guess it's because it hasn't been long since we got married.
After some walking and looking around, I finally arrived at the tavern. Light spilled from the open door, and noise filled the entire street. What a chaotic place—yet the sound brought a strange sense of peace. Peace that felt like safety. I walked in, and as usual, no one paid attention. Everyone just kept drinking, shouting, and doing whatever they were doing before.
"Laos…" said a voice I knew well.
Then Maris came toward me and hugged me in the middle of the tavern. Her familiar embrace felt weak this time—it didn't hurt like it usually did. I hugged her back and smiled wide. I noticed Fio—no, Barbara—watching me with a soft smile. Ugh, how am I going to tell her I'm leaving again tomorrow?
"I really missed you!" Maris said excitedly.
"Me too... Alright, let's go up to the room and talk more," I said while glancing at the people around us who were smiling warmly at me.
After that, we left the noisy first floor and went to the room. Maris seemed really happy—she wouldn't even let go of my hand. We entered together, and I took off my armor and felt a wave of comfort. I lay down on the bed and looked at Maris' beautiful face. God, what was I thinking when I considered cheating on her? I mean, she's way better than Rose. Yeah, way better.
"So, how was your trip?" she asked, sitting beside me.
"Good. Yavan is a really nice place. And about the wyverns thing—it's only in the deep areas. Ponier and I found an easy spot to fight tier 4 monsters. Also, Thalesa evolved after just one fight, so…"
"Maris, actually, my return is just temporary, and I will come back after I renew my Yavan license."
"So that's it. Alright, as long as you're not risking yourself with powerful monsters, you can return."
"Really! That's great, I thought you would worry again... So, how did you spend this week?"
"I've been working as a waitress and helping Fiona."
"What?! No one bothered you, right?" I asked, feeling a bit worried that a problem might have occurred that I hadn't accounted for.
"Come on, who would bother me when Fiona is around?"
"Speaking of Fiona, I got some important information about her."
After this, I told her the story about Barbara, and we talked a lot, laughing and chatting. While I was talking to her, I felt a great sense of comfort, which showed that I no longer found it difficult to talk to Maris. I see her as an important person, someone I can talk to without any barriers. I rarely talk to anyone else with such comfort—actually, in my entire life, there were only two people I could talk to like this, not just comfortably, but happily as well... Maris and Emma.
"Oh, Laos, sorry, I didn't bring you dinner, should I go get it?" Maris suddenly asked.
"No... Actually, I'd like to have dinner at another restaurant, a quiet and beautiful one," I replied.
"Alright then... Let's go. Wait, I'll change into my new clothes, I bought them yesterday," she added, getting up from the bed and heading to the wooden wardrobe in front of her.
She wore it after that, and it was a wonderful dress, even more so because it fit her perfectly. It had a light green color and a beautiful design suitable for the summer heat. I smiled widely while staring at her as she twirled to show me every part of the dress, and she seemed happy with it as well.
"What do you think?" she repeated.
"Wonderful, it's really wonderful!"
"Sorry for buying it without telling you... It cost four nova," she said. Damn, four nova!
"No, no! It's fine, my money is your money, and you can take care of yourself however you like, my dear wife!" I said with my usual smile.
"Alright, then!" she murmured, opening the door after tucking her hair behind her ear. Oh my god, doesn't her beauty have any limits, or is it because I haven't seen her for a week?
After this, she grabbed my hand, and we left the tavern. It was a cold night, with dim lighting. We walked through the alleys, and with every step Maris kept talking non-stop. I had never seen her like this before. We passed the guild and kept walking. In fact, I didn't know where any restaurant was, so I thought Maris would know, but she didn't stop talking and seemed to think I knew where the restaurant was.
"So, Yavan is a beautiful place?" Maris asked, holding my hand.
"Oh yes! It's really amazing, you should visit it someday, of course, after it becomes a safe place," I replied.
"So where is the restaurant you want to go to?" she asked.
"Oh, it's nearby, wait a bit."
God, why did I lie suddenly? There was no reason to lie, but now I have to improvise. I'll go to any random restaurant around here. Then, in one of the alleys, a wooden sign caught my attention, it read, "Maid Cafe." What?!! I've never seen a place like this except in YouTube videos? A Maid Cafe? Seriously?? I bet there will be a lot of beautiful girls there, let's go!
"What do you think of this?" I asked, pointing to the sign.
"Maid Cafe? I've never heard of it before... Let's go in."
After this, we approached. The door was open, guarded by two demi-humans with dog ears. As we entered, I heard the voices of many people talking. No one was silent, everyone was chatting, and there was also beautiful music playing in the background. I will never forget the many customers sitting with the demi-human maids.
"Hello, please take a seat!" said one of the maids, who had cat ears and a long tail that moved quickly. Damn, I think this place isn't suitable for couples... What a reckless idea.
She led us to one of the tables, then sat with Maris. After that, she gave us the menu. There were a lot of dishes to choose from, then she left us alone to decide. Hmm, what do we have here? Strawberry shake? Vanilla shake? Aren't these drinks from my world? Meatball soup?! No way.
"Let's get the meatball soup!" I said enthusiastically.
"And what about the drink?" Maris asked, staring at the menu.
"What do you think, strawberry or vanilla shake?"
"I'll take strawberry," she murmured after thinking for a while.
"And I'll take vanilla."
Then the cat-eared maid returned and we gave her our orders. But before she could leave to get our orders, she called over another maid to sit with us. Oh, I forgot, it's a Maid Cafe, and talking to the maids is really important. God, this is going to be awkward. After a while, the maid finally arrived. She was short with black hair and wolf ears, with strange eyes, one yellow and the other... wait, what the fuck!
"Etomi!"
"Welcome to our cafe and thank you for choosing us! How was your day?" she said as she sat down.
"Bro, damn," I muttered, trying to hold back a laugh that was about to burst out. Impossible, this can't be real.
"Is this Etomi Selva?" Maris repeated, and it seemed she was also shocked.
It was truly a shock. Seeing the person I considered my biggest rival and one of the people I wanted to take revenge on, dressed as a maid, was insane. All that talk about weakness and hating the weak, the same speech I used to shiver hearing—did this girl say it? Impossible! All that power and arrogance, how did she have the courage to work in this place??
"Don't talk to me like that, Etomi here isn't the Etomi the adventurer. Didn't you read the cafe rules?" Etomi asked coldly.
"Oh right, Laos, customers shouldn't speak to the maids as they know them outside the cafe. Every maid here is a different character from the one outside," Maris muttered.
"Ridiculous... After hearing that speech you gave us during the Daemon battle, I thought you were someone great, someone with fierce pride. But where did all that arrogance go?! I know I'm breaking the rules, but how—"
"Laos, enough!" Maris suddenly interrupted.
A long silence followed. I was stunned, so I didn't speak either. All I had in my mind was a huge amount of questions, the most important being: Why is she here? Does she have a thing for being a maid or what? And if she really does, how could she still have that arrogance while enjoying being a maid? Etomi Selva, at this moment, my perception of you has completely changed.
"Here are your dishes, enjoy your meal! And also, Mimi, don't be mean to our new customers," the previous maid said, placing the dishes on the table.
"By the way, that maid outfit looks great on you, Ms. Etomi," Maris said.
"And you look stunning too, your dress is gorgeous," Etomi replied coldly. Not even fit for working as a maid.
After this, they continued talking, and I ate my food quietly. Their conversation was silly, talking about cooking recipes and some games, and even their past as slaves, but I wasn't interested in any topic. All that was running through my mind was comparing Etomi, the one who saved us from death, to the one sitting in front of me now... How?!
"Etomi, looks like you're enjoying yourself, so I just want to tell you... I will surpass you someday, the number one adventurer, there's a rogue lurking in the shadows to steal it, and it's me! Just wait, Mimi," I said, standing up after finishing my meal. For a moment, I had the urge to humiliate her as a maid, but I couldn't because Maris was with me.
"I'll be happy to see you try... you failed adventurer," she said coldly, staring at me as I walked away.
Just wait.