At this very moment, Akira and Ais found themselves at the edge of the Second District, standing atop the colossal outer wall that encircled Orario.
The grand structure stretched endlessly in either direction, and from this vantage point, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. A sweeping panorama of the city unfurled before them like a vast, colorful tapestry, vibrant and full of life.
The scenery was expansive and unobstructed. It was as though the entire city had been carefully painted by a divine hand, its layout neat and symmetrical, its grandeur undeniable. The sight drew the gaze like a magnet—irresistible and awe-inspiring.
From their perch, the most prominent feature to catch the eye was, of course, the towering Tower of Babel.
Its grandeur dwarfed everything else around it, a solemn and majestic structure piercing the sky.
Nearby stood the grand amphitheater, a testament to the city's love for spectacle and tradition. One could even spot the distinctive headquarters of multiple familias, scattered across the districts like polished gems embedded into the city's core.
Thanks to his enhanced vision—amplified by a subtle use of magic—Akira could even make out the distant silhouettes of people back at his home base, diligently undergoing their training routines as if unaware of being watched.
Massive buildings stood tall, some even rivaling the very wall they now stood upon. Their magnificence wasn't just in their size but also in their intricate designs. Even from afar, the architectural beauty could be appreciated, evoking sighs of wonder and admiration.
Then, Akira's gaze slowly drifted beyond the city's protective barrier. In the distance, a vast mountain range stretched across the horizon.
Bathed in the golden rays of the afternoon sun, the mountains shimmered with a lush green hue. It was a radiant, living green—rich and vibrant, brimming with vitality and nature's embrace.
Without a word, Akira lightly leaped onto a protruding section of the wall's exterior—balancing himself effortlessly. He slowly pivoted his body to take in a full 360-degree view, letting his sharp eyes sweep over the sprawling cityscape and the untamed world beyond.
He eventually settled into a seated position on the stone ledge and asked, "So, Ais... is there a reason you brought us up here?"
Ais quietly shook her head and mimicked his movements, gracefully settling beside him. As she leaned in closer, she extended her delicate finger and pointed to the distant mountain range.
She gently said, "That looks very beautiful... so I wanted to see it with Akira."
As if answering her sentiment, a soft breeze began to blow. It carried the scent of the forest and whispered like a forgotten song, brushing past them with soothing tenderness. Their hair fluttered with the wind, occasionally tangling together like playful threads of fate woven into a shared moment.
Akira tilted his head, eyes following the direction Ais pointed to. The mountains basked in sunlight, framed by the sky's soft blue—tranquil and infinite.
After a while, he turned his gaze back to her and smiled warmly.
Reaching out, he gently ruffled her soft hair and said, "Is that so? Thank you for letting me witness such a beautiful view."
His voice held a trace of genuine gratitude.
He paused for a second, then added, "I guess Ais isn't just all about adventure after all. It's kind of amazing that you noticed something like this."
Hearing his sincere praise, Ais's lips curled into the faintest smile. A tender warmth spread across her heart as she cast her gaze downward, staring at her slender fingers resting near the stone surface.
Then, with a quiet determination, she extended her little finger and gently hooked it around Akira's. It was a simple gesture, yet filled with meaning.
When Akira held her hand back, Ais finally felt secure—wrapped not in the disciplined care Riveria gave, but in a comfort wholly unique to Akira.
Moments later, Akira stood up, hopping down from the stone ledge with the agility of a cat.
He extended his hand toward Ais and said cheerfully, "Come on, let's go for a walk. After that, let's swing by the Hostess of Fertility and see if there's anything tasty to eat."
The sun had already climbed high, bathing the city in golden brilliance.
Ais nodded with obedient enthusiasm and quickly followed behind. Walking side by side, the two made their way northwest toward Orario's Seventh District.
The streets here were lined with rows of two-story stone buildings, neat and charming in their own right. But what truly stood out was a particular establishment at the corner—larger than the rest and radiating a certain refined charm that naturally drew attention.
Akira looked up at the wooden signboard swaying gently in the breeze.
[Hostess of Fertility]
Despite having been in Orario for over a month, this would be his first time stepping into the tavern.
After all, the Astraea Familia had its own meal arrangements. They usually dined together at home and only visited places like this on special occasions—like after returning victorious from an expedition.
The street itself was bustling with other taverns and eateries. By evening, the place would be filled with workers ending their day, or adventurers celebrating their safe return with wine and laughter.
But for now, at midday, the tavern was quiet—just a few scattered patrons talking in hushed tones over modest meals.
Akira reached out and gently pushed open the heavy wooden door. As it creaked open, he stepped aside and gestured for Ais to enter first.
The moment they walked in, their eyes were drawn to the tall, imposing figure behind the bar. Dressed in a simple white apron, the woman busily moved between preparing food and pouring drinks for her guests.
She was none other than the owner of the tavern, the legendary Mia Grand—known to most as "Mama Mia."
To Akira, it was still hard to believe that someone of her stature—nearly 1.8 meters tall—could be a dwarf like Gareth, who barely reached 1.5 meters. The contrast was almost surreal.
Although the marks of age had begun to etch her face, there was no mistaking the charm that lingered in her features. Her temperament was gentle yet commanding, giving away the fact that she must have been an extraordinary beauty in her prime—albeit a towering one.
Adding to the picturesque ambiance were the tavern's maids, currently enjoying their lunch break.
Hostess of Fertility was no ordinary tavern. It was large, lively, and fully staffed. Each was a stunning sight to behold.
There were even cat people with adorable cat ears, their laughter ringing like silver bells. Every now and then, a soft "meow" would escape, tugging at one's heartstrings.
All the maids wore coordinated long green dresses reaching just below the knee, layered with clean white aprons and adorned with hair accessories. Their legs were wrapped in sleek black tights, paired with brown leather boots—creating an appearance both practical and pleasing.
Looking at this warm, whimsical environment, Akira couldn't help but muse to himself, 'If Alise hadn't found me that day… maybe I'd be working in a place like this just to survive.'
Taking in the cozy atmosphere, Akira approached the bar and politely greeted the towering tavern mistress.
"Hello, manager. Do you have anything delicious on the menu today?"
Mia stopped what she was doing and glanced at him with sharp eyes that soon softened. Her gaze briefly shifted to Ais, and a faint smirk tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Hmph. First time here, isn't it?" She asked. "When did the Astraea Familia get so chummy with Loki's bunch?"
She didn't press further. Instead, she gave a casual wave of her hand and said, "Never mind. Sit wherever you want and place your order. I won't get in the way of your lunch."
Clearly, Mia had already seen through their affiliations and their purpose here. She didn't make a fuss. That was just her style.
With that, she returned to her tasks.