The Hostess of Fertility
I awoke to the sound of clattering dishes, the aroma of baked bread, and a dull ache in my shoulder. For a split second, I thought I was back on Earth, waking from a bizarre dream of gods and dungeons. But as I opened my eyes, the unfamiliar wooden ceiling and the pain in my body banished that notion. This was real.
I shifted, trying to sit up, and a soft blanket slid off me. I was lying on a wooden bench against a wall. My shoulder was bandaged neatly, and although tender, it wasn't bleeding. Someone had dressed me in a clean white shirt—actually, it looked like an oversized waitress blouse, sleeves rolled up so comically it made me blink. My pants were also changed to a simple pair of linen trousers. Whoever rescued me must have cleaned and redressed me while I was out. The thought was slightly embarrassing, but gratitude overrode that.
Where was I? I looked around. The room was warmly lit by midday sun through windows and a few hanging lamps. Wooden tables and chairs were arranged neatly on a sturdy hardwood floor. The interior had a cozy, rustic charm—flower vases on tables, a long bar counter at the far end, a large menu board on the wall with prices. Even without seeing the sign, I knew: this had to be the Hostess of Fertility, the famous pub in Orario run by Mia Grand.
I spotted Syr and Ryuu almost immediately. Syr was at a table nearby, polishing a set of utensils, her bluish-grey hair and maid uniform unmistakable. Ryuu stood by the bar talking quietly with Mama Mia, who was half-hidden in the kitchen doorway, presumably preparing food.
A flood of relief and appreciation rushed through me. These people—characters I knew from the story—had saved my life and tended to me. I owed them big time. I also realized with a bit of apprehension that I needed to make a good impression and come up with some sort of explanation for myself. "I just woke up in the dungeon" was true but would raise many questions. Still groggy, I rubbed my eyes and accidentally let out a small groan as my muscles protested.
Syr's sharp ears caught it. In an instant, she set down the utensils and was by my side. "Hey there," she said softly. "Don't push yourself, you're still recovering." She gently helped me sit up, propping a cushion behind me against the wall. Her kind smile immediately put me at ease. "You're safe at the Hostess of Fertility. How are you feeling?"
Ryuu and Mia turned our way upon hearing Syr speak. The tall elf excused herself from Mia and approached more slowly, her face calm but attentive. Mia lumbered over as well, arms crossed. Suddenly I had the full focus of a sweet mortal goddess, a serene elf warrior, and a stern dwarf matron—all directed at me. I swallowed nervously. This was more intense than facing the goblin somehow.
"I... I'm okay. Sore, but okay," I managed, my voice coming out a bit shy and raspy. I realized my throat was parched. Noticing this, Syr swiftly poured a cup of water from a pitcher on a nearby table and handed it to me. I sipped gratefully.
The cool water soothed my dry throat and cleared some of the lingering fog in my head. "Thank you, Miss Syr," I said politely, handing the cup back. She blinked in surprise, then giggled. "Oh, you know my name? I suppose we did mention it." She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just Syr is fine. And what's your name, little one?"
Little one. I had to remind myself I looked ten and probably a bit small at that (half-elves can be slim). I felt a flush on my cheeks but answered quickly. "Cain. My name is Cain Dawnstar."
Mia let out a low whistle of appreciation at that. "Hoh, fancy name," she remarked. "Sounds like ye might've noble blood or some elven royalty in ya with a surname like that."
I tensed. It did sound a bit dramatic, didn't it? In truth I just thought it sounded cool and matched my hopes for a bright new life (Dawnstar = star of the dawn, yeah I was poetic in the void). I scratched my cheek, feigning sheepishness. "Ah, no, I'm not a noble or anything... It's just the name my parents gave me." Parents? That lie slipped out naturally, but it opened a whole can of worms I wasn't prepared for if they asked further. I hurried on, "Thank you for saving me. All of you. I'm in your debt—truly."
Ryuu, who had been standing a bit off to the side, stepped forward. Her emerald eyes studied me with a mix of kindness and curiosity. "We're glad we found you in time, Cain," she said in a soft, clear voice. Up close, Ryu Lion was strikingly beautiful—tall, lithe, with that aura of controlled strength. It was a bit intimidating, but there was compassion in her gaze. "What were you doing in the Dungeon by yourself? Where are your parents or your Familia?"
She went straight for the hard questions. I swallowed. Mia's brows knit as she awaited my answer, and even Syr looked at me intently (though her expression remained gently encouraging).
I already considered claiming memory loss; that trope could be suspicious or overdone but a half-truth would help serve it better, especially with these three who can see through lies. I clasped my hands on my lap and looked down. "I... I don't know," I murmured. "I woke up and I was just... there, in the Dungeon. I don't remember how I got there." That was true in a sense—I did just appear there after stepping through the portal.
Syr gently put a hand on my arm. "Just there? With no one else around? You weren't with any adventurers?" Her tone was soothing, as if coaxing out a frightened animal.
I shook my head. "No one. I was alone, and the monsters—" My voice hitched, and the fear I recalled from that ordeal made it easy to sound shaken. "If you three hadn't come when you did... I'd be dead." My throat tightened genuinely on that last word. It suddenly hit me fully that I had almost died. If not for my luck and these people's intervention, my story would have been tragically short.
Mia's face softened considerably. She pulled over a chair and sat down heavily across from me, trying (and somewhat failing) to look nonthreatening as she leaned forward. "Do ya remember anything before waking in the Dungeon, lad? Your home? Parents? Anythin' at all?"
I hunched my shoulders, staring at my hands. "I remember... some things." My name is Cain Dawnstar, I don't remember my parents or where I'm from or how I got in the dungeon." Next thing I knew, I woke up on the Dungeon floor in total darkness." I clenched my hands, nails digging into my palms for effect. "I didn't even have time to think before a goblin came at me. I-I ran until... until..." My breath hitched as if on the verge of sobbing, and I bit my lip, looking away as if overcome.
Syr's eyes were glistening. She moved closer, enveloping me in a gentle hug. I stiffened in surprise. The warmth of her embrace was comforting, and I had to fight the instinct to blush—Focus, Cain, she's essentially a goddess hugging you! But I allowed myself to tremble a bit, leaning into the touch. Syr stroked my white hair soothingly. "You poor thing," she whispered. "You've been through so much."
Over Syr's shoulder, I saw Ryuu's expression tighten—anger flashing in her teal eyes at the thought of bandits or whomever caused this. Mia exhaled a long breath, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Lousy damn luck," Mia grunted. "A child with no familia or home, tossed straight into hell..."
Divine Luck? If I hadn't had it, maybe I wouldn't have had any cover story. In a twisted way, we could say my luck was working by garnering sympathy through tragedy. I felt a pang of guilt leaning into that role, but there was truth to me having lost my "past life" and everything, so it wasn't all fabrication.
Syr released me from the hug, her hands on my shoulders. "Cain," she said softly, looking into my eyes. Hers were a fascinating blue-grey, like clouds over a calm sea. "You're safe now. We'll help you, alright?"
Her kindness was almost overwhelming. I mustered a small smile. "Thank you... Miss Syr, Miss Ryuu, Miss Mia. You saved my life and now you're giving me your kindness. I... I'm really grateful." I bowed my head earnestly to each of them in turn. Mia coughed and waved a hand dismissively, though her eyes were gentler than before. "Ah, think nothing of it. We couldn't leave a brat to die." She hesitated, then added in a gruff mutter, "And, well, no child should be alone in Orario without help."
Ryuu nodded. "We'll notify the Guild about what happened. They might investigate the caravan attack, but... truthfully, Orario has many orphans and lost ones. The Guild might just refer you to an orphanage."
An orphanage... It wouldn't be the worst fate, but not ideal if I wanted freedom to pursue my own goals. Plus, the one orphanage I recall in Danmachi's story was Maria's Orphanage in Daedalus Street, which struggled for funds. Syr often volunteered there. If I ended up there, Syr would still see me, but I'd rather stay here if possible.
I chewed my lip. before I could speak Syr cut me off, putting a finger to my lips. "Shhh. You're not going anywhere in this state, young man." She gave me a slightly playful, stern look that made me feel simultaneously scolded and cared for. "You're injured and exhausted. At least rest for a day or two."
Mia snorted. "And who said you could even walk out without paying your tab, hm?"
I looked at her, confused. Tab? Mia jabbed a thumb toward the kitchen. "Those potions and bandages aren't free, boy. Not to mention you slept in my tavern and borrowed my staff's clothing." She gestured at the blouse I wore—aha, it likely belonged to Syr or one of the waitresses. It did smell faintly of detergent and flowers, which was oddly comforting.
I realized Mia was doing that classic thing she did with Bell in canon—charging for services to not run a charity. My mind raced. Mia was a good person, but also a businesswoman. I decided to play along earnestly. "O-of course. I'm sorry." I bowed my head. "I'll repay you for everything. I... I have no money right now, but I'll find a way—"
Mia raised a bushy eyebrow. "No money, figures. Tsk. Well, I ain't running an orphanage here." Her tone was gruff, but I sensed an opening. This was exactly what I'd hoped for: leverage to stick around by working off my debt.
I straightened up, summoning what dignity a ten-year-old could. "Please, if you'll allow me, I'd like to work to pay off the cost. I can clean, wash dishes, cook—anything you need, I'll do it. I'm stronger than I look, I promise!"
Mia eyed my slim arms doubtfully. Syr giggled into her hand at my earnest offer, and Ryuu's lips curved in the tiniest hint of a smile. I realized I must have looked like a scrappy kitten trying to roar. But I meant it. This was a chance to secure a place to stay and time to plan my next steps in Orario.
"You're just a kid," Mia said flatly. "What experience do you even have with tavern work?"
I latched on to a plausible truth. "I know how to clean floors, cook, and carry firewood. I'm small, but I learn fast. And I can get stronger." I unconsciously sat up straighter. My shoulder still twinged, but I ignored it. "If you let me work here, even for a little while, I'll make myself useful, I swear on my life."
Mia's dark eyes appraised me shrewdly. She was tough, but I knew she had a soft heart under it. "Hmph. You're serious, aren't ya? Swearing on your life and all." She scratched her chin. "I don't usually hire children. Bad for business if somethin' happens to 'em. And the pay's not great."
"I don't care about pay, just food and shelter until I clear my debt," I said quickly, then added with a small, cheeky grin, "And maybe until I grow tall enough to reach the sink without a stool."
Syr burst into laughter at that, and even Ryuu's shoulders shook with a suppressed chuckle. Mia's lips twitched upward for a split second before she cleared her throat loudly. "Alright, enough." She leaned forward, fixing me with a critical stare. "I'll consider it under a few conditions. One, you do exactly as I or my staff say—no slacking, no whining. Two, you mess up, you clean up. Break a dish? That's extra work to compensate. Three—" she poked my chest lightly, "the moment I suspect you're better off in an orphanage or a Familia, I'll send you packing there. Got it?"
I nodded eagerly, heart soaring. "Yes ma'am! Understood."
Mia finally smiled a proper, toothy grin. "Good. Now, since you offered, let's put you to use. Syr, get him an apron. Ruu, show the boy where the wash basin is." She stood up, cracking her knuckles. "We'll start 'im on dish duty. Plenty of dirty plates from lunch to be cleaned before the dinner rush."
Without missing a beat, Syr fetched a spare apron (dark green, like the Hostess uniforms) and slipped it over my head. It was way too big, but she cheerfully rolled and tied it so it mostly fit. Ryuu beckoned me to follow her behind the counter. I eagerly hopped off the bench—only to wobble as a wave of lightheadedness hit. Syr swiftly steadied me by the shoulders.
"Careful!" she chided gently. "You nearly collapsed a few hours ago. Don't overdo it immediately."
Ryuu paused and added, "If you feel unwell, tell us. You're not a prisoner, Cain. Your well-being comes first."
I smiled gratefully at both of them. It felt nice—having people fuss, even a little. On Earth I'd largely been alone in a city, with few real connections. Already, these women made me feel like... well, like I had a family of sorts. "I will, I promise. I'm okay," I insisted, and to prove it I stood without swaying this time. My muscles still ached, but I was far better off than earlier.
The next hour passed in a blur of surprisingly normal chores. Ryu showed me the kitchen: a bustling space with a long counter, a large stone stove and oven, bubbling pots, and the heavenly smell of stew. Two catgirl waitresses—Anya and Chloe—had returned and were chopping vegetables, casting curious glances my way. A human waitress, Lunoire, was kneading dough for bread. Mia was stirring a giant pot with a spoon that looked like a battle club.
Under Ryuu's supervision, I rolled up my sleeves and attacked a pile of dirty dishes in a big basin. The water was cold, but I didn't mind. I scrubbed plates and mugs with diligence, aware that Mia's sharp eyes occasionally peered over to gauge my work ethic. Syr passed by now and then, once leaving a small fresh-baked roll by my elbow as a snack. I devoured it gratefully between washing, practically melting at the taste. It was simple bread, yet to my post-adventure palate, it was the best thing I'd ever eaten.
To my mild surprise, I found the work almost therapeutic. After the adrenaline and fear of the Dungeon, standing at a sink washing dishes felt wonderfully mundane. My body moved automatically—perhaps some muscle memory from Jasen's life doing chores—and my mind wandered.
This world is real I had survived Day 1 by a hair's breadth. Now I had to get stronger so that I wouldn't be so helpless again.
As I set the last washed tankard aside to dry, I flexed my fingers, feeling the damp skin wrinkle. For now, I also needed knowledge—information about the current state of Orario. Being four years early meant many things hadn't happened yet. There could be events I only vaguely knew from side material, like the aftermath of Evilus. I realized with a start that Ryuu's Astraea Familia tragedy was only a couple of years past. She was likely still healing emotionally. No wonder she had such a protective air when saving me.
I should be careful not to mention things I shouldn't know. Best to ask open-ended questions to learn what year it is, what the recent news are, etc. Ryu was a good source—calm, factual, and she seemed to feel a sense of responsibility for me now.
Right on cue, Ryu returned to my side, checking the now-empty dirty dish pile. "Good job," she said quietly. High praise from the stoic elf. I beamed. Ryu gave a tiny nod and motioned for me to follow. "Come. Since you're done, let's step out back for a bit. You should get some fresh air before the evening crowd arrives. We can talk there."
I appreciated how she could tell I needed a breather. I untied my apron and followed Ryu through the back door of the kitchen. We emerged into a small yard behind the Hostess: a storage area with barrels and crates, and a couple of rickety stools by the wall. The late afternoon sun was golden, casting long shadows.
Ryu leaned against the wall, arms lightly crossed. She looked at me with those clear eyes that seemed to miss nothing. "You handled yourself well. Mia is impressed."
I felt a small swell of pride. "I'm happy I could help." I took a deep breath of the outside air. The ache in my shoulder was nearly gone now (blessed potions). My body still felt a bit sluggish, but I managed by leaning on a crate.
Ryu tilted her head, observing me. "You said you wanted to ask about the world—Familias, currency, blessings, and such. Do you still have questions? I imagine coming from a village, you might not know the details of Orario."
Ah, so she remembered that part of my story. Amnesia in some ways, I had many questions, both to fit my "mysterious boy" cover and to update my own knowledge. I nodded earnestly. "Yes, please. I only remember a little from my memories, to be honest."
A faint smile crossed Ryu's lips. "It can be, even for us who live here." She gestured for me to sit on one of the stools, and I did, looking up at her attentively like a student at story time. Ryu spoke in a clear, matter-of-fact tone, yet somehow it felt gentle, maybe because she'd occasionally glance at me to ensure I understood.
"This is Orario, the Labyrinth City," Ryu began. "At the center of the city is the Tower of Babel, which sits atop the Dungeon—a sprawling underground labyrinth filled with monsters. Orario is unique because of that Dungeon; it attracts adventurers from all over the world seeking riches, glory, or the power that can be gained within."
I nodded along. Hearing it from her voice was surreal yet fascinating. "Adventurers get that power from Gods, right? Something called a Falna or blessing?"
"Correct," she said, visibly pleased at my knowledge. "About a thousand years ago, the gods descended from heaven to live among us mortals. They were bored in heaven and sought entertainment. To interact with us on equal terms, they sealed away their divine powers—this is called the Arcanum. Now they live as we do, though they are still ageless and wise."
I tried to picture the gods walking around the city. I knew many of them from the story—Loki, Hephaestus, Takemikazuchi, Miach, Hestia (though she wouldn't arrive until just before Bell). And of course, Freya, who was probably in this city's highest tower right now... or standing in her tavern disguised as a cute waitress. I snuck a glance toward the door; Syr wasn't here, presumably working inside, which was good because discussing gods might be awkward with the goddess in earshot. I refocused on Ryu as she continued.
"When a god or goddess came down, they often gathered mortals around them, forming a Familia—basically a family or guild of adventurers and supporters. The deity can place a Falna—a blessing—on their followers' backs. This Falna is a sort of magic that turns their experiences into excelia, allowing them to grow stronger at extraordinary rates compared to normal people. It's like... unlocking the full potential of your body and soul through the blessing of a god."
I feigned awe, which wasn't entirely difficult. "So a blessed person can level up and get skills and magic? Like stories of heroes."
"Yes," Ryu affirmed. "Everyone starts at Level 1 after receiving a Falna, regardless of how strong they were before. Then, by achieving great deeds—slaying monsters, overcoming life-threatening challenges, learning through trials—they gain excelia. When their status—things like strength, endurance, dexterity, etc., which are recorded by the Falna—reach certain thresholds and they perform a feat of significance, they can Level Up. Leveling up provides a dramatic increase in abilities. For example, a Level 2 is many times stronger than they were at Level 1, even at the same numeric stats, due to qualitative improvement."
I knew this, but hearing Ryu patiently explain it as if to a total novice was strangely heartwarming. She really thought I didn't know anything, and that was fine. I'd keep it that way. "So adventurers are basically ranked by Level. What level are most people here? Like the strongest ones?" I asked innocently.
Ryu considered that. "The majority of Orario's adventurers are Level 1 or 2. Reaching Level 2 already means you're a cut above normal folk. Level 3s and 4s are usually core members of strong Familias. As for the strongest..." She paused, a faraway look in her eyes. "Currently, some of the highest level adventurers are in the Loki Familia and Freya Familia—those are the two most powerful Familias in Orario right now."
I nodded. "I've heard of Loki Familia—led by the goddess Loki, right? They're like, the ones who go deep in the Dungeon."
"Yes. Loki's children include famous adventurers like Finn Deimne, their captain, and Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess, who's a prodigy. Finn is Level 6, and Ais is... I believe Level 4 as of recently. There are others of similar caliber with them." Ryu's tone held respect. She didn't mention herself, but I recalled that in the not-too-distant future (around Bell's arrival), Ryu herself would reach Level 4 in her Astraea days and later become Level 7 by the end of the series events. But right now, she was Level 4, pretending to be a civilian.
"And Freya Familia?" I prompted, curious what she'd say given Syr/Freya.
Ryu's brows furrowed slightly. "They are more secretive but equally, if not more, formidable. Freya-sama's Familia has the top-ranked adventurer in Orario: Ottar, a Level 7 warrior. The only Level 7 in the city." She spoke the name Ottar with a tinge of wariness—understandable, as Freya Familia had a fearsome reputation.
I made sure my eyes widened appropriately. "Level 7? Wow." I whistled. "He must be like a living legend." I knew Ottar was basically considered the king of adventurers currently, since the former greats were gone.
"Indeed. Most ordinary folks will live and die without ever seeing a Level 7 fight," Ryu said. She then smiled faintly at me, "But don't let those numbers intimidate you too much. Even a Level 1 can achieve great things with the right mind and heart. Everyone starts at the bottom."
I nodded, appreciating her encouragement. "Right. So, um, currency—you mentioned valis before. How many valis was that potion and stuff? I... I don't even know how much things cost here."
Ryu's lips twitched in what might have been a repressed smile. "Don't worry, Mia won't actually press you for the exact valis. But to give you an idea: a basic healing potion costs around 5,000 valis. The one we used on you was a standard one, about that price. Lodging at an inn can be maybe 500 valis a night for somewhere decent. A simple meal in Orario might be 100 valis at a cheap stall, while a full dinner at this pub could be 1,000 valis or more. Adventurers earn valis by trading the magic stones and drop items from monsters they defeat—the bigger the monster, the more it's worth."
I absorbed those numbers. So, 5,000 valis they spent on me, plus bandages, etc. My debt was modest but not negligible to a kid with nothing. Working here, I'd mostly get room and board plus maybe a token wage if any. But I didn't care; it was more than fair.
Ryu continued, "Familias also sometimes assign salaries or equipment to members based on contribution. And the Guild—the organization that manages the Dungeon and supports adventurers—buys all monster magic stones from us at set rates. They also offer quests for additional pay at times."
"The Guild... those are like the administrators, right? With advisors and stuff?"
"Yes. If you decide to become an adventurer one day, you'll have a Guild advisor to guide you. They'll teach dungeon basics and keep records of your progress to some extent. But that's getting ahead," Ryu said, eyeing me. "At your age and with no Falna, you shouldn't even think about entering the Dungeon again for now."
I raised my hands defensively. "Believe me, I'm in no rush to go back in there until I'm actually ready." I shivered in recollection of that terror. It was genuine; I wouldn't be foolish enough to dive in until I had at least some training or, ideally, a Familia. "Miss Ryu—"
"Just Ryu is fine," she interjected softly.
"Ryu," I corrected, feeling odd to address her so casually, "what do you think I should do? I mean... in general. I came here hoping to join a Familia eventually, but now... I feel like I'm totally out of my depth. Should I try to find a god's Familia to take me in? Or focus on getting stronger first somehow?"
Ryu regarded me thoughtfully, arms uncrossing. She took a slow breath, and I noticed a hint of sadness or nostalgia in her eyes. "If you had family or friends, I'd say lean on them, but you do not. A Familia can be a new family, yes. But it's also commitment—bonds you shouldn't take lightly. You're young. Many gods won't take a ten-year-old as an adventurer; some might as a supporter or just to raise until ready." She paused. "Never mind."
Ryu continued, "For now, learning about the city and finding your footing is most important. Working here can give you that stability. You'll meet all sorts of adventurers as customers—maybe even find one willing to teach you a thing or two."
That was a good point. The Hostess was frequented by many adventurers at night, including sometimes members of Loki Familia, etc. I might see the Sword Princess herself if I'm lucky, though at age 12 she might not be in taverns yet often. Regardless, I'll have exposure.
Ryu went on, "Also, you can train physically outside the Dungeon. Some people do self-training or practice combat skills in the surface. It's just that without a Falna, your growth is slow. But since you mentioned wanting to get stronger... you can. It will just be harder until a god's blessing is on you."
I nodded vigorously. "I'll train. Whatever it takes. I never want to feel as helpless as I did today." I clenched my fists, and a spark of determination must have shown in my eyes.
Ryu gave a small approving smile. "That resolve is good. Hold onto it. Many lose their drive once things get comfortable. Don't." She then gracefully moved into a stance—legs slightly apart, one hand on hip, the other pointing to a barrel a few feet away. In a blink, she lunged forward and struck out with her palm. CRACK! The barrel's lid snapped and the barrel itself, though heavy and filled with old potatoes, slid back a few inches. I stared, mouth agape.
Ryu turned to me, as if she'd just swatted a fly. "Strength and skill can be honed with time. Speed and awareness too. If you like, during quieter hours I could show you some basic self-defense moves. At least then if you ever end up in trouble again, you won't be totally at a loss."
My heart practically leapt. "You'd teach me? Really?" I had to restrain myself from bouncing on the stool.
She nodded, a ghost of a chuckle in her voice. "Only basics. I'm not a dedicated instructor, but I can show you how to throw a proper punch, how to dodge." A shadow crossed her face briefly. "It was reckless what you did, going into the Dungeon unarmed. But... you fought, didn't you? There was goblin ash near where we found you."
I remembered the dead goblin. "Y-yes. I got one by luck. It was really close though." I looked down. "I was... so scared."
Ryu's expression softened. "It's alright to be scared. Fear keeps you alive. The trick is not letting it paralyze you." She put a hand on my head in an awkward but kind pat. "You survived your baptism by fire. That shows you have grit."
I felt absurdly happy at her praise. Coming from someone as badass as Ryu (though she'd never acknowledge that herself) was huge. "Thank you, Ryu. I really appreciate everything." I looked up at her, squinting a bit in the sunlight. "I'll work hard—at the tavern and at training, and... maybe one day I can become an adventurer who doesn't need rescuing." I gave a small self-deprecating laugh.
Ryu, however, did not laugh. She looked straight into my eyes and said solemnly, "I believe you can, Cain. You have a strong spirit. I sensed it even in the Dungeon; most children would have given up, yet you kept fighting."
I blushed a bit at that. Did she sense something? Maybe she meant seeing me face a kobold with a broken knife. Still, hearing her believe in me lit a warm flame in my chest.
The late sun was starting to dip, and voices from inside indicated the tavern was about to open for dinner—rowdier, adventurer clientele coming in. Ryu glanced to the door. "We should head back in. It will get busy. You'll stay in the staff room tonight. We can sort out a better arrangement later if needed."
I hopped off the stool, feeling a lot steadier now. "Got it. I'm ready to help more. I can carry things or wipe tables... whatever you all need."
Inside, I indeed experienced the famous evening rush of the Hostess of Fertility. Under Mia and the waitresses' guidance, I spent the next hours running back and forth delivering dishes, cleaning spills, and taking empty plates back to the kitchen. They didn't let me near drunk adventurers much—mostly I stayed near the bar polishing mugs or sweeping corners, which was fine by me. I caught glimpses of a few notable folks: I'm pretty sure the gray-haired dwarf singing at table 3 was Gareth from Loki Familia, and those Amazon twins laughing boisterously were Tiona and Tione (though younger, maybe not even adventurers yet? No, they'd be around 13, probably new in Loki Familia... guess they snuck into taverns early). Thankfully no incidents occurred that required Ryu to go "Gale Wind" on anyone.
Syr occasionally passed by with a tray and gave me a wink or an encouraging pat on the shoulder. True to her persona, she played the charming waitress flawlessly, teasing customers, complimenting them—earning big tips. Interestingly, a couple of times I saw her slip extra ale into a patron's mug or spill something deliberately, only for that patron to calm down or change behavior. It was subtle, but I think Syr (Freya) was manipulating minor situations to keep the peace or maybe to amuse herself. My Mind's Eye gave me a faint impression that there was more to her, but since I already knew, it wasn't a surprise.
As the night wound down and the last adventurers stumbled out, I cleaned the last table with a tired sigh. My feet ached (Hestia's boobs, how did Bell manage running around doing this and dungeon crawls?), but I felt accomplished.
The others congratulated me on surviving my first shift. Chloe, the catgirl with twin tails, ruffled my hair and cooed how cute and diligent I was. Anya (another catgirl) declared me her "little brother" now and promised to sneak me extra desserts. Lunoire gave a simple "Not bad, kid" with a soft smile. The camaraderie was comforting.
Mia finally shooed everyone to retire, since it was late. She told me I'd start officially working tomorrow with morning prep, so get some rest. I was shown to a small spare room basically a storage closet with a cot, but I didn't mind. Syr fetched a pillow and proper blanket for me, fussing over tucking me in until Mia called her away to finish locking up.
Before she left, Syr whispered to me, "Sweet dreams, Cain. You did well today. We're happy to have you with us."
Impulsively, I whispered back, "I'm happy to be here... thank you, Syr. Goodnight." She gave me one last radiant smile before blowing out the lamp.
In the quiet darkness, I laid on the tiny cot, exhaustion washing over me. What a day. Less than 24 hours ago, I'd died in one world and been reborn in another. I met a cosmic being, I fought monsters, I nearly died (again), I met literal characters I admired, and now I was falling asleep in the Hostess of Fertility as an employee.
I stared at the ceiling, faint moonlight creeping through a high window. My body was bone-tired, but my mind still buzzed. My hand drifted to the bandage on my shoulder. Beneath it, no doubt a set of scars where claws struck. I'd carry that mark as a reminder of how mortal I was, how cautious I needed to be.
But also... I clenched that hand into a fist. Within me slept power. The Elder Blood, Haki, the blessings from that higher being. I needed to awaken them, step by step. Maybe getting a Falna from a god would help accelerate that, but I wasn't sure how my unusual traits would interact. For now, my plan: Grow in secret. Train with Ryu, exercise daily (maybe I could do morning runs or lift barrels), and perhaps experiment with meditation to sense Haki or Mind's Eye consciously.
Knowledge was also key. I'd ask more about the city, learn routes, maybe read any books if the Hostess had some or if I could borrow from someone. And I had to think about which Familia to aim for down the line. Loki and Freya Familias were top dogs but joining them was near impossible without being noticed by those deities intimately. Freya already noticed me in a way. Loki I doubt cared about a random kid. Perhaps one of the smaller Familias? Or none at all until I'm older?
So many things to consider, but my heavy eyelids insisted on rest. As I drifted off, I felt a small flutter in my chest—excitement for tomorrow, for the future.