Chapter 30: Legendary, Just Good Business
Chico opened his eyes.
Demeter was right there, face to face with him. A blanket covered the both of them, but underneath it…bare skin met bare skin. His hand was already on her back, and he began to gently stroke it, fingertips drawing slow lines. She stirred at his touch, breathing in softly.
A quiet hum escaped her lips as her eyes fluttered open. They met his right away. She blinked once, then smiled.
"Good morning," he said.
"Good morning," she replied.
They stayed like that, face to face, warm beneath the sheets, closer than ever. No rush. No words needed. Just each other.
Minutes passed. Finally, Chico broke the silence.
"I have news," he said, his tone light, but brimming with excitement.
That caught her attention. Her eyes focused, brows raising slightly.
"Oh?" she asked. "What is it?"
He paused for just a second…then slowly moved his hand from her back, down to her stomach. He laid his palm over it gently.
"It's official. You're pregnant."
He grinned, goofy, genuine, and unfiltered.
Demeter's eyes widened. Then her lips parted in disbelief…before curling into the brightest, purest smile she had ever shown.
She lunged forward, wrapping him in a sudden embrace.
Laughing. Crying. Kissing him all over his face.
He tried to keep up, he really did, but she overwhelmed him with pure joy and love. He just smiled, helpless in the best way, even as his own eyes started to water.
Finally, she held him tight, burying her face into his neck, her soft chest pressed against his. Her breathing slowed.
"That's not all," he said quietly.
She pulled back slightly, just enough to look at him.
"Oh?"
"What we did last night…earned a few feats."
That got a blush out of her, but she didn't look away.
"Fufu~, do tell."
Chico rubbed the back of his neck, still smiling. "Well…let's just say I could possibly gain something…legendary."
"Oh! The suspense is killing me! Tell me! Tell me!"
He laughed. Then he leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"I haven't opened the reward yet," he admitted. "I wanted to do it with you. You're my good luck charm."
That earned him another round of kisses, and a dramatic "mwah" right on his lips.
When she finally settled down, she gazed into his eyes again.
"I'm ready."
Chico smiled.
His eyes drifted down, past her heavenly chest…to the soft curve of her stomach. He placed his hand there again, gently rubbing it.
"For luck," he said.
She placed her hand over his.
"For luck," she echoed.
'Let's switch it up,' he thought.
'Roll Platinum ticket.'
Rolling….1x Random Platinum Gatcha Ticket
[Gambler]
|Elite Trait|
Lets go gambling! Ah dangit. Every time you would roll the ticket, you roll a D20 first, depending on the roll you get, {20}= Ticket Rank Up, {19 - 17}= Advantage, {16 - 13}= Change Ticket Type, {12 - 8}= Nothing happens, {7 - 2}= Ticket rank down, {1}= Ticket is destroyed. This trait can be rerolled or toggled.
Chico immediately began to smirk. And began to chuckle. 'The Gatcha Gods really know what the heart wants.' As he finished that thought, he summoned the 20-sided dice, and he began to roll it across his palm.
"What's that?" Demeter asked with intrigue along with a questioning brow.
"This my dear…is an item that will spice up my rewards…a gamble in every sense of the word. A 20-sided dice, and whatever I roll could either upgrade my reward, downgrade, change all together…or destroy my reward." He began to jumble the dice in the air, catching it.
"Is that wise? But that look in your eye tells me everything."
"Ha. You know me so well." Chico leaned in for a kiss. What better time to gamble, a legendary ticket…hopefully his luck trait might influence his odds.
Due to luck trait, D-20 has turned into D-13! Roll 20-8. Luck trait emits a cooldown for Gambler trait! Cooldown timer: 720 hours! After use, D-13 returns to D-20! Good luck!
'I'll take those odds.' His smirk widened.
He took a deep breath.
"Here we go."
He rolled the dice…and it spun midair. It remained in the air, floating, from whatever mystery it held.
It spun.
And spun.
Until…
It stopped.
And the number?
…
19.
He couldn't stop the giddy smile that appeared. But the legendary ticket, now upgraded, began to roll.
Rolling 1x Random Legendary Advantage Gatcha Ticket…
[Avaricious Greed]
|Mythical Trait|
More more more, you just can't get enough. Restock timers and the cooldown of all Items are reduced by 100x.
Or
[Trajectory Manipulation]
|Legendary Ability|
You are able to manipulate the trajectory of any projectile in your perception, make bullets curve around you, make the spear you threw take a sharp turn without losing momentum, and reverse the direction of a fireball. The more powerful the projectile the harder it is to control the trajectory of.
Chico sat cross-legged on the bed now, the blanket around his waist. Two options floated in his head.
He rubbed his chin, eyes narrowing. "Hmm…" he hummed.
Demeter tilted her head, leaning on one arm. Her expression was part expectant, part curious.
"Well…?" she prompted.
Chico took a slow breath. "I have two options…A new 'Magic', Trajectory Manipulation. It's an ability that has amazing defensive and offensive capabilities. Its description is in the name, I can manipulate the trajectory of projectiles, whether my own or something else." He chuckled, but the lightheartedness didn't last, he was already deep in thought. "And the other…Well, there are some interesting ideas. Avaricious Greed, a trait that, in time, could truly become ridiculous."
"How so?" Demeter asked, shifting to sit closer, giving him her full attention.
He started ticking ideas off on his fingers. "For starters, the description. Any item that I have been gifted that can be restocked, which usually holds quite a long timer, is fractionalized…by 100x. And the items that fit this description? Iron Scrap Candy, a consumable that can boost one's defense. A restock timer of 8 hours. And with this trait? That's…8 times 60…480, divided by 100, 4.8. From 8 hours, to just 5 minutes." He gave her a knowing look. "These could be massproduced, and could bring an insane amount of profit, if sold."
Her eyebrow lifted. "Profit?"
"Oh yeah," he said, grinning now. "And I know the perfect vendor, one that would probably jump at the chance to be an exclusive seller. And the profits we'll rake in? It will be entirely worth it."
Demeter smirked at the "we."
"But there's more. My Enchanted Golden Apples, any future items? Those could be priceless if I can mass-produce them." He paused, then his eyes flicked upward as if speaking to something unseen. 'Gatcha…if I choose the trait, will the cooldown for Gambler & Luck Boost also be reduced?'
A pause.
…
…
Indeed
His grin turned sharp. "That seals it."
Demeter raised a brow. "Oh? Do tell."
He laid it out for her, just him explaining his Gambler trait along with his Luck trait, how they only work with a cooldown, "but this…this would change everything. With greater rewards…It would be perfect."
Demeter tapped her chin, considering. "…I was leaning toward the projectile ability," she said honestly. "It has such clear combat applications. But…you make a good case. The trait seems less flashy, but it's…phenomenal. And practical."
He smiled. "So we're agreed?"
She nodded. "All in."
Chico didn't hesitate. 'Choose Avaricious Greed.'
Choice confirmed
Everything cleared out. His choice was made.
"It's done," he said.
Demeter leaned in, smiling, and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Then she rose from the bed, the blanket sliding away from her bare form in a slow, teasing reveal. She stretched, languid and unhurried, her back arching slightly, and her arms overhead.
Chico's eyes followed every motion.
She noticed. Of course she noticed.
With a smirk, she crossed the room toward her bathroom, her hips swaying just a touch more than usual. His gaze trailed down her curves, helpless to look away.
At the doorway, she glanced over her shoulder, one hand on the frame. "Come on, Papi~," she purred. "I think it's time to wash up."
Something in his lower half twitched. His eyes widened slightly.
"Oh…oh goodness."
He was on his feet in seconds, following her inside.
Shower time.
Just to freshen up.
…Yeah.
——————————————————————
After the two got themselves ready for the day, Demeter seemed like she was in the best mood of her life, so much so that Chico swore she was literally glowing. Her every step had a spring to it, her smile was unshakable, and her eyes held a satisfied warmth.
She decided that they would share a meal.
The pair made their way through the halls of Wheat Manor, eventually arriving at a private kitchen, the very same one she had once brought him to so she could cook for him. And again, Demeter was in full control. Chico offered to help, but she was very quick to shoo him toward a seat at the table.
What followed was the creation of a lavish breakfast. A fluffy golden omelette layered with cheese, sprinkled with fresh green onions, and accompanied by cut, roasted potatoes. A warm loaf of bread sat beside it, with butter on top to melt. And to top it all off, freshly squeezed orange juice in crystal-clear glasses.
When she finally set his plate down, she leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek, then took her seat across from him with her own plate.
They smiled at each other.
No words were needed.
And then they dug in.
The moment Chico took his first bite, a deep, satisfied groan escaped him. "Gods…you really are the best cook in Orario," he said through a grin. "I will never get enough of this."
Demeter's eyes sparkled at the praise. "Mm, keep saying things like that," she teased, "and I might just spoil you every day."
They continued eating, the atmosphere warm and unhurried. But midway through the meal, Demeter dabbed the corner of her lips with a napkin and leaned forward slightly.
"I wanted to go back to our little talk earlier, about your new trait…and that business idea of yours." Her tone was curious but also eager. "After all… who better to plan something like this with than the Goddess of a business-oriented familia?"
Chico smirked. "Alright, let's talk shop."
First came the matter of which items to prioritize. "Scrap Iron Candy," he said without hesitation. "Those are first on the list, absolutely. The enchanted golden apples? I think I'll hold off. I need a clearer picture of their value before I sell them, also I want my own stock of them."
Demeter hummed in agreement, prompting him to elaborate.
"And…if I'm being honest? I don't want to be too greedy with the prices. I'll sell them at something fair, these could help a lot of adventurers. Hell, they could be a massive boon for the entire city if handled right."
That earned him a warm smile from her, one that made her eyes soften. "You have such a caring heart, Chico."
They continued tossing ideas back and forth. Demeter asked who he intended to supply to, and Chico's lips curved into a knowing grin.
"I'm planning to form a contract with the Miach Familia. I think they're the right fit. And…" he smirked, "I like Miach-sama and Naaza-san. He's kind, and she's…fun. Even if she's a little cheeky sometimes."
Demeter chuckled at that and nodded approvingly. "A fine choice. The Miach Familia has been struggling for a long time. Unfortunately, most familias stay out of others' affairs unless there's an alliance, and…well…that's rare in this city."
"A shame," Chico said, leaning back slightly. "But this?" He gestured between them. "This is just… good business."
She smiled. "Just good business," she echoed.
The conversation rolled on, the two making rough plans and tossing around potential contract terms. Nothing was set in stone, but ideas were already starting to form, and both of them knew that actual paperwork would come later.
For now, they simply enjoyed their breakfast…and the quiet pleasure of each other's company.
——————————————————————
"Now that I think of it," Demeter began, breaking the quiet with a thoughtful tone, "I've never actually seen your Scrap Iron Candies…at least, not physically."
The two of them were now in Demeter's solarium. Demeter sat at her desk, quill in hand, sorting through a neat stack of paperwork, standard familia duties. Chico, on the other hand, was lounging lazily nearby, tossing out ideas for their budding business plan while watching her work.
"Would you like to see?" Chico offered.
With a flick of his wrist, Chico summoned one from thin air. The 'candy' landed in his palm with a faint metallic clink. Its color was…less than appetizing, a dull, uneven blend of metallic silver, and purple.
Demeter tilted her head. "It's…certainly unique-looking."
"Yeah," Chico smirked, "and I'm warning you now…don't eat it. Tastes like wet nails and rust."
That earned him a raised eyebrow. She glanced between the candy and his face as if to decide whether he was exaggerating. "Well…if that's the case, the flavor would definitely affect its price. Though…I suppose you don't intend to sell them for much anyway."
Chico shrugged. "Yeah. But…if I could change the flavor? I would in a heartbeat."
That thought made him pause. But then he recalled something...He could have sworn he had some sort of creation ability…
'Status,' he called in his mind.
Immediately, a cleanly organized list appeared before him: Abilities, Items, Skills, Traits, Familiars—each neatly detailed. He skimmed until his eyes landed on it: Intermediate Item Construction.
A slow grin spread across his face. "Heeh…I think I might actually have a way to fix the taste problem."
Demeter finally set her quill down, her interest piqued. "Oh? Do tell."
"A skill," he tapped his temple, "might let me tweak the recipe, make them less…rusty nail and more…edible. I'd have to experiment, but still."
"That," she smiled knowingly, "would be very interesting to see."
"Yeah, and if it works? I could branch out into other magic items. Ones that would be valuable, profitable…maybe even game-changing for some people."
Her lips curved. "And I suspect profit isn't your only goal."
"Nah," Chico said without hesitation. "If I can help people, I'm going to. Same way these candies could save lives in the dungeon. The profits would just be a plus."
"Fufu…so considerate~," Demeter teased, leaning her cheek against her palm. Her gaze softened, eyes warm with affection.
They both drifted back into their respective tasks, Chico idly thinking aloud about plans, Demeter's quill scratching lightly over parchment, until she broke the quiet again.
"What will you do with the rest of your day?"
Chico rubbed the back of his neck. "Not sure. Haven't been to the dungeon in a while, but it's already past noon…I prefer early mornings for that. Maybe tomorrow…" He paused, then added, "For today? I might head over to the Blue Pharmacy. Try to catch Miach-sama and Naaza-san. Maybe start the groundwork for the plan."
Demeter tapped her quill against the desk. "I'd like to be there with you…but I have some paperwork to catch up on. But this could be a good experience for you, handling a bit of business on your own."
He pursed his lips, then nodded. "Fair enough. I'll just be feeling things out. No real moves until we've got a contract we both feel is fair."
Her smile widened slightly at his choice of words—we both. She liked that.
Glancing at the ornate clock mounted in the solarium wall, Chico noted the time. "Almost one. Perfect timing to head over."
He walked over to her desk, sliding his arms around her shoulders from behind. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, then let one hand drift down to rest on her stomach.
"Still can't believe I'm going to be a father," he whispered, smiling as he rubbed her belly gently.
She leaned into his touch, warmth in her silence.
With one last kiss, he pulled away toward the door. Just before he stepped out, he heard her chuckle softly, her voice low but clear enough to reach him,
"Gods…I love that man…"
Chico's grin lingered as he left Wheat Manor and made his way into the streets, off toward the Blue Pharmacy.
——————————————————————
Chico headed straight towards the Blue Pharmacy and stepped inside, spotting both Lord Miach and Naaza.
"Hey-o," he greeted.
Naaza tilted her head with a smirk. "Oh? Are you here to ask me on a date?"
Chico shook his head. "Nope. But I've got something even better, a business idea, if you're willing to hear me out."
Naaza raised a brow, glancing toward Miach.
He smiled. "We'd be happy to hear it."
Chico grinned, reaching into his inventory. He produced a single Scrap Iron Candy and handed it to Naaza.
She stared at it. "…What is this?"
"That, Naaza-dearest, is a magic consumable item, one that will bolster anyone's defense…though I really don't recommend eating it right now. Tastes absolutely horrid."
Naaza took a sniff, recoiling immediately and sticking her tongue out. She looked toward Miach-sama, silently asking if Chico was serious.
"He's telling the truth," Miach-sama said.
Naaza examined the odd candy again. "An item that could bolster one's defense? This could be…invaluable in the dungeon. How long does it last?"
"Thirty minutes," Chico replied.
"And how effective?"
Chico thought for a moment. "Well…once upon a time, with my armor and this, I took a hit from a Minotaur and was able to get back up. But take that with a grain of salt…as I'm just built different."
Naaza froze. "Wait…wait…wait. When did you fight a Minotaur?"
"About two weeks ago," he answered casually.
She blinked once, twice, three times. "Chico-san…you…the first time you came in here was two and a half weeks ago."
He nodded with a smirk.
"How the hell did you take a hit from a Minotaur…?"
He just shrugged. "Again…I'm just built different."
Naaza huffed, glancing at Miach-sama again. He nodded once more.
She asked, "So anyone with a falna who takes this…could take a hit from a Minotaur?"
Chico shook his head. "I don't believe so. But I'd say anyone who's made it to the tenth floor could take a hit from an Ogre with much more confidence."
"That's quite impressive," Miach-sama said. "Especially since there's no such item in Orario like this…May I?"
Naaza handed him the candy. He inspected it carefully, clearly intrigued, then returned it to Chico. "Its magical properties are very interesting…and quite strong."
"Glad to hear that," Chico said. "And I can make quite a lot of these."
Naaza's eyes went wide, and for a second it almost looked like her pupils were replaced by Valis…though it might have been a trick of the light.
"I'd like to make a contract with you," Chico continued. "You'd be the exclusive vendors, and we'd split profits."
Naaza's tail began wagging. She muttered under her breath about tens of thousands of Valis…maybe even a hundred thousand.
Chico shook his head. "I'm not selling them for that much. I want these to help Orario, not just make extreme profits."
Her tail drooped. "But…but…"
Miach-sama put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm proud to hear that," he told Chico warmly. "We'd be happy to form a contract."
Chico smiled. "Demeter and I would like to meet soon to create a fair agreement, perhaps over dinner."
Naaza pouted. "These could sell for so much more…"
"Arrangements still need to be made," Chico said. "And there may be other items I could include in the deal."
Her tail started wagging again and she gave a firm nod.
After a bit more conversation, they exchanged farewells. Chico stepped back out into the streets of Orario, wondering what he should do next…
Chapter 30 End
Up next…Returning to the Dungeon, hey…is that…? Tiona-san?