"Delicious~"
Silent Suzuka, secretly summoned by Rhode and in a state of unity, let out a joyful sound in his mind.
Normally, to avoid problems, Rhode intended to temporarily put Suzuka into a dormant state when directly interacting and communicating with others.
Silent Suzuka's personality was already a bit quiet, and being new to a different world, she was inevitably a bit shy, so she readily agreed to this.
"Right, right!"
Alise pushed a plate of thinly sliced jerky and bread back in front of Rhode.
"This is Iska's special, hearty Amazon warrior cuisine!"
A large pot was placed in the center of the long table in front of everyone, with chunks of meat and fish, and a small amount of vegetables, cooking inside.
Iska was two years older than Ryu, sixteen years old.
Her black hair was tied back, complementing her brown skin.
She wore Amazon-style clothing, but in a conservative style.
"Well, Alise is exaggerating a bit."
She elegantly winked at Rhode.
"Calling it Amazon cuisine, it's actually just the simplest, crudest method, and having grown up in the slums of Orario, I've never known what a true Amazon homeland is like."
Maliu, sitting beside him, thoughtfully handed over cheese and bottled honey, smiling leisurely.
"Iska and I lived in the same orphanage when we were little until we met Astrea. So this place is home to us."
"Speaking of which, where is your hometown, Rhode?"
Rhode took a bite of the jerky. Although it wasn't particularly delicious, it greatly satisfied him after many days of hunger.
"Home… it's very, very far away, a place I can't return to. Hmm, at least I'm happy here, and I don't feel homesick."
The masked Elf sitting opposite looked up and gave Rhode another glance, her sharp gaze gradually softening.
Did this guy also escape from his homeland…
Kaguya lightly coughed, changing the subject.
"Speaking of which, it's almost time for us to decide on groups to explore the Dungeon! If I'm not mistaken, the Familia doesn't have much money left, right?"
"The taxes paid to the Guild increased with the Familia's rank, there's the loan for the base to pay, and the maintenance and resupply of weapons, armor, and medicine…"
When the girls heard Kaguya list a whole host of expenses, they all looked pained, as if they couldn't even eat anymore.
Leyana slumped on the table, on the verge of tears.
"Ugh… do we really have to talk about such a realistic topic during such a happy time like eating?"
Alise put her fists on her hips and declared loudly.
"—Don't be too greedy, everyone!"
"A heart of frugality is the foundation of [Justice]! Remember the saving methods from when the Familia was still small!"
"Compared to when we were deep in debt from Dungeon expeditions, forcing Goddess Astrea to drink salty wild grass soup for seven days and nights, yet she still smiled and said, 'It's alright,' and drank it—what is this now?!"
Rhode was astonished upon hearing this and looked at Astrea; he truly hadn't expected someone as noble-looking as her to have such a past.
Laira covered her forehead, sighing in embarrassment.
"Captain, don't casually talk about our dark history in front of the newcomer! Can't you see Goddess Astrea is blushing?!"
With a boy added to the Familia, the girls had subconsciously become much more reserved, and even the Goddess was no exception.
Astrea buried her head in her bowl, putting on a cute act of focusing on eating and hearing nothing.
Noin smiled and shook her head, suggesting,
"Then let's group up according to the old rules. Some people will conquer the Dungeon to earn materials, and others will continue to patrol the city."
"However, considering the lack of personnel and efficiency, perhaps we should hire a few Supporters."
Rhode thought of his newly acquired ability, put down his dishes, and volunteered.
"As for Supporters, how about you leave it to me?"