Chapter 60

Chapter 61: Why Are You So Skilled At This?

West Orario.

This area is different from the nearby Northwest Street (Adventurer’s Street).

Many ordinary citizens reside here.

Let it be known, Orario enjoys a world-renowned reputation for Magic Stone products, with a trading industry chain that spans the entire world.

To support such large-scale production, Orario employs many workers responsible for manufacturing these goods.

These are laborers produced under the Guild’s jurisdiction; it’s said their numbers exceed those of Adventurers exploring the Dungeon.

Naturally, these laborers also live within the city.

Laborers without Familial Group affiliations mostly settle in this western district, living with their families and forming a large residential area.

The bustling streets are lined with numerous establishments like taverns and inns, and not a few Adventurers come here to pursue the simple and natural charm of the town’s girls.

“To be honest, compared to Northwest Street with its heavy adventurer vibe, I personally prefer this place.”

Without carrying any equipment, Izay, Raul, and Anna Keti walked along the street.

Looking at the cheerful surroundings, the blonde youth couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.

Laborers who had finished their day’s work drank heartily, and the pure-hearted bar maids were busy soliciting customers.

There were also many muscular Adventurers visible, as well as some Deities mingling with the crowd, blending in perfectly.

Such a grand spectacle was indeed the hallmark of the Labyrinth City, Orario.

“Indeed, personally, I also like this place… whether it’s human girls or catgirls, they all look super cute in uniforms resembling each other, don’t you think?”

The older hedgehog-headed big brother hooked arms with Izay, whispering his philosophy into the ear of his junior.

“Big Brother Raul, your true nature is showing～ And you don’t really think Anna can’t hear you just because you’re speaking softly, do you?”

She has acute hearing as a Catgirl after all…

“Hmph! Ignore him, Izay. Once you get to know him better, you’ll find out he’s secretly perverted. Though he looks like a proper and honest guy on the surface, in reality, he’s the type who would take the Familial Group funds to…”

“Cough cough cough cough cough!!!!!!”

Just moments ago, Raul was trying to impart some amusing ideologies to Izay, but when Anqi started revealing his dark history, he suddenly began coughing uncontrollably, as if having an asthma attack.

“Miss Anqi, could you please spare me some face in front of the junior?”

Raul looked hopefully at his long-time friend beside him.

But it didn’t have much effect. Anqi gave a disdainful laugh and chose to continue exposing his secrets.

“This guy once became obsessed with a prostitute on Happy Street. Not only did he spend all his savings, but he even used the funds earned from Familial Group expeditions to subsidize her. He’s been paying off debts ever since～”

“Pfft… Anqi, what have you told the junior! My heart hurts…”

“Tch～ It’s your own fault～ Does anyone in the Familial Group not know about your antics? Before handling expedition supplies today, the captain specifically reminded you not to mess up again, right?”

In fact, after every expedition since then, Finn always gives Raul this reminder. It seems the incident where he spent all the expedition earnings on pleasure trips scared the captain stiff.

At this moment, facing Raul’s expression filled with pain, Anqi seemed completely unconcerned.

Anyway, Izay will eventually find out while staying in the Familial Group. What’s the point of hiding it?

If she doesn’t say it, someone else surely will.

As an ancient saying from the East goes, ‘If you don’t want others to know, don’t do it yourself.’

“Big Brother Raul, I never expected you to be so bold. I look at you differently now.”

Izay turned his head and patted his shoulder, struggling hard to keep from laughing out loud.

Izay actually had some knowledge of this matter, thanks to his experience as an outsider.

However, knowing something yourself and hearing it discussed by someone else brings different feelings.

It’s like some things you know alone might just make you chuckle.

But sharing them with friends makes you incredibly happy.

It’s roughly the same principle.

“Stop laughing, or I’ll start feeling like I made a bad choice in friends…”

“Alright, alright, I’ll just ask one question: Big Brother, how much of your debt remains unpaid?”

“…”

Promised just one question, yet with one sentence, you’ve completely broken my defenses.

The Raul battleship has been sunk!

As the three approached the agreed-upon location, they encountered more and more Familial Group members. Everyone familiarly gathered together, exchanging greetings.

Izay was the one greeted the most.

All the senior members of the Familial Group made no effort to hide their high regard for Izay, hoping he would quickly grow stronger. That way, Loki Familia would gain another cadre-level combatant.

They would further solidify their reputation as the top Familial Group in Orario and perhaps try to surpass a certain powerful faction.

Internally, they were warm and united, happy to see the rapid rise of younger generations.

Externally, however, competitiveness couldn’t be overlooked. After all, insiders and outsiders are different and should be treated accordingly.

Soon, Loki arrived with a group of cadres, and all members gathered at the previously reserved tavern entrance.

Still the familiar place — “The Bountiful Mistress.”

“Mama Mia! We’re here!!”

At Loki’s call of the tavern owner’s name, the waitstaff dressed as female servers immediately came out to greet them.

“The seats are divided into indoor tables and outdoor seating over here. Please bear with us.”

“Hmm, that’s fine. Thank you.”

The tavern had set up an outdoor café.

This was due to the inability to accommodate everyone inside, hence the arrangement.

Finn expressed understanding to the polite human waitress and allowed half the members to take their seats at the outdoor tables before entering.

Izay attempted to follow the flow, thinking he’d just endure sitting outside.

Not to mention anything else, Izay felt that Ais and the other cadres—namely, the Amazon sisters plus the werewolf quartet including the naturally airheaded blonde girl—had been staring at him sharply ever since they met.

It was as if they wanted to strip him bare on the spot.

Considering he’d have to endure such intimidating gazes continuously if he entered the tavern, Izay hesitated for half a second and decided it would be better to avoid it outside.

However, this plan failed…

“Izay～～ why are you out here? We planned to celebrate for you today～～ come on in with us.”

“I think this matter deserves further discussion…”

“I don’t care what you think. I care what I think, and I think this matter doesn’t need any discussion!”

???

Why are you so skilled at this?

With a face full of unanswered questions, Izay was dragged into the tavern by Loki amidst the amused laughter of the members, who, though unclear about the details, still found great delight in his misfortune.