Chapter 587

Chapter 594: Like Getting Caught Doing Something Naughty by Your Parents (Please Subscribe!)

At the Central Square, Victorica quickly adjusted her state, ending her moment of reflection.

The witch then noticed the time and couldn’t help but suggest with a soft tone: “We should probably head back to the inn now… Otherwise, if it starts raining later, it’ll be troublesome…”

Her words seemed like she was genuinely concerned for the three of them… In reality, she just wanted to rest.

Today, they had been exploring the Dungeon non-stop.

For the witch who usually travels at a leisurely pace, this was already high-intensity “work.”

If asked what she wanted to do most right now,

Victorica’s answer would definitely be “to lie on the inn’s bed and take a nice long nap.”

Even matters of money would come after that.

No one could sway the witch’s determination.

As her words trailed off, Izay noticed that Victorica’s voice had changed slightly.

It was a natural occurrence, easily explained.

After being in a focused state for a long time, when humans suddenly relax, all the accumulated fatigue rushes in.

Victorica’s current state was exactly like that.

“I’ll escort you back to the inn since it’s on my way.” Izay naturally chimed in with the topic.

Victorica’s lips unconsciously curved up slightly, bringing a faint smile: “Oh my… Is Mr. Izay trying to play the role of a knight in shining armor? I don’t mind at all~?”

“Being a knight in shining armor is a bit exaggerated, I’m just following my heart.” Izay shook his head.

After all, any normal man would do this, right?

What’s strange about it?

Victorica didn’t respond to this, just chuckling softly.

Ryu remained calm.

Every time they returned from the Dungeon in the past, Izay would send her to the tavern before parting ways.

The elf had long gotten used to the two of them returning to the tavern together.

The three walked slowly along the street, occasionally changing their topics of casual chat.

It was deep into the night, and the western district of Orario was sparsely populated with a few pedestrians.

The still-open taverns on the side of the road echoed with the cheers and hollers of Adventurers.

Izay remembered making a similar promise when he passed by a tavern and heard the Adventurers inside talking about how much money they earned today and planning to feast lavishly.

So he brought it up: “Miss Victorica, would you like to go with me to the Guild Headquarters tomorrow?”

“What’s the reason?” The witch tilted her head, her gray-blue eyes looking over.

“To collect your share of the reward, of course.” Izay said: “Didn’t we gather quite a few Magic Stones in the Upper and Middle Layers? Tomorrow, we’ll exchange the Magic Stones for Valis, and there’s a portion for you.”

And Ryu wouldn’t be forgotten either.

Izay always adhered to the principle of equal distribution regarding the spoils from exploring the Dungeon, or what some might call “a share for everyone present.”

Of course, this principle only applied within his own team, whether it be a duo or trio.

With larger groups, it wouldn’t work, as seen when Finn distributed the expedition rewards based on contribution.

Hearing this, Victorica nodded lightly in understanding.

But at the same time, a question arose.

“If that’s the case, why didn’t you exchange them earlier?”

She remembered Izay mentioning that Babel Tower also had facilities for exchanging Magic Stones.

“Earlier… I just didn’t think of it~” Izay smiled, candidly admitting.

“Alright…” Victorica’s face showed a look of helplessness, and she didn’t say anything more.

Thus, their conversation came to an end for the time being.

On the side, Ryu, who hadn’t spoken, had been quietly observing Victorica’s profile.

Then, the elf subtly pouted.

(Just wait… I need to find a way to get Miss Victorica out of the way…)

Personally, after deciding to make a change, Ryu began silently devising a bold plan.

To implement this plan, she felt the first thing to note was getting rid of Victorica.

In short, Ryu wanted a chance to be alone with Izay.

With this thought in mind, Ryu mentally rehearsed the possible excuses she might use next.

Including, but not limited to, some rather clumsy ones. Although these excuses seemed highly feasible to the elf…

Until they reached the back entrance of The Bountiful Mistress tavern, Ryu finally exhaled slowly, treating this small action as a signal to herself, preparing to speak.

However, just before she spoke, Victorica lightly clapped her hands and grinned: “Miss Ryu~”

“Ahh!? …I’m here, is there something?” Ryu’s momentum faltered upon being interrupted, as if truly hurt by the words.

But Victorica didn’t notice Ryu’s expression change, continuing: “Can I use the same room from last night again? The guest room upstairs, the bedding there feels very comfortable~”

Ryu: “…”

For a moment, the elf didn’t know how to respond.

Or rather, she found it difficult to describe her current subtle state of mind with words.

A few seconds passed, and it was Victorica’s somewhat expectant expression that snapped her back to reality.

(Huh… wait… I want to be alone with Izay, isn’t this situation perfect!?)

Realizing the current situation, Ryu quickly nodded: “Of course, Miss Victorica can use any of the rooms upstairs in the tavern freely, as long as nothing is damaged. Mama Mia will demand full-price compensation for broken items.”

“That’s great! May I take my leave then? To be honest, I’m really tired now, but I’ll be careful not to damage anything.”

“You may proceed…”

“Goodnight then, Mr. Izay, Miss Ryu~”

Victorica yawned, waved at the two, and stepped toward the tavern’s back door, leaving space for the two.

Seeing her figure disappear behind the door, Ryu finally let out a sigh of relief.

Through this incident, she understood.

Miss Victorica was the type she wasn’t good at dealing with!

If an adjective must be added,

That would be exceptionally bad at handling!

When communicating with her, that appearance like drifting clouds, light and soft, made it impossible to guess what she was thinking!

At least, this was true for Ryu, who had only known her for two days.

“Ryu, what’s wrong with you? You look like someone caught doing something naughty by their parents.” Izay took in the elf’s reaction, unable to suppress a laugh.

Why did it feel like Ryu was helpless against Victorica?

Yet nothing had happened between the two of them.

“It’s not… I haven’t done anything wrong…! It’s just… I have some thoughts…” Ryu stammered in explanation, appearing nervous.

“Some thoughts? Such as?”

“It’s not suitable to talk about it here… How about you come with me somewhere else? It won’t take up too much of your time!”

The elf, showing a shy demeanor, mustered up the courage and extended an invitation to Izay.

“Hmm… Alright.”

Although unsure of the purpose of moving locations, Izay had never seen Ryu in such a state before.

He felt that if he refused, she might go back to her room alone and perhaps cry herself to sleep.