IS IT WRONG TO TRY TO PICK UP GIRLS IN A DUNGEON? FAMILIA CHRONICLE

”Just as you wrote in your letter, the Marketplace—or rather the corporation—took custody of Anna Kreiz. However, by the time I investigated, she had already been sold. ”

”To the Pleasure Quarter? ”

The Marketplace served as a gateway to the citys distribution network. Various goods passed through here on their way in or out of Orario. The sale of people to the Pleasure Quarter was a closely guarded secret, though it happened with great frequency. The Guild turned a blind eye to these practices.

Lyus face was strained as Asfi responded in a soft voice.

”It wasn the Pleasure Quarter. Leon, I don know what youve stuck your nose into, but it would be better for you not to get involved any further. ”

”You
e beating around the bush, Andromeda. Who bought her? ” Asfis blue eyes narrowed behind her glasses as Lyus tone hardened.

”The one who bought Anna Kreiz was from one of the casinos people. ”

”! ”

Lyu went wide-eyed.

”…A casino in the Shopping District? Thats not just any gambling den… ”

”Yes. Due to investment from sources outside the city and even beyond the country, it has grown too much. Gamblings the biggest industry in the city after magic-stone items. The Guild has no oversight there, so its the one place in Orario that the law can reach. ”

In the past, Orario—often called the Center of the World—was missing just one thing: entertainment. In order to meet to the deities insistent demands, city authorities welcomed foreign capital and know-how from Mayrustra, the Country of Opera; the Paradise City, Santorio Vega; and other famous countries or cities. Thanks to that, countless entertainment options had been constructed in the Shopping District. Foremost among them were the Theater and the casinos.

Within Orario, where people and goods from all around the world gathered, those facilities ended up growing far beyond the control of the city where they were established. Business was booming, and the entertainment venues were set to overtake the magic-stone-goods industry Orario was so proud of. At this point, the Guild had to tread lightly around them. Consequently, the foreign entities that had originally provided the investment capital had complete oversight. It was fair to say these areas were extraterritorial.

”The casino Im talking about has cooperation from the Guild, and it has contracted Ganesha Familia for security. ”

”… ”

”Infiltration is not feasible. And even if that could be done, you would definitely be caught. Its not possible, Leon. Even for you. ”

This particular casino was where upper-class adventurers, gods, and the wealthy visiting from outside the city went to spend their money. If anything happened to the richest patrons, the citys prestige and reputation would be affected. Strong adventurers were employed to keep out anyone who wasn properly authorized. Ganesha Familia boasted many first-tier adventurers and was one of the preeminent factions in Orario. For a Level 4, second-tier adventurer like Lyu, it would be difficult to evade their guards, and on the off chance it came down to a fight, it would not end easily.

Exchanging glances with Asfi, Lyu was silent for a short while.

”Before anything else, consider that if a scandal occurs, it might even become a diplomatic problem. Orario can act as cocksure as it wants, but…

well, at that point you can just call it the Guilds problem… ”

”There are branch casinos from several countries in the Shopping District. Which one bought her? ”

”El Dorado Resort—the largest one in Santorio Vega. Its known as the Paradise Citys Grand Casino. ”

Lyus face finally scrunched into a scowl. El Dorado Resort was Orarios most powerful casino.

”The one who bought Anna Kreiz was the owner, a dwarf named Terry Cervantes. It appears he was the one pulling the strings behind the Corporation as well as the street toughs. ”

In other words, he was the one who first saw Anna and worked behind the scenes to avoid suspicion.

”El Dorado Resort…Terry Cervantes. ” Lyu whispered the two names.

”A piece of advice, Leon. Its in your best interests not to get involved. ”

Ending the conversation, Asfi left her payment on the table and exited the restaurant. Lyu remained seated, silently watching Asfi walk away.

”…Hey, Ahnya, do you know what Lyu talked about with her? ”

”…Myeah…I heard something or another about a casino, meow? ”

Syr watched Lyu from the kitchen entrance. She was washing plates with Ahnya, whose cat ears were quivering. Looked slightly up toward the ceiling, Syr murmured.

”A casino, hmm…? ”

Two days later, Lyu was lost.

Her thoughts kept going in circles as she carried out her duties in the restaurant. But it wasn because she was hesitant about breaking into the casino.

I could force my way in the back of the building from the Pleasure Quarter side…No, that won work. I heard the security has been strengthened after another familia tried to break in. Digging up from below isn realistic, either…

In fact, it was the opposite. Lyu was completely committed to helping this total stranger. To fund her campaign, she traded the magic stones and drop items she had been saving to an intermediary, and she had made good progress in gathering the needed equipment. She hadn thought at all about what would happen after the breakout.

”Stop thinking about complicated stuff. ” Lyu was being true to her old friends advice.

The only thing that troubled her was the question of where to break into the casino.

In the evening after sunset, she was going through countless scenarios in her mind as she carried the buckets piled high with trash to the alley behind the tavern.

”…? ”

The sound of people talking around the corner in the alley beside the tavern reached her. Surprised that she recognized one of the voices, Lyu peeked around the corner. ”Then Ill take this… ”

”Yes, thank you very much. ”

She saw Syr bowing her head, thanking someone. The other person had finished their part in the conversation and taken their leave, just far away enough that it was difficult to make out their form in the dim light. All Lyu could see was a slender tail at the edge of her vision—probably a catpersons.

”Syr? ”

”Oh, Lyu! ”

”What are you doing here? ”

”Lyu, look at this! ”

Dodging the question, Syr excitedly held up a sheet of paper for her to see. It was a letter with a gaudy gold leaf on a white background. It looked like an invitation to a ball.

”Syr, what is that? ”

”An invitation from a casino! Someone gave it to me! ”

The ever-calm Lyu couldn help showing her shock for a moment.

”What?!…What do you mean, Syr? ”

”I happened to hear your conversation the other day. I thought it would probably be hopeless, but I tried asking an acquaintance if its possible to get in. And then… ”

”…Unbelievable. ”

”Ha-ha-ha. But if you have this, you can go to the casino, right? ”

Certainly, if Lyu had an invitation letter with a pass, then she would be able to enter the Grand Casino normally from the front without breaking in. Lyu kept glancing back and forth between the letter and a smiling Syr.

”It seems that if you aren rich, you can get in…My acquaintance said pretend to be the person to whom this was addressed. Its a count from some small country, apparently. ”

”…Was the animal person earlier the one who arranged this? Was it a man…? ”

”Eh-heh-heh. Working at this tavern, you just end up making some friends… ”

The invitation was originally supposed to have gone to a VIP in another country. When Lyu tried to probe further about who brought it, though, Syr just smiled and evaded the question.

Just how big is this girls fan club?

The mystery surrounding Syr deepened again. Lyu knew she was well connected, often receiving stellar reviews from male deities who loved her unpretentious quality ever since she started working as the taverns greeter. ”Anyway…is it okay if I go with you, Lyu? ”

”Wha…?! ”

”Ive always wanted to see what it was like at a casino, just once~~! ” At that last bombshell, Lyus finally raised her voice.

”Wait a minute, Syr. Even if you really want to go, thats just…! ”

”But look, the invitation says for the count and his wife, the countess right there. If only one person goes, itll look suspicious. ”

”… ”

Syr held the page up and pointed out where the recipients names were spelled out. Lyu took a deep breath, unable to argue. She recalled what Chloe and Ahnya had said before.

”She seems normeowl, but thats a lie. Syr is a witch, meow. ”

Lyu was forced to agree. Syr was supposedly just some ordinary city girl, but she was already two steps ahead.

”Very well. I can choose my methods, so Ill be counting on you. ”

”Yep! ”

”However, don leave my side, no matter what. This is going to be a dangerous job. ”

”Yes, maam! ”

She felt sick again after hearing Syrs delighted response. Giving the cheerful girl a sidelong glance, she started to modify her plan before noticing there was a word in Syrs explanation that she had overlooked. ”Wait a minute! Syr, you said and his wife. You don mean…? ” Syr merely smiled sweetly as Lyu looked agitated for once.

The sun had set behind a distant mountain range while night unfurled from the eastern sky. In the blink of an eye, Orario was swathed in twilight. Viewed from above, no one could be blamed for mistaking the Labyrinth City for a sea of stars. Lit by countless magic-stone lamps, the city put on the mask it wore at night.

Tavern girls stood in front of their respective shops calling for customers while street corners overflowed with the sounds of bards singing and playing their strings or woodwinds. The smell of grilled meat mixed with smoke wafting from pubs. Adventurers returning from the Dungeon and laborers finished with work mingled along the main street, drinking and making merry to bring their days to a close. On top of everything, excitable deities who loved their children were out and about as well. The night in Orario was just getting started.

In the midst of that, the city walls South Gate opened. A long column of carriages and attendants proceeded along South Main Street from outside.

The richly decorated carriages that passed the inspection point and entered the city were shockingly lavish, and the demi-humans who stepped out of them wore elegant clothes. The visitors dispersed to the hotels, the theaters, various high-class bars, and elsewhere in the Shopping District, each and every one of them scions of foreign wealth.

Once a week, Orario would open the South Gate to let in the wealthy from around the world. This was the current Guild leaders one and only political policy: invite wealthy people from outside the city, allow them to mill around as they spent their money, then reap the economic benefits. Of course, there was a strict security check in addition to the visa required to enter the city. Following that, carriages continued into Orario one after the other, carrying merchants, aristocrats, or people with wealth and status.

Inside the checkpoint, one carriage merged onto the main street from a back alley, becoming just another part of the long procession. The carriage pretended to come from outside the gate, looking exactly the same as the rest while waiting its turn to move along until it finally stopped at one corner in the Shopping District.

After opening the door, an elf in a tuxedo stepped down, his light green hair neatly styled in dignified fashion. A large eye patch covered his left eye and half of his face, evoking the image of a certain deity of forging. Even in the middle of the Shopping District where various aristocrats wandered, he stood out, exuding a mysterious allure. The ladies were rapt as the handsome man—or rather the elf woman wearing mens clothes—took the hand reaching out from the carriage.

”Hee-hee, thank you, dear. ”

”Please stop teasing me, Syr. ”

”But if we don act like a real husband and wife, other people might catch on, right? ”

Dressed in an evening gown, she took Lyus hand and stepped down. Syr smiled as if she were enjoying herself, not at all shy about playing the part of the young bride for the night. On the other hand, Lyu regretted going along with the plan to pose as the count and countess.

”More importantly, isn that dress a bit too bold? ”

”You think? I asked a merchant for a favor and had it prepared in secret, but… ”

The price for Syrs long evening gown, combined with Lyus tuxedo, had set the two of them back quite a bit in rental fees. Needless to say, her outfit was especially revealing. Her slender shoulders and back were bare, plus her chest was barely covered. Normally her cleavage did not appear so large, but in that dress, everything was very prominently displayed. Syr did not seem to mind everyone looking at her, but Lyu was concerned by the lewd stares. Syr giggled when the men scattered in an instant under Lyus sharp glare.

”As someone who works at a restaurant, I never would have thought Id get the chance to wear something so fancy. ”

The long, slender stole hanging between her elbows swayed in the breeze.

Syr had traded her normal hairstyle for one more befitting an evening party, swapping her waitresss white headpiece with an expensive hair ornament. But the person underneath all the accessories was key. With just a little bit of makeup, anyone who didn know better would easily mistake this girl next door for a noblewoman. Syr was too busy enjoying the attention to realize how alluring she appeared.

If I don protect her…Lyu momentarily seemed like a knight, earnestly bracing herself mentally for the task she had set for herself.

”Look at this, Lyu! He also prepared this fan for me! ”

”Don forget what we are here to do, please. ”

Syr had taken out a vibrant purple fan and seemed to be playing around, and Lyu tried to remind her of their mission. The local girl stuck her tongue out right before apologizing. Bemoaning her fate, Lyu took Syrs arm, then started walking. The entrance to their goal was a massive arched gateway built to face Main Street.

”Lets see…Today, you are Count Ariud Maximilian, and Im Countess Sirène Maximilian, his wife. ”

”Maximilian… ”

Lyu repeated the name in a daze beside Syr as their surroundings became even livelier with so many people around. There were extravagantly dressed visitors strutting around in their jewels and furs while many sturdy-looking animal people and dwarf bodyguards could be seen. From the South Gate to Central Park, located in the center of the city, Guild workers and Ganesha Familia members were placed around every major establishment along South Main Street.

Thats Shakti…So shes here, too. Lyu had been casually looking around when she noticed a familiar beautiful woman with azure hair who was Ganesha Familias leader. Finally, Lyu and Syr arrived at the arch.

”Could you please show me your letter? ”

”Of course. This will do, Im sure? ”

Syr showed the invitation to the human in uniform at the gate. The man glanced over the papers, then greeted them both with a smile.

”It is a pleasure to welcome you, Lord Maximilian. Please have a wonderful evening. ”

They walked past the employee, as well as the formation of Ganesha Familia members facing outward, as they crossed the threshold of the arch. Inside the large plaza, there was a giant fountain surrounded by a group of ornate buildings that were highlighted by multicolored magic-stone lamps.

Far removed from the day to day, this was a gamblers paradise.

Lyu and Syr headed into the resplendent casino.

3

In the south of Orario, the Casino Strip of the Shopping District was filled with places to gamble. The various venues established by several foreign countries and cities also had hotels attached to them. Many buildings had been designed to emulate the aesthetics of different cultures and climes. For example, there was one that resembled an oasis in a desert. Buildings more than three stories tall towered over the elliptical plaza on every side. Yashi trees from the south were growing here and there. In the center, a breathtakingly giant fountain launched sprays of water into the air almost like a giant wave at sea.

The moment Lyu and Syr passed through the giant arch to enter the Casino Strip, a flood of light greeted them. The highest quality magic stones the city had to offer sparkled in red, blue, purple, and gold, illuminating the casinos in the darkness. Unlike Guild Headquarters at the Pantheon or Babel, even the exteriors were vibrantly glowing. Viewed from the sky, there was no mistaking it. As twilight settled on the Labyrinth City, the Casino Strip was the brightest spot for miles around, shining like a sparkling, nightless castle protected by countless guards. This was a different world, set apart from the normal districts of Orario crowded with adventurers and regular citizens.

”Theres a lot of people, isn there? ”

”Yes, all of them are extremely wealthy patrons hailing from outside the city. ”

Syr and Lyu walked through the Casino Strip.

After explaining the situation to Mia, the pair had just barely managed to secure a day off. And now they were slipping into a crowd of privileged elite who were strutting around as if they owned the place. Wearing an expensive tuxedo and evening gown, respectively, they linked arms under the pretense that they were a foreign noble couple.

Deep down, Lyu could not completely suppress her surprise and slight embarrassment as Syr clung to her arm. She was going to have trouble keeping up this masquerade all night. It was difficult to tell whether the platinum-haired girl realized what she was doing, but her shoulders seemed to be quivering in amusement.

”So where is Anna? ”

”The El Dorado Resort. That building over there. ”

Whispering, they faced a building that stood out even in this plaza. Its sumptuous, gorgeous, shining facade could trick one into thinking it was a massive mound of gold. It seemed to have a magical ability to raise the spirits of anyone who looked at it. Statues of deities who symbolized wealth or success were installed around the entrance, either as a perfunctory show of respect or to share in their favor and blessings. A billboard lit up by magic-stone lamps displayed the words THE GOLDEN CITY in Koine, the universal language.

El Dorado Resort. Financed and established by the Paradise City, Santorio

Vega, this was Orarios number one gambling establishment, the Grand Casino.

It was also run by the man who had stolen Karen and Huey Kreizs daughter, Anna.

”Wooow, amazing! ”

Passing through the foyer, they were greeted by employees of El Dorado Resort and stepped out into an enormous hall. Syrs cheeks flushed with excitement at the spectacle unfolding before her eyes. The first thing that came into view was a breathtakingly large magic stone chandelier, followed quickly by the luxuriously vibrant and elaborately patterned carpet as well as the variety of tables where people were playing all kinds of attention-grabbing games.

Cards glided from dealers hands as though they moved along a flowing river. Colorful dice danced through the air while roulette wheels spun madly, their balls bouncing wildly around. Employees in stylish uniforms and guests in dazzling outfits alike gathered around each table like butterflies flocking to flowers. At every game, stacks of chips were being built, wagered, and paid back out. Around the tables, sighs of despair mixed with thunderous cheers, combining into a never-ending din. The casino was in full swing.

”Youve been to places like this before, right, Lyu? ”

”Ive slipped into gambling halls countless times, yes…but it is my first time in one so large. ”

The pair looked around, passing countless wealthy demi-humans in the narrow space as they moved through the hall. Guests walking around with armfuls of chips were trying their hand at all of the various games. Just one of the chips they were betting equaled a full days pay for a normal laborer in Orario, but the players could lose that in a single wager.

It was a scene that would make someone with financial struggles feel faint. Obscene amounts of money were being thrown around like nothing. Expediting the free flow of money in the form of enormous bets was the casinos raison dêtre as well as the source of its enormous profits.

In order to cater to the tastes of various races, there were many special games that used crystals and jewels, spinning tops, or other tools instead of cards. The elves sampling a different culture and the dwarves cutting loose fit in right alongside the deities. One god tried to casually pocket a handful of someone elses chips, but vigilant Ganesha Familia guards stopped the culprit before leading him off to a back room somewhere with a smile. With the help of Orarios adventurers, the establishments antifraud measures were out in full force.

The dealers at each table added their own flair to the games. A delightful symphony unfolded as they seamlessly shuffled and dealt cards, instantly split chips before sliding them across the table, or rolled dice made of rare crystal only found in the Dungeon. The skillful performance was merely one of many techniques the casino workers used to mesmerize the guests. The dealers were predominantly women, and all were beautiful. They watched with a smile as the guests swung between the extremes of joy and sorrow.

A wealthy prum groaned as his mountain of chips was taken away, while the booming laughter of an Amazon who had just won big rang out from another corner.

”Do you think it would be okay to take one of those chips home? Chloe and the rest really, really wanted to come to the casino, so that could be a nice souvenir… ”

”Syr…if you brought that back, I think they would be even sadder at the waste of money. ”

Syr seemed to be enjoying the vibrant atmosphere in the casino, but her constant wide-eyed staring did not fit her aristocratic appearance in the formal evening gown. Unlike her, Lyu was stealthily glancing around the hall while carefully maintaining the composure befitting a count. She noted the layout of the building as well as the number and position of guards around the room.

”By the way, Lyu…Getting inside is good and all, but what should we do now? ” Syr whispered as they walked along the full-floor luxurious rug. ”First, we need to draw attention, ” Lyu responded simply.

”? ”

”Well make a show of being wealthy. Once people think his might be a good customer, theyll come to us on their own before long. ”

Lyus confidence came from the experience she had gained during her time with Astrea Familia. Casinos were always looking for potential regulars. A guest who consistently bet piles of money whether they were winning or losing was assuredly wealthy. When management noticed, they would welcome the guest personally—and most likely ask, ”Would you like to play a higher-stakes game? ”

”I looked at the letter, and this was the first time the count and countess have received an invitation. Being rural aristocrats is convenient for us. Taken another way, it means the casino doesn have much information about us. We have the advantage. ”

If a rural aristocrat had more money than expected and spent more money than predicted, that would be a pleasant surprise for the casino. It was their best chance at infiltration. They would pretend to be first-timers enjoying themselves at the casino until management came to welcome them wholeheartedly—unsuspectingly inviting the pair into their inner circle.

”So in other words…just spend a lot of money and get noticed? ”

”Yes. But needless to say, the funds we have are limited. It would be best to simply keep winning. ”

By amassing a large enough number of chips, they could wow the people around them, becoming a focal point of envy and attention. If they then exchanged those chips for expensive drinks, food, and services, management would not be able to ignore it. Even if they were spending chips that had been won at the casino instead of hard currency, customers with open purses were crucial.

Our current goal is to get inside that door.

Lyu had already made a mental note. At the back of the main hall, past countless tables, was a dignified set of firmly shut oaken doors. Only special guests could enter. Two sturdy guards stood on either side of the door, like gatekeepers.

The VIP room. Every casino had one. A place set aside solely for high-stakes games and gamblers who were very free with their bets.

”That reminds me, how much money do you have, Lyu? I brought as much as I could, but… ”

”About one million valis. Its pocket change compared to everyone else here. If I had more, this would be a lot simpler… ”

Combining her savings with what she had gathered by selling off her tools and items during breaks at work, one million valis was the most she could collect for her war chest. If they could not grow that into a significantly greater amount, that would be the end. For a normal person like Syr, getting rich in one night was just a dream, even at a gambling paradise. But Lyu would not find it much easier, despite the training and experience she had to her name. Either way, they just had to try. In the worst case, there was still the option of a more violent extraction, but she would try the simpler way first. She headed toward one of the tables to exchange her money for chips.

”Ooo, you won again! You
e on fire today, Guild Chief! ”

”Gah-ha-ha-ha! What do you mean? The goddess of luck always grants me her blessing! Thats because I work myself to the bone day and night for the sake of Orario! ”

On their way to exchange chips, they heard a loud laugh from one corner of the hall.

”Ah, that elf—Ive seen him before. ”

”Royman Mardeel. Current head of the Guild. ”

Lyu unconsciously furrowed her eyebrows at the mans vulgar, roaring laughter and pitifully obese torso.

Royman Mardeel. He was effectively the most powerful person in the Guild. Corrupt, rotund, oozing money and power—he was the exact opposite of the typical elf, a race famous for their physical beauty. Royman was loathed by the other elves living in Orario, earning him the moniker ”the Guilds Pig. ” The rumors that he wallowed in debauchery in the Shopping District for days at a time appeared to be true. Even if he was just another influential person relaxing at the end of the day, it was hard for Lyu to watch a fellow elf behave like him. She gave him a sidelong glance as his belly wobbled with laughter before heading in the other direction.

”There could be other people like the head of the Guild who might recognize us. Since normal people can get into the casino, we need to be careful so that we aren recog— ”

While they walked, Lyu was urging Syr to be careful when a loud voice cut her off.

”Wait! Please wait!! Ive had enough, so please let me go! ”

They heard a pitiful young mans voice.

” ”……… ” ”

Lyu and Syr quietly looked at each other as they heard a voice that was extremely familiar. They both slowly turned their heads. They immediately noticed a white-haired human. He was wearing a hastily prepared formal suit that was a couple levels below Lyus. Hair as white as virgin snow flopped to and fro like rabbit ears. On the verge of tears, he was the very image of a scared little child. Seeing the boys face appear in the crowd, they exchanged glances again and nodded. Turning around, they maneuvered themselves behind him as he pleaded with someone.

”Like I said, I haven finished moving in yet! And if my goddess or the others find out, I…I…! ”

”…Mr. Cranell. ”

The boy, Bell Cranell, was startled as he suddenly heard Lyus voice behind him. His shoulders trembled violently as he turned slowly, half-frozen. His rubellite eyes went wide as he recognized Lyu and Syr.

”L-Miss Ly—gmph?! ”

”Refrain from doing anything that could give away our identities. ” Lyu quickly put her hand over his mouth as he started to raise his voice.

Bell looked confused for a moment at her warning before suddenly turning red, then nodding like his life depended on it. Removing her fingers from his lips, Lyu took a step back.

”Umm, Miss Lyu, right? And Miss Syr, too… ”

”Good evening, Bell. What a coincidence that we meet in such a place.

You really surprised me there. ”

”Mr. Cranell, why are you here? ”

”I…well…um, how do I explain it… ”

Before the thoroughly confused boy could grasp the situation or give an answer, a deep voice interrupted from behind him.

”Hey, Little Rookie, what are you doing? Our talk ain over yet. ”

”M-Mord… ”

Following Bells gaze, they saw a human man with a rough-looking face who was clearly an adventurer. A pair of humans accompanied him. Both Lyu and Syr recognized him as the adventurer named Mord. He had picked a fight in The Benevolent Mistress once and gotten thrown out. On another occasion, he had set a trap for Bell on the Dungeons eighteenth floor. His ratty, poorly fitting tunic and open collar were hopelessly out of place in this setting. With an appearance like that, the nobles and wealthy patrons in the hall would only see a disreputable person from the moment they laid eyes on him. Given he was an adventurer, this was no surprise.

The other two men who approached appeared to be his friends.

”Don talk about leaving after all the work we did to convince the casino staff to let you come in with us! ”

”No, but I…I still haven finished moving in yet…! And I don have any money! And the deposit on these clothes… ”

”Don worry, its my treat! Thanks to you, I won a ton betting on the War

Game! Ha-ha-ha, Im paying you back, so just accept it like a man! ” So thats whats going on.

Lyu could guess Bells situation as she watched Mord wrap his arm around the struggling boys shoulder. He probably had run into Mord by chance and been dragged here. Someone as timid as Bell would have had trouble turning him down. Or maybe he had been brought here on false pretenses.

She wondered what had changed Mords heart so much that he was laughing and wrapping his arm around Bell, when he was the one who performed an adventurers ”baptism ” on the boy in the past. Lyu looked on with a gaze that seemed to disapprove of the delinquent adventurers dragging Bell into the citys nightlife.

”Can I help you, Mr. Aristocrat? If youve got a problem, instead of staring at me like that…Huh?…You seem familiar… ”

”M-Mord! ”

”Wasn she at that bar?! ”

”Geh! That Bene— ”

”Stop talking. ”

” ” ”—Gah! ” ” ”

Lyu had kicked Mords and his friends shins so fast none of the guests around them even noticed, ensuring they did not give away her true identity.

”Sorry, I overdid it. ”

” ” ”Guaaaaaaaa! ” ” ”

”Augh…don be so quick to start a fight, Lyu! ”

Syr scolded her as the three adventurers hunched over in pain after being on the receiving end of a low kick from a Level 4. Lyu started to look uneasy as their moaning drew attention. Bell started to sweat.

”Anyway, why are you two here? And why are you wearing an eye patch…? ”

”In order to infiltrate the casino, I am pretending to be a certain count. It wouldn have been possible to get in otherwise. ”

”I see, and thats the reason for the gown…Miss Syr is wearing… ”

Ignoring Mord and company, who were busy groaning in pain, Bell peppered Lyu with questions. His voice tapered off as his gaze shifted to Syr. Her slender shoulders and white back were bare. A deep valley between her barely concealed breasts was also showing. His rubellite eyes were transfixed by Syrs beautiful figure in the alluring gown.

Noticing Bells gaze as he instantly turned red, Syr blushed. She smiled with a mixture of happiness and devilish amusement, quietly covering her chest with both hands.

”Eh-heh-heh, Bell, are you enchanted by my dress? ”

”Uh…umm…sorry! ”

As he apologized, face shifting into an even brighter shade, Lyu moved a hairbreadth behind his back.

”Mr. Cranell. Refrain from staring at Syr with such ill-mannered eyes. ”

Lyus sky-blue eyes narrowed sharply, and her tone was chilling. Recognizing the murderous intent dripping from her warning, Bell apologized for his transgressions, looking like he had seen a ghost.