The golden walls of Lunestra emerged over the hills, glowing under the late afternoon sun.Tall towers, lush gardens, and busy markets stretched across the landscape.
Ray leaned forward on the caravan seat, genuinely amazed.
"Wow… this place looks peaceful."
Zara laughed loudly from atop Nibbler."Don't be fooled! Lunestra is famous for three things: food, festivals, and aggressive single women looking for husbands!"
Ray immediately sat back down.
"Great. Perfect. Exactly what I feared."
Lyria flipped through her book."Lunestra's nickname is literally The City of Blossoms and Brides. So please don't do anything that triggers your aura."
Ray pointed at her desperately."I DON'T TRIGGER IT! LIFE TRIGGERS IT!"
Ellie gasped."Does that mean you'll attract even more girls here?"
Maria tightened her gauntlets."Then we'll just stay close."
Amelia's hand went to her sword."Very close."
Claire nodded professionally."Uncomfortably close."
Ray looked at the sky."…Can I trade bodies with the wyvern?"
Nibbler growled smugly.Even he enjoyed Ray's suffering.
THE GATES OF LUNESTRA
As the group approached the massive golden gates, two armored guards stepped forward.
Both were women, both stunning… and both froze the moment they saw Ray.
Guard #1: "…Is that… a man?"Guard #2: "A cute one."
Ray: "No I'm not—"
They rushed forward immediately.
"Name?" Guard #1 asked."Age?" Guard #2 followed."Relationship status?" Guard #1 again."Fertility level?" Guard #2 added, dead serious.
Ray's soul left his body.
Maria intercepted them with a glare so sharp, flowers wilted nearby.
"Step. Back."
The guards stepped back.
Immediately.
"Y-Yes, Captain Ironheart!""We didn't mean any offense, Captain!"
Ray blinked."Wait… Maria, you know them?"
Maria sighed."I trained here before becoming a knight captain. These are my juniors."
The guards looked at Ray with pure envy.
"You're traveling with Captain Ironheart?!""You lucky little—"
Maria unsheathed her sword half an inch.
"—TREASURE! I meant treasure!"
Ray almost passed out.
THE CITY OF BLossoms
Lunestra was beautiful.
Vibrant markets with floating lanterns.Bridges adorned with enchanted vines.Musicians playing crystalline instruments.Shops selling pastries, potions, armor, and suspicious pink bottles labeled "Guaranteed Husband Attractor."
Ray looked around nervously.
"Is… is that legal?"
Lyria answered, "It shouldn't be."
Ellie bounced happily."Ray! Can we get snacks before we check in?"
Amelia agreed."Food is fine. But Ray stays between us."
Zara raised her hand."I'll walk behind him to block kidnapping attempts."
Claire frowned."That is exactly where a kidnapper would stand."
Zara blinked."…Oh."
Maria sighed."This group is exhausting."
The caravan leader handed Amelia a sealed letter.
"Deliver this to the Lunestra Guildmaster. Payment will be issued after she confirms receipt."
Ray nodded."That sounds simple enough."
He really needed to stop saying that.
THE GUILD OF LUNESTRA
The Lunestra Guild was twice as large as the previous one, decorated with floral motifs and banners fluttering in the wind.
The moment Ray walked inside…
Silence.
Fifteen female adventurers stopped talking and stared.
Ten more leaned forward.Five gasped.
Someone whispered,"He's real…""Look at his hair!""Is he single?""He looks delicious— I MEAN DELICATE."
Ray wanted to run.
The receptionist stood up too quickly, knocking over her chair.
"WELCOME— I mean, welcome! W-Welcome to the Lunestra Guildhouse! S-Sir!"
Ray stared."…Is everyone in this city okay?"
"No," Maria answered bluntly.
Amelia pushed him gently behind her as she handed the guildmaster's letter to the receptionist.
The guildmaster herself soon appeared: a tall woman with silver hair, emerald eyes, and an aura of absolute authority.
Her gaze landed on Ray.
"…Bring him to my office."
Amelia grabbed Ray by the arm."Absolutely not."
The guildmaster lifted a brow."It wasn't a request."
Claire's bow was already raised.Lyria prepared a spell.Zara cracked her knuckles.Maria stepped forward like a looming storm.
The entire guild tensed.
Ray gulped loudly."Everybody calm down…!"
The guildmaster sighed.
"I am not trying to steal the man—though I can see why you'd assume that."
Ray exhaled in relief—"THANK GOD—"
"My interest is purely political."
Ray inhaled again in terror.
"W-WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!"
A NEW PROBLEM (OF COURSE)
The guildmaster crossed her arms.
"There are rumors spreading across cities. Rumors about a man who tames wyverns, defeats beast lords, and charms heroes."
Ray groaned."I swear everyone is exaggerating!"
She ignored him completely.
"Lunestra's nobles are already preparing invitations. Diplomats from neighboring cities want to 'meet' you. Several influential clans have asked for your hand in marriage—"
Ray screamed.
"WHY!? I HAVEN'T EVEN BEEN HERE A DAY!"
The guildmaster continued calmly.
"You will need protection. And guidance. And someone capable of handling political pressure."
Then she turned toward Ray…
and knelt.
"My name is Lady Seraphine Vael.I humbly request to be part of your party."
The entire guild erupted into chaos.
Ray stared at her, horrified.
And the system, in its infinite cruelty, chimed:
[New Beauty Detected: Seraphine Vael]Beauty Score: 98/100Threat Level: "Run."Compatibility: Extremely HighRecommended Action: Accept her before someone else does]
Ray whispered:
"…I'm not surviving this world."