The spring breeze swept through the streets. As usual, Orario's morning was filled with vitality.
Unlike the boisterous adventurers, a unique atmosphere hung between Bell and Mikoto. When the Takemikazuchi Familia was in crisis, they had also spent time alone together, much like now. The two walked side by side, keeping a comfortable distance, silently moving through the spring breeze.
"....."
Bell didn't ask why Mikoto had chosen to follow him. Both of them were currently free from any obligations, and the others had already gone their separate ways.
To prevent foreign spies from sneaking into the city, anyone wishing to enter Orario under a Falna's protection had to undergo strict scrutiny. Thanks to Artemis's reputation, the twenty maidens were allowed entry without issue. They had to register their adventurer details at the guild as soon as possible.
Cassandra and Daphne, concerned that these unfamiliar maidens might cause trouble, had decided to accompany them. Artemis and several other gods also made their way to the guild to report the details of the battle at Antares to the Great God.
Welf and Lili, each returned to their respective familias to request conversion to the Familia God. In the blink of an eye, most of the traveling companions had left.
Due to her unique status, Ryuu, having just returned to Orario, immediately bid farewell to everyone. Asfi, on the other hand, sighed as she made her way to the merchant's guild to return the carriage and handle post-journey matters.
In the end, only Bell and Mikoto remained.
Bell glanced at the dark-haired girl beside him and asked,
"Mikoto-san, do you have any plans?"
"Hmm. Ouka and the others have surely gone to the dungeon already. I'd have nothing to do back there either."
Mikoto replied softly. At this time, the god Takemikazuchi also began his duties. Mikoto had already asked Hestia to convey her regards to Takemikazuchi as they passed by the fried potato ball shop.
"If you have nothing else to do, you can go rest. There's no need to follow me."
Bell suggested. During this journey, aside from Artemis, Mikoto had been the most clingy. But it wasn't out of romantic affection; they were more like inseparable master and apprentice.
Cooking, commanding, assigning tasks, handling errands, defeating monsters... whatever Bell did, Mikoto would observe closely, taking careful notes. Mikoto had once said she wanted to stand on her own, just like Bell. Every day, she practiced her resolve, following his footsteps.
"Bell-dono, this is also part of my training..."
Mikoto looked at the couples chatting happily on the street, then suddenly frowned. "Hmm... Could I be causing trouble?!"
"No, I'm just worried that Mikoto-san might find it difficult to accept where we're headed."
Bell looked at her earnest and humble demeanor and couldn't help but smile. In truth, Mikoto had an impressive ability to learn. Take cooking alone—her natural skills were already quite remarkable.
To Bell, she was the ideal woman many men dreamt of—approaching everything with dedication and adapting quickly, excelling in whatever she did. So, Bell truly didn't want to dampen her enthusiasm or make her leave.
"Whatever it is, I'll handle it to the best of my ability. If it becomes an inconvenience, please tell me directly, Bell-dono. I'll leave immediately."
Mikoto declared her resolve. During this journey, she had learned so much from Bell. She wanted to make the most of every moment to improve herself.
But the next second, her resolve was completely shattered by reality. As the spring breeze brushed past, Mikoto's cheeks instantly turned crimson.
"Be... Bell-dono? This place is a Monster Den! Did we take a wrong turn?!"
Amidst their frantic chatter, the pair arrived at the Pleasure District. Orario was home to numerous demi-humans. Unlike humans, their physical states were far more susceptible to environmental influences. With spring in full bloom, the brothels saw a significant surge in clientele. The brothels wouldn't miss this opportunity.
Even in the morning, the doors of the Pleasure District remained wide open. Though no girls were out soliciting customers, the spring breeze carried all manner of decadent scents, and the warm sun enveloped the air with wanton laughter and moans.
"Be... Bell-dono?!"
The lewd atmosphere of the Pleasure District washed over her. Mikoto had always avoided such places, and now, overcome by panic, she could only repeat the young man's name.
"This is precisely where I'm headed, Mikoto-san. I have business to attend to inside one of the brothels."
Bell answered without concealment. Rescuing Artemis had taken considerable time. Bell had promised Aisha he'd rescue Haruhime before the next full moon. Now, with a month nearly passed, he needed to update Aisha on the situation and ease Haruhime's worries. After vanishing for so long, that kind-hearted fox girl must be terribly worried.
"Um... Are you really going in?!"
Mikoto's beautiful face was etched with hesitation.
"You don't have to come with me. Wait here for a bit. I'll be out soon."
Bell added, watching Mikoto's flustered expression,
"Mikoto-san, you understand, right? This matter must remain confidential."
"..."
Mikoto's mind raced, steam practically billowing from her brain.
Be back soon?
Keep it secret?
Pleasure District?
Bell-dono?!
No, no, no... There must be some mistake...
"Alright... alright?"
Mikoto, utterly flustered, blurted out a response. Upon receiving her answer, Bell strode straight into the Pleasure District.
"..."
By the time Mikoto snapped back to reality, the youth's figure had vanished around the corner. She stood frozen in place, a fierce internal debate raging silently within her mind.
Calm down. It's just a normal way to unwind.
No, Bell-dono would never seek out prostitutes. He has several beautiful girlfriends, after all.
But the gods often say home flowers can't compare to wild ones. Maybe Bell-dono Cranel thinks the same.
Absolutely impossible?!
Bell-dono is so gentle and upright—completely different from those frivolous gods!
But upon reflection, if he had nothing to hide, why demand secrecy?
Deliberately waiting for Artemis' absence to sneak into the Pleasure District—no matter how you look at it, guilty as charged.
Exactly.
Bell-dono vanished in an instant, proving he knew the area well and had his target set.
He absolutely went to see a prostitute!
"Hmm... What should I do?"
After pondering, Mikoto hardened. The youth was about to commit an impure act. Watching the succubus enter the brothel with a broad smile, hearing laughter and moans drifting from the windows, she instantly wanted to turn and flee.
But the next second, reason overcame her shyness. Bell-dono not only saved her life but patiently taught her so much. Now that he was about to stray onto the wrong path, how could she simply back down?
She must pull him back!
She must stop Bell-dono!
The instant this thought formed, Mikoto charged into the Pleasure District.