Yoru felt a little helpless, but he quickly composed himself and followed behind Syr.
Since he had decided to live in this world, he couldn't keep rejecting interactions with others. Sure, he wasn't used to lively places, but such things were part of building relationships.
After all, if he truly wanted to make Hestia's name known across the world, then as the sole representative of the Hestia Familia, he needed to set a proper example.
With that in mind, his expression relaxed, and he followed Syr into the tavern.
"Please, have a seat."
The spot she led him to was at the counter.
Once seated, Yoru noticed that his seat was at the corner of the long counter arranged in a straight line, tucked neatly into a right-angle turn. It was positioned in a corner of the tavern, with the wall behind his back.
Since it was a corner seat, there were no seats beside him—no one else would sit here. It felt more like a one-on-one between a guest and the proprietress. Syr had clearly chosen this seat with intent.
Still, Yoru was grateful to be away from the rowdy crowd.
Or at least, that's what he thought—until a voice boomed in his ears like thunder.
"So you're Syr's guest, huh? No sulking faces allowed! This is my bar, and everyone here drinks with a smile!"
A vein twitched on Yoru's forehead.
"I heard you're some big eater who makes folks scream in horror! Well, ol' Mama Mia's gonna keep the food coming, so don't hold back—just keep paying up!"
Stunned, Yoru turned to look at Syr, only to find she had deliberately looked away.
She looked away?! She's pretending she didn't see anything!
"…What exactly is going on here?"
"Uh… eheh."
Syr chuckled sheepishly at his bewildered question.
"I, um, told Mama Mia that I'd like to treat a new guest tonight and asked her to help me take care of things. But somehow it… turned into this."
"Alright, alright, kid. Order something already! You're so skinny—you need to eat more!"
The hearty proprietress clapped him on the shoulder as she spoke.
The force of her slaps was hard to describe—like getting whacked by a tree trunk. Looking at her absurdly burly frame, Yoru couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
His physical stats really were a problem. Even as a powerful mage, getting out of breath after walking a few steps or chanting a short spell wasn't ideal.
Not to mention, he still couldn't freely use magic when he wanted to.
"Syr, you decide."
Yoru handed her the menu without even glancing at it.
"Eh…? Me?"
Syr blinked in surprise and stared at him.
"You forgot already? I came tonight to treat you to dinner. Of course you're the one picking the food."
"Wha… What?! I thought you were just joking about that!"
Her cheeks turned red as she lowered her head. She probably felt too shy.
It was fine when they were alone this morning, but now they were surrounded by people—and even the boss lady had heard everything.
"Well, well, kid, you've got some moves on you! So you've got your eyes on our little Syr, huh? But don't think it'll be easy winning her over!"
Before Syr could say anything, Mama Mia laughed loudly.
"How about I whip up a deluxe couples' meal for you two?"
"Boss! That's way too expensive!"
Syr pouted and stomped her foot. She had wanted to tease Yoru a little, but this was going too far.
After all, adventurers risked their lives for every coin. Equipment and items were pricey—a single cheap potion could cost five hundred valis. Better gear was even worse.
"It's fine. Let's go with that, then."
Yoru nodded calmly as Mia described the meal. He wasn't too concerned about money—after all, the cash he had now came to him effortlessly.
"Wait—it's really expensive! Two thousand valis! You only just became an adventurer. How could you have that much money?"
Syr tried to stop him, but Yoru smiled and shook his head.
"Two thousand valis? That's exactly how much I have. Boss?"
He handed over the pouch.
"Got it! One deluxe couple's set, coming up!"
Mia shouted toward the kitchen, now even more cheerful than before.
"Ugh…" Seeing that he'd already paid, Syr could only sigh in defeat.
"Come sit. Since it's a couples' meal, it won't mean anything if we don't eat it together."
"W-What are you saying?! I'm not your girlfriend!"
Syr huffed bashfully, but she still took off her apron, grabbed a spare stool, and sat down next to Yoru.
"Is work okay?"
"The kitchen's busy, but we have enough waitresses, and it's a slow time."
It's okay, right?—Syr shot a glance at Mia for confirmation.
The boss lady grinned and nodded.
"I never got the chance to properly thank you. The bread you gave me was delicious."
"It's fine. That just gives me a reason to keep trying harder."
Syr murmured with a smile, blushing slightly as she lowered her head.
"Besides… didn't you already return the favor?"
"Hah, if you keep saying stuff like that, it sounds too formal, doesn't it? Aren't we a couple?"
"Geez! Stop teasing me!"
Syr playfully scolded him, cheeks puffed, looking adorably flustered.
Yoru couldn't help but smile, his expression softening.
Seeing that rare smile, Syr suddenly went quiet.
Leaning on the counter, chin resting in her hands, she gazed at him with dreamy eyes.
"…You really are handsome when you smile, Yoru."
---
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