The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

"Really that handsome?"

Hearing the girl say that, Yoru subconsciously touched his face. Compared to when he first arrived in this world, he really did feel more like a normal person—someone with warmth and emotions.

And honestly… it wasn't a bad feeling. Like he actually belonged here—not just some cold anomaly with no place in the world.

"It's true," Syr replied warmly. "Yoru, you look really handsome when you smile. Don't always keep that cold expression. As an adventurer, you're always on edge in the Dungeon—so when you're out of it, at least relax a little and smile. Just look at everyone around you. They're all so happy."

Syr turned to glance behind her at the tavern's lively atmosphere. The noise and laughter hadn't faded for even a moment since they entered. Adventurers, worn from battle, were now drinking, chatting, and letting go of the day's burdens.

"…Yeah," Yoru murmured, eyes distant. "You might get to drink here tonight… but there's no guarantee you'll still be alive tomorrow."

Watching the carefree faces, Yoru couldn't help but sigh. A quiet, almost lonely sigh.

"Geez, what's with that ominous talk? Everything was nice a second ago!" Syr pouted.

Yoru shook his head slightly. "Don't worry, it was just a joke. If you like seeing me smile, then I'll smile for you every day."

"W-Why would you say something like that?! Yoru, you're saying weird things again!"

"Because we're a couple, right?"

"There you go again!"

Syr huffed and turned red as a tomato, puffing her cheeks in protest. Behind the counter, Mama Mia let out an amused sigh.

"Ah… youth. It really is something. Here you go—your deluxe couple's set. Enjoy."

With that, Mama Mia placed a massive tray in front of them.

"Go on, dig in. Eat as much as you want."

"I'll pass. Eating too much at night makes you gain weight. You're the one who needs to eat more—you've got Dungeon diving tomorrow, right?"

Yoru nodded, though neither of them had much appetite. The feast barely looked touched.

Syr looked at the leftovers with a hint of guilt. The meal had cost Yoru two thousand valis, and it was going to waste.

"It's fine. I'll take what's left back. I'll let Hestia have a taste too."

Yoru said it casually, but Syr's expression twitched a little.

After all, this had been a couples' meal, meant to be shared by just the two of them. Giving the leftovers to someone else... it made her feel oddly conflicted.

Women really were complicated creatures.

Yoru had been teasing her all night with the "couple" nonsense, and she had blushed and denied it every time. But now, hearing him say he'd share the food with someone else, she felt... annoyed.

"…Hestia? Is she… someone from your Familia?"

Syr asked, avoiding his gaze. Her voice was quiet, guarded.

Yoru didn't notice her tone and smiled openly.

"Hestia is the goddess I made a contract with. I'm the only member of her Familia right now, but even so, she always worries about me. It kinda makes me feel guilty."

Hearing that, the tension in Syr's heart began to ease.

So she's his goddess, huh...?

Syr, what were you even thinking? You're just a barmaid at a tavern. Yoru is a rising adventurer.

There's no way someone like him would ever—

No, no, no! Why am I thinking such weird things?! It's all Yoru's fault for teasing me with that couple talk! He's messing with my head!

We've only known each other for a few days! There's no way I'm already—

Even if he is really gentle… and that smile of his is really nice…

"Ugh—!"

A soft whimper escaped her lips as she dropped her head onto the table and hugged it.

"…What's wrong?"

Yoru asked, looking over with concern.

"N-Nothing! I'm fine."

Syr turned away quickly, her face burning. She didn't dare meet his gaze.

"I'm just really happy… that I got to meet you, Yoru."

"There you go again… calling me 'Yoru-sama.'"

Yoru let out a helpless chuckle, and Syr stuck out her tongue playfully.

They continued chatting casually. Syr started telling him about the tavern.

The Hostess of Fertility was built by Mama Mia herself. Everyone here called her "Mama." She used to be an adventurer and had retired with her god's blessing.

Her tavern only hired female staff, and many of the girls came from all sorts of backgrounds. Mama Mia never asked about their pasts—she simply took them in.

"So what about you, Syr? Do you have some tragic backstory too?" Yoru asked with a hint of teasing.

Syr giggled and shook her head.

"Nothing tragic. I just really like the atmosphere here. The pay's good, the team's great, and we're always busy since adventurers love the place."

"…You like money that much?"

"Of course not, that was a joke! It's not just about money..."

She rested her chin on the counter and glanced around.

A dwarf was trying to flirt with a waitress, only to get playfully flicked on the forehead. An elf quietly enjoyed a warm dish. A group of hobbits laughed together at a large table.

The whole place pulsed with life.

"When there are a lot of people… you get to see a lot of things. It makes the world feel fuller. That kind of discovery—it makes my eyes sparkle."

Syr smiled like a cat, her eyes narrowing with amusement.

Then she noticed Yoru looking at her.

Blushing faintly, she coughed awkwardly and looked away.

"A-Anyway, that's just how it is. Talking to strangers, meeting people I don't know—it's kind of become a hobby. I guess it's like… that little flutter in your heart."

"Fluttering…?"

Yoru tilted his head, puzzled.

He only caught those few words—and clearly misunderstood what Syr truly meant.

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