Chapter 206 - 206. Crystal Garden's Cafeteria and the New Dog-Eared Race Member
Somehow, we finished collecting the third mana crystal and returned from our route around the Crystal Palace's Area Guardians. We were supposed to collect six, but we only managed to gather half of them. The reason why each subjugation took so long was because the phoenix would revive unless it was defeated by Mizuki's special skill, Super Kill. To prevent its revival, we needed to completely incinerate the phoenix's body with fire. Petra told us this, but it was a total ambush—we would have been screwed if we'd encountered such an immortal enemy in the Area Guardian's room with no prior information. Information gathering is necessary, but while detailed maps are sold for the lower levels, the amount of information decreases as you progress to the upper levels, and there's absolutely none for the 40th floor and above.
It was already dark outside, and the stalls catering to dungeon explorers had disappeared, replaced by the lights of brothels welcoming men. The city was in a festive mood, bathed in warm lights, as we walked through the streets.
"Hey, wanna ask them? They've probably conquered even higher levels than us."
Mizuki said. I think she didn't mean anything by it, but I couldn't help but feel jealous.
"Yeah…"
"What? That noncommittal answer again?"
I was lightly nudged by her elbow.
"Well, I'm kind of tired from exploring. What about you guys... you two seem energetic."
I said to change the subject. Everyone except Marmie was still going strong, which was infuriating. Was this what they called youth?
"...I'm tired too. I don't want to walk anymore."
Marmie was trudging at the back of our group, her steps heavy. She didn't have much stamina to begin with, and she'd overspent her mana. Come to think of it, Petra was older than me. I discreetly observed her, but she didn't seem tired at all.
"Sorry, but I don't have the energy to cook dinner. Wanna eat somewhere on the way back?"
"Master, that goes against your promise."
"That's right, you always say you have the most energy at night."
Fam and Mizuki chided me.
"Fam, it's tomorrow. Let's buy some meat and grill it together. Mizuki, your turn is tonight!"
The two still looked dissatisfied, staring at me. That's when I spotted Biaz's bald head gleaming in the light. He noticed us too and waved.
"Yo, you guys diving into the dungeon this late?"
"I'm starving, I think I'm gonna collapse. I want to grab something to eat somewhere."
"Then, how about this place?"
He pointed to the restaurant he was about to enter. The tavern's sign read 'RURI-TEI.'
"Isn't it a brothel?"
I checked the shop's front, but it was no different from the other shops lining the street. However, there was no woman calling out to customers at the entrance.
"Not really, they focus more on feeding you, if anything. Some of the Nekonoko Nekoneko group are inside."
"Komachi and Doris too?"
Biaz nodded at my question. Komachi, with her swapping hobby, is someone you can't let your guard down around, but if Doris is there, it should be safe for Fam and the others to enter. I glanced at them to confirm, and Petra took a step back.
"I'll head back now."
"No, come eat with us. I'll even treat you to a meal."
"I don't want to take it."
She pointed to her mask. Of course, she didn't take it off during battles, but she always turned her back and hid when taking water or a quick bite. Even if it was a racial rule, was there really a need to adhere to it so strictly? I stared intently at her face. She was over fifty years old, but her voice and the arm I shook when greeting her felt young. What kind of face was hidden beneath these glasses and this mask?
"...What is it? Do you want to see my face? I knew that geezer was trying to set us up, but do you want that too?"
I rushed to shake my head. Then, realizing shaking my head was rude, I shook it again to deny it.
"No, that's not what I meant by shaking my head."
From her perspective, it just looked like I was shaking my head, so I hurriedly corrected myself.
"If that's the case, I'll treat you to some of the barley wine Aidan makes as an apology. Mizuki—"
"Why me!"
Mizuki reacted instantly to my words.
"Hehe, Mash might be a good guy after all. You absolutely must keep that promise."
With that, Petra waved and left.
"Welcome, meow!"
A cat-eared girl, who looked Mizuki's age, called out. She had long, fluffy hair and soft, round dog ears hanging down. She didn't enter the restaurant, but peered inside as if searching for someone. Seeing the cat-eared girl, Fam stood up. In the process, her chair fell over, drawing everyone's attention to her. Of course, the girl who had been watching from inside also saw Fam and widened her eyes in surprise.
"Sam!"
Fam shouted. The girl recoiled as if frightened by the word and disappeared from the restaurant. Fam dashed out to chase after her.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"Master, it's Sam! Sam-Aim!"
I tried to chase after her, but stopped.
"Maira, I'm going after Fam. Take care of the rest. If I don't come back, go home first."
"O-Okay."
Hearing her words, I took off running after Fam.