Forbidden Love

Dinner at the Hostess of Fertility

The sound of clashing weapons drew me toward the training grounds, where Lira and Jax finished their evening session.

Lira's red hair danced like flames as she dodged Jax's precise strikes, her movements fluid and graceful even after what must have been hours of practice. Both were covered in sweat, their training gear bearing the marks of an intense workout.

"Bell!" Lira called out, catching sight of me. She took advantage of Jax's momentary distraction to sweep his legs out from under him, sending him sprawling onto the packed dirt. "Perfect timing!"

Jax groaned from his position on the ground. "That's cheating, Lira."

"All's fair in war," she said, offering him a hand up. "Besides, you should always be ready for distractions. Isn't that what Ottarl keeps drilling into us?"

I couldn't help but smile at their familiar banter. Despite Freya Familia's intimidating reputation, these two always made me feel welcome. "You both looked amazing just now. I still have trouble keeping up with either of you."

"Don't sell yourself short," Jax said, dusting off his clothes. "You're improving faster than anyone I've ever seen. Even Ottarl mentioned it yesterday."

"Though that meant he worked you twice as hard today, didn't he?" Lira added with a knowing grin.

I rubbed my shoulder, remembering the morning's brutal session. "Yeah... But actually, that's kind of why I'm here. I was wondering if you'd like to grab dinner. The Hostess of Fertility has the best food for recovering after training."

Lira's eyes lit up with interest. "The famous Hostess of Fertility? I've heard stories about their food but haven't had the chance to try it yet."

"It's settled then," Jax declared, already heading toward the weapon racks to store their training gear. "Just give us a few minutes to clean up. Can't show up at a nice establishment looking like we just crawled out of the Dungeon."

"Though I have to say," Lira added as she gathered her things, "I'm surprised you're inviting us to your special place. Isn't that where that cute waitress works? The one who's always making eyes at you?"

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "Syr? She's just friendly to everyone..."

"Oh? First name basis, is it?" Lira teased, exchanging an amused look with Jax. "Now I have to see this place."

"I just thought... after training together so much..." I stammered, suddenly wondering if this had been a mistake.

"Relax, Bell," Jax chuckled, clapping me on the shoulder as he passed. "We're happy to join you. Give us ten minutes to freshen up."

As they headed to the changing rooms, I couldn't help but smile despite my embarrassment. It felt good to have friends in Freya Familia, even if they seemed to enjoy teasing me as much as everyone else. Something told me this dinner was going to be interesting.

When we walked in, the Hostess of Fertility was bustling as usual, and the warm light and savory smells were a welcome change from the cool night air. Syr's face lit up immediately when she spotted me, but her expression turned curious at the sight of my companions.

"Bell-kun! And who might these be?" Her gray eyes sparkled with interest.

"Ah, these are my Familia members," I explained, gesturing to each in turn. "Lira and Jax."

"From Freya Familia?" Syr's eyes widened slightly, but her professional smile never wavered. "My, my, Bell-kun, and here I thought you were exclusive with our lunch dates."

"It's not—" I started, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

Syr's attention had already shifted to Lira, taking in her striking red hair and emerald eyes. "Oh? Could this be... a date? Bell-kun, you should have told me you had such a beautiful girlfriend!"

"N-no!" I waved my hands frantically, feeling my face grow even hotter. "It's not like that at all! We just finished training and—"

"Training, is that what they call it these days?" Syr teased, making Jax snort with poorly concealed laughter. Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh! That reminds me, Bell-kun, are you planning to participate in Monster Mania?"

"Monster... Mania?" I asked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic.

"You haven't heard?" Syr seemed delighted to have information I didn't. "It's this exciting event that Ganesha Familia is hosting. They're bringing monsters up from the dungeon and having them fight in organized battles. It's supposed to be quite the spectacle!"

"They're bringing monsters to the surface?" I couldn't hide my concern.

"Don't worry," Syr assured me with a gentle smile. "Ganesha Familia knows what they're doing. They're experts at monster handling, after all. Everything will be carefully controlled."

"I... I already have someone I like," I mumbled, trying to steer the conversation back from both the teasing and Monster Mania.

"Oh?" Lira leaned forward, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Do tell. Who's the lucky girl who's caught our Little Rookie's eye?"

"Yes, Bell-kun," Syr added, practically bouncing with curiosity. "Who could it—"

"SYR!" Mamma Mia's thunderous voice cut through their interrogation. "Stop gossiping and take their order! We've got hungry customers waiting!"

"Yes, yes!" Syr called back, though she gave me a look that clearly said this conversation wasn't over. "What can I get for you?"

We ordered hearty stews and grilled meats, our bodies demanding substantial fuel after the day's exertions. As Syr flitted away with our orders, Lira turned to me amusedly.

"'Someone you like,' huh?" she said, propping her chin on her hand. "Interesting that Lady Freya's newest favorite has his heart set on someone."

"Leave him be," Jax chuckled, though his eyes held the same curiosity. "Can't you see you're making him squirm?"

"That's half the fun," Lira replied with a wink. "Besides, after suffering through Ottarl's training together, aren't we entitled to a few secrets?"

Before I could respond, Syr returned with tankards of ale for Lira and Jax and my usual fruit juice. "The food will be ready soon," she announced, then leaned in conspiratorially. "But Bell-kun, you really should tell us about this mystery girl. Is it someone I know? And you still haven't said if you're coming to Monster Mania!"

My mind flashed to golden eyes and hair, causing my blush to deepen. "I... um..."

"Look what you've done," Jax laughed, taking a long drink of his ale. "You've broken him. His face matches your hair now, Lira."

"I think it's sweet," Lira declared, taking pity on me. "Though I have to wonder what Lady Freya would think about—"

She was interrupted by the arrival of our food, steaming plates piled high with exactly what our tired bodies needed. Mamma Mia brought the dishes, fixing Syr with a stern look that sent her scurrying to attend to other customers.

"Eat up," the imposing dwarven woman commanded. "You look like you've been through the wringer."

"Ottarl's special training," Jax explained between the perfectly grilled meat bites.

Mamma Mia's eyebrows rose slightly. "Ah, that explains it. Well, food's on the house then. Anyone who survives that man's training deserves at least a free meal."

"Really?" I asked, surprised by the generosity.

She nodded. "Just don't tell anyone. Bad for business if word gets out I'm going soft." With that, she strode back to the kitchen, barking orders at her staff.

We enjoyed our meals, the conversation shifting to lighter topics – funny stories from dungeon explorations, tales of other Familia members' mishaps, and the latest gossip from around Orario. It felt... normal. Despite being part of one of the most powerful Familias in the city, despite the intense training we'd endured, despite the mysteries surrounding Lady Freya's plans for us – at that moment, we were just three young adventurers sharing a meal.

However, I noticed Syr still casting curious glances our way whenever she passed, and Lira's knowing smirk suggested my romance troubles weren't entirely forgotten. But with good food, good company, and the warm atmosphere of the Hostess of Fertility surrounding us, even their teasing couldn't dampen my spirits. Though I had to admit, I was curious about this Monster Mania event – maybe it would be worth checking out after all.