Chapter 7

"Wow, this is... quite luxurious..."

Tio couldn't help but exclaim as she was led to the inn by Iris.

The building in front of her was painted white and exuded a grand and luxurious atmosphere, clearly designed to look like a high-end inn. As Iris pulled her inside, the entrance was just as opulently decorated as the exterior.

"Welcome back, Miss Iris...?"

A man, presumably a staff member in a butler-like uniform, approached but then tilted his head in confusion halfway through.

His gaze was fixed on the hand Iris was holding, which belonged to Tio.

"Perfect timing. This person—Miss Tio—will also be staying here from today, so please show her around."

"Eh... Y-Yes! Understood!"

The staff member immediately said, "This way..." and began guiding them to the reception desk.

At the reception, while processing their check-in, the staff member alternated his gaze between Tio and Iris.

Iris was likely a solitary and beautiful girl, a high and mighty flower, even in this inn, just like she was in the guild.

Now, however, she wore a doting expression and clung to the younger boy in a sweet manner. In contrast, the boy—Tio—looked bewildered by Iris's closeness.

What had happened between the solitary sword maiden and the delicate boy, who could be mistaken for a girl, in just a few hours?

The staff member was probably thinking something along those lines.

"Please follow me to your room."

With that, the staff member began leading Tio and Iris to the upper floor. Other staff members also widened their eyes at the sight of Iris and Tio.

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"Wow, this room is so spacious..."

Tio couldn't help but exclaim as she looked at the room, where high-end furnishings were tastefully arranged.

"This place is perfect for a strong person like Miss Tio!"

Iris, who had followed her as if it were the most natural thing in the world, said.

Once the staff member left after completing the tour, Tio turned to Iris.

"Miss Iris, can I ask you about what you said earlier?"

"You mean why I want to stick to you, Miss Tio...?"

When asked again, Iris blushed and her cheeks turned pink. Tio nodded in response.

Nod.

Iris nodded firmly, as if making a decision.

And then, she said just one thing—

"Because Miss Tio is my first love."

—And...

"Huh...?"

Tio let out a bewildered sound.

What did she just say? First love...? That means...

Tio finally began to understand what Iris was saying.

Iris looked at Tio with a shy and slightly anxious expression.

"Um... Is it because I saved you in the dungeon?"

"Yes... When Miss Tio saved me and was kind to me, I felt affection for someone of the opposite sex for the first time. Someone stronger than me. Even though I insulted you in the guild, you still saved me..."

Iris affirmed Tio's question, speaking slowly and quietly.

Being told that he was adorable by such a cute elf girl made Tio feel quite embarrassed.

"Miss Tio, I have fallen in love with you. Can I thank you for saving my life? And... can you let me stay by your side—?"

Iris concluded her words.

(Stay by my side... that means she wants to be my girlfriend, right...?)

Tio thought about the meaning of her words in his head.

Since this was his first time receiving a confession from someone of the opposite sex, he was at a loss for what to do.

"Is it... no...?"

Thinking Tio was rejecting her because of his delayed response, Iris asked with a tearful expression.

"Don't cry, Miss Iris! It's not that I don't want to, but I don't have any experience with this kind of thing, so I don't know what to do..."

Tio spoke honestly.

Hearing this, Iris's expression relaxed a little.

"If that's the case, can I start by thanking you? I'll do anything to repay your kindness!"

"Thanking me...?"

Iris's words made Tio think again.

He didn't really need any thanks, but she probably wouldn't accept that...

In the middle of his thoughts, Tio had an idea.

"Miss Iris, I've been expelled from the hero party, but I still intend to continue my journey to save the world in my own way. Would you like to join me in a party?"

"Join a party with Miss Tio!? Is that really okay...!?"

"Yes. In fact, I would be thrilled to team up with a skilled adventurer like Miss Iris. Let's work together and decide what to do from here."

Deciding on a relationship right away was difficult.

So, why not spend some time together and get to know each other better?

It would also help with their adventuring and the journey to save the world—two birds with one stone, or rather, three.

"Thank you, Miss Tio...!"

Overwhelmed with joy, Iris hugged Tio tightly.

The height difference didn't help.

Tio's face was buried in her ample chest.

One could call it a "forced melon dive."

In the soft and pressing sensation, Tio let out a muffled sound, "Mmmmmmm!"

[To the Readers]

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