Orario was widely known across the land as the only city with a Dungeon. This city of wonders was a magnet for people of all races and cultures, all striving for wealth, fame, or even just experiences that couldn't be found anywhere else.
For many newcomers, Orario was the pinnacle of their dreams. Upon first arriving, they were often left awestruck, gaping like country bumpkins who had never seen the world before. But Charlie was different.
As a Reincarnator from 21st-century Earth, he couldn't view Orario with the same sense of wonder as others.
Compared to modern cities with skyscrapers, advanced transportation, and cutting-edge technology, Orario was just a city with medieval European civilization. No electricity, no motor vehicles, no internet. Nothing here could truly shock him.
That didn't mean Orario was boring, though. The city still had its own charm with its ancient, bustling atmosphere full of adventure. Unfortunately, when it came to entertainment, Orario didn't offer many options that met Charlie's modern standards.
At best, there were brothels in the Entertainment District. Beyond that, there were clothing stores, restaurants, and leisurely walks to enjoy the city's scenery. Other forms of recreation could be considered extremely primitive—like watching gladiator fights in the arena or enjoying the frequent folk festivals held in the plazas.
No amusement parks packed with thrilling rides, no cinemas to watch movies, no water parks, zoos, or aquariums. Planetariums or museums? Forget about it.
Realizing there wasn't much to do in Orario, Charlie had no choice but to leave the entire date plan to Aphrodite.
Brimming with confidence, The Goddess of Beauty had been enthusiastic ever since they left the Empyrean Citadel.
"Alright, Charlie, today I'll take the lead! All you have to do is follow me, and I'll make sure this is an unforgettable date!" Aphrodite declared excitedly.
Charlie simply nodded casually. "Do whatever you want. I'm just your follower today."
It was worth remembering that Orario was an enormous city, nearly the size of three royal capitals combined. Charlie hadn't even explored half of it, despite having lived here for a month. So, he figured there was no harm in letting Aphrodite take him to interesting places he might not have visited yet.
"Hmm, let's start from the city center first." Aphrodite said with a captivating smile, her arm tightly wrapped around Charlie's.
She looked like a woman intoxicated by love, walking with light, spirited steps beside the man who had captured her heart.
For most people in Orario, the sight of the Goddess of Beauty appearing in public was a rare spectacle—her presence always stole the attention of everyone around. Her flawless face transcended mortal limits, and her enchanting aura mesmerized all, regardless of race, gender, or social status.
However, there was one thing that shocked them even more—Aphrodite's arm intimately linked with a man, their closeness sparking envy and gossip among onlookers.
"Damn it! Who's that guy next to Aphrodite-sama? I'd trade places with him even if it cost me ten years of my life!"
"Ten years? I'd give up twenty! Just to walk side by side with Aphrodite-sama like that!"
"Tch, I spent a whole year building my reputation in Orario, and all he has to do is take a stroll with Aphrodite-sama to become the center of attention. Was I born in the wrong life?"
"Forget reputation! Look at how Aphrodite-sama is clinging to his arm! I'd even become a slave if it meant taking his place!"
"Aphrodite-sama is like a rare flower, and that man is the lucky bee that got to touch her. The world is truly unfair."
"Lucky? I don't care who he is! I'd fight a dragon just to be in his position right now!"
Amid the commotion, Aphrodite turned her face toward Charlie, a faint smile gracing her perfect lips.
"Did you hear all that, Charlie? Everyone's willing to do anything just to be by my side. They adore me, idolize me... Yet here you are, not even slightly appreciating my presence. How sad~"
She added a hint of a pout at the end of her sentence, hoping to provoke a reaction from the man she was clinging to. Unfortunately, his response wasn't what she expected.
Charlie just rolled his eyes, his expression flat and almost indifferent.
"Yeah, yeah, you're sad. The world will collapse if Goddess Aphrodite doesn't get enough attention."
"You really have no feelings, do you? You should feel lucky! Not every man gets to walk with me like this." Aphrodite huffed, puffing her cheeks in a sulk that somehow only made her look even more adorable.
Charlie stared at her in disbelief, as if questioning her childish behavior—so different from Freya's mature elegance or Ishtar's haughty cruelty.
'All three of them are Goddesses of Beauty, yet there's not a single similarity in their personalities.' He thought to himself.
Aphrodite sighed in frustration but then flashed a confident smile. "Hmph, you think I'll give up that easily? Today, I'll make you fall for me, Charlie. Just you wait."
Charlie exhaled. "Do your best. I'm pretty sure all your efforts will end in failure."
"Hmph, we'll see about that." Aphrodite tightened her grip on his hand and firmly pulled him toward the city plaza. "We'll start here. I'll show you that my charm is unbeatable!"
As they walked, the envious and jealous gazes of Orario's residents followed them. Whispers grew louder, ranging from praises of Aphrodite's beauty to spiteful taunts aimed at Charlie.
Yet, Charlie showed no reaction to any of the comments. To him, this kind of commotion was just background noise. Meanwhile, Aphrodite, with a triumphant smile, waved at some of the onlookers, further flaunting her closeness with Charlie.
When they reached the city plaza, Aphrodite stopped and looked at Charlie with fiery determination in her eyes.
"Alright, Charlie. Starting now, I'll prove that I'm the only woman who can conquer your heart. Be prepared."
Charlie simply met her gaze calmly and shrugged. "We'll see about that."