The bustling streets of Orario were filled with the scents of food, laughter, and the constant clatter of hurried footsteps. Alfia and Enkidu walked among the crowds, each lost in their own thoughts, barely sharing them.
Finally, after asking a couple of merchants, they arrived at a building that stood out for its warmth and the unmistakable aroma of freshly cooked food. A wooden sign hung above the door with elegant lettering: Hostess of Fertility.
"Here it is," Alfia said, taking a deep breath as she pushed the door open with confidence.
A delicious scent of stew and freshly baked bread instantly enveloped them. The place was full of adventurers, families, and a few merchants laughing together. Tables crowded with plates and mugs of ale created a cozy atmosphere.
Several waitresses bustled about with trays, but one in particular — with white hair, a calm expression, and an air of hidden wisdom — looked at them with a welcoming smile as they entered.
"Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility. Table for two?" she asked, her gaze lingering a moment longer on Enkidu.
Alfia nodded and scanned for a seat, but before they could move, another waitress — a lively girl with chestnut hair and bright eyes — approached them with a playful grin.
"Wow! I didn't know we'd have such a beautiful elf visiting today," she exclaimed, looking directly at Enkidu with curiosity. Her feline ears twitched as if sensing his essence.
Enkidu blinked, his expression as serene as a calm breeze.
"Enkidu isn't an elf, girl," Alfia replied to the cat-girl with a small smile, cutting in before he could answer.
"Eh?" The girl paused for a second, confused as she looked Enkidu up and down. "Well, either way, welcome!" she finally said, giggling as she guided them to a table.
As they settled in, Alfia shot Enkidu an amused look.
"Seems like people keep mistaking you for an elf," she remarked in a low voice.
"I don't get it. I don't look like one," he replied, still smiling. "I don't even have a gender."
"Elves usually have hair like yours, and they're the race most attuned to nature — like you," she added, whispering the last part.
Enkidu nodded, understanding the comparison.
Just then, a formidable figure appeared at their side, arms crossed, with a smile that mixed both sternness and warmth.
"Welcome, adventurers! I'm Mia Grand, owner of this tavern!" she declared in a powerful voice. "No one goes hungry here, so I hope you brought your appetite!" She then turned her gaze to Enkidu. "And you, little elf, what's your name?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Enkidu looked at her steadily, answering in a soft but firm voice:
"My name is Enkidu, Lady Mia. Thank you for having us. However, I'm not an elf."
"Such good manners!" Mama Mia responded with a satisfied sigh. "I like that."
"You really do look like an elf, though. The more I look at you, the more confused I get—ha!" she laughed heartily. Alfia couldn't help but share a laugh at how everyone kept comparing him to an elf.
Composing herself, Mama Mia grinned.
"Well, you two order whatever you like," she said before walking away, leaving Alfia chuckling under her breath.
"Looks like you'll have to get used to it," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Enkidu nodded, unbothered.
While they waited for their food, Syr returned with two mugs of water and a basket of freshly baked bread. As she set down the tray, her curious eyes rested on Enkidu a moment longer, as if searching for something within him.
"Forgive the question…" she began, a bit hesitant, "but… are you a new adventurer?"
Enkidu held her gaze and replied gently,
"No, I just arrived in Orario. It's my first time here."
Syr smiled softly, but her gaze seemed to probe him, seeking something in his soul. However, she found… nothing. She frowned for a brief moment before regaining her smile.
"Welcome to Orario," she said at last. "I hope you find what you're looking for."
As Syr walked away, Enkidu looked down at the bread, thoughtful. Alfia watched him curiously.
"Something wrong?"
"She tried to see into my soul," Enkidu replied calmly. "But there isn't much to see."
"Nothing at all?" Alfia asked, a bit surprised and wary of the waitress.
"Just clay," Enkidu answered, his voice as serene as ever. His words sent a small shiver through her.
Alfia nodded, though her eyes carried a trace of sadness.
At that moment, a general murmur spread through the tavern, catching both their attention. Some adventurers were excitedly talking about something.
"Have you heard about the War Game between Hestia and Apollo?" one of the adventurers asked his companion, the excitement in his voice clear.
Alfia raised an eyebrow and turned her head toward the group, her gaze curious but calm. Her tone was steady as she asked,
"Which Families are involved, and why are they fighting?"
The adventurer, delighted to share the latest gossip, turned toward her eagerly.
"It's the Hestia Family and the Apollo Family!" he replied, animated. "They say Apollo got obsessed with a rookie adventurer from Hestia, some guy named Bell Cranel. He leveled up crazy fast, and Apollo wanted to recruit him! When Hestia refused, Apollo challenged them to a War Game. Now everyone's waiting to see Apollo claim the kid."
Alfia nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly, a glimmer of tension beneath her calm exterior. Her breathing slowed just a bit, but she maintained her serene expression. Enkidu, ever observant, noticed the change.
"Is something wrong?" he asked softly, his presence as soothing as a summer breeze.
Alfia lowered her gaze, took a deep breath, and shook her head. "No… It's just surprising how quickly that boy's drawn Apollo's attention. Bell Cranel…" she murmured, turning her gaze to the window as if to hide her unease.
Enkidu watched her with that same calm, his smile gentle and unwavering.
"If you want to talk about it, I'm here," he offered, his voice carrying a quiet warmth that expected no answer.
"Not now," she said after a pause. "But thank you." A small smile finally graced her lips.
Just then, Mama Mia arrived with a couple of steaming plates, breaking the tension in the air.
"Here you go!" she exclaimed in her signature cheerful tone, filling the table with a hearty spiced meat stew, freshly baked bread, and fruits. "Enjoy!"
"Thank you," they both replied in unison.
As they ate, the Hostess of Fertility filled with laughter, the clatter of dishes, and the inviting aroma of spices. Every bite was a reminder of the simple yet intricate life that surrounded them.
Anya passed by a couple of times to check that they had everything they needed, and though Syr tried to hide it, she kept glancing at Enkidu, as if she wanted to uncover the secret he carried inside.
"What do you think of this place?" Alfia asked, dipping a piece of bread into the stew's sauce.
Enkidu looked at her with a calm smile.
"I like it," he replied. "There's something... alive here. Something that makes me want to stay just a little longer."
Alfia watched him for a few seconds, then returned his smile.
"Maybe that's what you need," she said. "A place where you can find a bit of life."
Enkidu nodded, his serenity wrapping around him like a cloak.
"Yes. That's enough for me," he answered softly, and they both fell into a comfortable silence, sharing the warmth of the tavern while outside, Orario pulsed with its secrets and the adventures yet to come.
---
After leaving the tavern, Enkidu glanced at his teacher. She had been silent since the mention of the War Game.
"What do you plan to do now, Master? Will you join a Familia?" Enkidu asked suddenly.
"I can't join a Familia, Enkidu," she replied with a sigh. "If I tried, they'd realize I'm not dead—and they'd hunt me down."
Her eyes darkened slightly under the weight of her memories.
"I was part of Evilus. With Zald... we did unforgivable things. The city thinks I'm dead. If they found out I was alive, they'd never give me peace. And I don't want to bring trouble to anyone—least of all to him."
"'Him'?" Enkidu asked, though his tone suggested he already had a guess.
Knowing she couldn't hide it from Enkidu—and not wanting to, anyway—she found a bench and sat down, gazing at the sky now deepening with night.
"My nephew. Bell Cranel. My sister's son. He doesn't know who I am... and for now, it's better that way. But... I want to protect him. Even if I can't be by his side. Even if I can't raise a sword for him."
Enkidu stayed silent, processing. Then his gaze softened, and he took a step closer.
"I understand. You care about your nephew—who now risks being enslaved by Apollo's Familia."
"Yes," she replied simply, lost in thought. Enkidu left her alone, saying nothing more. Instead, he watched the people passing by in the night, many of them bloodstained, with bags slung over their shoulders.
Suddenly, Alfia snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Enkidu with determined, resolute eyes.
"I want you to join the Hestia Familia. They're alone. Few. And he will be in danger," she declared, her voice firm.
Enkidu held his characteristic gentle smile and nodded.
"You want me to be your eyes and ears."
"I want you to protect him—as if he were your own."
Enkidu's smile widened.
"Then you don't need to ask me twice, Master."
---
The next morning, Enkidu stood before a small, crumbling church.
His master had asked him to come here today to join a Familia, so he'd left the inn early that morning and made his way to the home of the Hestia Familia.
Sunlight caught the broken stained glass, as if blessing the place despite its condition. Enkidu closed his eyes for a moment. He could feel it: inside, the white-haired boy—Alfia's blood—was brimming with hope and determination.
He opened his eyes. And knocked on the door.
Soon, he heard quick, light footsteps. The door creaked open to reveal a slim young man, a little on the short side, with bright red eyes and hair as white as snow.
Enkidu smiled at the boy, placed a hand on his chest, and gave a small bow.
"My name is Enkidu. I heard you needed help... and I've come to offer mine."
And so began the first crack that would change the course of destiny.