Although his opinion of Orario had improved, that did not mean Genichi intended to change his mind.
Morning sunlight bathed Orario’s main street, casting a warm glow across the stone pavement.
Genichi walked beside Demeter, surveying the shops and stalls lining the road.
Some sold grilled meat, fruit, or magic potions, while several weapon shops displayed gleaming swords and shields on racks outside.
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, accompanied by the clang of metal from a nearby smithy and the gentle melody of a bard playing in the distant plaza.
It was undeniably more pleasant than the Dungeon’s dark, damp passages and ever-present stench of blood.
Even so, Genichi knew that comfort alone could not change his decision.
“Goddess, you can stop wasting your time.
I admit Orario has a vibrant side that moved me a little.
Now it feels like more than just a name to me.”
He turned toward Demeter’s beautiful, expectant face, his voice firm and detached.
“But that’s all.
A walk through the city and a few lively markets won’t suddenly turn me into a hero willing to die for it.
That only happens in stories, and I know the difference between fiction and reality.”
Despite his repeated refusal, Demeter continued smiling.
Her amber eyes curved into crescents, and her carefree tone suggested that she had not taken his words seriously at all.
“I never said anything about that!
You’re the one who keeps talking about heroes and saving the world.
Those words never once came out of my mouth.”
Genichi rolled his eyes and decided not to waste any more breath on a goddess who was deliberately playing dumb.
Her intentions were obvious, no matter how innocently she acted.
Once the Transmigration Gate finished cooling down, he would leave immediately.
Anyone who wanted to remain in this troublesome world was welcome to it.
This was hardly the only world with supernatural powers.
His next destination might be safer, with an easy path to power that did not require constant fighting.
Perhaps he could even grow stronger while lying around.
Safety came first and pleasure second.
That had been Genichi’s guiding principle ever since his transmigration.
As he imagined his comfortable future, Demeter suddenly wrapped both arms around his right arm.
The movement came without warning and was as swift as a gust of wind.
Before Genichi could react, his arm sank into something soft and warm.
Demeter’s full breasts pressed tightly against him, their heat and softness clearly transmitted through his sleeve.
Her faint scent of wheat and flowers drifted into his nose, making his heart skip a beat.
Genichi raised an eyebrow and glanced between his trapped arm and the sly smile on Demeter’s face.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
“Seduction won’t work either, Goddess.
It might work on someone else, and I admit this feels wonderful, but it still won’t change my position.”
“Shut up and come with me!”
Demeter shot him an embarrassed, stubborn glare, but only hugged his arm tighter, practically burying it against her chest.
Without giving him any choice, she dragged him farther down the street.
Genichi stumbled after her for several steps before sighing helplessly and matching her pace.
It was obvious that Demeter was determined to make him experience Orario’s charms today in hopes of changing his mind.
He considered the effort doomed, but since he could not stop her, he might as well cooperate.
At least he was getting a free tour of the city.
For the rest of the morning, Demeter led Genichi through Orario’s many streets and alleys.
Their first stop was the central plaza, where a massive fountain sent water glittering into the sunlight, forming small rainbows.
Adventurers and citizens gathered nearby, chatting on benches, feeding pigeons, or watching children race around the fountain.
“Look.
Isn’t it beautiful?”
Demeter gestured toward the fountain with unmistakable pride.
“It’s all right.
Definitely prettier than the Dungeon’s stone walls.”
Genichi’s reply was thoroughly halfhearted.
Next, she pulled him into the commercial district, home to Orario’s most prosperous stores.
High-end weapon shops, magic-item stores, tailor shops, and jewelry boutiques could all be found there.
Like an excited young girl, Demeter hurried from one store to another, dragging Genichi along as she examined everything in sight.
Every so often, she held up an item and asked whether it looked good or suited her.
Genichi remained expressionless throughout the entire ordeal.
He occasionally nodded or shook his head and offered empty responses such as “It looks good” or “It suits you,” but his eyes betrayed no interest.
He knew perfectly well that this was merely another attempt by Demeter to soften his resolve.
Later, she brought him to the Guild headquarters.
It was an imposing stone building with adventurers constantly entering and leaving.
Some looked delighted, others dejected, while many appeared indifferent or furious.
The Guild’s walls were covered in requests and wanted notices.
Adventurers crowded around the boards, arguing and jostling as though engaged in a silent battle.
“This is the Guild headquarters.
Adventurer registration, requests, and Magic Stone exchanges are all handled here,” Demeter explained while secretly watching his reaction.
Genichi gave the building a brief glance before looking away.
“Hmm.
It’s certainly busy.”
Of course, he knew what the Guild did, but he had no intention of remaining there.
As far as the Guild was concerned, Genichi was invisible.
He had no registration, no records, and no one even knew he existed.
That was the safest position he could possibly be in.
After spending most of the day sightseeing, Genichi finally ran out of patience.
Compared to this so-called date, he would rather return to his room and relax.
He might even head into the Dungeon and hope to find a weakened enhanced monster that could provide the great feat he needed to reach Level 2.
At least those options offered something tangible.
Accompanying a goddess on a shopping trip accomplished nothing except wasting his time.
“Does spending time with me really make you that unhappy?”
Demeter finally stopped and turned toward him.
Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression and a hint of disappointment.
Her voice was quieter than usual, stripped of its deliberate cheer and teasing.
For once, it carried genuine emotion.
“If we were in your room and on your bed, Goddess, I’d gladly devote myself to serving you until my dying breath!”
…