Night.
Though this other world lacked modern conveniences like electricity, one would be mistaken to think its nights were dark and dull.
Under the crescent moon suspended in the velvet sky, Orario blazed with countless magic stone lamps, their radiance bathing the labyrinth city in light.
When darkness fell, the Entertainnt District — run by the Ishtar Familia — beca the city's most vibrant quarter.
In this bustling haven of prosperity, sounds of pleasure and entertainnt drifted between the parallel buildings. Flickering lamplight painted shadowy silhouettes of entwined bodies upon the windows.
Adventurers, consud by desire, lost themselves in this insatiable money-devouring beast.
But tonight, this realm of pleasure had so unusual visitors. They clearly weren't here for entertainnt — where other patrons wore lustful smiles, these intruders bore grim expressions.
Grim? While perhaps not the most precise word, it captured their deanor perfectly.
Determination mingled with fury in their eyes. They carried themselves like those who would not yield until their mission was complete — a rare sight in this district.
When other Adventurers spotted the man leading the group, realization struck.
Could it be? The recently risen Hero, here in the Entertainnt District?
Everyone knew this Hero hadn't co seeking pleasure. But what brought him here?
Among Orario's Adventurers, the Hestia Familia was known for their principle: they neither bothered others nor sought expansion, and they never bullied the weak. They only fought when provoked.
Which ant... a Familia mber had been wronged, and the Hero had co for revenge?!
Unlike the weaker Apollo or Soma Familia, the Ishtar Familia was a formidable power. Could the Hestia Familia truly challenge them?
This would be interesting.
Seeing Adam, Adventurers rushed back to their Familia to report this explosive news.
anwhile, Adam, his fierce expression unwavering, strode directly to the establishnt where Haruhi was held captive.
"Yamato, is this the place?"
"Yes, Lord Adam." Looking at the brothel, Yamato's heart ached for her friend's suffering.
If Bell hadn't been holding her hand, she would have rushed in already.
"Don't worry, Yamato. I'll rescue her."
After these reassuring words, everyone followed Adam into the establishnt.
The madam spotted the renowned Hero imdiately upon his entrance.
"Well, if it isn't the Hero himself." Her voice carried both surprise and mockery, "Who would have thought you'd co to such a place for pleasure? Others would certainly be shocked to know."
She seed quite proud, clearly looking down on him.
After all, wasn't he just another low-ranking Adventurer, despite being favored by the Gods?
Yet she failed to realize Adam hadn't co seeking pleasure — his conspicuous entrance to the Entertainnt District proved as much.
Knowing the madam was rely a minor player and that Ishtar was the true decision-maker, Adam dispensed with pleasantries and stated his purpose directly.
"I want to see Haruhi. Please arrange it."
"You say... Haruhi?" His words set off alarm bells in her mind.
Due to Haruhi's special circumstances, the Ishtar Familia had kept her hidden, permitting etings only with carefully selected, well-known clients.
Though they usually substituted other girls for her, Haruhi's special status ant outsiders shouldn't even know of her existence.
Yet the Hero had asked for her by na. He must have co prepared.
They couldn't let them et!
With a forced laugh, the madam said, "What are you talking about? We don't have anyone called Haruhi here. Perhaps you're mistaken?"
"Stop lying!" Yamato burst out, "I've seen her before — bring her out now!"
Her outburst only agitated the madam further.
"I said we don't have her!" The madam shouted with feigned anger, "If you're not here for pleasure, leave imdiately. Don't interfere with our business!"
Her voice carried across the room.
Adam saw through her ploy — she was trying to draw other custors' attention, hoping to use them to force his group out.
But when the onlookers recognized the Hero as the leader, they quietly slipped away with changed expressions.
Her sche had failed.
"Well, never mind. You're just a low-ranking staff mber with no real authority. No matter how much I press you, you're rely stalling." Not giving her ti for more delays, Adam continued, "To avoid causing you trouble, why don't you send soone to find a person who can speak with Lady Ishtar? This matter need not involve you — how about that?"
His suggestion was the optimal solution. She was just an insignificant pawn, one of Ishtar's countless tentacles controlling the Entertainnt District.
Given the Goddess's cruel and arrogant nature, even if the madam died, Ishtar wouldn't care — she'd likely just curse her as worthless trash for causing trouble.
Reporting up the chain and removing herself from the situation was the wisest choice. Even if Ishtar needed soone to bla later, it wouldn't be her.
"What do you think?"
"Alright, I'll go now." The madam wasn't stupid; she understood his intention.
Though grateful to the Hero in her heart, their different positions ant she couldn't show it openly. In that mont, she realized how foolish her earlier contempt had been.
The madam hurried to the back courtyard while everyone else waited in the hall.
After a while, she returned with a tall woman following behind. The newcor's skin, attire, and Damascus dagger marked her as an Amazon warrior of the Ishtar Familia.
She approached the group and spoke without ceremony.
"I am Aisha. You wish to see Haruhi?"
"Yes."
"Why? Do you know her?"
"Haruhi is Yamato's childhood friend. If possible, we'd like to buy her freedom."
Adam's request was reasonable — buying freedom for a friend had happened countless tis in the Entertainnt District.
But Aisha knew Haruhi's special circumstances ant she wouldn't be released. Yet as the Renard's friend herself, she wanted to save this imprisoned girl.
So...
"Haruhi isn't an ordinary courtesan. Buying her freedom would be extrely difficult, regardless of money. Do you understand this?"
"I do." Adam understood her hidden aning, "But no matter how difficult, a Hero won't let his companions suffer."
His tone was resolute, making it clear to Aisha that he would definitely save Haruhi.
This woman had cared for Haruhi since her imprisonnt in the district. In daily life, with clients, and even during the Killing Stone incident, she had secretly helped the fox girl. She truly wanted to save her.
So Adam had a good impression of her.
"Is that so?" Hearing his determination, Aisha smiled with satisfaction, "However, this matter still requires discussing with Lady Ishtar. I can take you to see the deity, but success depends on you."
She decided to place her bet on him. Despite risking Ishtar's punishnt, she would let the Hero et the deity.
"Yes, thank you." Adam nodded in gratitude.
✧✧✧
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