Solis Tavern.
The most renowned tavern in all of Septimont.
"Hey miss, two set meals, large portions, and two bottles of Heart's Quench!"
Lupa called out familiarly towards the counter, then led Ray to a quiet table in the corner.
As a prominent gladiator of Septimont, Lupa's appearance naturally caused a stir within the tavern.
Many gazes focused on them, and a few even attempted to approach.
Fortunately, the boss of the tavern held considerable sway in the area and managed to disperse the gathering crowd with a few words, preserving a rare moment of tranquility for the two.
"Hehe, Fulvia, your words still carry the most weight." Lupa propped her chin on her hands, smiling as she looked at the tavern's boss, Fulvia.
A woman who appeared very reliable.
Fulvia brought two bottles of Heart's Quench and placed them in front of them, teasing, "Who told you to cause a commotion every time you come? My little tavern can't handle all your fans' enthusiasm."
As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Ray beside them. She studied him for a moment. "This young man doesn't look like a local. And... seems quite close with Lupa?"
Suddenly, as if understanding something, a meaningful smile appeared on her face. She leaned close to Lupa's ear and lowered her voice. "Got a boyfriend? Good taste, quite handsome."
This sudden teasing instantly flushed the usually straightforward Lupa's cheeks.
Setting aside her status, Lupa was still a young woman..
She hurriedly cleared her throat, adopting a serious tone. "Don't talk nonsense! This is my friend."
"Oh, so... still in the adjustment period?"
"I... you... ah, forget it, I'm not explaining. Anyway, hurry up and get the food ready. I haven't eaten all day!"
Blushing, Lupa pushed and shoved Fulvia away from the area.
Ray, of course, had no idea what they were talking about. He could only tell that Lupa seemed to have a very good relationship with the tavern's owner.
"It seems you two have a good relationship." Ray twisted open the bottle cap of the Heart's Quench and took a small sip. "What kind of drink is this? Tastes good."
"Right?" When Lupa heard Ray praise the Heart's Quench, she couldn't help but show a confident smile. "This is the best tasting drink among the ones I endorse! Though there are some others that are passable too. Ah, forget it, let's not talk about that. You must be hungry after walking for so long too, right?"
"Let's eat while we chat. And tell me about things over in Ragunna."
...
...
Night had always been Iuno's favorite time, ever since she was a child.
As a little girl, she always loved climbing over the Tetragon Temple's towering walls, gazing up at the night sky alone, watching the moon traverse the boundless sea of stars in silence.
Now, she stood within Capitoline Hill City, looking up at the familiar sky. Her azure eyes searched for that silver moon but only saw a hazy glow deep within the night.
She had left the Tetragon without a word and come to this bustling city of Septimont.
Once again.
And again.
Iuno was born detesting restraint. Even becoming an Oracle Maiden hadn't extinguished the free spirit in her bones.
She herself had lost count of how many times she had snuck out behind Grandmother Lillibet's back.
Over time, the other Maidens in the temple gradually grew accustomed to her disappearances.
The initial panic and concern had long since transformed into resigned calmness through repeated occurrences.
They knew that in a few days, this willful prodigy would reappear at the far end of the temple with her usual nonchalant expression.
The young woman pulled her cloak tighter, strolling along the streets of Capitoline Hill City. Her gaze wandered over the bustling crowds and the dazzling array of market stalls, occasionally widening with childlike curiosity upon seeing some novel trinket.
"So many new little things have appeared in the city during the time I was gone..."
She came to a stop in front of a stall.
Those intricate items from the New Federation were styles she had never seen in Septimont before.
The young woman reached into her pocket enthusiastically, only to find it empty.
That's when she remembered she had been in too much of a hurry when sneaking out of the Temple, she'd forgotten both her purse and her terminal.
"...Oh dear."
Money wasn't everything, but having no money was absolutely no good.
In truth, within Capitoline Hill City, with Iuno's status, she could easily have the stall owner extend her credit and give her the items first.
But she never stooped to using her status for convenience, that wasn't her way.
Though it was a shame, since she had no money, she could only give up.
She let out a soft sigh and reluctantly left the stall.
"Speaking of which..." she suddenly realized another problem. "Where am I going to stay tonight?"
Should she go find Augusta?
The thought had barely surfaced before she shook her head.
She couldn't go troubling her every time. Plus, last time, she'd gotten quite an earful for leaving the Temple without permission.
Besides, if she barged into the Ephor's Palace without the Senate's approval, those old folks would definitely make a big deal out of it.
It wasn't that Iuno was afraid of them.
She just didn't want to cause extra trouble for Augusta because of her own willfulness.
No matter how willful she was, she still knew boundaries.
'Could it be... I'll have to sleep on the streets?
I'm a prodigy Oracle Maiden! There's no way I'd sleep on the streets!'
"Really? The Order of the Deep... is that awful?"
"The Order itself has issues, but you can't tar everyone with the same brush. I know a kind, lovely priestess. If there's a chance, I can introduce you."
Just then, two figures brushed past Yuno.
The young woman suddenly paused, looking up, her gaze quickly locking onto a familiar figure with fiery red, wolf-like hair.
"That is..."
"Lupa?"
They had met a few times at the Tetragon Temple before.
Before becoming an Oracle Maiden, Iuno had also been a gladiator. That's why she especially admired Lupa's performance in the arena that pure, blazing passion, untainted by anything else.
Though asking for help now felt a bit embarrassing, with Lupa's personality, she probably wouldn't refuse, right?
Thinking this, Iuno made up her mind.
She quickened her pace to catch up with the two and gently tapped Lupa's shoulder.
"Huh? Who is it?" Lupa turned around in confusion to see a woman in a cloak standing behind her.
Ray also turned around. "A friend of yours?"
"I—" Lupa was just about to answer when the cloaked young woman lifted her face toward the light.
When Lupa saw that face clearly, her eyes widened in surprise. "Iuno?"
Iuno lightly pressed a finger to her lips, making a "shh" gesture. "Keep it down. Come with me."
"Ah? Okay."
Though unclear about the situation, both Lupa and Ray followed Iuno into an empty alleyway nearby.