The first thing I wanted after leaving the skill chamber was food. Real food.
"My stomach's plotting mutiny, Reddy," I groaned, clutching my belly like a tragic heroine. "If I keel over inside the dungeon, remember it was your fault for starving me."
Riddle, stoic, stern, tragically impervious to drama, didn't so much as blink.
Her answer to my complaint was nonchalant, "Heavy food before a trial will slow you down. Instead, let's have some Chio."
I didn't know what she was talking about, but I followed behind her with a grumpy look, my fingers holding on to the ham of her dress.
She led me to a stall tucked against the Association's first-floor main hall wall. The air here was thick with steam and roasted aromas. I smelled coffee beans, as well as something familiar.
A burly vendor ladled dark liquid into clay cups, handing them off to a line of adventurers who drank like they were receiving holy communion.
No money was being charged here; however, the one drinking it seemed to be registering beforehand on a different counter.
Reddy led me to the counter and talked with the receptionist there, and then she dragged me to the vendor as we skipped the line, and she directly greeted the elderly person in charge.
"This one is?" The grandpa's voice was as deep as a retired knight, or so one can imagine to visualize his facial features.
"A headache I never foresaw." Riddle's answer sparked a fresh light in his face as a bright smile appeared on his wrinkled face.
The muscular build betrayed the kind, old look of this grandpa, but I couldn't make any funny comments here. The way he looked at me was the same as how the old lady at my usual grocery store did.
There was something about these kind old people that made me softer.
"Here you go, good Miss." I accepted my own cup with a small bow, and, while the aroma of this thick, dark fluid seemed a little bland, the first sip made me melt.
Warmth rolled through me, rich and nutty, touched with spice. I groaned shamelessly at this euphoric sensation. "Ohhh my god. It's hot chocolate. Isekai hot chocolate!"
Riddle's mouth twitched at my foolish comments. "It's an adventurers' stimulant, dummy. Keeps the body sharp and nerves steady. Most of the adventurers drink it religiously before going into the dungeons."
"I hereby convert," I declared, hugging the cup to my chest. "I will dedicate temples to this brew!"
I have no idea what they put in this thing, but I felt a kind of sensation I had almost forgotten a while ago. It was better than drinking neat shots, it was better than eating fried chicken after a long workday… this was the heavenly warmth I had always expected when I climbed the staircase to heaven.
"Quite quickly, this one." The old man commented with a smirk at Reddy. But my dear proxy just shook her head. Helpless and defeated, she also enjoyed her cup of Chio.
Eating, not done. Hunger, gone. The drink did wonders and energised each cell inside my body.
Strength surged through me, fizzing in my veins. I was almost horny at this point, but honestly? This drink was dangerously close to second-base worthy.
Whoever invented it deserved a statue… or at least a very enthusiastic kiss.
Shopping was already handled yesterday, which meant now came the fun part: gearing up.
The Association's changing chambers were narrow alcoves with benches, hooks, and a single enchanted lantern casting warm light across polished wall panels.
Riddle followed me in, posture so upright you could balance trays on her shoulders.
The leather armor fresh out of my storage space was supple, stitched with glowing threads that pulsed faintly when touched. It hugged my body as I slipped it on, forming to my curves with unnerving accuracy.
The boots adjusted once I tugged them into place, making me feel lighter, even faster. A teardrop pendant rested against my collarbone, warm with stored Mana, something like an emergency battery.
And on my hip, a slim dagger, silver inlay gleaming faintly with its enchanted edge.
I caught Riddle in the reflection as I was changing— dutifully facing the wall, trying not to steal a glance, radiating the kind of tension that begged to be poked.
"Oh, proxy-chan," I purred, loosening the ties of my blouse. "Would you mind giving me a hand? Straps are dangerous, you know. They might strangle me."
Her shoulders stiffened the moment she heard those moaning sounds. "You can manage on your own!" Came the shout of protest.
"True. I can undress myself." Smirking, I let the shirt slide down my shoulders, pale skin catching the lamplight, green strands of hair glowing faintly. "But it feels wrong, doing it alone when I have a big, strong Guard Captain at arm's reach."
Her ears went red immediately. "Aria—"
I stepped closer, catching her calloused hand and pressing it against the bare strap across my back. "Help me, proxy-chan. Or better yet…" I leaned in, lips brushing the shell of her ear, "…strip down with me. We'll be faster if we both get naked." Thɪs chapter is updated by novel·fire.net
Her breath hitched. Her calloused fingers brushed my skin, fumbling with the ties like the leather had turned venomous.
"Mmh~." I leaned into her touch, letting a pleased hum vibrate low in my throat. "Careful hands, soft grip. Tell me, Oh Captain My Captain… do you always treat prisoners this gently? Or is this just a special service for your loved one?"
Her answer was to tug the strap tight enough to make me choke. "Done!"
A moment more and we would have fallen into something that, most certainly, would have resulted in a disaster.
"Damn it, Aria!" Oh, she's mine now, alright. After this, I don't think she'd mind spending the night with me if I just ask her nicely.
"Hehe." I turned, fully armored now, smirking. "Blushing again? Tsk, tsk. I'm starting to think you kinda stuff."
Her immediate glare could have frozen lava, yet her ears remained crimson.
"Proxy-chan, you're adorable," I whispered, leaning in just long enough to brush my lips against her cheek before sauntering out. The muffled groan she made behind me was music to my ears.