[15] Ojisan O_O?
Hestia's serious expression vanished instantly, replaced once again by her characteristic cheerful smile. "We're family, Aiden-kun."
"Yeah, we're family." He nodded and examined the short sword in his hand.
Drawing the sword, the metallic blade gleamed silver under the faint light. It was nothing like the flamboyant and ostentatious weapons downstairs; simple and unadorned, both the sword and its scabbard were plain in appearance.
It resembled a Roman-style shortsword, designed for single-handed use. Unlike the longswords used for thrusting in Roman combat, this one was suitable for both thrusting and slashing, with a length of about 70 centimeters. As a backup weapon for use in narrow terrain and against small monsters, it was more than adequate.
Sheathing the sword, Aiden collected the armor he had chosen from the staff and placed it all in a bag. Carrying the armor in one hand and Durandal in the other, with Hestia holding the short sword, they proceeded to the counter to pay.
After spending fifty-five thousand Valis on the equipment and a sturdy backpack, Aiden and Hestia didn't linger to buy potions at Babel Tower. Instead, they left directly.
Guided by Hestia, they arrived at the Blue Pharmacy, owned by her friend, Miach. Miach was surprised to hear that Hestia had gained a familia but didn't show it too much.
The surprise on his face lasted less than a second before he warmly welcomed Hestia and Aiden. He chatted with Hestia about recent events and paid enough attention to Aiden to make him feel comfortable without seeming insincere, leaving them with a sense of warmth.
After Hestia explained their purpose, despite their tight finances, Miach insisted on giving them a heavily discounted price, refusing to accept full payment. Aiden and Hestia had no choice but to accept. After purchasing the potions, Aiden asked Miach for directions and went to a nearby shop to buy a map of the first ten floors of the dungeon.
After bidding farewell and thanking Miach, as a regular guy, Aiden couldn't help but admire Miach's high level of hospitality. Although it was their first meeting, Miach didn't make him feel uncomfortable at all; instead, he left them feeling refreshed.
With Miach's good looks and personality, Aiden couldn't help but think he would be popular with the opposite sex, whether in the heavens or in Orario.
If only he had such skills back on Earth, he wouldn't have ended up as a senior member of the FFF Inquisition. Unfortunately, some things just can't be learned.
Walking once again along the bustling main road, Aiden began to observe the attire of the passersby. He marveled at the diversity of clothing on a single street, covering all four seasons of the year.
Whether it was winter coats and boots like Aiden's, or summer attire like Hestia's backless skirt and sandals, or even just light autumn clothes like many others wore.
Despite the noonday sun shining brightly, Orario didn't feel oppressively hot. The gentle breeze brought refreshment and with it, the bustling atmosphere of food stalls selling various delicacies and the tantalizing aroma of their offerings.
Along the way, many vendors smiled and greeted Hestia warmly. Most of them sold various fried noodles, rice, and fried snacks. Although the ingredients differed slightly from those on Earth, the cooking methods were surprisingly similar.
Aiden stopped in front of a fried rice stall, watching the vendor cook with great interest, and Hestia stopped beside him.
There were slices of unidentified meat, partially cooked and emitting a unique aroma, along with unknown vegetables, spring onions, beaten eggs, cold rice, and various unfamiliar seasonings.
The pan sizzled as the vendor poured in the beaten eggs, swiftly followed by the spring onions. With a quick toss, the vendor added the meat and vegetables, then the rice.
Using his muscular left hand, the vendor began to stir-fry vigorously. In between stirs, he added the seasonings and a bit of soy sauce, the proportions just right.
After another round of stirring to let the flavors infuse the rice, the vendor swiftly transferred everything onto a plate prepared by the assistant. A fragrant aroma wafted through the air as the dish arrived. The vendor quickly cleaned the wok, ready for the next batch.
Aiden couldn't help but wonder if this skilled vendor had once been a chef at a famous fried rice restaurant.
Seeing Aiden and Hestia standing by the stall for a while, the assistant approached them and asked, "What would you like to eat? Fried rice is 200 Valis, with meat it's 250 Valis."
Aiden turned to Hestia and asked, "Looks good, Hestia. Shall we eat here?"
Hestia smiled slightly. "Sure thing!" she chirped happily, then turned to the vendor, "Danitz-ojisan, I've found an adventurer willing to be my familiar!"
"..."
Ojisan? Hestia, aren't you over a billion years old? Why call him ojisan? Is it just because he looks older? Aiden silently chuckled to himself, then suddenly remembered something. In Greek mythology, Hestia is Zeus's older sister, and Zeus raised Bell, whom Hestia likes.
To this, Aiden thought: Wow, the Greek mythological circles are truly chaotic.
Hearing Hestia's clear voice, Danitz-ojisan finally looked up, his hands never stopping. He gave a hearty smile. "Well, Hestia-sama, you've finally found your familia. That's something to be happy about. Is this tall and handsome lad your familia?"
Danitz-ojisan's praise made Hestia beam with delight. She raised both hands, pointing dramatically at Aiden. "That's right! He's my familia, Aiden-kun! A super rare genius surpassing even the Sword Princess!"
Although everything Hestia said was true, Aiden felt a bit embarrassed by her bragging in front of strangers. He extended his right hand to Danitz-ojisan, who had just finished cooking a serving of fried rice. "Hello, Danitz-san. I'm Aiden Sparda, Hestia Familia member. As for being a super rare genius, I really can't accept that. I'm just an ordinary adventurer."
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