Because their base was near the bustling market, Astraea easily purchased the ingredients needed for dinner. Roland paid for everything, of course. One look at the Goddess's elegant attire made it clear she didn't carry a purse, and as a member of the Familia, he wouldn't dream of letting his Goddess pay.
When Roland took the heavy bags from Astraea, he ducked into a narrow alleyway for a moment and came out empty-handed, having tucked everything into his [Inventory] so he could continue holding the Goddess's hand.
"I mentioned a reward if you guessed the flower's meaning, right? Come with me," Astraea said.
She led him past the clothing shop they usually visited and stopped at a plain-looking watchmaker's shop.
"Welcome," the shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a monocle, said with a smile.
Roland scanned the shop with curiosity. The walls were covered in clocks of all kinds—antique wooden ones, ornate metal mantel clocks, and strange artistic pieces. It felt like stepping into a realm of time. In the glass case before the shopkeeper were rows of exquisite pocket watches.
Aha, so the gift Astraea mentioned is a pocket watch, Roland realized.
"Shopkeeper, is the special pocket watch I commissioned finished?" Astraea asked softly.
"It is, Lady Goddess. I'll go fetch it," the man replied, heading to the back.
Roland leaned over the counter to look at the displays. "So my gift is a watch?"
"Why? Do you not like watches?" Astraea asked.
"I like them well enough. Anything you give me, I'll treasure."
The shopkeeper returned with a watch that shimmered with a rose-gold hue. The cover was intricately engraved with the Astraea Familia emblem. Opening it revealed another emblem inside. The hands seemed to be made of a special material that glowed with a faint blue light in the twilight, like stars in the night sky.
"This is the custom piece you requested. I hope you're satisfied," the boss said.
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Danmachi : Mage's Infinite Journey (168 Chapters – Ongoing)
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Astraea handed it to Roland. "What do you think? Do you like it?"
"Of course. I don't think any man could refuse this. And thank you, my Goddess." Roland took the watch and gave Astraea a light, appreciative hug.
Back home, Roland helped wash and prep the ingredients before waiting in the hall for the others. Usually, they waited for everyone to return before cooking, as it was difficult for Astraea to cook for everyone alone—especially with a few big eaters in the group.
"Lady Astraea!! We're back!" Alise's voice boomed from the entrance before she even appeared. She burst through the door and threw herself at the two who were sitting together drinking tea.
"Ugh, I'm exhausted! We had so much to do today," Alise complained, flopping her head onto their laps.
Roland began gently massaging her thighs. "If you weren't out on patrol, what were you doing all day?"
"We have an expedition into the Dungeon in a few days. We had to earn more Valis through quests," Kaguya said as she entered, looking annoyed. "We're almost out of funds for weapon maintenance. We'd have to rely on you for charity soon, Roland."
Lyra added with a helpless shrug, "The Guild gives us subsidies, but as Roland knows, we have a logistics team to support. The money just doesn't stretch far enough, especially since our patrols are often voluntary."
"At this rate, we might not even be able to afford food," Ryu said seriously.
"It's not that bad yet, Lyra. Don't scare him," Noin said, linking arms with Ryu.
"I'm not scared. Maintaining a Familia is expensive," Roland noted. "But what about the materials I brought back for Lyra to sell?"
Lyra explained, "I haven't touched your share. Your level is rising fast; you'll need to buy high-level gear soon."
"I actually went to the Hephaestus Workshop for a custom weapon, so you can use the leftover money," Roland interjected.
"How much was the commission? I'll get the funds for you," Neze asked.
"Well... I paid 2 million as a deposit, and the final balance is about 8 million," Roland stated the price Tsubaki had given him.
"Over ten million Valis?!" Everyone gasped. Alise even sat up in shock.
Ryu rushed over, pushing Alise's face aside to grab Roland's shoulders. "Are you sure you weren't scammed? Hephaestus Familia wouldn't usually do that, but what if they were posers?"
"No one-handed sword is that expensive unless it's a Second-Tier weapon!" Ryu added.
Astraea gently touched Ryu's ear, making the girl's face turn bright red. "Calm down, Ryu. Roland isn't a fool. Let him explain."
"Exactly, you useless elf. Not everyone is as easy to trick as you," Kaguya said, lightly chopping Ryu's head.
"And pushing my beautiful face away like that... it's so cruel, Lyra!" Alise said, grabbing Roland's hand and sitting back on his lap, feigning heartbreak.
Roland's internal monologue screamed: Captain Alise, what are you doing?!
Alise had tossed her breastplate aside upon coming home. Her figure, while not quite as grand as Astraea's, was still impressive—and it was currently pressed against Roland's face as she moved. Furthermore, her thighs—which Lyra once described as small but firm—were rubbing against his. For a young man in his prime, this was becoming impossible to control.
I can't take it anymore!!!
Roland held the squirming Alise still. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke. "I think the smith is trustworthy. It was the Captain of the Hephaestus Familia, Tsubaki 'Cyclops.' She wouldn't lie."
"Oh—that legendary master smith? If it's her, then there's nothing to worry about," Lyana noted casually.
"Wait, Tsubaki? The one whose height makes even dwarves jealous?" Aste murmured with envy.
Roland gave her a strained thumbs-up. "It's okay, Aste. You're just as beautiful. Someone will definitely love you." Like me.
During this exchange, Alise seemed to realize something. Her face turned bright red, and she looked down, shifting slightly. Roland sucked in a sharp breath.
Astraea, noticing the situation, stood up with a brilliant smile. "Since everyone is here, let's start dinner. Everyone, go take your showers first."
"I know," they all replied. "I... I know," Alise stammered.
As the others headed for the showers, Roland quickly pushed Alise off his lap.
"You... I... Roland, you actually..." Alise covered her blushing face, her voice faltering.
Roland rolled his eyes. "It's your fault for rubbing against me like that!"
"I'm sorry... but it's Roland's fault for... reacting," Alise whispered, her voice getting smaller.
"Huh! I'm a healthy male. It's only natural!"
"I know! Stop saying it!" Alise suddenly dropped her hands and shoved Roland down onto the sofa, pinning his wrists.
"Alise, you idiot, what are you doing?" Roland didn't struggle, just looked at her helplessly. His dark eyes met her deep, forest-green ones.