Chapter 12: Afternoon Dates – A Night at the Tavern
Daily Life in Yalva City: A Sparkling Day
The Lazy Dragon Princess
On days when there were no guild missions, Darkmoon Dragon Princess had only one priority—sleeping in.
Despite her usual efficiency in managing everything, from combat strategies to making sure Li Ran's daily life ran smoothly, she completely transformed on her rest days. Those were her sacred moments of laziness, where she unapologetically slept until noon.
Li Ran had long since grown used to this. Every morning, he would quietly get out of bed, change into comfortable clothes, and open the windows to let the golden sunlight spill into the room. Then, he would sit by the window, watching the bustling yet chaotic streets of Alva City.
It wasn't until midday that the figure on the bed stirred. With a sleepy murmur, Darkmoon Dragon Princess stretched, rubbing her drowsy eyes before lazily grabbing Li Ran's sleeve.
"Li Ran," she murmured, her voice soft and affectionate. "Take me on a date."
That was their unspoken agreement—if Darkmoon Dragon Princess was willing to get out of bed, it meant that the day would turn into a date.
Exotic Monster Cuisine
As S-rank adventurers, Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess were welcomed at Alva City's top-tier restaurants, where monster-based delicacies were a staple.
The city's unique culinary culture was shaped by its world—monsters roamed freely, so people had learned how to turn them into gourmet dishes. Nothing went to waste, and proper preparation ensured that these ingredients were not only edible but delicious.
Today's menu featured:
• Giant Frog Dumplings – Made from the leg meat of a Giant Frog, these dumplings were wrapped in a crispy golden skin, with a rich, juicy filling bursting with flavorful spices.
• Orc Pork Steaks – Cut from the lean parts of an Orc's body, grilled over an open flame with herbs and seasonings, creating a smoky, succulent dish with a slightly charred crust.
Darkmoon Dragon Princess happily munched on her food, her tail swaying slightly as she picked up a dumpling and held it to Li Ran's mouth.
"Here, try this! This place makes it really well!" she said cheerfully.
Li Ran took a bite and nodded in agreement. As he ate, he couldn't help but reflect on the harsh reality of this world.
For the average person, surviving in a land overrun by monsters was a constant struggle. Food shortages were common, and only the strong or the wealthy could live comfortably.
He silently thanked fate for giving him power—a gift that allowed him to navigate this world with ease.
The Allure of Jewelry
After a satisfying meal, Darkmoon Dragon Princess' eyes sparkled with excitement as they entered Alva City's most prestigious jewelry store.
She had a particular weakness for shiny things. The moment she stepped inside, her gaze darted around like a child in a candy shop.
"This is so pretty! And this one! Oh! That necklace is perfect for me!"
Li Ran wasn't even surprised anymore. As much as he wanted to, buying out the entire store was impractical—even for an S-rank adventurer.
Instead, their routine was simple: she picked one item, and he bought it for her.
This time, she chose a silver diamond ring. Unlike the enchanted accessories that adventurers often sought, this one had no magical enhancements—it was purely for aesthetic value.
"Aren't you usually more interested in enchanted jewelry?" Li Ran asked curiously.
"Those are for battle," she replied with a serene smile, admiring the ring on her finger. "This is for happiness."
Li Ran couldn't help but smile, watching her enjoy the simple pleasure of beautiful things.
A Tavern Night with the Guild Master
That evening, Guild Master Regnas invited them to a local tavern, not just for drinks but also to discuss important guild matters.
Joining them were two A-rank adventurers that Regnas was personally training:
• Erik – A warrior specializing in fire magic, known for his straightforward and bold personality.
• Selina – A thief with expert stealth and assassination skills, always composed and highly intelligent.
Regnas wanted Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess to mentor them, hoping they would one day rise to S-rank.
Between rounds of drinks, the conversation inevitably shifted to recent political conflicts.
"You two really stirred up trouble with the Sacred Radiance Church," Regnas said with a smirk. "Opening that potion pharmacy helped a lot of people, but now the church sees you as a direct threat."
Darkmoon Dragon Princess scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "If they really cared about their followers, they wouldn't be blocking the flow of healing potions."
Regnas sighed. "Still, tensions are high. Maybe we should consider sending the church a batch of high-grade restoration potions to ease relations?"
Li Ran remained silent, carefully considering the proposal.
A Cozy Night at Moonlight Veil Inn
Returning to Moonlight Veil Inn, Darkmoon Dragon Princess excitedly showed off her new diamond ring, spinning it around her finger with a satisfied expression.
"Li Ran, I want to be pampered," she declared, her voice slightly playful.
Li Ran chuckled and gently ruffled her hair. "Alright, alright."
Even though their room had two beds, it was a well-known fact that Darkmoon Dragon Princess would sneak into Li Ran's bed every night.
It had become a ritual at this point, one that left Li Ran perpetually exasperated—yet secretly, he didn't mind.
As he lay in bed, feeling her warmth beside him, he realized that these peaceful moments—between battles, politics, and grand quests—were what truly made life worth living.
And as he closed his eyes, he thought to himself:
If every day could be like this, I wouldn't mind staying in Alva City forever.