Having resolved the issue of the sudden troll attack Lass and Ikarisa had finally reached the front gate of Reingard. The goddess had tightly wrapped herself around Lass's arm not letting go for the slightest things.

"Heh. You weren't kidding when you said new people and places ain't your thing...can't blame you though. I'm kind of one and the same, but I do find it a bit ironic that the goddess responsible for all life in this world cant deal with being around anyone.", he said as he let out a small chuckle

"Yeah...", she said as she started dowsing off.

Without even realizing it the little goddess had fallen asleep on the embrace of Lass's arm.

"I do suppose its been a long day...a hotel will be our best bet. Hopefully the hotels here aren't-you've gotta be kidding me...", he reached for his pockets.

"What happened?"

"My wallet. I forgot it back home..."

"Can't we stay at a hotel anyway?"

Lass facepalmed. "You dummy, this ain't that simple. Merits are the one language everyone speaks and the one key that unlocks all doors. Without it staying at a hotel is but a dream. God dammit, do we really have to go all the way back now? I knew leaving in such a hurry was a bad idea."

*(Merits are the Rizian currency for money with its own unique rate of value, used everywhere there are price tags and things to buy)

"Hey. Over there.", she said, pointing to an announcer.

"Come all to the Arena of Riza's Capital and compete against other warriors in the annual Knight Of Knights tournament! Grand price is one million Merits and a personal invitation from the King of Reingard to a super luxurious party! All warriors must sign themselves up and stay at the Blood Moon Hotel while participating in the event!", the announcer was yelling at the streets.

A small shutter shook Lass from the sheer amount of money available for such event.

"Can't we stay at that hotel? I'm tired..."

"Yea, if I have a death wish...I said I knew how to handle a sword not that I spent my entire life mastering it. The opponents I will face will probably kill me first thing."

"But the way you took down that troll and saved that merchant...could there really be someone even stronger than that?"

Lass paused looking at his arm, that having completely healed from the move he performed earlier. And as he starred at it the more he started to doubt his abilities as a smith and recognizing himself more as a swordsman.

"We don't have another choice do we?", he said letting out a long sigh. "Fine...Hey you! Where's the hotel supposed to be at?", he said to the announcer.

"On the left and straight ahead! You won't be able to miss it! And good luck on your future battles!"

"Yea-yea whatever, thanks.", he said, grabbing Ikarisa's hand and going towards the left.

Walking down the road and finally reaching the hotel they where both surprised to see the sheer prestige and luxury of it despite the event it was all set up for.

"Welcome. I suppose that you are here for the sign up? Name and warrior nickname please.", said the administrator.

"Lass Reiden. And do I really need a warrior nickname?"

"If you would like you can leave that field open. Warrior nicknames are mostly used as a way to intimidate opponents in the arena. Here are the keys to your room. Number is written on top. And...will the pretty petite lady be staying with you?"

"Uh yea...that ain't an issue right?"

"Not at all. But please do be warned that the bedrooms are always preset with one double sized king bed. If you want to sleep separately there's also the option of the rooms couch."

"Yea that'd be fine."

Going up at the room they where both again surprised to be greeted by sheer luxury of the room brilliantly shinning in front of them.

"Wow...this is most unexpected."

"So pretty..."

"Alright so...how about you go check out the place while I go take a shower? Then I can make something you and I can eat before we go to bed ok?"

"Ok.", she said as she calmly nodded.

As Lass had stepped into the shower after a tiring day of being out in the fields he could not but dwell on his thoughts. Why did he so suddenly and so eagerly threw himself into such a journey? How did he manage to strike such a move before having never trained with the blade fully? And just what was that overwhelming feeling of need for protecting that little goddess? So many questions but not a single answer. And then he was forced back into reality.

"Excuse me sir. There was mail directed to you.", said the maid outside the room door.

"Sure, I'll pick it up right now. Thanks.", he said, dressing up.

"Pleasure to be serving you sir.", the maid said as she bowed.

Having just stepped out of the bathroom and going to claim the mail he was surprised to see a small package with a little card coming out from it. And the card read.

"My good friends word of your arrival in the city came to my ears and thanks to you I've reached my shop in the big city. Word travels fast around these parts...and small town boys with a pretty young lady next to their side do tent to stand out...well practically anywhere. I was surprised to hear that you're going to be taking part in the annual Knight Of Knights tournament though I'm sure that you're doing it for some odd reason of yours (mostly money). Inside this care pack I've send you a really good solid armor and some secondary gear for the tournament as well as some clothes for you and the pretty lady that I think will fit you and especially her like a glove! I've also send a couple of Gulbits to help you out if you need anything during your stay...best of luck out on the field, I'll be cheering hard for you from the crowd and thanks again for saving me out there! Yours truly, Anya the merchant."

A small smile tried to come across Lass's face as he received the gift.

Lass then spotted a large part of meet in the package. "And I was just starving for some meat too. Hey Risa. Come check this out! We got some gifts."

"Oh wow!", she said with a pair of sparkling eyes.

"Alright so...how about you go find out which one of those outfits you like best and I go prepare us some dinner?"

"Yes!"

As Lass finished unpacking the rest of the package he was delighted to see some first hand light armor tailored for his size. Light but durable it would appear to be able to protect its wearer without sacrificing much in the way of mobility. And then he hastily went to the kitchen focusing on one of the...better things in the package. And as he was making their dinner a shy little goddess had stepped out from the room looking for advice...in her own manner.

"S-So...what should I wear?", she said, blushing top to bottom.

“I dunno Risa, you tell me. Besides I'm not one to take fashion advices from considering the only thing I wear-love of god!", he screamed as he turned around and covered his eyes.

"What happened?!", she screamed back, dropping both outfits she had held on to.

The little goddess had presented herself with clothes at hand, without a single piece of other clothing on her body, asking for advice.

"You idiot! Why would you present yourself in front of me naked?!"

"Isn't that how you repay a favor?! I-I only did it because I thought you'd like it!", she scarily said, covering her naked body.

"That's not the way to do this at all! Dress up! You have no idea where that sort of thinking will get you!"

"Is that it...were where you...disgusted with what you saw?"

Lass then got angry at her. "Listen here! It's not about your body dammit, that's perfect! Just when the hell will you realize you need to be more discreate?! Jeez you'll give me a heart attack like that!

"S-So you liked...!" she said, blushing again in an instant.

It only took Lass but a split moment to pause at the presence of his words giving a full change to the risen atmosphere.

"God dammit…”, he facepalmed, still covering his face.

Without a second word the flustered goddess rushed back behind the closed bedroom doors.

"That idiot...I don't know if I should be grateful she did that here instead of somewhere else or wonder that she is breathing and living with that mindset she's got. And here I was thinking I am the one who was oblivious to situations and people.", he said as he took a deep breath.

Having said that Lass had gone back to making the dinner. Had he finished setting up the table and serving the freshly made dishes, he approached the shut bedrooms doors having his words set at the tip of his tongue.

"Risa? Hey listen...I didn't mean to be so up front with you. But you really caught me off guard! I really wanted to make a point so that you could be a little more thoughtful and careful about your decisions...what I meant to say its that I'm-"

Before he could finish his words the tiny goddess, no longer wearing the dragged down clothes, emerged from the room with a new spark.

"So...how does it look? Do you like this more than before or should I change back?"

"I uh...it's ok. Besides that really suits you...so better get going with dinner. A long day is ahead of us starting from morning."

"Of course." she said, nodding calmly.

Had they began to eat and during the feasting it was only but obvious that for her size the little goddess had packed quite the appetite.

"Mmm, this is so good! Your cooking is so good Senpai!", she spoke with her mouth full.

"Yeah, no kidding...that's plate number four you're going down on. And I barely started plate two.", he said in surprise.

"Can't help it! Where did you learn how to cook like that?"

"I dunno. Probably just the time spent in that old forge myself...that being said this will be your last plate."

"Hmm?! Why?", she said as she tried to guard the bowl of food in front of her.

"You're gonna have a stomach ache if you keep this up. The food also has a lot of spices in it. I am certainly a glutton when it comes down to it too but I can't quite say the same about you yet."

"You're so mean...", she made a sad face.

"Come on, no need to be down for it. Pray that I survive tomorrow and we can go at it again at night."

"Ok!", she said as she giggled and saluted at Lass.

"Certainly easy to please her...", he whispered.

Having finished their dinner and picked up the empty utensils it was only then that Lass would once again be faced with a late night calamity.

"Uh-oh. So…Risa. How about you take the big luxurious bed fit for a goddess and I just, take the couch ok?"

"Hmm", she nodded.

"Good. Have a good nights rest then!"

As he moved to the couch he was, without knowing it, being followed by the little goddess.

"Oh ok you want the couch? I'll go to the bed then."

Going inside the luxurious bedroom he was then once again followed by little goddess.

"Risa...I can't play this game right now you know that right?", he said, this time in an angry manner.

"It's been so long...since anyone treated me this way. I grew afraid of...sleeping alone. In the dark."

In reminiscence to her fade but dark memories he could only but empathize with her as for the first time he dared not to push her away but keep her alongside him.

"Fine...if it makes you feel better. But don't go around getting used to it! This is just once, got it?

"Thank you...so much...so, so much.", she said smiling, before she dowsed off to his embrace.

"Whatever...just make sure to finally get some rest.", he said letting out a long breath, and falling asleep besides her.

And as the moon reached its highest point they both released themselves into their dreams, waiting in excitement for the adventures of tomorrow that were yet to come...