"Hello~ Welcome to our love-infused drinks and love-infused dishes~" Caro, the girl, wore a smile that sent a chill down one’s spine.

But Arnold, a former Dragon Slayer, wouldn’t be intimidated by a girl like this. He glanced at the utterly ordinary drink and meal before him.

"So… where’s the love?"

"Please wait~ I’ll add the love right now~"

Caro was a pro. Truth be told, back in her previous world, she’d visited quite a few maid cafés. With her means, hiring genuine cute maids wouldn’t have been impossible—but it risked unsavory associations. So she’d only ever experienced them as a customer.

She spun in a circle, pressed her palms together into a heart shape, blew a kiss, and chirped: "Moe energy~ Become delicious! Chu~~"

An act she found deeply cringey. Yet Arnold seemed to like it—Caro noticed a faint blush on his cheeks.

Her smile turned brazen. "Well? Esteemed guest? Can you taste the love now?"

Arnold nodded firmly.

"That’ll be one gold coin! Thirty copper coins for the food and drink. The remaining ninety-nine silver and seventy copper? That’s the price of *love*~"

The man froze.

"Huh?!"

He blurted it out before he could stop himself. Patrons around the tavern turned with keen interest—mostly locals. After the Lucy incident, everyone knew Caro.

"Out-of-towner, huh? Flirting with Caro-chan~ Kid, no cash? Don’t try hitting on girls~" someone called from across the room. "Caro-chan, how about it? Uncle’s not rich, but I’ve saved up. Marry me, spend one gold coin on your love—I’d be *so* satisfied~"

"Get lost, you creepy old man! Even *touching* your money makes me sick!" Caro shot back venomously. "Drink your drink! Mind your own business!"

"Eh~? Caro-chan’s so harsh~ But so sweet to *him*~"

"One gold coin. Show me one, and I’ll treat you the same."

Caro wore an "all money, no mercy" smirk. The tavern crowd leaned in. In a town like Maelzu Town? Who casually pulls out a gold coin?

Then Arnold did.

He slapped a coin on the table. "Well~ One gold’s no big deal. I’ve got savings." He fixed Caro with a meaningful look. "But… does your tavern offer… *other* services?"

Caro chuckled sinisterly. "If you’re willing to pay, sir~"

After a quick chat with the owner—two silver coins paid—Caro arranged to step out with Arnold.

"?"

Arnold froze. "R-Really? There *are* other services?"

"What are you thinking? Aren’t we sworn brothers?" She handed the gold coin back. "Here. Uh… consider the meal and drink your brother’s treat."

A hint of embarrassment colored her cheeks.

"?" Arnold was more confused. *She* paid the two silvers. Wasn’t she taking a pure loss?

Caro led him furtively to a shabby shopfront.

"This is…?"

A mischievous grin spread across her face. "You know… *that* kind of place, right?"

"*That* kind of place?"

"I’ve always been curious… but back home, it was illegal. And me—a girl? What if I got trafficked? Forced into… you know."

Arnold finally got it. No wonder a scantily clad woman lounged by the entrance, watching them.

"W-What do you mean?!"

"For us Bards! Inspiration needs beauty beside us! A sip of wine, a muse to sharpen the quill—you get it, right?"

Arnold shook his head.

"Long story short: you come in *with* me. We pay separately. You’re strong—you do your thing. If trouble happens, you save me. I *need* this experience."

*Wait…*

Arnold’s mind short-circuited. He *liked* Caro! What if she later said, "Someone who visits *those* places? No thanks"?

*Game over.*

Her "we do our own thing" stung. She didn’t see him as a romantic prospect at all.

"We’re *not* going in!" Arnold grabbed her arm, gaze unwavering. "Absolutely not!"

Caro raised an eyebrow. "Why?! You *freeloaded* my meal and drink! Even if you vomited it up, I wouldn’t call it even! And it was the *love-infused* set!"

Seeing her resolve, Arnold panicked—then struck gold. "Think: *where* are we?"

"Brothel?"

"Not *that*—this *location*. Where?"

"Maelzu Town?"

"*Exactly!* Maelzu Town!" Arnold scoffed. "What quality could *this* town offer? I love this place—but for *that*? Go high-end! You write epic poetry—do *they* understand? Empty praise is meaningless. Applause from someone who doesn’t *get* your art? Pointless."

*She aims for accessible literature… but he’s got a point.* In her past life, she’d noticed: higher-end spots cared about details—cleanliness, genuine smiles, thoughtful service. Maelzu Town wasn’t that place.

"I saw one in the Royal Capital once—during a mission," Arnold added, watching her eyes brighten. He patted her shoulder, slung an arm around her like an old buddy. She didn’t resist. *Got her.*

"As *brothers*, this dump shames *me*. I’m a Dragon Slayer! Could I let you play here? Step inside today? You disrespect me. Our brotherhood ends."

*(And then I’ll seriously court you.)*

Caro frowned. "You’re right… I *will* be a celebrated Bard. This place *does* lower my standards." She visibly swelled with pride. "But I took the day off! I’m not going back to work."

"How’s Lucy’s story coming?"

"Well… A week to finish writing, another to perform, then sing the song—about a month total. Time to leave Maelzu Town." She sighed. No harp teacher here; skilled players all left for big cities, orchestras, nobles… *Did I pick the wrong instrument?*

Arnold met her gaze. "One question: would you do something for me?"

"Spill it."

"You know I’m blacklisted by the Adventurers' Guild. Registering requires showing your status panel—unchangeable. So I can’t take quests or sell loot there. Economically… dire, right?"

"True. You’re strong, but not exactly versatile."

"As you said—if the kingdom hadn’t rescinded my bounty, being a wanted criminal’d be fine. Beat challengers, take their coin. Fit the role."

Caro laughed, patting his back. "Exactly! But the kingdom backed down. Disappointed?"

"No choice. Can’t be a villain without cause." Arnold scratched his head. "Being good is *exhausting*."

"Tell me about it."

"So… proposal." Arnold leaned in gently. "You register as an adventurer. I do the quests. You collect rewards. Split fifty-fifty. Deal?"

Caro’s smile vanished. She shoved his arm off. "What? Look down on me? Twist things to *give* me money? *Pity* me?"

? Arnold hadn’t meant that. *She’s the one I’ll marry. Giving my wife money is wrong?*

But he’d struck her pride.

"Arnold! You’re strong, you’re badass—that’s *yours*! Treat me to meals, drinks, even that kind of entertainment—I’d accept! But *this*? Even a broke buddy wouldn’t do this! Yes, I’ve got thick skin—but not *that* shameless! To calmly take your hard-earned coin using my name? Never!"