However, for this hot spring city, the existence of Behemoth has become an unexpected gift. It is said that this volcano was originally at the critical point of eruption, with magma blocked underground. It was Behemoth who dug through the magma channels of the volcano, preventing a major eruption and reducing the disaster here.

Seeing this, Weimiya couldn't help but sigh: "As expected of the God of Travelers, I feel that Hermes put more effort into letting us enjoy the journey than when carrying out the mission to save the world."

Looking at Riveria's profile, Weimiya asked with some curiosity: "Riveria-senpai, do you like traveling very much?"

Orario's dungeon is known as the world's largest "unknown" place. Riveria's initial plan was to explore the mysteries of the dungeon and then travel around the world.

However, she didn't expect the depth and mystery of the dungeon to far exceed her expectations. Even now, the area explored by the Loki Familia may only be the tip of the iceberg of this vast labyrinth.

Sometimes, she realizes that she has somewhat forgotten her original intention of becoming an adventurer—that pure freedom and desire for knowledge.

Riveria was softly expressing her feelings when her gaze inadvertently fell on the ring on Weimiya's left hand. Her expression changed instantly, and a hint of unnatural blush appeared on her face.

Weimiya hoped to repay her with an equivalent gift, but Riveria refused his proposal without hesitation.

Riveria chose to keep these secret past events in her heart, never mentioning them.

Riveria pondered seriously in her heart.

Her heart was firm: "Everything I do is for the Loki Familia!"

She frowned slightly and then asked: "Shirou, why did you suddenly change your form of address?"

Weimiya explained: "Ryu told me that your seniority and status are extremely respected among the elves, and calling you 'sister' is a bit inappropriate. So I think it's more appropriate to call you 'senpai'."

"What is this..."

"This is a collection of assignments that Professor Frianne specially prepared for you before leaving."

Riveria: "I will personally supervise you to complete these tasks."

158

Chapter 158: Unexpected Events in the Hot Spring.

As soon as the adventurers entered the city, several elven men and women appeared in front of them. They immediately recognized Riveria's unique qualities and stepped forward to inquire with excited and respectful eyes.

One of the young elven men blurted out almost involuntarily, his voice filled with undisguised surprise and admiration.

Adoring gazes, excited inquiries, respectful attitudes... Elves generally have extremely high loyalty to the royal family.

The elves bowed to Riveria, praising her noble royal status and her achievements in defeating ancient monsters.

Many of the elves outside view Riveria in this way, seeing her as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and fearlessness.

However, the actual situation is not like this. This princess simply chose to leave home, stay away from the constraints of the royal family, and find her own path of adventure. The glorious legend in the hearts of the elves is completely different from her inner motives.

For these elven subjects who admired her, Riveria would initially patiently explain: "I have already withdrawn from the royal family."

But this time, things seemed a little different. The elf leading the greeting to Riveria was actually the president of the largest local商会 (shānghuì - chamber of commerce).

Compared to those ordinary admirers in the past, this chamber of commerce owner had a prominent identity and had made careful preparations to welcome Princess Riveria.

He bowed slightly, awaiting Princess Riveria's response, as if her arrival was an unparalleled honor.

However, the elf did not retreat because of this, but said sincerely: "Princess, our respect for you is not only because of your royal status, but more importantly, because you defeated the [Monsters] of the Great Tree Sea."

And now, the number of monsters has obviously decreased, and Princess Riveria and her team left the Great Tree Sea during this period.

Hearing these words, Riveria was slightly moved. As a princess, she was used to being noticed because of her status, but it was rare to receive such sincere respect for her actual achievements.

This inn truly deserves to be the most luxurious residence in Spring City. The rooms are elegantly decorated, carved with exquisite patterns, the walls are hung with exotic works of art, and the floor is covered with thick carpets, making it almost impossible to hear footsteps when walking on them.

Weimiya looked around and couldn't help but joke: "The suite that Princess Riveria stayed in will probably increase in price several times in the future, right?"

Riveria smiled lightly when she heard this, her tone tinged with helplessness: "If that's really the case, then I hope they can make good use of this 'gimmick,' and it won't be a waste of hosting us."

Riveria frowned slightly, then said with a hint of almost imperceptible smile: "Could you just call me 'Riveria'? The title 'senpai' sounds too distant."

"Speaking of which, where are Heding and Hegni, and Ryu?"

Riveria replied with a chuckle: "As for the [Black and White Knights], they went back to their own suites first. As for Ryu, she realized that her grades were too poor and took the initiative to stay in the room to study."

The heat was steaming, and tiny bubbles in the water danced lightly between her arms and legs, bringing a subtle tingling sensation.

Elves usually prefer showers and are not very keen on taking baths, especially because they have low tolerance for hot water, but occasionally soaking in a hot spring is still a special kind of comfort.

Riveria was stunned for a moment and quickly shrank back into the water.

When checking in, the room service staff specifically reminded them that the several hot spring pools in the courtyard were all mixed baths, and the hotel provided swimsuits.

If you want to soak in a hot spring alone, you can directly use the suite's large bathtub. When you turn on the faucet, hot spring water will come out.

Having cleaned his body in advance, he stepped into the hot spring pool, feeling the warmth of the hot water permeating his entire body.

Just as he was immersed in the warmth, a somewhat flustered voice suddenly came from his ear: "Shi, Shirou?"

Weimiya was slightly stunned. Through the thick mist, he noticed the other person's blurry figure.

"Shirou, why did you come in?"

"This, isn't this my courtyard? Wait, could it be that Shirou's and my rooms share a courtyard because they are in the same suite."

"But, even so, I'm already here, how can Shirou be so calm..."

Weimiya replied naturally: "Because I saw a bathhouse in the Far Eastern style here, I wanted to experience it."

Weimiya had entered the hot spring first, while Ryu was still cleaning her body.

Riveria's heart skipped a beat, and her mind was instantly in a state of chaos.

Could it be that in Far Eastern culture, it is normal for men and women to bathe together?

This made her feel extremely nervous, but she didn't dare to show it easily.

Weimiya heard Ryu's voice and replied: "I'm here."

Just as she was feeling at a loss, Ryu stood generously by the hot spring, easily taking off the bath towel wrapped around her body.

Riveria's heart rate instantly accelerated—however, the next moment, she saw Ryu wearing a neat swimsuit.

Riveria saw this scene through the mist. To be precise, looking at Ryu's swimsuit, only two words flashed in her mind: "It's over."

"Not only that, Behemoth's activities also caused hot springs to gush from the earth, eventually leading to the prosperity of the hot spring capital."

Shirou gazed at the not-so-high volcano in the distance and nodded gently: "Riviera-senpai, you are truly knowledgeable."

Riviera chuckled and casually took out a history book from her bag: "It's just a matter of learning and selling. These books were all placed in the carriage by Lord Hermes."

For Hermes, carrying out tasks arranged by the Adventurers Guild was merely routine, but recommending travel destinations to the adventurers he favored was what truly made him happy from the bottom of his heart.

Riviera didn't avoid the topic and frankly admitted: "Yes, my greatest dream is to travel all over the world and explore. However, it has been a long time since I last left Orario."

Moreover, as the Loki Familia continues to grow, her responsibilities as vice-captain have also increased. From commanding battles and organizing actions to managing the internal affairs of the Familia, these responsibilities have unknowingly bound her.

The dream of exploring every unknown corner of the world seems to have been gradually blurred by heavy responsibilities and endless tasks.

At that time, the ring could not be taken off no matter what. Riviera simply stated generously that the ring would be her gift to Shirou.

Of course, she didn't tell Shirou the story behind the ring—the royal family's secret treasure, ancient legends, blessings from the fairy spirits, and so on.

"The cooperative relationship with 【Sword King】 is an important matter that will affect the future development of the Loki Familia."

"Eh?"

At this moment, Riviera suddenly noticed that Shirou's address to her today had changed from the affectionate "Onee-san" to the more formal "Senpai."

After hearing this, Riviera nodded gently: "Is that so..."

In the evening, Riviera found Ryu and handed her a thick book with a smile. Ryu looked down and was instantly struck as if by lightning.

A hint of fear was revealed in Ryu's voice.

The Elven Princess still smiled, her tone gentle but allowing no doubt: "Ryu, your combat abilities are indeed outstanding, but your shortcomings in cultural lessons are too great and must be made up for."

"Um, excuse me for intruding, but seeing your emerald-like hair and eyes, I can't help but notice... May I ask, are you perhaps a noble of high status?"

"Princess Riviera, are you Princess Riviera?!"

Shirou and the others were already used to this. In the past few days, whenever they encountered elves, they would encounter similar scenes.

Riviera is the only member of the Alf Lyria elven royalty to leave her homeland and become an adventurer. Wherever she goes, she is the center of attention for the elves.

"Princess Riviera of Alf Lyria, inheriting the spirit of the great saintess 'Celty', stood up and attacked the Lower World's long-cherished wish—【Ancient Monster】"

However, this time, Riviera did indeed participate in the subjugation of an 【Ancient Monster】.

She did not deliberately cater to the expectations of the elves, but unintentionally truly realized the hopes placed on her.

But gradually, she discovered that these elves didn't care about her explanations at all, and instead continued to treat her with reverence.

Over time, Riviera also became numb. When facing the elves who came to visit, she just tried her best to maintain a stiff smile.

"Princess."

He said respectfully, his tone full of admiration: "We have vacated the best hot spring inn in the area for you, and we are always waiting for your visit!"

Riviera was very helpless with the enthusiasm of the elven merchant guild leader. She sternly refused his overly extravagant arrangements.

Although this guild leader didn't even know the specific name of the Scorpio in the Great Tree Sea, he knew that in the past few months, the monsters near the Great Tree Sea had frequently increased, and even began to threaten the villages around 【Sprint】, and the residents were worried about this. He had seen all of this with his own eyes.

Comparing the two, there was no doubt that it was the credit of Riviera and the others that they had saved the people of this area.

She hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to accept the kindness.

Shirou, Riviera, and the others arrived at the hot spring inn arranged by the guild. As soon as they entered the inn, they felt its ultimate luxury and refinement.

The courtyard was even more unique, with carefully maintained flowerbeds and small bridges and flowing water complementing each other, showing the perfect integration of nature and architecture everywhere.

Moreover, each high-end suite's courtyard also has a private hot spring area, with exquisite wooden screens surrounding the hot spring pool, ensuring that guests can enjoy tranquility and privacy.

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on Shirou for a moment, as if considering how to speak.

In the end, Riviera still said softly: "Shirou, I actually have a small request."

Shirou raised his head and looked at her with some confusion: "What request, Riviera-senpai?"

Shirou was stunned for a moment, then smiled: "Okay, Riviera."

Hearing her say this, Riviera nodded, feeling relieved.

Shirou asked.

"Hot springs... they really are comfortable."

Riviera lazily stretched in the hot spring pool, her body leaning back slightly, and her emerald-colored long hair gently floated on the water with her movements.

The flow of the hot spring gently enveloped Riviera's skin, and warm ripples slid across every part of her body, as if gentle hands were caressing her tense body.

"I've soaked long enough, it's time to go out."

Riviera stood up, preparing to walk out of the hot spring.

However, at this moment, someone suddenly walked into the hot spring pool surrounded by screens.

At the same time, Shirou pulled aside the laurel branches at the entrance, revealing the wooden sign that was covered, which read 【Mixed bathing, please wash your body in advance and wear swimwear inside】.

As expected of a top-notch inn, the facilities are really complete.

After confirming the nature of the hot spring pool, the boy walked into the area surrounded by screens.

"Splash, splash..."

In his previous life, taking a bath had always been one of Shirou's hobbies. Although the 【Hostess of Fertility】 tavern had recently added a bathhouse specifically to take care of Haruhime, as expected, hot springs are still very different from ordinary hot water baths.

Without hesitation, he naturally greeted the other party: "Riviera, good evening."

Riviera's figure shrank a little, and her voice was obviously nervous and uneasy, even a little incoherent.

Riviera thought nervously.

There are three rooms in a suite at the inn. Riviera, Ryu, and Shirou each live in different rooms, but share a courtyard, as well as three different hot spring pools in the courtyard.

Actually, he was also a little interested in another "Sea Country" style hot spring pool, but Ryu said she wanted to try the "Far East style", so he accompanied Ryu over.

Or is it that Shirou... he just wants to soak in the hot spring with me?

"Shirou, are you there?"

Just as the atmosphere was subtle, Ryu's voice suddenly came from outside.

A few seconds later, Ryu walked into the bathhouse wrapped in a bath towel. Riviera's heart suddenly became even more flustered, and a trace of anxiety flashed through her mind: Isn't it enough to have me here? Now you're even inviting Ryu in?!

Ryu stepped into the pool without any care, her movements natural and calm. She sat down peacefully in the water, enjoying the hot spring while looking around.

The inn also prepared a beautiful new swimsuit for Riviera, but the elven waiter in charge of receiving her was too excited and only wanted an autograph, so he forgot to remind her about this.

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