Is It Wrong to be Picked Up by a Girl Outside Dungeon?

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"Are you nervous?"

Walking along the street, Meteria asked softly.

"A little, yeah," Ronen nodded, then smiled. "After all… it's your family I'm meeting."

Not "the strongest in the world," but Meteria's family.

Hearing his words, Meteria's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Then let's face it together."

Their fingers interlocked, the two looked intimately close.

Alfia caught the scene from the corner of her eye but said nothing.

Her younger sister no longer entirely belonged to her… No, truthfully, her strong-willed sister had never really belonged to her from the start.

Meteria was the type with firm convictions—perhaps even stronger than Alfia herself.

Over these past days, Alfia had grown used to their closeness. By now, it was something natural, not something worth reacting to.

The three of them continued forward until they reached the Hera Familia's base of operations.

The Hera Familia was enormous, residing in Orario's 7th District, directly opposite the Zeus Familia's territory.

Lavish residences surrounded the area, broadcasting the wealth of the world's strongest familia.

Including logistical members, Hera's ranks numbered seven to eight hundred, all women.

Under Alfia's lead, Ronen arrived at the familia's headquarters—a massive villa.

Men rarely entered this domain; even when there was official business, discussions usually took place in the Zeus Familia's territory.

Even Zeus himself… no—especially Zeus—was barred from entry.

Unlike the roguish Zeus, Hera was a deeply traditional woman and a staunch believer in monogamy.

As for Ronen… he was an advocate of pure love.

"Welcome."

Two guards stood at the entrance. A quick sensing spell told Ronen both were Level 2 adventurers.

Only the world's strongest familia could afford to post such warriors as doorkeepers.

In fact, even the supporters for Zeus or Hera's expeditions generally needed to be at least Level 2 to keep up.

For example, while abandoning a teammate like Crony had done might normally be unforgivable, if the abandoned teammate was a Level 6–8 hero-tier adventurer, the context shifted—supporters' main duty on a long expedition was to survive.

"This feels… interesting," Ronen murmured as he stepped into the Hera Familia grounds.

Alfia led them through the grand doors into a spacious hall.

Around them, young women sat or stood in groups, gazes fixed on Ronen.

Some eyes scrutinized, others feigned authority, some brimmed with curiosity—but all carried a shared quality: pressure.

"A welcoming show of dominance, huh," Ronen thought with a smile, not a flicker of fear in his expression.

High-level adventurers exuded a natural aura that could weigh heavily on others, making them uncomfortable.

But during his research into flight magic, Ronen had also been exploring defensive magic concepts—some involving manipulation of aura and mental pressure.

He didn't need to bolster himself magically; simply using his own spirit and presence was enough to face them.

"Nice to meet you, Goddess Hera."

He bowed slightly to the beautiful, dignified woman seated at the head. "I am Ronen, Meteria's lover."

"Hm."

Hera's gaze flickered between him and Meteria's closeness. After a small inward sigh, she gestured. "Sit."

"Thank you."

Ronen took a seat on the sofa. Meteria sat beside him. After a moment's hesitation, Alfia sat on his other side.

Hera's eyes widened slightly at that.

"Well, well…" she said with a note of surprise. "Not only did you take the most beautiful flower in my garden, but you even gained Alfia's approval. Impressive."

Although Alfia often called her "the old hag," she was referring to Hera's temperament—sharp, commanding, with a fiery temper—rather than her looks.

Unlike Zeus, who wore the appearance of an old man, Hera was, in both the myths of the original world and this one, an exceptionally beautiful goddess.

"You flatter me, Goddess Hera," Ronen replied calmly. "I only did what a man should."

The hostility in Hera's eyes eased, replaced by a hearty smile.

"Good answer."

Her view of him was never deeply negative—merely the natural wariness of a mother-in-law assessing her daughter's partner.

Meteria had kept Hera away to spare Ronen unnecessary pressure, but now, with his great achievement and the ability to stand as an equal to the Hera Familia, Hera was quite satisfied.

Ever since Ronen had resolved the sisters' debilitating skills, Hera had been looking forward to meeting him.

And now, here he was—unfazed by her show of dominance, with even Alfia standing at his side. That alone spoke volumes of his worth.

"Your innate magic—flight—will greatly benefit the Hera Familia," Hera said. "What do you want in return?"

"Recognition," Ronen answered evenly. "From you, and from the Hera Familia."

"That's it?" Hera's commanding voice pressed. "If we set aside Meteria's relationship with you, this magic is worth over a hundred billion valis.

I could give you powerful weapons, or even the highest-grade magic tomes."

"Your recognition is worth more than any of that," Ronen said. "Besides, I can acquire those things on my own."

This was not about trading magic for approval—it was about earning Hera's respect through his own worth.

Even if Ronen was technically a normal human, he was a person of limitless potential—and he would never shortchange her daughter.

Of course, there was another layer: if one day his ideals clashed with Hera's, or if he wished to avoid being caught in the inevitable Zeus–Hera quarrels, having Hera's "promise" was a necessary safeguard.

"…Alright."

Hera studied him with growing interest before nodding decisively. "I recognize you."

At those words, the tension in the hall eased instantly.

"Not bad, kid."

A scantily dressed, slightly tanned girl strolled up, grinning as she draped an arm over his shoulder. "You may be scrawny, but you've got presence.

If you weren't Meteria's man, I'd steal you away myself."

"Empress?" Ronen tilted his head slightly.

"Why the uncertain tone?" the girl asked with a curious blink.

"Idiot captain," another cute girl laughed. "Don't forget—Ronen only just arrived in Orario. He couldn't even speak the common tongue at first. Recognizing you at all is impressive."

"Oh, right. So how did you know it was me? Did Meteria describe me?" the Empress teased. "My sister's that fond of me?"

"No…" Ronen shook his head. "I simply sensed it with magic. You're the strongest person here."

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