The Strongest Beast Tamer: My New Life in Another World

Max leaned back in his chair, a wide grin spreading across his face as he looked at the twins. "Alright, so what are we doing tonight? I mean, we should celebrate, right? I'm officially an adventurer now, and your newest party member. Feels like a good excuse for a little fun."

Seria chuckled, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're already looking for a party, huh? Didn't that battle wear you out?"

Max shrugged, still grinning. "A little, sure. But come on, this is a big moment. You don't just skip celebrating something like this."

Lira smirked, leaning forward with her chin resting on her hand. "Alright, new guy, what's your idea of a celebration? Drinks? Food? A fireworks show?"

"Definitely food," Max said without hesitation. "Something hearty. That fight took a lot out of me."

Seria nodded thoughtfully. "There's a nice tavern near the west gate. Good food, good drinks, and not too crowded. What do you think?"

"Works for me," Max said, glancing at Lira. "What about you?"

Lira grinned. "As long as there's good ale and someone to laugh at Max's rookie stories, I'm in."

Max laughed, shaking his head. "Rookie stories, huh? You two aren't going to let me live anything down, are you?"

"Not a chance," Lira said, her smirk widening. "You're stuck with us now. Might as well get used to the teasing."

Seria smiled warmly. "But seriously, Max, you did great today. You deserve to relax and enjoy yourself. We'll make sure tonight is fun."

"Thanks, Seria," Max said, his grin softening. "You two are making this whole adventurer thing feel pretty special already."

"Don't get all sentimental on us," Lira teased, her tone light. "Save that for after the drinks."

Max chuckled. "Fair enough. So, food, drinks, and a little fun at the west gate tavern? Sounds like a plan to me."

"It's settled, then," Seria said, standing up and stretching. "Let's head out in a bit. We'll make sure this is a night to remember."

The three of them shared a laugh, their camaraderie growing stronger with every exchange. Max felt a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time, and as they prepared to celebrate, he couldn't help but look forward to whatever adventures lay ahead.

Max and the twins stepped out of the guild into the cool evening air. The city was alive with the sound of bustling streets, merchants closing their stalls, and the occasional laughter drifting from taverns and inns. Max glanced at the two sisters, his golden eyes gleaming with excitement.

"So, this tavern near the west gate," he began, slipping his hands into his pockets. "What's the story? Is it as nice as you say, or are you just setting me up?"

Seria chuckled, her green eyes glinting with amusement. "It's nice, I promise. Good food, good drinks, and the owner's friendly. We've been there a few times."

"You'll love it," Lira added with a teasing smirk. "And if you don't, well, too bad. You're stuck with us tonight."

Max laughed, shaking his head. "Fair enough. So, while we're walking, tell me something I don't know about you two. Like… favorite food? Future dreams? What do you want to achieve in the future?"

Lira raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Favorite food? Easy. Anything spicy. Future dreams? Becoming one of the strongest adventurers and maybe leading my own guild someday. Guilty pleasure?… Hmm, teasing rookies like you."

Seria rolled her eyes, smiling. "Ignore her. Let's see… I love a good stew, I like reading about ancient history, and guilty pleasure? Probably sweets. Can't say no to a good dessert."

"Noted," Max said with a grin. "As for me, I'm all about grilled meat. Future dreams? Becoming the greatest Beast Tamer the world has ever seen, taming legendary creatures and exploring uncharted territories. Guilty pleasure? Probably taking naps in the middle of the day."

"A napper, huh?" Lira teased. "We'll make sure to keep you busy enough so you don't have time for that."

The three of them laughed as they continued down the bustling streets, the glow of lanterns lighting their path. Their conversation shifted between lighthearted teasing and genuine curiosity about each other's lives. By the time they reached the west gate, Max felt like he understood the twins just a little bit better.

The tavern came into view, its warm light spilling out onto the street. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifted through the open door. Above the entrance hung a carved wooden sign that read The Golden Tankard in bold, elegant lettering.

"Here we are," Seria said with a smile. "Told you it was nice."

"Looks great," Max said, glancing around as they stepped inside. The interior was cozy yet lively, with wooden beams lining the ceiling, a roaring fireplace in the corner, and patrons chatting and laughing at their tables.

A man with a broad smile and a clean apron approached them. He was tall and burly, with a friendly demeanor that instantly put them at ease.

"Welcome to The Golden Tankard!" he said, his deep voice carrying over the noise. "Name's Gerald, and this here is my pride and joy. What can I do for you tonight?"

Max grinned. "Hey, Gerald. We're looking for good food, good drinks, and a place to relax. Think you can help with that?"

"You've come to the right place," Gerald said with a laugh. "Follow me, I'll get you a table."

The three of them followed Gerald to a corner table near the fireplace, the warm glow adding to the cozy atmosphere. They took their seats, and Gerald placed menus on the table.

"What's your specialty?" Seria asked, flipping through the menu.

"Ah, the stew here's a favorite," Gerald said proudly. "But if you're feeling adventurous, I'd recommend the spiced roast lamb."

"Stew sounds perfect," Seria said with a smile.

"I'll take the lamb," Lira said. "Spicy, right? Just how I like it."

"Make it three," Max added. "I'm starving."

"And drinks?" Gerald asked.

Lira smirked. "Something strong. Surprise us."

Gerald laughed. "You got it." He left them to chat while their orders were prepared.

As the drinks arrived, the trio raised their mugs in a toast.

"To Max, our newest party member," Seria said, her smile warm.

"And to surviving his first quest," Lira added with a teasing grin.

Max laughed, clinking his mug against theirs. "And to putting up with you two. Cheers."

They drank, laughed, and continued their conversation as their food arrived, the warmth of the tavern and their growing camaraderie making the evening one to remember.

The table at The Golden Tankard was alive with laughter and the clinking of mugs. The warm glow of the fireplace and the hum of conversation from other patrons created the perfect backdrop for their celebration. Max, Seria, and Lira were well into their drinks, the effects of the alcohol loosening their words and amplifying their laughter.

Max leaned back in his chair, grinning as he looked at Lira. "You know, I've been thinking. For someone who claims to be so tough, you're surprisingly good at laughing at your own jokes."

Lira smirked, swirling her mug of ale. "And for someone who's new to this whole adventuring thing, you're surprisingly good at keeping up. Guess you're not so bad, rookie."

"Not so bad?" Max said, feigning offense. "I took on an Alpha Horned Rabbit and lived to tell the tale. Pretty sure that makes me more than 'not so bad.'"

Lira giggled, leaning forward slightly. "Alright, fine. You're decent. Maybe even a little impressive. But don't let it go to your head."

Max laughed, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. "Too late. My head's already full of my own brilliance."

Seria, sitting across from them, raised an eyebrow as she sipped her drink. She watched the two of them with a bemused smile, her green eyes twinkling. "You two are something else," she said, shaking her head. "Are you even aware of how much you're flirting right now?"

Max blinked, his tipsy brain taking a moment to process her words. "Flirting? No way. We're just… talking."

Lira's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, and she quickly looked away, her smirk faltering for just a moment. "Yeah, just talking. Nothing more."

Seria chuckled softly, setting her mug down. "Sure. Just talking. Keep telling yourselves that."

Max and Lira exchanged a glance, their tipsy grins returning as they burst into laughter. "Alright, fine," Max said, raising his mug. "Here's to good conversations and… whatever this is."

Lira clinked her mug against his, her smirk returning. "Cheers to that."

As the night went on, the three of them continued to eat, drink, and share stories. The tavern's cozy atmosphere wrapped around them like a warm blanket, and Max couldn't help but feel like he was exactly where he was meant to be—with Seria and Lira, building bonds that would last a lifetime.

To be continued…