Justice comes at a price … and sometimes that is your pride.
Creative Staff:
Original Story: Fujino Omori
Illustrations By: Nirtsu
Character Design: Suzuhito Yasuda
Translation: Dale DeLucia
What They Say:
When a troubled couple tells the story of how their daughter was taken to pay off a gambling debt, Lyu’s conscience and the legacy of Astrea Familia compel her to take action!
The many skills Lyu learned as an adventurer are formidable, but she’ll need more than brute force to challenge the influential Grand Casino. Unable to sneak or fight her way inside, Lyu puts all her trust in Syr’s rescue plan: Go through the front door posing as Count Maximilian and his beautiful wife!
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Crush the Grand Casino! (occurs a few days after the War Game in primary series – volume 6)
It seemed like a typical day in the Benevolent Mistress – in the evening it was a popular tavern for weary adventurers coming back from the Dungeon, but it also served to refresh those exhausted labors within the city itself. However what those patrons may not know, the place also functioned as a charming café during the daylight hours, catering to the general public serving delightful pastries and warm drinks to perk them up after a tiring morning. It was during those hours when the usual calm of the day was broken by a raucous argument, disturbing the peace of the surrounding customers and stirring the ire of Mama Mia. A human man and woman, and by the conversation can be assumed to be married, were exchanging insults over the kidnapping of their daughter, but as the husband’s temper became more explosive, his words began to match his actions. After insulting others for staring at their conversation and promptly flipping over their table, the staff finally had enough of this entertainment.
As Runoa calmly attempted to ask the man to please pay and leave with a firm wrist lock, the two cat girls Ahnya and Chloe also silently approached and grabbed him by the shoulders, complaining they were the ones who had to clean up the mess. With swift matching sweeps they tripped both his legs and caught the limbs, unceremoniously carrying the rowdy man out and tossing him into the street, where a horse drawn carriage barely stopped in time. Once he had calmed down and his wife Karen began speaking to him again, Syr urged the pair explained their tirade: due to Huey’s insatiable gambling habits, he was urged by some unscrupulous adventurers to put his daughter Anna up as collateral for one final pass …. which he of course lost. While Huey made countless excuses for his actions, Karen cut all of them down, screaming he was the only one at fault, which made any further attempts of defence useless.
Once this final dialogue ended, Syr did something unexpected and began to ask questions about Anna’s appearance and her habits, such as what she did and how she spent leisurely hours. While Lyu found this puzzling, it was after all the details were laid out did her friend come to one inevitable conclusion: Anna had been kidnapped for one reason – to be sold to the Pleasure Quarter. While the parents were distressed by this finding, what was even more maddening was neither Ganesha Familia nor the Guild could do anything without an official quest being issue, even if there were numerous incidents with the other girls being taken. Although they wanted to file a claim, no one would take it seriously without some type of reward attached, but due to their financial straits, this possibility was hopeless. It was only then did Karen tearfully proclaim she wished Astrea Familia still existed in a time like this. This announcement made the otherwise stalwart elf shudder … why did she have to mention that name?
Astrea Familia … the one group which made Lyu regret her choices and the only place until now which allowed the elf to feel complete – her own family. While some have forgotten her own alias as the Gale Wind, many still recall fondly the group which sported the banner of the Winged Sword of Justice. This familia along with Ganesha helped maintain order during the Dark Ages when many vile groups brought chaos to Orario, including the Evils … the ones who eventually decimated Astrea Familia, caused their goddess to go into exile and drove Lyu to madness as she sought revenge for their deaths. But it was their sense of honor and duty which citizens of the Labyrinth City miss, their self imposed obligation to bring down all wrongdoers, no matter how impossible task sounded. While those from the staff who knew of the elf’s history understood her restrained reaction, they also realized this pronouncement was just as painful for the parents and if not more so for Lyu and her tragic past.
It was midnight when a lone figure danced across the rooftops, an elvish woman cloaked in a full length robe, traipsing her way to the back streets of Orario until she landed at a bar which looked as bad it is smelled. Swiftly stepping inside, Lyu confronted a man who Huey said was the one which set up the game for his daughter. Asking if he knew of Anna, the ruffian boldly admitted he knew of her and inquired if she was a friend; not answering directly, Gale Wind bluntly told the human to tell where she was, to which he said such information would not come for free. Informing her the game was poker, Lyu dropped a bag on the table with fifty thousand valis, and the contest began. Well aware the men around the room where his guards, the man flatly stated he did not tolerate cheating, to which the elf plunged a blade between his fingers in response, revealing a hidden card in his sleeve, and with that the match started.
Due to her experience infiltrating such underground gambling dens for Astrea Familia, Lyu had no problem picking up the game, plus her high status added an extra advantage. With her little bluff against the boss, the men around the room clearly lost the nerve for intimidating this player, and her sharp eyesight saw every little tell her opponent tried to hide. It was not long before she won a clear advantage, winning nine straight hands and easily cleaning out the house. With his victory far from reach, the boss ordered his henchmen to charge, but with a few swift strikes, everyone was on floor, allowing Lyu to confront the leader and repeat her question as to where he took Anna – the Marketplace was his only answer. After a long night, it was time to return home, but not before she made one last quick stop and dropped off a note to a certain godly manor.
During the next morning’s shift, a woman dressed in a white cloak and wearing silver rimmed glasses took a seat within the Benevolent Mistress, waiting for Lyu to serve her ordered black tea. After taking a sip, Asfi Al Andromeda, captain of Hermes Familia stated she was surprised by the sudden summon, but stated she owed the elf a favor and came as soon as possible with the information requested. She confirmed the corporation named Marketplace had indeed bought a woman named Anna and sold her to the Shopping District, specifically to a well known casino called El Dorado Resort, also known as Paradise City’s Grand Casino. This place was outside the Guild’s jurisdiction, and with Ganesha Familia providing first-tier adventurers as guards, it would not be easy to break in or sneak into the gambling den. Lastly, the man who purchased the girl is the manager of this location called Terry Cervantes, who also appears to be the one pulling the strings behind said corporation. Asfi offered one last piece of advice: do not get involved with the Grand Casino, if she does, there is no telling what the Guild will do to her since Lyu is still on their blacklist. This conversation left her with much to think about and not many options left open, until a certain platinum haired friend decided to get involved.
A few days later and Lyu still had not figured out any way into the El Dorado, until she saw her friend Syr speaking to a shadowy figure within an alleyway behind the restaurant. Not expecting for to anyone to see her, the elf confronted the girl but the question was craftily deflected by showing an elegant envelope and the prominent note contained therein – it was an invitation to the Grand Casino. When she pressed on how she received it, Syr blissfully smiled and stated a friend diverted the letter into her hands. Originally meant for nobility from a far off country, it allowed Count Ariud Maximilian and his wife Countess Sirène Maximilian entry into the luxurious diversion; however, there was one troubling problem, how would the two of them impersonate such elegant people … until the obvious revealed itself to Lyu – someone would have to dress up as the husband, and Syr knew it was, no matter how much she protested.
This Is a Benevolent Tavern ~ Girls Meet Girls (occurs before the main storyline)
It was finally all over … while Astrea Familia was wiped out, there was a lone survivor who vowed to destroy the last of the Evils, and anyone associated with that group, and now her work was done. Lyu Leon, also called the Gale Wind, lay in a cold dark alley, the last remnants of her strength fading from her body as the draining rain splattered upon her lifeless form. She had completed her self imposed mission, now covered in dry blood and numerous wounds, the elf could no longer move anything, but it no longer mattered, for now she could finally rest in peace. However even as she wondered if this was the end, a presence still lingered out of sight, quietly approaching and not allowing this avenger a moment of silence in what she felt was her last time on this earth. While she felt her eyelids begin to droop, the soft words of a goddess graced her deadening ears, asking if she was okay, and that was the last thing she remembered before she fell asleep for what might be the last time.
With a sudden start the elf looked up to a wooden ceiling and similarly composed walls, she found herself lying on a soft mattress covered by a warm blanket. As she tried to sit up, the dull pain of bruised ribs stopped any progress and she was startled to see her wounds had been cleaned and bandaged. While her eyes adjusted, the simple door opened and in walked a woman dressed in a strange maid outfit, carrying more medical supplies and a gentle smile on her face. Cheerfully greeting her patient, she stated her name was Syr and she had been asleep for three days, worrying her caretaker if she would ever wake again. It is only then does she ask for a name, curious as to what she should address her new friend … Lyu was all she received.
When asked why she would pick up a stranger in a dark alley, all Syr said was her employer is used to people of special circumstances. Wondering as to this answer, as if on cue, the nondescript door opened again and in stepped a giant of a dwarf, her gruff exterior matching the booming voice who asked if the elf was finally up. As Syr told the woman named Mama Mia of this person’s identity, the matronly owner asked if she was also known as Gale Wind, the person wanted by the Guild. Knowing she could not deny the truth before this intimidating visage, Mia brushed off the facts and chided Syr for having to take care of such a helpless woman, even as they are so short staffed in the tavern, then curtly stated she could stay or leave after she was reimbursed for the three day stay. Confused by the answer, Lyu had no idea of what to do, but Syr suggested she stay since Mama could protect her from anyone, confident in her employer’s strength.
Hesitant as to her next action, an embarrassing gurgle from her stomach answered the conundrum, allowing Syr to respond with a stifled laugh as she looked toward the intimidating woman watching over both. Sighing in frustration, Mia told her to get dressed and come get some food, to which Lyu flatly denied any need until a massive hand grabbed her surprised arm. In her weakened state she could not dodge the dwarf, knowing any complaining would be fruitless, and was further encouraged by Syr not to deny this kindness since Mama was scary when she was angry. As they made their way downstairs into the main dining hall of the Benevolent Mistress, it was easy to see the place was not too spacious but comfortable with the area empty aside from the three of them. Seated down before a steaming plate, the elf began to eat a much welcomed risotto like dish, and before long did not realize she had finished the entire meal. With her belly now full, Mama Mia turned toward her in thought until finally stating Lyu could leave … only after repaying her debt to the tavern – a mere fifty million valis.
Shocked beyond belief, the elf knew there was no denying the outrageous fee, even if there were room to protest, a sincere smile from Syr and grimace from Mia showed this was her fate for being brought into this tavern. As the weeks passed and training to wait tables, wash dishes, take orders and address customers all failed in complete misery, Lyu felt a strange calm pass over her tired form. No longer chasing or hunting the Evils who had wronged Astrea Familia, Leon knew she could not relax from the life she once pursued for the past would never leave her presence, even now. While she tried to accept these new responsibilities, the skills she had learn in days long past kept her safe, reflexes honed by years in the Dungeon and stalking her prey, these senses never failed to protect her. Even she detects something is wrong, imperceptible to normal customers, but to those seasoned adventurers, they all knew someone was watching the restaurant. Although Lyu may not be able to see them directly, Gale Wind knows the game is never over … if it is not the Evils, then who else could it be which seeks her life, those wandering around in the shadows wearing black robes?
In Summary:
While we may not be entertained by the heroic efforts of Hestia Familia and the courageous exploits of a scared white rabbit, readers cannot deny this title has its place within the Dungeon universe, solidifying the foundations of those who serve behind the scenes and allow adventures to return to safety and security. To see the alluring image of Lyu created by Nirtsu-sensei serves to entice readers to open the book, and it magnifies a need to see what is inside; however once they see the magnificent full color page of a disguised elf and a vivacious Syr, we know this will be something of a departure from the normalcy which we know. And yet under the skillful hand of Omori-sensei, it is undeniable this volume will be delight to those who are fans of the franchise and also an interesting excursion to those unfamiliar with the city of Orario. To see the ladies of the Benevolent Mistress step outside their comfort zones is sublime, allowing us to explore the fascination of the mystery which is Lyu, but at the same time, allows us to have a laugh at her expense, all while cheering her on as they attempt to best a new and ever more detestable foe.
With a chapter named Crush the Grand Casino!, you cannot deny the appeal of this title, conjuring images of Ocean’s Eleven, but then again, this isn’t Las Vegas with a giant vault. However given these deficients, Omori-sensei still manages to create a tale which gives readers a progression which builds the same tension and allows characters to express themselves in their own unique ways. But the most revealing of this narrative is to see Lyu harken back to memories of Astrea Familia, the elf who normally tries to avoid inclusion within the affairs of the Labyrinth City, now seeks to help those who evoke her former family’s name. The calmness of her demeanor, the languid manner in which she avoids any involvement, even as the other girls try to shield her from similar requests, it is only now does her interest pique and surge into something meaningful. But it also helps when Syr becomes interested and thus involved, much to her chagrin as she later finds out due to her friend’s mischievous streak and a need to amuse herself. The section as a whole is made all the more charming to see Lyu awkwardly placed outside of her confident environment, no longer able to depend on her speed or infiltrations skills, but instead dependent on a disguise and acting skills. Although her moments were memorable, what made this chapter all the more humorous was the other side of Syr’s personality: while we may know of her charm and innocent girl act able to persuade both adventurer, especially Bell, or god to calm down or do as she pleases, there is another more malicious side which we now see … the persona which earned her the name Witch among her fellow workers. You cannot but smile when she ventures over this boundary, allowing both to be the heroine within the story – one boldly setting forth while the other manipulates the enemies to do her bidding. It is this panache which makes this story stand out against the more domineering tales within the series and allows it compete to a draw in a tale of dashing daring and captivating allure.
But of course the most revealing section of this book was the chapter named This Is a Benevolent Tavern ~ Girls Meet Girls, exposing the past which Lyu tries so hard to hide in the primary series. The satisfaction one feels as Omori-sensei expounds on the history of Gale Wind, one of the few adventurers on the Guild’s Black List, and lone survivor of Astrea Familia, you cannot but feel her pain as it is uncovered. From the first time we meet Lyu Leon, readers have always know this elf as calm and aloof, never wanting to become involved in other situations, unless they threaten the few she calls friends … and now know why and how her attitude was shaped by this story. The Evils, throughout all of the series we have read of their corruption and the influence they had in shaping the past of Orario, and now we can see how they tortured and lead Lyu to the brink of death all to avenge her decimated family. Ever since she first helped Bell and we saw the graves of the fallen in the Under Resort, we knew there was a deeper meaning behind her suffering and this story once again hints as to the deepness. Though we never know how she ended up in that dark alley, the richness of Lyu and Syr’s friendship is uncovered, especially how it grew and why she holds the human such high regard. To see this charming girl slowly crack the rigid shell of an elf, to be allowed to touch her, talk to her like a trusted associate of the past – it all builds up to their current relationship. However this would not be a Dungeon story without some type of conflict, and Omori-sensei builds upon the Benevolent Mistress theme by exposing the past of two more workers – Runoa and Chloe, also known as the bounty hunter Black Fist and assassin Black Cat. It is gratifying to see the similarity between their lives revealed, how they both want to end their despicable careers with one last big score, and that unfortunately was the reward for Gale Wind. Of course we need to have a mammoth battle between the three, and why not have it in the same place where they will all cooperate in repairing the damage it causes? This lead up allows the reader to have the best laugh and smiles for this book: to see the unfolding of the destruction, every wall and floor destroyed, all knowing the temper of Mama Mia and what will happen to these idiots in the end. Recalling it now, you cannot but compare the aftermath to a Three Stooges episode, with a certain dwarf physically doling out punishment like their bowl cut leader, knocking some sense into the people who destroyed her beloved tavern. But in the end, it was fitting to see them joined in unity, knowing they would be linked in mutual debts, serving customers for a long time to come.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicles: Episode Lyu is a delight to read of the escapades for the ladies of the Benevolent Mistress, but especially the evolution of the stone faced elf Lyu. While we still have not received full disclosure as to the history of Astrea Familia, this book does unveil some of the mystery and why Gale Wind is so determined to right wrongs thanks to her closeness with the Wings of Justice. You cannot but smile and respect this elf all the more with these stories, to see how she tried to leave her past behind, only to be reminded of her obligation as a protector. Dashing in demeanor, proud in actions and embarrassed when her pride is put on the line, the character named Lyu Leon is a woman we can all admire, knowing she is mortal in personality, but immortal in actions and duty.
Now only if we can get a full story as to the fate of Astrea Familia, revealing Lyu’s past interactions with the fury of the Evils and how the two groups finally met their end, then the whole revelation will be complete, as too will our wholly needed satisfaction.
Content Grade: A+
Art Grade: A+
Packaging Grade: A+
Text/Translation Grade: A-
Age Rating: 13 & Up
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: June 26, 2018
MSRP: $14.00
