Chapter 11
Being the reincarnation of the Elf queen, Leifya is extremely important to the mission. She had the potential to match or even surpass Riveria in magic, as her Elf Ring magic allows her to copy the magic of other Elves. Furthermore, her rare Mage ability improves power, increases range and efficiency of her magic use.
The problem is that Leifya is extremely attached to Ais. Thus, Hermes realized that he had his work cut out for him. As a result, Hermes devised a daring strategy - shock treatment. While it may seem cruel, Hermes decided that it was important for Leifya to realize that Bell will be the clear undeniable winner of Ais' affections. To break it to Leifya and make it clear that the outcome is already decided, a number of coincidences resulted in Leifya witnessing Bell and Ais embracing each other. The shock had the desired effect as Leifya collapsed shortly after the event. While Hermes was ruthless, he did not go overboard as Leifya did not witness the lap pillow ritual or the joint sleep practice. Fortunately, Ais independently explained away the embrace as Ais helping Bell walk after an intense training session. Thus, Hermes was able to finesse the situation after inserting the dagger. While leaving room and time for Leifya to adjust her expectations, Leifya has become aware of the Bell relationship and the probable eventuality with the ultimate consummation of the relationship between Bell and Ais.
With the successful execution of the shock treatment, the next step was to develop a healthy relationship between Leifya and Bell. Obviously, the beginning would be difficult as the loser had to face the winner for Ais' affections. The initial plan would establish Bell's promise and bravery as a means to change Leifya's views towards Bell. Unfortunately, it was not possible for Leifya to witness Bell's victory over the minotaur. Without the benefit of that special experience, a coincidence resulted in Bell and Leifya having to fight a difficult battle on the 18th floor. After the battle, Ais noticed that Leifya and Bell had gotten closer, much to the delight of Hermes.
Hermes realized that a replacement had to be developed as the object of Leifya's affections. He met with the God Dionysus to discussed some possible options. After their meeting, Hermes and Dionysus were happy with the developing relationship between Leifya and Filvis. At Dionysus' suggestion, Filvis started spending more time together with Leifya. When Ais had to adjust her schedule with Leifya to train Bell, Filvis actually filled in for Ais to train Leifya in concurrent spelling casting.
While his strategy seemed to be executing flawlessly, Hermes did not allow Leifya to forget about the shock treatment. In Apollo's party, Hermes helped arranged for Ais and Bell to share their first dance together for all to see. Hermes also continued to emphasize Bell's potential and bravery, as mirrors were deployed all over Orario to show everyone in Orario the details of the Apollo war games. Leifya was able to see for herself Bell's stunning hero strike that leveled the throne room in an abandoned castle and Bell's one-on-one victory against someone a level higher with more battle experience. By this point, Leifya probably realized that Bell may soon become Ais' hero and Ais would be the one who would stand by his side.
Eventually, to extend Bell's mind-control protection to Leifya, a close relationship must be developed between Bell and Leifya. Hermes has not decided on the strategy to accomplish such a twist in events. He could not turn it into revenge against Ais because it would undercut the overall trust of the team. Hermes realized that the ultimate strategy would involve Bell risking his life to protect Leifya in a situation where the two are alone in a difficult fight. One idea may be to send the two on a mission involving the Bali familia. Perhaps an underwater adventure needs to be undertaken again to investigate potential entrances to the dungeon and to Knossos. In such a dangerous underwater mission, one may nearly drown and require resuscitation.
Hermes promised Zeus that he will undertake the herculean task of being the team relationships manager. To date, his plans appear to be on track. At the end of the day, the team is now essentially back together and heading in the right direction. To put together the necessary defense abilities while retaining the strong emotions needed to power Bell's growth, Hermes will continue to require cooperation and sacrifice from different players.
