Danmachi Emerald Version
Chapter 9
Evilus part 2
A/N:
Narration
"Talk"
Monologue
*sfx*
Dungeon, 18th floor, Loki Familia Camp
As Ryuu leads Bell to their destination, back at the Loki Familia camp, just as she had suspected, most of their members are out for some rabbit's blood. It was then when Asfi drags her God Hermes to the center of the camp where the executives of the Loki Familia gathered to sort out the recent incident. That Hermes trick and took advantage of Bell and his naivety so that he can serve as a distraction while he peak at the women bathing. And that he accidentally fell when trying to back out after finding out what the God Hermes wants. With that out in the open, the tension partially drops save to some like a certain savage forest fairy. After all, whether he was used or not, he did get a view on them.
The confession was followed by what Asfi can only called as reparation draws a larger cheering and laughing crowd at the center of their camp.
"A-Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
the scream of the God Hermes can be heard throughout the camp as Asfi savagely beat her deity while her face is red in anger and embarrassment.
"P-please be gentle!" Hermes continues as his face slowly shifted from one writhing in agony to one that has awakened to a new world. "N-not here in public!"
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!"
"No-Not there!" Hermes yelled. A yell that almost like a moan at this point. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh~"
"Seriously, you never learn," said an irritated Loli goddess as she shakes her head and leaves the area only to be stopped by two elves.
"Lady Hestia," the High Elf Riveria called her name followed by a bow. As she does this, she also makes sure that we are at the blind spot of the God Hermes and the Perseus Asfi. "Is it alright if we discuss something private in my tent?"
Hestia looks at the elf as she crosses her arm and raises an eyebrow showing her skepticism.
W-what does she want?
Hestia thought as several reasons came to her mind. The least of her worry would be her child's involvement in the recent fiasco and most of it is that she finally decided to make a move on HER Bell.
"Oh-kay... but will she be joining us as well?" Hestia gives in and agrees to meet the elf while she shifted her attention to the blonde elf, Alicia, standing next to her.
"No," Riveria answered followed by a shake of her head. "Alicia here will be looking for Bell," she turned to Alicia and made a hand gesture with her right hand as if to formally introduced Alicia to the Goddess. "He just recovered yesterday and even though the 18th floor is a safe haven due to no monsters spawning here, it doesn't mean that no monsters that came from the 17th and 19th lurk around in this floor."
"Y-you mean MY Bell is in danger?"
"I have no doubt he can run away from them if he ever encounters one," the High elf replied with a faint smile to relieve the goddess' tension but it had an opposite effect as this pretty much say that she knows and is confident of the white-haired adventurer's skill. On a side note, it seems to piqued Alicia's curiosity. "But since he is still new at this place, the danger lies when he gets lost in the forest."
"Hmmm..." Alicia took a heavy breath as she closed her eyes for a few seconds as if to contemplate the command given to her by their vice-captain. "Be at ease, Lady Hestia." Alicia took a side glance towards the high elf before bowing to the loli goddess in front. "Rest assure that I will bring Bell Cranel in one piece."
"Very well, I trust you," Hestia replied with a sigh of relief. Though she feels that the elf Alicia has some sort of reservation towards her child, it is not as aggressive or even hostile as some of their other familia members.
Outside of Ais, Tiona and Tione who are on duty right now, from Alicia, Line, Anakitty, and Raul, Alicia is probably the safest choice for this mission.
Babel Top floor suite.
"Hmmm..." as Loki and by extension the Goddess of Beauty regretted their decision of watching the God Hermes being beaten to a pulp by Perseus now that he seems to be slowly awakening to a new frontier, Loki averted her gaze and saw something she could not ignore.
"Hey, can we turn the audio on?" Loki asks. "The images aren't monochrome so there should be audio, right?" while watching Hermes, she saw at the small corner of the orb the shrimp goddess Hestia along with Riveria and Alicia. A few minutes after, Alicia left and the two enter a tent.
"You still want to listen to Hermes's scream while peaking at their conversation?" Freya asked with a raised eyebrow and a knowing/teasing smile. "Now who's the degenerate between us?"
"Geh-! I don't wanna hear it from ya!" Loki protest. "Aren't ya curious as well? I am certain mama is doing something here. This is the whole reason ya invite me to begin with!"
"I doubt it," Freya replied in a bored tone as she turned her head towards the window. "And do you think Hestia will allow nine hell matchmaking that doll princess to him?"
"... Nah probably not but-," Loki paused. The way the Goddess Freya is acting is a little suspicious. Though Loki understands that the Goddess Freya has a valid point yet her gut tells her something still doesn't feel right.
Wait... now that I think of it...
then it dawns to her that when they first took a peek, she was the only one surprised that Hermes was in the dungeon too.
Is she perhaps monitoring Hermes?
the idea cross Loki's mind. It is possible that whatever Hermes will do is more important for the Goddess than the secret meeting of the Shipper High Elf and owner of the rabid rabbit. But in reality, Freya just wants to see him suffer. True that Hermes will do something but the recent incident was not what she imagine him doing.
"Oi,"
"What?"
"If his action caused harm to my children then I am personally going for ya," Loki warned as she direct all of her hostility to the Goddess that seems not to care as long as it is not related to that rookie.
"You are mistaken here, Loki,"
"Really now?" Loki asked with a raised eyebrow, skeptical of her answer as she rest her right elbow on the chair's arm and use it as support when she placed her right cheek over her right fist.
"I only allowed him to play with 'him' for a bit," Freya replied seriously. "If he goes overboard, I will personally deal with him," She smile coldly and look at the orb. "and I doubt he will risk retaliation from your familia just to test him. Even he is not a fool on that level." The level of coldness that can be traced from the Goddess's voice is enough to even send a chill on Loki's back.
"But he is still a fool to be like that," Loki replied, annoyed, as she points on the God enjoying the beating he is receiving.
I can take advantage of this.
*sigh*
After all, I can personally get that information on her when they return and this bimbo won't need to learn about it. Feeling satisfied, Loki took the bottle of wine and drank from it instead. kukuku and I might even use it as leverage for 'that'.
Seeing the scheming smile of the Goddess of mischief, she zoomed in to Hermes just to distract whatever the Goddess of Mischief is scheming followed by ringing a bell for his attendants to clean the mess and replace their broken glasses.
Dungeon, 18th floor, Loki Familia Camp, Riveria's tent,
"So what do you want to discuss?" I asked upon entering the tent that if I am not mistaken was lent to Hermes and the rest. Am much as I want to, I need to finish this conversation as soon as possible.
There's no point in prolonging this talk but as long as... as long as...
As I tremble as to what this thieving elf is up to, I sat on the floor while looking back at her who is observing my every action.
Don't tell me...
"Actually," Riversomething (imaginary) trails off, she sat and adjusted her hair using her right palm. "Bell proposed to me last night and we decided to live together."
"Eh...?"
"Please give us your blessing,"
it took a while before the information fully sinks in as I pale and fell all of my blood getting drained out of my body.
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhh?!"
Anything but that!
"I originally do not plan to look further into this," the High Elf began as she took a bottle on top of a small table near the edge of the tent. Upon closer inspection, there are two glasses beside it. This pretty much means she prepare it beforehand. "But Lord Hermes' action made me reconsider to inquire more information." she pours the content of the bottle into the two glasses, gave me a reassuring smile, and offers one to me. If she thinks she can try to intoxicate me with this amount so I will talk easily then she is mistaken.
"Don't worry, it's none alcoholic,"
Tsk!
And she need to follow it with that.
"So what does Hermes has anything to do about this?" I quickly asked with an irritated tone as I reach out for the drink offered to me. "Is this a private interrogation of Hermes dragging my Bell?"
"Not exactly," Riveria replied.
Not exactly but it has connected to it. That is much I know.
"We already heard of Asfi's confession of seeing him on the tree where Bell fell from." she continues as she gently sat in front of me. She pauses for a bit and took a small sip on her glass. Her action pretty much says that whatever is in that bottle is safe. "And we also heard of his reason on why is he in the dungeon yesterday."
His reason? you mean when he frame this all on me? seriously!
"Just so you know," I raise an eyebrow as I noticed the heavy intonation she placed when talking about Hermes' reason in the dungeon before taking a sip from my glass. Though more than a classy sip like hers, mine was a crude gulp.
Damn, it's good!
"I heard Hermes is planning to go with the rescue party. I overhear their conversation and decided to go in as well."
"I expect much but the question is why?" the face of the high elf remained the same but the tone of her voice took a dive. "I can understand you wanting to see Bell but Hermes' motivation is suspicious. The reason he gave to us yesterday doesn't warrant his presence here if he could convey it with his captain, Perseus."
"You said it,"
I did not promise to keep it a secret so I guess there's no harm telling them.
Thus I also tell Riversomething the same discussion I had with Hermes a while ago.
Seeing that the high elf's inquiry is more or less related to the unknown factor the God Hermes and what it could brings to their familia, the Goddess Hestia retold her previous conversation with Hermes honestly.
"Actually..." Hestia began.
And when she mentioned that he is looking on to him because someone asked him to, the image of a certain Goddess of Beauty pops in Riveria's mind but quickly disregards the whole thing knowing how involved she is to some of his trouble.
I doubt she would risk other deities knowing of her actions. Riveria contemplates. She did make an offer to Loki just to make sure she didn't say anything.
"Funny enough, I thought he is doing it because Zeus asked him to for some reason." Hestia continue not noticing the stiff facial reaction the high elf has now.
Zeus? Why would be the banished God be interested in him?
"But he said it was a request from his grandfather.
"What? But didn't he died already?" seeing her ask this made the Loli Goddess scowl.
The fact that she also knows of Bell's deceased grandfather shows that she knows him on some personal level as well. At least that is how the Goddess Hestia sees it.
"Well that what he says anyway," Hestia replied with a huff with irritation as she looks at the location where Hermes is. "That grandfather of his is hiding from someone so he fakes his death. If I know any better, he's hiding from his spouse."
"I see..." Riveria mumbles as she contemplates all the information regarding Hermes' action so far. Outside of doing this because someone asked him to, The God Hermes is also interested in him. One way or another, Hermes learned of Lady Freya's fascination with him and strike a deal. The conversation she had with Karen pretty much confirms this. By getting the permission of the Goddess Freya, he can test Bell and at the same time ensure the safety of his familia. "In that case, Lady Hestia. It is best if you lock Bell's status as soon as possible. Just to be safe."
"Lock...?" Hestia asked, tilting her head to the left. "Why are you mentioning his status now?" cold sweat starts to drip from her forehead as she remembered Loki inquiring about that Bell's status back in denature. "What are you up to?" followed by a quick jump back, not minding she tumbled the glass given to her earlier. The good thing is, by now, the glass is now empty. "Isn't it illegal to inquire of the status or skill of a different familia?"
"I know what you mean," Riveria replied calmly. As smiling seems to have an opposite effect on the goddess, she gave her a sincere and serious look. "But I know you know as well that his status is visible. It was visible back then and I am guessing it is still visible now."
"So? what's wrong with it?"
Don't tell me she wants me to wipe those markings on Bell's back?
*sigh*
Seeing the naivety of the Goddess, Riveria sigh as she massages her temple. She just formed her Familia recently, so it is possible that the Goddess herself is not aware that status can be lock/hidden.
"Let me ask you this, In the bath, have you seen any of their status in their back?"
"Now that you mentioned it..." Hestia thought deeply as she recalled the earlier incident. From the back of Lily to the shameless amazon siblings, their status was not displayed. "You mean to tell me that you just didn't wipe them out before going in there?" even back in the surface, she didn't question why some adventurers with their backs expose doesn't display their status and consider it as them just wiping it out when they leave which is a hasstle for her.
"Yes," Riveria replied. "Loki lock our status so that even if our back was exposed or seen, our status would be hidden. Then again, even if they are exposed, normal individuals won't be able to read them."
Hestia breathes a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
"The gods and those who have studied hieroglyphics like me, however can."
"..." The Goddess Hestia froze in her spot, blink multiple times as she processes the information given to her.
Because Bell's status is not 'lock' his status can be seen by anyone. And because Hermes is also there with them, it is possible for him to see and even read Bell's status if they ever bathe together. Who knows if the peeping was just a pretext to see his status. Those kinds of thoughts began creeping into the Goddess' mind and that is probably why the High Elf is giving her a warning. That alone should not be a problem but along those lines that she had just said, a specific word bothers her to no end.
"The gods and those who have studied hieroglyphics like me, however can."
...those who have studied hieroglyphics like me, however can
...studied hieroglyphics like me however can.
... like me, however, can.
...me...
She repeats those words over and over again until she stops and looks at the High elf with fear in her eyes. If the Goddess Hestia has not feared her before, then this pretty much changes everything. She elevates her ranking above just your common thieves out to get her child.
Seeing how the goddess fidgets and shakes, the High elf is sensing some déjà vu as something similar happened before.
Don't tell me...
Don't tell me...
Don't tell me...
As I consider the context of her words, I began to recall the time when Wallenwasit came to me saying that MY Bell was injured in the dungeon and is in the infirmary right now. At first, I thought that she left him her robe just to entice him as seen to what Bell had almost done if not for my timely arrival. But now that I think of it, Bell's armor and top were destroyed so it makes sense now that she covered him with her robe to hide his expose status. That is admirable to some extent but...
Yabe...
The goddess further stiffens her body as more cold sweat drips from her back.
"I don't know what kind of skill made this possible but be prepared to keep it a secret. The Gods would riot if this gets out."
Hephaestus' warning rang at the back of my head. Right now, the worst is about to happen. If Loki found out about this then...
Abandoned church
"Hohohohohohoho!" the washboard Goddess Loki laugh haughtily while stepping on the head of the goddess Hestia who is forced to prostrate herself to her.
"Now, now shorty, I wonder how much will ya pay for this little information?"
"Mumumumumu..." as powerless as she is, the Goddess grumbles as she bit her lower lip in frustration.
I don't like that it to reach that level.
which leads me to do the most effective thing I knows to keep it a secret. And that is...
"Eh?" the High elf let out a startled voice. Not that I care as keeping this secret is my top priority as I kneel in front of her in a dogeza. It works with the grimoire so I guess it will work again today.
"Lady Hes-"
"Please I beg of you!" before she could even finish, my plead interrupted her. That is right. I must drown her words with mine so she will be forced to give in. "I'll do anything! Anything! Just keep Liaris Fhmph!"
in a swift movement, the High elf quickly moves towards me as she uses her right palm to forcefully cover my mouth while warily looking around the tent. Is someone listening to us by chance?
Are you really that desperate to make Bell yours?
As I accused her,
"Please calm down, Lady Hestia," Riveria whispers in a serious tone. "You're not my goddess so I can't guaranty to keep it a secret especially if Loki ordered me."
So it is too late? Tears build up in my eyes.
"We saw his status. They know the real rank of his parameter saves from his agility but the skill section was still covered by his torn clothing.
wait... does that mean I almost spill Liaris Freese to her?
Damn it!
It was there she explains the whole situation back then and I realized that when Bell fought the Minotaur, his back was exposed to them. It was then where they saw and learned of his incredible status save from agility. The Sword Princess who read his back summarized all of his statuses were all in S. That's all that they know. Nothing more, nothing less. The two deliberately omit the SS in agility as that status in itself should have not existed in the first place. In a way, this is a loophole in the guild's rules. They saw his status. They did not do anything illegal to learn it like pressuring her to spill the beans like what Loki almost did in denathus. A convenient loophole and a dangerous loophole knowing the God Hermes is also with them.
Dungeon, 18th floor, Forest
Bell Cranel, the white-haired with ruby-colored eyes Adventurer. He is an acquaintance of Ais and from what the captain implied by is that he is a new level 2 adventurer. From my first impression of him, he doesn't look like he is fit to be an adventurer. His weak personality and gentle nature make him more suited to Lady Demeter's farm. But looks can be deceiving. Captain, Lady Riveria, Tione, and Tiona knew of him. Ais, Tione, and Tiona even show interest in him as an adventurer, and if what I remember from what I overhear from last night's conversation while I am serving Lady Riveria, he did something incredible. I did not fully hear of the detail as I was busy back then.
"If only he didn't make that slanderous claim about Lady Celdia..."
I said to myself while I recall last night's second to the last incident as I track his movement starting from the under resort. He is a decent adventurer by all means but with the way he got deceived by Lord Hermes, he is gullible and naive which makes me wonder how long has he been an adventurer. Outside of his personality, rumors of Lord Hermes peeping can be heard now and then as he seems to follow in the footsteps of the God Zeus who is the most notorious peeping tom in Orario before he was banished by Loki and Lady Freya.
Just low long has he had been an adventurer I wonder?
While I sort out my reservation to the human known as Bell Cranel, I carefully trace his footsteps starting with the under resort until I finally saw his back several minutes later. As I sense no danger in the area, I take my time and slowly walk to where he is and there I saw him holding the hands of an unknown blonde elf. The sight startled me for a bit though I won't quickly jump to a conclusion. The is the possibility that he may have been an acquaintance of Bell and is part of the rescue party. What I can't ignore however was the facial expression of the elf, there are tears from her eyes and her reddening face.
Thus I did what any rational elf that is not Lefiya would have done. I draw my sword, rushed to them, and call out their attention. If he shows signs of aggression, I will reprimand him then and there but if this is a misunderstanding on my part then I will sheath my sword.
"What do you think you're doing Bell Cranel?!" I asked in a loud voice as I point my weapon at him.
"Eh?" Bell blurted in confusion as he turns his head around. "M-mi-miss ALICIA!" After recognizing the owner of the voice is me, he quickly let go of the hand of the blonde elf, turns his body to face me, and waves both hands frantically as if saying he is innocent. This shows he knows us elves to some level. We are selective to who touches us especially to those from different races.
"T-this... actually..."
Seeing his frantic action reminds me of last night as I raise an eyebrow and waited for him to explain his situation. Just like a rabbit, he is easily frightened. But considering what Lefiya did to him earlier, his fear is justified.
"Mr. Cranel, who is she?" In response to the sword pointed in their direction, the blonde elf drew her sword, steps forward in front of Bell as if she is protecting him. And faced me showing signs of aggression. This action sums up what I initially thought that the two know each other to some degree.
"Ms. Ryuu," Seeing the rising tension between us, Bell replied as he steps forward and faces the unknown elf called Ryuu. Leaving his back defenseless if I ever dare try attacking him. A foolish move if you as me but in a way, it means that he also believes in me that I will not attack him when his guard is down."S-she's Miss Alicia of the Loki Familia,"
Hmmm? She looks familiar, that elf... where have I seen her before?
I tilt my head to the right as I try to remember where have I seen her before just as she slowly lowers her weapon.
That's...
That is when I finally got a clear view of the small hill with many old weapons planted on it.
It's natural to lose your life in the dungeon as seen in the number of tombs in the cemetery that composes most fallen adventurers. But not all are fortunate to have their bodies be brought on to the surface. Some are still missing in the dungeon presumed to be dead and there are those whose bodies can not be recovered. Right now, we are in the infamous grave-site that I had heard before. The grave behind the two most likely belongs to the familia of that elf. As to why they are there, I don't know but Bell may be consoling her for her loss. If I am to guess, he wanders in the forest until he reaches this location and found the blond elf. And the rest is history.
"I see..." I said in a low tone followed by a sigh. "I guess I assumed too much."
"If you're from the Loki Familia?" the elf known as Ryuu asked. "What are you doing here?" Though she lowered her weapon, I don't see any opening on her as she maintains her vigilance towards me. This shows that she is not a regular adventurer. Probably a level four like myself or a level five at best.
"Under the orders of Lady Riveria, I am to find Mr. Cranel and bring him back to our camp," I replied as I try to explain the whole situation but.
"Eeeep!" We heard Bell squeak once the name of Lady Riveria was mentioned.
"Mr. Cranel,?" Ryuu asked as she turned her head towards the scared human behind her. "Lady Riveria is looking for you?"
"N-nothing! I promise! I saw nothing!" Bell panicking replied as he continuously shakes his head from left to right.
Haaaaah...It can't be helped.
I sigh as I look at the shocked look of the blonde elf. considering what had happened yesterday and the fact that he knows how much we respect high elves, I can't blame him for jumping to a conclusion when I said that Lady Riveria ordered me to find him. He did saw us overreact last night when he made those slanderous claims about Lady Celdia.
As the information sinks into the elf Ryuu, she falls on her knees, with eyes wide open in shock and a body quivering in fear not for her life but to the adventurer named Bell Cranel. This piece of information might be more worst than what had happened to him earlier when some members of my familia tried to hunt him down as the elves of Orario will likely hunt him down like no tomorrow.
Babel Top floor suite.
*crack*
*shatter*
Two wine glass unceremoniously met their end as the room was quickly enveloped by a strong murderous aura from both the goddesses that gathered in there. The intent was so strong that even the king, Ottar did not dare entered the room once he heard the shattering noise.
"That BASTARD!" Loki yelled. "Oi! what is the meaning of this?!"
"..." Freya coldly looks back at her as she sinks her nails further on her left arm. "How would I know?"
"Aren't ya the stalker here?" Loki argued back.
Damn it! What did that rabbit do?
Loki thought as she cursed herself for playing a prank on him.
After getting tired of watching Hermes, the two Goddesses go back to where Bell Cranel is. Right at the moment, he caught the hand of the blonde elf trying to flee. It was then that things turned juicy and interesting seeing how uncomfortable the sex crave Goddess is while watching the rabbit and this elf flirt. It was then where a new challenger arrives in the name of Alicia with her sword pointing at the sinful rabbit.
Seeing that she was with Riveria a while back, Loki guessed that she ordered Alicia to go look for Bell who is probably lost in the forest. That in itself should be no issue. Since watching the scene deescalate with little to no help from the panicking white-haired adventurer is no fun, Loki decided to play a prank on him. To instill fear in the white rabbit's subconscious whenever Riveria's name is mention by directing him her blood lust He felt her strong gaze earlier so he will likely feel it again. Her means of a fail-safe to whatever the High Elf's plan for Ais and that kid.
To Loki, if he subconsciously feared the high elf, then whatever plan she try to push Ais to him, as long as he knew Riveria has some involvement in it, he will be on his guard. But never did she expect the words that came out from his mouth.
"N-nothing! I promise! I saw nothing!"
Heh! Nothing as if! Loki sneers internally.
Considering he saw plenty including Ais in all her glory, it makes no sense to give such a lame excuse any longer.
Wait... don't tell me...
Which only leaves one thing. As she thinks of his pathetic action more, there's no need for him to explain himself since he has already done it earlier so it could only mean one thing. Something happened that involve the mama of their familia, Riveria. Since she is still of royal blood, elves are naturally protective of her and because of that, the white rabbit defensively reacts when Astrea's child asked him. At least that is the conclusion Loki had. The sour expression of the Goddess Freya tells her that they arrive at the same conclusion resulting in her outburst.
Not only Ais but he wants to sneer mama as well?
"Tsk!" Loki clicked her tongue as she averted her eyes from the orb and shifted it to the exit. "I'm leaving. Ya can continue yer stalking by yerself if ya want to." followed by storming out of the room. Surprising even the King that opened the door.
Dungeon, 18th floor, Loki Familia Camp.
Our trip back to the camp was awkward, to say the least. Though Ms. Alicia manages to ease the situation by giving the full detail, Ms. Ryuu didn't talk to me until we are near the camp. Considering what happened, I can't blame her for it.
"I'll be going then,"
Upon arriving near the camp, Ms. Ryuu break her silence and bid us farewell. She look at me for a brief second with a wry smile before putting her hood and running to a different location.
"It's him,"
I heard a familiar voice of a certain forest fairy upon entering the camp and I quickly felt their gaze upon me. IF looks could kill, I'll be probably dead by now which is why.
I better make things straight.
The die had been cast. And now I need to make amends. Even though I am told that Ms. Asfi made Lord Hermes confess of his involvement in the incident in under resort, I was there and I saw their naked bodies.
"Ms. Alicia," I began just as Ms Alicia began to walk away now that I am near our temporary tent
"Something wrong, Mr. Cranel?"
"I... erm... I..."
"Alicia, Bell, it's good that you're here,"
"Hiiii!"
Before I can even finish my sentence, we were called by Ms. Riveria.
"M-miss Riveria," I slowly and nervously turned around but to my surprise, Ms. Riveria doesn't seem mad. I was expecting that she will reprimand me considering she already warned me of 'that' last night. But instead, she looks at my terrified eyes and gave a reassuring smile. That's Ms. Riveria for you. That smile of hers shows her maturity and it's really beautiful. I mean really really beautiful.
"It's better if you return to your tent for the time being," Ms. Riveria began while looking at some of the members of the Loki Familia who still give me a mean look. "Unless you have business with us."
"Uhm... actually," I shifted my focus to her as I bow and with a loud voice. "Please let me help to make amends for my mistake," I said with full conviction. Though I don't want to make a scene, if I let it slide now, it is possible that I won't have an opportunity to do this. "I'll do anything!"
"Very well," Riveria replied calmly as she shifted her gaze to the elf Alicia. "I think Line and the others can benefit with an extra helping hand. Alicia, if you please."
"Yes, Lady Riveria," Alicia automatically respond and look at me with conflicting emotion. That's right, the honorifics that I used. I address her in a less formal manner, something not fitting for a High elf. "Follow me then Mr. Cranel."
After that, Ms. Alicia drop me with Ms. Ljne where I helped them peel vegetables.
There we began our work in silence with the occasional stares from passerby and some curious look from Ms. Line herself. A few more minutes after that and Ms. Aki came after her shift is done to help us. I am grateful for Ms. Aki as she manages to ease some tension where we began having a simple conversation while increasing the pace of our task. By lunchtime, we, Lord Hermes, and I dine inside our tent to avoid further issues as we are all gathered in one place. All in all, everything went well until that happened.
Dungeon, 18th floor, Forest.
"How dare you get to second base with me!"
from behind, I can hear Ms. Lefiya's voice as I run for my life while a mad... no, a rabid forest fairy is chasing me.
"Not even Ms. Ais have... and yet... and yet... you're dead!" Lefiya shouts. "You hear me you rabbit? DEAD!"
Dungeon, 18th floor, Loki Familia camp.
After my shift, I was called to Lady Riveria's tent where I got an earful of sermon over my just act of divine punishment. After that, a few minutes after I was released, I saw him, The cause of all my trouble as of late.
"It's Him,"
How dare he fake being weak and a rookie! He must be a strategist as no rookie can beat a Minotaur that easily. It is likely he must have used his cunning to fool us so Ms. Ais can train him. And now, the perp is happily chatting with Ms. Alicia. Seriously! Do you think Ms. Ais is not enough that you make a move on her as well?
How dare you!
A few moments later, after tailing them over a safe distance, Lady Riveria came to them.
If he makes a move on Lady Riveria I swear you will regret i-
"Please let me help to make amends for my mistake."
His voice is loud and clear even for us to hear.
Hmph! if you didn't peep, you won't be in this mess but oh well.
It was then where I noticed the way she looks at Lady Riveria.
That damn Rabbit!
I curse him to no end until he left with Ms. Alicia.
Wait... bu the way he acts? Don't tell me he has an elf fetish?
Did he approach Ms. Ais because he knows Ms. Ais knew me? Then... then... does that mean that he came with Lord Hermes because I am there as well? THAT he think that I was also...
As my face started to get hot for some reason, probably anger, yeah anger over his actions, I slap my cheeks to get my focus back and tried to follow where they are going.
I need to protect Ms. Alicia!
If he really does have that then just looking at me should be enough. Wait what?
I don't know what was it that came to me but before I can follow them, I was stopped by Lady Riveria and we once again enter her tent for round 2.
This is all your fault Bell Cranel!
When Lunch came, he was nowhere in sight. From what I heard, the executives have him and Lord Hermes eat in their tent to let things cool for a bit.
Yet never have I realize that the event less lunch was just the calm before the storm.
By afternoon, when I was helping with preparing the food,
"Urgh!"
I heave as I carry a big metallic wok full of food. My mind was preoccupied with what exactly is that rabbit when I accidentally stumble.
"Ahhhhh!" I yell as I trip over a rock.
"Watch out!" someone yells and I feel someone steps forward to catch my fall.
*crash*
We fell to the ground and some food spill on the person's clothes.
"Owwww," the person groan. "Are you OK, Ms. Lefiya?"
"Aaaaaah that hurts," I groan in pain but it was then where I recognize and realize who the person that breaks my fall is.
"Lefiya, what is happening here?" I quickly get up from my feet and face a fellow familia member who came to us after hearing a loud crash.
"Ah...this is... well..."
How should I explain this? I look at the spilled food, nervous as how can I justify this mistake.
"I'm sorry!"
But before I could even finish, Bell Cranel interrupted us with an apology. I didn't know when he stood up but right now, he is standing near me with an almost 90-degree bow.
"I was running an errand and I accidentally bumped into Ms. Lefiya."
Why is he... this doesn't make sense.
"Haaaaaah," the adventurer sigh she scratched the back of his head. "I know that you want to help and all but please remember that you just recovered. If you can't properly help then don't be a nuisance." before looking at me. "Lefiya, help him clean his clothes, I'll deal with this.
""Thank you!""
We both said in unison as we leave and head straight near the under resort.
I sometimes wonder why he is like this...
I thought as I wash his clothes. Somehow, I hate it now that I am feeling indebted to him.
"Hey," that I, for lack of better judgment, strike a conversation. "Why did you do that for?"
"Do what?"
"Stop acting stupid!" I yelled at him angrily as I carefully wash his clothes.
"If you mean that," Bell scratch the back of his head with his right hand. "You look troubled so I guess I jump in and help."
"A guess?" I ask loudly. "Adventurers doesn't help for a mere guess! Are you mocking me?"
"Ahahahahaha," in response to my anger, he just looks at me and started to laugh dryly.
if he is this naive, he's clearly no strategist.
Something is wrong in his head. That is the only conclusion I could give.
"You know, you're kinda unreasonable," as we were at the northern part of the camp doing guard duties. Ms. Tiona strike a conversation
"Unreasonable? I ask as I tilt my head. If she means the fatal magic I aimed at that rabbit then I don't think that is unreasonable."
"You know Lord Hermes only trick him," Tiona followed as she leans at the pole of our northern camp entrance.
"And?"
"How come you're only mad at Bell?"
"Well..."
Dungeon, 18th floor, near under resort.
As I wash his clothes, I remember the conversation I had with Ms. Tiona.
Back then, I was unable to give her a proper reply. but now... as I look at my pitiful reflection. I guess
"I'm jealous," I said in a low tone.
"Something the matter Ms. Lefiya?" Bell asked but I chose to ignore him right now.
Seriously. Look at him!
If what I am seeing is not an act then he is one kind and naive fool for his own good.
He took the blame that should have been mine.
Even if he was used, he still volunteers to make compensation for his part.
Ms. Tiona and Ms. Tione are friendly to him.
Ais trained him, she cared for him. They even went to Rivira and enjoyed their time together
and most of all. He js supposed to be weak. And yet I see him walking pass me just like that.
This is so unfair!
"A-aachooo!"
As I came to a horrible conclusion, I heard Bell sneezes.
Seriously! He's helpless if left alone.
"Don't worry," I said as I squeeze the water out of his clothes. "I'm done."
"Uhm... " Bell look at her confuse as he scratch hus right cheek wit his finger. "But the closes is still wet."
"No problem," I replied with a smile as I place his top near a rock and took my staff.
"M-miss Lefiya?"
"Be quet and just watch."
I silently began my chant and then.
"Arcs Ray!" the spell I release fly past his clothes and curve up to the sky. The heat is generated was enough to dry his clothes just like that. "Here," I took it and made sure it doesn't smell burned before throwing it at him.
"..." Bell was too stunned that he didn't catches his clothes and it ended up straight in his face.
"Seriously! Put your clothes on already."
"Ah yes," Bell replied with a smile. "Thanks, Ms. Lefiya."
See? A fool I tell you.
"I should be the one that should say thank you," I murmur as I look at my foot.
"What was that?" Bell asked. "I didn't hear you properly.
"Hmph! Nothing," I respond in annoyance as I tilt my head to the side, letting my hair flip a bit. "Let's go back, now." I lift the lamp I brought from the camp and place it on my waist before walking past him carefully so that I won't slip. "And do be careful on your-"
"Aaaaah"
"-step"
Before I can even finish, I heard him yell from behind and then I felt something cling to me.
*squeeze*
!
When I felt a hand grope my right chest and an arm was wrapped around my waist, I saw Bell Cranel clinging on to my lower half for support.
*squeeze*
"What youuuuuuu!" I yelled as I direct all of my blood lust at him.
Not once, but twice!
In turn, he quickly let go of his hands and flee.
"I-Iiiiiiiiii'm Sooooooooorrrrryyyyyy!"
"Don't think you can get away from me this time!" I yell as I chase after him.
I knew it. That rabbit is dangerous! I better correct him now before he lay his hands on Ms. Ais, Lady Riveria, Ms. Alicia, Filvis and the rest of the elves in Orario.
You're not getting away this time.
Dungeon, 18th floor
Meanwhile,
"Finally made it back," Bete, a werewolf with white messy hair huff as he wipes the stain off his cheeks just as he dashed out from the dungeon. He was so fast that even the floor boss looks like it just stood there and watch him go "Just what is that weakling up to?" But before he could take another step, he saw the light of Lefiya's arcs ray flew. Judging by the location of where is was fired, it is near the under resort. "Not my problem." after dusting his clothes, he once again run in full strength back to their familia camp. However, a few days after, he would come to regret not going there to take a look. Mainly because that is one of his rare chance to have ever met 'him'.
Aaaaaaaaand Cut!
A/N:
With that, the chapter came to a close.
After a long absence, new chapter for Emerald is back. Yehey! As mentioned in the a/n of Ai Hayasaka wants to seduce ch10 (shameless plug in) I'll be focusing in finishing the Arc for of emerald before going back to the usual rotation of Fate/Danmachi/Kaguya. If I'm fortunate enough, next update will be on the anniversary of this fanfic (5/15). But that is still dependent with RL work load.
For the review, likes and follow, thanks.