Chapter 23 - Wiene Is Too Much

"It's delicious…! Mikoto is amazing!"

"Th-thank you…"

Everyone was eating in the dining room after the fun and games were over. The first thing Wiene said after taking a bite of dinner caused Mikoto a great deal of turmoil and she had cooked everyone on the table.

A wide array of food, including meat and fish, covered the table in front of them. Tonight's menu wasn't too intricate, everything was lightly cooked and seasoned only with salt. Thick slices of ham had been cut into small pieces for convenience. While a whole grilled fish sat by itself, surrounded by bowls of vegetable soup. The only trace of Mikoto's Far Eastern traditional cuisine on the table tonight was the dish of sweetened fried eggs. Apparently, Wiene approved.

"Haruhime said so. Mikoto is amazing. Makes good food. Just like Bell!"

"N-no, there is so much I can do to improve. I'm vegetarian after all, and…!"

Mikoto was at a complete loss of what to say, as her black ponytail swayed from side to side while her face reddened. Meanwhile…

"Ahn!" Wiene opened her mouth and chomped on another spoonful of steaming-hot fried eggs. Haruhime took it upon herself to feed the cute monster girl.

Earlier, after Wiene welcomed them all home, they mentioned what Eina thought of prior. Haruhime had the makings of a great mother and she seemed to embrace it even more now.

Lili still voiced her objection to being too friendly with their monster guest, but everyone simply waved it away. This meal was the most fun they ever had since moving in.

After their lively meal came to an end and the dishes were put away, they all moved to the living room. Wiene suddenly seemed to take an interest in Lili for some reason and wrapped her arms around her.

"Aww, she likes you, Supporter-kun."

"And whose fault is that?!"

Wiene didn't seem to mind Lili's glare, she was more entertained by her hilarious argument earlier with Hestia and their pillow fight. She trusted the prum now after lowering her guard.

"A-and she really stinks! Lili noticed it before, but our 'monster friend' has a definite smell to her!" Lili yelled once she broke free from Wiene's embrace.

Bell had to agree, he'd completely forgotten about it until now, but he noticed it earlier. Plus, Wiene had only been wiped down with a moist towel this morning. She hadn't had a proper scrub since coming out of the dungeon yesterday. So they all went for a bath.

It went disastrously when Wiene jumped into his bath, naked, followed shortly by a modestly towelled Haruhime who escorted her back towards the ladies' side of the bath.

.

Once the bath was over, they all changed into pajamas and walked into the living room. Wiene was wearing one too, a pink long sleeved shirt and trousers. She ran around, while gleefully commenting about how much lighter she felt, before jumping right next to Bell on the sofa.

They were all happily chatting away when a new face appeared.

"Ryū!" Bell ran up to her when she opened the door.

"Bell…" She still wasn't used to him being so public with his displays of affection, even inside their home. So he only held one of her hands for now.

"Welcome home." He smiled.

"Thank you." She shyly replied with a squeeze of his hand and smiled in return.

"Wiene?" Bell said when he turned around.

"W-welcome home…" Then she hid behind Haruhime.

Since Ryū wasn't with them earlier, she hadn't had a chance to bond with Wiene who was still afraid of her. The same could be said of the elf too.

"T-thank you." She replied, just as equally as nervous as Wiene.

"You must be tired, did you have anything to eat?" Bell asked. Today was one of her busy work days.

"Yes, but I'd like to take a bath." The smell of the pub still clung heavily to her.

"Okay, you go right ahead. We've just had ours. So we'll wait until you're finished then head off to bed. Come down when you're ready." Ryū nodded, before leaving the room.

When the elven waitress left, Wiene asked an innocent question as he sat back down beside her.

"Why does Bell speak with her like that and not everyone else?"

"That's because he loves her." Hestia smirked, hands on her waist with a voluptuous chest sticking out for all to see.

"And he doesn't need to add another girl to his harem!" Lili eyed him suspiciously as Wiene held his hand again. "Aren't you going to say anything, Eina? Don't you think he's being too touchy with Wiene lately?!"

Eina noticed the prum's jealousy, which was to be expected, because she knew Lili liked him. But Bell had already made it clear to Lili that he didn't feel the same.

Wiene didn't know that.

"... Does Lili… hate Bell?"

"Huh…? That was sudden."

Lili's face blanked, so the vouivre asked again:

"Hate?"

"L-Lili… Lili, um…!"

Her chestnut eyes anxiously quivered, then jumped between Wiene and Bell as she was at a loss for words. Her cheeks turned red. Then Haruhime leaned forward.

"I love Bell-sama!"

Bell's heart raced at her declaration and flushed cheeks as everyone was caught by surprise.

Did she actually mean that? Bell had to remind himself that she was the woman who's life, soul and virginity he saved barely a month ago. Plus, his bold, but sneaky attempt to ask her out earlier must have emboldened the girl to confess her love out loud like this.

Still, even though he felt it was a bit too early to say things like this, Bell would have preferred if she confessed without the honorifics. Maybe that's why she did it, to save herself from too much embarrassment, but he had no idea how to respond to that.

Luckily, Welf saved him.

"I'm pretty fond of the guy myself."

"Of course I love him, too!"

"Ho-ho… I as well."

The goddess and Mikoto chimed in.

Then he felt someone slipping their fingers in between his.

Bell turned around to see a pair of warm and calm emerald eyes.

"And I'll always love you, Bell."

Eina's words moved him the most and it took everything he had not to pounce on her.

Their moment was then broken by a sudden yell.

"...Argh! Fine! Lili does too! Lili loves Bell-sama!"

A chuckle escaped his lips. Hearing that he was loved, over and over again… made his cheeks burn up. He couldn't help, but smile at his goddess and friends.

"I love you guys, too."

He poured all of his warmth into those words.

This was what he yearned for ever since losing his grandfather. He would have loved Ryū to be with him right now, but she would have been put in a difficult spot to declare her love like everyone else.

As Eina told him earlier…

"Traditionally, elves first declare and consummate their love for each other under a full moon in the forest. It also means a lifelong commitment, but since you didn't do that with Ryū, she doesn't know where you stand with her. I know she's afraid of being rejected, and I know you wouldn't do that… So, only say you love her when you're ready to commit. Okay, Bell?"

Those words stuck with him ever since and while he wasn't there yet, Bell was certain that it'd happen sooner or later. Ryū was everything he was looking for and it was easy to imagine starting a family with her… one day.

Suddenly, Wiene put both her hands on his chest.

"Everyone loves Bell, Everyone loves one another."

Her eyes squeezed shut as another expression of joy bloomed like a flower on her face.

"Warm…" She spoke again, before diving into his chest. Her hands wrapped around his shoulders, while an ear pressed against his heart as if hoping to hear it beat.

One look at the giddy happiness on her face was enough to melt everyone's hearts before they knew it. Even Eina, scared of Wiene a few hours ago, began stroking her silver-blue hair. It felt like everyone had finally accepted her as a part of their family and familia.

.

"Wait a minute, we're going to let her sleep in our room?" Eina surmised..

Bell realised he spoke too soon.

Ryū had just returned and everyone began heading off to their rooms, except Wiene who wouldn't let go of him. Last night, they all slept in the living room. It was not the most comfortable experience, but everyone seemed to trust Wiene a little more now.

Except, that wasn't enough for them to sleep together in the same bed. Even Ryū looked worried.

"How about we sleep on the sofa, while you girls sleep in the bed?" He offered. Eina looked towards Ryū for her answer.

"I will protect you and Bell should anything happen." She spoke confidently, without arrogance or threats. Ryū was a level four after all and knew a healing spell should it be needed. Eina seemed to weigh her options, before releasing a sigh of defeat.

"Fine..." Wiene looked at Bell for an explanation, still holding onto his hand.

"It's going to be okay, Wiene. We're gonna sleep somewhere… better tonight."

The moment they entered the giant bedroom, Wiene instantly let go of Bell's hand and jumped onto the king-sized bed. Her laughter echoed through the room as Eina shouted.

"No!"

"Hahaha." Bell could only laugh, before she slapped him across the shoulder.

"Stop laughing and do something about it!"

Bell kept on laughing until he reached the bed.

"Wiene, please get off the bed."

But the viole only shook her head vigorously, before inhaling in the soft clean duvet.

"Okay, don't say I didn't warn you!" Then he lifted her up by the waist.

"Noooo!" She wailed while dragging the duvet with her.

"Come on Wiene-"

"Stop!" Eina commanded and everyone looked at her. She wasn't heartless, but things were just moving too fast. With a heavy sigh and scratch of her head, she finally relented.

"Fine…"

The vouivre cheered, before climbing onto the bed again. She wasn't allowed to sleep in the centre, but on one side instead. So their positioning was Wiene, Bell, Eina and Ryū from left to right. Ryū placed her weapons within arm's reach without Wiene noticing.

"Bell, you better not do anything to her while we're sleeping."

"What? Seriously, Eina…"

"I know your morning habits!" She was referring to how his hands liked to be when they cuddled her or Ryū. "None of that, while she's here!" Her finger pointed to Wiene."

"Of course! I wouldn't do anything like that!"

"Good, because monsters are where I draw the line when it comes to bringing in girls to… your little harem." Ryū sounded like someone had just sucked away her soul.

"Wait a minute!" Eina might have been smirking the whole time, but she was also serious. Gulp. "Eina… come on! You know that's not going to happen."

"What's not going to happen?" Wiene asked, her face completely innocent.

"Nothing! Now let's go to sleep." He said, before pulling the duvet over them all. "Wiene, can you not hold onto my arm like that, I don't like it when I'm sleeping."

"Oh, sorry." Feeling a bit guilty at her sudden withdrawal, Bell opened up his arm.

"But you snuggled up to me here." She quickly accepted and hugged his side. Eina did the same too from the other end.

"Are you okay, Ryū?"

"Yes, Bell, thank you for asking." No matter how much she tried to hide it, Bell knew Ryū wanted to cuddle him too, but couldn't for fear of touching Wiene.

"Don't worry Ryū, I'll make time to cuddle you too, okay?"

A few strange croaking noises left her mouth while Eina giggled beside him.

"You can hold my left hand tonight, it's safe." Ryū's slim and soft fingers instantly threaded through his and held on firmly.

"Thank you, Bell." It was barely a whisper, but he heard it.

With his eyes closed, Bell uttered back.

"Anything for you, my fairy princess."

An elvish whine made him and Eina giggle again.

"What's a fairy princess?"

Oh please, not now. Bell begged.

"I'll tell you tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"Okay." She happily nodded, before burying herself further into his chest.

.

When Bell woke up the next morning, he found himself completely encased in a wrap of arms and legs. It was incredibly warm and comfy at the same time. However, he couldn't move with a level four adventurer holding him down to the left and a level two monster pinning him to his right. Then an all too familiar urge came knocking on his mind, just like Eina said last night, but his body refused to act on it with Wiene stuck to his right.

With a heavy groan, he flexed his arms and called their names out to wake them up.

One by one, they got up and began their daily routines in the bathroom. Except for Wiene who remained latched onto him in bed, with nothing to wake up for, she had no reason to leave her comfortable spot. That's when Bell began to regret his choice of letting Wiene sleep with him. He wanted to spend more time with Eina and Ryū. Plus, he needed his personal space.

Maybe Wiene could sleep with Haruhime and Mikoto every now and again? Aside from himself, their monster girl seemed to trust them the most.

"Hey Bell, are you going to join us later?" Eina asked, after seeing him still stuck in bed. She was referring to their daily morning training with Ryū.

While Eina had chosen not to become an adventurer, she still exercised almost every morning to stay fit, healthy and in shape. As his grandfather once taught him…

"Exercise not only builds a stronger and healthier body, but a better mind as well. So you can handle more stress and make better decisions in life. That's why you want a woman who takes their exercises seriously. Not only does it help her to stay in shape and look more beautiful, but also ensures that you stay attracted to her, because love and attraction are two different things."

Of course, goddesses were different, but he had been warned never to go after them. They complicated things too much.

"Attraction is simply based upon wanting someone because of their appearance, while love… is something deeper and more complex. When you learn more about a person, their faults and their mistakes, but you still want to be with them… then that's a sign you might love them. As for what kind of love that could be? Well, that's entirely up to you. Whether it's friendly, family or romantic, you decide."

"Now back to my original point, the best women are the ones who exercise to stay healthy and attractive, while doing everything else to keep you happy and in love with them.

Bell felt fortunate that all the girls he liked so far took their exercises seriously, except Haruhime which was a little worrying. She was a woman he definitely wanted, but maybe she wasn't aware of all the benefits from exercising? Apparently, this was a common thing according to his grandfather who wrote and drew an exercise book for him. He made Bell memorise it in case the book was lost or damaged. Eina only got it after they moved into their new home together, when Bell remembered to give it to her after moving his things. His grandfather had left him a total of four books.

One with exercises for his girls to stay healthy and in shape.

One about how to build a harem. For his eyes only and any sons he may have.

One filled with his favourite cooking recipes.

One called Dungeon Oratoria.

Neither of them were particularly large or heavy. So Bell never had any trouble carrying them to Orario. Storing them or hiding them from his goddess, Hestia.

"Yeah." He'd try. "Hey, Wiene. You want to try something new and exciting?"

Her reaction was immediate as she got out of bed, which drew a chuckle from him and his elven girls in the background.

When they got downstairs, Bell would spar with Ryū as per usual, while Eina followed the exercises he gave her.

At first, Ryū had been confused as to what the exercises achieved since they clearly weren't meant to build combative strength or stamina. That's when Bell realised what the exercises were for and blushed. They were mostly aimed at developing a woman's backside. Not that Eina needed it.

All Bell told Ryū and Eina was that they were recommended by his grandfather and he trusted him. Luckily, his girls accepted that explanation without any more questions.

Wiene on the other hand found the exercises awkward and funny. She giggled through the entire workout, which took a bit longer than usual due to it being her first time, but Eina was always there to help her out.

"Done." Bell called, while his girls were almost finished too. Regardless, he always finished completely out of breath. The sun was shining brightly over them all in the back garden now.

"Will this help me be a fairy princess?" An excited Wiene asked when she ran over to him.

He and Eina laughed, while Ryū froze in fear.

"Haha, no… but it'll definitely make you more beautiful. I mean just look at Eina, don't you think she looks beautiful?" His guild advisor instantly stopped laughing and looked away in embarrassment.

"Bell…" She whined. Now it was Ryū's turn to let out a chuckle.

"Yes, she's beautiful!" Declared Wiene and Eina covered her beet red face with both hands.

That's for teasing me last night, my love.

"And Ryū? Don't you think she looks like a goddess?"

"A goddess?"

"Yes, like the most beautiful woman in the world."

"Cranel-san…" She objected weakly with her head hiding behind her hands too. Ryū never called him that now in private, so he must have really embarrassed her.

"Yes, she's beautiful too! Like a goddess!" Wiene smiled brightly, before turning towards him. "Am I beautiful too?" Wiene asked.

"Yes." Bell grinned.

When his girls regained their composure, Eina went upstairs to take a quick shower to wash off her sweat, while Wiene watched him and Ryū continued their training with a few sparring sessions.

The light blue monster girl was a bit scared at first, because it reminded her of the monsters and adventurers who attacked her in the dungeons. But she quickly began cheering for them both.

Bell lost again, but this time Ryū had gotten better at controlling herself. When they first started sparring in their new home, he would often be knocked out and was almost sent crashing into the garden walls a few times.

"Are you okay, Bell?" His partner asked.

"Yeah..." He said while trying to catch his breath. "I'm fine…"

"Bell!" Another voice called him from just outside the mansion.

"Eina..." She was now in her black and white guild uniform, waiting to see him off before she left for work. "You look beautiful."

"Bell… stop it." His hands were slapped away, before they could reach her supple waist. "Wiene's still here."

Oh right.

He'd forgotten, but Eina hadn't stopped him from getting within kissing distance of her.

"Hey!" She might have protested, but he knew it was just for show.

"Have a good day at work, my love."

She smiled brightly, before waving to the two girls behind him.

"Bye Ryū. Bye Wiene."

Said monster girl rushed up towards them.

"Eina. Eina. Where are you going?" They seemed to have developed a much stronger bond after exercising together.

"I have a few things to do, then I'll be back."

"Okay."

The half elf seemed to think about something for a moment.

"Wiene, if you don't cause any trouble for Bell, then I'll make sure to bring back something special. Okay?"

An excited gasp escaped the vouivre.

"Yes, Wiene will be good to Bell!"

"Good, then I'll be going. See you later."

"See you later Eina!" Waved a very animated Wiene.

He and Ryū continued their sparring session until Haruhime called them in for breakfast. The two training partners went upstairs to quickly wash themselves, while Haruhime wiped down Wiene in a separate room.

.

The entire familia sat around the table in the dining room as they enjoyed breakfast.

"Bell-sama. Did you do anything weird with Wiene last night." She was still very suspicious of their night time arrangement.

"He didn't do anything." Ryū spoke for him too and Hestia confirmed it.

"...yum…" A pure expression of satisfaction brought everyone's attention back to Wiene. She was happily eating a dish with mashed potatoes, tomatoes and fried sausages made by Welf. He struggled to create vegetarian dishes for Mikoto, so she would end up creating extra food for herself.

Deciding to change topics, Bell asked a question that had been eating at him this entire time.

"...Wiene, where did you come from?"

Her happy expression disappeared as she stopped eating. The entire air around them changed as everyone else tried to look like this didn't interest them too.

"I don't know."

"Did you see any monsters who didn't attack you?" He realised that this might not be the time to ask, but he pressed on. Better to get it over with as soon as possible.

"No…"

If she said yes, then maybe they could hand Wiene over to them? His familia couldn't keep her here forever after all.

"But." Wiene lifted her face up to look at him.

"I have dreams."

"Dreams…?"

"Yes. Attacking Bell… people like Bell."

Everyone stopped eating by this point, eyes wide in surprise. Scaring Wiene.

Bell felt himself shiver beside her.

"B-but you haven't!" Haruhime shouted as she sat to the left of the monster girl.

"What if I do? All I dream about is slashing people I don't know, biting them, tearing them apart…" Her vivid descriptions during breakfast were making him lose his appetite.

"Everything turns red… scary dreams." But he was convinced that she wouldn't try to do such a thing. She wasn't like other monsters. "I cry for help… but no one ever comes."

"It's okay, Wiene. We know you won't hurt us. Right?" He looked around the table and everyone nodded.

"Sure!"

"We'll protect you."

"And make sure that never happens again!"

They all declared in their own voices.

Tears fell down the vouivre's cheek as she tried to wipe them away with the back of her hand, while still holding onto a fork and knife.

"Thank you." Her sudden expression from sorrow to joy touched everyone's heart. It was hard to believe that Wiene was a monster when she smiled at them, full of hope and gratitude, like that.

Even Lili shed a small tear.

.

The rest of the morning passed by without any additional drama.

When Eina came back from work later that day, she greeted the vouivre with a wide smile.

"So Wiene, did you behave today?"

"Yes Eina, I did!" She was practically bouncing on her toes as Eina looked towards him for confirmation.

"Wiene behaved well." He smiled and the elf nodded in satisfaction, before revealing what was behind her back.

"Good. Now here's the special something I promised you earlier."

It was a freshly made jyaga maru kun with a sweet bean paste filling.

"Hmmmmmmm…!" Wiene loved it and hugged the half elf, much to her surprise. Bell was shocked too, when Eina hugged her in return. It felt like she made a big leap towards the monster girl who terrified her only a few days ago.

Bell asked Eina about it later, when they had some time alone to cuddle up on the sofa inside their bedroom.

"She reminds me of my little sister. Anwen, who was only four when I left home. She was always energetic and bubbly, like Wiene. I haven't seen her or my family since I came to Orario, but we still communicate via letters each month." He knew the latter part, because she had read them out to him a few times since he couldn't understand elvish. Bell wanted to add his response to hers, each month, but Eina was a bit too embarrassed to do so… for now.

"Also, Ryū is the most beautiful woman in the world?" A playful glare rested on her face.

Oh no, he had forgotten about that.

"Eina, you know what I mean."

"Do I?" She teased.

"Yes... You're first woman I fell in love with and there's for a reason for that."

"Oh, do tell." Her smile was curious and seductive.

"No."

"No?"

Then he skimmed over her lips, before landing next to her pointy ear and whispered.

"I'll show you instead."

And gave her his all.

.

For the next five days, Haruhime was given the overall responsibility of looking after Wiene. When Bell wanted some time to himself or relax with Eina or Ryū, Mikoto would take his place. Plus, Wiene would take turns sleeping between Bell's room and Haruhime who slept with Mikoto.

During the elves' day off, instead of going out, they played with Wiene alongside Bell, Haruhime and Mikoto. Ryū found it difficult since she didn't trust the vouivre enough to touch her. So when the monster girl tried it, she met the ground instead and cried.

"Sorry." Ryū apologised, before Bell tried to explain to Wiene why that happened. It was an awkward moment as he struggled to come up with a reasoning that wouldn't confuse her.

He couldn't say it was an elven thing, since she didn't understand racial customs and Eina was also an elf. Well, half-elf, but that wouldn't make things simpler for Wiene.

"Ryū doesn't let many people touch her. She only lets Eina and I."

"Why?"

"Well... it's because we love her."

Wiene seemed to think about it for a moment.

"What if I love her too?"

Ryū made a series of strange noises behind him, while Eina burst out laughing.

I should have expected this. Everyone's declaration of love towards him a few nights ago flashed before his eyes.

"It's not the same. This kind of love is... different."

"Different?"

There is no way I'm going to have this conversation with Wiene.

He looked towards Eina for support, but she was still laughing while holding her stomach.

Bell looked towards Mikoto who shook her head.

Haruhime, he didn't even bother asking, because she might make things even worse.

What to say... What to say... All he wanted with his girls was-

Then an idea struck him.

"It's the kind of love that makes you want to stay with them forever. No matter what."

It sounded like a good explanation.

"But I want to stay with you forever too."

Until she said that.

Eina laughed even louder as Mikoto joined in, while Haruhime giggled and Ryū just grinned at him with amusement.

"You can't Wiene..." Inside, he was crying to himself.

"Why not? I love Bell too!"

She looked upset, but he had to stop this now, before it got any worse.

"Wiene... Please stop, it's not the same." He couldn't even talk about children, since all monsters inside the dungeon just popped out the walls. Also, Bell didn't want her thinking that it was because she was a monster.

Even if that was a reason in itself.

A monster fetish was not his thing.

He took a while longer to think, before responding, with Wiene still attached to his arm.

"I promised to love only four women forever and I've already chosen them all. I'm sorry, but I can't choose you too."

The girl tugging at his sleeve seemed to glare at him for a moment.

"Who are they?" She asked.

"Eina, Ryū… and you don't need to know the rest."

.

While watching from a distance, Haruhime couldn't help but wander…

I know Ais is the third, so who's the fourth?

She'd never met the sword princess, but heard from Mikoto that she was extremely beautiful. Enough to be mistaken for a goddess.

However, what worried Haruhime the most was-

No, it couldn't be…

.

Bell wasn't completely oblivious to Haruhime's reaction as he saw her ears and tail shoot up.

Unfortunately, Wiene caught him looking.

"Is it Haruhime and Mikoto too?"

Wiene, you're killing me here.Bell screamed to himself as both girls became red as tomatoes.

Eina, on the other hand, looked like she was about to pass out from laughter.

.

A.N.

(Most of the first 400 words were taken directly from the official translated light novel.)

Yeah, if Wiene can't hurt Bell physically, then she's sure to do it emotionally with her naiveness. XD

As for the updates. Instead of three chapters (because I don't know if I can keep that up with the quality I demand from myself.) I'll just be saying that updates will be every week. I'll still try to put out 2-3 chapters a week though!

Chapter 23: 4783 words. (Including a few dots that act as transitions and dividers)