On Albert's side, he went with Haruka and the two twins to Hearth Manor to speak with the Goddess Hestia. With Bell and the others still in the dungeon, nothing immediately suspicious would be assumed. All they had to worry about was if she would recognize Albert and Haruka which is likely, but that is out of their control.
They arrived at the gates and rang the bell. Luckily for them, Hestia was off for the day and stayed to watch after the place while everyone was gone. It wasn't long before they heard a response for the short goddess.
Hestia: Yes, how can I help you?
Albert: Good afternoon, Goddess Hestia. My name is Albert and I'm here with my sibling to apply for your familia.
Hestia: Really?! Are you sure? I hope you know about the debt my familia has even if it's on my head.
Albert: We are aware and that doesn't bother us in the slightest.
Hestia: That's great, thank you! Wait there, I'll open the gate for you.
It wasn't long before the saw a cloud of dust behind her as she sprinted to the entrance of her home.
Hestia: As patron goddess of the Hestia Familia, allow me to-
She stopped short when she saw who was applying. She saw a human boy, a renard girl, both of which resembled two of her members, and four half elves. The similarities of the boy and the girl completely outweighed the fact that they were apparently siblings. She fixed her gaze at the boy and gave a small glare.
Hestia: Who are you people really and why do you look like my Bell?
Albert: ...
He scratched his cheek and smiled at her nervously while trying to come up with an answer that would satisfy her.
Albert: Well, it's complicated. If you and your familia could come to the Hostess of Fertility later tonight, we could explain everything there.
Hestia: And it's just us?
Albert: No, the Loki Familia will be joining us. Just the executives though. As well as Bell's advisor so the guild has a witness.
Hestia: Would would they need that?
Haruka: We sorta beat up the Freya Familia this morning hehe.
Hestia's eyes bulged at the idea of a bunch of kids beating up the strongest familia in Orario.
Hestia: Well I can't tell you're at least telling the truth. I'll let the others know when they return and we'll meet you guys there tonight.
Albert: Ah, there's no need. We ran into Bell and his group earlier and asked them to meet with us there.
Hestia raised her eyebrow at that.
Hestia: You say that like you're rather close to them.
Albert: Again, I will explain it all tonight. Well, if that's all we'll be taking our leave now. Thank you for hearing us out and we'll see you tonight Goddess Hestia.
The kids left the manor and Hestia was left to process what had happened.
Hestia: They beat up Freya's kids and now they want to talk to us? Just what is going on around here?
While these were going on. Alise and Ardi were walking into the pub. The lunch rush ended already so only a few remained. As soon as they entered the staff froze when their eyes met the two girls. The oldest of the two resembled a certain elf waitress although their eyes differentiated them. Then they looked at the other. She had the same hair color as a certain regular of their pub and her eyes were two different colors. It was then Anya walked up the greet them.
Anya: Table for two nya?
Alise: Yes please and if it's not too much to ask, we would like to speak to the owner.
Anya: Nya, right away.
She seated them near the counter before going to call for Mama Mia.
Anya: Mama, those two girls want to speak with you nya.
Mama Mia: That's fine, I got a few questions myself.
While she walked up to them, a certain elf couldn't help but make her own connections. She saw how the blonde elf looked like her and at the same time, had the same eyes as a certain human whi stole her heart only a few days prior. She began to fantasize about how her and Bell's children would look. Well began, she would have if she wasn't interrupted.
Lunoire: Are you okay ther Ryuu? You've been staring at those two with a weird look on your face.
Chloe: Nya, she's just thinking about how she'll get her rabbit's butt after seeing them.
Ryuu's face suddenly flared up and steam was rising from her head. She was waving her hands trying to deny such a thought.
Ryuu: N-No, I-I wasn't thinking that.
They remained unconvinced. Lunoire gave her a smug grin before asking her.
Lunoire: You sure about that because your face is telling a different story.
Ryuu: Shut up! What if Syr hears?!
Syr: Hears what?
Ryuu squeaked as Syr showed up behind her to join in.
Syr: Is there something I should know?
Ryuu: N-No, nothing at all. Everything is fine, Syr.
It was then Mama Mia came back with a huge bag of valis and a big grin on her face.
Chloe: Woah, nya! Where'd all that come from?
Mama Mia: Those two rented out the whole restaurant for the night. Never even gave a price, they just handed me the bag so who am I to ask? Long as they got the money I ain't gonna complain. Although, they did say there would be a lot of guests so I expect you all to be at the top of your game tonight.
Syr: This should be interesting.
Lunoire: Just hope they don't stay too long.
Mama Mia: Enough chitchat, back to work all of you!
With that, all the girls scrambled back to work to avoid angering the dwarf. She didn't show it, but the dwarf was feeling uneasy about those two girls. They had no ill will, that much was certain. It was how they had resembled two people she knew quite well. She let them rent the pub with the hopes of having her questions answered.
Lastly there was Eileen who was currently at the guild. Nobody forgot what happened this morning so everyone was avoiding lest they piss the elf off. She walked up to Eina to make her request.
Eileen: excuse me, I'd like to apply for a position here at the guild part time.
Eina: Aren't you the girl who was fighting with Vana Freya earlier? I thought you would like to be an adventurer.
Eileen: Oh, I do. It's just that I'm not in a familia and I want to at least make some money while I'm searching with my siblings.
Eina: But why work here.
Eileen: This is the work I feel most comfortable with. I can read and write quite fast and I'm a fast learner.
Eina thought about the girl's request. It didn't seem like a bad idea but she should at least talk with her boss first.
Eina: Alright, let me talk with my boss and he'll decide what to do with you.
Eileen: Okay then, thank you.
Five minutes later, Royman came to the front desk after being briefed by Eina about the girl's application.
Royman: So you're the girl who was part of that group of troublemakers.
Eileen: Hehe, I'm sorry about that. I just wasn't in the mood to deal with them.
Royman: Well if all you want is to work with the guild, I can make it work. Eina, see to it that you train this one.
Eina: As you wish sir.
With that, the two began Eileen's "training." When Eina gave her the basics about working in the guild, the was surprised at the truth in the girl's words. She really was a fast learner. The entire course that normally took a few days was finished in a little over an hour.
Eina: Wow, you're a smart one aren't you?
Eileen: Thanks, I get that from my mother.
Eina: She must a quite the parent for you to be this good.
Eileen: ( If you only knew... Mom.)
She smiled at Eina before they concluded their work day. It was at the same time that Bell and his group came back from dungeon diving. Eina had Eileen fetch papers in the back while she tended to her adventurer.
Bell: Miss Eina, we're back safe and sound.
Eina, as always, was glad to see them back in one piece, especially Bell. As time went on, she knew she felt their relationship becoming more than that of advisor and adventurer especially when he was her bodyguard for a time. She knew she loved him, but she wanted to keep her work separate from her love life. Eina knew this, but she couldn't help but feel the way she did. She had fallen for the rabbit's charm, plain and simple. Because of this, a small blush crept up her cheeks as her talk with Bell continued.
Eina: Y-Yes, thank you as always for listening to me. I couldn't take it if something happened to any of you.
Bell: Uh, right well I came to give my report while the others cash in our loot.
Eina: Okay then.
Bell had given the general gist of what happened. He said about how they didn't go that deep as he should take it easy while he gets used to using his arm again. Eina was relieved to hear that he was taking better care of himself for once. Bell finished his report and said goodbye.
Bell: Well, thank you and I'll see you at the Hostess tonight.
He said this with his signature smile that caused the half elf's face to get redder.
Eina: R-Right, see you tonight.
With that, Bell and his friends left to go meet up with their goddess to tell her about their plans. Meanwhile, a certain elf girl over heard Eina's talk with Bell and went to go tease her about it.
Eileen: Soooo... you have a date with your man tonight? Quite bold to be making moves on your adventurer like that.
Eina's face lit up, red as a tomato at the girl's words.
Eina: I-it's not like that I swear. And it's not just us, his whole familia will be there.
Eileen: Still, you love him don't you?
Eina looked around to check for any eavesdroppers. When the cost was clear she confessed.
Eina: Please don't tell anyone but, yes I do.
She'd never felt more ashamed of herself. An advisor and an adventurer being a couple was a recipe for disaster.
Eileen: Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Anywho, I'll see you there tonight.
Eileen clocked out for the day leaving a confused Eina behind.
Eina: (She's going to be there tonight? Why? And why would I spill my secrets to someone I just met today? It felt to comfortable to talk with her for some reason.)
That thought lingered in her mind as she went change out of her work clothes.
It was sunset and everyone who was invited made their way to the Hostess. Loki came with her executives, Hestia brought her whole familia along with Takemikazuchi, Miach and Naaza. Welf went out of his way to bring Hephaestus who brought her captain along. Everyone sat at their tables and mingled with one another. The siblings sat apart from them for the time being. When asked about what they came for they responded by saying that they are waiting for their big brother to arrive. With that, everyone decided to enjoy the night while waiting. As expected, Loki, Gareth and Bete were already drinking. Meanwhile at Bell's table, the girls minus Mikoto were fighting over who would sit next to Bell. Surprisingly enough, even Aiz was there.
Hestia: And just what are you trying to do Wallenwhatsit?
Aiz: I want to sit next to Bell and talk with him.
This left all at the table with their mouths open while off to the side, Riveria was smiling at how Aiz was trying to rediscover her feelings. Bell was understandably red faced and trying to process how this was happening. A certain elf and human saw this and decided to join in as well.
Ryuu: B-Bell, mind if we join too?
Syr: Bell huh? Since when were you on a first name basis?
Ryuu panicked trying to come up with an excuse. Even she wasn't sure, it just came naturally.
Ryuu: W-well seeing as how we survived that hell, I figured being more familiar wouldn't hurt.
She tried to compose herself but her ears and cheeks were red from embarrassment.
Bell: That's fine with me you two.
Aiz saw this and frowned a little. She saw how a bunch of girls were trying to get close to Bell and it brought back memories of how something similar happened when those monsters were running amok in the city. She recalled that and felt that she didn't like this feeling. It was all icky and gross. The thought of Bell being with other girls didn't sit well with her but she couldn't understand why.
Bell: Are you okay Miss Aiz?
She snapped back to reality as she was spacing out again.
Aiz: I-I'm fine Bell.
Lili: You'd better not be thinking something indecent about Master Bell Sword Princess.
Bell: L-Lili! You're being rude.
Lastly, Eina came through the doors and joined Bell at his table.
Eina: Apologies for being late.
Bell: It's fine Miss Eina.
Haruhime: For some reason, we're still waiting for one more person to arrive.
Suddenly, the doors opened once more the reveal the boy they were waiting for.
Albert: Looks like everyone's here.
Karmi: Took you long enough!
Loki: The brat's right, it's bad enough that Itty bitty got invited too so this better be really damn good.
Albert: Then let's not waste anytime.
He and his siblings sat at the center table and Albert took the reigns. He stood up and began his story.
Albert: I know most of you have questions about us. I know most of you realize that we're much stronger than anyone in history, well, there's a reason for that. You see, we aren't from the Orario of this time.
Bete: So you're saying you time traveled?
Albert: That's exactly what I'm saying.
Finn: Loki?
Mikoto: Lady Hestia?
Loki: He ain't lyin'.
Hestia: Much as I hate to agree, I do. He speaks the truth.
Everyone was shocked at this. Not only were they just kids, but they traveled through time. That feat was remarkable for their age.
Tione: So it's safe to say you're all from the future?
Albert: That's correct, 18 years to be exact.
Loki: Look I don't mean to interrupt, but I've had enough. If you're from the future then explain this. You like the itty bitty's rabbit. That girl looks like my Aizy-poo and those two who are apparently her sisters look like Tione and Lefiya.
Mama Mia: Even those other half elves look like my employee.
She pointed to Alise and her siblings. Bell looked and saw how they had some of his features. Particularly, how Alise looked like Ryuu save her red eyes.
Albert: I'll explain soon but first I have a little game for everyone.
Tiona: Oh, oh! Can I play?!
Everyone had sweat dropped at the lack of seriousness from her while Tione smacked her sister.
Albert: First off, Bell, I want you to sit on that couch over there.
Bell: Okaay...?
He did what was asked but what happened next left him stiff.
Albert: Now Aiz, I want you to sit next to him.
Hestia and Lili: WHAAATT?!!
Loki: Over my dead body!!
whack*
Loki: Owww, why Riveria?
Riveria: This is only going to take longer if we argue. Let's just humor them.
Loki: Fiiiine.
Loki wasn't happy about this but Aiz was the opposite. He chance to sit with Bell was handed to her on a silver platter. As such, she didn't hesitate to take her seat on Bell's left leaving many girls and guys jealous of the rabbit.
Albert: Next up, Ryuu, go take Bell's other side.
Ryuu felt her cheeks redden at the command. She hesitated at first but a chance like this wouldn't come again easily so she quickly sat next to Bell who further flushed at having two beautiful girls so close to him.
Albert: Okay, Lili and Haruhime, it's your guy's turn. Ryuu and Aiz, stay where you are.
The two found their own places, Lili next to Aiz and Haruhime next to Ryuu.
Albert: Now then, Eina, you're next.
She did what was asked and sat next to Haruhime.
Albert: Last is Tiona and Lefiya.
Lefiya separated Aiz and Lili while Tiona sat next to Eina.
Albert: Alright, everything is set.
Tiona: So what do we win.
Hestia was practically fuming at the sight. All these gorgeous girls next to her Bell, and she wasn't even in the mix.
Albert: That depends on you guys, all you have to do is confess how you feel for Bell and I'll explain the prize you win.
He said this with a smile while most of the girls who liked him were red in the face and panicking.
Lefiya and Lili: Say what?!
Tiona: How I feel about Mister Argonaut?
Ryuu: (I-I can't do this, Syr is watching. But still, I need to be honest with myself.)
Eina: (This is my one chance to get this weight off my chest.)
Haruhime: (My f-feelings for Master B-Bell?)
Aiz: (How I feel? How do I feel about him? Well, he's very pure and bright. The opposite of me who has this black flame. Even so, everytime I'm with him I hardly feel it. Mom always said a hero would come for me. If Bell would save a monster, would he save me?)
Aiz looked at Bell who was as red as the others as he had to listen to how they all felt about him.
Albert: There's no rush, take your time.
Lili remembered when Wiene asked the same question. She hesitated last time but no more. She would make her feeling clear to him right here and now.
Lili: I do love him! Lili loves Master Bell very much!!!
She was still red but she had a satisfied smile on her face while Bell was shocked.
Bell: (That's what she meant that time?!)
Next Haruhime took her turn.
Haruhime: I also love Master Bell! You saved me when no one else would have! You're my hero!
The while pub was shocked. This boy already got two confessions of love and this was only the beginning.
Eina decided she would go next. She got up and went to Bell, then looked him in the eyes before she told him.
Eina: I'm aware of your other goals, but I need to be honest with myself. Bell, I love you. You mean the world to me. You make me feel safe, make me feel important to you. I enjoy our talks together, I look forward to seeing your smile everyday before you leave for the dungeon. I can't stand the idea of you dying down in the dungeon. You matter too much and that's why I drill all that information into you. I know you might not look at me the way I look at you, but I just want my feelings to be clear.
She huffed as she unloaded the feelings in her heart. Riveria was surprised that she felt this way about the boy. Lili was being Lili and was jealous that Bell wooed another woman with Hestia sharing her annoyance.
Bell's mind was a turmoil of emotions. Eina really felt this way about him all this time? The same with Lili and Haruhime? How had he not realized? He wasn't given much time to think as he saw Ryuu look at him also red to the tips of her ears.
Ryuu felt insecure about all this. The half elf was able to express herself so openly and all the others looked so much more appealing than she ever could in her eyes. However, she remembered Alise's words to her and took her chance. She looked at Syr and then Bell and unloaded her feeling as well.
Ryuu: *exhales* Syr, I'm sorry but I can't support you and Bell anymore.
Syr: What? Why?
Ryuu: ...because I love him too. Bell, I do love you. I love you very much. When we were stuck in that hell, I was prepared to die. I would've given up my life if it meant you could keep yours. When I thought I would die, I saw you coming back for me. I thought about how stupid you were. I wondered why but then I realized what you were, what I saw. I saw an idiot putting himself in danger, but even more, I saw my hero coming to save me. You helped save me from the dungeon, from my past and even myself. I'll never be able to repay you for what you've done for me. You might not feel the same but I want you at least know how much you matter to me Bell.
After she was done, she sank back into her seat and hung her head down, still beet red.
Bell: ...
Bell was at a loss for words. He was happy they felt this way but also felt bad for ignoring them. All this time he worked to impress Aiz and gain her love but here were four girls much closer to him who were in love with him. His mind was completely blank as for what to say about it.
Aiz fared no better. She still didn't understand what love meant but she had to give a good answer. She didn't want to hurt Bell so her brain was in overdrive to give a proper answer. Aiz may not know what love is, but she knows how Bell is to her.
Aiz: I don't really know what to say about this. All this time, I've only cared about getting stronger. Finding love was never a priority for me. After meeting Bell though, I know he's at least important to me. I always feel bad for when I'm not there to help him when he needs it. I'm sorry Bell.
Everyone was shocked. Aiz may not have said it exactly, but she openly said that she cared for the boy. Bell was a little disappointed but knowing this much about her feelings made him happy.
Tiona: Well I can say that I do like but not really love. I'd have to fight with him first.
The Loki Familia deadpanned at her blunt response but that's just how amazons work. Lefiya was last and she was pissed at the womanizing rabbit. Still, everyone was honest so she should at least respond in kind.
Lefiya: I'm the same, I won't say I like him be he isn't a bad person.
Lefiya felt her stomach turn at the sound of her complimenting Bell. Her familia was also dumbstruck that she even had something nice to say at all.
By now, most of the girls including Bell were embarrassed beyond belief. Albert watched his family with a smile and turned to Loki when she called him.
Loki: Now that you've embarrassed everyone on that couch and made most people here crave rabbit meat, why don't you explain this prize of yours.
She wasn't kidding for the most part. Welf was proud of his little brother. Bete was just annoyed that Bell had all these girls around him. Seeing that Bell was aware of all the ladies, Albert dropped the bombshell on everyone.
Albert: Good point, you did want to know what you won after all.
Tiona: Oh yeah, what do we win.
Albert: Well to put it simply, enough love to last a lifetime. Every woman on that couch is happily married to Bell Cranel in the future. Everone: WHHAAAAAAAAAAT!!!??
AN: And cut. This was by far the longest chapter I've written so far but it was the one I was most excited for. Now that Bell knows he has a harem 18 years from now what will he do? They haven't even revealed the biggest piece of news yet.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed. This was a lot of fun to write. Feel free to comment your thoughts. The ladies had their turn so next chapter is all about the kids. See you in the next one.
