Chapter 24

Despite the short time he spent with them, as they wandered in the dungeon, Bell liked to think he had a good handle on the Astraea Familia as a whole. It only made them so much more attractive to him and made him feel so much more inadequate living under the same roof as them. Alise seemed like an airhead that loved to embarrass her familia, yet she had the charisma and insight to motivate them with ease and coordinate the team with maximum efficiency. Lyra was usually coarse and liked to play dirty in a lot of ways yet she always had everyone's back. Meanwhile Kaguya liked to act prim and proper but she was more blunt than anyone sometimes, finding a lot of joy in cutting down her opponents. And Ryuu? While she tried to act as the serious, unapproachable elf, it was hard to not just see a girl being teased by her elders. Her reactions were the cutest of them all. Then there was Arash. He seemed pretty straight forward. A nice guy all things considered, who was always looking out for everyone in the middle sized group.

Having them present as they were on the 12th floor made Bell push himself harder than ever before. By now he was out of breath as he rested his hands on his knees, having worked up quite a sweat. By now the area around them was devoid of monsters. Stretching his neck a few times, he exhaled and looked around. The rest of the Stardust Garden were spread over the area, with the Astraea Familia carrying their bags with each while Solaris and Kojiro were cleaning up the place as well. Naturally some adventurers were grumbling quietly, but with the ladies of the Astraea Familia around, they never said it to their faces. As Bell took out a whet stone to maintain his blades, a trick he picked up from Welf, his ears picked up something as the atmosphere seemed to get more tense.

"Ah, if it isn't the allies of justice."

Bell's ears twitched as he finished up the maintenance of his blade. He recognized that voice. When he first went to the guild. Standing up, he turned around. He could make out the shadows of some individuals, while Kaguya and Lyra radiated anger as they reached for their weapons.

"Fuck off, Discord."

"So aggressive. Very well, let us not disturb you during your babysitting."

The four shadows disappeared. Bell walked up to the others, seeing Kaguya and Lyra visibly snarl. Meekly raising his hand, they turned around to him in turn.

"Uhm, why... ?"

Kaguya sighed, shaking her head as she rubbed her left temple.

"They were part of Evilus."

"More like still are... " Lyra responded with a scoff, readjusting her shades. Bell's eyes widened at the name. Evilus. Even he heard about them back on the mountains, as his grandfather talked about them. Those that rejected civilization as it was, rejecting the suppression of the dungeon. Instead they desired pure chaos and destruction, to open up Babel and release all sorts of nightmares to the world. And these people, the Eris Familia, were part of them? And weren't punished whatsoever? He heard footsteps approach from behind, a comical sight revealing to him as Alise was carrying two large bags on her, while Ryuu was missing her own.

"But since they swore support and redemption, the guild couldn't afford sending away good help," Alise explained with a wry smile. The elf in return scoffed, shaking her head as her mouth thinned underneath the green mask she wore to cover it.

"Even though they were obviously lying about actually regretting anything."

"And much to our displeasure, those rats are very good at hiding their tracks. On paper they are a role model familia in charge of the casinos now," Kaguya explained, twirling her hand. Bell nodded slowly. Alright, not going to the casinos then if he could help it. He might lose more than money. Seeing his somber expression, the girls around him put on smiles. Lyra clapped her hands before snapping her finger at him.

"Enough about that though. You two are pretty good for newbies."

Kaguya nodded in agreement, causing Bell to blush at the praise he was receiving.

"Yes. Your dual wielding is awkward, but given it is mostly self taught, I'm impressed." She covered her mouth as she coyly tilted her head. "If you want to, I could teach you some tricks?"

"Err, if-if it wouldn't be a bother?" Bell scratched the back of his head before eyeing the blades at her hip. "So you dual wield too?"

"She's famous for that!" Alise shouted, raising her arm in the air.

"Just don't steal him away from my Familia," Solaris joked, causing everyone in their little circle to giggle.

"I can see how Kojiro is your teacher."

Turning around, they saw Arash walk up with Kojiro. Their smiles fell when they saw what state Arash was in. The rest of the Astraea Familia sighed in exasperation while the archer tilted his head innocently. Bell pointed at him, biting his lip.

"Uhm, are you... okay?"

He didn't seem uncomfortable at all, despite the numerous bats trying to chew him up. It was quite the comical sight actually. Bell could swear that the bats were at the verge of tears, the remnants of their pride being the only thing trying to draw at least a bit of blood. Lyra scoffed at the sight before waving her hand dismissively.

"Please, those bats couldn't pierce his skin in a hundred years."

Kojiro chuckled before flicking his wrist a few times, dispatching the bats with ease. AS he did so, he tilted his head at his old acquaintance.

"You never mentioned how you came to Orario."

"Oh, I was with Ryuu before, in her home."

Bell blinked at the words. He turned to the elf in question, eyes narrowed in confusion.

"I thought elves hate outsiders?"

"They hated me at first but I guess they warmed up to me?" Arash explained with a shrug as he brushed off the ashes of the dissolving monsters. Ryuu in turn sent him a flat look.

"They began to tolerate you, Arash. Which is still quite the feat, mind you." She sighed, shaking her head. "Naturally we left when I couldn't take it anymore."

"And that's how they joined our Familia!" Alise exclaimed, hugging the elf from behind. Ryuu let out a yelp as her head was ruffled through her hood. "Ah, I remember it as if it was yesterday! Lion was like a feral cat!"

"Alise!"

"She's right, you know," Kaguya drawled with a smug look. Ryuu hissed, sending the Far Eastern woman a glare.

"You shut up, Kaguya!"

"Ohhh? Make me!"

"Maybe I will!"

The two immediately grabbed each other's hand, pushing against each other with gritted teeth. Bell sweated nervously when he felt the oppressive aura they radiated, as well as seeing actual cracks forming on the ground as they struggled against each other.

"Really girls? In front of our guests?" Lyra asked in a dry tone. Solaris shrugged nonchalantly.

"They'll have to get used to their rivalry anyway."

Amused, the group split up once more, leaving Ryuu and Kaguya to their minor spat. After a while, Bell found himself standing right in front of the next pathway that led down. He frowned as he stared into the darkness.

"Middle floors, huh... ?"

It was a place where the newcomers and the actual veterans would be decided. The levels where the rules of the Upper Floors were unended on their head. While up here, the structure was relatively simple, Bell heard of the fallpits and the ambushes that were common in that place. Solaris made it clear that even with her as a level two, she would at least make sure she had a supporter with her, so that she could focus more on fighting. It wasn't a place one could usually fight alone unless they were at least level three apparently.

"Bell, look out!"

Lyra's shout caused him to tense up. He had no idea what she meant, as there were no monsters around him at the moment. But an instance later, as he felt movement from behind him, he felt the rumble under his feet. The next moment, it emerged, roaring in anger. It's bull mouth drooled savagely, its horns aiming straight at him.

At the sight of the minotaur, his eyes widened and his arms already moved as time slowed down. He was confident he could at least deflect an attack until the top class adventurers behind him would deal with the rest. He wasn't foolish enough to believe he could kill such a thing yet. But before any of what he predicted happened... the monster exploded, splattering its blood all over Bell. He was so startled by it that he fell down on his behind before frantically wiping his eyes and spitting out whatever entered his mouth. Once his vision cleared, he looked up... and felt his heart stop.

Golden long hair that fluttered in the wind, as if the air itself was controlled by her presence. Piercing golden eyes stared at him, almost emotionlessly. With her head piece, chest blade, gauntlets and knee guards over her blue stockings, all silver in color, she made a valiant picture as she sheathed her thin rapier. It was then that his heart restarted as time resumed. And how it restarted, as it threatened to burst forth from his chest as it heated up his body and face so much that he thought the blood on his body would steam away. Ignorant to his frozen state, the other high class adventurers shot up dust as they braked their dash, coming to a stop right next to him. Alise blinked before giggling and waving enthusiastically.

"Oh, Aiz! What's up!"

"Alise." The beauty called Aiz nodded politely at the others. "Hello, everyone."

"Phew, you Loki guys don't think about slow and steady, huh?" Lyra chuckled. The girl in question tilted her head before bowing at them.

"Apologies. The minotaur came here because of us." She reached out a slender and gloved hand towards Bell. "Are you alright?"

He knew he should've said something. Accepted that hand at the very least. Yet his mind was not able to work properly, his eyes and head spinning as he practicaly glowed with embarrassment. He couldn't take it, that he looked so pathetic in front of this girl. So in the end, his flight instinct took hold of him.

"Aaaaaaaaaaahhh!"

With all his might, he ran away. He ignored the shouts behind him, as he rushed towards the exit of the dungeon with all the speed he could muster. He covered his cheeks as he shook his head furiously. Ah, what was he supposed to do?! That was nothing like Artoria! This wasn't a mere crush. This was... this was... ! This was the storm in his heart that grandfather talked about! He had no idea what to do if he ever saw Aiz Wallenstein, the one he realized was the Sword Princess, again!

/

Unbeknownst to him, the ones he left behind could only gape at what just happened. Solaris slowly shook her head, scratching her hair in utter confusion.

"What the hell, what the hell."

"Hm, I was not aware his voice could reach such tones," Kojiro muttered, rubbing his chin in contemplation. "The more you know."

"...Why did he run away?" Aiz asked, pouting as she narrowed her eyes. Alise giggled at the cute face, poking the puffed up cheeks before her hand was sweated away. Meanwhile Solaris shrugged, gathering her wits again.

"Beats me." She waved her hand dismissively. "Eh, I'm sure he's gonna bounce back from this."

/

Bell Cranel did not bounce back from that. By now, the sun was setting, yet ever since they came back to the Stardust Garden, the young man hid underneath his blanket, door locked as he still tried to calm down his racing heart. Yet his mind kept going back to the image of Aiz gracefully exploding that minotaur. Then his head went to weird directions. Imagining himself to save Aiz from a super powerful monster, making her heart beat fast as she did with his. Having a nice evening dinner, to end with a proposal. There was even a time he imagined holding hands with her, with both of them wearing a ring to symbolize marriage! All these thoughts only made Bell whimper and cover his face. Ahh, he really was a pervert! It was all a pipe dream anyway!

She was level six, last time he heard! Equal to Ryuu for example in terms of fast growth! Not to mention she belonged to another Familia! If Hestia disliked their goddess, there was absolutely nothing he could do! He'd fail at step one, before even asking her out!

He heard a knock on the door, causing his head to peek out from the blanket burrito he hid himself in.

"C'mon, Bell, you aren't a maiden, get out of your room!" Solaris shouted before sighing in exasperation. "Look, we all get doused in blood sometimes! It happens to all of us!"

"Solaris, I don't think that's the issue here."

"Then what is?!" She shouted at Ryuu. Bell couldn't help but smile awkwardly. Well, at least they didn't realize what the true reason was. He heard a groan from outside, the annoyance seeping out of Lyra's voice.

"Well, is he going to come out or not? I'm not gonna miss dinner!"

Bell slapped his cheeks before nodding to himself in determination. Alright, enough about that! He was a man! Only because he was stupidly in love didn't mean he had to ruin everyone's night out! With that in mind, he opened the door. What faced him were the worried expressions from everyone. Sheepishly, he scratched his cheek.

"Sorry. I... err... " He faltered, his cheeks turning red a bit. "How to explain this... "

"Oho~!"

"Hm."

"Aaaah, I get it now."

"Mmmhhh!"

He winced, his face heating up even more at the knowing looks he received, may they be teasing, accepting or enraged. Welp. He was wrong. They absolutely realized what the true reason was. Hestia the foremost expert, as she had updated his Falna... and wasn't the Falna meant to show a person's history? Ah, so embarrassing. At the very least some of them were at least a bit ignorant, judging from the way Solaris and Kojiro tilted their heads in confusion. Ryuu meanwhile kept a neutral expression, but raised an eyebrow as well.

"Wait, what's going on?"

"I have no idea."

"As long as this isn't a common occurrence, it's fine," Astraea said in a warm tone, patting Bell's head.

"Yeah yea, c'mon, I'm getting the munchies!" Solaris shouted, leading the charge. Before they left however, Bell spotted something from the corner of his eye. His eyes widened in shock.

"Wait, I almost forgot!"

He jogged over to it and raised the item up in question. Kojiro raised an eyebrow at the sight.

"A basket?"

"Yeah, it slipped my mind, but I have to give it back to Syr!"

"Who the hell is Syr?" Hestia asked, a growl entering her voice. Ryuu raised her head before anyone else could reply.

"She's a maid at the Hostess of Fertility." A fond smile appeared on her face. "She's a good girl."

Bell blinked. Seeing the warm expressions on the Astraea Familia, they seemed to know her personally. Huh. Small world. They locked the door of the Stardust Garden and wandered underneath the star filled night sky. Soon enough they reached the Hostess, already busy with customers as they entered. A brown haired cat girl greeted them with an excited smile.

"Welcome, nya!"

From the counter, a rather muscular dwarf lady spotted them before laughing in a boisterous manner.

"Ah, if it isn't Syr's favorite girls! Come in, come in, plenty of room!"

They all took their seats at the counter. Immediately the goddess took their orders, getting the food that suited their tastes. At the same time, Syr visibly brightened up when she leaned over the counter, looking at everyone.

"Guys! Good to have you here!" She turned to him who sat in the middle, nodding at him. "Bell!"

The young man laughed before raising the basket. Her eyes seemed to sparkle when she saw how empty it was and giddily took it back.

"Sorry it took so long, but here's the basket."

"I hope it was tasty!"

It was telling that Astraea Familia immediately looked away, sweating nervously. The air strained in the face of Syr's pure expression, as she awaited Bell's compliments, not knowing he had absolutely none to give. Gulping, an idea came to mind. Raising his finger with a nervous smile, he nodded furiously.

"...it was very filling!"

He winced when Hestia stomped on his feet, giving him a look of disbelief. Kojiro shook his head in exasperation on his right side. The girls were all showing equal amounts of shock, before nervously glancing at Syr whose smile disappeared. Fortunately for them, she clapped her hands together and her smile returned as if nothing happened.

"Mh! I'm glad my training is paying off!"

After they all sighed in relief, the evening went rather well. As the food arrived and Bell had to stop himself from eating too much as it tasted delicious, the girls of the Astraea Familia conversed with Syr. Most topics went over his head, as they clearly referred to events before Bell arrived in the city. Still, he could tell that the maid was quite close to the adventurers.

"Seriously, are you sure you don't have a Falna? You looked the same as seven years ago," Lyra pointed at, resting her right cheek on her hand. Syr hummed thoughtfully, her finger to her lips before she shrugged.

"I guess I just have good genes?"

For some reason Alise narrowed her eyes. But as quickly as it came, she giggled before poking Syr in the chest.

"Eep!"

Blushing just like Ryuu and Bell, Syr covered her body as Alise raised her thumb in approval.

"Well, your body sure improved!"

Her joy didn't last when a hand shot out and grabbed Alise by the face. Bell could swear steam escaped Mia's mouth as she glared a hole into the captain's head.

"Oi, no touching my maids, you brat!"

"Owowowow, sorry!"

With a huff, she was let go before the owner went back into the kitchen. Rubbing her face with a wince, Alise shook her head. Meanwhile Kagyua rolled her eyes before slapping her over the head, eliciting another yelp of pain.

"I swear captain, if we get kicked out one day if you keep pulling these stunts... "

"I just appreciate beauty!"

"Did I offend you?" Kojiro asked all of a sudden. Everyone turned to him in confusion as he looked at Syr. Bell glanced at Syr before he realized something. Just like she is doing now... she very pointedly never looked at his teacher for some reason. She giggled as she hid her smile behind her hand, yet her eyes did not share that joy.

"Not at all." Nodding she moved out from behind the counter to pick up a tray. With closed eyes she faced Kojiro with a smile. "I just do not like your presence whatsoever~!"

Silence reigned for the Hestia and Astraea Familia as she left to tend to the other customers, with not a care in the world. Smacking her lips, SOlaris was the first to make a move, reaching for a glass of water. After drinking it in silence she turned to Kojiro with a wry grin.

"Ouch."

She raised her hands defensively when she earned the glares from the other women. However Kojiro shrugged nonchalantly with a grunt.

"Oh well, I can't win them all."

"She usually seems so nice to everyone," Ryuu muttered with concern. The swordsman hummed, rubbing his chin before raising a finger.

"Maybe it's the stench of blood on my hands?"

"Can't be, I killed plenty of people myself and she seems fine with me," Arash objected as he raised his hand. Bell squirmed in his seat. Hestia seemed to agree, just like the others, as she loudly coughed into her knuckle.

"Whoa there, I don't like where this conversation shifted to."

In that moment before they could drift even further, the doors to the Hostess were slammed wide open. Immediately the air changed from pleasant to excited. They all turned their heads, only to see the mass of people entering. A goddess whose dress style reminded Bell of Lusserina smirked as she flashed a grin, her red hair shaking in accordance to her excitement.

"Yo, seats for the Loki Familia, please and thank you!"

Bell paled. His eyes moved, past the high ranked adventurers until he finally saw her. In that moment, he moved, just before Aiz could see him.

"We gotta split you up to the outside as well if you won't mind," Mia shouted over the noise. The Braver chuckled as he took charge.

"That's just fine."

Mia flashed a grin before looking down with a frown.

"Oi, kid. Behind the counter is staff only."

Everyone at the counter leaned over, seeing Bell press his back against the wood as he hid himself. With a blush, he blinked. Wait, what was he doing? He wouldn't be able to hide anyway. With a sheepish expression, he returned to his seat, his shoulders slumped.

"S-sorry. I just reacted... "

"To what?" Solaris asked, raising an eyebrow. All Bell could do was lower his head in embarrassment. Meanwhile the other seats began to fill out, causing Kaguya to groan.

"Ugh. There are plenty of places to eat. This place is going to get too full."

"This is the best place to celebrate the return from an expedition however," Ryuu argued, returning the glare she received from Kaguya. It was then that the goddess saw them. With a cheerful expression, she walked up to them, flashing a grin at the goddess of justice.

"Hey, Astrea~! Whassu-" She spotted Hestia and visibly recoiled. "Gah."

"Geh."

Bell could see the sparks going off between their eyes, as they glared at each other. As if used to his, Astraea just sighed in resignation before raising her hands between them.

"I know I have said this before but I say this again." She gave the two of them a pointed look. "Get along, you two."

The two flinched at the disappointment they received. With lowered heads, they both sighed.

"Yes, mama."

With that said and done, Astraea led the two of them away from the counter, intending to play peacekeeper between the two. This was not the end of the Loki Familia however. A werewolf with some weird face marking, his abs open to the air, spotted Bell before sending a sneer at him.

"Hey, hey, aren't you that weakling that ran away like a little bitch?"

Bell flinched at the words but didn't have anything to refute them. He did kinda look bad, didn't he? However, that acceptance wasn't shared by everyone. Solaris and Hestia hissed, Kojiro frowned, but more importantly, Kaguya rose from her seat, a smile on her face that did not match the fire in her eyes. Covering her mouth, she tilted her head at him.

"My, are you mistaking him for your younger self, mutt?"

"Tch, who asked you, hag?" He spat out. Even from his spot, Bell saw how Kaguya twitched at the word. Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she leaned forward, her face getting awfully close to the werewolf.

"Puffing yourself up to hide your incompetence... " She visibly snarled. "You shitty brat never change, huh?"

He shot up from his seat as well, pressing his forehead against hers. The maids in the area gulped nervously while the other high ranking adventurers eyed the situation, ready to intervene.

"That's it, you wanna go, you slut?!"

"Come and try me!" Then at once, the two turned to the owner, growls escaping their throats.

"Mama Mia, your best sake!"

"Line them up!"

With that the mood returned to cheers as Mia chuckled and brought out two barrels with two glasses.

"Ten bucks on Bete!"

"Senbonzakura will beat him easily!"

"On whose Familia are you again?!"

The two opponents reached the counter and began their game of drinking. Bell blinked at how the crowd egged them on. Was this normal in Orario... ? Well, at least people didn't focus on him anymore. The moment he thought that, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Excuse me."

"Ah."

He recognized the voice. Feeling his face heat up, he turned around. It was her. Aiz Wallenstein, blinking at him with those cute eyes of hers. Bell let out a strangled noise, causing the girl to frown for a moment. At the same time, the people around him decided to abandon him with knowing looks to each other.

"Welp, we'll give you some space." Alise stretched her back before rolling her shoulders as she walked off. "Yoh, Uncle Gareth!"

At the same time, the graceful green hair elf approached Arash, a bow in hand. With an apologizing smile, she presented it to him.

"Arash, I know this is a celebration, but I do have some business to talk about."

The archer raised an eyebrow before humming thoughtfully.

"Something wrong with the bow? Let me see... "

The two individuals walked off to a corner. Meanwhile a peppy amazon waved her arm at their direction as well.

"Hey, hey, Ryuu, c'mere!"

Ryuu rolled her eyes but stood up nonetheless. She glanced back at the counter, looking at the Pallum in particular.

"Lyra, don't do anything to embarrass us."

"I'm just filling up my courage meter," she said dismissively before approaching the drinking game between Kaguya and Bete. "Hit me up too!"

With that done, the only allies Bell had left were Kojiro and Solaris. The captain showed no sign of 'helping' as she merely waved at Aiz who cutely waved back before demolishing her plate once more as food arrived again. Bell pressed his lips together, remaining silent. Aiz sat down, on the spot where Hestia was seated before lowering her head.

"I want to say sorry. For the blood." She looked up with a frown. "Please don't run away again."

Ah. He had no idea what to say. He was rooted to his seat. By now Aiz seemed actually worried, leaning forward which only caused him to blush even more. hearing a sigh besides him, Kojiro leaned forward, entering Aiz' field of vision.

"Sasaki Kojiro."

"B-Bell Cranel!" Bell exclaimed by reflex. Aiz blinked before cracking a nice smile and nodded at them.

"Aiz Wallenstein."

Having managed to get some words out, the young man thanked Kojiro for breaking the ice. He immediately lowered his head.

"I-I'm terribly sorry I ran away!" He trailed off, unsure what to say now. "I was just... "

"I understand," Aiz said. Bell's heart stopped before she continued with a knowing nod. "Minotaur are scary."

"Uhm, not really?" He replied, tilting his head in confusion, forgetting about his crush on this instance. All things considered, the plant monsters, Nyx, Oryou, Artoria... they were all scarier one way or the other. He only then realized he made a social mistake when Aiz blinked before nodding slowly with a confused expression.

"Ah. Of course."

He wanted to punch himself as the awkward atmosphere returned. Why did he have to say that?! Why couldn't he just accept it?! No, instead he had to weird her out once more! Forget getting the goddesses' approval, he was failing at this first wall already! With yet another sigh, which sounded rather patronizing, Kojiro crossed his arms as he eyed the veteran adventurer."

"You are the Sword Princess?"

"That is my alias, yes," Aiz confirmed with a polite nod. Bell felt a shiver down his spine when he turned to Kojiro. He already touched the handle of his blade. The swordsman only managed to draw it out by a bit before Bell equally slowly touched his arm and forced it back down. It made for a comical sight as Kojiro looked at Bell with utter betrayal. If it weren't for the fact that Kojiro was trying to pick a fight, Bell even might've laughed.

"Young master," he said with a frown, drawing the blade back out a bit. Immediately Bell shook his head and gently pushed it back into its sheath.

"No."

"She is called the Sword Princess," the grown man actually whined, causing Bell to glare back, shoving the sword back with more force.

"No!"

"Please?"

"I shouldn't be the one being responsible here!" Kojiro then had the gall to pout, causing Bell's eye to twitch. "You are the adult here, don't pout!"

In the end, common sense won out. With a defeated sigh, he let go of his sword. Then he turned to Aiz who could only stare at the scene unfolding in utter confusion. Then she covered her mouth, hiding a giggle escaping her. It was a cute giggle. She should do it more often, Bell though, mesmerized by it.

"Heh. You two really care for each other." She nodded in approval. "That's good. Newbies especially need to stick together."

"T-thank you!"

For some reason Aiz began to stare at him quite intently. As if she was trying to figure something out. Bell fidgeted in his seat as she leaned in closer. He tried his best not to smell her or anything creepy, trying to be as still as possible.

"Err, Aiz?"

She blinked before leaning back.

"Sorry." She tilted her head, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Say... why-"

Before she could finish her sentence, an elf with orange hair grabbed her hand, a wide smile on her face.

"Aiz! Your food's ready!"

The Sword Princess' eyes sparkled, forgetting whatever she wanted to say. She stood up but not before she turned to Bell and Kojiro.

"Good to meet you. See you... later?"

"S-sure!"

For some reason the elf glared daggers at Bell's embarrassed reaction before leading Aiz away. The young man let out a deep breath. Alright, he managed to get through that encounter without embarrassing himself again! Just as he thought that, he almost fell off his seat when someone tackled him. To his shock it was Hestia, her cheeks red as she whined and hugged him.

"Beeeeeelll! Don't look at her! Look a' meeeee!" She hiccupped before starting to shake him by the shoulders. "Whattleschwein is temporary! Your goddesshh ish eternal!"

"Goddess, how much did you drink already?!" Bell screamed in panic, a disgusted expression forming on his face when she burped.

"Not 'nough!"

"Well, bright side, she won't remember any of this," Solaris said before chewing on another piece of steak. "If she ashksh, jush shay nothin'!"

"How often does this happen?!" Bell asked her, only to receive a chuckle back. As he held Hestia by her shoulders as she began to touch his cheeks, he wondered how this could get any worse.

"Yeah, go, ya loli! Only one ya get som' from!"

He closed his eyes in silent suffering. Right. This was how it could get worse. Another drunk goddess screamin across the room.

"Shuddup, virgin flat chest!" Hestia shouted, pouting back at Loki. The Trickster snarled, rising from her seat only to balance herself to stop herself from falling down.

"Who's the virgin of us?!"

"Ya heard me!"

"Screw ya!"

"I can't hear ya over these babies!" Hestia smugfully grabbed her breast, causing Bell to choke and look away. Loki let out a muffled scream.

"Oh, that's it!"

The flat goddess jumped after the more endowed one, only to be snatched from the air. Grabbing Loki by the ear, Astraea sighed before grabbing Hestia by the ear. The two whined as they were dragged away.

"Girls! Moderation!"

At the same time, another round of commotion sounded, causing Bell to whip his head around. Bete and Kaguya were scarlet red in their faces, but only the former seemed to sway on his seat, his eyes having difficulty staying open.

"My, tired already~?"

"Fuck you, I'm just gettin... gettin' started!"

Bell sweated nervously. Was it just him or was this party getting out of hand? He looked around more only to cough when he saw what exactly Lyra was doing. To be more specific, she was brazenly sitting on the Braver's lap, whose face was not just red from the alcohol. With a giggle, Lyra touched his face quite extensively, humming to herself.

"Don't mind me, just updating my memories a bit~!"

"L-lyra. Good to see you."

"Good to feel you too!" She sighed dramatically as she patted his cheeks. "But really, breaking a girl's heart like that! I leveled up and you didn't even ask me out!"

"I did congratulate you," Finn Deimne countered, unsure where to put his hands. Lyra scoffed before putting her hands on his shoulders, his lap now in between her legs. Even Bell could tell that it was quite the indecent position for people to have in public.

"Yes, yes, we all like foreplay, but when is the real deal happening, hm?"

It was then the Amazons, who were apparently teasing Ryuu endlessly who tried to hide behind her hood, noticed Lyra. Or more specifically the more endowed one. Her eyes widened before slamming her hands on the table, causing all the dishes to rattle.

"Hey, hands off my captain, hussy!"

"You had him the entire expedition, momma needs to get her some as well," Lyra responded in a coy tone. Tione hissed before hurrying to their side, grabbing onto Lyra's shoulders. Yet pulling her had the opposite effect, causing Tiresias to wrap her arms around Finn in full and pressing him against her chest as he spluttered.

"Find your own Braver!"

"Please, we all know he's into his fellow Pallum!"

"Oh yeah?!" Finally pushing Lyra off Finn, Tione then took his arm and pushed his hand against her chest. "Well you can't beat these!"

"Tits are overrated!" Lyra countered, putting his arm against her butt. By now Bell tried to cover his face, yet his morbid curiosity watched that lewd disaster unfold, praying for the poor soul that was the Braver as his eyes seemed to spin, not able to handle the situation in his own intoxicated state. At the same time, Tiona and Loki raised their hands in cheer at Lyra's comment.

"Preach it!"

"Tiona! Lady Loki!"

The bickering continued on, with Finn trying to placate both of them. Then Bell saw a glint in the girls' eyes as they looked at each other. The next instance they both hugged an arm each, suddenly teaming up on him as they sent him coy looks.

"Who's better, hm~?"

"Yes, captain~!"

"Gah…"

"I'm starting to believe he's into this because I doubt he'd actually fall for that routine every time," Solaris commented in amusement. Bell blinked. Wait, did he miss something? For some reason, Tione and Lyra seemed to be good friends as they laughed at Finn's expense. Yet he knew he wouldn't find any answers now as this was way too chaotic of a situation. Kojiro hummed thoughtfully before nodding in approval.

"So this is the Braver. He clearly doesn't look like the sneaky cheating type."

One of the maids, the black haired cat girl, stopped and gave them an incredulous look before moving on. Bell remembered the play and winced at the memory.

"I kinda figured that when I saw that play."

"Ooooh, right. That one." Solaris nodded a few times. "Yeah, he knows about it. No hard feelings though from what I can tell. Soldiers didn't like it that much either, but ey, civilians." She shrugged nonchalantly. "What can you do?"

Bell laughed awkwardly. Well at least the warriors of other countries seemed to respect him. Still, as he saw Lyra start to touch Tione's face for some reason, with the latter not minding that much, a question bubbled up in his mind.

"Why is Lyra always wearing those sunglasses even indoors? Or touching faces so much?" He asked loudly to Solaris. Bell realized something was wrong when she froze up. So did several other top class adventurers, stopping at whatever they were doing to turn to him in shock. It was weird they managed to hear him but Bell was preoccupied with that heavy feeling in his gut as Kojiro stared at him in disbelief.

"D-did I say something wrong?"

"You did not notice?" Kojiro asked.

"N-notice what?"

The air seemed to change and people started to notice. The talks and cheers died down slowly. Fortunately it was Alise that stepped up, rising from her seat she took next to Gareth as she laughed cheerfully.

"Yo, Mama Mia, Next round's on us!"

"I'm holding you to that!"

That managed to distract people long enough. However when the Astraea Familia approached in full after excusing themselves, Bell felt like he was being approached by guards after he did something illegal. Taking their seats at the counter, they all sighed. Kaguya rubbed her forehead, hissing in pain from all the alcohol she consumed. Bell noted she at least won, given Bete's unconscious state.

"Hah, that sure sobered me up... " The Far Eastern woman muttered. Bell lowered his head in shame.

"S-sorry. I-I wasn't thinking!"

"It's fine. Ignorance isn't a sin," Ryuu explained quietly. "Besides, you live in the same house as us so it was bound to happen."

It was certainly not fine but Bell kept quiet. He noticed how the Familia of justice exchanged looks. It was Kaguya that nodded at Lyra before grabbing her gloved right hand.

"Lyra, I go first if you don't mind."

"Might as well rip off that band aid quickly," the Pallum muttered, reaching for her sunglasses. "On three."

"Three."

A pop sounded and Bell recoiled in shock. He couldn't help it. It wasn't every day that a person took off their actual arm. He noted that it shone in a silver gleam, the thing he realized was a prosthetic. Yet as shocking as that was, it was nothing compared to Lyra who grinned weakly.

"Tadah."

She was blind. No, that went beyond being blind. The spot where her eyes were supposed to be... was completely covered by scar tissue. It was as if someone melted her flesh a long time ago and took away her eye sight.

"An ugly sight, isn't it?" Kaguya muttered. Lyra in return scoffed dryly.

"Speak for yourself, at least your face is still pretty."

"Lyra-"

"Don't bother, Lion." The Pallum shook her head before putting her glasses back on as Kaguya did the same with her arm. "'sides, I had plenty of time to get used to this. So meh." She sent an apologizing smile at Bell. "Sorry for ruining ya appetite... kid?"

Bell realized his eyes were burning up. He regretted asking what he did. He could only imagine the agony they must have gone through. The efforts to make up for their loss. How much did Kaguya train to get used to one arm until that prosthetic? What did Lyra have to go through to move as naturally as she did while being blind? He felt sadness for their situation... but he also held absolute admiration for them.

"You two are amazing... " He muttered before choking back a sob. It sent the Astraea Familia in a panic, especially Kaguya and Lyra, who felt responsible for his emotional state.

"Whoa, whoa, we're the ones who are crippled, why are you crying?!" Lyra shouted. Bell sniffed, wiping his eyes.

"S-sorry! I-It's just... not fair... " He whispered. "You two are great people! You-you don't deserve such a fate! But..." He smiled weakly. "But you still are so strong even with these things... "

The people stared at him before Kaguya rolled her eyes in exasperation, a smile appearing on her face as well.

"Heavens above, I cannot stay mad at you."

"You sure he doesn't have a special skill called Good Boy or something?" Lyra asked dryly as she slapped his back. Ryuu nodded in approval while Alise laughed before hugging Bell.

"D'aw! Cry into my bosom, Bell, that'll make you feel better!"

His screams were muffled. The screams intensified when he felt two soft things pressing in from behind.

"Oiiiii, the only boshom he criesh into ish mine!"

"Nobody cries into anybody's bosom, you perverts!" Ryuu exclaimed, freeing Bell from their grasps. Astraea patted Hestia's back as she doubled over with one of the maids quickly throwing a bucket over. The goddess sent Bell an appreciative nod before tending to Hestia.

"Thank you, Bell," Arash said quietly. With a smile at Bell's confused expression he patted his shoulder. "They may act like it but it's still haunting them. To know someone treats them like this... "

Trailing off the archer walked off, back to Riveria who waited patiently. Bell laughed quietly as he looked at the antics of the Astraea Familia, interacting with each other with so much joy.

He could only hope he could rise from tragedy like they did.