Danmachi Heart of Alfhiem

by Argonaut32

Elf harem story that starts with Bell saving Riveria's life. The timeline won't change much; Loki familia will be involved with Bell from the beginning making Hestia's worst impulses flare up as new events change an older more emotional Bell. The main four women in his life are Riveria, Ryu, Eina and Alicia. Aura, Laurier and Ais will come later. Unsure about Lefiya and Filvus.

16. Lunar Festival

Danmachi HOA Chapter 16

Note1: My braincells are expended this month. Merry Christmas!

Lunar Festival

(Day 29 Evening)

"In love!" Everybody stared at Loki in shock.

"Yes." Loki nodded.

Finn almost fell out of his office chair. He caught himself on the table and forced himself to set up right. "A goddess of beauty is in love with Bell Cranel."

"Yes Finn."

"Kind of a leap for a goddess of beauty to be in love. Don't you think. They just take what the want." Gareth asked confused.

"The rabbit's name pops up around quite a few goddesses. Probably has nine or ten goddesses besides Hestia that want some rabbit." Loki smirked toward her shocked familia. "They're not lightweights either. Hesphaistos has a crush on him and Demeter is…..

"Demeter!" Gareth smiled wide daydreaming with rosy red cheeks. "So bountiful! Kids gonna need help finding his way out. Ha-ha-ha."

"It's just fat." Tiona stared down at her flat chest with a pout.

"Which you don't have?" Tione mocked her twin.

Aina eyes narrowed toward her slack-jawed impressed looking husband. "Ethan."

"You're my one and only." Ethan shuffled his hands back and forth. Ethan gripped Aina's hand tight against her thigh.

"Pervs." Loki smirked. "Rabbit ran away when Demeter started getting handsy."

"I can understand this one." Gareth pointed to Ethan. "Why would the kid want an elf, if Demeter and Hesphaistos are hot for the bunny?"

"He kind of wants to be a father, eventually." Eina replied, peaking Aina's interest. "Didn't want to dishonor his crush."

"Oh really." Aina chuckled staring down at Eina. "Why do you all call him a rabbit?"

"He sort of resembles one with his white hair and red eyes." Loki answered. "Plus, he has a way of hopping into your life."

"Interesting. Bet he's cute and cuddly." Aina grinned wide at Riveria staring daggers at her friend.

"No way Lady Riveria thinks that way about a human, Mrs. Tulle." Alicia fired back at the giggling Aina.

"Still weird he's going after somebody six times his age." Finn gave an evil smirk toward Riveria. "You're like his grandma." Aina's good mood soured over. Riveria just rolled her eyes.

"Ninety-nine is youthful for an elf braver." Aina scowled at the prum.

"Very youthful." Ethan smiled wide bobbing his head up and down. *FLOP* A pillow smacked Ethan in the face. Ethan stared over at his embarrassed wife.

"Dad don't be a pervert." Eina shook her head.

"Not perverted if you're married." Ethan chuckled as Aina failed to suppress her smile.

"Back to F-F-Freya." Riveria stuttered out trying to bring the conversation back. "H-how sure you Loki?"

"Ninety-nine percent sure. Remember our sit down during monsterphilia. Freya was staring out the window daydreaming about somebody. She was warning us to stay clear but never understood who until now. The rabbit fits her description." Loki let out a pained smile. "You remember mama."

"Starting too." Riveria lowered her head.

Loki started counting her fingers. "Not strong, easy to upset, determined to achieve his goal." All eyes focused on nervous Riveria. "Pure soul."

"Pure my ass." Alicia muttered sarcastically.

"Alicia." Riveria narrowed her eyes at the blonde. "He didn't try anything until I told him I wasn't married."

"Why did he think you were married?" Finn asked.

"His goddess lied to him. She used the meeting with Hedin." Riveria rubbed her forehead.

"He-he-he." Riveria stared up at the snickering Aina. Her knuckle was covering her mouth. "So cute. I remember you two were walking south toward the forest. Sounds like he thought your confession along the forest's edge was invitation to take chance." Aina grin widened along with Riveria's eyes.

"Its not cute at all." Alicia was shaking. "He had no right to pursue our princess. I thought I put an end to this farce."

"You knew." Riveria turned toward Alicia.

"I WARNED YOU!" Alicia hands were clenched fists as she shouted at the high elf. She immediately realized and lowered her tone in embarrassment. "My lady."

"Guess you did." Riveria stared up at the ceiling.

"I was hoping he would just go for Eina already and stop this madness. Clearly more insidious than I thought." Alicia crossed her arms.

"Riveria has been touching him quiet often." Eina replied. "His hand, running into him, something about a lap pillow between you both." Alicia's face went bright red.

"What the hell mama? I want a lap pillow."

"No Loki."

"I thought elves hate touching people." Gareth stared the grinning Aina. She started chuckling and nodded towards him.

"Everybody, knock it off. If anything, I didn't understand him and possibly led him on unknowingly. J-just drop it already." Riveria raised her finger into the air, to silence Alicia's outrage. "Bell is not evil. He could have easily helped those men in the alley. He could of easily have let those goddesses have their way with him. Nor did he take advantage of Eina when they slept together."

"Riveria." Eina waves her hands frantically back and forth.

"Eeeeina." Ethan and Aina stared down at that their red-faced daughter.

"N-n-nothing happened." Eina sunk in her seat trying to avoid her parents' eyes. "A-always get interrupted by his goddess or monsters appear every time I try to get closer."

"Good, you can still break this off. He's clearly not interested." Ethan sat up straight avoiding Eina as her ears drooped downward.

Tiona giggled. "Didn't look like it." Eina turned around and peered over at the twins. "He was red all over and unable to speak when you two were celebrating you're victory over the minotaur. He-he-he. Could of swore his face was a little wet." Eina's face went even more crimson.

Alicia rolled her eyes. "He does like you, Eina. Just afraid he keeps on hurting you. You also kind of act like his mother. Always worrying over him."

"Really." Eina's lips widen into a nervous smile.

"Yes I asked him at the Hostess with Aki and Cruz last week." Alicia shook her head. "Don't want him near you now."

"I decide that, Alicia." Eina fired back.

"No, I agree with Alicia." Ethan stood up. "Eina you're coming back home to live with us. I want you to go home and pack your things."

"No father. I am not leaving." Eina jumped up and stared up at her father.

"I forbid you to see this Bell anymore."

"No." Eina crossed her arms and turned her head away from her father.

Finn sat up from his chair. "I have to agree with Loki and your father Eina. We can't afford to get distracted before the expedition and we currently can't match Freya's strength."

"I am not leaving, Captain." Eina stared at Loki. "Take my falna if you want. I came back because of him. He's the one that's been helping me and I don't blame him one bit for losing my job or that for Hod."

"I don't want you to leave, Eina." Loki was kicking her legs on top of Finn's desk. "I don't want Freya to come for you and I will not stick my neck out for Itty-Bitty."

"I think we need a little more evidence to be certain." Riveria defended Eina still not wanting to believe it herself.

Ethan's eyes started twitching. "I will not let my little girl be a plaything for a goddess of beauty. Nor do I approve of this boy playing with her feelings."

"Father, I refuse to believe it. In fact I don't and Bell has never once messed with my heart. I have always know about his feelings toward Riveria." Eina replied adamantly. "The only thing I am doing is going home to sleep. Three days in that hospital chair has done a number on my back. Good night!" Eina stormed out of the office and slammed the door.

Ethan motioned to go after her. Aina grabbed Ethan's pant leg. "Stop. Let her go dear. We will talk about it later."

"But…

"But nothing husband." Aina's eyes narrowed. "It's been a while, since I have been in the city. Take me shopping before the festival."

"Fine." Ethan sighed, before pulling Aina by the hand up off the couch. She fell forward against his chest.

"Nice to see you all again." Ais stared around the room.

"Aina you two can stay in the manor."

"Its fine Riveria. We will sleep at Eina's apartment. Besides this big guy is on full protection mode." Aina patted her hand against Ethan's chest and kissed his cheek. Aina led Ethan towards the door. She stopped in front of the flustered Alicia. "The heart wants what it wants, Alicia. Can't fault him for that. I didn't when this one stole my heart." Aina smirked at the wide-eyed Alicia, before pulling Ethan out of the office.

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"Elves are weird." Tiona whispered to her sister.

"Amazons are!" Alicia pouted. "Nothing wrong with being prideful and being selective with a mate."

"Yet you were gonna throw that away to be a concubine. I agree with Tiona. Elves are weird." Gareth rolled his eyes at Riveria and Alicia and stood up from his chair. "What's the plan with the kid?"

"Nothing." Loki shook her head. "We will only force Freya's hand if we intervene. Just get ready for the expedition and enjoy the festival."

"He's really just gonna get away with it." Alicia palmed her face.

"Yes." Gareth huffed out his chest and finished his mug. "Only thing I am gonna fault the boy for is taste." Gareth mocked the bug-eyed Alicia. He leaned his head to side. "Except Eina, that Lass has a heart. Ottar might not be a problem if I got level seven."

"I am sorry Gareth." Riveria bowed her head. "It won't happen again."

"Uggh whatever." Gareth backhand waved sarcastically in Riveria's direction before leaving the office towards his room.

"Oh, mama I almost forgot." Riveria looked up at Loki. "A package came from your parents. I put it in your room."

"Oh great. What now!?" Riveria held her face trying to subdue her migraine.

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Thirty minutes later, Gareth was strolling out the courtyard carrying his damaged chest plate and a sizable pouch of coin.

"Yo Gareth." Tiona came running from the other side of the courtyard wielding her Urga.

*Pitter-Patter*

Gareth was still a little annoyed with Tiona for intervening. "What do you want, Tiona?"

Tiona was rocking back and forth with her hands behind her back. "Ouch still grouchy. I am sorry for interfering with your fight."

"Its fine. Knowing my luck, I probably wouldn't have leveled off scaley anyways."

Tiona smile wide. "Would you like to spar with me for a few rounds to prepare for the expedition?"

"No thanks. I have to drop my armor off as Tsubaki's.

"Can I go along?" Tiona asked.

"If you want. I am just gonna get plastered afterward."

"Why not vent some anger and spar with me, instead?" Tiona pouted in a cute manner rocking back and forth.

"No lass." Gareth walked out the gate.

"Come on Gareth." Tiona shouted running after Gareth.

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*CHING!*

The door chime rang out as Gareth and Tiona entered Hesphaistos familia shop. Goddess Hesphaistos was talking to a tired looking Tsubaki at the counter.

"Yo Gareth. How did it go?" Tsubaki smiled up to Gareth with the top half of her body sprawled outward on the counter.

"No luck. Still stuck at level six." He rested armor on the counter.

"Ah man." Tsubaki sighed.

"You just wanted to charge more." Hesphaistos rolled her eyes before tracing her fingers through the holes in the adamantite armor. "What happened to your armor, Landrock?"

"Took a tumble during my fight with the Amphisbaena. Fell through the elf's ice." Gareth shook his head. "Must be looking my age, if a little problem makes everybody interrupt my fight.

"Sorry, Gramps."

"Nonsense." Tsubaki waved Tiona off. "He still looks like he's in his early forties."

"Just the effects of the blessing." Gareth smiled at Tsubaki. "So can you help me out."

"So tired." Tsubaki leaned her head backwards

"Come on help him out, Tsubaki. Shouldn't take too long to patch these holes. You can knock it out for him before the expedition." Hesphaistos passed the armor over to Tsubaki.

"Just want to take a nap, goddess."

"You all backed up Tsubaki." Gareth stared down at the dwarfess. "I thought the durandal weapons were finished already."

Tsubaki stood up pulled the armor over to her. "The Rolan series durandal weapons are finished." Tsubaki lifted the chest piece into the air to examine the damage. "Uggh fine I will fix it. Can't let my favorite customer die."

"Favorite you must be tired. He-he-he. You have a late night."

Tsubaki lowered the armor. "Yes, but not what you're thinking dirty old man." Tsubaki winked. "Indril needed help with making her orc hide gambesons and that useless smith wouldn't help me make magic swords."

"Uh….mhhhhh." Hesphaistos cleared her throat.

"Sorry, goddess." Tsubaki snickered to the annoyed goddess. "You have to admit, Welf has been moping around here for the last week waiting for that cute rabbit to invite him to adventure in the dungeon."

"Rabbit." Tiona tilted her head.

"She's talking about Hestia's boy." Hesphaistos leaned over the counter resting her head on her propped-up arm. "Welf was looking forward to teaming up in the dungeon with the only person that buys his stuff. Bell never showed back up."

"Ah, well that's because he's in the hospital." Gareth answered. Both women stood up straight with worried faces. Before they could question the door opened up.

A dark skin female came in carrying a stack of green gambesons with white furry neck line. She was wearing a sleeveless ornate purple and white armor chest piece, that accentuated her curvy chest. Her face was blocked by a black hood and the stack of padded cloth she was carrying. "Afternoon goddess. I finished the rest of the order." She placed the pile onto the counter.

She pulled back her black hood to reveal the face and ears of female dark elf. Her short white spikey hair shot out in many directions and was pulled back into a ponytail. She had beautiful green piercing eyes. She could easily be mistaken for an amazon with her caramel-colored skin when her ears were covered. Her youthful face was branded with a red tattoo that extended down her left side to her shoulder. (1&2)

"Thanks, Indril." Hesphaistos acknowledged the dark elf woman before turning back to Gareth. "What happened to Bell?"

"Kid rescued Eina from our runaway. Little bastard set up a trap for him in the dungeon."

"Need help hunting him." Tsubaki offered.

Tiona casually replied. "Nah he's dead now. A minotaur cleaved him in two on floor nine and the Bell killed the minotaur."

"Now I am calling Bullshit." Tsubaki stared in disbelief, before eyeing her goddess who was grinning wide with pink cheeks. "Serious."

"Yes." Hesphaistos nodded. "Somehow that's not a lie. What did the minotaur do to him?""

"Nothing compared to what the wyvern did to him." Gareth scratched his head.

Hephaistos's brow was stretched to its limit. "Is he okay?"

"He just woke up this morning." Gareth smiled wide. "Boy was teetering on the edge of death until his goddess leveled him up."

"Hestia just found him less than two months ago when I threw her out. How is that real?" Hesphaistos hands slammed the counter, she looked absolutely dumbfounded trying to process everything. Indril and Tsubaki eyed each other up.

"Mine!" Indril raised her hand.

Tsubaki was too slow to raise her hand. Indril stuck her tongue out to mock her captain. "Ah no fair cheeky elf. I am exhausted."

"Snooze you lose Captain." Indril smirked. "Plus, I think he's the one that brought me all these orc hides. I have to thank him and form a contract with him."

"Think you both lost." Hesphaistos chuckled. "Welf already made his gear." Indril's shoulders sank.

"Well." Gareth stroked his beard. "His gear is shattered to hell."

"Mine." Indril beat Tsubaki again.

"Dam it. How am I losing to a level three?" Tsubaki pounded the counter.

"He-he-he." Indril chuckled. "You won't ever have a chance. If I get level four."

"You better get level four soon. I don't want to make Virgil vice-captain again." Hesphaistos mocked Indril. "I don't think either of you will have the time. The expedition is in two days and the festival is tomorrow." Both Tsubaki and Indril face palmed in defeat. "Gonna have to talk to Welf about his forge abilities. Those knives should of have held up against a minotaur at least."

"We didn't see that fight. Eina told Loki it was wielding a greatsword." Gareth continued ignoring the three stunned faces lock on him. "Some asshole was playing with it, before losing it." Gareth dropped a coin pouch on the counter. "Don't go too hard on your smith."

"I have so many questions, but I don't need that much to patch your armor." Tsubaki stared confused at sizable coin pouch on the counter.

"Just a small portion of the reward from Amphisbaena's crystal. Make the kid something nice from his drop items. He definitely earned them."

"Awe, aren't you an old softy?" Tsubaki smiled affectionately. "Trying to make up for lost time, are you?"

"Quiet!" Gareth ordered

"Huh what's wrong?" Tiona wondered.

"Nothing." Gareth growled.

"Want to spar Gareth?"

"I told you no Tiona. I am going drinking."

"Come on please." Tiona grabbed Gareth's arm between her flat chest.

Indril smirked at the sight. "Are you two lovers?"

"No! She just won't let me get a drink in peace."

"Plus, his son is twice her age." Tsubaki giggled.

"DAM IT CYCLOPS!" Gareth was fuming mad he shoved Tiona to the ground in his anger.

"Sorry I am tired." Tsubaki held her hands up and backed away behind Hesphaistos.

"You have a son!" Tiona shouted out loud in shock. "Where is he?"

"Keep your yap shut! All of you!" Gareth ordered.

"Why?" Tiona pouted.

"Urrrgh, boy's mum doesn't want me near him. I feel like traveling to my homeland in the future without an army being sent after me. Now keep it a secret all of you."

"I don't know. I have so much energy. Might say something randomly." Tiona snickered

"Fine." Gareth growled. "I will spar.

"Yeah." Tiona jumped to her feet and started cheering

"Thanks a lot, Cyclops."

"You needed a kick in the pants anyways. I was hoping you would get level seven."

Gareth stared annoyed at Tsubaki. "Don't make me have the elf freeze your shop. She owes me one."

"You're messing with royalty again?" Tsubaki smirked

"Hell no." Gareth flexed his arm. "Elves aren't my type."

"Whew." Indril sighed in relief.

"Bell's type though. He-he-he." Tiona held her gut laughing. Gareth noticed Indril's red face and started laughing along.

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*Knock. Knock.*

"Yo mama can I come in."
"Yes Loki."

*Creak*

Loki enter Riveria's room with her hands in her pockets. Riveria was on her bed lifting up a white dress. "Ooooh fancy. Gonna show it off to the rabbit."

Riveria dropped the dress back into the box. She stared up at the ceiling annoyed. "No! For some reason my parents want me to wear it tomorrow. Why do you continue to taunt me about a nonexistent romance?"

"It would exist if you give me a smooch." Loki giggled.

"No." Riveria stared unblinking at the goddess. "You would have an easier chance with a sober Bete."

"Uggh Pass. Can you blame me for being jealous? Rabbit just snatches your first kiss when I have been trying for decades." Loki pouted. "Sounds like he managed to kiss all three of you in some manner."

Riveria cheeks-tinged pink. "I-it wasn't his fault with Alicia attacking him in a blind rage. Eina jumped on him after the minotaur and wellllllll…. I don't want to talk about me." Riveria eyes drifted downward. "I am not in a romantic relationship with B-Bell."

Loki rolled her eyes. "Well, if you were with the rabbit, I would ask him to teach me about elves. Has the three of you riled up. Either he's a genius tactician or his emotions are running crazy."

"Don't give Lefiya any ammunition. Can we please change subject?" Riveria closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. "What did you want Goddess?"

"Oh right." Loki pulled out a sheet of paper from her pocket. "Something weird appeared in your status. I didn't want to show it in front of Gareth. He's already mad at you."

"Weird!?"

"Here." Loki handed Riveria the status sheet. "Check out your magic ability."

"SS1015!" Riveria shouted out with her eyes widened to their limits.

"That's a first for me." Loki stared in disbelief. "I don't know of any other god or mortal that has seen over S999."

Riveria heart was racing. She was silent for a few seconds trying to collect her thoughts as Loki scanned her face. "I-I have s-seen that before."

"What!? When!? Wait…..Bell!?" Loki shouted her questions rapidly.

Riveria shook her head. "Me and Ais caught a quick glimpse of his back after he broke out of the dragon's mouth."

Loki shook her head rapidly in shock. "What did it say?"

Riveria's brow was raised as she squirmed in her seat. "The skill was scarred over and he seared his back with his magic to cauterize the wounds." Riveria's brow was stretched to its limit. "We saw his ability scores and almost all of his stats were Far…. Far beyond mine."

*THUD!*

Loki fell backwards to the floor unconscious. "LOKI!? LOKI!? Are you okay? Loki." Riveria jumped up to monitor Loki's breathing for a minute. She was crouched above the goddess watching her chest rise and fall. "Yeah, I am not touching you Loki."

"Ah dam it." Loki smirked up to Riveria. "That reaction was real though. What the hell is that boy?" Loki scratched her sore head.

"I-I don't know Loki."

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(Day 30 afternoon)

"Awe Fresh Air." I took a deep breath of the morning air. The warmth of the sun and the air felt refreshing after four days in the hospital. I placed my box on the ground and began to stretch my muscles. "So glad to be out of Bed."

"You better take it easy at the festival. I don't want you back in here." Airmid was standing right behind me.

"I will try not to get into any trouble. Never been to one. What happens at the lunar Festival?"

"Vendors from all over will be selling food and exotic items. Dances, games, music and fireworks."

*Bang! Bang!*

My attention was diverted to a bunch of laborers constructing a stage near the north side of Babel. "What is that for?"

"Oh, that's for the band and the pageant."

"Pageant, what for!?" Airmid noticed the visual confusion on my face.

"Were you born under a rock."

"Close it was a tree." I stared at the silver hair woman with a sarcastic smirk.

"He-he-he." Airmid covered her laughter. "The first full moon of the summer is the best time to find love. Lunar festival has been a tradition for thousands of years all over Gekai. It is said that couples that find each other tonight will be blessed with eternal love. However, the gods kind of use the tradition to brag about women in their familia. Some pervert god started this vile beauty competition as entertainment."

I held the back of my head. "No pressure or anything. Maybe I shouldn't go."

Airmid smiled plainly. "I don't think you will have much trouble finding someone. He-he-he."

"I don't have anybody." I nodded my head back and forth

Airmid's one brow raised weirdly. "Then who are all those Loki familia women fighting your goddess over you."

"Close friends. My heart isn't worthy of either of them." My eyes shifted to the ground. I picked the box of drop items off the ground.

"Maybe I should have you monitored for a few more days." Airmid stared at me shaking her head.

"Huh."

"You're obviously delirious from your coma. I don't know the circumstances and your private life is none of my business. They all seem to care for you a lot. Eina hadn't left your bedside in days. She spilt more tears than you spilt blood. Alicia and Gareth were waiting on any good news. Even Riveria was having trouble keeping it together." My eyes widen and glazed over. A smile curled up on Airmid's face. "Never seen elves react that way before. I have to go back inside Mr. Cranel. Go enjoy yourself tonight and take it easy.

"T-thank you, miss Airmid."

"Oh. One more thing, Denatus is coming up. You should go to the guild as soon as possible and report your level up, so you can get an alias for all your hard work.'

"I will." I bowed my head to Airmid. She waved before going back into the hospital. 'Maybe I should have asked about Denatus and Aliases. Sure goddess knows.' A few minutes later I found the northwest road leading to the guild.

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The streets were crammed full of street vendors, visitors and townsfolk, even at this early hour. I managed to squeeze myself through the crowds until I got to the guild hall. The guild workers were frantically trying to keep up with the crowds of people. Rose however was alone at the exchange with very few people going into the dungeon today.

I approached the exchange. "Morning Rose."

"Bell." Rose looked genuinely surprised to see me. "I was starting to fear you might be dead."

I scratched the back of my neck. "Pretty close to it."

"Eh." Rose eyes went wide.

"Might have just gotten out of the hospital. I can't make you regret ending that bet now." I smiled wide.

"I would rather have you alive, Bell. What can I help you with today?"

"Can I cash in this monster stone?" Rose opened the exchange tray. Her eyes widen even more when I pulled out the huge minotaur stone and placed it in the tray."

Rose retrieved it on her end. She twirled the stone between her fingers. "What the hell is this from Bell?"

"Minotaur." I shuffled around nervously.

Rose's tail was pointed on end. "How did you? Why is it so big?"

"I don't know." I shrugged my shoulders.

"Wait here a minute. Let me talk with Mr. Rehmer." Rose walked off to the back office.

A few minutes later she came back out trailed by an aggravated looking brown haired clienthrope man. "Everything okay."

"How did you get this Bell?" Rehmer held the stone outstretched in his hand. "This is twice the size of a normal minotaur stone."

I tilted my head confused. "I killed it."

Rehmer's brow narrowed. "Impossible. I have personally seen the state of Hestia familia and you are level one. I will ask you again. How did you get this stone?"

"I killed a minotaur on floor nine." I reached down into my box and pulled out the horns. "Also, a wyvern, but I don't remember anything after killing that thing. Been in the hospital for a few days."

"Your story does not make sense at all." Rehmer stared down at me in disbelief.

"Bell those are level two monsters. Did Loki familia give it to you again?" Rose asked with a pained expression.

"No." I shook my head back and forth. "I killed them both. I also need to report my level up."

"Huh." They replied in unison.

"Something weird!?" I tilted my head.

Rose and Rehmer looked at me with slow blinking eyes. "How long have you been an adventurer?"

Before I could answer, Rose interrupted. "It's only been like a month and half."

"I am calling bull. These items are obviously stolen. I am confiscating the contents of that box." Rehmer held out his hand for the box.

"I killed them." I placed the horns back inside the box.

"I just needed some advice on the stone. Maybe we should ask Loki familia first." Rose suggested.

"I am not an errand boy. His story makes absolutely no sense. If he wants them back than he can bring somebody from Loki familia here to vouch for him." Rehmer held out his hands. "Hand over the box."

"No!" My voice deepened.

"What!?" Rehmer stared at me bug eyed.

"I am not giving you the box. I almost died getting these. I wrestled the minotaur. I was in the mouth of the dragon." I tried controlling my anger and pulled out the serrated wyvern tooth. "Imagine a dozen of these digging into your backside. I had to sear my own wounds shut with fire just so I didn't bleed out. I just woke up this morning after three days asleep."

"Bell." Rose's face started going pale.

"Don't tell me you believe this garbage, Rose. I can't let you leave." Rehmer stood tall. "You want me to call the guards."

"I am unarmed but I guess I could prove I am level two that way." Rehmer lurched backwards. "However, Miss Airmid told me not to overdo it. Just keep the stone. I am not giving you the box." I turned my back to the stunned animal guilds people and walked away blending into the crowd.

"I think he was telling the truth Rehmer. He has been progressing crazy fast. A week ago, he was on floor ten."

"Don't be absurd." Rehmer folded his arms. "You know how Royman will act. Are you willing to risk your job trusting his bizarre story?"

"I shouldn't have asked you for help." Rose held her temple. "And like you can afford to lose me Rehmer. This place is already falling apart without Eina."

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*Slam!*

I shut the door to the church basement behind me. I sighed out loud as I entered. "Huuuuuuuu, probably shouldn't have done that." I shook my head and stared around the dark basement. "Goddess! Goddess are you here!?" No answer. "Guess she's at work."

"One problem at a time, Bell. Make something to eat then go to the festival tonight. I will apologize to goddess tomorrow. Shouldn't go into the dungeon anyways without weapons and armor. Savings should hold us over for a little bit but still far from buying a real house." I smiled still with my back to the door. "Honestly why am I even thinking of an impossible love life when I have so many problems? He-he-he." I chuckled at my pitiful state while staring down at the floor. My mind wonder to Eina, a smile curling up on my face. "Still, I have to answer that beautiful angel."

"…" My stomach gurgling. "Not you." I poked my stomach. "Guess it is near lunchtime. That dragon ate more in five minutes than I did in the last week. Let's see what we got in the pantry." I opened the cupboards. The pantry was near barren, a few things were rotten. "Guess I have to go to the market." I grabbed a semi stale piece of bread to chew on, while searching through my pack for my savings. I wrote a small note and attached it to the door, before leaving for the southwest district.

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.

.

"Eina wait up." Aina called out for their daughter as she slipped through crowds in front of them.

"Are we really gonna go on a wild rabbit chase for this kid? He wasn't at the hospital. What makes her think he's at the guild?" Ethan said sarcastically.

"Ninety nine percent of time I adore you husband, but you overdo it with our daughter." Aina loosened her grip on Ethan's hand. "I talked with her last night. Apparently, Bell asked her out on a date tonight, but Alicia got them thrown out before they ironed out the details. They were going to report their level ups. He's probably a little ashamed to go to twilight manor or the apartment."

"Guess that makes sense. Still don't believe he leveled up and I am her father. I have a right to overdo it. I love you both. I don't want her getting hurt Aina. Especially over some boy."

"She's already getting close to the point of no return with her heart, Ethan."

"But shes only a hal-."

"Do not finish that sentence or you will be sleeping alone for a while." Aina threatened. "I love everything about Eina, both human and elf. However, she is still an elven woman. We only fall in love once. I have yet to meet him, but if he's even half as great as our daughter thinks of him. Then it won't take much to push her over the edge."

Ethan stared at the ground. "If he's really got some divine stalker. I don't want her getting mixed up in it."

"Neither do I, but the gods have no right to intervene in their relationship." Aina brushed up closer leaning her head against her husband's shoulder earning them disdain from passing elves. "If it's true than they can come live with us. If they target her than Riveria will bring Babel to the ground. I have to say as someone who traveled along with Loki for a few years. You don't know how many lies that pervert is willing to tell to get into a girl's pants. Please just keep an open mind."

"Alright. Swear sometimes I feel like I married the bossy princess."

"He-he-he." Aina leaned over to whisper in Ethan's ear. "If you behave, I will give you the keys to the kingdom when we get home." Aina flashed a devilish smirk to her grinning husband. "There we go back to the adorable sweetheart. Now let's catch up to her."

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.

.

Eina arrived at the guild hall alone. She stood up on her tip toes trying to stare over the crowds to find Bell. After a few minutes she resigned herself to just get into the line. 'How would he even know when to meet me?' She held her arm against her chest. "Huuuuuuu."

"E-Eina!" Eina's ears twitched when a loud voice roared from behind her.

Eina stared up at the ceiling not wanting to talk with strong burly dwarf. She didn't hate him by any means but Dormul never knew when to take a hint that she wasn't interested. She had lost count how many times Dormul would show up at some random place. Eina turned around to nervously greet the tall muscley clean shaven dwarf. "Ah…is that you Dormul?"

"Wh-what a surprise, seeing you in the guild? Heard ye got canned." He nervously scratched his nose.

"I was." Eina took a step forward in line with Dormul following her.

"Dam shame that is Lass. It's been weeks, since I have seen you last."

"Only a few." The nervousness in Eina's voice veiled the sarcastic comment. She was pleading silently for the conversation to end.

"How about we go get some lunch and catch up during the festival?"

"Sorry I have plans, Dormul"

"Come on lass, you need a real man that can protect and provide for you." Dormul flexed his arms. "We're perfect for each other." Eina back up nervously not knowing how to answer the insistent dwarf inching closer to her.

"Hardly dwarf." A slim blond hair elven man came up to intervene. He was dressed in leather armor with a bow on his back. "Can you not see that Eina doesn't want your grubby fingers touching her?"

"Grubby!? You're the one that twirls around monsters like a sissy with your wee little piece of wood, Luvis." Dormul leaned in toward elven man. "Not talking about your bow either."

"Despicable dwarf. Do not harass this fair maiden ears with such vile words." Luvis side shifted past the dwarf towards Eina. "Are you all right Miss Eina?"

"I am fine Luvis." She shook her head. 'End me now.'

"Are you sure? I have missed you terribly Eina. Perhaps you losing your job is a sign from the gods. The final obstacle has been lifted, allowing us to start our courtship under the lover's moon." Luvis bent to one knee in front of the wide eyed Eina. All eyes shifted to the two men declaring their love for Eina. Even her parents stared on from the entrance with surprised smirks.

"Sorry Luvis. I have plans with someone else tonight."

"Oi elf stop embarrassing Eina." Dormul growled. "Even a scrawny human she's dating is better than you. Once she dumps the virgin runt. She can become me wife."

"Don't be absurd dwarf. It was just a ruse to put you in your place. She doesn't want to be tainted by your kind." Luvis folded his arms and raised his head with a sneer down at the dwarf. "We elves are noble"

"Eina's only a half. Don't be grouping her with your vile lot." (3)

"Our union will create children even the gods will cherish and override the mistake in her blood." Luvis prideful boast was overheard by her parents. Ethan cracked his knuckles as Aina shook her head watching Ethan walk up behind the arguing men.

"Little dwarf in her will counteract those fairy sissy genes."

Eina shuttered in embarrassment. "Excuse me." Eina let out a meek reply to dip out of the way and go up to the counter while the men were arguing. Eina found Misha. "Hide me please. Begging you, Misha."

"Follow me Eina." Misha led Eina back to the training room.

"You creepy well crawler…" Luvis stopped mid insult when he seen Eina follow Misha to the back. What really stole his gaze was watching the curvy jade haired high elf mother follow behind her. "No way…."

"You scared her off leaf licker!" Dormul growled.

*THUD*

Giant arms wrapped around both Dormul and Luvis shoulders. They both were stunned by the massive man hanging on them. "You boys want to talk about my family like you're choosing from a menu." Dormul and Luvis eyes widened in fear. "Give me one reason, why I shouldn't smack the both of you into the ground?"

"Were both level three, don't want to hurt my future father-in-law." Dormul was sizing up Ethan trying to resist.

"That's cute. I had level three before either of your balls dropped." Ethan flexed his bulging muscles and curled both men inwards to his torso. "She clearly did not appreciate your advances or your racial remarks."

"For….forgive me sir. I just think… I am best ma….nnn." Dormul gurgled with his throat being slightly crushed by Ethan's biceps.

Luvis hated being touched but chose not to resist further. He bowed his head and Ethan loosened his grip on the elf man. "Sorry sir for this rude dwarf's mouth. I never wish to make that beautiful maiden feel ill at ease. You're clearly are a legendary man to have swayed the heart of a high elf."

"Legends are for kids. Love is what swayed Eina's mother. Kissing ass won't gain our favor." Ethan stood up and pushed them both men forward, both barely managed to right their footing. "Only warning! Any man that seeks to ruin my little girl will be broken a thousand times over." Ethan stomped away from the fearful duo towards the training room. The group of onlookers split in two to allow him to pass.

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*CLUNK*

Ethan closed the door behind him, he flashed a grin to his wife and daughter. "Don't worry just gave them a friendly warning."

"Uh huh sure. He-he." Aina chuckled.

"Our girl definitely attracts all types. Still the elf didn't seem too bad." Ethan nodded his head to one side. "Might need to pull his pride out his ass first."

"Father I am not interested in Luvis or Dormul."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "A level three could provide for you at least."

"Bell gave me seventy thousand the other day after finishing an orc hide quest. I am fine going back into the dungeon."

"Sure, being all lovey dovey won't get in the way."

"Y-y-yess, we will be fine." Eina was crimson in the face.

"He-he-he. Probably be happier with her special student over those two stalkers." Misha joked.

"Are they Eina?" Ethan clenched his hands.

"Not full on but they both have a knack for showing up at random places and times looking for me. Honestly, I forgot about them over the last week being locked up in the manor, visiting home and being at Bell's bedside."

"Can't use the advisor excuse anymore to get away from now." Misha mocked her. "I wish you were working here still. So does Rose. Everything is so hectic with the festival and Denatus around the corner."

"Why so I can be harassed by management and do everybody's job?" Eina replied sarcastically staring dead eyed at the pouting Misha.

"Dam. Monster killing is making you mean." Misha giggled. "What can I do for you all?"

"I wanted to report my level up along with Bell but he's not here." Eina sighed.

"Wait he leveled for real." Misha stared dumbfounded.

"Yes, has he come in already."

Misha strained her eyes. "Yeah, he kind of flipped out on Rehmer earlier. Nobody believed him when he came in and they thought he stole a box of drop items. Rose is trying to talk them out of pressing charges."

The Tulle's eyes shot open wide. Eina jumped out of her seat. "I need to speak with them now."

"Their upstairs in Royman's office. You can't go…." Misha trailed off to late. Eina rushed out the door.

"I am going up too." Aina directed toward her husband. "You stay big guy. Please show me the way Misha." Aina followed Misha out of the training room upstairs.

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*Knock. Knock*

Eina barely gave any notice before forcing open the door to Royman's office. The three inside cut off their argument stunned that Eina barged her way into Royman's office.

"Eina." Rose gasped.

Royman leaned forward in his chair, he interlaced his fingers and stared at Eina with his brow furrowed. "Come to beg for your job back Tulle."

"Hardly." Eina grimaced in disgust. "I heard what happened to Bell."

"What about that delinquent? He should be punished for his actions." Royman smirked.

"He earned those drop items."

"I don't believe that for a second. He obviously stole those items and ran from high-ranking guild official when his story fell through." Royman pointed to Rehmer.

"Bell is level two. He killed the minotaur with a little help from me and destroyed the dragon."

"Ah so that is why you barged in here to defend your little boy toy!? Already lost your job. Trying to get arrested for him too."

"Under false pretenses, no." Eina shook her head. "One he had half a dozen witnesses who saw him slay the dragon and I seen him kill the minotaur. Two the law clearly states the one who finds valuable items in the dungeon holds the right to them or is the law not something you're willing to honor."(5)

"She is right." Rose shifted backed and forth between Rehmer and Royman. "He might have overreacted, but you had no right to punish him."

"Fine." Royman sighed. "Still not recording him as a level two after forty-five days."

"Oh, why is that piggy?" Aina pushed by Eina. Her insult silenced the room.

"What? Lady Riv….. no." Royman's switched between shock and anger as the high elf entered his office.

"Tulle. Aina Tulle." Her eyes flared with anger. "Riveria and the rest of Loki familia seen this Bell's fight. They all seen him recover on the hospital bed after he was leveled up by his goddess."

Royman's face contorted in anger. "You have no right to lie on the princess's behalf and not call her by her title."

"I don't care piggy." Royman's barred his teet at Aina's insult. "I have known Riveria almost every second of her life until recently and she doesn't care either." Aina held her finger up to silence Royman and continued to press further. "Believe me if she has to come down here. I can't guarantee she won't separate your snout from your porky body for how you treated my daughter." Rose eyed Royman with disgust.

"Is that a threat?" Royman was seething in anger.

"No, the threat has passed." Aina crossed her hands at her hips. "You should be kissing the ground at my feet for saving you. I am the reason my husband and Riveria didn't exercise their anger towards you. You will drop all charges and record their level ups or maybe I will wonder into Lord Ouranos's chamber." Royman eyes flared wide. "I am sure he would like to know why you were intoxicated on the job. I do wonder what other things you are doing behind closed doors." Aina tilted her head and flashed a scary smirk toward the obese elf.

Rehmer and Rose were staring at Royman with suspicion. "Fine." Royman gave in to Aina's demand.

"Good. Come along Eina."

"Y-y-yes mother." Eina followed after her mother.

Both of them were descending the stairs. Ethan was waiting at the bottom. He grinned wide seeing his wife's face. "Alright my girls don't pull punches."

"Only for you mister." Aina gripped Ethan's face and laid a chaste kiss on his lips.

"Wait Eina." Rose was at the top of the stairs. "Catch." Rose threw the minotaur stone to Eina. She caught it in her outstretched hand. She was surprised seeing the stone in her hands. "Give that back to your bunny." Rose winked.

"Thank you, Rose." Eina smiled wide up to red haired werewolf.

"Should we go to the rabbit's hole." Aina smirked toward her daughter.

Eina nodded her head. "Please don't judge him if I do?" Aina and Ethan stared bewildered at Eina. "Follow me."

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.

The Tulles walked directly south from the guild back the side streets. Eina led them west toward the ruin. Aina grew concerned over the dramatic shift in surroundings. "What are we doing back here Eina? Is this a shortcut?"

"I told you not to judge him. He lives in the church back here."

"Huuuuu." Ethan sighed. "I see a condemn building in a ruin."

"Its Bete's fault for scaring him away from twilight manor a few months ago. Please knock it off father."

"Makes sense." Aina gave a stern look at her husband.

"Fine I will keep my distance." Ethan jumped onto a nearby pillar and laid down watching the entrance.

"Your father is just being protective." Aina pulled Eina in close.

"I know. I am glad he cares. I did offer Bell to live at my apartment, but he didn't want to cause me problems."

"He-he-he. Starting to sense a trend. If you truly desire this Bell than you need to help him break out of this thought loop." Aina's advice soften Eina's worried face. "Still surprised he was able to refuse my beautiful daughter." Eina cheeks tinge pink in embarrassment.

The mother and daughter entered the church. Eina escorted her to the winding staircase that led to basement. *Knock. Knock* "Bell. Bell are you home?"

"I don't think they are home." Aina pulled the note out of the door. "Seems he went grocery shopping."

Eina sighed in defeat. "Why is this so hard?"

"I don't mind waiting around Eina. We could go get a jaga-maru and wait."

"His goddess works at one of the stands."

"And what of it?" A cold response came from above them.

"Nothing wrong Goddess Hestia." Eina bowed her head.

"Another elf. When will this endless harassment, stop." Hestia palmed her forehead.

"I am here for a different reason goddess Hestia. Also, I am already married." Aina walked up the stairs and handed Hestia the note.

Hestia scanned the note. Then stared back up at Aina. "Then why are you two here to see my Bell."

"I am Eina's mother. Just was hoping to meet my daughter's hero and possible future son-in-law."

"M-m-mother." Aina ignored them both and walked up to the main floor with a grin on her face.

Hestia took the bait immediately after scanning the note. She crushed it in her hand and ran up after Aina. "What do you mean son-in-law?"

"Well, I have yet to meet him, but it's obvious Bell has a beautiful heart that beats strong for my daughter. I wanted to get to know him and help alleviate his concerns. Perhaps then he will be able to devote his heart to my Eina." Eina was getting dizzy with embarrassment. "We can even help you get a new place."

"No, I refuse." Hestia huffed out her chest. "We will find our own way. Keep your daughter away. Bell's chastity is under my protection."

Aina stared Hestia straight in the face with an unflinching resolve. "Protecting from others or keeping for yourself, little goddess."

"How dare you be so disrespectful?" Hestia huffed out her chest.

"I am not being disrespectful. You just can't handle the truth. The heart of mortals aren't the playthings of gods. Eina and Bell clearly like each other. They should be allowed to work through their feelings."

"What about mine? I love him." Hestia confessed. "He is perfect and she just gets in the way of our happiness."

"Can gods even feel love?" Aina stared down the goddess.

"Of course, we can." Hestia pouted

"Really because it seems like an obsession or is this some kind of entertainment for you. That is the real reason gods descended to Gekai."

"Mother!" Eina's shout went on deaf ears.

"Of course not."

"Oh, enlighten me then. Why are the gods on Gekai?" Aina waited for an answer that didn't come. "Ughhh whatever we will meet him at the festival." Aina walked out of the church.

"Sorry Goddess Hestia." Eina bow her head to Hestia quick and followed after her mother.

Eina and Aina walked in silence toward the western road. *THUD* Ethan jumped down in front of them. "Swear it's like a scavenger hunt for this bunny. Heard some shouting. Are we finally done with him?" Eina walked past her father.

"No just baited his goddess in expressing her mind. No luck in finding him. You however are in danger of alienating your daughter."

Aina and Ethan caught up to the distraught Eina. "Pumpkin, I am sorry."

"No, you're not." Eina pouted. "You won't even give him a chance. Nobody gives him a chance; except his goddess, Riveria and me." Eina stormed away toward Babel.

"Go fool." Aina urged Ethan on.

"What can I?" Ethan looked dumbfounded.

"Talk with her. Take her to the arena to watch the fights and get to know how she feels." Aina eyes widened urging him on.

"Right. What about you?"

"I am gonna stay in the area to check out the markets, husband."

"I can't leave you alone. Criminal activity is worse during the festivals." Ethan face was strained.

"I will be fine. I will stay near the main roads. Catch up to your daughter now." Aina ordered.

"Alright but if I think you're in trouble I will tear apart the city for you."

"Wouldn't expect anything else from my beautiful fool of a husband." Aina kissed her husband. "Now go." She waves him off, watching Ethan chase after Eina. "Now to find the rabbit. Should be in the market." Aina walked towards the south making sure to stick to the main roads.

Luvis watched Aina split off from her husband and daughter. "Bit of a weird pitstop. However, this may be my chance to impress her high elf mother. Modi said real men protect from the shadows."

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.

"Goddess I am home!" I strained to reach the handle. My arms full of bags of food.
The door opened in front of me. "Bell welcome home. Oh, let me help you."

"I am fine goddess."

"Nonsense you just recovered. Let me grab one bag at least." She pulled one of the bags out of my hand and opened the door wide. We started filling up the pantry. "Sorry I spent most of the time at the hospital."

"I appreciate it goddess. You really didn't have to do that. Sorry for worrying you."

"I would do anything for you Bell and yes I am upset with you for worrying me so much. Been distraught for the days watching you lie there."

"I am truly sorry goddess." I hanged my head. "I care for Eina too much to let her get hurt. I feel like I am always causing her pain."

"Selfless and brave." Hestia held my cheek. I admire that Bell. I do, but your recklessness will get you killed. Besides it wasn't your fault."

"Hod was after me goddess. I should have just left an opening above ground for him to come after me."

"Then you would have died for real, Bell."

"Not so sure." I stared into the blue eyes of my goddess. "Hod didn't injure me. The minotaur broke my weapons and the dragon was just terrifying." I shrugged my shoulders. "The dungeon is just unpredictable. I will learn from my mistakes and not present an opening next time."

"Can you stay out of the dungeon a little while and spend some time with your goddess." Hestia smiled. "Like to get to know you more. I don't want to fight ever again."

"I-I would love that goddess. Miss Airmid did tell me to take it easy and my equipment is destroyed. I won't be going into the dungeon for a while anyways."

"Goodie." Hestia smiled wider. "Miss Airmid is pretty strict. She might hunt you down if you go to the festival."

"Don't you want to go to the festival goddess."

"I have to work tonight. Gram has been rather upset with me lately. I promised I would work a double shift and operate the jaga-maru stand at the northside of the roundabout by that stupid pageant." Hestia rolled her eyes.

"When do you have to go, goddess."

"I have to leave in a few minutes. If you got home earlier, I would have had time show you your status and tell you about your new skills." Hestia smiled.

"Skills!?" My eyes widen as much as my smile. Tears well up in my eyes. "Goddess, Did you say SKILLLLLS!?" I shouted out loud in excitement.

Hestia chuckled. "You're so cute Bell. Yes, you earned two rather crazy skills with your level up. I didn't write it down at the hospital, out of fear somebody would see them. When I get home tonight after this dumb festival. We can talk about them."

"Are you sure you don't have time goddess. I can make dinner too."

"Your cooking is the best, but I don't want to upset Gram further. Those potatoes snacks won't make themselves. He-he." Hestia hugged me. "I promise I will tell you about your status after the festival. Just rest Bell. You can sleep in my bed if you want."

"I c-can't do that g-goddess." I stuttered out in her grip.

Hestia pouted staring up at me. "I won't mind. You need to recovery your strength. I will see you tonight, Bell." She hugged me tighter, before grabbing her coat and waving goodbye. "Rest up Bell. Good night." The door shut behind her.

"Night. I feel fine though. Better even." I flexed my arms slowly feeling full of energy and strength. "Oh well." I finish unpacking the groceries and started preparing a salad. "Wait did I get tomatoes?" I searched through the pantry and couldn't find any. I smiled up toward the ceiling. "Guess one more trip to the market won't worry Airmid."

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.

Aina was walking around the market to the south scanning the stalls with little interest. Her main mission was to find the rabbit, but failed to find even a hint after an hour. "Has to be a reason, they are both acting so strongly towards him. I refuse to let my husband be right about him without meeting him."

Aina felt a chill up her spine. She started noticing familiar shadows following her as the crowds thinned heading towards Babel. One was keeping his distance in front of her and the another was dipping in stalls behind her. "Are those idiots really following me? Enough of this." Aina walked back the way she came towards the west road.

All of a sudden and blonde elven man popped out of a floral vendor holding a bouquet of flowers. "My lady." Luvis bowed to Aina.

"Why are you following me?"

"Sorry if that's what it appeared." Luvis bowed deeper. "I am just buying a bouquet of flowers for my future betrothed Eina. Do you need assistance my lady?"

Aina rolled her eyes. "I am not royalty and No I am just searching for my daughter's boyfriend."

Luvis eyes widened in anger. He calmed his mind before standing up straight. "You have found me my lady. I am hoping to marry your daughter soon"

"Oh really. Swore he was human."

"There is no man of another race more deserving to carry on your noble bloodline. I am planning to propose to Eina tonight."

'This is exactly why I went native. Blood and purity over love.' Aina thought to herself. "Interesting. I never hear about you."

Luvis held his heart. His shoulders sank. "Could it be that Eina is fighting depression over losing her job?" Luvis shoved the bouquet into Aina's hands. "Please take these, mother."

"I am not your mother and I thought they were for her." Aina stared confused.

"It is clear the time we spent away from each other has created a rift for another to exploit your daughter. Please help me find something with more meaning to capture her heart before it's too late." Luvis begged.

"I only give her heart and mind guidance as her mother. I will not intervene." Aina warned. "Please Excuse me." Aina walked off down the side road. She looked back to see Luvis was following her for a half a mile. She dropped the flowers into a dirt patch and dipped down a small alleyway to get away to the southwest road.

Another figure jumped out in front of her at the intersection. The muscley dwarf man Dormul blocked her path forward. "Excuse me lass. Alleys aren't safe for someone so beautiful."

"Thank you, I am just cutting through." Aina was alarmed running into another one of her daughter's suitors. She bowed her head. "Please excuse me."

"I can escort you to the main road if ye like."

"I am fine thank you. I am just getting back to my family." Aina nodded her head.

"Ye seem familiar." Dormul flexed his arm while scratching his chin. "Would you happen to be Eina's mother?"

"I am."

"Wonders never seize. How lucky am I to run into Eina's mum?" Dormul smiled ear to ear.

"Yes….. luck…." Aina said sarcastically.

"Would you like to go share a mooncake and meet up with Eina? Been wanting to get to know her folks."

"Do you understand the significance of mooncakes?(6)" Aina's one brow was raised.

"I actually do, Mrs. Tulle. You share them with family or love ones during a full moon and I hope to wed your daughter."

"Seems my daughter is rather popular." Aina's eyes widen.

"None of them has the strength to protect her like I do. We are a perfect match of brawn and brains. Not to mention beauty." Dormul flexed his arms.

"Well, her boyfriend protected her from a dragon, a minotaur and a rapist. I think she's in good hands."

Dormul's brow narrowed in anger. "Ughhh, Minotaur's and dragons are child's play. Scores of those beasts fall to these hands." Dormul raised his hands to Aina to admire his meaty digits.

*SWISH!*

An arrow shot out from above them. It impaled into the ground in front of Dormul's hands. "What is the meaning of this?" He growled at the top of his voice.

"Unhand that noble woman or the next arrow goes through your fat dwarf skull." Luvis had an arrow drawn right at Dormul.

Dormul was tensing his arms in anger. "I didn't even touch my mother-in-law."

"Like a high elf would ever want to sully their bloodline with a dwarf." Luvis was full of rage.

"Be better than having a little cockroach like you stalking her. I just ran into her by mere chance." Dormul shouted to the roof. Aina stepped to the left slowly to get out of the way.

"Right, you just ran into her in some random alleyway. I had a feeling you would try something horrible against her mother."

"I will not be slighted by some perverted daisy sniffer." Dormul withdrew is axe.

*SWISH! SWISH! CRUNCH!*

Luvis shot a barrage of arrows which were both deflected by Dormul. His hulking form taking up the majority of the intersection with his axe swinging. Aina chose to run down the other alley to get away from the two stalkers. Luvis fired until his quiver was empty. Dormul found his opening and jumped up the walls to the roof. He slammed his axe down in front of Luvis. The roof was cratered and the axe was stuck. Luvis switched his bow for his sword and brought it down onto the dwarf's neck.

*THUD*

Dormul caught Luvis arm right above him. "Now to break you're wee fairy limbs." He tightened his grip around Luvis arm.

"Urgggh." Luvis cried out in pain, defense was barely resisting the dwarf's strength. He used his dexterity to jump up and over Dormul's arms and break his guard. Dormul lost his footing in the rubble and Luvis jumped and planted both feet into dormul's stomach kicking the Dwarf down to the alley. Luvis jumped down to the intersection. "Lady Tulle are you all right?" Luvis called out to no avail. "Lady Tulle."

*BAM. THUD!*

Luvis was instantly dropped to the ground as a dumpster was thrown at his backside. "Dam elf scared of me mum."

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.

.

Aina was forced to choose a different alleyway to run down to avoid them. The alley was longer and much darker as the sun began to set. She ran for five minutes and couldn't spot an exit. "Dam those two stalkers getting me turned around. Need to retrace my steps."

A deep excited voice sent a shiver down Aina's spine. A dark-haired human male popped out of a cellar nearby. "Well. Well. What do we have here? A beautiful elf with no falna, by how you move."

"Just cutting through. I will be on my way."

A male weretiger dropped down from the roof behind her. "Why not stay a while and have some fun?"

"No thankyou my husband is waiting for me." Aina was surrounded on either side by the two men. "Please let me bye."

"Your husband doesn't need to know." The human chuckled.

"Do you want valis or something? Please let me pass."

"You think you are too good for us two. Think you are nobility." The weretiger growled angrily.

"Wait I think she is a high elf. This one would make a fortune if we sold her to the pleasure quarter." The human smiled wide. "After we have our turns first."(7)

"I would rather kill myself." Aina was backed into the wall.

"We won't allow that." The weretiger licked his fangs.

"HEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP!" Aina shouted at the top of her lungs.

"It's party time." The two men surrounded Aina with their hands ready to grab her.

"HEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP!"

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.

I was carrying a bag of tomatoes on my way out of the market district. "Streets are empty over here. Can hear a lot from the direction of Babel. Guess that festival is something else. Ugggh." My back burned in the same spot. One of my tomatoes fell to the ground. I bent down to pick it up. "Okay how is dropping a tomato supposed to be lucky?"

"HEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP!" I heard the desperate cry on the other side of the building.

"She's gonna be hurt. But I am unarmed." I heard the scream again. Any self-doubt was burned over in a desire to save the woman screaming for her life.

I crouched down to my knees and aimed to jump to the awning and then the roof. *Bam!* With strength that surprised me, I pushed off the ground creating a small crack in the tiled road. I blew by the awning and my hands gripped the roof. I pulled myself up and over. Rolling into a sprint still holding onto a tomato.

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"Time to silence that pretty mouth….. ugggggggh." A tomato cracked the side of the man's face with tremendous strength, sending him to his knee.

"Who the hell….ugggghhh?" The weretiger stared up to see a white haired boy diving down to him. He was too slow to react and the foot impacted him right in the face. He was thrown back into the ground.

"You're gonna die little boy." Both men got to their feet and withdrew a knife. "I don't care if you don't have a weapon either."

"I will not let you defile her nor will I let you offend the gods by tainting their blessing with such acts." I lowered myself into a fighting stance. "Please run ma'am." I quickly turned my head to her.

Aina was stuck in fear and awe. Here was the boy that matched her daughter's description. "Go please." I urged her on not letting my eyes off the men in front of me. She got up and started to run down the alley.

"Like hell I am losing her. Get her." The human ordered the weretiger.

"Firebolt!" I aimed my hand in front of the weretiger. The magic blast was so much stronger than I expected. It slammed into a nearby wall at the speed of lighting and exploded the cement, sealing the alleyway behind the unknown elf woman. The men stared at me alarmed and angry. "You will not touch her!"

"Kill him." The man ordered. Both men charged me with knives drawn. Unable to deflect or parry their attacks, I was for to dodge a flurry of strikes from both of them. My speed was too much for them to land a hit. "Cut him off and surround him." Instead of attacking from the same side they split off and charged me in a pincer attack.

"FIREBOLT!" I hammered the ground with my hand and fired the magic at the same time. The ground splintered all around me sending rock and shrapnel at the two men. Each of them barred their hands. Surprisingly my arm was unharmed by the risky maneuver. "Firebolt." I sent a blast of flame into the weretiger's face before spinning around under the human man's stab. "Firebolt." I exploded my magic into his gut at point blank range sending the man to his back.

*SWISH! BAM! THUD!*

While both men were screaming pain from the fire, I dropped low to knocked the weretiger over with a low kick. Then jumped up on his gut and kicked of landing an axe kick down on the human man's collarbone.

Aina was screaming for help near the western road. Two Ganesha guards came running to her aid. She explained the attack and led them to the street next to the alley. The three were stunned to find a boy bending a steel rod around both men against a lightpost.

"What happened here?" One of the masked Ganesha guards asked me.

"Well I kind of….." I cut myself off. I was speechless, my eyes blinking rapidly as the Riveria look-like approached with the guards.

Aina smiled wide. "This young man saved me from those two." She pointed to the battered and burnt men bound to the lightpost. My face went red and I looked to the ground.

"We will take them into custody." After a few minutes the guards grabbed the two man and led them to prison. "You two get somewhere safe."

"Thank you very much to you and your god Ganesha." Aina bowed her head as the guards picked up the men and escorted them to the prison.

I was still silent. I bowed my head to the unknown high elf. "G-glad y-y-your safe."

Aina bent over and stared me in the eyes. She placed her hands on my face. "Thankyou for saving me." *muah* She kissed my left cheek. I was starting to get dizzy my face burning red.

"He-he-he." Aina chuckled. "You are a cute one, but I am already married to the man of my dreams. Would you happen to be Bell Cranel?"

I snapped out of my daze when I heard my name. "Y-y-yes ma'am… h-how do you know me?"

"My daughter speaks very highly of you. Wanted to meet the my Eina's hero and strayed off the main path looking for you." Aina's warm smile softened to saddening curiosity when she seen my eyes glaze over. "What's wrong?"

I bent to the ground and lowered myself into the dogeza position. "Please forgive me!" Aina was speechless seeing the young boy bowing in front of her. My tears hitting the ground. "I have no right to be treated so warmly. I am no hero. I am the reason Eina was put into that situation. I cost her job and made her feel so much pain. Now I hurt you."

Aina felt like her heart was punched. She knelt to the ground. "Please get up Bell." Her eyes strained seeing my tear-stained cheeks. She gripped me in a deep hug to my surprise. "It was my decision to search for you. It was not your fault, but mine and my stalkers. My daughter doesn't blame you at all. That attack, her losing her job was not your fault. If anything, your bravery has won her heart and mine."

"I don't….."

"Enough." Aina pushed me at arm's length and scolded me. "You can't keep blaming yourself for everything. My daughter adores you and desires you." My eyes widened, my heart rate steadily beating stronger. "I think you love her too don't you."

I shook my head. "Y-yes but…"

"But you don't want to hurt her, because you have a crush on my friend." Aina winks making my face go crimson again. "He-he-he definitely a brave one. As much as you would brighten my friend's smile with that adorable rabbit like features. I have to be a little selfish and hope you will choose my daughter Eina. Could definitely see you two together."

"M-me." I stared at her dumbfounded with my face getting redder.

"Yes." Aina grinned wider. "I won't push you any further, but please consider coming to the festival and take my daughter on a date like you promised." Aina ran her fingers through my hair. "Might want to get cleaned up first, Mr. hero." She chuckled getting to her feet. I escorted her to the main road. "I need to get back before my husband destroys the city looking for me. We will be near the north side of Babel in an hour or two."

"I will."

"Good." Aina waves goodbye and walks east.

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An hour later I was cleaned up and in my only decent pair of clothes which was just brown pants and a black shirt. I started walking down the east road. The sun was nearly gone and the streets were lit up with people of all races celebrating the festivals with food, drinking and shopping. Even a few miles away I noticed the whole bottom of Babel was lit up with scores of people crowded into the event.

"Wow its busy." I nervously walked by myself towards the roaring crowds.

"Bell!"

"Huh." I saw Syr in her uniform charging me. I stopped to wave but Syr didn't slow down. "Syr….ahhhh." *Thud!*

She tackled me to the ground. Syr was squeezing her curvy body against mine. A few whistles rang out from few men walking east. "Get a room."

Syr sat up and spit her tongue out to the men, before staring down at my blushing face. "That can be arranged. I have missed you, Bell."

"Uh, ahh Syr." I was nervous with her straddled-on top of me on the ground with so many watching.

"Syr please get off of him." Ryu stood above us, staring down at Syr with a strained look. "Please act in a respectable manner in public."

"Ah no fun." Syr rolled off me and stood up. I slowly got to my feet.

"Hello Bell." Ryu tilted her head. "Haven't seen you in almost a week. What have you been up too?"

"S-sorry Ryu. I kind of just got out the hospital. I was in a coma until yesterday."

Ryu and Syr's eyes bolted wide open. Syr started checking me over. "What? What happened? Are you okay?"

"I-I am fine now. I don't think you will believe me. The guild didn't when I reported my level up." I shrugged my shoulders.

"YOU LEVELED UP!" Ryu shouted out loud, drawing many stares.

I nodded my head. "Goddess and Airmid said I had low rate to survive until she leveled me up."

"How did you level up already!?" Ryu asked.

"I really don't think you believe me. Eina was there with me and Riveria showed up near the end to save my life." I bowed to Ryu. Her head swayed backwards in surprise. "I do know you're training saved my life and Eina's. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything, Ryu."

"Y-y-your welcome." Ryu was blushing from the embarrassing praise. "You are amazing to put it all to use so quickly. I am VERY glad you're alive."

"What about my fruit training?" Syr pouted.

"You too Syr. Thank you for all your support."

Ryu stared me down. "I am gonna have to ask Eina for answers if I meet her again. I would like to know what happened."

"The reason it happened is a bit sensitive." I glanced at the ground for a second. "But I was kind of lured into a trap and then the dungeon literally threw itself at me. If you want the full details, I am going to go meet Eina at the festival."

"I want to go." Syr replied with a cute voice.

"Like hell you are Syr. I am not running this stand out her for nothing." Loud voice came from Mia at the entrance to the hostess. She was carrying a pan of rice. "Ryu go refill the cakes."

"Yes Mamma." Ryu dipped inside the bar.

Mia looked me over. "Where has your scrawny butt been at lately?"

Syr chuckled. "He's been in a coma mamma."

"Serious." Mia stared on in disbelief. I nodded my head. "You need to eat more. Maybe that won't happen."

"I think it was from blood loss, Momma mia."

"Well…. Shit…" Mia looked genuinely concerned for a brief moment. "Still you need eat more or you won't get stronger. Good thing for me your still alive." She smirked at the nervous grin on my face.

"Momma he did get stronger. Bell leveled up." Syr said with a cheerful voice.

"Don't bullshit us kid." Mia warned me with an annoyed voice as she placed the bowl of rice on the table.

"I-I did."

"Yeah, and I am a fairy princess." Mia rolled her eyes.

"I did level."

"Run Meow." Anya shouted from the stand.

"Don't bruise his booty meow." Chloe stared around a customer at the stall.

"Eh." I felt a chill up my spine.

Mia stomped up towards me. Her huge form towered over me as she clenched her fist. "Alright smartass, if you really leveled dodge my fist or get placed in another coma for lying to me."

"Ahhhhh….. o-okay." Mia eyes flared in surprise. She raised her arm.

*Swish*

Mia suppressed her strength, but still extended her arm with terrifying force. Her massive fist came flying towards my face. Without moving my feet, I leaned out of the way and watched her bulky arm fly through the air harmlessly above my chin. "Huh." Mia pulled back her arm and helped me stand up straight. "Neat. Come bye after Denatus. I want to hear your title." She smacked me on my back.

"Guild didn't really believe me either." I shifted around nervously.

"Could always force them to believe it. Anyways Congratulations." She shook her head and walked back inside the hostess. She winked at Ryu as she passed the shocked elf standing in the doorway.

Ryu snapped out of her daze and walked out of the hostess carrying a tray of mooncakes. She wore a pair of oven mittens. "Wow I don't know why I doubted you."

"It's okay. You're not the first."

Before Ryu turned towards the stand, Syr stuck out her foot in front of Ryu. Ryu vision was blocked by the pan. She was already at the mercy of gravity before she could stop herself. Ryu fell forward throwing the tray at me before tackling me to the ground.

"Oww." Ryu bellowed in pain against something soft. She heard the sound of a drum beating beneath her. Ryu pushed off the ground and realized her head was resting on his abdomen.

I stared into her beautiful blue eyes, ignoring the crumbs from the mooncakes all over my shirt. "Y-you okay, Ryu."

"Y-y-yes." Ryu quickly sat up. Her face as red as mine. "Please forgive me Bell."

"I-I am fine. Momma Mia did tell me to eat more." I picked up a mooncake off my shirt and snapped it in half. I bit down onto the sweet red bean pastry. "These taste really good. Would you like the other half?" I held out the other piece toward Ryu.

Ryu's eyes went wide. "I-I don't know….."

"I will take it." Syr reached out for the other half of the cake. Ryu snatched it out of my hand and ate it whole. "What the heck Ryu?"

*Gulp* Ryu swallowed the pastry. "You hurt me Syr."

"Sorry I just wanted to see you blush red again like you do before training him. He-he-he." Syr giggled.

"Syr!" Ryu shouted holding out her hands to her friend. Ryu's face slowly turned back to stare at my nervous smirk.

"WHAT THE HELL!" The three of us froze in place as Mia shouted from the door. "Get back in here and make some more and clean up that mess you clumsy elf or I will show some red! Inside Syr. Now."

"Yes momma." Ryu bowed to Mia.

"Aweeee." Syr followed the dwarfess inside.

I picked up the pan and collected the remains of the moon cakes and handed it out to Ryu. "Bell isn't that hot. That was fresh out of the oven."

"Little warm."

Chloe came up beside me. "Ryu is just sensitive to touch meow. He-he-he." Chloe mocked Ryu while dipping her finger down to the tray. "Don't be such nah baby Ry…uuuuuuuuuuu. Owie." Chloe shook her hand. She stared at me with a teary-eyed pout. "So mean."

"I swear it's not burning me. Sorry Chloe."

Ryu grabbed the tray with her oven mitts. She looked at my unburnt hands as she felt the warmth through her mittens. "Do you have a skill?"

"I don't know. Goddess didn't have time to tell me."

"Interesting." Ryu stared over at the upset Chloe. "Don't lash out at him again. I believe him."

"Whatever meow!" Chloe stormed off and placed her finger into a glass of water.

"Sorry."

"Its fine go enjoy yourself at the festival Bell." My heart fluttered seeing her smile before she turned to go back inside. I brushed off any crumbs from my shirt and walked toward the loud cheers coming from Babel.

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By the time I made past the crowds blocking the west entrance to the roundabout, the darkness had blanketed the sky. The lights of the moon, the stars and the streets almost made it seem like daytime. Tens of thousands of people surrounded the inconceivably vast tower.

Many crowded around the stage to listen to the singer and the band. The outer sides of streets were lined with people getting drunk and playing board or card games. Food vendors and merchants surrounded the interior of the roundabout selling all manners of pastries and festival foods. There were even unique festival games of chance where you can win prizes.

I walked towards the northside where they said they would meet, until I encountered a huge line pushing out from one of the snack stands. "Geez kenki where do you put all these jaga-maru? This is your third time already."

"I eat them." The blond stared confused at the goddess.

"I met….. Nevermind." Hestia shook her head. "Please enjoy." Ais retrieved her tomato snacks. She turned around to find her group, but noticed a familiar rabbit wondering alone through the crowds

'Maybe I should keep my distance from goddess's stand. She was pretty adamant that I rest at home, but Airmid said to enjoy myself. Miss Airmid would know more about by condition.' I thought to myself as I put distance between myself and the jaga-maru stand. I had a feeling like something was approaching behind me. I turned around noticed nothing but the busy crowds. Then a second later the incredibly beautiful blond popped out of nowhere. "Hi Bell."

"Ais." I held my chest. My body tensed up seeing the godly beauty blonde swordswoman single me out. She was still wearing her armor.

"Sorry! Didn't mean to startle you, Bell."

"I wasn't really expecting anybody, surely not somebody as amazing as you to jump out." A light blush appeared on my face. Ais's emotionless smile curled up a little. "Why are you wearing armor?"

"I just got out the arena." Ais shifted her head to the side. "Surprised you didn't go watch the fights."

"I never been to the festival before. Didn't know there were fights going on today. Did you win?"

"No, the king couldn't be taken down by me, Finn or Bete."

"That's crazy." My mind wondered to the towering man I briefly met a week ago. "How have you been lately, Ais?"

"Just training. We went on a small exploration down to floor twenty-seven to take out a floor boss before the expedition." Ais nonchalantly recalled the last few days, while ignoring stares from passersbys wondering why she is talking to a nobody.

"Small!?" I stared at her dumbfounded. "You make that sound easy. He-he-he."

"It wasn't." Ais shook her head. We actually ran into a bit of trouble this time."

"Glad everything worked out alright."

"Mmmm, I heard you woke up yesterday. I wanted to ask you a few questions. Wondering if we could talk in private." Ais said innocently.

"Like what?" My face was redder than a tomato, as a scenario played out in my head.

"About what I saw during the fight with the dragon. I tried to visit you at the hospital yesterday, but was turned around by Airmid."

I berated myself in my mind for my vulgar thoughts while listening to her. "S-s-sorry I kind of caused an incident yesterday."

"I'd say rabbit." I heard a loud female voice shout behind me.

I turned around to see an agitated Loki and the twitching face of Lefiya. I lurched backwards a little. "L-lady Loki."

"Awe aren't you sweet calling me a Lady. You trying to butter me up in order steal my date rabbit." Loki narrowed her eyes, while Ais rolled hers.

"N-no Goddess Loki. I just ran into Ais." I stared around to the angry Lefiya. I raised my hand to wave at her. "Hello L-Lefiya."

"Huh." Lefiya facial features change from anger to confused.

"I think you have enough problems with elf women, rabbit." Loki stared right through my façade. I bit my bottom lip feeling guilty.

"What did he do?" Lefiya squinted at the chuckling trickster.

My chest sunk. "C-can I at least try to make friends with Lefiya before you get me killed goddess Loki?"

"That's up to you elf lover." Loki winked. "Though I am glad you're out of the hospital."

"Hospital!?" Lefiya face shifted to concern, her ears even dipped a little.

"Rabbit here dealt with Hod for us and saved Eina. Dungeon didn't play nice with him afterwards."

"Only alive because of your familia. Feel like it's my fault Hod was able to get to Eina."

Ais flicked me in the forehead gently. "Not your fault that meanie wanted to kill you. Nor for what he tried to do to Eina."

Loki and Lefiya, could see that I disagreed with Ais with the visible pain in my face. Loki walked up to me and put an arm around my shoulder. "It's all good Bell, I should have picked up on his behavior earlier and never recruited him. None of us blame you, definitely not Eina."

"T-thank you Goddess." My lips curled up into a half smile. "H-have you seen Eina? I was supposed to meet her here."

"Ahhhh, well Eina's failing to catch a fish over there." I looked up to where Loki was pointing to see the brown-haired beauty dressed in a red blouse and white shorts. Eina was scooping a paper net through a pool of water unable to catch a goldfish, getting more agitated by the second. I noticed her mother right away talking to a large human male. Loki smirked evilly. She pulled my head closer to her chest and grinded her knuckles against my scalp.

"L-L-Loki."

"Just playing. I am a trickster after all kid." She shoved me forward. "See you later RABBIT!" Loki shouted before directed Lefiya and Ais away to the east. "Come on Ais-pu." She had to push Ais away until she reluctantly followed the goddess.

Eina's parents looked up when Loki shouted Rabbit. Aina smiled towards me and bent over to talk to Eina. The man stared at me with piercing eyes full of animosity as if he was sizing me up. I could feel a chill down my spine as I stared back at him. Eina looked up from her game, her earlier agitation melted away. Eina jumped up from her chair and ran up to me, wrapping me into a hug to the surprise of parents. "Bell, you made it."

"Ye-yes Eina." My body felt like jelly in her grasp as her body was pressed up against mine. My arms slowly wrapped around to her lower back. "I-I wasn't sure if you still wanted to go out with me after."

"Shhhhhh, keep it a family secret Bell." Eina put a finger to her lips. "Of course, I want to spend the evening with you. Even if you are a dirty rabbit." Eina chuckled at my pouting face.

"I am never gonna shake that title am I."

Aina stepped up behind us. "At least rabbits are cute. Hello Bell."

"Hello Mrs. Tulle. Nice to see you again."

"Again." Eina released her gripped and stared at me suspiciously.

"I ran into your mom, when I was getting groceries." Eina sensed I was holding back information.

"Mom." Eina stared up at mother. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Lucky coincidence that I ran into him. He was nice enough to help me avoid tripping on some rotten tomatoes. He seemed upset over you when we talked. Glad he showed up." Aina played along with the cover story. She stared back to the unknown man clenching his fists. "Don't worry about us. You two go enjoy your date." Aina smiled wide before turning around and walking back over to the large man who I guessed was Eina's father.

*Gulp*

"Don't worry about dad. I will protect you." Eina rocked back and forth. "What would you like to do first Bell?"

"I didn't really eat much. Mind if we grab a bite." I stared above her head at the tower. "N-not jaga-maru."

"He-he-he. I would prefer our date is not that brief. Follow me, I know where we can get a sandwich." Eina led me by the hand away to the south.

Aina leaned up against her husband. "Aren't they so cute together?"

"I don't like him. Way to scrawny to be an adventurer. Let alone a level two."

"The biggest surprises are hidden in the smallest packages."

"Doubtful."

"Oh, I seem to recall meeting a skinny level two over two decades ago." Aina stared up at Ethan with a finger on her chin. "He even snuck into the Zeus and Hera familia party for executives only and guests. He walked right up to me and asked me to a dance."

"That's different I had a powerful familia at my back." Ethan stared up at the tower.

"Oh, I don't think so at all. For one he seems to open hearts wherever he goes." Aina turned around to face Ethan. "Strength maybe a turn on and its nice to feel protected and find stability with your love one. However, strength and money aren't the reasons I married you. If I wanted money, I would have married that merchant from the west. If strength was all I cared about, I would be Supreme's widow."

Ethan's eyes widened in shock. "What!?"

"He-he-he. Who do you think invited me and Riveria? Even he wasn't brave enough to go after Riveria." Ethan was blinking rapidly lost for words. Aina smiled at her cute husband's face and pulled his head down to kiss him passionately, regardless how many seen them.

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*Boom*

A half an hour later we finished our sandwiches on a bench. Eina was explaining the fights in the arena. "Woah, I wished I would have seen the fights. I asked Ais earlier."

"You definitely missed something amazing. Papa had to explain some of the stuff I couldn't see, but even he couldn't follow it all only being a level four."

"Does your father go on expeditions with Loki familia?"

"No, he retired as an adventurer when I was four." Eina shook her head. "Though he is one grand feat away from level five."

"Wow! What made him quit?"

Eina looked to the side. "He just got level four a week after his old familia left to track down some calamitous beast. His whole familia was wiped out by that beast. So he retired and spent the last fifteen years as a part-time sailor for Njord familia."

"That's horrible that he lost his familia. Sorry if I made things uncomfortable."

"It's okay Bell."

Fireworks started shooting off high above us. The crowds cheered. "Woah."

"This is nothing." Eina stared up at the light show. "After the pageant is over their gonna be shooting a barrage off. They are just testing a few."

"Surprised you're not in the pageant, E-Eina."

"I've had enough trouble with wierdos lately. I only want the eyes of one man." Eina cutely confessed in a low voice.

A blush appeared on my cheeks. "T-that's one lucky guy."

Eina smirked. "Almost like its written on his back. Though he's hopelessly in love with someone else." My eyes shot open wide. I was trying to summon the courage to tell Eina, "Wait luck. Let's play a few games."

"O-okay." I nodded my headed up and down. Eina led me away.

A little while later, Eina was smiling ear to ear holding a huge stuffed bear, an moon pendant on a chain, food vouchers and a goldfish in a bag. The people in charge of the carnival games seemed shocked when I beat their games one after the other.
"You're the best Bell." Eina was cuddling her face against the bear.

"Feel like it's cheating." I scratched the back of my head.

"Most of those games are scams anyways." Eina drifted into me. "Want to try a skill-based game to make you feel better? There is an archery competition inside Babel."

"S-sounds like fun."

"Hephaistos familia runs the competition and they usually give away some amazing prizes around nine. Go ahead and signup. I am gonna drop my stuff off with my parents."

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.

"Alright folks who wants to win the grand prize and have a shot at Silvan's title. "Goddess Hesphaistos was standing on a stage by the west entrance, dressed in black dress with red rose trim that matched her hair. A crowd of over fifty high level competitors were roaring loud in front of her. "Onyx what are the prizes we have for our competitors?"

A dark elf woman stepped forward. "Runner-up will get a quiver of arrows and gambeson made out of orc hide."

"Boooo." A random person shouted out.

"Orc hides! What are we level ones?" A blond elf mocked the prize drawing laughter from others.

'Is this even worth trying if they are upper tier adventurers?' I thought to myself.

"Heh me and Tsubaki made them!" The crowd quieted down. Indril rolled her eyes. "First place is a bow made from bark of a Grand Treant and robe of a skull sheep. If you somehow beat Silvan's record, I will upgrade it to Deformis spider silk after the expedition to make it a first-tier weapon." Cheers rang out through the ranks of the adventurers and onlookers.

Goddess Hesphaistos stepped forward again. "Minimum score for the bow is seventeen reds out of twenty-one targets. Nobody gets the minimum. Then nobody gets the bow. I don't reward bad smiths. I won't reward bad shooters. You have ninety seconds to complete the course. Tsubaki will explain the course."

Some of the men in the crowd started drooling seeing the busty half-dwarf walk up to the front wearing a tight fitting red and white one piece dress. "You're all gonna fail hard if you keep staring. Especially if I run your heads against a grindstone." The crowd quieted out of fear.

Tsubaki smirked before continuing. "The course is pretty easy to follow. Just run up the five hundred stairs on the right marked in red and down on the left marked in blue." Tsubaki pointing to the towering spiraling staircases leading to floor two. "Each side has ten targets ranging in size from a goblin to a child's ball, ranging from fifty to two hundred feet away, each target is moving side to side on a rail system. Speed of the targets is doubled on the blue side. If you want a shot at silvan's record you have to hit the one in the middle." Tsubaki pointed to the whizzing blur in the middle above the hole. "That target is the size of a valis coin and you have to shoot it from five hundred feet away by the starting point. The track system is a lot more complex and moves five times faster." A few adventurers dipped out after the final target was revealed.

Hesphaistos scanned the crowd. "If you are still brave enough to face the course, the entrance fee is ten thousand valis. Make sure you are signed up within the next half hour and watch your fire. Happy hunting." The crowd cheered ready to win the competition. The goddess left the stage, as Tsubaki and Indril kept the crowd orderly during registration and beginning the course.

"Huuuu." I sighed in defeat and started walking toward the exit.

"Bell!" I heard a man shout ahead of me.

I looked up to see the smiling face and fiery hair Welf Crozzo in front of me. "Welf!?"

"You forget me already."

"Not at all." I shook my head side to side.

"Is that right?" Welf scratched the back of his head. "Been looking for you for almost a week. Wondering when you wanted team up for the dungeon."

"I am sorry Welf." I bowed my head. "I ran into some trouble and kind of just got released from the hospital yesterday."

"Oh shit." Welf looked shocked. "Glad you're alright. Want me to check your gear out?"

My lips pursed together into an embarrassed smile. "M-my gear is kind of…. destroyed."

"WHATTTTTTTTTT!?" Welf'w shout alarmed many inside Babel. He lowered his voice. "Please tell me the knives are fine at least." I shook my head side to side. Welf's mouth went agape and his face pale. He found the nearest bench and sat down contemplating his abilities. "How?"

"He-he-he." A cute chuckle rang out behind me from the beautiful smithing goddess. Hesphaistos smiled locking her eye on me. "How indeed, Welf?"

"Goddess." Welf looked like his lifeline was going to detach.

"I heard an interesting story from Gareth about what happened Bell." I suppressed a smile out of embarrassment. "Something about you killing a minotaur and a wyvern."

"Huhhhhhh!" Welf stared back and forth between his goddess and me. "Aren't you level one."

"N-not anymore." I confessed. Welf stared toward the goddess.

"He's not lying nor was Gareth. Seems the fight was beyond what a level one smith can produce, so I won't blame you Welf." Hesphaistos smirked at Welf.

"How though?" Welf stared at us both in disbelief.

"I wouldn't be alive without your gear welf, but the minotaur kind of crushed both knives. The wyvern kind of swallowed the armor."

"Eh." Welf and Hesphaistos just stared at me blinking rapidly.

"Either the armor or me." I stared at the ground to avoid their stares.

"I passed out before that part." I felt Eina's hand on my shoulder. "I couldn't take it when I seen you in its mouth. Apparently, floor nine collapsed again in front of the higher ups and somehow you killed it as they broke through."

"S-s-sorry."

"All good Bell." Eina smiled. "Are you going to try out for the competition?"

"I don't have a bow anymore either and I still want to enjoy the festival with you Eina. Can't really afford too."

Eina smiled wide. "Awe how thoughtful? I was thinking you could actually win with how you snipe those imps so easily."

"I can cover you, Bell." Welf stood up.

"No, I couldn't do that."

"Its fine. Just after you get new gear, I am going into the dungeon with you guys." Welf pointed at my chest.

"Okay."

"If you win, you don't have to pay me back either." Welf smiled wide.

"What about a bow?"

"I think we can find a bow lying around for you Bell." Hesphaistos walked up and placed her hand around my waist. I tensed up nervously under her touch. "Shortbow right!?"

"Y-yes Goddess."

"Go get signed up. I will have Welf go track down a bow and you can get yourself sighted on the practice target, before it's your turn."

I bowed my head. "Thank you very much, Goddess Hesphaistos."

"You're welcome." Hesphaistos released me and grabbed a hold of Welf's hand and walked away with him. "You would do well to set up a contract with him before somebody else swoops in first. Gareth paid a decent amount to buy him new gear."

"Serious."

"Yes, though Bell doesn't know about it yet. See if he will buy your armor and craft him something from his drop items." Hesphaistos released Welf's arm by the elevator. She grabbed his right cheek. "I want to see you grow Welf. I believe you can do better." She waved Welf away and headed back to the competition.

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.

.

Swish. Thud.

An hour later, another arrow impacted the bullseye on the practice target a hundred feet away. Welf delivered the bow and went back to stocking the arrows for the competition. Took a little bit to get use to the weight of the bow. Another bullseye and another started happening sequentially. I looked over to the competition course to gage how long until my turn. Eina came up behind me. "I think there are five more before you're up."

I turned around to her. "You sure you don't want to go do something else. I can always quit and go back to the festival."

"No, I think it will be a great experience for you Bell. I genuinely think you have a shot."

I smiled staring into her eyes. "I am going up against experienced level threes and fours. Maybe higher."

"The competition is about speed and accuracy. I think you will do great Bell. Where did all that confidence go? He-he." Eina chuckled

"It usually comes out of necessity." I nervously smiled back. "Surprised you're not shooting too."

"Oh no. no no. I am a horrible shot."

"I doubt that. Let me see." I held the bow out to her.

"I can't really." Eina pushed it away.

"Come on please." I pouted to her.

"Fine, but I am blaming you if I hurt someone." Eina snatched the bow from my hand and strung an arrow. She released a shot. The arrow splintered against the wall ten feet from the target. "See I am very bad."

"D-draw another one and hold." Eina followed my instructions. I went up behind her and tap her elbow upwards. Eina was silent starting to blush. I reached for her fingers. Relax your grip under the sight, I held onto the bow and pushed her fingers up. "T-try firing."

"Mmmhhmm." Eina hummed meekly with a nervous grin on her face.

*Swish.*

The arrow impacted the white of the target. "You hit the target."

"Ha-hah." Eina pouted.

"You improved." I shrugged my shoulders. "I think I have an idea. Draw another and try to square your hips." Eina drew another arrow.

Cheers came from the competition. The dark elf's voice came over the intercom. "Looks like we have a top contender with a score of twenty out of twenty-one. So close."

"That last shot is bull crap. Dam drow scamming me out of a first-tier weapon." The blond elf slung his bow and walked toward the desk. "Guess the prize is mine, Lady Hesphaistos."

"Still have two more Luvis calm down. Is Bell still at the practice range, Welf?"

"Yes goddess."

"I will go get him." Luvis smiled. "I will throw him over here if doesn't hurry. I want to show my future wife my new weapon."

Luvis walked off. Indril stared down at her goddess. "I pity any woman who says yes to him." Hesphaistos shook her head. "Wait Bell."

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.

.

I slowly placed my hands on Eina's waste and helped shift her torso. "Eina the arrow has to be parallel to your collarbone and your torso has to be straight." She followed my instructions getting more red by the second. "S-s-sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"I-I d-don't mind." Eina squealed out making a nervous grin appear on my face.

"What are you doing to my woman!?" The blonde elf shouted behind us.

*Swish!*

Eina released the arrow realizing the familiar voice. The arrow bounced high off the stone wall and traveled up the arcing stone leaning up to the next floor. "Eina bow." Eina threw the bow to me. I pulled an arrow back and shot it out of the sky above the elf man. My arrow killed the momentum of the falling arrow. It was cracked in half and fell to the ground harmlessly in front of a dark elf woman while the other imbedded into a wall. "S-s-sorry miss."

"Indril." The dark elf woman smiled staring back into my eyes. "Are you Bell?"

"Y-yes Miss Indril." It took all my willpower to remain calm in front of the dark elf woman, for Goddess Hesphaistos description of her beauty didn't do her a justice. 'You are with Eina.'

"Still want to shoot Bell. Kind of hoping somebody beat's Luvis's score."

"Impossible. I am the best archer in Orario." Luvis crossed his arms. "No way Silvan is able to hit that target. That thing is as fast as an Iguazu and twenty times smaller."

"Stop your crying." Indril stared annoyed at Luvis before facing back to me. "Bell get ready for the course."

"Okay." I followed Indril to the starting location. Swore the dark elf woman was purposely trying make me stare at her butt with the way she moved in front of me.

Luvis turned around to Eina. "My love, why would you let him touch you?"

"Love?" Eina grimaced in pain. "There is nothing between us Luvis. I am with Bell."

"Please stop with this jest. I am clearly the better candidate for you husband. We can be wed tonight under the moon if you wish it."

"No Luvis." Eina walked up to watch Bell. Luvis rejection to Eina's refusal was drowned out by the cheers of the crowd.

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.

"Alright our final competitor is Bell Cranell a brand-new level two." Hesphaistos shouted. Some of the higher-level adventurers started laughing hard.

"That's cute. Ha-ha-ha. Looks like Luvis wins." Another man in the crowd shouted.

I took a deep breath and blocked out all distractions. I took a minute to scan the course. "You ready Bell. The clock starts as soon as your foot crosses that line."

"Yes Miss Indril."

I gripped the bow in my left hand and ducked down into a lunge. My heart was pounding and my head was full of anxiety. "You can do it Bell." Eina shouted. A huge grin curled up on my face.

*Woosh*

I pushed off the ground with all my strength toward the red staircase. Pulled an arrow out and shot the goblin sized target with ease. The next five went down easily as I rushed upstairs as fast as I could. My legs were burning keeping up the reckless pace up such an incline.

I continued to hit each target eight, nine. I was approaching the tenth at the top. My legs were start to feel weak with the five-hundredth stair in sight. I focused on the small target two hundred feet away, it was the size of a child's ball.

*Swish! Thud!*

My senses were focused on the target. I managed to hit it, but tripped on the last stair and fell flat on my face. "Ow…"

"HA-HA-HA." Laughter rang out below as all the competitors were breaking up laughing. Some were already congratulating Luvis on winning the bow.

"Come on Eina. He's pathetic." Luvis mocked the level two that corrupting his woman.

"Shut up Luvis. You can do it Bell!" Eina cupped her hands together over her lips shouted at the top of her lungs. I gritted my teeth and wiped my bloodied face. I jumped back up and raced toward the blue end.

"Can the little rabbit do it with forty seconds on the clock." Tsubaki shouted out.

I pulled another arrow out of my quiver as I stared at the rail for the descending stairs. "Only choice." I jumped off the second floor down to the railing by the eleventh target. Everyone's eyes were wide seeing the brave jump five hundred feet up. I released the arrow into the goblin target and started skidding down the rail with my feet together. My backside facing all watching from below. The faster targets were easier to focus on as long as I maintained my balance.

Cheers ringing out from below. "Come on little guy."

"You can do it rookie."

"Go Bell." Welf shouted.

Arrows hit the center of each target as I started picking up speed down the rail. "Can he pull out of this reckless dive? We might need a medic."

'Please not miss Airmid!' The thought crossed my head hundred feet up as I released the arrow into the nineteenth target.

"Ten Seconds!" Indril shouted with a glowing smile.

I was rapidly running out of rail in front of me. I squatted low to my knees and pushed off the rail so hard that the stone cracked underneath the pressure. I managed to lesson my forward momentum by jumping into a somersault.

*Crack. Swish*

I released the last arrow with my feet to the sky. Hitting the two-hundred-foot target across the room. I hit the ground at the bottom of the stairs and rolled forward uncontrollably all the way to the finish line.

"Four!" My head shot up to find the twenty-first target in the center of the room.

"Threee!" I reached for my bow and pulled an arrow

"Twooo!"

I knocked the arrow and pulled barely able to trace the moment of the coin. 'I want to be stronger.' I pulled back harder. I felt surprising amount of energy surge to my right arm.

"Oneeeeeeee!" Everybody shouted watching the timer.

*Ching! Swish! Crunch!*

The arrow released from my bow as such tremendous speeds that many could barely see it. "Zerooooooo!" The bow splintered and exploded in my hands. I fell on all fours exhausted and injured.

*Ching!*

The coin fell to the ground with an arrowhead imbedded into it. The crowd exploded in cheers, the noise inside Babel alarmed everybody outside enjoying the festival. Many came into see my battered body being hoisted into the air by the other competitors. After a few minutes they let me down as the goddess and the captains made their way through the group.

Hesphaistos was grinning wide. "That was an amazing comeback Bell. Congratulations.."

"Thank you, Lady Hephaistos." I bowed my head.

Tsubaki replied cheerfully. "That was awesome little rabbit. I will have the bow modified to a shortbow if you want?"

"That would be amazing."

"Crazy that you tied Silvan's record." Indril held one of her bangs looking a little distress. "Can't believe we have to track down a Deformis spider on floor fifty."

"You don't have too." I shook my head.

"Nonsense." Tsubaki ran her hands through my hair. "I will ask Finn to locate one for us during the expedition. A promise is a promise."

"Move. Move Aside." The man named Luvis barged his way forward. "I call cheating. This child was supposed to run down the stairs and I swear he used magic."

Hesphaistos eye found Luvis. "The rules stated to shoot the targets on the way down. Doesn't say you can't ride the rail and arrows are the only thing that impacted the targets." Hesphaistos held up the coin with the arrow head embedded into it.

Indril rolled her eyes. "Just accept the lose gracefully and take your prize." Indril handed the Luvis the green padded gambeson made from orc hid.

Luvis slapped the gambeson away. "Why would I dishonor myself by wearing the hide of an orc? Bullshit." Luvis stormed off.

"Alrighty then. Thane of Hermes Familia." Tsubaki shouted for another blond elven man dressed in dark green garb with a western style brimmed hat. "I guess you win the runner up prize."

Thane tipped his hat. "Let the rabbit keep the prize. I really don't need it and I want to apologize for my brethren's behavior." The man named Thane dipped out of Babel without another word.

"Well, all be. Isn't that nice." Tsubaki smiled. "Bell go ahead and enjoy the festival. When you come pick up your bow. You can pickup the gambeson and the quiver as well.

"Thank you so much."

"Good job." Tsubaki fist bumped my shoulder. I winced in pain. "Woops need a medic."

"No please don't tell Miss Airmid. She will kill me." The Hesphaistos women started laughing around me.

"I can heal him." Eina pushed through the crowd.

Eina started to chant her healing spell. Unlike before the ground beneath me showed a brilliant green magic circle with runes inscribed in a different language emanated from Eina's feet. "Dio Luna." Eina held out her hand and directed her magic into me healing over my scrapes, cuts and bruises. "You really do overdo it, Bell. He-he-he."

"Sorry. You didn't need too."

"Can't let you be all roughed up for the remainder of our date." Eina chuckled.

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.

.

Near eleven at night, me and Eina were sitting on stone pavers that blocked in a garden at the north side of Babel in front of the stage. "What was that bright circle by your feet earlier Eina?"

"I leveled up to Bell. That is a magic circle from the development ability mage. Didn't you see Riveria's and Alicia's before."

I scratched my chin. "I may be losing consciousness a lot, lately.

"Ha-ha-ha." Eina's infectious laughter caught the eyes of many to include her parents. "Hopefully with the four of us. You won't ever experience that again."

"That would be p-preferable." I chuckled along with her. "Still have to get new gear yet."

Eina giggled. "You just won an amazing bow and orc hide armor."

"Still need replace my blades and I don't think that orc hide is gonna protect everything. Plus goddess doesn't want me going into the dungeon for a while."

"I mean you did almost died. Oh wait." Eina bend backwards and started digging into her pocket. She pulled out a magic stone and handed to me. "Here."

"Where did you get this Eina?" I stared at the stone in my hands.

"Rose gave it to me." Eina smiled.

"How though they didn't believe me at all?"

"I may have stormed Royman's office and reminded them about the laws." Eina moved back and forth. "Mom might have threatened him after talking to Riveria. He-he-he."

"We should split it."

"No I am not gonna steal your hard work, all I did was exploit an opening to help you. It's yours."

"Thank you so much." My heart was beating like crazy.

"You earned it." Eina stared at the ground, until she heard a shuffling noise.

I scooched closer to Eina until our thighs were almost touching. "E-eina."

"Huh." Eina cheeks reddened as I got closer.

"Eina w-would you like to go somewhere else."

"The festival is still going on for at least another hour. Don't you want to watch the pageant."

"I really don't want see other women." Eina tensed up seeing my nervous face. "Can I talk with you somewhere private. I need to tell you something. Maybe to the wall or your apartment to…..."

"Disgusting pervert." Both of us turned our head to an angry dwarf, that Eina instantly recognized. "I ought to make a new pair of boots out of your puny ass boy."

"Huh." I was as confused at other people turning to watch.

"Dormul you will not hurt Bell." Eina shouted.

"This little boy is trying to corrupt you." Dormul growled.

"No he isn't." Eina stared at me with blushing cheeks. "Bell is my….. my boyfriend." My eyes widened and a nervous smile curled up on my lips.

"Like I believe this runt is worthy of you." Dormul clenched his fists and flexed his arms. "I am the stronger and more reliable than this wee rabbit. I have greater love for ye! Become my bride, Eina."

"Get away from my eternal partner dwarf."

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.

.

"Dam it. The second idiot is intervening in their date too." Aina was fuming mad watching the spectacle around their daughter.

"Shouldn't we just let her choose."

"No, I don't want those two stalkers anywhere near her." Aina was failing to pull her husband over to intervene.

Ethan was surprised by the sheer rage affecting his wife. "Eina said it wasn't an issue."

"Those two idiots were stalking me in the marketplace." Aina was breathing hard with anger.

Ethan was practically seething. "What!? Happened!"

"Those two practically cornered me in alleyway when I was trying to get away. They started a fight and I was forced to go deeper. I ran into two other men that were gonna force themselves on me." Ethan was at his breaking point listening to his wife's story. He stomped away fast before Aina could finish the story. Festival goers cleared the way for him.

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.

"No Luvis I already have a…"

"Stop your lying Eina." Luvis was not amused. "This vile human. Cheating scum is not your boyfriend."

"For once this elf actually makes sense." Dormul muttered.

"Shut up dwarf. You will not infect her either." Luvis sneered at Dormul.

"You want to go for another round dew drinker. Bad enough you were stalking her mum earlier."

"What!?" Eina shouted.

"I was protecting my future mother-in-law from this repulsive fungus sniffing yokel."

Eina's face was twitching with anger. "I don't want either of you. Go away!"

"You don't mean that, Lass." Dormul shoulders sunk.

"I refuse to let it end this way, Eina!" Luvis bet down on his knee. "Marry me."

"No." Eina shouted.

*GRASP!*

"Hmpf." Eina tensed up feeling my hand reach around her back to her right hip. Her eyes widen seeing my grin. She scooted closer to me and cuddled up against my shoulder to the ire of the two men.

My heart was pounding hard trying to focused directly on the dwarf and elf in front of me. "I love Eina. She is my girlfriend. Please leave us alone."

Eina was blushing a deep crimson. "You heard him. He is confessed to me. We are seeing each other."

"Can't be serious, Eina." Luvis stared dumbfounded.

"We are…." Me and Eina's faces starting going pale seeing a huge figure lumber behind Dormul and Luvis. Both noticing something was off, they turned around.

*THUD*

Ethan was full of rage. He gripped both men by the neck and held them into the air. "What did you two do to my wife!"

"We…. Didn't do….." Luvis was unable to breathe.

"anything…Honest…" Dormul finished Luvis sentence.

"The both of you stalkers chased her into a group of men intent on doing bad things to her." Ethan's gripped tightened around their throats. Eina was a loss for words. "You will steer clear of my daughter and wife or I will decorate the dungeon with your entrails."

"Ethan let them down. You're creating a scene and I don't want you getting arrested." Aina commanded.

*THUD*

Ethan dropped both men to the floor. "I had a bad feeling when you said you wanted to stay back. What were you doing Aina?"

"I may of went to the markets to look for Bell. He found me after those two chased me down the alleyway." Ethan started stomping over to me. "Stop Ethan! Bell rescued me. Those men are locked up and I am unharmed because of him."

Ethan was frozen in place with his hand out to grab me. "How do you know he wasn't stalking you too?"

"We never met him before Ethan and he was getting groceries like the note on his door said. I would not be here without him. Apologize to Bell now."

Ethan stood up straight. He took a deep breath staring into the nervous red eyes of the boy holding his daughter. "Sorry."

"I-I-its okay sir. You love them. Its only natural that you would be protective." I dipped my head in embarrassment.

"Go back to your date daughter." Ethan turned back around to Dormul and Luvis. "However, you two need to explain now, because I feel like punching someone."

Luvis and Dormul were on their knees begging. Dormul pleaded first. "I didn't mean too. I was just protecting her."

"You cornered her in the alley dwarf." Luvis begged. "A high elf traveling by themselves is dangerous. I was just protecting her from the shadows like my god told me. I was worried about Eina too."

"Your god told you that." Aina held her temple.

"My god said that same thing." Dormul confessed. "Real men protect from the shadows."

"Your dam idiots!" Ethan shouted down two them. "You protect people because it is the right thing to do. Your stalkerish behavior force her into that situation."

"Sorry sir."

"Looks like I won the bet Modi. Hand it over." The six of us focused on the two gods exchanging money.

"Awe I really didn't think she would ever reject them, Magni. Sorry Luvis sweety."

"Typical gods." Aina rolled his eyes.

"Magni you didn't." Dormul snarled at his god in anger.

"Dormul, I will make it up to you with a feast."

"Luvis bye papa some jaga-maru. I am broke."

"Go to HELLLLL!" Luvis and Dormul lunged forward at their gods. Both deities take off running for their lives away from their captains.

"I am confused."

"Gods." Ethan was trying to quell is anger with breathing exercises. "Their number one purpose down here is entertainment."

"Why!?"

"Who knows?" Aina shook her head with a smile. "Thanks again Bell."

"Just glad your okay, Mrs. Tulle."

Aina walked up to Ethan and grabbed his hand. "Let's go husband."

"Still upset with you lying to me."

"I will make it up to you when we get home." Aina stood on her tippy toes and whispered into Ethan's ear. "However, Riveria did say we could use a room in the manor." Ethan smirked.

"Well, I guess we should ask Loki for a key." Ethan pulled his wife away.

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.

.

"Oof."

Eina wrapped her arms around me and squeezed me tight. "Thank you so much Bell." *Muah* Eina kissed my right cheek. "I can't thank you enough. I love you, Bell."

"I l-love you too E-Eina."

"Sorry I caught you up in my lie. I know you don't mean it Bell." Eina pulled away and stared into my eyes.

"Eina!" I took a deep breath, Eina could see the nervousness on my face. ***"I love you."*** My voice was drowned out by the fireworks, the crowds and the speakers. Eina tried to understand what I was trying to say but It was clear the show was starting and we wouldn't be able too have a moment. Eina was confused why I seemed so depressed.

A blond-haired god wearing a feathered cap stood on stage. "Welcome one and all to the lunar festival beauty pageant!(9) I am Hermes your host."
"Shaddup. Show us the pretty ladies!" A drunk shouted out from the front.

"My friend the whole reason the contest is here is to gaze upon the lovely flowers of Orario. Let's start things off with my bodacious co-host and fellow deity, Demeter!" Hermes held out his hand to welcome the bountiful goddess to the stage.

"Thank you, Hermes." The outrageous curvy goddess received many cheers from almost every man in attendance. "Ara. Ara. Don't be such perverts. He-he-he. I am not competing tonight but I hope you all will cheer for the beautiful girls that are all dressed up tonight. Their outfits produced by different gods. Make sure to cheer for your favorite girl. The winner will receive the most cheers tonight."

"No two of these maidenly flowers are the same. I want to see them all!" Hermes was excited to announce the women on the stage. "Let's give a big cheer! For our flowers!" Babel noise level erupted with every man yelling at the top of their lungs

"Such perverts." I heard a group of women shout in front of me.

Eina leaned in close. "You can cheer too Bell."

"W-wouldn't that make you feel bad? W-were on a date."

Eina smiled. "Go ahead. Alicia will be up there and a lot of other women from my familia."

The show continued with the gods introducing many beautiful women from different familias. Many women were flaunting their outfits, hair and bodies to win cheers. One that that peaked my interest was a nervous eastern beauty named Mikoto wearing an eastern style kimono.

"Do you know her Bell?" Eina pouted.

"I have never met her, but Lord Takemikazuchi works at the jaga-maru stand with Goddess. J-Just good to know."

"Uh-huh." *Jiiiiiiiii* She stared at me until I showed signs of distress, then she busted up laughing and placed her hand temporarily on my wrist. "Ha-ha-ha. Kidding with you Bell. Oh that's Alicia." Eina stood up to cheer her friend on extremely loudly. I stood up to cheer her on too.

Alicia was already embarrassed wearing such a risqué yellow dress. Loki got it to match her hair but it amplified her features and showed off too much skin for her liking. She smile wide seeing Eina jump up and down for her. Her cute demeanor earned her extra cheers. Then she saw the Bell cheer for her. 'Bell… Bell….Belll!' Alicia immediately started getting angry focusing on the rabbit, her aura was scaring many applauding for her. The rabbit dipped out of her sight.

"Oh, dear that might hurt your rating dear Silvan." Hermes shouted. "Who could have inspired such animosity?"

Alicia was embarrassed and dipped out of sight early. She was both angry and red in the face. "Dam that perverted Rabbit. I didn't do this for you! I not like I did this so you would see me. Idiot rabbit lucky I don't hurt him."

Aki smirked listening to her friend talk to herself about the rabbit. "Oh my you keep talking about him like your in love."

Alicia went red in the face and directed her anger at the cat girl. "I AM NOT!" Aki giggled hard rushing to the stage.

I sat back down. I sunk in my seat staring at the ground ignoring the rest of the competition. Eina moved up next to me. "What's wrong Bell?"

"I was hoping Alicia wouldn't hate me."

"Oh no." Eina placed her hand on my back. "Sure, it will go away. He-he-he."

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.

The event started wind down near midnight with the final woman leaving the stage. Demeter stepped forward with a huge smile on her face. " That about wraps it up for all the girls who entered."

"Wait." Loki ran onto the stage.

"Loki what are you doing?" Demeter asked.

"I have a special surprise. He-he-he."

"Wait?! A last-minute entrant." Hermes shouted causing a roar in the crowd.

Loki smirked evilly. "Took to the last second to con her. I mean persuade her. No way we can possibly lose. Come on out miss secret weapon!"

The red current started moving as if the person didn't want to come out. "Hey let go of me you two!"

The twins amazons were the first ones to emerge pulling somebody out to the stage. The skinnier amazon was in a rush. "I want this over quick, so I can go to sleep and kick monster butt tomorrow.

"Just stand their a little and they cheer. Boom it's over." Tione smirked.

"No absolutely not." Riveria pulled back harder.

Tiona had an idea. "Is that a rabbit?"

"Huh." Riveria paused for a second.

"Pfft, kidding." Both amazons pulled Riveria out with one yank.

Riveria found her balance and stood up in front of the speechless crowd. Riveria was wearing an all-white dress with golden embroidery filled in with a dark blue. Purple crystals hung across her body with an ornate golden crown. Her lustrous jade hair hung low and was less restrained than normal. Riveria stood their embarrassed and crossed her arms at her waist as thousands of people stared on at her beauty.(9)

"Woooooaaaaah! At the last second Nine hells herself joins the competition." Hermes shout sent cheers that rattled the city the center of the city.

"The elf vote is as good as mine." Loki celebrated.

"Loki!" Riveria was frustrated with her goddess.

Me and Eina's cheers were drowned out by every other. Hermes stepped forward again. "What a great surprise fore sure? Let's have all the rest of our flowers come to the stage and we can begin the voting." The rest of the women that were admitted funneled onto the stage."

Demeter and Hermes walked down the line and introduced the women one final choice. People shouted for their favorite girl. "And now the final lady of evening. Riv….." Hermes was cut off by an overwhelming aura.

The aura swept through across every person at that festival. Everybody became silent. Then a voice that felt like silk to the eardrums rang out from behind the curtain. "Is it too late for me to enter?"

Everybody became silent when the curtain parted way. The figure walking slowly out to the stage was a goddess of unparalleled beauty. Her very presence inspired feelings of lust and desire, regardless of man or woman. Her skin was white as porcelain and almost had a glow about it. Her white dress with silver embroidery was both tasteful yet revealing enough to display her divine curves and perfect proportions. She had a dark silver gemstone tiara adorning her silver hair with a veil attached to her hair. She raised a gloved hand to her lips. "Heard you were going to decide who the most beautiful woman in Orario was. It wouldn't be right not to include me, would it?"

Hermes seemed lost in his word. "Welcome the goddess of beauty Freya!" The crowd roared even louder chant her name. Man and woman alike. It felt like the city itself was roaring to acknowledge her beauty. Even Eina was red faced and cheering. I was staring around lightly clapping thinking the situation was bizarre. I certainly thought she was beautiful and worthy of praise, but my gaze fell on the elven princess looking agitated.

"Who is the most beautiful in Orario?" Freya grinned wide hearing the city chant her name. " Then who's the winner of the contest."

"Lady Freya!" The city roared once more.

"You heard them. Looks like I win. Sorry. He-he-he." Freya honey words melted the hearts of all that heard it.

The trickster goddess Loki marched up to Freya and leaned over looking annoyed. "That's not fair, Freya! I refuse to accept this!"

"Doesn't the one who gets the most cheers win." Freya giggled at the trickster.

"Its not fair at all for a goddess of beauty to enter. Cheater!" Loki spit her tongue out to Freya and walked forward over to Riveria. "Most beautiful woman in Orario is Riveria. Come on Cheer!"

Nobody responded to Loki pleas. "Woooooooooo!" All eyes turned to the rabbit standing on the pavers, clapping all alone.

Riveria eyes widened to their limits. 'Bell!'

…..

1)Indril design inspired by Felsus pretty dark elf on deviantart. I really love the design and it fits in well in the Danmachi universe.

2)Gambesons – padded underarmor

3)Book 8 pg199

4)Whenever I picture Ethan I think of a older Gazef Stronoff from Overlord, but looks younger because of the falna.

5)Book 8 pg194

6)Mooncakes are a Chinese lunar tradition.

7)Selling people happens a lot in Danmachi. Like Haruhime in book seven, ryu chronicle and the beginning of the aedas vesta event.

8)Indril Alias is gonna be Onyx

9)Lunar beauty pageant is a modified grand day eve.