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.

21. Euphoric Twilight

Danmachi Heart of Alfhiem

Note1: The first eight chapters have been edited. Their a dramatic improvement over my old writing. Honestly my old writing was making me a little nauseous so the people that have been here a while. I applaud you lol.

Note 2: Doing 22 and 23 before going back to the ERO

Note 3: Hope you guys can decipher the finely threaded needle for Ryu in the middle section. Love is blind right lol.

Chapter 21 Euphoric Twilight

(Day 40)

(Apartment)

Aina's angelic soft singing voice echoed throughout the kitchen in the early morning. The streets were quiet as if in awe of her elvish Hymn echoed through the apartment. With a huge smile on her face, she continued making breakfast for the family; ignoring the tension in the dining room.

Aina's voice and Eina's touch were the only things getting me through the breakfast. Eina's hand reached over to my lap to stop my shaking. Both of us were red-faced and quiet in front of her father.

Ethan was making himself as tall as possible in his chair with his arms folded. He was tapping his bulging biceps focusing his murderous stare on the teenager next to his daughter, who was turning into an apple.

Eina felt a little bad that her father had found out this way but she was gonna protect her finance with her life. Eina scooted her chair over closer to Bell placing her other hand on top. She flashed an adoring grin towards Bell.

"Uhhh-hmmmmm." Ethan cleared his throat angrily, narrowing his eyes.

*Thud!*

Bell and Eina jumped in their seats. Aina slammed down a huge stack of pancakes onto the table. Slowly she rotated her head back and forth between her husband and the nervous couple. "Get it over, honey."

"Mhmm." Ethan growled through closed lips.

"Here I thought the gods only referred to elves as the Tsundere race." Aina flashed a look of disappointment toward Ethan before turning back toward Bell. "Bell, would you help me bring in the rest?"

"Y-y-yes."
"He-he." Aina beamed a smiled at him, before heading to the kitchen. Aina's hand glided up Ethan's arm and through his hair as she walked back to the kitchen. Eina, let go of Bell to let him up. He stumbled to his feet and quickly stepped past Ethan toward the kitchen.

Eina's adoring smile flattened into an angry scowl as soon as Bell left the room. "What is your problem, father?"

The look on his little's girl face was like a dagger through the heart. Ethan rested his hands on his lap. "How do you know, that he's not using you?"

Eina's eyes were twitching. "I thought we went over this last night. Bell is going to be my husband in a few weeks. If you want me to drag him before Loki and force a confession. Then fine. I am sure he would agree. We love each other."

"What about the forest pact? You have already made a mockery of it, Eina."
"We were interrupted." Eina smirked. "I knew what I was doing."

Ethan's body was tense trying to control his anger. "That is not acceptable Eina, elves have rules. You are our daughter. We taught you better."

"I will do what I want with Bell and since when was I an elf." Eina rolled her eyes.

"Your mother….."

"Accepts our union… father." Eina's raised her voice to interrupt him. Her ears drooped low as her facial features softened. "Please give Bell a chance. I don't want to be angry at my father. I will not stop loving him…. Ever."

"Huuuuuu." Ethan sank into his chair.

"Papa." Eina's eyes glazed over. "He wants your approval. We agreed last night to wait a few weeks. If that's not enough then we will get married in a church. Bell has already expressed interest in following your and mom's example."

"Really."

"Yes. He wants your approval papa. He might not have made a good impression last night, but he's wonderful. He always thinks of others before himself. He is strong, kind, handsome, and extremely loving. I am marrying him, papa."

"Mmmmm, fine."

.

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.

Aina was listening from the kitchen the whole time with Bell standing behind her nervously holding onto a huge plate of eggs, another sausage and potatoes, and a pitcher of lemonade. Aina pushed off the door frame and grabbed a plate of fruits. She reached her hand up to Bell's face to affectionately rubbed his chin with three fingers.

Bell almost dropped all the plates. He fumbled them in his hands and scooped up the eggs in midair. Aina smiled wide on the verge of laughter. "Let's go, son."

"Yes, m-mother."

Aina led Bell back into the dining room. She placed the fruits in the middle and picked the plates out of Bell's arms and placed them around the table. Aina sat down next to her husband. Eina's closed her eyes and smiled as Bell kissed her forehead and sat down between her and Aina.

Aina glanced sideways at Ethan "Is the food I made for the family gonna go cold or are you done?"

"I am." Ethan puffed out his cheek trying to come to terms with the situation. "Sorry, Bell."

"It's okay. I know you're worried about Eina." I reached for the eggs and pushed some onto Eina's plate. Aina held her hand out to deny them and grab some fruit and pancakes.

"No! It's not, Bell." Ethan's chin fell to his chest. "I am just feeling overwhelmed with my little girl going into the dungeon. Please protect her."

"I will."

"I am level two." Eina pouted.

"We know Eina." Aina chuckled. "Even if you were a first-tier adventurer, we would still be worried.

"Uhhh. F-father."

Ethan froze with his fork impaled into his pancakes. His raised brow twitched. "Yes."

"If you want to drag me before Loki or any other god. I promise my answer won't change about Eina."

"Besides your goddess." Eina whispered making Bell's puffed out cheeks.

"Eat your mother's food before it gets cold!" Ethan ordered before biting into a short stack of pancakes. Aina grabbed his left hand under the table and rub her stomach with a happy smirk on her face.

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An hour later, Eina's parents were holding their bags on the front porch of the apartment. Eina and I were at the door, my arm rubbing her right shoulder. "You sure you want to leave so soon."

"Yes, Bell." Aina smiled. "You two need privacy to grow stronger and we need to get back home." Aina tilted her head to Ethan. "Somebody has to build a nursery."

"Y-you're with child."

"I am." Aina patted Bell's head. "I am about two months along. Should start showing soon."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Ethan tightened his grip around the bags with a surprisingly genuine smile on his face. "You two take it easy. Learn from your mistake in the dungeon yesterday and be careful."

"We might not go into the dungeon, today papa." Eina wrapped her arms around Bell's midsection

"What are you planning?" Aina smirked.

"W-we have to talk to g-goddess t-today."

"Guessing, she's not gonna take that well." Aina's brow softened seeing him struggle to force out the words.

I shook my head to the side. "N-no. I-I won't let her push Eina away."

*Muah.*

Eina kissed Bell on the cheek. "Regardless, you said you're moving in tonight. We can try to support Goddess Hestia until she gets on her feet."

"Hmmm." Ethan growled. "That shouldn't be either of your responsibility.

"I don't want to leave goddess Hestia alone. I just want her to not lie to me and accept Eina."

Eina rested her head against Bell's shoulder. "I won't force you into Loki familia, but I am not letting go, Bell."

Ethan stared up at the clear blue sky. "I guess you don't have a choice since you can't convert for at least another ten months. Doubtful, the guild will get involved after somebody threatened Royman."

"Hey." Aina pouted. "I was saving him from you and Riveria."

"Just being honest." Ethan leaned away from Aina's punch. Aina lost her footing and spun to the ground. Ethan caught her with one arm below her bust and the other cradling her stomach.

"Brat." Aina blushed.

Ethan kissed Aina's ear. The mature elfess started shaking all over. Ethan stood her back up. "Watch it! You're punching for two."

"Sorry." Aina smiled wide. She focused on Bell who seemed to be studying their interaction. "You two know what needs to happen today. Make sure she hears this sensitive matter today." Aina winked at Bell.

I averted my gaze. "We will."

"Good." Aina suppressed the impulse to laugh. "Then we won't intervene any further."

"Yeah." Eina cheered with her hands clasped below her chin.

"Come here you two." Aina's lunged forward, wrapping her arms around both Eina and Bell, with her head in the middle. "Eina we will have your room available if you need it."

"T-thank you, mama."

"Bell would you two give me a minute with Eina?"

"S-Sure."

"Be right down here." Ethan pointed.
Aina waited until Ethan moved to the intersection down the street and Bell went upstairs. "Gonna need to help him with his shyness. He-he. I have a gift for you Eina."

"A gift?"

Aina pulled a small box and a book out of her bag and handed them to Eina. Eina noticed the lewd title on the cover of the book and blushed a deep red. "M-mother."

"I borrowed the book from Loki. Just some reading material that I thought might be interesting. Few diagrams.." Aina snickered at the shocked look on Eina's face. "Go at your own pace. Whether you decide to marry as an elf, human, or both."

"Yes." Eina shook her head. "W-w-what's in the box?"

"Special tea from Airmid. Bell's okay with waiting for children. Though I would prefer that our children aren't the same age."

"Thank you." Eina accepted the gifts and hugged her mother. They waved to each other as Aina caught up to Ethan.

Soon after, me and Eina were walking hand and hand through the side streets of the northwest district like a real couple. On our way to the church to face goddess.

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(Basement)

*Knock! Knock!*

"Coming!" Hestia shouted from the kitchen sipping her coffee. "Ugggh, I need to tell Hephaestus no more." Hestia held her throbbing head. "Hope Bell's not mad at me."

*Creak!*

Hestia opened the door hoping to see Bell. Still, she beamed a smile toward the blue-haired god and mature clienthrope woman on the other side of the door. "Good morning Miach. Miss Naaza."

"Morning Hestia. This a bad time."

"No. No. Come in and make yourself at home, Miach."

Miach sat down with Hestia on the white couch, while Naaza stood to his side. Her tail was wagging slowly. She looked around the basement thankful the blue pharmacy business had picked up lately. They were able to continue to make their payments to Dian Cecht without losing their home. Still, she felt bad for Bell.

"Where's Bell?" Miach asked.

"Not sure. I just woke up thirty minutes ago." Hestia looked over to his empty armor box. "His armor isn't here, so he might of went to the dungeon."

"It's a little early for the dungeon." Miach scratched his chin. "Have you seen Lily lately?"

"No! What's wrong?" Hestia's brow raised.

Naaza's tail sunk. "Goddess Hestia, we haven't seen Lily in two days. Since she handed in the bloodasaurus eggs."

"Oh no. You don't think she went back."

Naaza shook her head. "Not willingly. She hasn't expressed any interest in leaving and still changes her form to avoid them. Lord Miach tried to gain an audience with Ganesha again, but failed."

"Bell isn't sneaking Lily in here again. That's for sure, but she was with Bell in the dungeon yesterday. Hephaestus told me."

"Whew." Naaza breathed a sigh of relief.

Miach couldn't help but notice the tone of discontent but dismissed it. "It's refreshing to hear that Lily was with Bell yesterday. She did turn in that quest with Hephaestus's boy? Do you know if they are in a relationship?

"I don't think so." Hestia shook her head. "They seem to argue a lot. I don't think Welf trusts Lily after that knife incident. Could ask Hephaestus, but I would say no."

"Huuu." Miach sank into the couch. "Naaza, do you have any ideas?"

Naaza looked toward the ground, clasping her hands in front. The tone of her voice lowered. "I already asked Mr. Cornwall the gnome. He said he hasn't seen her, my lord. The only thing we can do is wait to ask Bell and his Fiancé."

"Bell's WHAT!?" Hestia's innocent demeanor quickly shifted to confusion then to anger, looking like she would pounce on Naaza for answers.

Miach and Naaza exchanged confused looks. "Bell's f-fiancé, Eina. Lily said they are getting married at the end of the month. Did you not know that goddess Hestia?"

Hestia's head was bobbing back and forth dizzy from the information. She snapped herself out of it and jumped to her feet. "NO! NO! This will not happen!"

Naaza shifted to the side to get out of Hestia's way as Hestia bolted through the door up the church and down the street toward Babel. Hestia's eyes were bloodshot, scaring every person in her path until she reached the twilight manor.

Naaza and Miach were blinking slowly staring at each other. Not moving an inch. "Aaaaaaa… Guess Bell took my advice about women."

"What do you know about women, my lord?"

"To not be pushed around and seek out your desires. Though I guess Bell's a little fearful of being honest, out of respect for her feelings." Miach stood up. "We have to open the shop soon. Let's try searching the inns for our daughter."

"Daughter!?" Naaza stared dumbfounded with unblinking eyes.

Miach smirked. "I have seen how close you two have been getting, Naaza. Especially when she's transformed. You look like an adoring mother." Miach reached out for Naaza's hand. "Come along Naaza." Naaza felt her knees give way for a second before being pulled out of the basement.

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(Twilight Manor)

"Fey-Fey!"

*Thud!*

"Lokiiiiii!" Hephaestus glared at the slim red trying to grab her body. Hephaestus managed to stop Loki from tackling her and held her at arm's length. "Stop being a pervert."

"Can you blame me? He-he-he." Loki snickered.

"Yes. You're becoming predictable."

Loki pouted before standing up straight. "Bummer. What do you need Fei-Fei?"

"I was wondering if we could talk privately."

"Bedroom is private." Loki grinned wide.

"Never mind." Hephaestus turned around to the door.

Loki reached out for Hephaestus's arm. "I was kidding. Fey-Fey. Geez take a joke, bestie. We can talk on the roof. There is some patio furniture by the garden."

"Fine but I am keeping my eye on you." Hephaestus followed Loki up the grand staircase.

"Wouldn't have it any other way?" Loki shook her butt up the stairs.

Nearly an hour later, the two redhead goddesses were sipping lemonade sitting at a patio table on the roof. They were gossiping about recent events and celebrating a successful expedition. Neither felt any deaths from the expedition, reasoning that their familias were on the way back up after ten days.

Loki was resting her chin on her hands. "So, what did you want to ask me, Fei-Fei?"

"It has to do with Hestia."

"Are you two fighting?" Loki twisted her head out of curiosity.

"No. Well, not currently."

Loki's brow raised. "Currently?"

"She is my friend, Loki. I would prefer not to."

"But?" Loki's eyes slanted to her signature squint.

"Last night, I stopped by the church to distract her for Bell and Eina."

Loki rolled her eyes. "Why did you do that?"

"Eina told me a few days ago that Bell's a little nervous about telling Hestia that they're engaged. Welf told me last night that they were probably together, so I brought some bubbly with me to give him time to work up the courage." Hephaestus noticed the annoyed look on Loki's face. "Did you know, Loki?"

"Ugh, I overheard Eina's parents talking last night. Guess it's true that the rabbit took my girl." Loki rubbed her temple. "Is that all?"

"Not quite. I was also hoping to question her about Bell's status because I have been noticing some weird things with Welf's basic abilities. She wasn't budging."

"Figures. What kind of weird things?"

Hephaestus pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper from her pocket. "Take a look."

Welf Crozzo Age: 17 Race: Human

Level One

Strength: C650…..B718 Endurance: D525…..C601

Dexterity: C679…..B741 Agility: D534…..C625

Magic: I70

Magic ()

Will-o-Wisp

Skills ()

Crozzo Blood

"Woah! Neat." Loki scanned the status sheet.

Hephaestus noticed Loki's eyes expand in shock even if she wasn't being honest. "That isn't normal."

"Fei-Fei are you sure it hasn't been a few weeks or months since his last update?"

"This one is just Four days!" Hephaestus pulled out another sheet and pointed to her mark at the top with the date. This was a ninety-six point increase earlier this week."

"Huh."

"You don't seem impressed, Loki. That's nearly four hundred points combined in less than a week. Growth like that could shake Gekai. I can only guess it's because of Bell."

"Thought it would be obvious. The Rabbit has a skill."

Hephaestus's brow hurt. "That…. makes a lot sense with the speed of Bell's level up? Still, it's hard to believe Hestia would let you of all people see it, Loki. No offense."

"Eina saw it. She couldn't read it, but I have been noticing the same with a couple of my girls." Loki shook her head. "Been trying to cover for Itty-Bitty. First time I have seen it affect a male though."

"Really."

"Yeah. I wasn't a hundred percent sure it was affecting other races outside of elves too. The fourth girl's stats aren't too far out of normal."

"That's weird." Hephaestus rolled up the papers and put them away. "Welf is definitely not liked by elves. I don't see how they are connected. Welf has been following Bell down to floor twelve already. How does a skill absorb and redistribute all this excelia?"

"I don't know Fei-Fei." Loki shrugged her shoulders. "Don't bother asking Bell, he doesn't know either. Itty-Bitty keeps it secret from him."

"That's not good." Hephaestus grimaced. "She's probably scared."

"Well, Riveria is forcing Eina to tell him, so it's gonna get out soon. We will see if they're still gonna get married." Loki sat back with a grin sipping her drink.

Hephaestus stared Loki down. "I don't believe Bell would do that to her. Especially with how much restraint he's been showing."

"Still got a chance." Loki triumphantly pulled back her fist.

"Doubtful, Loki." Hephaestus smirked. "He didn't show up at all last night."

*Cough! Cough!* Loki sat up pounding her chest. "What!?"

Hephaestus twirled her drink around to mock Loki. "Yes, if I wasn't there to distract Hestia. Bell would have been found out. Welf says their nearly inseparable and adorable. I think they worked through it."

Hephaestus relaxed with a smug look on her face drinking from her glass. 'Poor Indril.'

Loki smacked her head on the table. "Those two are gonna get me in trouble."

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.

.

Before Hephaestus could ask why the rooftop access door creaked open to reveal a slim light blue-furred catgirl with a nervous look on her face. Loki's head shot up in a better mood seeing one of her new recruits.

"Astrid-baby you miss me?"

"S-sorry Loki. You have another…"

"Move out of my way!" Hestia pushed the meek catgirl aside. Astrid fell into a sunflower patch mixing dirt into her fur. She immediately bolted back inside to hide from the angry goddess and clean her fur.

"That was mean. We were just talking about you Itty-Bitty. Didn't know it would summon you." Loki sat back in her chair crossing her legs, with a wide-toothed grin as Hestia stormed up to them.

"Hep….haestus?" Hestia froze.

Hephaestus had her head propped up on her left hand. She smiled warmly at her friend. "Good morning, Hestia."

"Not at all." Hestia crossed her arms. "You two are working together aren't you."

Hephaestus glanced over to Loki who just shrugged. "Our familias are on an expedition together. I guess, so?"

"With Bell!" Hestia shouted. "You two are trying to take him from me."

"Hestia. We're not doing anything with Bell." Hephaestus tried to calm her down.

"I don't believe you. Thought it was weird that you just randomly show up at my place to hang out." Hestia raised her hands to form air quotes with her fingers. "Now I find out her half-elf stole my Bell."

Loki rolled her eyes. "Other way around."

"What?!"

"You heard me. Rabbit boy is like catnip for elves."

"Shut up Loki. I know you've been trying to steal him this whole time." Hestia clenched fists fell to her sides.

Loki got up off her chair and walked over to Hestia. Loki leaned down until she was at eye level. "If I wanted to steal Bell. I would have done that the second I found out about his skill almost a month ago." Hestia froze in fear. "You should be grateful that I've been trying to cover for you."

"He does not." Hestia's voice lowered.

"It is extremely obvious Itty-Bitty." Loki folded her arms and stood off to the side. "Only reason the rabbit doesn't know is because he's greener than Demeter's fields and you keep lying to him. Others are noticing and he's got a target on his back."

"How does it work?" Hephaestus asked. "Maybe we can help slow down his growth to the sword princess's level."

"Not telling." Hestia muttered. "Is that why you got me drunk?"

"I did want to ask Hestia, but I am assuming that's why you had me instruct you on locking a falna." Hephaestus immediately glared at Loki's smug grin.

"Then why?"

"Bell is obviously afraid of you, Itty-Bitty."

"No's he not. I am a comforting and loving goddess, washboard."

Hephaestus could feel a migraine starting. "More like he doesn't want to hurt you, Hestia. You won't let him grow emotionally. So, he hid his relationship from you for a few days, until he could face you."

"Bell is in my familia. Eina can butt out."

"You can have her." Loki stared off aimlessly.

"Huh."

"You heard me. Take her." Loki grimaced. "Be easier to grow your family with two levels twos."

"No! Eina's not worthy of my Bell."

*Thud!*

Loki bent down low and tackled Hestia. Throwing the small goddess over her shoulder. Hestia pounded on Loki's back to effect. "Let me go."

"Not until you're out of my gates. I have had enough of you." Loki carried the squirming Hestia back into the manor, through the halls.

Hephaestus finished off her drink like a shot glass and chased after them. "Don't hurt Hestia, Loki."

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*Creak! Clunk!*

The front door of the twilight manor closed behind us as we entered the entrance hall. Eina was still holding onto my hand. We stopped off at the church to look for goddess, but the basement was empty. I did pack my backpack with some clothes. We backtracked to Hephaestus's familia home, but neither Welf nor goddesses were there.

Eina saw the disappointed look on Bell's face and pulled herself closer until she was hugging him in the middle of the hall. "Don't worry Bell. Before the day is out, we will talk to goddess Hestia. Maybe she's at work."

"I hope so."

"Sure, she is Bell, otherwise my apartment would be on fire. He-he."

"Guess you're right."

Eina rubbed her fingers across his chest. "Let's just talk to Loki really quick and we can go search for goddess Hestia again. Maybe we can convince Loki to let you take part in future expeditions, so we can get used to middle floors."

"Ooookay." I smiled nervously down into her emerald eyes. Her beautiful grin always made me feel better.

*Muah!*

Eina stood on her tippy toes to reach Bell's lips and clasped her arms behind Bell's head. Her soft wet lips gently caressed Bell's, trying to cheer him up with her touch. Eina's lips parted showing her pearly white teeth when she felt Bell's hands clasp around her lower back and hold her tight. She pecked him on the lips again before pulling away with a smile. "Later."

"You started it."

"He-he." Eina chuckled at the mischievous smirk on his face.

"BELLLLLL!"

Me and Eina's necks swiveled around to the second-story handrails above the staircase. Loki was frozen watching them with wide eyes. A very angry Hestia was being held over Loki's shoulder. Hephaestus was smiling ear to ear from the other side.

I could feel the color draining from my face. "Uhhh….. G-Goddess." *Gulp!*

Eina was blushing in Bell's shaking arms. She unclasped her arms and fell back to her feet. She patted his chest for him to let go. Bell's hands parted from her backside and Eina twisted around until she faced the staircase with her right hand grabbing his.

"Oww."

*Thud!*

Hestia pulled Loki's ponytail and kneed her abdomen to break out of the trickster's grip. Hestia jumped up from the ground and raced down the stairs. She was shuffling her arms with her fists clenched eyeing the couple. "What do you think you're doing Bell?"

"I was l-looking for you g-g-goddess. I d-didn't see you at home."

"And when was that!? Where were you last night!?"

"With my Fiancé, g-goddess." I felt Eina tighten her grip.

Hestia scowled at Eina. "I knew you would try to seduce him. You harlot."

"GODDESS, APOLOGIZE!" My hand instinctively reached for Eina's ear, horrified by her insult. The Loki and Hephaestus were surprised by Bell's angered tone.

Eina caught Bell's hand and kissed his palm before pulling it down. "Goddess Hestia, we didn't do anything."

*Bzzzzzzzzz!* Loki made a buzzer sound with her lips as she walked up to the side of Hestia with an annoyed smirk on her face. "You definitely left out some details Eina."

Hestia was getting angrier. Eina blushed red in embarrassment. "We d-didn't have s-s-sex, but we did have a shower together and make out naked."

"He-he-he." Hephaestus giggled from Hestia's other side. "Sorry, you two."

"Lucky rabbit." Loki pouted.

"IT'S NOT….. FUNNY!" Hestia shook in anger with tears welling in the corners of her eyes.

"Oh, I know." Eina fired back with a serious tone. "Bell told you what he wanted, goddess Hestia. He knew you would overreact like usual. You always ignore his wishes out of some blind obsession." Eina placed her head on his shoulder and mumbled angrily. "Couldn't even make it a few days into our engagement before you try and break us apart."

"I would never agree to this Eina. Bell is mine. I love him." Hestia pouted.

"Funny way of showing it." Eina replied sarcastically. "He would have been happy if you chose to be a mother figure."

"Well, I won't be Eeei…..na. You do not deserve to corrupt him." Hestia forced the tears back with anger.

"Goddess! I am not yours. Please accept Eina."

"No."

"Then you will not see me again."

"What!?" Hestia's mouth hung open.

"I already warned you, goddess, when Hod kidnapped her. I was going for her no matter what." I saw Eina's stunned look out of the corner of my eye. Loki and Hephaestus exchanged surprised glances. "Regardless, I am making Eina my wife in three weeks. I am lucky to find a woman like her."

"I am." Eina's body shook, hugging his arm between her bosom.

Hestia's eyes twitched out of jealousy seeing his face turn red from Eina's body. Her only chance was to catch Bell in a lie. "What about Riversomething?"

"It's Riveria, Itty-bitty." Loki glared sideways.

"And I don't care flatty." Bell grimaced in response to Goddess Hestia's question.

"I already know about Bell's feelings for Riveria." Eina replied raising her hand to rub Bell's chest above his heart. Hephaestus smirked wide trying to suppress her shock.

Loki stared Eina down. "That doesn't bother you, Eina. That you don't have his whole heart."

"Loki." Hephaestus chastised her friend. "Stop."

"What? I want to know, Fey-Fey."

"Bell's wears his heart on his sleeve, Loki. I have always known. It's the reason we tried pushing each other away. Bell didn't want to hurt me. Still, I love him."

My hand reached up to Eina's on my chest. "I love you, Eina. I will spend my life and the next proving it." Hephaestus and Loki's stared dumbfounded. Shocked that he promised two lifetimes in front of three goddesses and meant it. Eina's face brightened seeing the expressions on their faces. She stared up at Bell wanting nothing more than to tackle Bell to the ground there and then.

"No! No! No! No!" Hestia shook her head. "I told you not to leave me alone. I forbid it." Tears started trickling down Hestia's cheeks.

"I will not break it off."

"I will not update your blessing if you go through with this, Bell."

"Hestia that's blackmail." Hephaestus warned.

"It's okay Goddess Hephaestus. It's not the first time and I don't mind slowing down." I shrugged my shoulders. "At least I won't be lied to my face."

"I do n…."

"Yes, you do goddess." My eyes were strained looking at her. "Eina told me everything that she knows about my skill."

"Serious."

"Yes, Goddess Loki. I don't know how I didn't realize it sooner."

All eyes fell on Hestia who looked like she was about to pull out her hair. "They lied to you. Why aren't you mad at them."

"Because they were not obligated to tell me and Eina was worried about her job at the time. It was tearing her apart trying to keep it a secret. Meanwhile, you lie to me every day, goddess."

"I was scared!" Hestia cried out.

"I could respect and adore you for that, but you don't even trust me, goddess. What's worse you can't even accept my love for Eina?" I let out a sigh feeling like a weight was lifted from my chest. My eyes were half-closed staring down at the ground. "Huuuu, I left my savings in the apartment goddess. I am moving in with my wife."

"Noooooooo!" Tears were streaming down Hestia's face. She ran out of the manor.

Hephaestus palmed her face, massaging her temple with her fingers. "I had a feeling this was gonna be a rough week. I will keep track of her."

"S-s-sorry Goddess Hephaestus."

"Awe. The nervousness is back." Hephaestus grinned. "It's not your fault Bell. I wish you both happiness. I will tell Welf to meet you tomorrow."

"Thank you." Hephaestus followed Hestia out of the manor.
*Muah! Muah!* Eina was squeezing Bell hard and kissing frantically across his face.

Loki started off annoyed seeing the open affection from one of her girls. She saw Astrid's head pop out of the hallway leading to the bathroom. Loki shook her head. "Enough Eina!"

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.

.

"Sorry." Eina blushed in embarrassment.

"Read the room you two."

"N-n-now what?" I

"Take it one day at a time Bell." Eina placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Dammit! You two are adorable." Loki rolled her eyes.

"Thank you, Loki." Eina smiled

"Do you want a status update Eina?"

"Sure. I wanted to ask you something else too. Goddess."

"Alright follow me to my room." Loki led Eina up the stairs. Both women froze seeing Bell standing still. "You coming rabbit."

"I am not part of your familia, Goddess Loki. I can wait here."

"Come on Bell." Eina eyed him sarcastically. "It's only fair since I saw yours. Plus, I don't want to hide anything from you."

"Let's go." Loki ordered. Bell nervously followed after Eina and Loki through the beautiful manor.

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.

Eina was grinning wide seeing the blush on Bell's face. She was bent over in her chair with her blouse off. She held the underside of her breasts in case Loki got handsy, pushing up her ample cleavage in Bell's direction. Loki was annoyed as she rolled the excelia into Eina's basic abilities. Loki closed the falna and pressed against Eina's back. "All done."

"Lokiiiiiii." Eina moved away.

"Not fair." Loki pouted.

"We love each other Loki." Eina released her arms, displaying the front of her body to Bell as she reached out for her blouse. She buttoned her blouse, smirking at Bell's wide grin. "Stop being a pervert and somebody will probably respond to you in the future."

"Easy to say for you, Eina."

Eina sat down by my side. I wrapped my arms around her waist. "I don't see why you couldn't Goddess Loki. You're very pretty."

"Stop trying to butter me up, rabbit." Loki bit her lip to prevent herself from smiling. She placed the status sheet between them.

Eina Tulle Age: 19 Race: Half-Elf

Level Two

Strength: I0…..I91 Endurance: I0…..I72

Dexterity: I0…..H152 Agility: I0….. H101

Magic: I0…..H175 Mage: I

Magic ()

Dio Luna (Healing)

Midgard's Twilight (Earth)

Skill ()

Peredhel's Canon

Eina was taken aback by what was on the paper. She expected Endurance to be her highest stat. She had spent nearly a week before Bell's proposal, getting her butt kicked sparring her father. Endurance was her lowest. She only ever used magic over the last four days.

"It is real." Seeing actual proof of the skill was earth-shattering.

"I know right." Loki raised her hand half-heartily. "Almost six hundred points."

"And that's not normal, Goddess Loki."

"Not even close rabbit. That's like a few months of progress for a normal adventurer." Loki shook her head slowly. Even she felt a pang to her heart seeing Bell's face.

"Doesn't even compare to Bell's." Eina light rammed her shoulder into Bell's sternum.

"Sure, you don't know how it works." Loki leaned forward to Bell.

"You probably have a better idea than I do, Goddess Loki. It's always scratched out."

"Bummer. So why did you two come to the manor to search for Hestia?"

"We didn't." Eina shook her head. "I wanted to ask if Bell could come along in the dungeon with the familia."

"No." Loki instantly shot Eina down.

"Why Loki?"

"You already know why Eina." Loki sat back on her bed with her hands bracing against the mattress. "Matter of fact, I don't even what you in the manor until Finn and Riveria come back with the others."

"You can't be serious goddess." Eina raised her voice out of irritation.

"Bell's got a target on his back. I will not jeopardize the familia for him."

"I don't think so, Goddess Loki. Hod's no longer an issue and miss shakti caught the amazons that cornered me."

*Smack!*

Loki palmed her forehead hard learning of the amazons. "You have no idea, Bell."

"Oh, are you talking about other gods? I was banned from the wall, so they won't find me easily now."

*Plop!*

Loki fell back to her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Huuuuu. My decision stands you two. I don't want you around until they get back."

"Fine." Eina stormed out of the bedroom and slammed the door, leaving a stunned bell blinking slowly in his chair. Loki noticed the innocent dumbfounded look on his face from the corner of her eye.

*Creak!* Eina opened the door back up. "Bell come home, please."

"O-okay." I stood up and locked eyes with Loki. "Ummm, it was nice to see you again Lady Loki." I lowered myself in a bow before following Eina out of the room. Loki ignored her wine and continued lying on her back staring out the window in the direction of the tower.

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.

*Swish! Swirl!*

Freya was swishing a goblet of wine around in her hand as she updated Hedin's falna from her bed. Hedin was crouched down to his knee with his back to her. Hedin peered over his shoulder nervously, noticing the half-moon's light seemed diminished in her presence. Freya had a confused look on her face as she tried rolling the excelia into his status.

"S-something wrong my lady." Hedin felt a chill crawl up his bare back.

"I am at a loss." Freya confessed.

"What!?"

"Hedin, do you remember anything from that night? Of what or who knocked you unconscious?"

"Only a white light and a thunderous roar, my lady."

"And what happened earlier with your betrothed?" Freya's brow creased in irritation.

"The boy had long gone home. I was trying to make her see reason to avoid getting him in trouble. Things became violent and I was prepared to bring her before you."

"That was reckless." Freya playfully walked her fingers up his back.

Hedin shivered all over and stood up to adjust his cloak. "My lady, if any impropriety were perceived to have happened. Fifty thousand elves from across the world would be out for his head."

"He-he-he. He does like elves."

"My lady please don't even jest. I would be honor-bound to…." Hedin pleas were interrupted.

"You won't!" Freya's voice deepened sending a shiver up Hedin's spine. "Though I suppose your right, my future princess would be too prideful to do something like that and I do wish to see my Odr intact."

"I am sorry for offending you my lady, but they would without hesitation for royalty."

"Alright. I will stop teasing." Freya crossed her arms over Hedin's shoulders, her lips only a centimeter from touching his ear. Hedin was frozen. "I want to know more. Specifically why your endurance and dexterity ability scores remain zero."

"Huh." Hedin's mouth hung open. "T-t-that can't be. Something should have shown after a month. I was even entertaining that Boaz in a few duels."

"Curious." Freya bit her lip in frustration. "Besides that, your strength did go up to an A grade. Nothing else of note in your status."

"I would never doubt you, but how can that be?"

"That I am not sure. I don't sense a curse afflicting you." Freya sat up gliding her pointer finger across her bottom lip; lost in thought. 'Even with a level up, Odr couldn't hurt Hedin, no way his unique growth could affect others. Still white light, but Hedin can't see his soul.'

"Is there something wrong my lady?" Hedin was buttoning up his cloak in front of her.

"I haven't seen my Odr all day. My mind goes directly to him." Freya pouted.

"My lady. Your new informant asked Ganesha's guards for answers about the amazon attack."

"I should have set the whole quarter on fire." Freya threatened. Her warring nature was as formidable as her beauty. Her beauty could blind a person's soul, but incurring the wrath of the warrior could rend the heart asunder.

"We are at your command, my lady." Hedin knelt to the ground with his fist on the floor. Her cloak hung half-open in the front. "However, it doesn't seem like it was ordered by Ishtar and with recent events, Shakti has forbidden Bell from the wall."

"Hmm. I will answer it personally next time they do." Freya's eyes flared. "Seems like I need to up my plans for Bell."

"We can round him up with the hour, my lady."

"No!"

Hedin stood up. "Why give them a chance?"

"Don't you worry, Hedin?" Freya shifted her hips sensually as she walked up to the elf king. "Bell will be mine by the end of the week. One way or the other."

"Finally." Hedin sighed.

"Jealous, are you?" Freya smirked trailing her hand down Hedin's arm.

"I-I-I do not like seeing you unhappy." Hedin's whole body shivered.

"Hestia is already digging a hole, it's only a matter of time before she falls in it." Freya giggled. "Ryu is already acting like a woman in love. I will try to push her."

Hedin stared dumbfounded. "Did you use your charm?"

Freya moved around to his side and trickled her fingers up Hedin's ribs before turning him around so she was facing her bed. Freya narrowed her eyes on the sheep being corralled to her pen. Freya bit her lip playfully. "I haven't used my charm since I visited that troublesome half-elf's father."

"W-why not just steal her from Loki?"

"Because her soul doesn't interest me. Ryu's does. Having her connected to him will inspire her to break from Astraea. Then I can make love to my Odr and her anytime I want." Freya smiled wide. She reached her right pointer finger up to Hedin's nose. "Boop."

*Thud!*

Hedin lost his balance and fell back to her bed. Hedin was frozen on the extremely soft purple silk linens. Freya reached towards her cleavage to grab at her flowery robes. She pulled her robe outwards in one clean motion, sending her one-piece robe falling to the floor instantly. Freya was completely naked in front of the former elf king.

Freya's skin was white as snow and softer than the highest grade of silk. Her body was utterly perfect. She idealized the perfect golden ratio of the female body. Her voluptuous curves formed an hourglass with her sizeable rear end matching the perkiness of her 36DD breasts.

*Gulp!*

Freya leaned over the bed placing her hands around Hedin. "Entertain me."

Ten minutes later, Freya's perfect body was glistening in the moonlight as she stared back down at the city. She finished her drink leaning against the rail, with a bored expression on her face. Wanting to share endless nights with her Odr. Her eyes wandered to the church, which seemed darker than usual. She made a mental note to look into Hestia's weird earlier behavior.

Her eyes wandered to the Hostess where Ryu was sending customers away from the closing bar. With a smirk on her face, she observed Ryu's unique soul. It use to glow yellow, like the justice she epitomized. Her soul had sense changed into a dark green with a deep hollow center. Ever since she met Bell, the hollowness seemed to shrink more and more.

"Fu-fu. Soon Ryu. You will be smiling every day with our dear Odr."

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(Day 41)

"Four thousand eighty-nine….. four thousand ninety….. Four thousand ninety-oooone." My arms were getting shaky and sweat was dripping off my face. My muscles were screaming in agony. "Four thousand ninety-twwwwwwwooooo."

Eina's head popped around the corner of the second floor. She saw bell struggling to continue his pushups in the entranceway. The wood floor was wet with his sweat. Eina shook her grinning face. "Figures! I thought you went to the bathroom."

"S-s-sorry E-Eina. Four thousand ninety-three." I tried to force myself to continue when she showed up.

Eina started walking down the stairs still wearing her blue nightgown watching him push out three more. "I wanted to cuddle longer. Find you obsessed with getting stronger over me. He-he."

"FFFFour thousand ninety-oooooooof." My muscles gave out and my body collapsed to the floor, breathing hard. "Hu-hu-hu. Never!"

"Got to be a record." Eina crouched to the ground in front of his face. She ran her hand through his snowy white hair. Her butt was almost touching the ground as she placed her head over her knees "I felt you get up like twenty minutes ago. Bell. Bell. What's wrong?"

My burning cheeks were puffed outward. My head was motionless unable to look away. "E-e-eina y-your underwear…."

"Is upstairs remember?" Eina smiled wide showing her teeth. "I wasn't wearing them all night, Bell. I don't have a tooth mark down there do I."

"N-n-no it's p-perfect."

"He-he. For now I guess." Eina leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I like what you did last night. Don't worry I brushed my teeth too."

"I really, really, really, really enjoyed what you did."

"Me too." Eina whispered into his red ear. Bell looked like he was gonna vent like a neglected teapot. Eina placed another peck on his lips. "That book was more entertaining than the others."

I shook my head up and down. "I h-hope we don't have to return that one today."

"Nah. Can't go to the manor, remember. He-he-he." Eina chuckled. "Though it figures Loki would have a book showing more than two people. Such a pervert."

Eina's eyes narrowed seeing Bell's flare to their limits. He was failing to maintain a normal facial expression recalling those drawings.

"Bbbbbbeeeeeeeeellll. Are you thinking dirty thoughts?"

"H-H-how can't I with you being naked?"

"Nice save. You know what I meant." Eina stepped over his body and started tickling underneath his armpits to tease him.

"Eina I am all sweaty. Stop please."

"You're not getting off that easy, perv."

"I promised to gods. You're the only one for me!"

"Better be." Eina snickered then grabbed Bell's side and held him up until his arms were supporting his weight. "Come on hubby you failed four thousand ninety-seven. If you reach five thousand, I will take a shower with you."

"O-o-okay." My muscles were tense, my mind was reinvigorated with new energy. Muscles were still shaky as I slowly fell to the floor and pushed out two more with her tapping my side in case I fell. "Four thousand…. Ninety-nineeeeeee….Oooof." I almost collapsed to the floor again. As soon as I pushed upwards, Eina landed her body weight on my back.

"Earn it." Eina started grinding her body against his back. She kissed his right cheek. "Come on one more to go." Eina rocked her hips into Bell wanting him to succeed.

"Uhhh, Eina."

"What's the matter? Just one more." Eina said with a puppy look on her pouty lips. She rotated her head noticing he was holding the up position.

"I d-don't think I can move downwards."

Eina smiled wide. "Oh, naughty."

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(Babel)

Welf was standing against one of the many northern archways leading into Babel. He was twiddling his thumbs growing more impatient by the minute. Every other minute he craned his neck to scan the foot traffic from the north road.

"Welf?"

Welf turned his head to the interior of Babel. Welf pushed off from his back and held up his arms. Grabbed Bell close into a hug, making sure to not touch Eina. "Was getting worried you weren't going to show after yesterday? How are you feeling?"

"B-better. S-sorry for making you wait."

Welf smirked wide seeing the couple exchange blushing glances. "Something seems different with you two."

"Nothing's changed." Eina's denied adamantly.

Welf narrowed his eyes. "You two had sex didn't you."

"N-n-no. We didn't go that far." I said a little too fast. Eina's elbowed my padded Gambeson, knocking the wind out of me. "ooooo."

"Hah, you pervs." Welf laughed out loud. "Where's Lil' bit?"

"She's not with you." Eina's brow raised.

"No." Welf shook his head. "Lily's unmistakable with that huge bag on her small frame."

"Huh, well me and Eina stopped off at the guild to talk to Rose. We haven't seen her."

"Curious, I didn't see her yesterday either." Welf stroked his chin. "Was gonna stretch my legs on floor six, but I end up going home and making the molds for your short swords."

"You don't have to do a split blade."

"Don't worry. I rather make things easier for you and give you more options with fewer restrictions." Welf blushed lightly. "Besides I had a little alone time with goddess to gain her input."

"Congratulations."

"Not that lucky." Welf shook his head.

"No harm trying to reach her heart." Eina smiled.

Welf shrugged. "Doubtful the blade will impress her, especially, if I don't level up. I will get working on it tomorrow night or the day after."

"Nice."

"So, dungeon." Welf clasped his hands together and started to rub them together in eagerness.

"I didn't bring my bag."

"Hmmmmm. Give me a few minutes." Welf pointed to the elevator. "I will go upstairs to see if I can borrow something." Welf took off towards the elevator without another word.

Eina chuckled. "Crozzo is growing on me."

"Hey."

"Like a brother." *Muah!* Eina leaned mischievously and started kissing Bell. She started making out with him. Eina knew he wouldn't be expecting such in public and reached around to his back to grab his bow.

*Woosh!*

"That's mine."

Eina spits out her tongue teasingly. "I know, but I was a supporter last time. Remember."

"Uhhhh, Fine."

Welf came down a few minutes later carrying a large backpack. I reluctantly exchanged my quiver for the bag. We only went down to floor ten for a few hours with Welf on vanguard targeting Orcs.

I was accumulating a lot of dings and dents on my armor from the imps. Eina's archery skill wasn't as great and the bag made it difficult to wield the borrowed longsword. I ended up resorting to my magic a lot in tight situations. Each ding in my armor was making me gain even greater respect for Lily's position as a supporter.

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We surfaced from the dungeon around four. The sun was still a few hours from setting. We cashed in the stones and split valis in thirds, even with Welf teasing that we counted as one. Welf took all of my gear except my Gambeson and sword and took off for his forge. Leaving me and Eina alone in Babel.

I started rocking Eina's hand back and forth. "Should we go home? I can make dinner."

"Hmmmmm, a husband that can cook. Now that is sexy. He-he."

"I'm no chef."

"I will be the judge of that. It's still early and I would like to go to the Hostess." Eina spun lightly shifting her hips to the side.

"Sure. Mama Mia has great food."

"Oh, I know, but I actually want to speak with Ryu."

"Guess we could try. Any reason why?"

"Well, I want to ask her something personal." Eina's lips pursed with a pained look on her face. "Though we should also apologize for the lunches for the last two days."
"I forgot!"

Eina adored seeing the concerned look on his face. Always thinking about others. She grabbed his hand and started walking west toward the hostess. "We can tell her that it's not necessary anymore. Sure, she won't take it too hard. Besides we can make food for the dungeon at home, Bell."

"Okay."

"Good." Eina replied paying extra attention to his body language encase they were being spied upon. She still didn't believe Loki, but Eina was naturally paranoid.

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(Hostess)

As they neared the Hostess, Eina broke away from Bell's grasp despite his innocent bunny stare. Even though Bell was putting up his normal cheerful, joking mannerism. Eina knew the truth. The fight with his goddess deeply affected him. She didn't want him to lose a friend soon after, even one as annoying as Syr. Nor did she feel like getting into an argument after getting beat up in the dungeon. She pulled Bell's bow and quiver off for him to sling on his back.

Bell entered first into the hostess. The business was slow, having just finished the lunch rush and the waitresses were setting up for the night shift. Syr looked up from the table that she was washing. The rag dropped from her hand as she charged toward the entrance. "Bell!"

*Thud!*

Syr pounced on Bell immediately. He was frozen and wide-eyed like a goblin in front of a first-tier adventure. Syr tackled him into a hug burrowing her head into his chest, noticing Bell was considerably sturdier. She pressed her large chest into his stomach. "We missed you."

"Aaaaa, I missed you t-too, Syr." My head shifted back to Eina. She just rolled her eyes and didn't intervene.

Syr looked up with an adorable smile. "We thought you were dead."

"Huh!? Why"

"We saw goddess Hestia running up and down the street with tears in her eyes. Ryu feared the worst and went to check on you this morning when you didn't show again, but was immediately thrown out."

"Oooh. I am s-sorry."

"He's alive, Syr. You can stop hugging him." Eina said trying to control her temper.

"hmmmmmm." Syr's mood soured immediately, upon realizing Eina was there. She backed away a little, still holding onto Bell's wrist. "Why is she here?"

"We just got out of the dungeon." Eina pointed to her armor.

"Well, this isn't the dungeon." Syr jealousy jumped on Bell in front of her.

"Oooo." I recoiled from the impact and held my arms outwards staring at Eina, mouthing the word help me.

*Swish! Thud!*

Ryu exited the kitchen and noticed the trio right away. She bolted up to them before either could register. Ryu grabbed Syr by the collar and yanks her off him in one swift motion

"Owww."

"Syr, you will control yourself."

"So, mean. You could have joined. I know you miss him." Eina's eyes widened in shock, starting to doubt her restraint.

"I am worried for Bell, but it doesn't excuse jumping on him." Ryu scolded. A small smile appeared on her face seeing a pink hue grow on his face.

"H-hi Ryu."

"I see you're in one piece. Everything okay, Bell?"

"Not really." I shook my head from side to side.

"Your goddess seemed to be a bit more hostile than usual. Did something happen?"

"Uhhhh….."

Mia was staring up from the bar, cleaning a mug with a soapy wet rag. "Ryu! Syr! You still have work to do."

Syr looked back with an annoyed look. "Mama the place is ready."

"The hell it is." Mia's eyes twitched in anger. "Their stacks of dishes back there with your name on them."

"But Bell's here." Syr groaned.

"Like I care." Mia clenched her fist around the rag. "Those dishes need to be done and we need more produce before the market closes. Either take their orders or I will chain you to the sink." Mia walked off to the wine cellar.

I glanced over to Eina. "We didn't actually come for food. Did you want to eat, Eina?"

"Not really hungry just yet."

"You two want to sit at the bar." Ryu offered.

Eina shuddered. "Kind of nervous, Bell will get into another fight."

"We haven't seen those vile men in a few days. Mama scared them pretty thoroughly." Ryu grimaced in disgust remembering that night. "I can have Anya keep an eye out while I am away."

"Actually, I was hoping to talk to you. Ryu."

"Me." Ryu's brow raised in surprise.

"Yes, I wanted to ask something personal. If you don't mind."

Red flags were waving in Ryu's mind. "U-uh, I can't. I-I have to go."

"I will go to the market." Syr raced by Eina and grabbed Bell's arm trying to yank him out of the bar with surprising strength.

"S-s-syr."

"Come on Bell. I need somebody strong to protect me."

"Uuuh."

"Knock it off." Eina shouted. Syr spits out her tongue to try and make Eina look bad.

Ryu caved and waved them off. "Go ahead. No detours, Syr."

"Yeah. Bell, will you help."

"I-I guess." Immediately upon agreeing, Syr pulled me out of the hostess. Eina stood there trying to figure out if she should chase after them.

"Don't worry. Syr's harmless. Most of the time." Ryu rubbed her temple. "Guess I am doing dishes."

"I can help."

"O-o-okay."

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.

.

"Wow, this feels like it won't ever end." Eina wiped her brow, having completed an hour into the marathon. She was down to her tunic, shin guards, and greaves scrubbing the food off the plate and dropping it into the clean water for Ryu.

"You really didn't have to help Eina."

"Well, now I just feel bad that you got stuck with this mountain of dishes."

"Um, thank you." Ryu averted her gaze to the soapy water. She picked up a giant stack of clean dishes and moved them across the kitchen.

The giant dwarfess entered from the bar. She stared at Eina with a confused look. "Who are you?"

Ryu walked back to the sink. "She's a friend, mama. Her name is Eina."

"I thought I told you to go to the market."

Eina answered nervously. "Syr kind of dragged Bell away."

"Figures." Mia stared up at the ceiling and then over to the stacks of clean dishes ready for dinner. "You want a job?"

"Uh, kind of an adventurer."

"Please, you're greener than her boyfriend. Just fancier gear." Mia rolled her eyes.

"Mama." Ryu stared up from her dish with a distressed look. "The men in here would tirelessly harass her for her… proportions." Eina's cheeks-tinged pink behind Ryu.

"Suppose you're right. Think I recognize her from the other night." Mia's eyes glanced over to the clock. "Kitchen staff and customers should be filing in soon. Try to get them done without breaking more dishes, Ryu."

"More?" Eina tilted her head confused.

Mia picked up two plates in the corner of the drying rack. Each with cracks down the center. "This klutz has never been good with delicate situations."

"Mama." Ryu cringed.

"Not like it's a new thing." Mia deadpanned seeing Ryu's embarrassed face. "I will take it out of Syr's paycheck." *Thud!* Mia threw the broken dishes in the trash and walked back out into the bar.

"He-he." Eina giggled at Ryu's embarrassed expressions.

"Sorry."

"Don't be." Eina smiled. "Good thing Bell doesn't see you like this. His head would be spinning seeing your cute expressions."

"Hmph." Ryu stared wide-eyed at Eina. She was blinking slowly, feeling the warmth from her seemingly deflated diaphragm.

"Not sure it's been any more obvious, that he likes elves. Though I am just teasing you." Eina's reflexivity smiled at the nervous elf. "Need to relax a little more. Tell me about this boyfriend."

"N-n-not sure I am worthy of his love." Ryu slowed down, distracted by her battling feelings.

"Nonsense." Eina glanced sideways in disbelief. "You're absolutely stunning, Ryu."

"aaaaa, I-I don't compare to y-you." Ryu blushed trying to avoid staring at Eina's large chest.

"Perv."

Ryu's sapphire blue eyes locked on to Eina's glimmering emeralds. "Huh."

"I am used to people staring at the guild. I may not be as intuitive as Bell, but I am a good read of body language." Eina smirked at the speechless elf. "That's five times now. Usually, full-blood elves focus on my rounded ears."

"Sorry."

"Well, at least you're not leering. Though don't discount your body at all. Absolutely jealous of your lower half and your skin. I have seen you training Bell remember." Eina playfully rocked her shoulder sideways, expecting Ryu to jump away. Ryu was so distracted and embarrassed that she wasn't prepared for Eina. Ryu's legs tensed up. The plate cracked in her hand.

*Crack!*

"Dammit, Ryu!" Mia shouted. "Anymore, I will take it out of your paycheck."
"Sorry, mama." Ryu went back to washing dishes and placing them on the drying rack. Contemplating why she didn't freak out worse.

"Please forgive me." Eina bowed her head.

"I-its okay." Ryu cleared her throat silently. "I just wasn't expecting that."

"Sorry, I get carried away when doing repetitive tasks. I should realize by now working with Sophie and Royman."

"Don't compare yourself to the pig. Half-elves are far beyond his corruption and you have the advantage of maneuvering the pitfalls of pride."
"Thank you." Eina smiled nervously down into the water.

"W-what did you want to talk to me about, Eina?" Ryu reached over to grab Eina's plate.

"Oh, I wanted to see what you know about the forest pack."

*Swish! Swish! Splash!*

"Whew." Ryu held her chest seeing the dish safely fall into the water. "You're getting married."

"Yes." Eina shook her head with a huge smile on her face. "I can't wait to be with my fiancé and start things officially. Wasn't sure which option to choose with me being a half, but he wants to go into the forest."

"Congratulations. I wouldn't dwell on what others think and pursue your love with all your heart. W-w-why would you seek me out about that?"

"Well, Alicia and Riveria are in the dungeon." Eina noticed Ryu's brow raise at the loss of the honorific. Ryu remained quiet. "My mother is excited with either option we choose, but my father who is human thinks we have gone too far and broke some rules. I chose to talk to you because you're basically Bell's hero."

"He….r….o."

"Yes." Eina chuckled with her knuckle to her lips. "He constantly talks about you, Ryu. He absolutely adores everything you have done for him. He credits his very survival to you. Including those lunches which he is both sorry for not telling you and a little nervous that he won't need them anymore, since he has a real kitchen at his new place."

"He moved!"

It was Eina's turn to catch a plate before it cracks. She knocked it into the adjacent sink. "Yes, he lives up north away from his goddess."

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.

.

Ryu calmed herself. "What happened?"

"Same as usual, except Bell challenged his goddess on her lies."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's obvious she's obsessed with him." Ryu nodded along with Eina's statement. "She lied to his face on purpose about something I noticed as his advisor. He also wants to be able to live his life with the woman he loves."

"Lady Riveria!" Ryu whispered.

"He-he. No." Eina was overwhelmed hearing that confession. "H-how do you know that?"

"I overheard him on floor six, a month ago. Calling out her name and wanting to be by her side."

"He-he." Eina giggled in relief. "He does have a crush on Riveria, but I wasn't talking about her in this case. Bell has always been trying to get closer, but Goddess Hestia would do everything possible to get in his way. So, he finally snapped and moved into the apartment."

"Wow." Ryu's voice was low trying to absorb all this information and reconcile her feelings, amidst her rapidly beating heart.

*Splash!*

Eina flicked a little soapy water at Ryu to snap her out of her trance. "You okay. I didn't know it would affect you that strongly."

"I…. I am just happy for him." Ryu was nervously scratching her chest. "I am sure his affections will be answered by the next moon."

"Oh right, the pact. Need to ask before I make Mia angry at you." Eina quickly unloaded her dishes onto Ryu's side and reached for the last stack of dirty dishes.

Ryu replied resolutely. "A couple shall pledge their everlasting love to the moon in a quiet forest in the middle of the night."(1)

"I understand that part." Eina grinned sarcastically. "Something about rules."

"Love is pure, Eina." Ryu buried her trembling hands into the water. "One only gives up their chastity for their lifetime partner. Until the day the marriage contract is sealed and the oath is made in the forest, a couple must not act lovey-dovey or even hold hands!"(2) Ryu gazed away from Eina trying to hide her elation.

*Chirp! Chirp!*

The kitchen was as quiet as a crypt. The only noise was from cricket trying to squeeze through the outside door. The cleaning of plates and swishing of water completely died out at the end of Ryu's speech. Ryu was expecting an immediate reply, but it never came. She turned to ask Eina but was caught off guard by how pale Eina was getting. "Are you okay?"

"Um… um….. is all of that required?" Eina's voice squeaked.

"Huh."

Eina's cheeks started gaining color back, as she massaged her forearm. "We are both still virgins, but we have been….. experimenting, recently."

"With handholding?" Ryu's brow raised, genially seeming to be confused.

Eina shook her head with a mortified look on her face. "A lot further than that."

"uhhhhhhhhhhhhh." Ryu stared Eina in the eyes, barely blinking. Her face was getting uncomfortably hot, trying to imagine what was between handholding and sex.

Eina's cheeks started to match Ryu's as she looked away. "Maybe my father is right."

"But your mother is okay with it?" Ryu deadpanned.

"Yes. She even left the forest with Riveria."

"You're part high-elf!"

"Depends who you ask, but yes."

Ryu was blown away. "I-I don't understand. That's what my mother told me."

"Forgive me." Eina nodded her head. "Your view on love is a treasure, but it seems kind of old-fashioned. Even basic touch can go a long way to enhancing a relationship. How would they even how deeply you feel for them in the first place? What does your boyfriend think?"

Ryu was looking away with saddened eyes. Eina held out her hands hesitantly. "Sorry, I am sure he loves you. Just confused."

"H-h-he did try to kiss me."

"Oh my, naughty elf." Eina teased. Ryu's mouth hung open.

*Creak!*

The door was kicked open as half a dozen women filed into the kitchen, gathering their aprons, and started prepping for dinner service. The black-haired catgirl waitress came up to the elven duo. "Ryu, your boyfriend is back."

"Chloe, stop it." Ryu ordered.

"I don't know why you fight it. You touch him all the time like he's your husband." Chloe teased the nearly catatonic blonde elf.

"Oh, where is he?" Eina smiled mischievously.

"He's sitting at the bar, hiding his cute butt." Chloe motioned with her head. "Mama Mia thanks you for your help but I will finish the dishes."

"No problem." Eina grabbed her armor between her hands and skipped out of the kitchen into the bustling bar. She saw Bell sitting at the bar drinking something non-alcoholic, talking to a blonde elven man with a green traveler's hat. She recognized him as one of Hermes familia. She walked up to them with a smile with Ryu behind her. "Ready to go."

"Yep." I agreed. "Oh, this Thane."

"Bell, I know." Eina said sarcastically. "You're wearing his gambeson."

"It looks better on him." Thane smiled. "Oh, look at the time. I need to get going myself."

Eina's brow narrowed in confusion. "It's a little early. You don't have to, because of me."

"I just came here for information at Lord Hermes's behest. God sure is tiresome."

"I know." Ryu replied sarcastically. Thane laughed, before grabbing his own drink and clanging it softly against Bells. "Cheers Bell. Hope things get better. Stay safe down there."

"I will. Thank you." Both men chugged their drinks, before standing up.

Eina smiled rocking her head. "I suppose my fiancé did promise to make me dinner. Let's go."

"Okay." I smiled back. Eina made it halfway across the busy bar when I felt a tug at my sleeve. Ryu was staring at the ground behind me.

Ryu assumed Eina was talking about Thane. She reached out to Bell. "Um…. Bell."

"Y-yes, Ryu."

"Don't worry about the lunches."

"I am sorry about that; wish I could pay you back."

"Could you stop by tomorrow after the dungeon? For dinner?" Ryu said nervously hiding her intentions.

"Sounds great. How about seven?"

"O-okay. See you tomorrow."

Ryu watched the trio exit the hostess. Syr came up to Ryu the second they left. "What did that annoying half-elf want?"

"Eina's really nice, Syr." Ryu glared sideways.

"Please."

"Eina just wanted advice about marrying an elf."

"Good." Syr celebrated by hugging Ryu. "Then, we won't have to do anything unnecessary to keep our Bell."

"Our?" Ryu pushed Syr away. "Please stop your joking Syr."

"Never." Syr protested with a huge smile.

Mia leaned on the counter behind Ryu. "What time are you heading out?"

"Change of plans, mama. I am gonna serve Bell dinner tomorrow."

"It's your day off."

"I know." Ryu blushed.

.

.

.

(Day 42)

"Raaaawwwrrr" The roar of a mighty silverback rang out on floor 12. Its massive fist rushed towards my head. I was easily able to dodge underneath its hairy arm and two-handed the longsword down to cleave it off. Before it could whimper in pain, I chained together my follow-through upwards to remove its head.

Welf cleaved a silverback in half from its shoulder blade to its groin with his greatsword and wiped his brow. He looked up hearing the dying moans of several silverbacks surrounding Bell. Each fell in a pile as Bell accurately pinpointed when to strike and kill each as fast as possible. "How is he doing that?"

*Swish!*

"Kaaaaa…" *Poof!* An imp exploded behind Welf's head. A crossbow bolt fell to the ground as soon the ash dissipated.

"Thanks, part-timer."

"Lily would let the next imp hit your head, but then Lily would have to apologize for the monster's broken tail."

"He-he. We missed you two Lil' Bit."

"Urrrg, can it hammerhead!" Lily shot another Imp out of the sky.

*BOOM!* The far wall exploded under the impact of Eina's magic. The horde of orcs and silverbacks was obliterated by earthy shrapnel. The ground was littered with monster bodies full of holes. She turned around with a smug happy smile trying to keep up with Bell.

"Firebolt!" A hard armor exploded into ash with Bell's magic. The monsters in our area on floor twelve were all dead. Groups of seasoned level one and two adventurers were filing in looking for monsters to kill or making their way to floor thirteen.

"Getting busy in her." Lily scanned the incoming groups with suspicion.

"Maybe we should eat." I suggested. Lily turned around so I could retrieve my lunch box.

Eina jogged up full of excitement. "I really want to eat those rice and chicken balls you made."

"I made plenty." I removed the lid of the box to show two dozen battered chicken and rice balls. Another with cut-up apples with hummus.

"Dam, that looks good." Welf peered over Bell's shoulder.

"If it's even close to the food he made last night. Then you're gonna need to sit down. Knees might buckle."

"We will see." Welf reached in to grab one of the strange-looking balls and inhaled it. *Gulp!* "Holy crap."

"I-I-I was gonna heat them up."

"And risk blowing them up." *Yoink!* Eina ripped the container out of his hand and jogged away to a nearby dead tree. She sat down on the ground and threw one of his balls in her mouth. {{ - }} "Mmmmm." Eina held her rosy cheeks as she slowly chewed on the delightful mix of flavors.

Welf elbowed Bell in armor. "Not a first is it."

"…..."

"Hah." Welf's laughter alarmed nearby groups. He looked over to Lily who was heading over to the opposite end of the floor alone. "Come on Lil' Bit. Foods good."

"Leave Lily one. Got to gather these stones before they mysteriously disappear." Lily pulled out her knife and eyed the adventurers around the room. Some of them recoiled in fear. She started cutting into the silverbacks to gather their stones.

Welf sat down across from Eina trying to share Bell's dish. Eina pulled at Bell's pantleg playfully. "Sit next to me."

"One minute. I just want to make sure Lily is okay."

"Bell, Lily will be fine. There are dozens of people in the room now." Eina pouted adorably from the ground.

"Sorry, just worried about if she's alright."

Welf looked up from his handful of food. "Lily's tough. Sure, she would tell you if something is up. Probably just wasn't feeling well."

"I guess." I sat down next to Eina and reached in for a rice ball. My hand rubbed along Eina's lower back while I watched Lily with concerned eyes.

Though I did calm down seeing how geared the adventurers were walking through the room. Each of them looked like experienced adventurers wearing gear close to Eina's level. A drop of sweat rolled down my cheek as stared with a nervous grimace. 'They're probably far better than someone who needed the help of a mysterious skill to get this far.'

Eina could read Bell like a book. She rested her head on Bell's shoulder. "Get those thoughts out of your head." *Muah!* Eina pecked his cheek. Welf watched from the side with a sense of obliviousness.

.

.

.

*Ching!*

The chime sounded from my hand. The familiar white light pulsed announcing the activation of my skill. Eina grabbed my hand to look it over. Her emerald eyes were bathed in pure white light.

"Oh, crap." Welf dived to Eina's right side to get out the way. He looked up from the ground as the light harmless rang from Bell's hand. "That's a skill."

"Not sure why it's activating."

*Ching!*

"You got to tell me what this skill is. It's so pretty." Eina poked through the warm white aura surrounding his hand.

"Huh, it's kind of embarrassing to say out loud."

*Ching!*

"He-he." Eina laughed. "Only you would have a skill that makes a Bell sound. What is it called, tinker Bell?"

"Nooooo." I pulled my hand away in embarrassment.

"I was kidding." Eina pleaded through her suppressed laughter.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRR!"

"DRAGONsssssssss!" An old stocky dwarf was running terrified for the upper floors. Every adventurer on the floor was shaking in fear.

*Thud! Thud! Thud!*

*Ching!*

The massive hulking frame of a thirteen-foot-tall wingless infant dragon was galloping like a horse towards the adventurers in the center of the room. Its massive tree trunk legs were gouging out the ground from its weight. Level two adventurers tried to brace were sent flying from the sheer force of its body running through the formation. Level one adventurers backed away in fright.

*BoooooooooSSSSSSSSSSHhhhhhh!*

The dragon came to a halt and belched its flame in a full three hundred and sixty degrees around its body. Lucky most adventurers were able to escape without burns, but some were frantically slapping out the flames searing their bodies trying to roll away in the direction of the entrance. The dragon was snapping at their heels.

The dragon noticed Lily frozen against the wall. It turned its body with its massive neck craned in her direction roaring with its serrated teeth ready to consume her flesh.

*Swish!*

"BEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLL!" Eina screamed raising her hand in vain.

*Ching!*

I couldn't risk a firebolt at this range with so many injured nearby. Without thinking I jumped up the tree like the pillar in the arena. The branch beneath my feet shattered when I kicked off with all my strength.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa."

The dragon's roar was drowned out. It stopped its pursuit of Lily to look up at the sky. The dragon's eyes widen seeing a fearless white-haired adventurer bearing down on it; shouting at the top of his lungs. Descending for a death blow carrying a longsword glowing like white fire over his head.

*SSSSSSLICE! Thud! Crumble!*

"Eeeeeee." Lily backed up against the wall away from the lifeless dragon skull at her feet. The whole dragon's body fell backward like a slab of meat having been separated completely from the head.

Bell with one attack severed its head completely. He was panting heavily in front of Lily. Leaning against the blade. *Crack! Crack! Shatter!* The blade splintered all throughout to include the pommel. A second later it burst into shards leaving Welf dumbfounded that his best weapon was reduced to nothing.

*Thud! Thud!*

"Another one!" Eina, remember the dwarf's cry.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRR!"

Another dragon peaked its body around the corner at Bell and Lily, finally having completely its birthing from the wall. Without hesitation, the dragon prepared its fire breath. I couldn't move just yet to fight back. I fanned my arms wide to protect Lily.

*WOOOOSSSSSS….BOOOOOOOOM!*

"BLASPHEMOUS BURN! - WILL-O'-THE-WISP!" Welf rushed forward with his hand held outwards chanting a super short spell at the dragon.

Red hot flames were just about to leave the dragon's mouth with magical air currents swirling around its face. The flames were pushed back inside the dragon's gaping maw. For a second nothing happened. The dragon froze, then started to bloat extremely fast. Soon after the dragon burst into flames, sending flaming viscera throughout the room, each disappearing in ash before showering Bell and Lily.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAHHHHH." The crowds of adventurers cheered ecstatically from the sidelines, having witnessed the prompt termination of two floor boss-like monsters.

"That was Ignis Fatuus right." Eina said looking at Welf in horror.

"Yes." Welf was hunched over feeling the effects of the mental drain.

Eina held out a blue vial. Welf thankfully accepted the mind potion and quickly drink the syrupy concoction. Eina shook her head. "That is a scary spell."

"That's why I stopped using it." Welf shattered the vial on the ground, feeling the effects of the potion.

Eina raced up to Bell who stumbled to his feet. She didn't give him a chance to recover and jumped into his arms, frantically kissing Bell's ash-covered face.

"Eina's everybody's watching." I said embarrassed.

"That's why you have clothes on." *Muah!* Eina whispered seductively before kissing his lips with a burning passion.

"Geez. Feel like Lily should be doing that in this case." Lily dusted herself off.

Eina broke away from Bell. "Welf's over there."

Lily rolled her eyes and pulled out her knife. "Lily chooses the dragon."

.

.

.

We surfaced from the dungeon around quarter after five with the sun lowering to the horizon. We made our way to the guild hall to cash in our stones along with the giant dragon stone. We split the money up four ways at the table.

"Well, I am off to see goddess." Welf stood up from the sorting table with a smile.

"Do you think it was enough?" Eina asked.

"I hope so." Welf lowered his head. "If that wasn't enough then I might have to change career. Especially after Bell desegrated my weapon."

"I can pay for it."
"Don't worry about it, Bell." Welf pushed away from the table. "Lady Hephaestus is gonna flip though when she hears. Might lock me up in the forge."

"At least you will get more time with her." Eina joked.

"Hah." Welf laughed hard. "We will see. See you all in a few days with your new weapons."

Lily was busy stuffing her bag with coins. While Bell waved until Welf flew out the door. Eina was shuffling her thighs together behind Bell. She reached for Bell's hand. He turned to find her acting nervously. "C-can we go home?"

"Aaa." My face flushed seeing her submissive demeanor. "I promised Ryu I would go to the Hostess?"

"Take a hint." Lily rolled her eyes and sealed up her bag.

"Oh."

Eina smirked. "I guess we can see Ryu. She's wonderful, despite Syr."

"Huh."

"Bell." Eina hugged his midsection, she stared upwards with stop eyes. "Syr clearly has a thing for you. I will not react well next time she throws herself at you. You're mine."

"Always." I placed a kiss on Eina's forehead and held her close. "We can go talk to her right now or I could skip the hostess altogether."

"No, you owe Ryu. Just try to help prevent me from punching Syr."

"Okay." I shook my head up and down vigorously.

"Lily has to go." She interrupted with a wave and walked out of the guild hall. "By master Bell and Eina."

The both of us watched Lily leave with strange looks on our faces. Eina narrowed her eyes. "Should we follow her?"

"Something seems off again. Her eyes….."

"Okay, let's go talk to her." *Muah!* Eina kissed Bell's cheek.

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.

"Stroke of the Midnight's Bell, Cinderella." Lily changed her appearance from an elf to a brown-haired catgirl in an alleyway northwest of the guild. She wiggled her magical tail to test out its functionality, so she could act as real as possible. "Huuuuu."
*Thud!*

"Cute little trick Erde!" A giant black-haired werewolf dropped down from the rooftops in front of her. His size alone could easily rival Ottar in height and muscle mass but lacked the falna to come anywhere close. Still, Soma's level two executive was as intimidating and ferocious as he looked. His keen senses made him a perfect hunter.

"Huh."

'Koyo….' Lily screamed in fear inside her head.

"Time to go home Lily." The giant werewolf walked forward with a smile curled up showing his large fangs.

"Meow know who you looking for meo…ister." Lily perfected a certain cat's charm.

"Ugh, you serious, Lily."

Lily backed away to the street slowly. "Meo….ister, L….. meo…ily doesn't want any problem with meow."

Koyo lunged forward and grabbed Lily by the neck. Smashing her small body and bag against the wall. "You know that stupid cat does it for tips right, Lily."

Lily whipped her new tail desperately at Koyo's face, but he caught it with his other hand. *Swish!* Lily shot an arrow from her wrist-mounted crossbow into Koyo's foot.

"Ahhhhh….. you bitch." Koyo's grip tightened around Lily's magical tail. He slammed Lily against the ground. A small crater formed under her body and bag in the middle of the alleyway.

Koyo felt the black magical tail hanging from his hand. The magical tail faded away a second later. He looked up to Lily who was recovering on the floor. She had reverted back to her pallum form. "Looks like your magic broke runt."

Lily looked at her prum features in shock. "Lily will not go back!"

"Well too bad!" Koyo lunged forward, slightly hobbled by the bolt in his foot.

The bolt quiver separated from Lily's hip upon impact. She resorted to pulling a smoke bomb out of her pocket and tossed it in Koyo's direction. Koyo pinched his nose and reached out to grab it.

"FIREBOLT!"

Magical flames moving like lightning hit the smoke bomb in front of Koyo's face. The bomb exploded into a fiery noxious inferno, that singed Koyo's fur and overwhelmed his senses.

"Master B….."

"No time." I didn't break my stride and grabbed Lily. Eina hoisted her bag. Without slowing down or turning we ran down the alley. "Firebolt." I sent a blast into the werewolf's chest. He fell backward into the trash.

The werewolf quickly got back to his feet and started galloping on all fours, wounded and half-blind. Completely consumed by anger. "Arrrrrroooooooooooooo!"

"Earth split asunder. Sheen of iron. Upheave the very rock and stone beneath my toe. Gnome, Incarnate of the land. Rain down your missiles and extinguish the light.

Eina concurrently chanted her magic while running down the winding alley paths. The werewolf didn't notice the magic circle until it was too late. Eina had stopped and directed her wand at the wolf. "Midgard's Twilight."

Koyo's eyes widened in fear. He braced by grabbing a dumpster as a shield. The magical earthy assault was too much. It crashed right through the steel trash heap into the werewolf's gut. The wolf was sent flying down the alley.

A few minutes later, we emerged out of the ally into a side street deeper into the northwest district. The blue pharmacy was two miles to the south. The main road was only a half. "Hu-hu-hu."

"Lily, we need to go to the guild." Eina urged.

"No, they handed Lily over last time."

"We won't let them."

"You won't be giving a chance Master Bell. They will just use their connections to have you put in jail for interrupting. Lily can't."

"Jail?" Eina recoiled.

"Lord Ganesha?" The idea popped into my head. "He said he would help with proof. We can get lord Miach and Naaza."

"Lily ran away to avoid them getting hurt."

I bent down to a crouch until I was staring Lily in her eyes. My hands gripping her arms. "Lily you are important to us. We will not abandon you. We are your friends. Not your master."

Lily's eyes started to tear up. "They're gonna be after you too."

"Then we handle this tonight. Eina can ask Loki for help?"

"I can try. Will you be okay? You still look exhausted from the skill." Eina said worriedly.

"I will be fine. Please go ask her."

"Okay, I will see you in Ganesha's in an hour maybe two." Eina hand Lily her back and ran off to the main road while I and Lily made our way to the blue pharmacy.

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.

(Hostess)

"Hmmmmm, hmmm, hmmmmmmmmmm." Ryu was humming to quell her nervousness, in the backyard of the hostess; as the sun was setting.

Ryu was wearing a green sleeveless turtleneck with a gray knee-high skirt. She at first protested against Syr about the clothing choice because of the amount of skin that was shown. Ryu eventually caved when Syr suggested that Bell would appreciate it immensely and probably would propose on the spot.

Ryu was preparing a table under the tree. Neatly organized the plates on a blue tablecloth and lit two candles to keep the insects away. "Oh, the food." Ryu rushed back into the kitchen, expecting to see him walk in at any moment.

.

.

.

"Something feels off." Lily said looking around nervously at the quiet streets.

The sun's light was nearly gone and the lamps were not on. No people were walking the streets and windows seemed to be shutting as we passed. An orange glow radiated off of the buildings at the intersection up ahead, leading to the blue pharmacy.

*Sniff! Sniff!* The air smelled of burning wood.

"No. No. No." Lily rushed to the intersection. She emerged in front of the pharmacy and froze with tears in her eyes. The bag fell to the ground. The blue pharmacy was on fire, the windows were shattered, the doors were torn off the hinges, and items were thrown out into the road.

*Whistle!*

A whistle sounded from the rooftop behind us. A gray-haired bespectacled man stood with his arms folded on top of the slate roof. *Thud!* The man dropped to the ground and stood up twenty feet away with a devious smile on his face. "Time to go home Erde."

"Z-Zanis."

…

1)Danmachi Memoria Freese game quote. Ryu's line to Aisha at the Hostess in about the forest pact. HOA is really built around Ryu's lines of eternal/everlasting love. And her line of avoiding random pairings. Hence only one mate.

2)Midnight summer's sabbath extension on the pact.