Ave Princeps, Fili Rhomée!

by F-14 Tomcat Lover

Well... Bell has a bigger history than one thinks about. Especially when his estranged uncle turns back up. Someone that Zeus was surprised to see. Especially after he banished him long before and thought him dead. Surprisingly... He's moved up in the world. And this time... For the better. All Hail Rhome! And her great Emperor!

3. Sword in Hand

Ave Princeps, Fili Rhomée!

Chapter Two

Sword in Hand

XXXX

A flash of light and that was the last thing the Monster ever knew.

The Kobold let out its death cry as its blood exploded from the fatal wound. A jerk of the blade buried, and the metal pulls free with a bit of effort. Blood flowing in a fountain as the Kobold falls onto its back, spasms once, and stills.

For the white-haired, red-eyed Bell Cranel, this marked his first kill of the day.

"Now for the Magic Stone," Bell honestly could not get used to trying to cut the Magic Stone out.

The boy, who was commonly referred to as cute as a rabbit, had no problem with killing Monsters. It was essentially kill or be killed when it came to Monsters. Sure, some could be domesticated, and others raised, but not the Kobold.

At least no one has survived the attempt.

Or so he's heard.

Some Monsters were tamable and if one was truly skilled, then there were few Monsters that couldn't be tamed.

As Bell finally found and removed the Magic Stone, completely ignoring, though confirming, the Kobold was turning into Black Ash, Bell also thought how the Kobold he just killed was different from a certain kind of another Monster out in the world.

"Hm?" Bell notes something left behind by the Kobold, "Oh!" he grins at the sight, "A Drop Item. It may not be worth much, but every bit of coin helps."

Indeed. Every bit of coin would help this young, newbie adventurer. Especially after his little desert trip among other things. But especially the desert trip.

If there were two things Bell learned in the desert, the first being that sand gets everywhere!

And the second… well…

Bell still shudders at what happened. He didn't realize the power in the sword his grandfather had given him. Or that which was inside of him.

To match that kind of power… Not so much match as turn it away. Reflecting it despite being physically shoved back so forcibly.

And that was power kept in check.

A minimal amount of effort and energy.

Truly, the Deities deserved not to be cross as his father had discovered so long ago.

But Bell had confidence in his father. In his grandfather as well, despite him being a pervert. In his two homelands of Gael and Rhome. And in his people of both.

"And here I was hoping to return to Dromore and rebuild," there was a forlorn thought that he now believes may never happen.

His village, one that was nestled in the Mreelrea Mountains. May never be rebuilt in his lifetime, if at all. So, he would never be able to sit beneath trees and stare at the surrounding mountains while eating an apple from the grooves of Dromore again. It had been his favorite pastime with his grandfather. To merely sit beneath the leaves and enjoy apples.

But the battles with the Savages had meant the borderlines had to be redrawn. The Savages had finally felt the short-sightedness of their ways, but they hadn't changed. Only withdrawn from certain areas to concentrate on rebuilding their numbers. Something that the Grand Alliance had fought them about and kept their numbers in check.

If not for the sellouts, the war would go to its conclusions.

Gael knew of men and women within its people that would betray if given a chance. There were always bad apples. There was simply no avoiding it. Get enough people into an area and some would likely begin to betray others. It was really just a law of averages and numbers on a scale.

And so, it had come as no surprise when those who desired power betrayed Gael.

They were small in number, but their actions were massive in the repercussions.

Lord Arawn had set out personally with the Royal King of Gael and his forces and reestablished the border. Rescued those he could. Rebuilt the defenses and moved people into new homes.

There were few who survived their betrayal, as the Savages never valued such things as money and goods. They were nearly as bad as the Resheph, except they could be worse. Which was saying something. They only valued things of primal nature, and they conducted it with an eschewed sense of how Humans thought.

As such, most died. Their women, if they were judged capable, were…

Bell shuddered.

He had led the 9th and 12th Legions along with the 7th and 11th Auxiliaries and the 4th Knighthood to victory in the Battle of the Rolling Valley.

Really, it was supposed to be a training exercise. Instead, while learning how best to lead a force of soldiers, Bell had found himself commanding a series of retreats to cover the flight of civilians. Instead of training, they had been thrust into combat, so deep inside their own territory.

But the trainers with Bell were experienced leaders. They helped him organize the defenses, how best to withdraw. Bell knew from an off-hand comment from his father, the importance of a retreat can be to a successful counterattack.

The 4th Knighthood had been in transit to their new post. The reinforcements had been the 9th and 12th Legions. Also, the 7th Auxiliary had been part of the Rolling Valley's garrison forces, but the rest had been stripped away for other areas and to bolster the front. Bell initially only had the 11th Auxiliary as they had new recruits needing drill as much as Bell needed training and, in spite of how inexperienced he himself and many soldiers were, he had managed to get them out of danger time and time again to join the 7th and forge a better defensive line.

With the 4th Knighthood receiving his request for reinforcements, they turned to march to join him. Bell was badly outnumbered even as the 9th and 12th Legions arrived to bolster his frontline.

General Cadmus Rogner was supposed to arrive with the 6th Legion, but they had found the bridge they needed to arrive timely, collapsed.

The 6th was at the head of a mobile reserve just for that very occasion. As such, a total of four additional Legions and five units of Auxiliaries were also stuck on the wrong side of the bridge. Worse yet, people needed the same bridge to escape.

By sheer luck, the 18th Knighthood just so happened to be both in the area and on the battle side of the bridge crossing. Their commander, Captain Ashley Marius, quickly ordered that they secure the battle side of the bridge and set up defenses. The young woman's quick action secured a base of operations and allowed work to create a temporary bridge to begin at both ends, reducing time and allowing for a second bridge to be laid down and built though it would take longer for the second one to be constructed.

As Bell drew out a cleaning cloth and began to clean his dagger, he thought of how that battle went.

His withdrawals had had their effect on the enemy.

All that couldn't be taken, was destroyed or reduced to impotence. Bell bought as much time as he could as the regional Constables evacuated people and property. Which denied both women and supplies to the enemy on top of shelter and resources, anything they could use or make weapons with.

They had increased the pace of the pursuit, but that had caused them to spread out. Leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Bell's skirmishers and local Preserve Rangers from the nearby Wildland and Hunting Preserves had punished those Savages that had gotten too far ahead of their fellows. They had even caused the enemy to double back on itself in confusion due to hit-and-run attacks.

The Savages were still just brutal brutes. As such, the wily Rangers outran them in the wooded areas and even in open fields full of rolling hills, hence the valley's name of the Rolling Valley.

Lack of food reserves caused many Savages to turn on one another before their leaders were able to restore order. Usually killing those that were the cause of the revolts and mutinies.

Then he had five units. So Bell had prepared. He listened well, yet he understood what needed to be done. Bell is young. He is still naïve in many ways. Girls, in particular, could still fluster him and the less said of when he was around a woman, the better.

And yet, he could be decisive in matters of urgency.

At least that was what his teachers had praised about him.

Bell had anchored his flag at the weakest point. Right behind his own unit. He knew enough about the 11th Auxiliary to anchor himself directly behind it, tying himself to its fate.

Once that was done, the lines were established. Then he lured the enemy in.

His enemy should have known better than to act like a rabid animal with the strength of a Monster and the Intelligence of a Human.

Bell was the patient hunter. One did not live long in mountain villages without being one. That inner strength is what he called upon to fight this enemy. To fight the Savages in a way they wouldn't immediately get.

The results had been the new tactic called the Pendulum Bell, also called the Death Toll.

Shifting his forces, Bell had swung his forces like a bell. His forces were arrayed where his reinforcements were hidden except for the Knights. They anchored what appeared to be the most crucial point of the line. Whereas Bell had the Auxiliaries stand in the seemingly not most crucial and yet, he made it look like a tactical error had been made.

His enemy, ravenous to spill blood and to take everything, had charged Bell's position.

The 9th and 12th Legions then struck and withdrew from their hidden positions. Swinging in time with the 4th Knighthood's sorties that cut through the Savages' frontline. Bell extended the Auxiliaries, placing the 7th where the 4th had originally been and creating a supporting beam upon which the enemy was fired on.

Every swing of the 4th was joined by either the 9th or 12th. Like a bell tolling. Swinging like a pendulum. The support beam is the 7th and 11th holding the enemy in place and drawing them in.

Bell had been merely 12-years-old. But he, like other high-ranking Rhoman children, got taken out young to start their military leadership training early.

And Bell had proven to have the makings of a general his teachers had declared.

Even so… There was only so much the five units under Bell could do. Time was both a friend and enemy. A double edge sword that was swinging back and forth.

But then General Cadmus Rogner had arrived with a portion of his forces, entrapping the Savages in the outline of a bell in conjunction with Bell's own forces.

Rather than wait for the bridges to be built, General Rogner had the idea of using some of the unused pontoons as boats and ferrying a small portion of his forces across. He had to leave his heavy equipment and mounted troops behind, but as soon as a bridge was built, they could arrive faster than his foot soldiers.

Rogner's surprise appearance was what saved the battle.

Bell had known he was running out of missiles and spears. His troops were tiring. He had inadequate supplies for five different units of three different types. Even Bell could conceive of defeat despite a gallant stand and better tactics and equipment.

And yet Rogner and his officers had arrived with reinforcements. They had marched on foot with their soldiers. Arriving just as Bell's personal guard and Bell himself were being engaged to help hold the line.

Bell and his personal guard and teachers were the only reserves for the entire battle.

A little less than a Century.

Though they held long enough. Long enough once engaged for Rogner to arrive and send a pair of Centurions from the 17th Legion to reinforce Bell's position.

Bell had to be pulled from the fight as he was once again a small rabbit among giants.

His small size meant that he could create havoc. And at that time, unlike the first time, he could kill his enemy. But he was spared that when Captain Marius reached him and personally carried him to safety. The woman had arrived with her fastest mounted troops to carry on the 4th Knighthood's task and to help get their prince to safety.

To get Bell to safety.

Bell had just 52 guards and instructors. When it was over, 18 in all had lost their lives and 6 more were retired medically. His overall losses were not terrible, though neither were they good. The 11th Auxiliary alone would need at least a four-month period to rehabilitate from its losses while the 7th Auxiliary was somewhat mauled as well, but they at least had the benefit of a better-fortified position and required only two months of recuperation.

Unsurprisingly, the 9th and 12th Legions emerged with very few losses. The 4th Knighthood was just exhausted, but still sustained half their number killed or wounded. Though the damage the knights did far exceeded their actual size.

Despite the conditions and situation, Bell had done well. Rogner and Marius were both promoted for their quick-thinking actions. Rogner was made an illustrious Perfect for his region and Marius obtained the rank of General.

Bell had led the victorious forces in their march through Rhome. How that seems like another lifetime, Bell remembered it well. The then General and Captain riding at his sides as together they had led their victorious forces into Rhome.

The Prince's Banner was decorated for the Battle of the Rolling Valley. Bell was recognized by the Senate for his personal leadership. A Victory Column was authorized by the Senate to memorialize the victory.

It had just been completed and unveiled just a year earlier. Bell had been there, smiling with his father and mother and younger sisters. It was an earnest moment for the family of five. Though they were the sitting Imperial Family, Bell and his family still did their best to be a regular family.

And that was probably what drove some of the Hereditary Faction crazy.

Bell checked the length of his dagger once more. A spot of blood still missed his cleaning. That wouldn't do. He wasn't crazy like those damn fools.

The bridge's destruction was already under suspicion. It had just been inspected a month earlier. Bell had been present when it was being inspected, as he was on his way to visit some of his mother's family who lived near the Rolling Valley, but were nestled on a lakeside to its southwest.

He had seen the inspection and his mother had inquired about the bridge upon their arrival.

They had been assured the bridge was fine. That the inspection was one of its bi-yearly inspections. It always took place in the Spring and Fall, as every bridge in the Rhoman Empire was inspected. That had been no different that day.

And the bridge had passed inspection.

The only thing wrong was the bridge needed regrading before Winter.

Nothing important. Made for a notably bumpy ride, but that was like saying you get wet when splashed with water. Depending on things, it was not even a minor concern.

But the bridge had abruptly collapsed. Suddenly and at a most inopportune moment.

It hadn't taken engineers long to figure out the bridge had been intentionally destroyed. Even as Bell was fighting the Savages, then General Rognar had his engineers inspect the bridge.

There were two reasons to dedicate his badly needed engineers to do such a trivial task. The first was to determine if there was a way to still use the remains. There hadn't been, and they even said that what was left would have to be demolished to build anew.

The second was to determine how the bridge had fallen. It had taken them less than 20 minutes to figure out the bridge had been destroyed. They didn't quite figure out how, but it was clear the bridge had been sabotaged and had fallen apart because of that. But they concluded it was done rather quickly and possibly using a Familia specializing in such acts of sabotage.

Professional engineers had concurred later on, but Bell didn't know the specifics. He only knew what he heard his parents and grandfather discuss. And that was only snippets he overheard before one guard had caught him and his sisters trying to listen in and sent them away.

There. His dagger is clean now. He can see his reflection in the blade a little. Given the dim lighting and the cheapness of the metal in the dagger.

Sure. He still had his sword and a few other weapons. Daggers and knives included. But those were clearly Rhoman weapons. His sword especially stood out.

And it had been seen when he had been in the Kaios Desert.

By the Goddess Freyja, no less.

And she wouldn't forget that sword anytime soon.

Bell wondered about that. He really did. Had she been able to pierce the veil his grandfather had taught him and seen his true soul?

Or had he been able to mask it enough, that she hadn't seen his true soul?

Either way, she seemed interested in the fact that her new favorite Desert Princess was very interested in the Rhoman Prince.

Not that Bell was going to deny he was taken by the young woman's beauty.

She may only be about his age. At that point between child and adult, but even still, Bell could tell that she was going to age beautifully. Especially after what Freyja had taught her. Both her body and spirit would be something to entice Mortals and Immortals alike.

"Getting Goddess' permission to leave eventually and visit her is going to be tough," Bell chuckled a little, his mind going to the fact he had already gotten one favor out of her to finish his original mission.

Warsa's attack on Shalzad hadn't caught Rhome by surprise. It was the fact they attacked Rhoman merchants and traders, even burning a pair of Rhoman trade ships just prior, that did surprise the capital. Of course, that kind of action required a swift response, and an expedition had been dispatched.

And it was why Bell was out of the capital when the betrayal happened.

Though like their counterparts in Gael, the Rhoman traitors were just as ill-fortuned.

Bell only learned that Rhome was in danger once his expedition had reached the edge of their territory.

His first instinct was to turn back. But even Bell knew that if the capital was to fall, no matter how fast his troops moved, they'd never make it in time. More to the point, they would be exhausted.

Bell had bitten back the command to return immediately. Instead, he sent out scouts in both directions to determine things. As luck would have it, his father had not been caught as unawares as could be feared, or hoped if one was in the Hereditary Faction.

But the Savages were still living up to their name. The true extent hadn't been realized until it was too late. Fortunately, the commanders of the Hereditary Faction's forces were not that stupid. At least, the ones not brutally killed by their own soldiers when they realized what was really happening.

No one had thought them that foolish. To literally open the gates of the capital to the Savages. Unfortunately, their greed and ambition had outstripped their common sense and intelligence.

His scouts sent back to the capital had returned with word that his father had still been able to organize a defense. That the capital had yet to fall. But that the Senate had to evacuate to another city to take over governing while the Emperor fought for the capital.

As for his grandfather, the man had chosen to remain in the capital as well. Though they had received word he had left to hunt a lead.

Then the Danubian Empire had chosen to invade and try to annex territory.

In response, the last available commander, the Perfect Rogner, had been dispatched to take command of the defenses and keep the Danubians out of Rhome.

Bell sighed in memory as he finished stowing the last of his equipment and stood up. The Senate had recognized the divided state of the empire. As such, they had taken over leadership of where they were, holding the majority of the country. Emperor Cael was given complete control over the regions he was defending to do what was needed to drive back the Savages. Rogner received solid support from the Drachels Family who would govern the regions he was fighting in.

And lastly, in the last segment, the 'Orario' regions nearest to Orario were given over to Bell, as the Prince of Rhome, to govern.

That was essentially the southern portion of the Rhoman Empire, including its borderlands nearest to the Kaios Desert.

"All hail me," Bell muttered as he heard a distinctive crack, "I had to press my luck, sheesh."

Turning, a Kobold's face began to appear from the crack in the Dungeon wall. Several other cracks then started to form. Bell gulped as he realized what was happening.

"Oh heck no!" He backed up, but checked behind him, just in case and could only tilt his head to the side and whine with his eyes closed, "A Monster Party both in front and behind…"

He really hated his luck at the moment.

XXXX

"WAA-AHHH! GODDESS THAT HURTS!" Bell screamed and whined at the same time as his Goddess finished applying the last bandage with a solid slap to his back.

"It better hurt mister!" the diminutive Goddess shot back in annoyance, "Didn't that Advisor of yours tell you not to go down to the Third Floor?!" she scooted around to sit on her legs in front of him, which was the only way she could look him in the eye without craning her neck, "DIDN'T SHE!?" she blasted his poor ears with her raised voice.

Bell could only whimper.

As always, Bell was fully aware when it came to girls, women, and Goddesses that he was out of his depth.

His Goddess, Hestia of the Hearth, was not only mad that he went deeper than he was supposed to, but when he had come back, he had caught her bathing.

It wasn't that she had been naked and in the bath that made her mad. No, it was the fact he had come back all beat up while she had been naked and scrubbing herself down to bathe.

As such, she was both worried and terrified and embarrassed and flustered that she accidentally slipped, landing in the bath feet high and in a position where he could see everything. Much to their shared embarrassment, but mostly to her. So she had exploded on him, though the effect was somewhat lost with the goose egg on her forehead.

At least until now, when her Divine Healing had addressed the bump on her head and she had just finished bandaging him.

For a Goddess of her small stature, she had really impressive lungs. Then again, she may look and act like a 12-year-old girl on a partial or full sugar high, but her front was big. Seriously, she had to be as big as his own mother and the woman was definitely a third taller than Goddess Hestia's height!

As his Goddess moves and shifts, Bell rethinks Goddess Hestia's cup size.

'They're bigger than my mother!' Bell's face turns red and he turns his head, only realizing too late that he had been getting a lecture.

"Bell, are you even listening to me!" Hestia shouts at him and Bell panics and tumbles from the bed with a yelp, but his shirt is in hand.

"I just remembered I didn't turn in my stones and finds. I'll be back Goddess!" Bell runs off with his shirt in one hand and his pack in another.

"DON'T THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE THIS TIME BELL!" Hestia pursues him right through the door and up the stairs from their Familia home, which was likely a storage basement for the old church that makes up the main building.

Though, there is evidence that it was used as a living quarter before. It was very spartan, though, and some items were accidentally left by the previous occupants. How Hephaestus knew about it, Hestia didn't know. But it was a good living place for the Goddess when she was alone.

Now she lives with Bell Cranel, her first Familia member and technically Captain as a result. Unlike before, when she lived alone, there were some issues that cropped up from living with a boy who was in puberty. Bell could be curious at times, but a single word from her kept him in line. If anything, she thought that his frightened rabbit look was absolutely adorable.

The screaming, not so much.

Still, Bell did try to keep his distance and give her her space. Especially when she needed to bathe and change. But there were still accidents and she was just as guilty as Bell in that regard, and he had to be forceful with her too, as she really really liked Bell.

That all said, she chased Bell up to the main floor. The boy all but leaped off the raised platform where sermons were once held. Hestia followed him, still trying to get him to stop and listen to her lecture him.

She ended up chasing him up to the doorway and slightly out before letting out a shriek and running back in, discovering she had lost her towel and forgotten her sandals as well.

"BELL CRANEL WHEN YOU GET BACK, YOU ARE IN TROUBLE, MISTER!"

The diminutive Goddess grabbed her towel and fled back down into what she had dubbed their 'Love Nest.'

The two girls who looked into the old chapel blinked at first and then turned and shrugged to one another. Their mother came up behind them with a shake of her head.

"You two keep an eye out for your brother. I'll talk with Lady Hestia," Aria Cranel informed her daughters, Ellen and Joan Cranel.

"Yes mother," Ellen, the eldest, nodded while taking her sister Joan by the hand and guiding the 10-year-old behind her.

Joan just nodded. The girl is still not speaking even after all these months since the capital became a battleground. She used to never stop speaking, especially when she was pestering her brother and father. Now, they may never hear her speak again.

And it broke Aria's heart.

As Aria watched her daughters go find a good place to watch for Bell, the woman entered the old church.

From what she could see, the emblems aligned with Lady Hestia's emblem as the Goddess Vesta. She didn't know much more than that. Aria still wonders who erected this small chapel. And how long they had lasted before it fell into disuse.

But in a way, Lady Hestia taking up residence here gave it some shine again. Of course, that improved when they arrived. Especially after Bell was taken in by Goddess Hestia.

After all, Goddess Vesta was once a highly venerated Goddess in Rhome. Still was to some degree, but those who still held any kind of worship were those who followed the God Lord Watos. But when the refugees had arrived in Orario and safety, guided by her son's soldiers, it had been close to the Vestalia.

Despite their meager supplies, an idea was hatched. As part of an effort to recover the spirits of the people, they had held the festival anyway. Giving prayer and thanks in the hopes that Lady Vesta would hear them and grant them some measure of respite. Some form of hope.

Goddess Hestia had, instead, been accidentally lured out by her three children while looking for some flowers for the girls' part of the festival.

It had been a surprise. When Goddess Hestia had been discovered. Bell had immediately offered to guide Lady Hestia to Aria, so that they may speak. Instead, Lady Hestia had been nonchalant, but Bell had guided Aria to the Goddess after he found her, conversing with the God the Miach, who revealed that Goddess Lady Hestia was in Orario at that same moment to her and other leaders of their refugee group.

Once Bell had arrived and informed her that her children had the location of Lady Hestia, Aria had gone to speak with the Goddess right away. Fortunately, Lord Miach had joined her and the two had descended to find Goddess Hestia living a meager life.

The Goddess Hestia turned down the offers to give her importance politely, saying she was only glad that so many hearths burned hot, to both keep warm and feed their people.

Still, they had given her coin and food as thanks for her blessings when she was in Heaven.

While not flushed with money, Lady Hestia had taken the money honestly and used it to help pay for an orphanage in the city. So that young children, orphaned in so many ways, had a burning hearth to feed and warm them.

It was a stark contrast to what they learned Lady Hestia was generally like. Lazy, childish, and prone to being selfish. But under that, when times were hard, she would simply step out and show the depths that were hidden by her child-like appearance and attitudes.

The change over could be startling. Bell had taken it in stride, recognizing the Goddess Lady Hestia's goodness in her heart, but as Aria knew, others were a bit more jilted. Bell also had the benefit of having the God Lord Zeus for a Grandfather and had worshiped Lord Watos during his life in Dromore Village, and still does on occasion.

Arriving to find Lady Hestia rubbing her hair furiously, Aria had to admit, that despite her appearance, Lady Hestia did act more like a teenage girl or young maiden in her early adult years as opposed to the child-like appearance might make you believe.

She was definitely no 8-year-old going on 30.

Though her body was definitely another matter.

While no taller than Ellen, who was 12-years-old herself, Lady Hestia was definitely similar to Ellen in overall build. Except for her ample bosom. More than ample really that combined with an unusual slender build and hips positioned just right to bear children with ease.

An unusual physical trait for a Virgin Goddess, but when she revealed her depths, Goddess Hestia acted less the child and more the mother.

But still… Aria had heard the term Oppai Loli applied to Lady Hestia by other Gods and Goddesses, though not as much in the latter. The only one who had a problem in that latter group was the Goddess Lady Loki the Trickster.

The two apparently did not get along and one of the things seemed to be the fact that Lady Hestia not only looked more girlish but actually had a woman's chest whereas the older looking Lady Loki was nearly as flat as Aria's baking sheet.

Lady Loki's nicknames for Lady Hestia at least didn't mention her breast size.

Quite the opposite, they made fun of her short stature. Terms like Itsy Bitsy and Shrimp were the favored of the redheaded Goddess.

Still, Aria put what she knew to the side for now, except for the fact that Lady Hestia had developed a crush on her son.

Honestly, as she watched Lady Hestia have one of her fits, mostly involving her worry for Bell, Aria felt it a source of pride that such an important Goddess to the Rhoman way of life was romantically interested in her son.

When Bell had been chosen… Well… Everyone had partied for almost four straight days.

Still, she needed to act as both Bell's regent and mother in this case… Or was she just going to act as both a concerned woman and mother?

Honestly… The Deities really do drive people crazy at times.

"Lady Hestia," Aria spoke up sharply and winced, realizing her tone came out as that of the mother being protective of her son.

The effect was immediate, though.

Goddess Hestia froze in a mid-stomp and turned to the voice to see Aria Cranell present. The taller woman was not as busty as she was, something the Goddess actually kind of envied wishing she had more of a build like Artemis, but her blonde hair was styled much in the same way as Hestia and Artemis.

Well… When Hestia had her hair pinned up.

Oh crap, she was still naked.

"Ah, ah hahaha," Hestia tried to laugh, but it was pitifully weak and only caused Aria to sigh.

"Do you still need to finish bathing or do you wish to dress?" Aria questioned, clearly offering to help, especially with Hestia's long hair.

Honestly, Hestia has been a bit worried about her hair lately. So she nodded to the bath, the water long since cold, but now Hestia had Magic Stones to warm the water back up. Though it still needed to be changed after her accident earlier.

The water was clearly dirty from when Hestia had fallen into it. Her job had been unlucky that day. Some troublemakers had kicked up dust and dirt all over the place. They had created such a ruckus and were being such an actual danger that one of the Ganesha's top Adventurers organized pursuit of the rabble-rousers.

With Aria's help, the water was soon drained and replaced. Aria had stripped down and sat behind the Goddess. The blonde woman gently helped Hestia with her hair, it was clear Hestia needed the help. So many knots in the otherwise beautiful hair she had.

Goddesses were also not immune to split ends either. At least down here in the Lower World. The World of Mortals.

"Bell came back beat up really badly," Hestia began softly after some time, "I was worried when I found out he was on the Third Floor. He shouldn't be down there. Not yet."

Aria said nothing, but she did freeze slightly before resuming to care for the Goddess' hair.

"His Advisor, Eina something wasn't it?" In honesty, just remembering the woman's first name was a success for Lady Hestia as the two had not been formally introduced, yet.

"Eina Tulle, daughter of Aina Tulle, Chamberlain of Princess Riveria Ljos Alf, Vice-Captain of the Loki Familia, also known as Nine Hell due to her magicks," Aria explained in detail to Hestia, she had met the young woman while trying to deliver Bell his lunch that he had left behind one day.

Of course, the boy came back, looking half dead about that time after a, relatively to use the term, slight mishap with Monsters he hadn't been familiar with, scaring her and surprising his Advisor.

The woman took it upon herself to instruct and teach Bell each day he went in. Bell actually left earlier than needed to meet with her and learn about the Dungeon and its dangers. From what Aria understood, Bell was so far the only Adventurer to actually keep to the Half-Elf's demanding schedule and education.

But that was Bell.

Bell had always listened to his tutors. His learning curve surprised not only his instructors and teachers, but herself, her husband, and even Lord Zeus was startled. Though the latter knew Bell had a noteworthy learning curve, he hadn't realized just how powerful it was.

The boy would just soak things up. He would learn and memorize in an amazingly small amount of time. Far from being a genius, Bell was also a motivated independent thinker. Answering questions, sometimes longer or sometimes shorter, using different methods to arrive at the same answer as the normal, correct process.

Bell had actually accidentally created two simplified processes and created no less than four new mathematical equations based on what he was learning one month.

His tutors were astounded as were the University teachers.

The equations were studied and found to have practical applications. Thus Rhoman math had led to improvements in several fields. The most notably being new metal refining and ship construction. The latter they weren't as great with, but the knowledge was vital to others and Aria still felt joy out of learning that Bell had figured out, by accident, in a month what had been taking scholars at a certain magical city, renown for its educational properties, decades to figure out and still fail spectacularly each time!

She had all the pride of a mother in her son.

His unorthodox outside-the-box thinking was also praiseworthy. As what had happened at the Battle of the Rolling Valley. And still, other times, especially when faced with more powerful opponents, Bell just felt the need to succeed.

Aria and Cael, though, had both worried that a truly overwhelming force would be needed for Bell to finally be stopped. Cael also worried that Bell, while learning various disciplines, had developed a habit to keep improvising and so was causing his growth to slow down and even affect his overall abilities.

While he had a foundation, there was cause for concern that Bell didn't strengthen it correctly and so he was generally weak in areas he shouldn't be.

All the while Bell still had a great educational learning curve and could keep learning quickly in a fight, his general life skills were still average and his ability with girls and women… Yeah… Even now, he was still a boy despite being an Adventurer, General, and Prince.

"I'll be honest Lady Hestia," Aria sighed a little, "I'm also beyond afraid of what would happen to Bell. His battle at Leodo was terrifying enough, especially after he accidentally crossed paths with- Did he ever mention that? His encounter with Lady Freyja?"

"With Freya?" Honestly, Hestia didn't understand why people still called her that, but the Goddess in question didn't mind per se, but that was beside the point, "Yes. Yes, he did. I told him not to speak of it. And he agreed. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet that masked his face quite well and he was able to keep it so."

Aria's motherly instinct could be as good as a Goddess when detecting something.

"You haven't told him the truth of his ability?"

"Please do not ask," Goddess Hestia made clear she would like the matter dropped without question and immediately.

"I shall leave it to your wisdom then," both females knew Bell well enough by now and that he could still be an excitable boy prone to want to say something he shouldn't, "How is his growth?"

"Even before that which we won't discuss came about," Goddess Hestia made it clear that it was not going to be talked about, but she was the one bringing up the matter to honestly answer the question, "His growth was both confusing and understandable, average and yet not."

"What do you mean," Aria accidentally got a tooth from the comb stuck in a particularly thick knot that Lady Hestia hadn't known about until that moment, "My apologies!" Aria apologized even as she flexed her wrist and fingers, the comb had abruptly turned sharply in hand.

"It's alright," Hestia waved it off, literally, "It happens," after a few moments, Aria was once more attending to Hestia's hair and the Goddess had to admit, it felt nice to be pampered like this, no matter how small or inconsequential, her hair was such a difficult thing to care for, "As for Bell's growth, he was often pretty much average, if not a bit below as well which was odd, given his training and experience, but for reasons I couldn't figure out, he was moving so fast."

"Moving fast?" Aria questioned, somewhat worried.

Hestia nodded, despite the fact her hair was being combed thanks to its length, "Yes. Moving fast. Faster than he should have. When he ran into that Minotaur on the Fifth Floor I was terrified and excited."

"The Minotaur was just ill fortune," Aria swallowed deeply in worry, "It won't happen again, right?"

"Shouldn't happen again," Hestia gently corrected, though it was clear she was worried as well, "Minotaurs stick to floors well below the Tenth Floor. The one that Bell ran into was the work of the Loki Familia encountering a very large party of them having been newly born. In a strange turn of events, or so Loki reported after getting the report herself, the Minotaurs ran away. Loki's children pursued and began eliminating them, but Bell was nearly killed by the last one while going to the aid of another group of Adventurers."

"Sounds like Bell," Aria shivered at being told the truth, Bell had glossed over the details and even Hestia didn't know what really happened, "I'm just glad that he's safe."

"I agree," truly, did Hestia agree as Bell was her first Child after all.

She remembered approaching him in that alley. Despite the fact he could pawn his name and title, Bell Cranel had chosen to get into a Familia unnoticed. Bell was bound and determined to be granted a chance to earn his place. To earn his keep. And to not be treated better than others simply because of his name and title.

But his appearance always saw him turned away. Like an innocent child trying to do mature, adult things. Only, one could see that he was only so innocent when he let his guard down. Otherwise, Bell knew from personal experience the reality of the world.

Still… He was turned away no matter who he had approached.

Part of that was being Human. Humans always had to fight harder to get into Familias, despite the fact they actually made up the majority of Adventurers. Their Adaptability was not really praised as a strong suit, despite the fact that although they make up the majority of Adventurers, Humans only made up less than half the total fallen Adventurers.

All the other races combined had suffered greater losses among their Adventurers than Humans had. Part of the higher Human losses as a species was also the fact that Humans have generally been the first to join Familias. They were also the first to create Familias with the Deities and thus had a longer track record.

But ever since other races started to join in greater numbers, they were being edged out here and there.

Honestly, though, Humans were still being more resilient as Adventurers as well.

Part of that was not their Adaptability, but the fact they lacked special racial traits. Other races were sometimes too dependent on their special racial traits. Other times, it was something cultural, like the Elves having their huge issue about being touched which often had a long-term negative effect on their connectivity with other Familia members, resulting in unnecessary losses.

That seemed to be on the downward curve.

But it was hard to tell. Some Elves, though, had developed to be able to have some casual contact with others. Nothing serious, but at least they weren't freaking out if someone just tapped them on the shoulder.

Still, there were more than a few extreme cases of that, unfortunately, but Loki's Thousand Elf, on the other hand, was the extreme opposite of that case and could be seen more than happy being arm in arm with her fellow Children of the Loki Familia.

And Loki was doing her best to encourage that kind of behavior among her Elves. While still a work in progress, Hestia had seen them interacting as normally as any races do.

Bringing a Pallum, Elf, and Dwarf together was an incredibly successful exercise on Loki's part, Hestia would admit. Pallums and Dwarves were just as hostile to one another as Elves and Dwarves and Elves and Pallums did not get along much either.

To get an executive leadership built out of three rival races was an achievement on Loki's part.

Maybe, Hestia could achieve something similar herself.

But for now, she has to concentrate on Bell.

And that's an exercise in her thoughts alone.

The boy was exploding forth in growth. Especially ever since his Skill, Liarise Frease appeared.

And Ais Wallenwhatsyourcallit… GRR!

"Lady Hestia?" Aria tilted her head in some confusion and Hestia froze.

"Eh, ah, ehehe," the Goddess did not know how to explain away her face and tension just now.

"Thinking of Ais Wallenstein and that Bell had developed a crush on her?" Aria had a smile on her face, a look of supreme happiness.

Hestia was so terrified, she didn't know how to explain it. The woman was possibly even angrier than Hestia.

"Indeed," Hestia agreed and noticed Aria had finished her hair, which she looked over and with a smile, the small Goddess turned and held her hand out, "Your turn. Your hair is as long as mine!"

The mortal woman blinked and blushed in embarrassment, but allowed Goddess Hestia to tend to her hair.

Just as Hestia had said, Aria's hair was just as long as Hestia's own hair. Actually, longer, because the woman was so much taller.

As Aria allowed Hestia to show her own skills at maintaining another's hair, something that took the small Goddess back to her times with Artemis and Athena, Hestia communicated what she thought about Bell's innate skills and abilities.

"I believe that in less than a year, Bell may have achieved Level 2," Hestia admitted, and Aria was startled, "But now, he may achieve it in six months or less. Depending on if he has a fated encounter with something meant to push him to the next level."

"So quickly," Aria became worried at hearing that, "Bell is still so young and yet…" the hidden Rhoman Empress stalled for a moment before continuing, "He's already essentially the reigning monarch of a country, a battle-tested leader, and he's risking his life every day for both your Familia and our people. So young and yet so much on his shoulders."

Hestia nods in agreement, but here, she smiles, "When Dromore Village was attacked. It was nearly overrun. Yet Bell-kun," she called Bell by that Far Eastern honorific she had picked up from the God Lord Takemikazuchi, "Performed an act that should have been impossible for a child of 8-years old and yet he did so. With skill and valor. He used his small size and understanding of the area around him to achieve an impossible feat for one so small and young."

Aria felt her nerves starting to shake. The very idea of what Hestia was suggesting…

"He is not only naturally gifted," Hestia briefly stopped to consider her words before she continued, "He holds an uncanny talent, a talent to achieve the impossible," Hestia felt her own hands start to shake before she took a deep breath and released it and felt her calm return, "Bell is destined for great things. I feel some have been unfairly forced onto him when he is too young for them, yet with time, he will grow into it. But he has also made people curious about him and that is cause for concern, especially…"

Hestia stalling was a sign that she needed to come to grips with what she was saying, but she needed to say it.

"His soul is so clear," that much Hestia could see when she and Bell made their pact, "While I'm no seer in that regards, the best in Orario is either Ouranos or Freya," Aria knew who she would see first even if he would not hear her at all, "But Bell is still such, a child though, be thankful of that, for he will grow stronger for it."

"Still need to curb his curiosity," Aria grumbled as Bell had been caught actually peeping on girls at one point.

She still wasn't sure if he did so intentionally or not. But he hadn't exactly been innocent. And unfortunately, the girls had actually wanted Bell's attention.

"That's Bell-kun's mother!" Suddenly Hestia was against Aria, arms thrown around the taller woman's shoulders and her cheek pressed up to Aria's cheek with a big, goofy, and childish smile.

While completely misplaced, Aria couldn't help but smile as well.

"Between the two of us!" the Goddess declared, "We should be able to curve that misplaced curiosity!"

Aria actually had to bring her hand up to keep from laughing so hard, but it was hard.

The woman, the Rhoman Empress, was surprised by how endearing a childish Hestia could be. Especially on such a topic. Somehow, she suspected that is what made Hestia such an approachable Goddess.

"I do hope so," Aria brought her laughing fit under control, then added, "Though if I ever find out he's been peeping on you, he will regret it!"

Hestia promptly slid off Aria to land face-first onto the ground.

'Knew it,' the mother thought, but still genuinely smiled.

After helping the Goddess back up, the two spoke less on serious topics and more on how things were going for the Refugees.

The Rhoman people were resting and recovering. Most now had steady jobs. A number had joined smaller Familias using the skills they had learned. The Ganesha Familia alone had seen itself increase by nearly double its strength. More than sufficient forces to safely guard the city streets at night now and even post more guards on the walls of the city.

So many Rhoman Soldiers, Constables, and Rangers joined the ranks of the smaller Familias.

A number of Blacksmiths had also joined the Gobinu and Hephaestus Familias as well. As such, there was a readily increased supply of weapons, armor, and tools. Both Deities of the Forge were suitably impressed by their skills and craftsmanship. The two were even able to branch out into normal everyday items.

The Guild also had an increase in numbers. Technically, the Guild was a Familia itself, as Ouranos ran it. As such, members could get his Falna. Those who did typically worked directly for the deity and did all the city's dirty work and subterfuge.

Others were the Guild's Guards, which is what helped keep all the Adventurers in line.

The City Guard was also part of the Guild and therefore its members likewise Blessed and therefore a cut above the rest.

The average Rank of a Guild Guard was typically Level 4 or 5, but truly never known. There were always rumors they had several high-end Level 6s and a lot more Level 6s that were pretty middling. Nothing like that could better keep the Adventurers in line.

The City Guard typically, by contrast, was Levels 1 through 3. The reason was that they made up the city's defenses and therefore were less concerned about the inside of the city. They did typically enter the Exterior Dungeons, though.

Those were the regions that were full of dangers. Much like the one outside Rhome itself. There were at least three, possibly four.

The possibly fourth Exterior Dungeon was at sea. In the waters near Melen and Orario's coastal side. The area was supposed to be cleansed by the Hera Familia decades ago, but there was always some minor activity now and again. But it wasn't established as a true Dungeon as of yet.

Nevertheless, the City Guard and some of the smaller, more nautical Familias typically went on clearing out missions to safeguard the waters around both Orario and Melen.

Still, despite all the ones who left, the Rhomans still maintained a sizable force of their remaining military strength in the city. The Guild was aware of them and as part of an agreement, could make use of them in times it deems necessary.

The Rhomans also operated their own fields and ranches as well. Providing additional food to the city and its environments. In fact, several new towns and villages had grown up around Orario made up entirely of Rhoman Refugees. Their contributions only served to increase the city's financial wealth and in turn provide for the surrounding areas.

That's not to say all Rhomans under Bell's flag were in or around Orario.

The Rhomans still had control over most of their empire after all. While the Northern areas were a conflict zone and its Eastern Borders was being invaded, its Western and Southern territories were not so troubled.

The Senate controlled the West and held the majority of the Empire under their control. These territories were very stable, but also vulnerable. Already word of bandits and robbers were becoming commonplace. But the Senate was also keeping them from unifying and was crushing the larger groups as they appeared. Rumors swirled of Dark Familias being involved, so there was little surprise there if that was indeed the case.

The Emperor, Aria's husband Cael, commanded the Rhoman Northern lands. Here he fought the Savages to a standstill. And was beginning to stabilize his entire line, though the North was hotly contested. There was little true word out of the North other than heavy fighting and heavy casualties to both sides. The Savages were raiding further South, but their numbers were typically so few that local forces often annihilated them before they became a genuine threat.

And then there was the South where Bell, Prince of Rhome, was the ruler.

The Senate had authorized Bell to become Emperor if it appeared to be the case. They felt a smooth transition, for the time being, was necessary and Bell had acquitted himself well. If the Empire was to fall, Bell was also granted the title of King and permitted to organize his lands as he saw fit.

None of which filled Bell, or his family, with joy as such knowledge meant that Cael, Emperor of Rhome, had fallen and the Senate was no longer in power to preserve and save the Empire.

In secret, Aria governs Bell's territories. Though it was known that she was the Regent, her identity and face were hidden for the time being. Everyone knew of her name, Aria, Empress of Rhome, but no one knew she was Aria Cranel.

The blonde woman did stand out somewhat. With her hairstyle and general appearance. She had a bust to rival Goddesses, in a few cases, outdo them. Her blonde hair was kept in a princess style similar to both the Goddesses Hestia and Artemis, at least according to the former. Her green eyes were said to be Elven in their enchanting appearance and color.

Which didn't surprise her.

Her great-grandmother had been a pure-blooded Elf and her grandfather had married a woman with a quarter of her blood being that of an Elf.

In fact, Aria was a distant relation to the Alf Royal Line. Namely, through her great-grandmother who was an illegitimate child. Despite that status, she was kept as essentially a spare for the Royal Family, until she escaped with her own mother and both settled in a small Elvish country that was absorbed later by the Rhomans.

This little tidbit definitely lent credence to her having an 'Elven Charm' about her. Though her blood was mostly Human now. As were her daughters, of course, given that her husband was Human. A man of Gael no less, originally.

Probably explained why Lord Zeus hid in Gael lands. Where else to hide a boy of Gael descent, then in Gael itself.

Still, she had her own beauty and charm. Something Hestia could only grumble that she wished she could have. A small mole just beneath the corner of one eye actually added to her allure.

Thanks to her hips being positioned correctly, she was able to give safe birth to her daughters. Very easy birth, all things considered, given that she knew the pain of it. Just as all birth mothers did.

Coupled with her thin waist, she was described as having an Hourglass Figure. Her face was a little wide, but again, her Elvish ancestry cut in and gave her a facial cut that when she stood next to Riveria Ljos Alf, one could see the family resemblance.

Interestingly enough, Eina Tulle also had a similar resemblance, minor as it was. It was actually the Half-Elf that had brought it up. Truthfully, Riviera was rather pleased to meet another relative, no matter the distance, and the two women had a pleasant cup of tea with Eina later that evening.

"I wonder if your daughters will grow up like you," Hestia suddenly diverted Aria's thoughts as the woman blinked at the sudden change, "The gray in their hair gives their blonde hair a silvery color, much like Bell-kun's white hair looks both grayish and white and under certain light appears more silver than either of the other two colors."

Indeed. Aria had to agree with that. Her daughters did have streaks of silver in their hair. The result of their father's gray hair somehow mingled with her blonde hair to produce a silvery blonde much different from a platinum sheen.

Her daughters also had their mother's green eyes. As well as their father's red eyes. One each and that made them somewhat nervous. It was a surprise to see dual eye colors in both girls.

But as she learned from her husband, it wasn't a big thing. If anything, Cael Cranel had declared that it showed that his daughters were the daughters of both himself and their mother. He had even teased her if she wanted a son to prove the point.

She had stomped on his foot, though playfully, but also didn't talk to him for a week.

She had meant it as a way for him to come to her. A little dance the two did. But before it could go that way, he had to deploy in a hurry to combat the Savages.

She had just barely reached him as he was mounting his horse.

Even then, he picked her up and sat her on top of his steed with him. He promised to return safely and that all will be alright. The two had kissed and she had been lowered onto a garden wall wide enough for her to stand on and strong enough to support her. Her handmaidens had helped her down with some guards.

But her eyes had never left her husband as he rode out that day.

And then when he walked back, two children chatting happily atop his horse.

To learn only the girl was a Rhoman and the boy… His nephew and adopted son.

Oh, how she had fallen in love with the shy and nervous Bell Cranel at first sight.

"I wonder," Aria openly opines, "Will one of my daughters marry Bell? Or will they always be brother and sisters?"

"Their cousins," Hestia points out, thinking it over, "Hmm… I think Miach might have something to help. From what I've learned, I know Zeus did something for Bell because his mother and aunt had a fatal disease. But I really couldn't tell you more."

A twitch of her lips, "I have Elvish blood, as do they?"

Hestia looked stumped for a moment and then shrugged, "That might have an effect. Half-Elves are known to be longer lived, but much higher in the way of fertility. Again, that's Miach's thing, not mine, but if you want them blessed, first we'll have to see how it goes," Hestia then smiled that smile that said she was a Goddess right now, "You know me. I only bless that which is true."

With a nod, "That is what I want if that comes to pass. A true marriage out of love," Aria knew that her own marriage had been political as Cael had been a rising political force, but when the two had met, Cael had clearly been taken by her and she knew that so had she.

Still took them almost two years to actually fall in love and eventually marry.

"And what was your marriage like?" Hestia now looks like a girl wanting to hear the gossip of a friend's love life.

Aria could not resist talking about it. It felt so normal with Lady Hestia. And Hestia enjoyed hearing the details.

Not only did it sing with her Divinity, but she could learn a few things to perhaps, one day, stop being a Virgin Goddess herself.

A little later, when both women had bathed and dressed, both Ellen and Joan came down to report that Bell was returning.

Both girls' mismatched eyes didn't bother Hestia or their mother. Only Joan's rather blank stare somewhat unnerved her mother, more out of fear for her daughter's state of mind than the look. But then Hestia merely took the girl into a gentle hug and despite Joan's attempt to break free initially, welcomed the warmth that Hestia offered.

When passed on to her mother, Joan buried her face into the crook of her mother's neck and held her tightly.

Aria smiled thankfully to Hestia as Joan soon was breathing calmly, resting. The poor girl rarely slept as much as she should or used to. Because of the fear that held her.

As soon as Bell re-entered and saw Joan in their mother's arms, he showed visible relief.

"There are some things I wish I could fight," the boy stated time and time again, and now was no different.

Ellen watched her brother, though, get led back upstairs and followed. She followed until Lady Hestia guided her brother into an old, but still strong building. Once there, Ellen waited outside, covering her ears.

Hestia always proved she had some impressive lungs and Bell's screams always hit a pitch that irritated people easily.

XXXX

The next morning saw Bell running once more.

The reason this time was that he woke up to Goddess Hestia laying atop him. That wasn't so bad, as he was used to waking up with either Joan or Ellen or both of his sisters atop him. Nope, what was bad, was the fact she was snuggling into him and pressing that ample chest of hers right into his chest with inevitable results.

He sort of panicked as he didn't want Goddess Hestia to think him a pervert or something, never mind that he shouldn't be getting that close to a Goddess in the first place!

So he took off running as he usually did. He had only been sleeping in his shorts too, which only added to his embarrassment.

Unfortunately, he had almost literally run into his mother on his way out. As such, she had started yelling at him about his state. Both of them. He yelled back an apology, but kept on running, managing to get his socks, pants, and boots on before his belt.

He still had his shirt and coat and he managed to snag along with his gear and his pack.

Bell had also found a means of a quick release. He was usually able to escape both his Goddess and Family to go and relieve himself where no one could find him. Unfortunately, there were times he just couldn't get that chance or out of the way location.

Though, given how much blood had to go throughout his whole body, he didn't have to worry about pitching a tent for a while.

Maybe he should just give in and visit the Entertainment District?

Bell realized he was also still shirtless as he slowed to a walk. That little tidbit was something a number of young maidens and women noticed. Even a few older women who were still in the stride of their youth or had aged quite gracefully.

And practically all gave Bell more than one look over as he had a well-built body. But very athletic build with a well-defined body that he was visibly in the bloom of health and youth.

Far from defined, but he wasn't a muscle builder like say the King, Ottar Captain of the Freyja Familia.

Bell shook his head. He had to get rid of that Northern accent when he spoke of Freya. At least when far from his countrymen.

Still, he should also put his shirt and jacket on now.

Just as he was about to do that, he felt it. A powerful gaze unlike any he had felt before. Seeing straight through him. Straight through his soul, even scanning it, looking it over!

Bell dropped his shirt and grabbed his knife as he spun to look for the gaze's owner.

'That power,' Bell scanned with an audible gulp as he carefully looked the street and buildings over.

A pair of his countrymen, now part of the Ganesha Familia, saw his defensive stance and drew their weapons. The men were on patrol and now began to check for danger. They didn't know what set their prince off, but it had to be something.

That's when they felt the gaze, however briefly, and they knew what had set Bell off.

The two men searched but could see nothing. But they did hear something fall in an alley next to them. Both turned to it and began to investigate as a pair of their seniors, checking up on them, arrived.

Bell felt the gaze leave.

It was as sudden as it had appeared. He had felt it briefly scan the pair of patrolmen before turning back to him. It was masking itself, but Bell had felt their energy before.

"Excuse me?"

Bell whirled, keyed up as he was, his fist stopping just below the gray-haired girl's delicate-looking jaw. Her bluish-gray eyes widen as Bell takes them in, seeing the shock and surprise as well as worry. There was even a hint of fear and that was what snapped Bell back into his wits.

"Sorry-" as Bell was beginning his apology and withdrawing his fist, an explosion of wood and masonry came from the direction the patrolmen had gone.

In an instant, Bell was in front of the girl, his Status visible to her and she gasped in surprise, both at being able to see that Bell was an Adventurer and how quick he had changed from almost hitting her in the jaw, to looking rather embarrassed as he began to apologize, to now protecting her from potential danger.

A small Monster suddenly leaped out of the alley. Two of the patrolmen were right behind it. It growled and hissed at them, but didn't make it as a group of Adventurers heading out, later in the day than they had planned, helped to surround it.

It made itself ready to take a life. But a well-placed spear pierced into its flank at that moment.

The thrower was one of the Rhoman patrolmen. Ever accurate with their aim to make even Elves jealous. The Monster was critically hit.

And vulnerable to the Adventurer that struck with a polearm.

"It's down!" he called and the rest of the gathered group used their weapons to quickly end the Monster.

One stab dislodged the Magic Stone. The result was an explosion of ash as always. When Monsters died, they dissolved when the Magic Stone was removed. They exploded when still alive or just dying and the Magic Stone was dislodged or removed.

"That's the last of them," another patrolman came from the alley, "Better call in support and sweep just to be sure, though," the man was experienced from his days in Rhome as a Constable.

He and his partner also happened to be the pair that had escorted Emperor Cael, Bell, and the young girl six years ago. The two were later successful in shutting down a smuggling ring and came to Cael's attention. As such, the pair had had good careers until forced to escort the refugees from Rhome.

Even now, they are still two of the finest law-keepers one could hope for.

One of the two seniors from the Ganesha Familia nodded and shot off a flare calling for support.

It was probably going to be a long day.

"Okay, that's over," Bell let his shoulders sag a bit in relief before turning back to the girl that had been behind him, only to discover a rather protective Elfess in front of him and between him and the girl.

She was also not alone as there was a Human and two Cat People present as well. All four of them were armed with simple, but very well-made daggers. Holding them correctly and effectively.

And they were looking at him funny.

And suspiciously.

"Ehehe, yeah," Bell quickly grabbed his shirt, figuring how half of this awkward scene was looking, "I had to make for a quick get away from my Goddess earlier," Bell explained as he quickly got his shirt on and tucked in, making himself presentable, "She was angry I was pushing my boundaries in the Dungeon the other day."

The bandages he still had covering various recent injuries, including one over his Falna, right about his skills, kind of said just how much he had pressed his luck earlier.

"Very suspicious," the Elfess suddenly spoke and Bell gulped at her dark tone and the glint in her eyes.

"Lyuu!" the gray-haired girl lightly smacked the green-haired Elf on her head, "He was protecting me from danger! Not showing off like some of our drunken customers try!"

The Elf woman blinked and then blushed.

"My apologies then," the woman did sneak a final peek at Bell and the boy had the sneaking suspicion she was trying to remember his body form and not the fact his Falna was out… in… the… open…

"Goddess is going to kill me," Bell whined as he realized he had been running across much of the city with his Status on display for all to see.

"Um…" the gray-haired girl looked apologetic, "I found those shoulders looking very strong."

The others and Bell looked at her. That had to be…

She made a mild laugh before closing one eye and rapping her knuckles on her own head.

Bell shook his head, but he had a smile. He nodded his thanks.

Then his stomach growled and everyone blinked. Now it was Bell's turn to try and laugh it off. Though he had no success.

The girls in front of him giggled in amusement. But they invited him in for a quick bite. They had a bit of extra from their breakfast to share with him.

"Under the promise that you come back tonight, okay?" the gray-haired girl kept a smile on as they packed him a small meal, "You promise, right?"

"I've got a bit stashed away for a night out, yes," Bell answered truthfully, "I promise and when I make a promise, I keep them."

"Great!" the girl clapped her hands together with a beaming smile, "I'm Syr Flova by the way."

"Bell," began his introduction, "Bell Cranel, I'm currently the only member of the Hestia Familia under Goddess Hestia."

"Oh?" the brunette Human had heard them, "I've heard of her. A short, diminutive dark-haired Goddess with a massive pair, a childish personality, dressed in white, and working a Potato Snack stall, right?"

"And a pair of very impressive lungs when you get her mad," Bell chuckled as he nodded, that was his Goddess.

"She doesn't sound impressive, yet a lot of refugees praise her lately," the Human woman scratched her head in thought, "Didn't Lady Loki say something about her coming into money, but opening an orphanage instead?"

"Cat's right!" the other brunette, a brown-haired Cat Girl, confirmed, "Meow! Goddess Hestinya opened a place near the Ruins of Orario. Said that orphaned children nyaded a hearth to keep'em warm and fed."

"I thought so," the Human nodded, "Nice of her, considering she's outright broke."

"That's Goddess for you," Bell chuckled a little embarrassed, but then had a warm smile on his face, "A lot of Goddesses are apparently giving to orphanages, but Goddess Hestia was the first to actually open one up. It's been a big help getting kids somewhere safe for the time being. I understand the Guild has even exempted all orphanages from taxation for the next 20 years with no interest or expectation to pay any of the missed taxes."

"That's true," Syr confirmed with a smile, "They say that the Guild had a little extra and so they decided the orphanages, which pay the bare minimum and even get continued waivers without interest, won't actually have to pay any taxes for 20 years, even if it is backlogged and owed."

Bell smiled at that. Thinking how a lot of kids were going to be fed and clothed. Their homes were maintained.

And maybe one day… They might just have a family of their own. If not already.

"Here you go," the Elfess offered, the meal fully packaged and ready to go, "I also included a little extra for a lunch," her green eyes looked him up and down, "You forgot yours didn't you?"

"Might explain one of the reasons my mother was yelling at me," Bell gulped audibly as he realized it might not just been his appearance she was seeing him about, "If the Monsters don't kill me, my mother and Goddess will."

"Your mother?" the female Elf tilted her head in some confusion, "I thought you said you were the only member of the Hestia Familia?"

"I am," Bell acknowledged, "But we were among the refugees. Some are Rhoman, others from Gael. A few are from the Kaios Deserts. Plus others scattered due to everything going on around the world it feels like."

The Elf nodded and as Bell studied her, he realized he had seen her face before. Actually more than once. But he knew it. And knew something else.

"Oh?" the Elfess seem to remember something, "My apologies Mr. Cranel," she stepped back and curtsied, "I am Lyuu Rion. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Ah!" Bell also stood back and bowed, surprising the others when he didn't hold his hand out and instead bowed politely, "A pleasure Miss Rion, as I introduced myself before, I am Bell Cranel," his tone was formal, surprising the gathered group.

The Elfess just smiled, an act that surprised her coworkers.

"I take it this is a tavern?" Bell looked around and found it looked like it would have a warm and joyous atmosphere within its walls and the green single dresses with long sleeves that flare out at the wrists with white trim topped over with white aprons and headbands, black leggings, and ankle-high brown boots, and they had orange ascots about their necks under the white collars, "And you're the waitresses?"

"Correct," the Elfess confirmed, "You have met myself and Syr, the rest are Anya Fromel…"

"Meow! Greetings!" the brown Cat offered energetically.

"Nice to meet you," Bell responded.

"Lunoire Faust," Lyuu introduced the brown haired Human.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Cranel," the woman curtsied herself, showing good manners.

"You as well, Ms. Faust," Bell bowed back to the woman.

"And finally is Chloe Rolle," the Black Cat perked up at hearing her name.

"Nyahahaha! Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility!" the Cat Girl grandly waved her hands to introduce the place, "Cuties like meoyou are definayately welcomed!"

Bell blushed but kept himself from collapsing as he used to do.

"Thank you, Miss Rolle," and Bell thought of the name, putting the pieces together, "You only hire women and girls here?" Bell knew a few waitresses who were looking for new work.

"We do," Lyuu confirmed.

"I know some waitresses from Rhome who are out of work," Bell offered, hoping for a bite.

"I'm afraid we're all full up right now," Syr supplied, looking sadden that they couldn't help, but then brightened up, "But I know of a couple of places that are looking for new workers in some other parts of town. Mama Mia is always complaining they are trying to poach us from her!"

"If I could get those names then?" Bell hoped they were good places, "They've been down on their luck since they had to flee the city."

"Meow! What happened?" Anya looked curious as her tail swished back and forth idly.

"Apparently, the Hereditary Faction of the Rhoman Senate opened the gates of Rhome itself to the Savages," two very loud cat noises followed that declaration, both shocked and they weren't alone, "Yeah. Needless to say, it went as well as it did in Gael and elsewhere. The Savages turned on those idiots and either killed them or forced them to flee. Incredibly, they abandoned their own families to the fates that awaited them if the Savages or Emperor Cael of Rhome got to them."

The five waitresses all had the same opinion. As did the sixth woman who had walked up behind Bell.

"What dumbasses open their gates to those beasts?" the deep voice was just an octave below thunder and Bell spun around and saw a woman about as tall as his mother, but twice the shoulder width!

"Oh you're back Mama Mia," Syr greeted the woman warmly.

"Uh…" Bell had to crane his neck because she was more than heads and shoulders taller than him at the moment.

The woman only gave a deep laugh before speaking, "Mia Grand, owner, and proprietress of this fine tavern."

The tall, wide-shouldered woman wore a blue version of the waitresses' uniform. Her long brown hair was done up in a ponytail with two long locks of hair to either side of her face. She had brown eyes that were surprisingly warm for a woman as muscled as she was and she even had a huge, but friendly and warm smile on her face. Honest and kind, despite how she looked like the kind to beat up punks who didn't know their place just because they looked at something funny and funny thing is, Bell suspected she would be right to do so.

As if on cue…

"Gurk, ulhhooo," a man just made his presence known.

He was a beat-up and pretty badly trounced guy. From the looks of him, as Bell looked him over, a punk that didn't get that he was not to mess with Adventurers. One who was even below the bottom feeders of the city's criminals. If he rated as much.

Bell judged him… More of a troublemaker than an actual criminal.

"Guess he didn't get a message?" Bell pointed to the guy.

"Oh him?" the giant of a woman lifted the punk up, "Yeah. He thought it smart to mess with a couple of my girls. His buddies are being peeled off the roofs they landed on, I know I'm going to get a visit from Shakti later, but meh," the woman dismissed a visit from someone who was likely going to chew her out later, "As for this guy, we're about to finish our little talk in the back."

The man panicked and turned to Bell for help. His eyes pleading, begging for mercy.

Bell only held up the food he had been given.

"Sorry pal, but they're feeding me," Bell shrugged before pointing to the woman that had beaten him up, "Plus I don't think I'd last a second and I'm being more than a little arrogant in that assumption."

The man looked at Bell like he was a traitor. But Bell didn't recognize the guy. His clothing and appearance weren't Gael or Rhoman. So he didn't think much of it.

"Well," Mia Grand once said, still an octave below thunder, "Just remember, we're not open right now. Come back later and we'll find you better than leftovers," shaking the man who could only make pathetic sounds, "Gotta get into the back before Anya and Chloe have the unfavorable task of cleaning up after this guy."

"Yeah," Lunoire agreed immediately to keep her coworkers from complaining like they always do when that kind of clean-up job comes up, "Please do Mama Mia. The last guy left a really bad stink that bothered the customers even hours later."

"Oh, you don't have to remind me," the woman began walking away, the not-so-poor guy in hand, "Lost a lot of money for specialized cleaning solutions."

It didn't take long for the woman to haul the man into a back area. Moments later there was no noise. Absolutely nothing.

"I didn't witness what would be a murder, right?" Bell had turned to Syr, figuring she'd get the joke better.

"Nope!" oh she so totally did with the way she chirped.

"Yeah," Bell was suddenly not so full of hope.

"Oh, hey Bell," several men and women entered the tavern at that moment and one greeted him, "Any chance you saw a big lady with unlucky punk in hand?"

"You're early today, Shakti," Syr greeted the blue-eyed and haired woman in an orange dress that exposed the ends of her shoulders and the upper parts of her upper arms.

The dress was full length, though not to the ground. It split about her thighs into two pieces. She wore thigh-high black stockings and white ankle-high heeled armored boots with brass coloring at the top. She had short orange detached sleeves held in place by either copper or brass locks, or some metal from the Dungeon would be a likely answer. Her remaining upper arms down to her fingers were covered in black fingerless long gloves with white forearm guards with rounded knuckle covers that Bell could tell were an integrated knuckle duster as some Gael and Rhomans were known to do the same.

She had a long spear in one hand and carried a stoic, if slightly annoyed look on her otherwise beautiful face that hinted that she came from the East, perhaps the Southeast.

"Where is Mia Grand?" Shakti requested, not demand, just simply straight-up requested.

"In the back, usual place," Syr added, and the blue-haired woman sighed before turning to Bell, "And you?"

"Bell Cranel, ma'am," one of the Gael men in her group had spoken up, "We lived in the same village before evacuating to live near Rhoman territory. Bell is a good lad. He's only running later than he usually does for heading down into the Dungeon."

"Yeah, sorry," Bell chuckled a bit, "On my way, I sensed something and almost hit Miss Syr when she surprised me. Thankfully I stopped short, but moments later, the Monster that was killed in the street appeared."

"Oh?" four different female voices made Bell gulp.

"Now, now," Syr calmed her coworkers, "I saw him drop this by accident," Syr showed a rather sizeable Magic Stone, "And was trying to give it back to him."

"Huh?" Bell watched as Syr approached and handed him the Magic Stone, blinking at it.

It was larger than what he had the other day. But about the size of the ones he usually fetched up down on the Fifth Floor or some Monsters on the Fourth Floor. Still, he felt it was a little too big for that.

"Bell have ya been going deeper than ya're supposed to?" one of the other Gael men spoke up, looking annoyed, "Ya worrying your mother and ya younger sisters ya know."

"To say nothing of Goddess Hestia," Bell agreed, wincing at being caught, again, "I'll stay higher unless I run dry and see about tagging along with some others, okay?"

"Just be sure ya do," the man replied and promptly chased Bell out, but not before the boy could thank the girls of the tavern before running off, "Sheesh, that boy."

"Always has to be an overachiever, don't he?" a Rhoman agreed with a shake of his head, "I still remember-"

"Enough," Shakti bluntly, but politely ordered, "Let's get talking to Mia Grand. We still have to process both the Monster encounter and what happened to that street gang."

All the others groaned. Not an easy paperwork day. But they followed through. Perhaps they could save the punk that Mia had before he needed new pants.

Fat chance.

XXXX

Bell came down on another Kobold before it realized he had killed its kin in front of it.

His dagger plunged deep. Too deep! Bell found it stuck in the Kobold with two others approaching to attack him.

With a vicious twist, Bell ensured that Kobold was dead though.

Then he gave up his dagger and ducked under the wild swing of one Kobold to bypass it and get inside the other Kobold's space, leaving it no room to fight him.

But Bell could still fight it.

Unleashing his Unarmed Combat Skills his Grandfather had taught, Bell rapidly pushed that Kobold back. It was clearly hurt, at least two, possibly three ribs had broken given how it had howled in time with the sounds of breakage. A solid strike to its throat, causing it to choke on its spit and gasp for air, and Bell kicked it away and then rolled.

The space he had been occupying suddenly had the other Kobold in it.

That Kobold came at Bell screaming in a rage.

They had had him outnumbered. But Bell had taken their eight to one to the task. Now only two remained and only one was fit to fight.

A series of wild swipes and punches and then suddenly Bell caught an arm and spun the Kobold around.

The Kobold found Bell bear hugging it from behind, trapping both of its arms. Then Bell lifted it off the ground and brought it down on its head.

Despite the height difference, Bell had found a good place where there were a few steps. As such, there was now enough space for Bell to land the Kobold right on its head. With enough force to really daze and stun it.

Once that was done, Bell released and let it fall down the steps. He kicked upwards with both feet, kicking the injured Kobold back.

With him back up on his feet, Bell swung a leg around, snapping Kobold's left arm at the elbow.

The Monster screamed in pain. It immediately went to cradle the broken limb. Thus leaving Bell alone.

Bell had a spare weapon. But it and his pack had been torn from him mid-fight. He dashed to it and soon drew his pair of backup knives. Just as the Kobold he had dropped down the steps came roaring back.

Its attacks were drunken. Clearly, it had a serious head injury. But that would heal in time. Much sooner than Bell could like.

But as it was wild, it left itself open.

Open to attack.

Contrary to popular belief, Monsters were born with a full-body system. That includes the ability to eat, digest, and dispose of bodily excess fluids and waste. Or in other words, it could use a toilet.

Also, as was discovered in some very hard ways, Monsters carried full reproductive capabilities too.

They could breed with a number of animals. In fact, there were Monsters not found in the Dungeon of Orario that ran around the Lower World. Often Monster Hunters or Military units had to go and deal with them. More often than not, permanently.

It was actually a bit shocking, but Monsters were fully capable of reproduction with Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Animal People, Pallums, and so on.

Usually not to the woman's favor unless they were sized accordingly, like Kobolds. Though males were known to be ambushed by female Monsters for reproduction. Those were… Not much better, it was said.

Bell never asked.

But that also meant that Monsters had those points as vulnerabilities.

Just like now, when Bell stabbed one blade into that sensitive male area.

The Kobold let out a sound that rattled Bell's ears and teeth. But he weathered it and then used his knife to slit the Kobold's throat, causing it to once more gag. This time on blood as it fell, both bleeding and drowning to death.

Bell ignored it as he scanned for the other Kobold.

He found it.

And blinked.

Being merciful, Bell kicked back and broke the dying Kobold's neck with a hard snap. Then he approached the other Kobold. What he saw made him wince.

It was still alive, barely and somehow. But it had tripped and driven a rock spike through one eye and out the back of the head. It wasn't a centered hit. The ones that are usually fatal in this case. It was instead, off-center, barely causing any damage to the brain, still, it was a rocky spike through the head, so yeah.

The brain was clearly hit, but not fatally.

Amazing what people, animals, and Monsters can survive.

Bell kneeled down and lined his knives. With an instant move, a pair of cuts happened along the back of the neck. Right where the spinal cord met the brain stem. It was quick and painless.

The Monster stilled and breathed no more.

"Damn, not a way to go," Bell couldn't remove the body from the spike.

With a less than pleased sound, Bell got up and checked the other seven bodies. Sure enough, Bell was the last man standing. All eight were dead.

"Wait?" Bell blinked, "Eight?" A quick count revealed nine Kobolds, "I didn't kill that one?" he frowned at the unknown.

"I did," a new voice caused Bell to be startled as he turned to a woman emerging from the shadows, another Kobold dead in one hand, its neck clearly snapped, "I apologize that I startled you," the woman offered, "These Kobolds were bothering my companions, so I killed their fellows and three fled. Haven't found the third just yet."

The woman was a jade-haired and eyed High Elf dressed in a yellow bordered double breast button green long tunic dress with black leggings and knee-high brown boots with a yellow border on the top of them.

She also had a black-gray belt with work straps to hold things and a white cloak over her. Under that was a sash that went over her right shoulder and under her left arm representing her homeland colored yellow and gold. Her sleeves were also bordered in black at the cuffs and all the buttons on her clothes were of a golden/yellow color. Even the clasp that held her cloak was of the same design as her sash, representing that she is a Princess of the High Elves.

Bell knew who she was from appearance alone. The description was mostly spot-on. Though it had been 15 years.

Or rather, just a what? A few weeks? Sometime after his arrival, he recalls that much.

"Of course, Lady Riveria," Bell gulped and Riveria Ljos Alf stopped for a moment to consider the boy before her, that she had not seen in some months and only purely by chance even then.

At that moment, the remaining Kolbold she had been chasing appeared and tried to attack her from its hiding place.

Her staff put pay to that idea. Along with the Kobold, who hit the ground with enough force to splatter in the crater it left. Not a drop of blood left the new indention on the ground.

And the force was actually enough that the Magic Stone was either damaged, destroyed, or somehow dislodged as the Monster turned to ash in an instant.

"The power of a Level 6," Bell gulped, very impressed and slightly terrified.

He had seen Ottar and the Freya Familia elites in action. But they were all Combat and Vanguard, save the White Knight who was Combat and Magic oriented. The Nine Hell was Magic and Support oriented.

It was very striking to see.

No pun intended, but Bell couldn't think of a better way to put it.

"Bell Cranel, how long has it been now?" Riviera greeted him politely.

"Since I first started, when I was trying to figure out where to go, you assisted me," Bell answered, trying to get a feel, "I never did quite thank you for helping me when you did?"

Riviera merely smiled as she strode forward, dropping the corpse of the dead Kobold she had been holding.

As soon as she was before Bell Cranel, she gently reached out with both hands and tugged on the sleeves of his coat.

The boy nodded wordlessly. Lifting both arms up, Riviera checked him. She had heard him about his run-in with the Minotaur and that he had been pressing his luck as of late. As she checked the boy over, she also wanted to make sure that Freya had no hold over him.

He was a strong-willed boy. A brave one, too. He would grow up to be a fine man. Perhaps a great man and even greater hero. She did not want that to end so soon.

Or worse… Be corrupted.

Fortunately, the Kobolds had allowed her the perfect excuse to check on Bell. Especially as here they were. She was thankful for the chance.

Bell took his armor, jacket, and shirt off, and Riviera checked him for wounds. She pointedly didn't look at his back. They had spoken about Goddess Hestia not hiding his Status. When the Goddess would figure it out or ask for help was beyond them, but for now, they wouldn't mention anything.

Good news, she was satisfied by what she found.

She did run her hands over his back, the scene making them look like lovers. But she found no wounds with her hands and Bell had no negative reaction. Other than the fact she could tell that he was a red-blooded male in puberty.

Both separated with blushes, but nothing really more than that.

Except, that Riviera could feel a desire in her.

Bell was the first male she could actually find comforting. While she wasn't by far looking for a companion, that didn't mean she wasn't opposed to having a boyfriend. Especially as she's often called the Old Hag when others thought she wasn't listening. So perhaps having a boyfriend would be good for her.

"Lady Riviera?" Bell had finished putting his gear back on, but saw the woman standing there, like she lost something.

Shaking her head, Riviera turned to Bell, "No worries. I was just gathering wool."

Bell accepted it. Honestly, Riviera was one of the few women he had no issue with. Not because she was an Elf either.

"Lord Bell, I have to ask," she always chafed to not appropriately address a man of equal stature to herself, but only mildly and she knew the reason, which is why she's asking what she's asking, "Are you planning to absorb the realm around Orario into your territory?"

Bell knew that sooner or later, she would ask that question.

It was a question that he had given some thought to as well.

But the answer was fairly simple.

"No, no design, Lady Riviera," Bell told the truth as he took his dagger back out of the Kobold it was still in and began looking for the Magic Stone, "But members of my army, and the Constables and Rangers with us, have begun to patrol the realm to safeguard it."

Riviera read in between the lines, "So you have no plans, but it may occur simply because you are carrying out a necessity."

Bell stopped for a moment as he waited for the Kobold to turn into ash before speaking, "We both know it is never that simple," he spoke honestly and Riviera nodded.

"So, there is no intent, design, or idea," she summed up, but then added, "But it still may end up that way just because the Guild and Orario as a whole has not been as active in protecting the realm around it."

"Or being particularly active in governing it either," Bell pointed out as he went to work on another Kobold, "The villages and towns are largely independent of one another and of Orario. As such, they have little coin to offer outside of what they get from trade. Thus, they cannot ask for or afford services that other towns and villages could, thanks to the military presence paid for through taxation."

Riviera wasn't going to refute that. Orario's chief good was the Magic Stone. And Adventurers.

Plus whatever the city happened to make or get as a byproduct of those two things. Chiefly a chance result of things gathering together. Such as the weapons, medicines, and other things that the city traded to the world at large.

Orario only really had a presence in the Port Town of Melen and even that was something more of necessity than anything greater. Melen was the port by which seaborne trade flowed for Orario. Thus, it was only natural the Guild had a presence and maintained a naval force there.

The same could be said of the villages and towns that were essentially part of the Demeter Familia.

Those were mostly defended by their own guards and adventurers, but the Guild made sure to have a presence to protect them as well. Those same Guildsmen also patrolled to keep the vital routes open and safe from Monsters, Animals, and Bandits. They also provided a much more visible deterrence to attack by Military forces, namely the Patchwork Empire and the Rakia Kingdom.

And now there were troops to guard in the direction of the Kaios Desert.

Some Warsa soldiers that the Freya Familia hadn't destroyed had started to prey on that area. As such, the Guild had dispatched some Adventures and City Guard to address them. It wasn't expected to last more than a couple of months at worst. The Warsa were little more than desert raiders and they were up against a well crafted force and its adventurers as well as outside of any desert.

Really, what idiots.

If Bell decided on taking the realm around Orario, it wouldn't be able to take all of it without the Familias forcing them to give back what they took.

But that didn't mean that Rhome would hand over everything. Since the Guild had never had any major presence or even minor presence in many areas. As such, the Rhomans would not be seen as a hostile nation.

Quite the opposite, many might welcome them as the Rhomans would bring them peace of mind, even at a cost of taxation, in which coin and goods as well as roads and protection were not only promised, but delivered upon.

As Riviera was fully aware of this, so was Bell. He would have consulted his mother on the matter.

Now there was something to think about.

Aria Cranel, Empress of Rhome

A very interesting person to put it mildly. A woman of political wit and skill. Yet a warmth and care for her people. It was a pleasant surprise to find out the woman was kin to her. Others in Alf would oppose it, but Riveria welcomed the kinship warmly. Something she extended to her daughters and Bell as well despite not being of blood.

"That's last of mine," Bell suddenly announced as he stood up and stretched before turning, "Are you going to claim your kills?"

Bell saw how Riviera had been wool gathering again and gave her a deadpan look. While the woman had sufficient Situational Awareness, she looked to be a little deeper than she should be.

Coughing into her hand, Riviera looked over her kills. Her Familia needed the money, no matter how little it actually was. So she set about collecting. The last one she killed was actually the easiest and there was not only an intact Magic Stone, but a couple of Drops. She could sell those for a little coin for her own pocket or to donate to her Familia.

Bell stood guard as she finished her collecting rather quickly. So accustomed and used to it by now. She was not one to stand above her comrades and indeed, collecting the Magic Stones and Drops were just as important to Combat types as they were to dedicated Supporters.

"About Ais," Riviera suddenly began as finished cleaning her hands off and turned to Bell, who could only blush at the mention of his crush, something that caused Riviera to smile and feel a strange tightening in her chest, "She said she has begun to dream again."

Bell blinked and looked confused at the Elfess.

A gentle smile was on Riviera's face, "She hasn't dreamt since before we met. But she's had nice, comforting warm dreams lately. She even found a little white rabbit stuffed toy I bought her years ago to comfort her when she went to bed," Riviera couldn't stop herself from laughing out loud as Bell looked like an overcooked lobster now.

"Hey!" Bell protested with a pout and a stomp of his foot.

Which only made Riviera laugh harder.

"Oh yeah!" Bell teasingly gave her a bit of a push to get back at her.

There was a pool of water next to where Bell had fought. It was currently empty of any danger and was deep enough for a person to have tread and float. So his gentle push caused Riviera to have to rebalance herself on the edge.

"What'cha think of that?" the boy smiled until Riviera grabbed his jacket just as there was a loud crack beneath the Elfess, "Oh boy."

Both Elf and Human went in for the plunge.

They went straight to the bottom. Bell somehow ending up beneath Riviera. So when they reached the bottom, he found his face suddenly between her mounds.

The Elfess then pushed off the rocks and began to go back up. Bell pushed off after her and followed. They both broke the surface, surprisingly, at the same time.

Bell spit a stream of water from his mouth as Riviera coughed and used one hand to part her long, wet hair so she could glare at the Human.

"Now this wasn't planned," Bell stated, but Riviera still kicked him.

"Shut up and let's get dry," the Mage ordered as they both swam to the edge and pulled themselves up, "I'm already late and now this. I'm going to have to find a good ex-AHHH! Bell Cranel!"

"What?" Bell asked from beside and slightly in front of her as he had already rolled mostly onto dry ground, but that also meant that he saw what had just touched Riviera's backside, "I thought those only appeared deeper down!"

Riviera tried to push herself up and over, but she was caught. With a curse she managed to grab her staff and swing it back around. She couldn't see what had her, but then there was an audible tearing sound as she struggled and she let out another shocked cry.

"Oh no you don't!" Bell took advantage of some of the remaining Black Ash to hurl a wet, wadded up ball at Riviera's attacker.

A roar allowed the Elfess to obtain her revenge once she was free and began her chant, though she had to rely on Bell carrying her as she couldn't move her legs very effectively at the moment.

The Lizardman Elite charged at them, but Bell used the nooks and crannies to evade. Then he withdrew down a passageway, the Monster following.

"Why isn't it attacking with all of its might?" Bell asked frantically, but Riviera was concentrating on her magic.

A magic, she soon finished.

"My Name is Alf!" Riviera finished her spell and unleashed a current of ice that caught the Lizardman Elite by surprised and stabbed him through with ice spears as a wave of ice engulfed it, killing and freezing the Monster where it stood, its legs showing a final attempt to escape death that flew at it too fast to escape from.

"Never heard of that magic before," Bell blinked in disbelief.

"A lady must always have one secret up her sleeve," Riviera replied, essentially admitting that it was a spell she created on her own, "But for the time being, we have another issue."

"Tell me it isn't more Monsters behind me," Bell looked ready to whine.

"Thankfully no," Riviera informed Bell who sighed in relief, only his movement caused Riviera to let out a sound that no one ever thought she could make and Bell looked at her funny to see her face flushed red, "It's whether or not you want to keep that hand of yours."

"Huh?" Bell looked at her dumbfounded before Riviera let out another sound and pointed downwards, at her own chest, with a free hand and Bell looked down to see, "Oh no," that he had a good grip on one of her mounds, "I'm dead."

"If you don't move that hand to my shoulder, yes you are," Riviera agreed only for Bell to once more squeeze by accident causing her to let out another sound before glaring at him.

An hour later found both next to a fire inside one of the Recovery Spots on the upper floors.

An usual area where Monsters did not enter. Even those that burrowed. As such, it was a good place for Adventurers to rest or recover. Especially rookie Adventurers or Deep Exploration Adventurers who wouldn't make it Top Side before dark.

This one happened to be also full of supplies from the Ganesha Familia to assist any Adventurers and Supporters. These were usually manned as well, though because of how few Adventurers and Supporters from the Ganesha Familia could be assigned, they actually just roamed about between each spot.

Currently, this one is unmanned. As such, it was just the two of them, which suited them fine as all of their clothing was hung up to dry.

"You do realize," Riviera decided to bring up the topic, "This is partially your fault, right?"

"Yeah," Bell responded knowing his little prank had backfired, though she can't blame him about the Monster, can she?

"And the Monster is not your fault," Riviera confirms it wasn't his fault on that topic, "Still, a Monster seeking a powerful mate from among Adventurers and Supporters," the Elfess trails on trying to figure out how that Lizardman Elite got so far undetected.

"You think it traveled alone?" Bell frowned from where he sat on the other side of the partition between them.

"Possibly, but doubtful," Riviera acknowledged as she considered the facet, "If it was with others, then there would be chaos, but if it was alone, then nothing should be wrong as it was seeking only a powerful mate, likely Level 5 or 6."

"You, Miss Ais, um… What other female Level 5s and 6s are there?" Bell really didn't know a whole lot.

"If strong enough, it would have settled for a Level 4 as well," and there were a lot more 4s than 5s, but Riveria suspected more, and yet she couldn't quite place her finger on it.

"You think someone from your group could have intercepted anymore?" Bell inquired thinking of what the woman had said earlier.

"No," Riviera promptly dismissed that possibility, "I was leading a group of our members who still need to build up their experience, though we were on a mission to fulfill requests, obtain Magic Stones, Drops, and generally recover our Familia's finances after that ambush during our last expedition."

Riviera sighed at the possibilities and began to stretch as she thought things out.

Accidentally, her new pose gave Bell a great general outline of her body and view of bare feet and legs right up to mid-thigh.

If Riviera were to stretch any further, Bell would see a lot more than just skin. He was already seeing the shape of her form. Her complete form and enough tantalizing skin for a boy his age to have a natural reaction that made him blush a crimson hue and shift to hide it.

'Why me?' he mentally whined as he tried to think of something to counter his problem.

"Bell?" the Elfess had noticed his shift and then realized what happened.

With a cry of startled surprise, Riviera huddled in on herself. Bringing her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. She effectively became a ball on the other side.

"Sorry," Bell squeaked out lowly.

"No," Riviera was not much better, "This is, that was my fault."

They sat like that for a few minutes. Both paralyzed by fear and embarrassment. But then…

"Thank you," Riviera reached a hand around the partition to find one of Bell's arms, and then once she had it, she slid her hand into his, "You're being polite, but at the same time, you're not afraid to take me off that pedestal. Thank you for that. Despite everything, it feels… Good to be seen as something other than a Perfect High Elf."

Bell smiled and gently squeezed his hand around her hand, "Your welcome Riviera."

And to hear her name spoken so simply, Riviera smiled as well. She felt a warm feeling in her chest as they remained like that until their clothes and themselves were dry, but Riviera, as strict and adherent as she was, gave Bell a kiss on the cheek, thanking him for taking her off a pedestal and treating her like a normal person.

The two joined the long line of returning Adventurers and Supporters.

And despite everything, Bell had a good haul of Magic Stones and Drops. He should be able to eat comfortably tonight. While still having enough to give to his mother and Goddess each.

XXXX

A/N:

Yeah, I know. There's supposed to be more after this. You know, Bell goes to the Mistress of Fertility and then back into the Dungeon in a rage.

Oh he will. But not so fast.

This is an Alternate Story. So I get to choose and I choose… A much shorter chapter.

No seriously. This is close to 20,000 words in the story alone. So I'm fairly certain you all don't want that to go on and on and on. So therefore, I ended it now.

Now, yes, there is a little interplay here with Riviera. I'm a Riviera/Bell shipper as much as I'm a Bell/Aiz shipper and a Bell/Eina shipper as well as a Bell/Ryuu shipper among all the shippings I see. So yeah, I'm good for Bell/Single Female to Bell/Two Ladies to Bell/Three Girls and He's Out for the Night!

As well as Bell/Harem.

So, that all said, this story will be like that lazy brook. It's going to meander on its own path as I write it. I ain't going to turn it, because it will arrive at its conclusion when it promptly does so and not a moment later or sooner.

The Mistress of Fertility scene will also be expanded somewhat.

After all, there is a little something already inserted that will be a factor in the upcoming scenes. Therefore, I had already planned to divide this section in half. Got to account for my own efforts, ya know.

Now, we have a bit of build up. Don't worry, what appears to be plot holes are going to get filled. Plot Hole Filling Equipment ain't cheap, especially if you're an American. Prices are through the roof and our paychecks have stagnated for 22 years now.

Now if only some Appalachia Rich Guy from Moscow and a loudmouth Two Timing, Double Crossing Southerner from Lendsyngrad would just shut up and get out of the way. Oh and that guy who is creating a new definition for the name he shares with one of the most corrupt American Politicians EVER!

Yeah. Politics over. I wish we could go back to those days… That being political in the USA was an acquired taste, not a normality.

Because frankly, "Better Dead Than Red," has taken a whole new meaning and it doesn't involve Communism.

But, hey. We have a means of escape. Until reality kicks the door in. Tosses a Flashbang. And forces you to the ground before picking you up and realizing only later, after all of that, the wrong guy.

Then we can go back to it.

Yeah, I know I just described Red State Police, Autocratic Police, Secret Police, and a bunch of other Police, but at the same time... That's literally what Life feels like these days.

Don't worry. I'm just a grumpy SOB right now. Which is why, I'm always thankful for reviews that let me know how well I've done. Because it means I've got something to enjoy and I will enjoy it to the fullest!