Ave Princeps, Fili Rhomée!
Chapter Three
Fist Clenched to Chest
XXXX
As Bell and Riveria exited into the Gallery beneath Babel Tower, the two looked up and around, a common habit among all Adventurers.
The reasons vary between them all, except for a few general traits.
Typically, it was a confirmation method that they were finally out of the Dungeon. The Gallery was built originally as the first line of defense before the construction of Babel Tower above it.
The Guild still holds the Gallery's original name or rather names. As the Gallery was originally a string of forts with smaller defense posts in between. The main construction had been three fortresses which, incredible as it is, still exist as part of Babel Tower's main base where the Guild maintains their forces arrayed against the Dungeon itself.
There were actually several Galleries. Each was subdivided during Babel's construction to increase defense and leave few entrances and thus few exits to and from the Dungeon. These were each of the forts with the fortresses still each able to cover one third of the Galleries.
The sky beyond. Both of the Adventurers began heading towards the exit. Guards standing watch in their defensive works with ballista, bows, arrows, and javelins.
But they were slightly agitated and both could see why.
Ballista Bolts stood embedded in the ground. Others were crumpled, laying on their sides. Ganesha and Guild Guards and staff discussed what was clearly a breakout attempt. The blood of various Monsters decorated the ground along with the uncollected Magic Stones that once were inside their bodies.
Some areas were damaged. Like something had burrowed and melted through the number of defenses and the very floors of the Gallery. Then ran riot before being brought down.
Arrows from bows and bolts from crossbows as well as javelins and spears also decorated the Gallery's floor and walls.
Along with shields, swords, and polearms with the odd empty helmet and pieces of discarded armor.
"Pretty bad today if they had to deploy troops to actually rush the Monsters," Riveria noted with some concern.
Breakout attempts were not new. In fact, they were quite common. But usually they were confined to Upper Floors and while not rare, were far from common in the Galleries. Not only because of the defenses and the defense forces arrayed, but because there were typically just too many Adventurers to get through.
By the time a sufficiently large Monster Party could make it close enough, typically members of the most powerful Familias would be already deploying to stop said Monster Party.
Today wasn't Riveria's turn to stand on watch duty for this. She had it completely off. As evidence that she was with a party earlier before meeting up with Bell.
Instead, and speak of the devil because he was present, Gareth Landrock, the Elgram, was on watch today.
"I see," the Dwarf nodded as he spoke with a somewhat bandaged Raul Nord, the High Novice, "Tend to the injured. I don't know where- Ah, there she is and she's not alone."
Gareth had spotted his High Elf companion as she and Bell were walking up the steps to the checkpoint. Though he pointedly ignored that Riveria wasn't wearing her leggings, as such, the bare skin of her legs were on full view. Well, where her high boots didn't cover up to her knees and her green single piece dress suit didn't cover as it dropped down to meet those same boots. Her cloak effectively hid the back of her legs effectively as her skirt did have a tendency to flutter in the air.
"Gareth how bad?" Riveria pointedly ignored asking the obvious question of the breakout attempt.
"Not as bad as it could have been," the Dwarf then snorted in some annoyance, "Allen Formel, the Vena Freya, was supposed to be on guard with me, but accidentally ate something he suffered an allergic reaction to."
"An allergic reaction? Allen? Hardly possible," Riveria doubted Freya's Chariot would be so misfortuned.
"Their doctor agrees," Gareth rubbed at his beard, wincing when he found a bit of broken metal had somehow gotten into it without his notice, but he still simply removed and flicked the piece off that haphazardly flipped over itself a few times before disappearing in the mess around them, "He wasn't the only one to fall ill, fortunately those four brothers were returning early from a little trip of their own and quickly launched into action."
Speaking of them. One of the brothers in question was visible. Riveria and the others couldn't see his tunic color, so they couldn't tell which brother it was. Not that it mattered.
The four of them had only so recently obliterated a force of 20,000 strong.
Of those that they engaged, around 97% of the entire Division, they left a mere 137 alive.
The Rhomans had taken a further 2,000 something prisoners, many of them in a state of shock, but a number of those had been mercenaries and levees hired or conscripted by Warsa to add to that 20,000.
In times like that and this, the power of First Class Adventurers proved truly unfathomable.
For now, though, there were other matters to address.
"I guess I'll leave this mess in your hands then, Gareth," Riveria shook her head as this was quite the mess on its own before turning to Raul, "And Raul, be sure to get yourself looked over again, okay? Head injuries are not to be trifled about," the elf warned her fellow Familia member.
"No worries," Gareth indicates the work going on, "Most of the big details are already dealt with. This is just finalizing before the clean up," and that would be 'fun' too.
"Yes ma'am," Raul confirmed as he tried to rub the back of his head, but both the bandage around his head and the fact his right hand was fully bandaged over, kind of made the High Elf's point for everyone.
"Go on boyo," Gareth chuckled at Raul's actions, "I can clean up here and I have Bete and his team as well. See to your team and yourself now," Gareth made the 'Off With You' shooing gesture and Raul only chuckled as he left to check up on his team and get themselves checked out.
Riveria only shook her head before leading Bell out of the Gallery and through the checkpoint before both set foot outside, once more in the Open World.
"Feels good to be back," Bell sighed in relief as a breeze passed over him, "A bit chilly right now."
Riveria made an agreeing hum. She then looked to the nearby mountains. Sure enough, in the declining light, she could make out thunderheads and figured snow was falling on them.
It was telling just how massive the mountains or rather, how massive the city's infrastructure and walls were.
Each gate was housed in a fortress that could house up to 3,000 defenders. Each segment of the wall had at least two forts built into them that could house up to 500 defenders. Each wall section themselves were described as being a league tall. They weren't that big, though, they were probably about that long and dotted with smaller battlements to defend them.
They were made of some of the finest stone and masonry as well as materials brought up from the Dungeon itself. There were other materials also used in the construction, mainly supporting material that could carry all that weight. Pallums and Dwarves often made up the maintenance teams due to the conditions and cramped nature of the interior structures.
There had to be access to ensure proper maintenance of the walls. These things were meant to stand for centuries after all. The materials used to build weren't cheap or easy to comeby.
Plus, that added resistance was needed for if ever the Monsters escaped the Dungeon and the city had to be sealed shut.
Magical defenses were also incorporated in the walls. Ensuring both longevity and strength. In addition to being able to completely close the city off inside of a shell of magical energy.
And that was just the outer defenses.
The city was filled to the brim with strongholds and smaller keeps and watchtowers to stand guard. Some had recently been converted into aerial defense centers as the Rhoman War Dragon skill had become prolific along with the arrival of the Pegasus Knight and Eagle Riders.
So now the city had to rebuild some of its defenses to protect from the skies, though that was already part of the defenses, but there is a real difference between random Monsters and even Monster Parties and manned flying mounts.
In between all of that, was the city itself.
And what a city.
Most of the construction took after Human aesthetics and designs. Humans did live a varied cultured life, with considerable subdivisions in each. A rather unique trait as most other races choose to hegemonize their construction and central cultural beliefs.
Though, after a certain pair of kingdoms destroyed each other in a mutual war of destruction, that had led the Elves to start practicing more independent minds of thought.
Even if most of Elvendom fell under the Ljos Alf Royal Family's control, many others have broken away and started to develop differently, such as the Ryumilua Forest Elves who had become increasingly starch isolationists whereas the Wishe Forest Elves were being somewhat more open, such as opening a magical academy on the edge of their territory.
Dwarves had already started to take that to heart a few centuries earlier. They had easily learned that there was more than one way to mine rock and mold it. As such, many Dwarves had tried their hands at living and working away from their fabled mountain strongholds and cities. A task easier said than done, but they have been successful in that field, though they are still typically found near sources of stone and rock.
Pallum actually shared the Human trait to not have a hegemonized racial culture. They still had their ways, but they were somewhat more varied than other races. This had only increased in the last couple of centuries, but that was more due to the hardship of their religious belief being utterly destroyed in a single moment.
Amazons had lived a hard life from the cradle to the moment they died. That's how it always has been. But their ferocious strength had meant little against the wisdom of Humans, Dwarves, and Elves.
Once, long ago, Human, Pallum, Dwarf, and Elf had been united against the Beast People, the Barbarians, and the Amazons in long wars. The former were 'Civilized' and the latter 'Uncivilized.'
Ironically, Bell knew that the Savages exceeded the worst of the 'Uncivilized' races from back there.
Far too much exceeded.
The wars were being waged when the Deities descended. Each taking an interest or disinterest in the wars. Kali, for example, became leader of the Amazons and organized them according to Telskyura's current status. Opposite of Kali, Ares had sided with Humans who valued their courage and honor and were not afraid of war.
That conflict lasted a hundred years before Athena put both in their place. Though they plotted against her, Zeus had a final say, as did Odin, and the two immediately quieted down. Then again, Thor had been waiting in the wings for them to be stupid and he had hadn't been alone either as Arawn had grown exhausted of their fighting.
Across the continent, ruins existed of long forgotten empires and kingdoms. Great republics and city states. Ancient sects and older realms.
There were some Familias that sought to learn of these places and catalog their histories. Others plunder them for anything of value. Still, some rebuild them for both good and ill intentions.
Some, though, are best left forgotten for good reason.
And all of this?
Bell and Riveria could see the avenue they began to walk to the Guild Headquarters. The influence of so many races upon the city. From the most dominant Human construction to Elvish styled wooden structures and Dwarven stonecraft at its finest in Dwarf buildings to little Pallum places hidden in the nooks and crannies for Pallums to Gnome construction, interesting designs there, to Beast People and even the odd Amazon design.
About the only people unrepresented were the Savages.
Little surprise or wonder there.
The city was truly, even if argued, the Center of the World.
All cultures, no matter the race, were found within its walls. The city was also perhaps the most advanced city in the world as well. Buildings stood up to ten floors, not counting the ground floor or basements. There was hot and cold running water for such buildings as well for use in sinks, baths, showers, and even the toilets.
The city's buildings also enjoyed indoor and outdoor lights. The result of the study of the city's greatest treasure, the Magic Stones.
Not only do Adventurers adventure for fame and glory, but for the city's wealth. They were, in some ways, miners off to the underground to dig the wealth out of the tunnels beneath the ground. The risks were great, the payoffs could be greater, and the city flourished as it traded refined Magic Stones and items and products using Magic Stones with the world around them.
The Dungeon City was as much the Adventurer City.
And as the beating heart of the modern world, it was vital that it not fail.
Down the broad avenue aptly named Main Street, the mismatched pair of a Level 1 Adventurer and a Level 6 Adventurer headed for the Guild Headquarters.
While defined as the Guild Headquarters, and in fact it was, only so much of the work the Guild did was actually done at the Guild Headquarters due to the actual small size of the building itself.
Much of the actual work was done at another, much larger complex of buildings. The Guid Headquarters was such, because it was literally the seat of the God Ouranos and his power. The very power that helped to tame and check the Dungeon, to prevent it expanding once more and tearing open new pathways in and out of it. Ones that would have to be plugged due to the dangers of unleashing Monsters of high rank once more upon the world.
The pair, a Human boy of 14 years and an Elven woman of 99 years, made for a sure contrast.
The boy was equipped with very low grade gear and equipment. No one knew who he was, unless you were Rhoman and, to a degree, Gael. He worked alone and had little to show for his efforts as a result.
The woman by contrast was wearing far finer and was better equipped. Everyone also knew who she was as well. The famous/infamous Nine Hell, Riveria Ljos Alf, Princess of the Alf Forest and heiress to the current Alf King, King of All Elvendom, Larfal Ljos Alf. As refined as she was beautiful and the very embodiment of Elven Dignity, Grace, and Poise.
If only they knew how much she hated being referred to as such.
The woman had a very maternal side to her. The losses her Familia had taken during the fighting five years ago, as well as the loss of so many friends in other Familias, had a deep effect on her. As such, she could not help, but mother and even outright nag some of the younger members of the Loki Familia.
She wanted them safe. To grow strong. To be all they could be and find that bit of happiness that she only scratched the surface of with the Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein, and being somewhat more tender towards her apprentice and chosen successor, the Thousand Elf, Lefiya Verdis.
At the same time, she subtly looked at the boy doing his best to match her stride and keep pace with her.
Riveria had generally cut all tie making with other Familias. The Gobinu and Hephaeteus Familias being an exception. The same of the Dian Cecht Familia as well.
But this small rabbit had managed to hop into her life unexpectedly.
And then she discovered his true identity by mere chance.
The Prince of Rhome himself.
Just as she was the Princess of Alf.
She had initially treated him as an equal. Royal to Royal. But he had quickly convinced her he needed to lay low. His family is no longer as protected as it once was. But he conceded, in times alone, they could be Royals.
Indeed.
Could be.
The boy had seen her bare legs, nearly completely up to a place most sacred to any woman. Even an Amazon.
He had also seen her bare arms and the outline of her body.
And he had had a natural reaction to it.
Not that she was so terribly embarrassed anymore. True she was still angry about his hand where it shouldn't have been and the sounds she made when he squeezed by accident or natural inclination of being a male with a female in his arms. But she…
'I'm happy to be seen like that by someone who not only respects me,' Riveria kept her thoughts well concealed and her face clear of any signs of her thoughts, 'But also treats me like a normal woman.'
First it had been mere curiosity and then respectful acknowledgement.
Now, though, having a male touch her and see her like Bell Cranel has, has reminded her that while Ais and Lefiya made for great surrogate daughters, she still longed for her own child.
And to be loved by a man who is genuine in his affections, love, and happiness to her and their child.
Somehow, she can see Ais in a wedding dress looking so resplendent and happy as Riveria gives her away to Bell.
But she cannot see herself in such a dress.
Still, it was a nice feeling and the day she wore a wedding dress was the day she retired from Adventuring to become the proper Princess of Alf and married a ranking Elven Nobleman.
Pleasant thought that one.
"Miss Riveria?" Bell was frowning at her.
"Yes?" the Elf raised an eyebrow.
"My mother always says, there is more than one way to find the way forward," the boy smiled, showing that he had some idea of her internal thoughts then and there and yet, those were words that made the Elf blink as she realized not only had he seen through her, understanding where her thoughts had gone, but that he was telling her not to give up?
"Strange child you are," but Riveria meant it genuinely, favoring him with a small smile as they began climbing the steps into the Guild Headquarters.
Bell only chuckled to himself.
Hard to believe that Kale Cranel was the man to raise him. Something that surprised her. How different he had become and truthfully, perhaps there was wisdom in those words.
Cuing up with the rest of the line, the two waited.
Riveria honestly now felt nervous. Bell was one thing. He was a Royal of good standing and a kind young gentleman, still young, but she had been there with Ais and Lefiya. Ais was harder and simpler at the same time because she had…
'She is dreaming?' Riveria hid a small smile, 'Perhaps, for the first time in a long time, the young princess can finally live again.'
Little did Riveria know, that as she thought that, fate had chosen for her to find her way forward some day to live again.
But at the matter at hand, Lefiya had been curious. And she hadn't been exactly alone. Honestly, Riveria wondered how Mia did it?
'Probably because they aren't so young, but Ryuu wasn't exactly an adult,' Riveria mentally shook her head and shivered.
Her legs being uncovered was not enjoyable. Yes, she wouldn't mind showing them off to her husband some day, when she finally married. Though it would be better if it was a husband she could trust too. That would not be easy and she'll likely keep her legs covered up. Same with her arms.
And body, except when it came to try and produce a child.
Riveria suddenly held in a gasp.
A hand had slid its way into her cloak and now was gently rubbing one of her legs. Lifting her skirt up high enough her thigh could be touched and rubbed.
Yet the touch was not one she was rejecting! She couldn't believe she wasn't rejecting being touched! Especially in such a public place! But she was and she was unable to reject it because she didn't want to reject it!
Her eyes darted to see who was touching her.
To her surprise, she found she was unsurprised to see it was Bell.
The boy was blushing, but that was not unknown to him. Especially as he was standing near so many young women and some teenage girls. Rumors were already flying about him and his shyness around women and girls. The cute white haired bunny with a red face.
As they moved along, Bell did not withdraw his hand and no one noticed. Of course, they wouldn't. The room was actually quite packed. The line is as thick as a fort's wall. There is little chance of Bell being caught touching her.
And she adjusted her staff ever so slightly.
Bell found he couldn't bring his hand down and had to go higher.
Riveria kept the blush off her face as Bell's fingers found her panties. The boy's blush managed to avoid becoming thicker. But then he became bolder and wiggled a finger under the cloth, surprising Riveria and almost drawing a gasp.
Then he withdrew abruptly as they were close to their Advisors.
For Riveria, that would be Rose Fannett. A waist long red haired, golden eyed 28-year-old Werewolf female. Known for her tough outer shell and rumored tougher inner shell, she was extremely beautiful. Enough to make even the high minded Elves stop and take a look at her.
But her rejection of love confessions was a solid 100%.
Her reasoning was simple. She didn't want to be left alone when the Adventurer died. The mortality rate among Adventurers was what it was. Very high.
Next to her was Bell's Advisor, Eina Tulle. A 19-year-old Half-Elf that had taken over registering Bell after the Snow Elf, Sophia Argawen, had refused to do so. She has a serious, but respectful disposition mostly keeping Adventurers at arms' length, though assisting as best she could.
Eina has short, neck length brown hair and emerald green eyes, a reflection of her Alf Elf heritage, and has sometimes been described as a Human someone glued Elven beauty onto, but despite that, she is considered very beautiful nonetheless and has a small following of male Adventurers trying to win her affections to no avail as of yet.
She is also known as the 'Sister of the Guild' for her disposition, attitude, and, more secretly, her lack of maturity in regards to romances.
Of course, since taking on Bell Cranel, people often say she is a 'Big Sister' when the boy is involved.
Though the jokes are still making the rounds about the boy's 'bold' and loud 'love confession.'
The two Adventurers soon reach the pair.
"Oh?" Rose raises an eyebrow, "What happened to you? And why are you with Eina's little lover?"
The Half-Elf makes a series of sounds not quite describable in any language before shouting, "ROSE!" with a face as red as Bell's face, though the boy looked like he wanted to rabbit away at that moment and come back never.
"What?" the Were woman languidly replied, looking almost bored.
"Enough Rose," Riveria spoke up in defense of her friend's eldest child, "The report I have is serious."
"Then report," the Werewolf was all business.
"I was attacked by an Elite Lizardman on Floor Three," Riveria began and then shifted into what she had been doing prior, including encountering Bell Cranel, though, she did alter how the two of them had gone for a very brief swim, Rose did not need to know that, "Then the Elite Lizardman attacked, surprising myself."
"Surprised me too," Bell mumbled, though the three women still heard him, as did others behind him and several winced as Bell had just had another encounter with a Monster he shouldn't be even remotely hearing about, let alone fighting, for perhaps another three or so years.
"Kid's got some crazy luck," a Human Archer whispered, though, in the sudden quiet, it was loud.
"What kind?" a Dwarf female Ax Fighter responded, "Good or bad?"
"Interesting," a Barbarian rubbed his jaw wondering if he should keep close to the boy on occasion in hopes of landing some big game from deeper down.
"Very much," an Amazon agreed as she licked her lips in thought of the fights.
"The Monster appeared to have been Mate Hunting," Riveria finished and there was a minor ruckus when she stated that before detailing how she was able, with Bell's assistance, turn the tables and kill the Elite Lizardman.
"Afterwards, we retired to rest, dry, and conduct repairs," Riveria completed her report and then switched gears, "Any missing female Adventurers been reported lately?"
"No," Rose responded at once, "I also know what you mean. No need to worry, the King has already been dispatched and it sounds like the last one that he has had difficulty finding was the one you defeated."
"Oh?" Riveria had a bit of a predatory smile, "I managed to kill a Monster that slipped by Freya's Captain? Rare, but delightful to hear."
There was really no love lost between the Loki and Freya Familias. Their rivalry was well known. Not as bad as say the Freya-Ishtar Familia Rivalry, but then again, there was also the Loki-Ishtar Familia Rivalry and some said that was ultimately the worse of the two.
Of course, that Damn Toad trying to kill Loki's Princess no less than twice had helped fan the flames worse and even formed the rivalry to begin with.
"It would appear so," Rose had finished writing her report on the incident while Eina had also gotten Bell's own report on the same.
Though the boy had wisely trailed behind Riveria's reporting. Which allowed both their stories to match up. Which had a big hole in both of them.
"How were you two attacked?" Eina frowned as neither reported just how they had been attacked.
"As we were getting out of the water," Bell responded, "It made a grab at Miss Riveria while her hair was in her face and I threw some wet ash into the Monster's eyes."
"That is true," Riveria responded.
"Oh?" a voice from down the line of Reception Desks interjected itself and the four turned to see Sophia working with Aisha Belka, Vice-Captain in all but title of the Ishtar Familia, "Are we so sure?"
"Yes," Riveria responded.
"Then explain why you're so intent on keeping your cloak closed around you," the chocolate brown skin Amazon smirked, intentionally shaking her breasts, held in place and covered by a thin layer of purple cloth, "Why you, of all High Elves, are walking around the city bare legged?"
There were gasps and sputters from all around. Riveria managed to hold her own in as well as keep the blush off her face.
"It surprised me from behind and tore more leggings down my legs before Mr. Cranel was able to briefly blind it," Riveria admitted to how surprised she was, though that wasn't the issue, it was that the damnable and contemptible woman just revealed something she didn't want revealed.
"And here, I was hoping you were having a hopping good time for once," Aisha jokes which finally got a reaction out of Riveria, though not the one she expected, "What the hell?!"
"If you're going to draw attention to others," Riveria began, "Ink will help lead them back to you."
Sophia and Eina could only cover their eyes and groan while Rose growled.
"Ladies, need I remind you of the rules," the redhead looked ready to trounce both for causing such a disruption, "And you both will have valis deducted for that ink and the cleaning."
"Very well," Riveria accepted the matter with her usual stoic grace.
Aisha only growled and was just thankful it didn't get on her bottoms and see through purple dancer bloomers. The ink would be practically impossible to get out of the latter and she did not want embarrassment of black ink on her white bottoms. Her jewelry was also, thankfully, untouched as well.
Sophia was polite enough to hand her a damp towel to clean herself to a point.
"Thank you," Aisha may have been crude in the opinion of many, but she was also far more polite than most would credit her for.
"You're welcome," the Snow Elf replied.
"Okay," Rose finished adding the left out detail, "So how did Bell Cranel assist further?"
"Bell?" Eina gave him that look like an older sister catching her younger brother.
Gulping the boy answered truthfully as Riveria also spoke. Both left out the little incident with Bell's hand though. That was not something that needed to be added. Or known beyond the two of them.
Once the reports were completed, the pair were directed to turn in their Magic Stones and asked if they had any Drops they would like to sell.
Bell did have quite a bit, though it was not much to earn in valis, but Riveria did give him some of her valis as thanks for his assistance earlier.
The two then left and headed out, though, not without a lecture from Eina for Bell. Once more in trouble that boy. While she wasn't upset with him over the Elite Lizardman, the same wasn't true for the number of fights he had been in. Specifically being outnumbered that even a party of three or four Adventurers would be in a hard place.
So once more, the Sister of the Guild read him the riot act.
Riveria couldn't help but chuckle and before she left, leaned in and whispered into Eina's ear.
"Are you sure you're not trying to marry him?"
The Half-Elf let out a surprised squawk before trying to swat the High Elf with a small ledger in a fit of indignance.
Riveria only left, laughing quietly to herself. Few noticed the ordinary stoic Elf showing emotion. Only Sophia, Rose, Eina, and a few others of the Guild staff, Bell and a handful of higher level Adventurers.
"Oh Eina," Riveria had a smile that she let go of when she spotted Bell waiting for her, "Mr. Cranel, please follow me."
As the two left the building, they headed down a different route. The wind was starting to pick up and Riveria growled at her cloak being nearly blown up a couple of times. But she eventually pulled Bell around a corner and made him stand there while she felt where he had been touching earlier.
Then she spoke to him.
"What was that about earlier?" she demanded to know.
Bell blushed and looked apologetic, "I-I-I'm sorry!" he at least kept his voice down, "I couldn't stop thinking of those legs and what they might feel like. And I, um, ah, ah, well, felt you needed… reassurance?"
The boy was totally caught and he knew it. At the same time, Riveria knew she only encouraged it. Going as far as inviting Bell to feel more of her.
With a sigh, "Human Puberty," was all Riveria blamed and Bell blushed even worse.
Still, Riveria had never been so forwardly touched like Bell had done.
Yes, other men had tried to feel her up. There was always a man at least one or twice a month she had to nearly break the arm or hand of. On occasion at least four or five times a year she had to put someone in the hospital for not getting the hint.
Yet, she let Bell get away with it.
And she enjoyed it.
Not only the thrill of Bell touching her, but of where he was touching her.
"Bell Cranel," Riveria spoke his name and while she enjoyed both his boldness and the way he suddenly stood straight up like a soldier caught by a superior, she couldn't let it continue, "You must not do that again, understood young man?"
"Yes ma'am," Bell felt really bad. He didn't understand why he did that? Could it have been his grandfather's influence?
Somehow, Bell doubted it wasn't just that, but definitely an influencer.
Both knew what they had done was wrong. Generally, wrong in public, but there was also the age issue. Bell was 14 and Riveria was 99. Of course, if taken in a different context-
Incredibly, both shook their heads at the same time.
"We need to not do this again," Riveria declared with finality, but doing so hurt her and she sounded weak.
Bell nodded. He didn't trust his voice.
But as both locked eyes, they knew it might happen again.
The boy was still in puberty and interested in girls and women.
The woman was lonely and desired a male companion.
They struggled, but ultimately, agreed to table it. It also happened that Riveria wanted to push Bell into Ais' arms. The blond needed happiness and Riveria, her maternal instincts for the girl in full, wanted the best for her.
Still, as a prize for his boldness, Riveria did something she never thought she would do.
She opened her cloak and raised her skirt high enough for Bell to see her rather shocking black lace panties in full.
Then after letting him gaze, she lowered her skirt and closed her cloak.
Ever the gentleman, despite what happened, Bell walked Riveria home. He ended up helping her keep her cloak down until she safely was in the walls of her home. Then he headed out and back home.
Heading back to her room, Riveria did something she never did.
She stripped down to her underwear, the same black lace panties and a matching black lace bra, and threw herself on her bed and buried her face in her pillow. Her face was so red, it reached the tips of her ears. She didn't want to see anyone or be seen by anyone. Her embarrassment was in full as she came down from the rush she had felt, letting Bell see something that covered what is so important to Elvish maidens.
"Why did I let him see my panties?" the woman groused into her pillow unaware she was no longer alone.
"Oh?" an unwelcome, but painfully familiar voice sounded off, full of surprise and barely quiet, "Ya let ah man see yer panties, Riveria?"
Growling in anger, "Lo-ki!" the High Elf turned to her Goddess, "What are you doing in my room?" Riveria demand angrily.
Loki merely sat down next to the embarrassed High Elf Princess, "Must have been that short stack you seen with earlier. A boy from another Familia. You like him. A lot."
Tact was something known to Loki, if the fact she was speaking normally rather than in her lazy way. But at the same time, she had been getting worried. She liked Riveria a lot. So rather than be the petulant child, this time, the shoe would be on the other foot and Loki would gently ease out the truth of the matter from Riveria like a patient and understanding mother would.
"Loki, leave," Riveria had no desire to put up with her Goddess right now.
And incredibly, Riveria sounded like an upset teenager with Loki filling the role of said teenager's mother.
"Oh?" Loki didn't nibble like she usually did on Riveria's patience, not with this matter on hand, "Didja ya forget? We're goin' out tanight!"
Riveria froze. She had forgotten. Then she realized that was likely why Loki was in her room. And that she was still in just her underwear.
"LOKI! OUT!"
"BAAHHH!"
Loki managed to slide out and slam the door behind her and lean just enough that the staff base missed her by the length of her hand. The door would need fixing later, but that was a minor issue.
Turning to the shocked girls before her, Loki took a calming breath and spoke easily enough.
"That Monster that tried to nab her earlier really spooked her," Loki lied outright, protecting Riveria's secret, "She's a little out of it right now. As any would be."
Lefiya Viridis, Alicia Forestlight, Anakitty Autumn, Ais Wallenstein, Line Arshe, Elfy Colette, and finally twins Tiona and Tione Hiryute all looked somewhat relieved to know there was nothing else wrong.
"Okie Dokie, off wit' ya now," Loki shooed the girls away, "She'll be rioght out shortly. I'll be rioght 'ere ta make sure of it. Okie-dokie, good!"
The others turned to leave to get ready for the evening. It was just another big bash as Loki liked to throw. Always have a party for a job well done.
And to enjoy the moment that everyone knows they're back safe and sound.
'Lost too many back then,' Loki mentally sighed, remembering her losses back then, 'Too. Damn. Many.'
Not even a decade had passed yet.
Along with a lot of veterans and old hands she had brought into her Familia to fill out the ranks and build it up. They had been working well together, getting things on the move. Then the Great Feud happened and that almost tore the city, and her Familia, to pieces.
They had been gutted in their experience. Losing almost all of their most experienced members. Especially the old hands and vets she had managed to bring on.
Of course, she never really could blame those three. They didn't realize what was really happening. Not to the extent it did. Two of them weren't really in good shape to keep running things and the third had so much on his plate.
Still… It pissed her off to no end about what happened. Especially the ambush of Astraea's girls.
Riveria came out of her room looking fresh and ready for the night.
She raised an eyebrow at Loki's face, though. Or rather, the look on it.
"Thinking of back then?" the High Elf inquired.
"Yeah," came the subdued response, "Miss them still. Not even 10 years and I'm still thinking of it."
Riveria nodded and the two began to head out to join the others.
"Glad you're finally interested in a man," Loki finally broke the ice of silence between them, "If ya ever want ta retire, ya know wheres ta find me."
"Not yet," Riveria responded, "And likely not him."
"Don't'cha be puttin' tat Princess nonsense ahead of what yer interested in," Loki immediately responded, "I asked a tiny favor of a more than reliable friend," and she didn't mean Hermes, "There's a couple of spars. Ya not needed. Except fer bein' bred. And we both know tat ain't ya."
"He's Hestia's child," Riveria revealed and Loki tripped over the seamless floor, "Bell Cranel, age 14 and interested in Ais who has begun to dream again thanks to her brief encounter with him."
"Ah right," nodding, Loki knew who the boy was now, "Yeah, herd from ole Miach about'em. A Gael boy who lived in Rhoman territory. Son of a general or sumthin, but highs up. Same wit his adoptive mother and his two sisters. Supposed ta be cousins. Feels like I should know ta name, though?"
Eyeing around them and sensing out, Riveria nodded before speaking, "Kale Cranel," she spoke and Loki almost face planted if not for Riveria catching her arm and keeping her upright, "He's apparently hunting the man responsible for what happened. Ended up in the Rhoman Army by chance, nearly dying prior, and having his life priorities fully changed. He's reformed extremely well and more to the point…"
Eyeing around them, feeling for that gaze she had felt on her back with Bell earlier. Part of the reason she pulled Bell into that alley was to sense the magical gaze. Once she started to try, it dropped away in a hurry. Riveria had felt it on a number of occasions, more often than not, coming from Babel Tower and a rough location happened to be where Freya had a private office.
"He's Benton Cranel and Meteria's son by birth," Riveria explained to Loki who's eyes actually opened as the woman processed what she had just learned, "Zeus was apparently raising him in Gael territory, the best place to hide the child of a Gael man is in the land of them."
"Clever and hidden," Loki knew only a few would be dumb enough to cause trouble in Arawn's territory.
The Savages were exempted from stupidity as they didn't even know how to spell the word.
"Savages attacked their village, but it was Kale who rescued it," the High Elf leaned against the wall behind her as she tucked her arms under her breasts and Loki wondered if the boy had been so lucky to cop a feel and/or see them yet.
Despite that, Loki paid rapt attention to Riveria. The world outside, her information sources were not very good. She had to burn through favors to find out that Riveria was not exactly needed anymore in Alf.
"Kale had his forces nearby, planning an ambush to end a Savage threat," Riveria explained before thinking it over, "But one of the dispatch riders chanced upon a young woman being attacked and rescued her and carried her to the safety of the camp, while being pursued."
Loki nodded, realization dawning on her. Kale had reverted back to the man he had been once. That was good news. Especially as it made it clear to Loki.
"After tat, he went an killed ta lot of Savages attackin' Shrimp's kid's home, eh?" that made perfect sense.
"In fact, that portrait Father and Son on the Hill that Mama Mia bought a while back," Riveria had a small laugh at Loki's hanging jaw and wide eyes, "Yes. That is the both of them."
"Don't tat just beat all," Loki could only respond before they had to abruptly end their conversation as Riveria's ears twitched and she indicated they had to drop it.
Loki only nodded, recognizing the approaching pair as Gareth and the Braver, Finn Deimne, Captain of the Loki Familia.
Gareth could be told fairly soon. He was just that kind of guy to not hold Kale's crimes against his son. But Finn would need to be left in the dark long enough for the boy to establish his reputation firmly.
But, at the same time, Riveria was going to get a talking to later. That was a promise Loki was making. Knowing that the High Elf had only shared as much as to get the Goddess off her back. At the same time, the Goddess needed to know the things going on, as Bell Cranel might just become as big as his late parents' Familias.
'Well, Shrimp,' Loki thought as her three leaders spoke together, 'We'll see where ya goes, eh.'
Honestly, she wouldn't mind trading Riveria over to the Shrimp once Hestia had more money and better living accommodations.
If it got Riveria to have a happy life, then frankly, Loki was all for it.
Her girl had earned it more than enough times over.
XXXX
Bell finally found his way back home, to his Familia's rather tiny and cramped base of operations.
Compared to the Twilight Manor, Bell and Goddess Hestia might as well be living in a shed of that place. One with a basement level no less.
While far from opulent, Twilight Manor was once part of a larger castle for knights that defended the region from Monsters coming out of the Dungeon, it was loads better than the abandoned little chapel that Bell and Goddess Hestia lived in.
The ruins around Bell were a stark reminder of the rise and fall of the Sections of Orario as well as the towns, cities, villages, and defenses that used to exist in what is now the walled city.
But now, as Bell walked the streets and former avenues to his Familia's little base, he could see the life coming back into this small area.
Many refugees were hard at work restoring old buildings and clearing debris. Waterways began to flow once more and gardens were planted. Parks began to resound with children running around and playing as keepers of the peace walked their beats, letting those same children run so freely.
Cafes and restaurants were open as shopkeeps swept the entry spaces to their stores. Wagons of goods ground on by as other wagons removed debris for recycling.
The sounds of people chatting happily, of laughter filling the air.
These ruins were seeing new life.
Some were kept in their ruined state. Adding culture and character. Some overgrown areas were only cared for, as they added their own touch to this part of the city. People were salvaging and rebuilding from the wreckage of the past.
And throughout it all…
"IT'S A BOY!"
Bell smiled as a new father happily declared he had a son. The faint wail of the newborn child reaching Bell's enhanced hearing. Even as other people rushed over to congratulate the man on his first child, Bell somehow was pulled in and well…
"Thank you, Your Highness," the man had tears of joy in eyes as Bell gave his own congratulations to the man, "We were so worried we would never have any children. Please, thank Goddess Hestia and God Miach for their assistance and blessings. We are just so grateful!"
The man had broken down into tears of such happiness, he couldn't speak.
Bell understood. The man and his wife had lost everything and she had been badly hurt. Well, almost killed by a Savage that had managed to get his hands on her.
Bell had been there, with several of his guards. They had rescued the woman and Bell had carried her to safety. In all that confusion, Bell doubted the man remembered that it was Bell who had brought his wife back to him.
But that was fine.
As the Prince of Rhome, such was one of his many duties.
The young Adventurer patted the man on the shoulder, giving him a smile before heading back to his Familia's base.
With a little more hope, they would have more children. To Watos, Bell prayed that it would be so. For every child born, there was hope for the future.
Bell admired how the Gael and Rhoman refugees refused to fall. Yeah, they got punched to the ground, but they were getting back up and dusting off. Every step of the way no less.
Stopping for a moment, Bell admired the little chapel that was his home now. His mother and sisters lived not far. A small residence with an enclosed courtyard. Likely it had been the home of a somewhat successful merchant once, long ago. Now it was the home of Aria Cranel and her daughters.
The Empress Elena and Princesses Ellen and Joan.
Why did his mother have two names?
He asked that once to his father.
Apparently his mother had a twin sister. The actual Elena. But she had skipped out and left to go and see the world. As such, her sister Aria had tried to cover for Elena long enough for guards to find and bring her back.
The ruse, unfortunately, was discovered before they could even get a hint of her.
His father had taken it in stride and remarked that his future father-in-law had two daughters, so either way, all would still work out in the end. The man had been less than enthused, but permitted. It was one of the reasons their courtship had taken so long, before both finally asked to be wed.
As for Bell's missing Aunt, well… She apparently had opened up her own trading business and was being both successful and far reaching. Though no one quite knew where she was currently. Only that she was very successful in her endeavor.
Yet the reason she was known as Empress Elena was rather simple.
The elected Emperors and Empresses always change their name. Either completely or an alternate spelling. It was to represent their new station and place in life. Or something like that, Bell didn't get it at the time and figured he would learn over the years.
Thus, Emperor Cael and Empress Elena.
Bell's father had merely changed the spelling as well as part of the pronunciation while his mother had opted to use her sister's name, because despite everything, the two sisters were very close and had apparently agreed to it as little girls.
Of course, if his Aunt Elena had become Empress, she would have been Empress Aria herself.
With a final sigh, Bell enters the building, ready for the twin lectures he was about to get. On top of Eina's Riot Act from earlier.
And he wasn't disappointed.
XXXX
It was about an hour later, Bell found himself on his stomach, shirtless, as Goddess Hestia updated his status.
His mother sat nearby, gently stroking Joan's hair as Ellen did some school work.
"You know," Aria couldn't help herself, "I find it difficult for me to approve how you update my son's status, Goddess Hestia."
"If I don't update them," Hestia responded, concentrating on her work as this was still a measure of fine detail work, "Bell-kun cannot get stronger. So I got to update frequently, especially with his work ethic."
Bell merely chuckled nervously beneath the Goddess.
"I wasn't referring to that," Aria knew full well the Goddess knew what she meant, "I meant how you are seated on him. Backside to backside. If I didn't know you as a Virgin Goddess, I would fear for my son's virginity."
"MOTHER/ARIA!" both Hestia members shout in embarrassment.
The blond woman only had a laugh at her son and his Goddess' expense.
Both grumbled as they went back to what they were doing. With Hestia concentrating. Fortunately, she was patient and very detailed. So she knew where she was no matter what. More than that, Hestia was frowning, though she did see her Child's status increasing after that run in with the Elite Lizardman.
If a Minotaur would have been fatal if it caught Bell, the Elite Lizardman was promised death no matter what Bell would do.
Though it was one of Loki's Children that killed it, spillover effect as the two had become a party had resulted in Bell getting some good improvements.
And another skill.
Alf Fortuitous
Hestia read the skill.
Elf Fortune in the Common Tongue was not a known skill. As far as Hestia knew, though on this one she might ask Hepha for some advice. It didn't seem uncommon or rare, but given this referenced Elves, she was willing to believe it was the latter. Though, just how rare, is the open question.
As for the skill itself, it indicates that one has to have some form of favor from Elves or those with significant Elvish blood.
Eying Bell's sisters and mother and remembering his Advisor is a Half-Elf and he apparently worked with a high ranking High Elf, of all Elves, from the Loki Familia, Bell must have landed enough of something to create the skill.
The benefits were an increase to Excellia and the Drop Rate of Items when partied with an Elf. The higher the rank of the Elf, the greater the benefits, which made sense. Bell had been partied, though briefly, with the Crown Princess of the Elves, a High Elf from the Alf Royal Forest no less. There was even a sign indicating once this skill reached a certain level, a new Skill Slot would open and it further hinted that further growth would add perhaps another or additional Skill Slots over time.
Hestia then noticed something that really ticked her off.
Also increases familiarity with the Elves in the party. Including gaining significant benefits in bonding. Though, interestingly, it also indicated that Bell could eventually use their magic to a point and only a select few. But he also got a boosted stat from their abilities and incredibly, they received boosts from Bell as well and likewise would gain similar bonding and familiarity boosts as well.
'Hmm?' Hestia noticed something else and gently tapped on it and immediately hated it, 'A graph for showing his Elvish Bonds?!'
Growling dangerously and Bell knew the danger from that growl, but wisely didn't move as Hestia read the graph.
Sure enough, his Advisor, Mother, Sisters, and Nine Hell were there. To Hestia's surprise, there was another Elf. Well, two of them.
One appeared to be an Advisor from the Guild. The bond was very low, but it was surprisingly there as well. Her name was Sophia Agawen and surprisingly, there was already a minor exchange.
There was even a small amendment for her to read.
'At first thought lowly of him. Not one to last, if he survives at all. Did not want, but has seen him for what he has and thinks he may now live for a while. Cordially Respectful.'
Hestia was thoroughly unsurprised.
The next was somewhat hidden. Tapping some kind of symbol next to the confusing array of question marks, like an icon, she got a surprise of her life when the graph grew and expanded its appearance before her.
"What is that?!" Aria shouts as well, just as startled as Hestia, waking Joan up and surprising Ellen from her school work, but all three could see the enlarged graph with different branching and subbranches to it in a complex web as confusing as a spider's web.
Hestia didn't know how long she was just staring, jaw hanging before she got her wits back and began to check the details.
Surprisingly, it was part of the larger development tree of the graph. It showed not only what Bell could learn, but what could be learned by the Elves as well. There was even evidence to indicate that they could do some kind of joint… thing.
"What the heck?" the small Goddess muttered before deciding to shake her head and just see what she could figure out now.
'At first thought he was a danger to a friend, now understands he was protecting her. Senses an aura of a leader and protector, even if she doesn't realize it herself. Finds him polite and kind, but still wary and unaware that he already knows her secret.'
"What's going on?" Bell protests not being able to see what was happening.
"Bell," Hestia began evenly, "Your Falna… is weird. But I think this might be one of those evolving Falnas I remember Hepha mentioned a couple of times. Take said he had two or three like them and Miach's only Child has one too. But that means you cannot be so reckless again at letting your Falna be seen. Especially as it appears you have a Skill now Bell," though she would love to grind her teeth and pretend he didn't, unfortunately, it was fully visible several selch above his back, "Alf Fortuitous, or Elf Fortune. It appears your preference in women is on full display Bell."
Hestia couldn't keep her annoyance out of her tone or off her face and Bell could hear and somewhat see both. If his deep gulping was any indication for her. Even his mother looked a little peeved and his sisters were staring at him blankly.
Not so accidentally, Hestia brought up Riveria's details, though the other Elfess' details didn't go away until she accidentally touched the same icon.
"Who is that Elfess, Lady Hestia?" Aria was finding a migraine coming on.
"Riveria Ljos Alf," Hestia growled in annoyance, "One of the Washing Board's girls."
"Who?" Ellen asked, confused, wondering what was going on.
"Washing Board is likely Lady Loki," Aria explained to her daughter who nodded.
"The energetic, flat chested redhead with the black clown emblem who's probably as perverted as Grandpa Zeus?" Ellen tilted her head and her mother's eye twitched while Hestia had to cover her mouth to smother her laugh at the girl's rather apt description.
"Yes," Aria replied in a measured tone.
"And the other?" Ellen didn't really know everyone as well as her mother, brother, and Goddess Hestia.
"She's actually a relative of ours," Aria explained to her daughters, "She has green hair and jade eyes-"
"White cloak and green clothes with brown boots carrying a winged staff?" Ellen finished for her mother who blinked and nodded.
"Yes," Aria was left blinking, maybe her daughter had seen the High Elf by chance?
"Your brother assisted her earlier it would seem," Aria sighed as she still remembered the panic she felt, "Your brother protected her in an important way from a powerful much lower Floor Monster."
The girl blinked at what her mother said, before something she remembered clicked into place, "So is that why she rewarded brother with a panty view of her black underwear?" Ellen suddenly and unexpectedly said.
"BELL!" Aria and Hestia roared as they turned and saw the paling boy who was trying to understand how his sister knew Riveria had done that?!
"Okay Mister!" Hestia slapped Bell's back, hard and drawing a loud yelp from the boy, as she pulled up the details, "What two timing cheating have you been up to?!"
"Goddess…" Bell whimpered out weakly as his mother was suddenly next to the Goddess.
"What does it say?" The woman abruptly next to her, pressing herself cheek to cheek with Hestia, was in full mother hen mode.
Hestia blinked in surprise before reading aloud.
"Both acknowledge each other as Royal Equals. Respects his commitment and honor. Discovered she favored his touch. Rewarded him despite a mutual agreement to end any greater relationship, though, that may change. Instead, wishes her adoptive daughter to be his wife. Thankful that he just sees her as a person more than anything else."
Both mother and Goddess separated and blinked at the surprising information.
"So," Ellen started up again, "Will that mean brother will get more panty views in the future?"
"ELLEN!?" her mother looks scandalized, "Just where did you learn that?"
"Grandfather Zeus," the girl responded like it was the most obvious thing in the world, and probably was in hindsight for Aria, Bell, and Hestia, "He said that some girls and women let boys and men they like intentionally see their panties. Doesn't mean they will always marry, but it is a good sign. Bell was beet red for a week after seeing Ericka's panties last year and I asked Grandfather Zeus why."
Bell could only whimper at the reminder.
"Is that why she didn't come over for nearly a month?" Aria had no idea that both kids had had that happen to them.
Would also explain why they were so shy around one another for the better part of two months.
Aria only sighed as she put fingers to her temple, her eyes closing. It also explained why the girl kept her hands on her skirt. Though she never figured Ericka for the type. Therefore, she had a good idea of who to blame.
Unfortunately, she ended up in Gael lands and disappeared thereafter.
"Goddess Hestia," Aria turned to the Goddess who could only glare at the High Elf's information on the graph which looked like… Aria had to admit, her son had good taste in women, but that aside, "Goddess Hestia," Aria tried again and the diminutive Goddess blinked before turning to the hidden empress, "Can you please change or stop that image?"
With a scowl, Hestia did just the latter. The image winked out. Never had she heard of such a thing.
Well, there were books with Elves showing their gratitude, some more risique than others, but that was beside the point.
Instead she put away the graphs, surprised she could look at each of them at the same time, though her head spun if she tried too many.
She found there was another Bonding Graph too and this one was possibly a tie in to the former. It was not as extensive. No doubt those on it were not Elvish or had Elvish blood or even female.
After all, there was his father and Zeus on that graph. Of course, there were small details there too. Apparently both Nine Hell and Zeus knew one another to have a connection and it was rather poor compared to the connection between Zeus and Aria and her daughters.
Well, at least… 'Don't tell me I spoke too soon!?' Hestia mentally groused as she found a little something extra she had missed, 'Grrrr! Ais Wallenwhatsyoucallit!'
Of course! There had to be Loki's pride and joy. Who surprisingly was had a much more familia alignment with Riveria. It looked more like mother and daughter than anything else.
A tap of an icon let her read a little.
'Lost, alone, and angry at the world, she has been cared for like a daughter by a mother who desires her own child and yet feels great joy when she sees her grow. Desires for her to be happy with the boy who inspires her to dream once more. Yet still worries like a mother does as the daughter is still consumed by what befell her real parents, which has become her destructive drive.'
'I can't deny that kind of love for one another,' Hestia felt her core moved as she smiled that smile that always spoke of just what she truly was, an ageless Deity with wisdom far beyond her appearance, but again, was also worried by the rest, 'She may be quick to join her parents if she is not stopped before the worse could happen.'
As she put that icon away, it was private after all and worrying, she noticed Bell's graph with Miach's child.
Again connected through his sisters, but surprisingly not the mother. She would have to ask about that. Though Hestia thought better of reading the icon details right now. There was no need.
This was too much overload for Hestia right now.
Finishing her updates, copying them, and then locking Bell's status away and filing a mental note to ask her friends for help to properly seal it so only she could unseal it and see it, Hestia was all but drained.
"I'm heading out," Hestia announced, going over to her wardrobe closet and grabbing a good coat from it, "I'm going to need some time to process what I've seen. For now, I'm just overloaded so I'll be at a party with my fellow employees and then I'll be having a couple of drinks later with Take and Miach. I'll be sure to ask them about Bell's evolving Falna and how to best seal the details under lock and key."
Really, she had a pounding headache and boy did she ever want to unleash her lungs on Bell right now.
"I'll be back a little late as a result, okay," she didn't wait for a reply as she headed off, Aria stopping Bell from calling out to his Goddess about his plans for them all tonight, "See you later."
And with that, the Goddess of the Hearth was gone up the stairs and soon on the way out of the small chapel.
Then Aria turned to her son.
"Bell we have much to talk about," but like Goddess Hestia, she had no strength, but could tell that Bell had something on his mind and it might have to do with the money that Joan had found hidden in his coat earlier, "But I'll let you off the hook tonight as I too don't have the strength for it," a deep breath and the woman smiled warmly to her son, "What is your plan tonight?"
Bell, feeling sad his Goddess wasn't here to join them, nevertheless lit up at telling his mother his plan for an evening out with her, Ellen, and Joan.
And despite everything, it felt so normal to simply go out to eat like a normal family.
XXXX
A/N:
Dang Nabbit!
Tha ding darn wabbit has a 'ole whorl' ta creates! He's ben a darn tootin' wrastically one to wright abouts, tha he be.
Well, my attempt to combine Elmer Fudd and some really backwoods doesn't look like it has gone well.
I apologize for both the delay and the fact that I'm pushing the Hostess of Fertility scene off to the next chapter!
I wanted to do more. I really did. I had another idea I put in, but decided against it. It was too radical and therefore not a good idea. At least for this kind of setting and period within the Danmachi verse.
That said, I sincerely hope you all enjoy this chapter. I know it's late. I struggled to continue it, but I just couldn't. Been sitting on it as a result, fixing minor issues and tweaking here and there as needed.
As for pushing it with Riveria and Bell, well, I wasn't planning it. But it just slipped out. There will be more build up between the two.
Including the tension.
No doubt, you've figured out that yes, Bell is getting shipped with Riveria.
For those unhappy, don't worry. This is a Harem-type story with the title:
'Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?'
Therefore, Bell is going to be picking up more girls in the Dungeon.
And a few outside of it. But then again, they live in the Dungeon City of Orario! So technically he still is.
The story is going to take time to write. So, you'll have to keep an eye on it to see if your favorite lady lands her place. More than that… Things will be rather more explosive than Bell's love, anger, and all of his sorrow, that he might get a new shining technique that much sooner.
(No bonus points for guessing that reference. But maybe an honorable mention if you're the first.)
So, with that all said, let's get things ready for the big start!
Adventurers gather up! It's time to Adventure!