Bell pov

For whatever reason captain was in a maid uniform. When she explained why it sorta made sense.

Rimuru and Hestia owes a favor to Mia Grande and this is how ita repaid. Well then I guess I'll have a meal here tonight.

I wonder if Hestia can come as well?

"Well, that's enough of that. Bell, you haven't asked me anything yet so ask away while we clean up" Ryu had interupted shooing away Syr and Captain.

"Anyways. What would you like to ask?"

I already knew what to ask. I probably knew the answer.

"How do I get stronger"

Ryu had looked at me and had seemingly recalled something.

"You must put everything on the line in facing a foe" Ryu had told me those simple words. But this told me the answer.

All the time spent in the dungeon I never faced a for stronger than myself. I never even fought multiple monsters on my own before. And now I realize how stupid that was. Ill always remain weak if I do that.

After I finish cleaning with Ryu I grasped her hand and thanked her for everything.

Before I left however, Ryu had told me one last thing.

"You and that captain will go far if you keep your determination. Rimuru is strong yes but I can tell something is worrying her. Desperately so"

I remember captain being exhausted from something but now that I think about it it looked more like mental fatigue then physical exhaustion.

"Well, thank you Ryu" I took the warning in heart. Before I left captain had her hands full dealing with Syr as she was being dragged around.

Ah right, Hestia wanted to meet up with me later, right? I llok at the clock and noticed that it was almost the designated time. Saying goodbye I left to go greet the goddess.

Side story:

A wolf beastman was lounging around on the couch when a child looking no more than 12 had walked in. Of course, that child was no ordinary child. It was the Captain of the Loki familia and his direct superior Finn Diemne.

Following closely was Tiona and Tione, proceeded by Ais Wallenstein and Riveria.

The reason why they were all here was to discuss an issue they've been trying to solve.

Unmasking Rimuru tempest.

For whatever reason a mysterious girl with blue-silver hair had shown up. Normally people wouldn't bat an eye ather save for the unsavory types. But this obe was peculiar for two thing.

One was that she was on par if not surpassing the majority of level 6 adventurers. The other peculiarity was the strange clothes she were. A black kimono under a black overcoat. Nothing strange except for one thing: the strange mask. For whatever reason Rimuru had worn an ornate mask with red markings covering her face.

This puzzled the adventurers but the majority let it be thinking that she wanted to hide her face. But the Loki familia, specificly there top brass were curious what was under there.

And for the past week they've been trying to unmask Rimuru.

To be continued