Is it Wrong to Live Transmigrated as Bell Cranel in a Dungeon?

Chapter 19: Coalition – Winter Magic

"They looked up and saw a star.

Shining in the east beyond them far.

And to the Earth it gave great light.

And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

Born is the King of Israel."

— The First Noel

Main POV

Hestia quickly fell asleep after we got back to our carriage. Considering the time of night, the alcohol she had been drinking, and the emotional outburst… it was to be expected really.

So after I ignored the coachman's judging stare about our accommodations, I carried Hestia into the Church bridal style and made my way to lay her down on her bed. Of course, Hestia was still wearing her gown and so that was hardly the most comfortable of sleepwear.

Call me a prude, but even removing her heels was too lewd for me to handle at the moment. So I was putting off figuring out how to get Hestia changed without disturbing her rest to Future-Me.

That poor bastard.

Anyway, tonight went rather well. I got to dance with a bunch of people. Rumors about me and Ryuu being l-lovers will be drowned out by the War Game hype. Hestia's Church will probably not explode now that we accepted the War Game.

Because I at least remember that much happening from Canon. Applaud my supreme power!

While there was certainly still a chance that Apollo will still say 'fuck it' and attack anyway, I highly doubt he will. I'm fairly certain that Apollo's assault in Canon was a result of being denied the 'legal' route of taking Bell via a War Game. Admittedly, Apollo was likely counting on the fact that Hestia would reject the War Game.

From Apollo's perspective, it probably looked like a win-win scenario. Either Hestia accepts the War Game, and he wins via manpower advantage; or he attacks us anyway and wins via a manpower advantage. Victory looks assured no matter if the means are legal or not.

Of course, Apollo is acting on imperfect information on me while I have substantially more reliable information about him and his forces. And his motivations.

So, while I would be making sure to keep Hestia protected I didn't think that Apollo was going to bother now that the 'legal' path via the War Game was underway.

So yeah, I'd be spending the night here at the Church and would figure out Hestia's guard detail with her in the morning. Just in case, because CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

I was soon brought out of my thoughts as I managed to hear another horse-drawn carriage pull up outside. And thanks to the Hidden Blade with a Hiraishin mark on it, I knew it was Ryuu and (thus also) Astraea outside.

The fact Ryuu had snuck a Hidden Blade on her forearm past the guards at the ball was rather impressive now that I think about it.

Knowing my luck though, if I had tried I would have been caught. Because of the damn Bell Cranel Effect, obviously.

In any case, I quickly went upstairs to go and greet my late night guests. I opened the door wide and greeted, "Hello again, ladies. Quite the night, huh?"

"You certainly don't disappoint, I suppose," Astraea giggled.

"The Bell Cranel Effect is certainly in full swing," Ryuu deadpanned.

Oi, I said it first.

I chuckled ruefully, "To my detriment, yes, Please, come inside. It's… less drafty."

I'd only refurbished the secret room with better insulation, not the rest of the building 'cause that would have been a fortune. A fortune I've not had until recently. And one I've almost blown through already.

Not the point.

"Sorry that it's just me," I told them, "Hestia is long-since out cold. This has all been rather stressful for her."

"Completely understandable," Astraea said to me assuringly, letting me know that the social faux pas of not welcoming our guests was being overlooked.

"Are you both just here to check up on us?" I asked them.

Astraea just smiled and looked over to Ryuu.

Ryuu looked back, giving a mild facial expression that was the equivalent of 'really, you are making me do all the talking?'

Astraea just smiled some more. Almost giddy.

I'm detecting shipping vibes from this Goddess right now.

Ryuu sighed, before looking over my shoulder and said, "...I wanted to check up on you. And see if you need help with anything."

My heart didn't flutter from Ryuu's consideration for me… too much. You gotta believe me!

I faux coughed into my hand to try and center myself. I then said, "I appreciate it, but I figure you'll already be busy making sure that none of your enemies come out of the woodworks to target Astraea-sama."

Just because the Guild had 'compensated' (read 'bribed') the remaining organizations with potential beef against Ryuu, it didn't mean everyone with a grudge was suddenly satisfied. I wouldn't be surprised if portions of the Evilus Remnant were already plotting on how to destroy Astraea Familia once and for all. Jura in particular. I knew the Evilus Remnant existed beyond Ikelos Familia and Jura thanks to Lefiya and the Venethis incident. Though to the exact extent of their manpower I was completely unaware.

How exactly I was going to deal with the Evilus Remnant would have to wait until things on the surface quiet down. They deserve my undivided attention.

"That isn't as much of a concern as you make it out," Astraea claimed boldly before explaining, "For the time being, I'm going to continue spending time at the Hostess of Fertility. Mia Grand and the other girls will be able to help keep an eye out for troublemakers and informants. At least until I can find more people with Justice in their hearts."

Ah, taking refuge at the Hostess was certainly an option. It's one I've already used for Haruhime, so I would know. Still too early to tell how effective that strategy is though…

"And Mama Mia will be okay with that?" I asked, remembering how Hestia was put to work after visiting 'Belko' too much.

"She is already okay with it," Astraea said with a giggle, "She said something about how my mere presence will make her a bunch of money…"

"Right…" I deadpanned with a sigh. Astraea-sama really did project that 'unattainable MILF' energy without even trying. Something that the many perverts of Orario would gladly pay to just be near.

"Well, considering how crazy life seems to be for me right now," I said to Ryuu, "I was considering taking a leave of absence. I don't want to increase the risk of trouble coming to the Hostess. 'Cause I seem to be making a lot of enemies lately…"

"It's a shame if that is your decision," Ryuu said, her tone understanding and disappointed. Ryuu attempted to make a joke by saying, "...It was nice having another pair of hands helping me pay off my debt."

Ryuu was referring to how I had Mama Mia take my meager paycheck and give it to Ryuu to 'pay' for her training sessions with me. It honestly wasn't much of a financial loss, as Dungeon Diving made tons more Valis in comparison.

"Debt?" I asked her, feeling lost on that point.

"Indeed, I owe Mama Mia roughly 49,000,000 Valis," Ryuu revealed.

THE 50 MILLION VALIS DEBT FROM FAMILIA CHRONICLE WAS SERIOUS?! The hell?! Mama Mia, you madwoman!

My eyes happened to catch Astraea as this fact was revealed to me. Connecting Ryuu's debt to Astraea, my brain synapses spurted the following out of my mouth, "That's quite the brideprice…"

Ryuu's face lit up cherry red, "WHAT?!"

Astraea sputtered, trying to hold back her laughter.

I was mortified, realizing the comment that had unconsciously come out of my mouth, "I-I, uh, I remembered something Astraea-sama said in passing! And when you mentioned that–! Uh! Ah!"

I quickly realized that there was no digging myself out of this hole I was digging for myself.

I sagged my head, looking to the ground to avoid anyone to see the sheer embarrassment on my face.

After a moment of silence, Ryuu shyly began to say, "W-well… if someone were to pay that debt off for me… I suppose I would feel certain obligations to them…"

I sharply looked back up at her in utter shock. I sputtered, "W-what, what are you…?"

WHAT IS THIS WOMAN SAYING RIGHT NOW?

Ryuu is all but saying she'd marry whomever paid off her debt to Mama Mia! The hell?! Ryuu needs to stop picking up bad habits from Syr. This level of teasing just isn't fair…

(If it's not teasing, I don't know what to do with myself…)

Astraea winked over Ryuu's shoulder and gave me a thumbs up, saying, "Fight on!"

I really did not need any encouragement, Astraea-sama, but thanks.

"Anyway, did you two only swing by to check up on and tease me or was there anything else?" I asked. I wasn't trying to rush them out the door or anything, I just knew it was late and they had gone out of their way to stop by.

"Just to inform you that Astraea Familia will try to sign on as a co-belligerent to this War Game," Astraea said to me casually, before adding, "Ryuu-chan was very insistent."

"Astraea-sama!" Ryuu rebuked, her face strawberry red once more in embarrassment.

"I was just telling the truth…" Astraea whined with a cheeky smile on her face.

This woman seriously must want grandkids or something, I swear…

"I-Is it really that simple?" I asked, helping Ryuu out by keeping the conversation serious.

"Well, no," Astraea admitted, "Without a strong Casus Belli we can only join the War Game if Hestia and Apollo Familias agree."

"We are joining in protest of Apollo Familia avoiding legal channels through Ganesha Familia and the Guild," Ryuu chimed in, "But it could be argued that this entire situation is simply a result of Apollo trying and failing to get Hestia-sama to pay an outside settlement."

Ryuu was saying that Apollo technically should have run criminal charges through Ganesha Familia or the Guild since they were basically the military police and government for the city respectively. The fact Apollo didn't and instead tried to coerce Hestia into a settlement is suspicious and undermines the legal system. Basically a case of 'if you have such a clear cut case, why not use the legal system instead of this roundabout method of getting compensation?'

The fact that Apollo wasn't willing to go through the equivalent of the courts was a sign that his claims were bogus. That would be the argument that Astraea would use. But considering how other Familias, Apollo particularly, cared little about justice… I personally doubted he would ever let them join the War Game.

And considering how displaying such intentions could blow back on Astraea Familia, I couldn't help but protest their intentions.

"You know they won't agree to it, right?" I pointed out, effectively playing devil's advocate, "It's public knowledge that Ryuu is Level 5. And wouldn't this hurt your reputation in the end? I'm planning on dismantling Apollo Familia upon victory. Being part of that will definitely… dredge up memories of 5 years ago in the public consciousness."

The vast majority of civilians had likely forgotten or not cared about the destruction Ryuu had left in the wake of her crusade. Her participation in the dismantling of another Familia, however, might not be taken all too well by certain parties. Even if the context was completely different.

"So?" Ryuu retorted simply, raising an eyebrow as if I was an idiot. "You would have me do what is easy over what is right? Bell, with great power comes great responsibility. I said I would stand by your side, reaching for the future. I have no plans of making a liar of myself."

"Ara ara~" Astraea cooed mischievously as my face lit up red like roses as Ryuu threw very familiar words in my face. It was both embarrassing and heartwarming at the same time.

I hope Ryuu's adventurer senses couldn't hear how fast my heart was beating…

I sighed deeply, having already determined that Ryuu was too stubborn to back down once she made up her mind.

Well… there was one way to get her to back down, but that wouldn't work right now. Because, you know, I was the one emotionally flustered. K-Kissing Ryuu would hardly distract her this time around…

My face may or may not have gotten even redder…

"I-I'll make sure to let Hestia know then…" I said to them, conceding on the matter of Ryuu attempting to join the upcoming War Game.

"Good," Ryuu said simply.

"We better get going and stop holding you up," Astraea said, reluctantly ending our conversation.

"Right. Tell Mama Mia I'll swing by before lunch?" I asked Ryuu, "I'll need to escort Hestia to work, as I'm pretty sure she'll stubbornly insist on going…"

"Certainly," Ryuu said, assuring me she would let Mama Mia know about my circumstances.

Astraea and Ryuu made to leave, but Ryuu paused before informing me, "Just so you are aware, Chloe and Lunoire also owe Mama Mia about 49,000,000 Valis each."

Alarm bells rang in my head as a ton of mini-me's started raising red flags.

"Why…" I asked hesitantly, "Are you mentioning that considering our previous conversation?"

"Those are likely conditions for them joining your harem, of course," Ryuu said as casually as one would comment on the weather. I honestly can't tell if Ryuu is teasing me or being completely serious.

Either way, I'm mortified. I covered my face with my hands, refusing to look at them or for them to see my pain and embarrass-filled face.

"I'm going to go lay down and cry now…" I moaned dejectedly, mourning the fact that the person I loved considered me to be a pervert. The fact that Ryuu seemed completely fine with the idea of me having a harem is a topic I refuse to touch with a thirty-nine and half foot pole.

Sure enough, in the morning Hestia was reluctant but insistent on going to work. We, frankly, had been subsiding on funds we had been rewarded with after… Artemis' Quest. My life is so hectic that I can't remember how many days it's been since I've even been in the Dungeon, just that it's been more than a week (obviously).

And, besides, we were waiting for information to be sent to us about the upcoming War Game anyway. And considering how the Familia was just me, there wasn't a whole lot of logistics we would need to do for the War Game anyway.

That, and Welf and Lili were going to meet me in Central Park outside Babel anyway for an update on things. So I was going the same direction, for business of my own – two birds and one stone, it was.

So, geared up in my armor with my Hidden Blade and Hestia Knife for weapons, I escorted Hestia to Babel Tower. And as one might have guessed, we were being stared and pointed at the whole way. Not that Hestia seemed to mind it at all, she had been hanging onto my arm and was vibing with a cheer-filled smile.

That kind of 'not giving a fuck about how people look at you' energy that Hestia had pulled off was rather impressive… Then again, she was probably too far deep in Imagination Land to have noticed the looks we had been getting.

After insisting that Hestia not leave Babel Tower without me to escort her to her evening job, I went to look for Lili and Welf. And sure enough, I found them at our usual meeting spot by the water fountain.

"Yo!" Welf greeted casually.

"Really?" Lili gruffed at Welf, "Can you be any more laid-back about things, Welf-sama?"

"And what would you have me do? Freak out over rumors before hearing things from the man in question?" Welf pointed out.

"Fair enough," Lili admitted that much.

"Good to see you guys are in high spirits," I chuckled as I sat between them.

"Bell-sama needs to get his eyes checked! Lili is really worried!" Lili chastised me, "Bell-sama is really strong, but Apollo Familia is no joke. If Bell-sama is not careful, one can get overwhelmed by enemy fighters just like one might be by monsters in the Dungeon!"

"You're not wrong," I said with a wince. With my stats, I could easily 1v1 everyone in Apollo Familia, with Hyakinthos being the only challenging fight where I'd need to try. But if I used Hiraishin poorly, then even I could be overwhelmed by sheer numbers in a 1v100

A horde of monsters is easier to deal with since they are full of murderous rage and are relatively unintelligent. At least on the Floors I've currently experienced, as I know they can get rather smart around the Middle to Deep Floors.

"So it's true then?" Welf asked me, "A War Game?"

"Yeah…" I said to them, explaining the events of last night.

"That Monstrous-Elf is one step ahead as always…" Lili grumbled. Jokingly.

"That's your main takeaway?" Welf laughed at Lili.

"I believe this is her attempt at a joke," I said with a lifeless chuckle.

"Lili is only good at dark jokes and thre– promises," Lili pouted, having almost said the word 'threats'.

"You almost said something really scary just now," I pointed out.

"Anyway! What is Bell-sama planning to do about the War Game?" Lili asked me.

"...Beat the crap out of everyone?" I offered, feeling rather dumb now that Lili asked me like that.

"...Bell-sama, are you an idiot perhaps?" Lili deadpanned.

"I think I've been called an idiot so much that the insult is starting to lose its effect," I deadpanned right back. Then I said, "And besides, without knowing the type of War Game yet, it's hard to come up with a battle strategy, you know?"

"That's true," Lili conceded that much.

"So," Welf cut in, "What can we do to help?"

"Well," I said, "considering I can't really get more manpower, I need to get geared out as much as possible."

Lili and Welf gave each other significant looks at each other, before wincing.

Eh? What was that about?

Welf then smiled at me, "Well! How about the two of you join me at my workshop! No time like the present to get to building and forging!"

"Lili is not good at arts and crafts. Well, Lili can make a mean flower arrangement though," Lili said.

"Ah, but you are good at lifting things!" Welf said.

"Lili has a bad feeling about this…" Lili said with a sigh.

I laughed, "Sure, though I'll have to head out a bit before lunch."

"Roger that!" Welf acknowledged my schedule as we all started heading northwest for Welf's house and workshop.

"This place is a mess," Lili pointed out as we entered Welf's workshop.

And indeed, there were tools, wood, and metal all over the place. It was very noticeably untidy in comparison to when I was last here.

"Haha…" Welf laughed in embarrassment, "Well, while my passion lies in sword making, I couldn't help but get a little too into the project Bell had me started on."

I perked up in interest, "You've made headway on that already?"

Welf grinned, "Come out back and take a look!"

Lili and I followed Welf to the more open space behind Welf's workshop, and my mouth dropped at the sight.

Welf had managed to build the entire frame for the War Balloon I had described to him while we had been outside of Orario. A large metal 'basket' that would carry the War Balloon's engine and crew; about two to four people should fit with the engine installed. There was a propeller system near the back of the backet. And above the basket was a wooden and metal frame used to contain the actual balloon within it.

There was no actual balloon yet. Nor was the opening mechanism on the top of the frame or the fin at the back of the frame to aid in steering. Upon closer look, it seems that the furnace/engine was also not completed, but was installed into the frame.

"This was what Lili's back had to endure all that scribbling for?" Lili asked in surprise, referring to when Welf had used her back as a table to write on mid-flight.

"Sure was!" Welf said with a grin, "I'm not used to working with magic stones, so the engine is giving me trouble. And I'm still waiting on getting cheap battle cloth for making the balloon."

Battle cloth was a catch-all term for cloth that had metal thread used in the construction. Don't ask me how it works, just know that it helps increase durability that is comparable to conventional armor… if slightly less effective. But hey, that's tradeoffs for you; battle cloth is better for mobility than defense and with armor it is the reverse.

"Have you been getting any sleep, man?" I asked him.

"...Sleep is for the weak," Welf said, refusing to look me in the eye.

Truly, determined craftsmen are kinda scary.

"If Welf-sama does not have the material for the balloon yet, Lili does not know how Welf-sama expects us to help with making an engine," Lili huffed.

"Nah, didn't expect your help with this," Welf said.

"So Welf-sama was just showing off," Lili determined, "Does Welf-sama even think this will work?"

Welf grinned, motioning he would be right back as he ran into the workshop real quick.

He returned with a small model of the war balloon with a small candle on the inside. He then said, "I've scaled down the actual thing to this model. I won't bore you with the math, but this model accounts for the difference in lift requirements and all that jazz."

This is a good reminder that Welf was born a noble in Rakia, and thus had a good education. Considering he was a blacksmithing genius, it should be no surprise that he became an expert in calculating lift in a week.

Anyway, Welf lit the candle inside the model and after a few moments… it started to float. How did a candle provide enough heat to actually make a small hot air balloon? No clue, don't ask complicated questions!

Lili clapped, impressed with the feat.

"Awesome!" I cheered as well.

"Thank you, thank you," Welf said with a chuckle as he scratched the back of his head.

"So," I then said, "What did you want help with?"

Welf grabbed the floating model and said, "We are gonna make… some magic swords!"

"You sure?" I asked, "Because I admit, that'll be quite the firepower to have on hand."

"Yeah," Welf said, "I'm done weighing my pride over the lives of my friends, you know?"

I smiled, "I see."

"Magic weapons have often gotten Lili out of a pinch," Lili chimed in, "Not that Lili has room to talk about Welf-sama's business decisions."

"Yeah, yeah, I hear enough about all the money I'm missing out from Tsubaki. Don't need that from you too," Welf grumbled.

"The woman I met on Floor 18, right?" I asked Welf, "She's… rather spirited."

"That's one way to put it…" Welf chuckled.

"Well, we only have so much time before Bell-sama needs to head out," Lili reminded us, "We better get to it. Tell us what to do, Welf-sama."

"Well, first you guys can, uh, help me clean up…" Welf said sheepishly as he scratched the back of his neck.

Lili sighed, "Lili should have guessed."

I just laughed, enjoying the bantering and bickering as we started cleaning up Welf's mess.

After leaving Welf's place, I once again had to deal with getting stared at as I made my way through the city.

By the time I had to leave, we had only succeeded in cleaning up Welf's place. A very mundane task that was oddly refreshing and satisfying.

As I walked down the streets, however, hairs on the back of my neck were constantly flared as my Gaze Detection was always going off – being very distracting in the process.

That said, I went to great lengths to hit the back alleys as I got close to the Hostess of Fertility. I normally teleport inside the property from an adjacent alleyway, but this time I used a few preplaced markers to do so from further out. All to decrease the chances of people realizing the Hostess was my destination.

So, in a flash of white, I appeared in the courtyard between the pub and the annex. Coincidently, Mama Mia came outside from the pub just a moment later.

"There you are, boya!" Mia greeted me.

"Hey Mama Mia," I returned a little sheepishly.

"That look on your face," Mia observed and deduced, "You aren't about to tell me you are gonna be avoiding this place are you?"

"Well…" I began to say.

"Idiot!" Mia chided me, "Don't you remember? You all are my daughters, and sons I suppose. That means as long as you are here, I'll be taking care of you, ya hear?!"

"And what kind of filial son brings trouble to their mother's door?" I retorted.

"Oh? Nice words there boya, but what about that chibi of a Goddess you have?" Mia rebuked right back at me.

I cringed, as Mia had a point that I had certainly caused Hestia, my main other motherly figure, a lot of trouble. "Still…"

Mama Mia sighed, "This is why I tried to only have girls. They aren't this stubborn and stupid."

I just looked at Mia for a second. Because Anya, bless her heart and soul, was pretty derpy.

I then defend myself saying, "I'll just be staying away for a month. That should be enough time for everything to be finished and start calming down. I'll try to help out a bit for the holidays though. "

"Oh? I see. You're gonna beat the crap out of them until they leave you alone, huh?" Mia once again deduced things based on my words. "Fine. But I'm not gonna be the one breaking it to the rest of the girls."

"How cruel…" I whined. Syr is probably going to be devastated to no longer be seeing me for multiple hours every day.

"Maybe if I make sure to eat here, she won't murder me…" I mumble to myself.

"I'm not going to be able to keep that walking biohazard out of the kitchen if you do that!" Mia yelled at me.

"Sorry," I said simply, not changing my mind even with how scary Mama Mia was.

Mama Mia merely pinched the bridge of her nose. I think I heard her mumbling curses at Apollo, but maybe that was just wishful thinking on my part.

"Anyway, I'll help out with the lunch rush after I get changed," I told her, "I just have to go to escort and guard Hestia for her evening job."

"Fair enough, just be sure to talk care of yourself too, ya hear?" Mia said to me.

"Of course, I don't have a death wish, you know?" I replied.

Mama Mia just looked at me, "...You're the one who keeps on eating Syr's cooking."

"I-It's good at building up certain resistances…" I admit.

Mia laughed at that, "Is that so! Oh well, see you in a bit then."

"Yeah," I said, heading towards the annex to transform and get changed.

Scary.

Syr is Scary.

Ever since I told Syr that I would not be around the Hostess as much, she had a sickly sweet smile on her face that was utterly terrifying. I'm pretty sure Syr was imagining doing horrible things to Apollo the entire time, and I had no sympathy for him.

Even telling Syr that this was just a temporary thing did little to assuage her poor mood. Which was why I made sure to give her as much time with me as I could. Something that was easy to do since the pub was surprisingly slow for it being close to the winter holidays.

Which was why I was out and about with Syr and Noel as we were getting some groceries before the dinner rush hit. It was hard to ignore the hair on the back of my neck standing up from all the staring we were getting.

Haruhime probably would have loved to join us. If she was, you know, allowed to safely leave the property. We didn't even let her go take the trash down to the end of the curb to be on the safe side.

Ryuu had confirmed, after all, that a suspicious number of Amazonesses had been spotted near the Hostess property. Ryuu had spotted them during her commutes to the Hostess from Stardust Garden as she escorted her Goddess with her to the pub.

All that said, it would seem this walk with the three of us did manage to do wonders for Syr's mood because she started to hum a satisfied tune.

Noel mimicked humming Syr's tune, which brought Syr out of her inner thoughts.

"Noel, what are you doing?" Syr asked curiously.

"Being Syr!" Noel chirped cutely. Oh, this sweet winter child.

"Being me?" Syr said in confusion, before realizing, "Oh, was I humming just now?"

"Indeed," I confirmed, "You sounded happy, thank goodness."

"Oh, really? I didn't notice I was doing it at all," Syr said, sounding a little embarrassed.

"Are you happy, Syr? Did something good happen?" Noel asked innocently.

"I don't know about that…" Syr said, shooting me a look before saying, "It's probably just that I'm having fun going out like this, just the three of us."

"It's only a quick trip to buy some supplies though?" I said, this was hardly romantic or anything like that.

"It's still fun, though," Syr insisted, "Don't you think we all look like a little family?"

Syr giggled at the end of her words.

"A very progressive one, I suppose…" I said, considering I was currently 'Belko'.

"Belko, what's a family?" Noel asked me genuinely.

"You don't…? Huh, how to explain it…" I paused, trying to quickly find the words that a child like her might understand.

"Well, usually a family has a mommy, a daddy, and usually some kids too," Syr said, explaining the most common family unit, "They live in the same place, and because they love each other they all have fun spending time together. That's the way I see it, anyway."

THAT is an interesting thing for Syr to say. Why? Because Freya Familia, based on the rumors, is not like that in the slightest. In fact, most members seem to hate each other. You never hear anything about Freya Familia going on expeditions, because they simply don't have the teamwork to do such a thing.

Does Freya not want her Familia to be a proper family or did things just not work out that way? It's hard to say. But if it's the latter, then Freya is rather pitiful…

How does the real Freya feel? She seems to have so many masks that it's hard to tell what is genuine or not. That's part of why I've held out on replying to her confession besides the rest of my hectic life and love situation.

"So, everyone's friends?" Noel asked Syr, bringing me out of my thoughts, as she tried to understand the concept that Syr was teaching her.

"Something like that," Syr said, satisfied that Noel had gotten the jist of things, "So, if we three really were a family, what would you call Belko-kun?"

Is Syr being kind for once? She purposefully added a more male suffix to me despite being in my Belko form. I approve of this subtle manipulation!

"Um…" Noel said, looking at me for a long moment, "Belko-onesan doesn't seem like a mommy…"

VICTORY! LET'S GO!

Syr giggled, no doubt seeing the pleased look on my face, "Right? Belko is kind of a tomboy, so she's probably the daddy."

"Otou-san!" Noel called me that cheerfully.

My heart clenched at the cuteness. I could feel my paternal instincts awakening! Noel-chan must be protected! And many adventurers in this city are perverts, so she definitely is not allowed to have a boyfriend!

Syr giggled, "That's right. Well done! Go ahead and say it again!"

"Belko-otousan!" Noel said innocently.

HNG!

"S-Syr…" I gasped out, trying to recover from too much exposure to adorableness, "I think weaponizing this level of adorableness is a war crime…"

"Stop being silly, dear," Syr said, using the word 'anata' to refer to me, before asking Noel, "And how about me?"

"Okaa-san!" was the usage of the word 'mother' that Noel used.

"Isn't playing House in the middle of the streets a little embarrassing?" I asked, trying to ignore all the stares being sent our way.

"All right," Syr said, ignoring me, "let's all enjoy a nice family shopping trip."

"Yeah!" Noel readily agreed.

"Jeez…" I sighed, as they picked up the pace, "Completely whipped by the mother and daughter… being the father in this situation really is appropriate…"

We soon reached the food market, which was bustling with people and goods. The feeling of being watched was, naturally, present but I did my best to tune it out.

"Want to help mommy with her shopping?" Syr asked Noel, who readily agreed.

"I have a bad feeling about this…" I mumbled to myself, my intuition screaming that Syr was up to no good.

Syr whispered in Noel's ear before the child went over to a nearby meat salesman.

"Mister!" Noel called out to the shopkeeper, "We've come to buy some meats!"

"Oh, aren't you a cute one," the shopkeep said innocently, "Which cut did you want, sweetie?"

"Um… um…" Noel cutely looked over the meat, before saying, "This one!"

"Hey, you got a good eye, missy," the shopkeeper said, impressed, "That right there's the best meat I've got."

"Can we have a dis…" Noel cutely stumbled over the large word, "Discount?"

"A what?" the shopkeeper was startled, not expecting a child to ask that, "Hey now, don't go asking too much. I can't make this any cheaper than it already is."

"Aw…" Noel pouted.

Syr proceeded to quickly whisper something in Noel's ear.

"Mister…" Noel started to parrot, "You're really cool!"

Noel…? YOU ARE TOO YOUNG FOR A BOYFRIEND! MUCH LESS ONE AS OLD AS THIS OLD TIMER!

I could feel Syr pinching my side, which helped me pull back my killing intent.

"Whuh? Huh?" the shopkeeper was startled by Noel's words… and shivered under my gaze.

"You look really 'han-some.' You're the most good-lookingest guy in all Orario!" Noel parroted cutely.

"Oh, you think so?" the shopkeeper said, sounding flattered, "Well, heh heh, yeah, I was pretty popular with the ladies back in my younger days."

Excuse me, could this pervert drop dead and die? Don't be flattered by a child, you lolicon piece of garbage!

The shopkeep shivered under my dark gaze, but hadn't noticed me just yet. And while he was distracted shivering, Syr whispered more words into Noel's ear.

Noel then parroted, "I bet you have a good heart, too! You look like being kind matters more to you than money."

"Huh? Where are you going with this?" the shopkeep asked suspiciously.

"I reeeally like you, mister," Noel said adorably.

…Should I kill this man?

The shopkeep shivered before grumbling, "I can't resist those puppy-dog eyes! Fine, have your discount!"

"Yay! Hee hee!" Noel giggled cheerfully.

"Wow, well done, Noel. You did a great job there!" Syr congratulated Noel as we got some distance from the shop.

"Mother, what are you teaching our child?" I asked Syr darkly, "I was moments away from striking down that pervert where he stood."

"Hee hee, you called me 'mother'" Syr giggled, evading the question.

"Are mommy and daddy being lovey-dovey?" Noel asked innocently.

I sighed, realizing that my grievances were not going to be addressed any time soon.

A similar skit was performed at each shop we went to. Though sometimes, the discount was less about Noel being cute and more about them fearing my wrath.

As we left, Syr just laughed and said, "They gave us a big discount, didn't they?"

"They did~" Noel cheerfully replied.

"The people in the shops were crying, but they kind of deserve it for being perverts…" I half-heartedly complained.

"So you're the type of father that never lets his daughters have boyfriends, huh…" Syr observed.

"They can't be perverts and have to be stronger than me to even meet the most basic qualifications if they want to pursue my daughter," I said, completely serious.

"Noel-chan has an uphill road ahead of her on that front, huh…" Syr observed.

"Daddy," Noel asked me, "What's a boyfriend?"

"That's a question for when you're older," I said, "Ask again when you're… thirty."

"B-Belko!" Syr chortled, "You tyrannical father! Hahaha!"

"I don't get it…" Noel said, confused.

"Just don't ever ask mother about it," I said to Noel, "She will just tease you relentlessly."

"The slander! Noel-chan, ignore your father. Belko is just being silly," Syr insisted.

"Anyway, you already have a big family, so you don't need a boyfriend anyway," I declared.

"Father has a point," Syr admitted, then said, "And you were a big help today, Noel. That's what families do, help each other out. So thank you."

"Families… help each other?" Noel asked, trying to understand.

"That's right," Syr confirmed, "When you're in trouble, you can always count on your family to pitch in and help you. If someone in your family is sad, you comfort them. You don't have to say anything, just so long as they know you are there for them."

Syr is telling some really good stuff right now. I also think it is a little over Noel's head as far as comprehension goes.

"I think that's the most important feeling that binds people together as a family," Syr finished.

"Hmmm…" Noel hummed, struggling to understand.

"This might be a little too hard for you to understand, Noel. Maybe when you're older… huh?" I said, before noticing that there was a white Christmas tree and other decorations set up near Central Park.

"Wow, it's so pretty," Noel said, taken in by the sight.

"The Christmas decorations?" Syr asked in clarification.

"Christmas?" Noel asked, curious.

"Yeah, it's… a really special time that happens once a year," I said, trying to convey the concept of a holiday. "They say it's a time when miracles can occur."

"Hmm, what's a miracle? Noel asked.

"How to phrase it…" I paused looking for the words a child might understand.

"A miracle is…" Syr explained simply, "when something great happens."

"Wow…" and that was enough to fill Noel's head with wonder. Children are like that, I suppose.

Noel looked around at the people nearby – the hustle and bustle of the crowd, and the excitement in the air. She looked almost overwhelmed.

"Noel? What is it?" I asked, worried she might be shy of the people around.

"...Everyone's… happy…" Noel said, like it was a grand revelation.

"Eh?"

"And I'm smiling too… hee hee," Noel said, before giggling.

"Heh, you sure are," I said, before giving the girl a head patt.

Noel giggled some more under my ministrations.

If only Noel's observation, however, were true.

For there was a lot of sadness and despair in this city. Ishtar and her brothels alone were perhaps the most blatant representation of this. But that wasn't something for Noel to know about. It was something that I needed to do something about–

Hold on.

I almost missed it since I had been ignoring my Gaze Detection ability, but I saw a cloaked figure duck into an alleyway nearby. If not for the sudden movement I might have missed it – a flash of tanned skin.

Surely not… is that a coincidence? But if it's not… Syr and Noel could be in danger by being near me.

I don't think my disguise has been found out. But then again, my hair is white and eyes are red. Could Ishtar have figured out I was the one behind Haruhime's temporary escape? I had actually wondered in the back of my head why there hadn't been any retaliation…

"Pardon me," I told Syr and Noel, "I just realized I need to take care of something. How about you two head back ahead of me while I go get it real quick?"

Syr, of course, knew we had gotten everything and had noticed how vague I was being. And so she gave me a significant look, which I returned right back. Our eyes battled silently before Syr sighed.

"Come on, Noel," Syr told the child, "Belko was a silly who forgot something important. Let's hurry back and tattle on her to Mama Mia!"

"Okay!" Noel cheered, not concerned at all about how I was about to be potentially punished by Mama Mia.

And like that, I was now alone. With a sigh to mentally prepare myself, I went about locating the seediest route back in the direction of the markets.

As the sparsely populated back alleys surrounded me, it became infinitely easier to feel the fact that I was being tailed. Which meant it wasn't my imagination.

My best play was to keep to my role as 'Belko' and avoid assuming they thought I was Bell. That said, it didn't mean I couldn't use a bit of force either. My 'character' being sickly didn't mean that I had to pretend to not be a 'former' adventurer.

Best play up the illness thing should I get the chance.

Feeling satisfied I had gotten away from other onlookers, I stopped and turned around. "Who's there?!" I demanded.

A cloaked figure walked out from a nearby alley.

"Shit, I'm not good at this sneaking around crap," A rough female voice complained, "Look, just be a good girl and follow me. My Goddess has questions and demands answers."

The cloaked woman pulled her hood down in frustration. Sure enough, she had the complexion of an Amazoness. Her hair was short and grey and her eyes were a red-orange color; in fact, they could be mistaken as red depending on the lighting, what a coincidence. I'd say the woman was only a few centimeters taller than me.

"I was taught not to follow strangers," I quipped.

"I'm Samira. There, now we aren't strangers," Samira said mockingly, "Now follow me and shut up."

I faux-coughed, before saying, "...No, I don't really think that's a good idea. I prefer to watch lesbians go at it rather than partake in it."

"You bitch…" Samira growled, getting annoyed with my quips (Spider-Man would be so proud).

Samira stalked up to me and grabbed me roughly by the collar of my uniform. My adventurer senses were telling me that she was starting to pull her arm back to punch me – likely with the intent to knock me out and kidnap me.

How about no?

While I did have the Hestia Knife in my right sleeve, it was somewhat recognizable and more importantly hard to pull out subtly, much less in my current position…

But it wasn't my only weapon.

Flicking my left wrist, I laid a palm strike into Samira's abdomen… as the blade from my Hidden Blade extended.

Samira's eyes widened in pain and shock from the sudden stab wound, giving me a free second to pull my arm back enough to stab her a second time.

"Hnng!" Samira grunted in pain at her injuries, pushing me back roughly to attempt to get some distance.

I reversed that momentum, however, by grabbing the arm she pushed me with my right and pulling. My strength was able to easily overcome her weight and momentum and I gladly introduced her stomach to my knee.

Samira coughed up saliva as she fell to the ground, clutching her abdomen. Not letting up, because her aura seemed to be in the Level 3 range, I went ahead and stomped on her torso a few more times for good measure. The equivalent of 'stay down and I'll stop hitting you'.

Considering how most adventurers have more combat experience than me, I doubt I would have been able to disable Samira so easily in a more 'fair' fight. Samira, however, underestimated me; it's pretty obvious that she assumed that I was a normal waitress and couldn't resist her.

Naaza comments to me a lot about high class adventurers being arrogant. This is a prime example of that. Samira let her guard down, and I was glad to exploit that.

That said, I made sure to avoid her organs. And even if I did nick them, a healing spell or potion would easily fix it up considering the relatively small size of the stab wounds.

Anyway, there was little point in interrogating the woman. She didn't strike me as the type that would spill the beans even if I continued to beat the crap out of her. Besides, I had a good idea based on the fact she was trying to have me interrogated in the first place.

When I made my lesbian comment, instead of calling me out for being Bell in disguise, she reflexively called me a bitch. And because it is Ishtar that has questions for me… it likely means that whatever Amazons I fought at Port Melen hadn't gotten a good look at my face.

And so Ishtar was questioning anyone that had white hair, as it was relatively rare. They might know my eye color too. How much of my appearance they knew was up in the air, but it couldn't be a lot.

They also likely had figured out where Haruhime was holding up at and probably guessed I was their 'girl'. Having an alter ego was kind of coming in clutch as it may divert Ishtar's attention from me and Hestia.

Still, it would be a good idea to try and question this Samira chick, even if I suspected she wouldn't budge.

I faux coughed, because I'm such a good actor, and asked, "...Now, why were you stalking me?"

Samira hacked, "...Go to hell."

I stomped on her hard, and said, "Wrong answer."

Samira grunted in pain, "...Go lick your girlfriend's carpet."

Left foot, two stomps.

"This can go one of two ways," I said, "I can turn you into the Ganesha Familia and get Ishtar in trouble, or you can answer my questions and I'll let you run off with a healing potion."

Force hasn't worked, so let's try bargaining.

"L-like you would want the attention from Ganesha Familia either…" Samira grunted out, successfully calling my bluff.

"Well, if you want me to keep whaling on you, that works for me," I said, not particularly feeling sympathy for someone who attempted to kidnap me; who appeared to be a sick young woman as far as appearances go at the moment.

I proceeded to kick her stomach hard enough that she was sent skidding into the adjacent wall. Naturally, Samira coughed up blood in pain.

"Well?" I asked.

"Nnnng," Samira moaned, "W-we wanted to know if you… were the one who interfered at the port…"

So they didn't know. At least for certain? Now, do I play it like 'Belko' was behind it or should I blame 'Bell'?

"...No," I answered, "I'm just trying to relax as a waitress. Messing with adventurers is the last thing I'd want to do."

This was true. As Belko, it was a chance for me to unwind and be somebody else. Someone without the responsibilities of Bell Cranel, the aspiring hero. The Clark Kent to Superman or the Peter Parker to Spider-man… kind of. The analogy wasn't exactly completely correct, but it was close enough.

I wanted to confuse Ishtar as much as possible. It would make it harder to form a response if she was unsure who her true enemy was.

While there were pros to just blaming everything on Belko, I also didn't want Ishtar too mad or it may cause problems for the Hostess girls. People who are trying to avoid the tribulations of being an adventurer.

By saying that Belko hadn't done it, Ishtar would have to ask herself if I was lying or not. Leaving the possibility that it was me as Belko or me as Bell. Both of which required vastly different responses from her. Because the Hostess was too closely associated with Freya Familia for Ishtar to be too blatant.

Anyway, I'm not really sure if Samira believed me or not – her face is still contorted in pain and anger. Not that it really matters I guess, since I can't really control Ishtar's reaction either way.

So, with a sigh, I pull out a healing potion and lay it on the ground by my feet – the implication that Samira could crawl over and use it while I use the chance to leave.

Perhaps I was being too kind to an enemy, but leaving someone to potentially bleed out from stab wounds to the stomach sat wrong in my stomach. Despite having little sympathy for Samira being a potential kidnapper, I wasn't entirely comfortable with how I questioned her either. Consider it my way of saying sorry, I suppose.

"Leave me and the other girls alone. This is your only warning," I gave a final promise before walking away. Samira said nothing, but I could feel her eyes on me as I left until I finally walked around a corner.

No one else interrupted me on my way back to the Hostess from then.

? POV

Little did Bell know, but it was not only Amazonesses that were observing the Hostess of Fertility. Several men in disguise, including one with red-hair, were also scouting out the property. Lying in wait for just the right opportunity to attack a certain target…

Nor that Freya and her watcher for the day, Ottar, were aware of their presence, and were waiting to bait them out and follow the ne'er do wells to their base of operations.

Other POV

Aisha was, to put it extremely lightly, pissed off.

It was an unspoken 'secret' that despite being in charge of the Berbera, Aisha was currently not in Ishtar's good graces. While the details of Aisha destroying the first Killing Stone is not known by any aside Ishtar herself, the fact that Aisha favored Haruhime to some degree was more well known.

While the degree to which Aisha cared for Haruhime was not well known by fellow members of the Berbera, it would be fair to say that many of them could make educated guesses.

The Amazonesses of the Berbera liked battle and were certainly no scholars, but it didn't mean they were idiots. Nor that they manage to avoid internal factionalism and political infighting.

For example, Samira was still bitter about being sidelined for running the Berbera even though she is officially ranked higher in the Familia than Aisha. That bitch was (thankfully) too much of a hotheaded idiot to run a party let alone an entire militia. Samira only had support because she was strong and had a personality that meshed well with fellow Amazonesses. Aisha has no doubt that Samira smelled blood in the water and would try (and fail) to take advantage of recent events for her own benefit.

Point being, the fact that Aisha was known to favor Haruhime (the extent to which only Ishtar knew for better and worse), was in charge of Haruhime's protection detail, and the one who lost the Renard were common knowledge in the upper echelons of Ishtar Familia. As well as the fact that Ishtar was displeased with Aisha's compassion for the Renard.

Aisha tried not to think about how her own support for Haruhime ironically aided in the naïve girl's isolation. Any other members of the Berbera that may have held sympathies certainly would not act on them in the face of Ishtar's displeasure.

All of this together meant that despite her position, Ishtar had kept Aisha in the dark on all aspects of the investigation surrounding Haruhime's abduction.

Aisha found she cared little about the political ramifications involving her fellow adventurers — though she did see the undercutting of her authority and opposition against her to be irritating and annoying. The only thing Aisha cared about was that her adopted little sister had been kidnapped under her watch and Ishtar wasn't letting her do anything about it.

(Of course, Aisha still cared greatly for her fellow adventurers in the Berbera and would fight to the death for them. As would all of the other members. There was unity within the Berbera, even with the political machinations and factionalism.)

Aisha had no idea as to the specifics of why Ishtar was blaming and attacking Bell Cranel in the manner she was with the War Game. Not because she was absent minded to the fact that he matched the vague characteristics of the adventurer that attacked her that night. Just that Aisha was ignorant to the deeper reasonings behind Ishtar's decisions — like Ishtar's assumption that Hestia Familia was a vassal of Freya Familia. Nor did she particularly care why Bell Cranel or whoever ran off with Haruhime; no matter how much Aisha silently agreed with the idea of Haruhime escaping.

What she did care about was the fact that Haruhime was still in danger!

At least if Haruhime was on the run, Ishtar would have to waste resources hunting her down outside Orario. At least it could have been handled quietly and privately — because to Aisha's dismay, the only reasonable outcome was that Ishtar would catch up to Haruhime eventually. And would be greatly displeased for having to chase after her.

But no. Nothing about this was quiet. Fucking nothing about it was quiet!

Aisha was kept in the dark on the investigation surrounding Haruhime. Yet she still knew right where the idiotic, naive girl was! The whole damn city might as well have heard about how the Hostess of Fertility has a new Renard waitress that addresses customers as 'Master' or 'Mistress' and makes lewd comments with an innocent expression on her face.

(Aisha silently admitted that she found that last particular bit hilarious.)

The fact that Bell Cranel was relying on politics rather than his own strength to protect Haruhime, to protect her adopted sister, was insulting to Aisha. Was unacceptable. It went against her sensibilities as an Amazoness.

Rather than protecting Haruhime with his own strength, he was using the threat of force from a completely different Familia?! It was pathetic. There was basically nothing stopping Aisha from storming in, grabbing Haruhime, and bringing her back.

Aisha, of course, didn't want to do such a thing. But Ishtar's Charm compelled her to return Haruhime to Ishtar's possession. The fact that Aisha couldn't accept Bell Cranel's strength just added to Aisha's fury. Aisha could not entrust Haruhime to a weakling like Bell Cranel whose solution was to hide Haruhime away.

Which was why Aisha was now roughly opening the door and barging into the Hostess of Fertility right as they were finishing opening back up for dinner/night time dining.

Aisha ignored how the entire female staff looked at her and tensed up, and completely missed the aura's of former adventurers amongst them. Aisha only had eyes for a certain Renard in a bulging green dress-uniform whose face was like a fox in headlights.

"A-Aisha-san…" Haruhime gasped in surprise, her tone was conflicted. On one hand, Aisha was the one person who treated Haruhime with genuine kindness; Haruhime had seen plenty of cases of masks of false kindness in her short time as a noble. On the other, Haruhime knew that Aisha was diligent and could not defy her Goddess.

Aisha said nothing as she all but stomped over to Haruhime.

"A-Aisha-san, what are you doing?" Haruhime asked frantically as Aisha moved to grab her wrist.

"Exposing this farce for what it is," Aisha declared, moments away from grabbing Haruhime, only for a human hand to snatch her own wrist.

Aisha snapped to glare at Lunoire who was gladly glaring right back.

"Oi, you crazy bitch, don't think you can cause trouble because Mama Mia's stepped out!" Lunoire growled balefully, gripping Aisha's wrist so hard that the Amazoness almost winced in pain.

Just how strong were these damn waitresses?!

Aisha scoffed, her words mocking, "So, it's true that Bell Cranel has resorted to hiding behind the skirts of women to protect his stolen prize."

"Aisha-san please…" Haruhime pleaded, trying to find words to defend Bell but also without offending her friend and sister.

"I really don't appreciate hearing sexist comments from a nympho battle-maniac myself, nya!" Chloe hissed in irritation.

It should be admired how quickly Aisha made enemies of the entire staff. While Haruhime had only been with them for a few days, she had quickly endeared the rest of the staff with her kindness, innocence, and good work ethic despite the signs of her noble heritage. It was like having another Ryuu that didn't scare off customers from being too stoic.

(Syr liked how she had another gullible person to shirk chores off onto. But was a little annoyed with how well-endowed Haruhime was, not that she expressed that minor pet peeve. And she was surprised at how such a meek exterior held a bright yellow soul underneath.)

"We're being insulted, nya?!" Anya exclaimed, slow on the uptake, "Can I kill her, nya?!"

"No, then we'd have to clean up again, nya," Chloe hissed, a dark grin on her face, "It's a pain to get blood out of wood flooring like this, nya."

Aisha was not normally one to be intimidated, but somehow despite Chloe's mundane appearance as a waitress Aisha finally got the impression these girls were a legitimate threat. However, Aisha did not show a speck of weakness.

"I'm not here for a fight, but at least I'm willing to wage one!" Aisha said in denouncement, "Bell Cranel ran instead of fighting me that night. And even now isn't here to defend her. How can I trust him or you all with her?!"

The door behind Aisha opened at that moment, a feminine voice calling out saying, "You've got a point, Amazoness."

Main POV

"You've got a point, Amazoness," I called out, having heard Aisha's denouncement of me since the door was an open one.

Aisha looked over her shoulder, Lunoire refusing to let go of Aisha's wrist so easily. Aisha raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "What are you his twin or something?"

"Basically," I admitted vaguely, I'd let her make her own assumptions. Besides, it was basically the truth either way. I then said, "So, you think Bell is pathetic for relying on others to protect Haruhime-san?"

Aisha snorted, as if that was a gross oversimplification, and said, "I'd at least respect the brat if he fought me. But all he did was run from me in fear of my Familia. Like a pathetic coward. The fact things have gone as they have is ridiculous."

"Ah yes, because a Familia of 1 against Ishtar Familia is something a sane person would do," I said mockingly, pointing out how anyone who willingly did so as their first option was beyond stupid, "And besides, you're assuming he didn't account for retaliation to happen in the first place."

Aisha was skeptical, "…You seriously expect me to accept that he's some Braver wannabe that wants Ishtar Familia to try and shank him in the Dungeon or something?"

Being called a Finn-wannabe was surprisingly hurtful. Anyway, while I would not claim to be unafraid of the possibility that Aisha mentioned, it was a necessary risk. I did know from the getgo that Ishtar would move against me in some manner. I just needed to buy enough time to gather evidence of Ishtar's crimes so I could form a coalition of the willing to crush her; a more controlled destruction than the spontaneous destruction carried out by Freya Familia in canon.

Using the Hostess as a safehouse for Haruhime was because it was the only place where I could guarantee Haruhime's safety in the midst of the conflict between me and Ishtar Familia. I already had manpower issues in keeping Hestia under guard — and even that required an uncomfortable amount of 'she wouldn't get attacked or kidnapped in a public place'. While I'm sure that Astraea and Ryuu wouldn't mind loaning space at the Stardust Garden, Ryuu had the same troubles in ensuring that Astraea was protected. Astraea didn't spend most days at the Hostess working in the back or relaxing in Ryuu's room for shits and giggles. Neither of us had the resources to keep our personal property reasonably secure.

"Bell is a fool," I said, casually insulting myself, "But he isn't an idiot who thought he could do the right thing without consequence. It's called having a strategy, sweetheart. "

I ignored the fact that all of the staff sans Haruhime were grinning at me in amusement for calling myself stupid. (Syr and Noel and Ryuu were nowhere to be seen. They must still be putting away the food shipment.)

Aisha growled before jerking her hand out of Lunoire's grip, "Let me go woman! I'm not dumb enough to fight seriously in a pub."

She then looked at me and said, "Even so, he's still a coward in my book. You be sure to tell him I said that, girlie."

"Consider the message received," I said confrontationally, before saying, "Enjoy being a member of Ishtar Familia while you can. Something tells me that Bell won't back down against your Goddess. And when he triumphs, you'll be eating your words."

"Haah! We'll see about that!" Aisha said, her tone showing that she was excited for the battle while also being skeptical of my victory, "If he manages to win I'll owe him my body for the rest of his days!"

That comment managed to knock the wind out of my sails with how much I didn't expect it. "I… somehow doubt he was asking for that?" Seriously, the hell? Not that I'm trying to call Aisha a slut or something, but I wasn't asking for that sort of thing!

(Aisha is hot though, to say otherwise was just a lie. I can be in love with the likes of Ryuu and still appreciate the female form, okay?!)

"Not that it will matter," Aisha said dismissively to me before turning to Haruhime. In a more kind tone, she said, "Sorry about all this. Ishtar isn't going to let you go so easily. Me handling it would be a kindness."

"...I understand," Haruhime replied, her posture straightening with resolve, but was also clearly shaky from fear, "But still–! Still I choose to join Bell and the girls to try and be free! I… want to… not just be alive, but also live!"

I couldn't see Aisha's expression from my position, but it was clear that Aisha was stunned by Haruhime's determination, as feeble as it was.

"...Oh my god, he really did seduce you in such a short time?" Aisha gasped out in shock.

Haruhime flushed red with embarrassment, looking about as mortified as I felt on the inside.

Before any more nonsense could occur, that was the moment that Mama Mia finally emerged from the back. The half-dwarf was quick to take in the sight of the pub, the tension in the air, and the blatant Amazoness in our midst.

Mia yelled with power and authority, "Are you in here causing trouble for my girls?! Get the hell out of here you walking macchiato!"

Aisha's posture looked like she wanted to protest for about 0.001 seconds before her survival instincts kicked in and determined she better flee if she didn't want to get her skull bashed in with a shovel. Or so I assume based on how quickly Aisha decided to flee the scene.

There was a beat of silence as we all admired the speed at which Aisha ran away before Mama Mia yelled at us to get back to work like she hadn't just spoken on our collective behalf to not allow an outsider to mess with us.

Damn I love this place.

"Mama Mia…" I said to the older woman after I joined her at the bar for the evening shift, "I may or may not have also been jumped by someone else from the Ishtar Familia earlier… and I beat them up…"

Mia Grand pinched the bridge of her nose, "...Idiot."

"Yes," I agreed.

It was quickly decided that 'Belko' was no longer allowed to go on grocery runs with the current tensions with Ishtar Familia. Even if their attention was now on my male self, as intended, it was best to have as much vigilance as possible.

Other POV

Ishtar thought over what Samira had reported to her.

It almost went without saying that Samira was punished for trying to apprehend the girl alone, and for ignoring the intelligence that suggested 'Belko' was at least a 2nd Class Adventurer of Freya Familia. Being stuck doing minor chores and paperwork would be torture for the numbskull, a perfect punishment.

That said, it was still able to provide valuable information on the white haired girl, even if the exchange hadn't been as one-sided as Ishtar would have preferred.

While it would be easy to assume that Belko had lied to Samira, Ishtar agreed with Samira's belief that Belko had been truthful.

Why? Because it made sense for a former adventurer to have a spare weapon and healing potion on them. What didn't make sense was for an enemy of Ishtar Familia to give said potion to someone who had all but attacked them.

Freya's children weren't the type to give two shits about adventurers outside their Familia. Giving out a potion like that? It suggested that Belko was a world-weary retiree.

Samira's description of Belko's demeanor supported this. While it could be a layer of deception, Ishtar couldn't help but feel like there was truth hidden in it.

The enemy from Port Melen had likely avoided injuring anyone more out of a desire to ensure they got away with Haruhime and less about being 'scared' to hurt anyone. The individual in question clearly had impressive agility, and it stood to reason that they might be less confident in their strength in a fight while outnumbered and trying to steal away a hostage.

'Belko' (assuming that was actually the girl's name) was clearly strong enough to have been the one to interfere at Melen. So Ishtar couldn't write her off as a suspect 100 percent. But Ishtar had the impression that Belko was simply too kind. Perhaps the intensity of Freya Familia must have broken the white haired waitress.

It was looking more like Bell Cranel, somehow, was the actual person in question. In fact, it made more sense now that Ishtar had ruled out her other prime candidate. Ishtar's informants had uncovered that Bell Cranel was associated with Loki Familia. It stood to reason that he was there at Melen to help with whatever operation Loki Familia had originally been there for.

Of course, this didn't explain why Bell Cranel had known about and gone after Haruhime. Or why he dropped her off at the Hostess of Fertility. Could it be that Loki Familia had uncovered part of her plan? Was Bell Cranel some kind of double or triple agent?!

No, that doesn't make sense either. Freya Familia is Loki Familia's main rival. They should be glad that they have an ally as strong as Ishtar Familia against Freya Familia; not that Ishtar wants their help in turn on the matter.

Put another way, in regards to Haruhime, there was little reason for Loki Familia to have been against Ishtar before the battle at Melen had begun. Ishtar was confident that Loki Familia knew nothing about Haruhime – because if they did, Loki Familia definitely would have made formal overtures to induct Haruhime into their forces to better counter Freya Familia. It's what Isthar would certainly try to do if she was Loki.

And Bell Cranel would have had to already known about Haruhime beforehand – the timing was just too sudden otherwise. How far did Freya's intelligence on Ishtar go?

She didn't know. Bell Cranel was an enigma wrapped in a quandary, encapsulated in questions and uncertainty. It was driving her to paranoia and madness.

Ishtar would, of course, feel more at ease at this point if Belko was either charmed into her service or killed. But for the immediate moment, it was something Ishtar would wait on. It would be a good idea to wait for Belko to lower her guard considering how easily she neutralized one of Ishtar's stronger Level 3s.

Eliminating Belko from the board would have to be made to look like an accident or else Freya would kill Ishtar. Something that would be hard to do since Belko barely ever left the grounds of that pub.

That just left Bell Cranel. Who was looking now to be an actual threat. Because if Belko wasn't the perpetrator and Cranel was… it meant that Bell Cranel had gained the strength of a soon to be Level 4 adventurer in roughly 2 months.

That kind of growth was a threat. Especially since the boy seemed to have connections with Freya and Loki Familias at the same time.

To recap, Ishtar's current theory was that Bell Cranel was the one who abducted Haruhime at Port Melen. He then brought Haruhime to Belko, who is either his secret sister, half-sister, or cousin. Because Belko works at the Hostess of Fertility which basically has security guarantees from Freya Familia.

Ishtar has no idea why Bell Cranel thought there would be no reprisal for his actions. He certainly tried to conceal his identity, but it was clearly a rushed thing. Was the boy just an idiot? Or think of himself as some kind of hero without considering the enemy he had made?

Or was it a decision borne out of confidence? That even if Ishtar opposed him, that it didn't matter? For if he was the one to abduct the Renard, then he was certainly far stronger than his Level implied.

Or was he just blinded by that bitch Freya's looks?!

Ishtar found herself infuriated by the boy's apparent arrogance. To think he could oppose HER so easily?!

Whether by assassins or the War Game, Ishtar promised to herself, Bell Cranel would die!

Main POV

The next day, armed with just the Hestia Knife and a Hidden Blade, I was once again outside Babel Tower in Central Park. Hestia had been cautious enough to listen to me and not leave the Tower by herself yesterday. So I was able to escort her to the Jagamarukun stand. Not that I just stood around, for I helped make the snacks for the first time and I didn't do a half-bad job at it.

Currently, it was the 2nd day after the Ball, and I had once again dropped Hestia off at Babel for her job working at Hephaestus' shops. I had tried talking her out of working, but to no avail. I seriously need to come up with a business idea that Hestia can work at so she stops being out in public whilst also alleviating her financial anxieties.

I was also lingering there, wondering if I should check in with Lili or Welf, or if I should continue investigating Ishtar Familia via the Casinos, or if I should do some monster grinding in the Upper to Middle Floors.

I was still easily coasting off of the energy from Antares and its horde of Black Scorpions, so there wasn't a pressing need to go into the Dungeon at the moment.

Before I could think more on the subject, I noticed that someone was walking up right to me. I looked up, and was somewhat surprised to see Lefiya stalking up to me. She was wearing the white outfit she had gotten from Hermes and her expression was… frustrated?

"Bell Cranel!" Lefiya growled at me.

"Y-yes?" I stuttered, not expecting such aggressive behavior from my rival/battle buddy.

"Why have you not asked for help yet?" Lefiya demanded, like I was a younger sibling that had forgotten to take out the trash or do the dishes.

"I-I what?" I stammered, completely failing to understand Lefiya's problem. But I was aware enough to realize that we were causing a very public scene.

"W-we should talk somewhere more private…" I said almost pleadingly, getting a bit anxious at the amount of stares we were producing.

Lefiya, thankfully, was cognizant enough to realize she was causing a scene and momentarily calmed down, "Fine! Come on!" Lefiya then grabbed the sleeve of my shirt and started pulling me back into Babel Tower. Likely to grab a spare conference room or balcony or similar so we could talk in private.

But seriously, what the heck is my life right now?

Sure enough, I found myself on a spare balcony like when I had first met Welf. A few glares from the Level 4 Elf had caused everyone nearby to suddenly make themselves scarce.

This had also given me a few moments to collect myself for a proper conversation.

"So, Lefiya, why are you so upset?" I asked.

"I really need to spell it out?!" Lefiya exclaimed, "You're one person in a War Game against all of Apollo Familia! Why haven't you come to me– I mean, to Loki Familia for help?!"

"For one, I don't think you should be surprised about me being alone in a War Game," I said, referencing the time I threatened war against Loki Familia should they leak Ryuu's information when she was still blacklisted.

Lefiya blinked, also seeming to remember that interaction.

I continued, saying, "Second, I doubt Finn-sama and Loki Familia want to get publicly involved. You're probably going to get in trouble for talking to me in public, now that I think about it…"

My situation with Apollo Familia was none of Loki Familia's business and as such I figured that Finn wanted no part of it. I have the impression that he has a vested interest in maintaining the balance of powers between Familias. Intervening in this relatively small matter might disrupt that balance.

Lefiya certainly looked worried for a second. She probably realized that she could have gotten my attention a bit more subtle than how she had done it. Despite this, she refused to back down, saying, "W-well, nevermind that! I-I'm not here about the W-War G-Game at all! I'm just here to… schedule a match! Yes! A duel! Because we are rivals! Yeah!"

Lefiya was such a bad liar. She was clearly talking to me because she was worried about the War Game happening in the near future. That said, she was able to come up with a bullshit cover story that even I could get behind… though I also admit it wouldn't really hold up much to scrutiny. The timing, if you will, was too convenient as far as any onlookers would be concerned.

That said, it was nice to see her being all Tsundere about being concerned and wanting to help me. And it made a sort of sense. Outside of leaving her own Familia, the only thing Lefiya could do for me was help me train.

"So," I began to ask, "how would you have us train — I mean duel?"

Lefiya pouted at my calling her out on her actual intentions, and said, "…I'm perhaps the best person besides Riveria-sama for giving you practice in fighting an army."

"Ah," I said, nearly instantly recognizing what Lefiya meant by that.

With their high level spells, Lefiya and Riveria could obliterate entire battlefields. And by utilizing my Hiraishin, Lefiya would not be as easy to catch in close quarters as she otherwise would be.

I don't doubt that Lefiya had the Mind Reserves to easily teleport from one side of Floor 18 to the other — that she could afford to be so 'inefficient'. She likely just hadn't thought of abusing my spell for transportation purposes yet. How kind of Lefiya to still accommodate me by keeping that spell on the down low.

Put another way, it would be a simulation where Lefiya represents an enemy general and her battlefield magic represents the enemy army. Of course, such training couldn't happen just anywhere. It would either have to be somewhere desolate outside Orario or in the Dungeon. Perhaps the plains of Floor 18?

"Well, I certainly don't mind," I told Lefiya, "but I think it's fair to say we can't do this thing immediately. Let's talk details?"

"Sure," Lefiya said, agreeing to that much.

"Wait, won't you get in trouble for training with someone outside Lili Familia?" I asked her.

Come to think of it, Ais would have normally got in big trouble with her Familia for training me. Considering Loki-sama, however, Ais probably got off with no more than a slap on the wrist. Whatever Ais had taught me was worth the information Loki could gleam on me through her.

While I was fairly certain that Lefiya was a relatively influential member of Loki Familia, I'm not as certain she could get off so easily.

"T-training?" Lefiya stuttered, "W-we will j-just be having a duel w-where collateral damage is negligible. T-the fact that it is in the Dungeon and relatively far from others is j-just a coincidence!"

Lefiya was seriously bad at lying. Then again, elves culturally seem inclined against falsehoods, so it's not too surprising.

I shook my head in amusement, and said, "Alright, alright. Thanks Lefiya, I owe you one."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Lefiya said with a haughty huff, "I'm not doing you a favor, It's a duel to satisfy my pride and show Ais-san I'm more suitable to train than you!"

"Yes, yes, thank you in any case then, Lefiya," I said, conveying I was grateful for her consideration and selflessness. "But seriously, if you'll get in trouble, you don't need to go this far for me."

"...Idiot," was all Lefiya said in response to my worries.

Clearly, I was not going to get more from Lefiya on this topic. Women are confusing sometimes, I swear.

From there, Lefiya and I talked about the details. After some back and forth, we decided to embark for Floor 18 in the early morning three days from now. We also agreed on potentially bringing a few people if they could keep quiet and wouldn't get in trouble for turning out.

Lefiya would bring camping gear, while I would be supplying food and potions – as the plan was to spend a day hiking down to Floor 18, resting, training all the next day, and then heading back up the following morning. Camping gear was for avoiding going to Rivira. Not only was the price to rent rooms at the inns expensive, but it was also an attempt to avoid rumors.

…Though we would be informing the people in Rivira to not freak out about Lefiya chuckling around tons of massive magical blasts.

I'm not sure exactly how Lefiya thought this all was going to be subtle, but if she insisted on this it wasn't really my place to stop her. Lefiya and her relationship with Loki-sama wasn't really my business.

In any case, I planned on at least bringing Lili along. It would be nice to have a hand with the gear, and it was a good way to help her get more Excelia in the days ahead. Especially since she was pushing herself into also providing a combat support role with that spear of hers. Something a long weapon like hers was well suited for.

Welf was likely going to be too busy crafting stuff to have a chance to pop down into the Dungeon with us. And while it would be nice to have Ryuu join us, she needs to stay on the surface to guard Astraea and Hestia for me.

Might be worth seeing if any of the Takemikazuchi Familia people were interested. Something to consider.

In any case, with the details decided, Lefiya was satisfied with herself and left the room before me. I could already see the rumors flying around town if we were once more spotted leaving a room or Babel Tower together…

Welp. Might as well go get all the potions we'll need for this little training expedition. Better plan on needing potions for five or more people, my intuition was telling me that Lefiya was going to bring at least one person with her.

Naaza is gonna be really happy soon… and my wallet won't be.

Other POV

It was the third morning after Apollo's Ball, and Hestia had just entered the room in Babel Tower used for Denatus meetings.

"There you are," Apollo said, the other gods and goddesses in attendance quieting down, "I was starting to think you would never show."

"Yeah, I just felt like making you wait," Hestia snarked.

Apollo rolled his eyes as Hestia sat across the table from him. All of their peers were sitting around them, looking down on them. They quickly got down to business.

"If we win the War Game," Apollo declared, "I'm taking Bell Cranel. I want to make that clear at the start."

"And if we win?" Hestia asked.

"We'll agree to any conditions you have," Apollo said nonchalantly, "Recorder, make sure you've got that down."

The guild worker part of the proceedings dutifully got Apollo's words down in writing.

"That said," Apollo added, "there is another Familia that has severe grievances against you dear Hestia."

That got the observing Gods and Goddesses even more excited. The drama was increasing! The idea that Bell Cranel, the underdog, might have to deal with even more insurmountable odds intrigued the Gods greatly. The unfairness of it all mattered little. All the Gods and Goddesses not particularly close to Hestia were only interested in using her for their entertainment. Everyone likes a good underdog story… and watching an underdog be crushed under heel.

"Is that so?" Hestia asked, not sounding surprised. Bell had told her that he had spotted Hyakinthos talking with the Captain of Soma Familia the night of the Ball, after all. She had known that harboring Lili would eventually get her in trouble with Soma Familia. And she did it anyway, and did so without regret. For she knows that she and Bell were right to do so.

Lili, despite all the trouble that Hestia gives her, is more than just a former thief. She's part of their family even if she isn't a member of the Familia yet.

"It would seem that Bell Cranel has kidnapped, brainwashed, and forced the servitude of Liliruca Arde of Soma Familia," Apollo claimed boldly, "And no matter if she is immediately returned to her proper home or not, Soma Familia is demanding satisfaction."

Apollo was stating that Soma Familia wanted in on beating up Bell for the 'crime of stealing away Lili' and that it didn't matter if Lili was returned or not, as Soma Familia was going to get their due either way.

Apollo, by the way, was doing all the talking because Soma himself wasn't actually present. But Apollo did pull out a letter containing Soma's intentions and it was verified as legitimately from the Wine God by a Guild member.

Everyone knew how much of a recluse Soma was, and so this behavior wasn't unusual and was waved away as the eccentricities of a God.

"My Bell-kun has done no such thing…" Hestia growled in frustration, "But… fine. I… will allow their entry into the War Game."

Hestia was agreeing to such unreasonable terms at Bell's request. He argued that the full might of Hiraishin would make the numbers disadvantage irrelevant. It would be equivalent to Orario fighting off the hordes of Rakia's weak but large armies. Or so he boasted.

Hestia, of course, thought that Bell was being insane. But after facing Antares, a hundred more Level 1 adventurers wasn't really much of an increase in threat to Bell at this point. The idea of being able to potentially get Apollo to fuck off and to free Lili from Soma Familia was too good to pass up.

Like hell Hestia was going to pay Soma a single Valis for Lili after the horror stories Lili had shared and that Hestia had witnessed when first updating her Falna!

All of that said, Hestia really, REALLY, did not want to accept Soma Familia into the War Game. Because the added difficulty was not pretty to look at. Yet Hestia was willing to bet that Bell would be able to overcome these stacked odds. She believed in both his physical strength and his strength of character.

The Gods and Goddesses, meanwhile, once more burst into a cacophony of sound at the news that the War Game had definitively escalated into Hestia Familia against Apollo and Soma Familia.

None of them expected that Hestia would actually allow Soma Familia in despite the Soma Familia having an even more solid Casus Belli than Apollo Familia did. They did acknowledge, however, that doing so might have been a political move.

Political Intrigue time!

One could interpret the series of events as being that Soma Familia was the ones to reach out to Apollo on the basis of getting help in retrieving Lili because Bell was potentially too strong as Level 3 for them to handle. That Apollo's apparent obsession with Bell was just a flimsy cover-up in order to hide a shifting of alliances between Familias.

It would look bad on Hestia for rejecting Soma's addition to the War Game because his given reasons were rock solid. No other Familia wanted the subversion of their children to have been made into a precedent.

In any case, this development meant that 1 adventurer was going to be up against over 200 enemy combatants. Depending on the War Game type, of course.

And that no one else jumped in.

"Pardon me," Astraea said standing up from her place in the audience, "But I cannot stand this farce any longer."

"O-Oh? How so?" Apollo questioned nervously. He rightly feared the strength of The Gale Wind, Destroyer of Evilus.

"These entire proceedings are thinly veiled attempts to steal Bell Cranel from Hestia for yourself," Astraea bluntly called Apollo out on his bullahit, "Instead of going through the Guild or settling things diplomatically, you've deliberately escalated things to this point. I won't tolerate the injustice or unfairness of it all. Astraea Familia hereby declares to join Hestia Familia as a co-belligerent!"

Needless to say, the observing deities exploded in conversation. The drama just increased even more! A resurgent Astraea Familia was quickly getting itself involved despite its recent rejuvenation and lack of manpower!

And Apollo would be hard pressed to resist, after all, he himself had called in for the help of an additional Familia. Albeit, he did so because their Captain insisted on joining in so as to legally reclaim their missing comrade.

Before Apollo could affirm or deny anything, however, another deity raised their voice.

"I find it interesting that you claim that Hestia Familia is innocent and has done nothing to deserve this 'apparent' bullying," Ishtar loudly spoke up.

"…What do you mean to imply?" Astraea asked curtly.

"Bell Cranel is also responsible for the abduction of one of my dear children as well!" Ishtar loudly declared.

DRAMA!

Did it really need to be explained?

The 'Redemption' system was the legal means of trading a large amount of Valis for a prostitute's release. This was necessary as most prostitutes in Ishtar's employ were only allowed to work by signing restrictive contracts – contracts that for all intents and purposes turned them into well-paid serfs. Property in all but name.

To be fair, these women were better off economically than most commoners outside Orario. Better food, shelter, security at the cost of little choice in where they work and where they live. Actual slaves outside of Orario's walls tended to have no rights nor wealth.

Redemption allows for a person to 'buy' a prostitute by paying off her debts or by paying an acceptable amount to the brothel itself to purchase the prostitutes' contract. In this way, upper-class adventurers can turn their favorite prostitute into a lifelong companion.

Assuming they don't then die in the Dungeon. Prostitutes who've found their lover's a victim of the Dungeon's embrace tend to go crawling back to the Pleasure District; either because the adventurer in question wasn't diligent enough to will their remaining possessions to their loves, didn't want their personal prostitute to have their things, or because their Familia claimed their assets and kicked the prostitute out.

That was what happens when one actually uses the 'legal' channels to free a prostitute. But that's not what Bell did with Haruhime – nevermind that Ishtar wouldn't have let Haruhime be 'redeemed' in the first place. Bell outright 'stole' Haruhime from Ishtar Familia.

This was, as one can imagine, a bad precedent. The money from Redemption basically found it in its entirety in the Ishtar Familia coffers. The idea that you could just run off with your favorite prostitute without paying was not only bad for business, but it implied that Ishtar Familia was too weak to protect it's girls. For a Familia where the social and literal contract depended on safety and security, this sort of thing couldn't be tolerated.

And, to be fair, there was a spec of actual good to be found from defending this security. As it prevented low level criminals from trying to abduct prostitutes for sex trafficking in conditions that were far less generous than under Ishtar's aegis.

It's just that in this instance, Ishtar's protection was abused to confine and sacrifice someone. And that as far as the public was concerned, Bell was a thief by running off with a prostitute without paying.

"Ugh!" Hestia groaned in pain, knowing that she didn't really have a good way of defending how this all looked. No one would believe her if she claimed that Ishtar was going to use Haruhime as a human sacrifice! Hestia had no proof for such an absurd claim.

And now Bell totally looks like a sleazebag who is abducting adventurers to prop up the infamously small Hestia Familia! It's a nightmare!

Hestia was ever so glad she told the likes of Takemikazuchi, Miach, and Hesphaestus to stay out of this. This entire thing was a reputational nightmare!

She would have told Astraea to butt out too, but Astraea was too stubborn to abandon her.

Hephaestus was wincing over in her seat. She too desperately wanted to support Hestia as a co-belligerent. But her smithing brand and thus her entire Familia would be devastated by association with such a scandal. Hephaestus Familia was, in a way, too big to easily shrug off such a scandal.

Smaller Familias, and thus less well known ones, could more easily handle such bad PR since nobody cares about them.

"I had wanted to go about settling things through the Guild," Ishtar claimed, "But I must admit, the idea of a War Game is amusing. And I'd like to remind everyone to not mess with my girls."

Ishtar was essentially framing this as an incentive for people to not try and kidnap her prostitutes. A show of strength to prevent incidents like this from happening again.

Because to outsiders, it looks like Bell had kidnapped a prostitute he really liked without paying. Not a good look.

"I'm not convinced!" Takemikazuchi suddenly spoke up.

"What are you on about, you dense muscle head?" Ishtar gruffly questioned.

"You make it sound like Bell Cranel was the instigator," Takemikazuchi claimed, "But I know my children had been charmed to attack him in the Dungeon a few weeks ago!"(1)

Freya, who had been internally fuming at Ishtar's joining of the proceedings, became internally amused at how the other Goddess was getting the blame for something she did. She'd need to remember to silently apologize for borrowing Takemikazuchi's kids like that.

"I have no clue what you're on about," Ishtar dismissed. Internally, she was confused at the accusation. Perhaps a bullshit excuse to join the War Game?

All the other deities cared about was how. Much. Drama!

"Bell Cranel is not the type of boy to kidnap women without just cause," Miach spoke up, standing alongside Takemikazuchi.

"Take! Miach! Shut your damn mouths!" Hestia chided them for butting in. She appreciated the help and support, but she didn't want them to have to be associated with Bell's, and thus her own, mess!

Ignoring her, the two male deities spoke on how they may not know any specifics involving Ishtar Familia, they DO know that things are not as they seem with Soma Familia.

They continued to claim that Bell Cranel has good character and is sheltering those oppressed by other Familias. And that they were willing to rise up to help defend his honor.

Needless to say, with all of the drama now spilled out, the atmosphere was against either Hestia or Apollo denying entry to the other Familias. The observing deities might riot otherwise! Whether the justifications were strong or weak, all of the other Gods wanted to see a massive bloodbath as multiple Familias wage war against each other! And they would not be denied!

Apollo and Hestia almost quietly acknowledged their admission to the War Game. It had become a case of Apollo, Soma, and Ishtar Familias against Hestia, Astraea, Takemikazuchi, and Miach Familias.

All in all, the Sun Faction had the manpower and Level advantage. A Level 5 and many Level 3s and 2s from Ishtar Familia. A Level 4, a dozen Level 2s, and about ninety Level 1s from Apollo Familia. And two Level 2s and one hundred Level 1s from Soma Familia.

The Hearth Faction had Ryuu, who unknown to everyone was functionally an early Level 6 stat wise. Meanwhile, Bell was currently equivalent to an early Level 4.

But as far as the public was concerned, Ryuu and Bell were a fresh Level 5 and 3 respectively. Their true strengths were obscured by the unusual manners in which the two had Leveled Up.

Takemikazuchi could field two Level 2s and a handful of Level 1s. Naaza of Miach Familia was also Level 2, but with her disability, she could only serve as a logistical role — like healing in the rear. Performing a sniper role might pull her into a battle that she would rather avoid considering her condition.

In any case it took several minutes for the peanut gallery to calm down and for further terms to be laid out.

Namely that if the Sun Faction won, that Apollo would get Bell Cranel, Soma Familia would be receiving a significant portion of the cash prize organized by the Guild (gathered by taxing bets and foods stalls and such from the days of festivities), and that Ishtar would receive reparations from Hestia personally.

The implication, of course, being that since Hestia was poor that she would need to… work for Ishtar to pay off her incurred debt. That Hestia Familia would need to pay for stealing a girl with another girl.

(It went without saying that Hestia fumed in anger and embarrassment.)

Meanwhile, if the Hearth Faction wins then they can make any demand they wish. Indeed, even Ishtar cared not for requesting that Hestia and co to be specific in what they wanted out of this War Game — the odds were just too lopsided. Ishtar and Apollo both separately agreed that their victory was self assured. There was no point is listening in whatever demands that Hestia may have.

Alarms were going off in Hestia's head throughout all of the War Game terms. While Soma hadn't been present for the negotiations, his letter had stated his intended demands.

Neither Soma nor Ishtar had listed the reclamation of Lili and Haruhime respectively as a War Demand – as a 'prize' for them winning. Like they were leaving that matter as an implied result of victory rather than spelling it out in writing.

This meant and implied that even if they get their respective adventurers back into their 'custody' they might still choose to participate in the War Game.

Yes, they could drop out by that point, but they didn't have to either. The fact this was a possible scenario… Hestia was certain that the other Gods and Goddess were exploiting Hestia's apparent weakness with absolute cruelty.

"So, how will you fight?" Loki asked from the sidelines, "It's not gonna be any fun if you screw this up!"

Loki, personally, couldn't help feeling petty amusement at the situation Bell Cranel was finding himself in. That he deserved it for seducing Lefiya, and to a lesser extent Ais and Tiona.

The many Gods and Goddesses agreed with Loki's visible sentiment in the pursuit of entertainment.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that you won't go for one-on-one battles…" Hestia said, noting the fact that the Sun Faction was clearly going to try to use sheer numbers to supplement the likes of Hyakinthos' Level disparity.

"It's not my fault that you have no other adventurers," Apollo said smugly. He then asked the audience, "I say we hear what everybody else thinks. We can pull from the list of proposals by lottery."

The recorder from the Guild was quick to locate and procure a box, paper, and quills.

Each of the deity's in attendance wrote how they would like to see the War Game be played on a sheet of paper. The papers were collected and put into the box. Of course, Hestia wrote "2v2 DUELS" in big, bold letters and shoved her paper into the box.

It didn't hurt to try and completely eliminate the Sun Faction's manpower advantage afterall. All the while playing up the strengths of the Hearth Coalition's strength of Bell-kun and Ryuu-kun's teamwork and high levels.

All that was left was to decide who would draw.

"I can't trust anyone who has sided with Apollo," Hestia stated matter-of-factly.

"…The feeling's mutual. I won't accept a paper drawn by the likes of Hephaestus," Apollo agreed with the sentiment.

In that case… Both of the deities looked around the table, their gazes stopping on one god in particular.

"Hermes"

"Hermes"

"Ehhh… Seriously?" Hermes complained as Hestia and Apollo said his name in unison. He was honestly shocked by his sudden selection, Hermes forced a smile without thinking.

"I'm counting on you, Hermes," Hestia cheered. Hestia looked up at the charming deity with trusting eyes.

"My dear friend, I leave it in your hands," Apollo said kindly, who having known Hermes since their days in Tenkai, solemnly nodded.

This happened because Hermes had always taken the stance of the go-between and had never taken sides in these situations.

"Looks like I gotta," Hermes said in a deflated voice, accepting the role thrust upon him by the other two deities. He stood from his chair and made his way around the table. Every set of eyes in the room followed him.

"Please be gentle…" Hermes whispered to himself as he slowly lowered his hand into the box.

Hestia was on the edge of her seat, unable to breathe as Hermes withdrew one sheet of paper and unfolded it.

Hermes's face went pale as he paused, an empty smile on his face as he opened his mouth to speak, "...King of the Hill."

Hestia slammed the table in frustration, teeth clenched.

"Hahaha! This decision was reached fair and square. This is final!" Apollo's roar of laughter echoed throughout the chamber.

King of the Hill was a 'preset' war game type that involved the entire military might of each participating Familia.

Each adventurer was given a magic item that identified which 'team' they were on. There was going to be a dedicated area marked out with magic items that served as the aforementioned 'Hill'. Whichever side controlled the Hill unopposed for the longest amount of time was the winner.

Control of the Hill required that at least one adventurer from one team had to be in the magic stone circle – above or below didn't matter – and that there were no adventurers from the opposing team in the circle at the same time.

The magic stones would record the amount of time each team possessed control, and would not count points when detecting items from both teams. Adventurers were allowed to remove their tracking items, but they could not leave them in the magic circle – not that it would do any good, because the team tracking items were enchanted to turn off when not being worn.

Points were also awarded for defeating enemy generals, ie Familia Captains.

The game would end after a certain amount of time had been reached or if a certain amount of points had been earned.

As things stood now, this was the absolute worst thing that could happen to the Hearth Coalition. Not only did the Sun Faction get to use their full manpower, but it also meant that the likes of Bell and Ryuu would likely be forced to fight separately in order to gain points.

Either Bell or Ryuu would likely have to be on the Hill while the other faced off against the opposing Familias to prevent them from entering the Hill and thus stopping all point gain.

With the Sun Faction's numbers, it would be infinitely easier to dominate possession of the Hill and thus earn points.

So, needless to say, everyone was shocked or excited at the turn of events.

If anyone bothered to look at the handwriting on the slip in question… they might have been able to deduce that it was Freya's handwriting.

Freya had purposefully, of course, chosen one of the most unfavorable War Game types for Hestia and Bell to fight in. It was partially, of course, to provide Bell and Ryuu a significant challenge for them to overcome – a chance to push them to even greater heights. However, that was not the only reason.

For it was also to help Bell start his Legend. For if Bell could win decisively against such 'insurmountable' odds, then he would earn for himself a lot of renown. Small to large Familias would learn to leave Bell alone (like she knew he wanted) and he would gain status and recognition as a rising star.

Speaking of Freya, she was of course livid at how Ishtar was also moving against Bell. And she had to restrain herself from speaking up and intervening personally. But hold back she did. Why? She had multiple reasons.

First, was cold hard logic. By allowing Ishtar to fight this War Game, Freya would be able to gain a lot of information on Ishtar's forces, logistical capabilities, and battlefield cohesion, and similar tactical information. It would also likely weaken Ishtar Familia to a degree that would make a follow up subjugation by Freya's own forces even easier than they otherwise would be.

(Ishtar messing with Bell would not go unpunished.)

Her other reason was more personal. Because, in Freya's eyes, her joining or interfering would cause more harm than good. Sure, she could swoop in with her forces and easily remove Bell's problems for him. But that would just make things easier for Bell, not better.

Instead of helping him, all Freya would be doing is stealing a chance for Bell to overcome this trial. Stealing a chance for him to grow stronger. Because it is in facing and overcoming hardships that yield the strongest rewards.

Rushing in now would just be Freya pitying Bell. Stealing this moment and opportunity from him. If Bell was to become the Hero he wanted to be, a Hero that could finally answer her confession to him, then he had to fight and win his own battles. And become stronger with each victory.

And, to be fair, she had to an extent expected this outcome, expected interference from Ishtar, after meeting Haruhime at the Hostess of Fertility anyway. This was hardly out of left field. She had deduced this possible scenario multiple days ago.

"We can't be using just any old place, so let's get the Guild in on this. We can work out the date then, too. Shall we call it a day?" Loki said, effectively calling an end to the Denatus.

Loki, on a more serious note, stayed out of things because she wanted to avoid Bell Cranel as much as possible. She wasn't going to intervene just because Lefiya was chummy with the boy. Not just to oppose Ishtar who was likely somehow involved with the Evilus Remnant. It would just risk the mobilization of Freya Familia against her own Familia for no reason. Loki Familia was simply too big to weigh in on this issue, it would force Freya Familia to move if they moved.

Chairs scraped on the floor as the deities made their way out. Apollo took his time, sneering at Hestia before disappearing through the exit.

Hestia could do nothing but glare back at him. She let out a long sigh as soon as he was out of sight. Soon, only Miach, Takemikazuchi, and other friends of hers remained in the chamber.

"Sorry about that, Hestia. I kind of put you in a rough spot," Hermes said, offering an apology.

"No, Hermes, it's not your fault," Hestia said, shaking her head no.

No matter how much she didn't like it, the decision had been reached using a fair draw. It was a miracle that Astraea Familia would be allowed to participate on their side. It was all thanks to the fact that the Gods and Goddesses were thirsty for a good show.

That, and Hestia was well aware from Bell that Soma Familia was likely to join in on the matter. That thanks to the Bell Cranel Effect, Soma Familia had finally caught onto the fact that Lili was alive and (apparently) worth quite a lot of money.

Bell insisted that thanks to Hiraishin the enemy's numbers wouldn't really matter in the end. Hestia chose to trust in that confidence. Even though the entry of Ishtar Familia was an extremely worrying development.

At least Apollo had also been surprised by that. If they were lucky, then the cooperation and cohesion between the Familias of the Sun Faction would be poor.

All of the rules were now in place, so Hestia made up her mind to do everything she could with the pieces she had. Her eyes burned with the desire to find a way to win.

But first…

She kicked Takemikazuchi in the shin, and yelled, "What of any of that was staying out of things?!"

"Oi! Why am I the only one getting hit?!" Takemikazuchi protested the righteous violence.

Hestia huffed, "Miach's too much of a cinnamon roll to get mad at. Besides, I'm sure Naaza-kun will give him a talking to for volunteering her."

"Actually, Naaza told me to make a move if things escalated…" Miach admitted sheepishly, slightly embarrassed at being called a cinnamon roll.

"What?" Hestia yelped in surprise.

"She mentioned something about a 'Bell Cranel Effect' and that she was sick of owing you guys for the help with the Double Potions," Miach explained.

"Ah…" Hestia sighed, determining that was a valid argument.

"Though personally, I think she just wants to be there for her best friend… and favorite customer," Miach said smoothly with his usual smile.

"Hng, I can't help but approve of the wholesomeness but be pissed off at how economical she is…" Hestia deadpanned.

She then sharply looked at Takemikazuchi, "And?!"

"Well, we owe you for the Pass Parade," Takemikazuchi explained, "And while I don't mean it as an excuse, I determined that my children had been charmed or had some kind of drug or magic item used on them. Their memory of that time was blurry. It makes a sort of sense if it was some kind of machination from Ishtar."

"She did take offense to you never hooking up with any of the gods she sent your way," Hephaestus said to Hestia in observation, referring to how Ishtar might have personal beef with Hestia too.

"She's still hung up about that?" Hestia asked incredulously. But, deep down, she didn't think that story really fit. Takemikazuchi certainly hadn't been confident in it either, but it was enough to work with for the time being.

"Apparently," Hephaestus said before saying regretfully, "Anyway, I'm sorry but–"

"Nah, I get it," Hestia interrupted, dismissing Hephaestus' apology, "Nothing personal, but politics, economics, and doing what's best for your own Familia is getting in the way? I totally understand where you are coming from. I'm more upset about those two idiots ignoring me."

"You hearing this Miach?" Takemikazuchi grumbled, "We finally get to be cool, and we still get flack for it."

"It is a burden we must bear," Miach said solemnly, clearly not losing sleep over Hestia calling them idiots.

"Hestia is just flustered to have such good friends," Astraea said with a laugh as she patted Miach on the shoulder in solidarity.

The two male Gods nodded in agreement, accepting Astraea's claim as fact.

Hestia sighed, "Let's just agree to plan and coordinate in the future then?"

"Invite me along," Hephaestus insisted, "I may not be able to participate directly, but I am more than able to contribute materially."

"If I take on any more debt, Bell-kun might remember to start funneling money into my personal debts like I don't want him to…" Hestia bemoaned.

"The way Apollo and Ishtar are trying to bully you, I don't even mind a Lend-Lease plan," Hephaestus declared, "Besides, it's a good way to help clear off the shelves… and get a tax write-off."

All the Gods and Goddesses gathered shuddered, and uttered disdainfully in unison, "Taxes…"

And so the Emergency Denatus ended and the Hearth Coalition was formed. Would it be crushed under the weight of its enemies, or would it endure the test of time?

Main POV

An hour or so later, in an attempt to escape from the reality where the War Game was not going to be a Castle Siege yet still something just as disadvantageous, I was currently drinking a mead at the Hostess to no effect.

Me and all the girls were currently in the kitchen. The pub was temporarily closed as it transitioned from lunch to evening menus and such; a routine and brief thirty minute break. I was just chilling before I had to go pick up Hestia who diligently went right back to work right after the Emergency Denatus; I learned everything that occurred from that via the rumor mill.

To that end, I was not in my Belko form. That said, Noel at this point couldn't tell the difference between my male and female forms. Which kind of hurts… At least we managed to get her to understand to call me a different name depending on what clothes I was wearing. Progress?

"Thank you all for coming!" Luniore said cheerfully, "As you know Christmas is almost upon us. So it's time to present the new uniforms we'll be wearing on the day of the festival this year!"

The girls were all dressed up and goofing off to varying degrees. All in an effort to not draw attention to all the War Game stuff going on in my life. Bless their hearts for being so considerate. These girls are just awesome like that!

Lunoire herself was wearing a tan top with a boob window that had classic Christmas-y wool as part of the outfit. She was wearing a green checkered skirt and a small black hat decorated with snowflakes.

"Clap, clap, clap!" Noel said as she clapped along.

"And to decide who looks the most festive, please welcome our Seasonal Executive Judge - Noel-chan!" Luniore continued to say dramatically, clearly having fun with herself.

Noel, still wearing her tailored Hostess uniform, said cutely, "Yay, I'm the seasoned effective judge!"

"Seasonal, Executive, Judge," I corrected patiently. While her speech was very cute, it was still important to make sure she learned how to speak correctly for when she grows up!

"Sea…son… Ex…cessive judge?" Noel said, confused and struggling with both pronunciation and the meaning of the words.

"It means you're the most important person at this meeting," Luniore explained.

"Yay, I'm important!" Noel cheered, getting behind that idea instantly.

"Moving right along, let's take a look at our first contestant," Luniore continued, drawing attention to Anya.

"Nyanyanya, ta-daaa!" Anya jumped lightly in place before giving a twirl and a pose.

She was wearing a gold and red accented sleeveless crop top that connected to her green plaid layered short skirt. She had red work shoes and fuzzy leg warmers for her ankles. She had fuzzy wristbands and a very Christmas-y hood and cowl. The hood also was made for cat people by having cat ears atop that were accented with matching green, red, and gold plaid.

Basically, it was an excellent combination of cuteness, lewdness, and Christmas spirit!

"A little lewd, but it's perfect for the holidays," I commented.

Anya laughed, "Glad you think so, nya! I really like this one, nya."

Thankfully, Anya's first instinct was not to tease me. The other girls normally go straight for the throat no matter what I say, so I was really starting to lose my filter around them.

"What do you think, Noel-chan?" Luniore asked.

"Wow, Anya, you look so cute!" Noel said earnestly.

"Yay! Thank you, nya!" Anya said, eating up the praise from the small child without a hint of shame.

"Sounds like this one gets a pretty high score. Can you tell us what your favorite part is?" Lunoire said before asking Noel.

"Uh…" Noel said, honestly pondering the matter before saying, "Anya's ears and tail! They're so fluffy."

So yeah, Noel is kinda based. Going straight for the animal ears, she has good taste.

However, all this did was put a damper on Anya's mood, because…

"That's got nothing to do with her outfit…" I muttered, trying not to laugh at the karma Anya was getting for getting so full of herself after Noel's initial praise.

"H-hey, cute is cute, nya," Anya quickly doubled down, "What difference does it make, nya?"

"Kids like Noel probably find almost everything cute, nya," Chloe said rationally, probably trying to play it cool that she also wanted to be called cute by Noel.

"I didn't ask for input from my assistant, nya! A Great Detective like me already knew that!" Anya began to picker.

"Now, now, let's not fight," Syr chimed in, trying to mediate things.

Chloe was wearing a black blouse with a white collar and a brown corset.. She had a red handkerchief also hanging from her collar. She had fingerless black half-gloves on her hands and a small green hat with star decorations concealing one of her ears. She had an asymmetrical layered green skirt with gold snowflakes and Christmas trees on the bottom-most layer. The sight of a jeweled black underskirt was visible from the asymmetrical gap in her front. She had long laced and buckled black boots over striped black and semi-transparent stockings that went up to her thighs (praise be the thigh gap).

Syr was wearing a red, white, and black maid outfit. Her maid's headdress had red ribbons like the one hanging from her white collar, above which was her own outfit's boob window. She was wearing long white gartered stockings. Her shoes were red heels with fluff around her ankles and a small white fluff ball on the top of her shoes.

Haruhime was hiding in the corner, her face utterly flushed, as she tried to remain unseen. She was wearing a white kimono that had purple flowers on the sleeves and the parts at the bottom by her feet. It was tied with a red obi and she had a veil on her head with openings for her ears to go through. It was like some kind of combination between a kimono and a western wedding dress. Which was probably why Haruhime looked utterly embarrassed.

Probably. Hopefully.

Ryuu… was wearing a black and gold accented dress that went down to her ankles, yet opened slightly at the front near the bottom. She had black sock/stockings and golden heels. Secured by a belt was a Christmas-y red coat with white fluff and golden accents. There was a red Poinsettia flower attached to the front of her coat, a golden stared necklace around her neck, and a red jeweled and gold decoration piece in her hair.

I had to quickly look away because her outfit was moments away from giving me a nosebleed.

Then again, I refused to look too long at Syr too, because her boob window was far more blatantly big than Luniore's and I was simply not used to seeing that much of Syr's bare skin.

Even Anya was more concealed than Syr in that department. Then again, seeing her bare stomach was also really lewd.

Basically, Chloe, Lunoire, and Haruhime were the most 'family friendly' dressed. Ryuu was too, but I certainly was not acting like it was.

"...Do I look that bad?" Ryuu asked, innocently and dejectedly.

"NO! I-I, uh, you l-look great!" I stuttered out without thinking.

"O-Oh… good…" Ryuu said, her cheeks turning pink.

Syr was, of course, giggling and smiling knowingly at my expense. I think there were equal amounts of joy and jealousy in those eyes of hers.

"Um, are we still picking the best?" Noel asked, as the other girls got distracted either with their outfits or in making knowing grins in my direction.

"L-Looks like there's been a change of plan," I muttered to her, glad at least one person was ignorant of the fool I was making of myself.

"Aw… I liked being the judge," Noel pouted firmly, before asking, "Daddy, who do you think looks cutest?"

"Eh?" I stuttered, as all the other girls perked up at the free opportunity to give me shit. Except for Haruhime, she just got even redder before passing out. I think her nose was bleeding…

"It's me right?!" Anya cheerfully declared, "My outfit's the cat's pajamas! Shows my catnality, nya!"

"No way, it's got to be mine, nya," Chloe claimed, "I know Bell and I have the same feeling towards each other..!"

For my butt went unsaid.

"Hentai…" I muttered under my breath. Chloe's ear twitched. Damn, she caught me.

Ryuu refused to look me in the eye, "...You should pick Syr."

"Excuse me," Syr cut in, "Allow me to translate Ryuuisms into Koine. What she was trying to say was: I want Bell-kun to say I'm the cutest but I don't want to hurt Syr's feelings because Syr is also really pretty. Like that~"

"S-Syr! D-Don't spread misinformation like that!" Ryuu protested, her face blushing to the point that her words were hard to believe…

"Anyway, it's time to make your choice, Daddy~" Syr said, saying the last word huskily right next to my ear.

My whole body shivered, my face felt like I was running a fever, and I'm not gonna talk about what my little son was up to.

Syr is scary and dangerous.

QUICK ME! COME UP WITH BULLSHIT!

"Uh… how could I possibly choose which of you lovely ladies is the cutest?" I started rhetorically.

"You're so wish-washy, Bell-kun," Syr said in disappointment in my answer, "At times like this a father's got to show paternal assertiveness, you know."

"That's right!" Noel blindly agreed with her mother.

"I stand by my words!" I said assertively, "Each of your outfits has a unique charm that wouldn't work if worn by the others!"

"!" That observation got everyone's attention.

"Anya's pajamas reflect how she is laid back and has the enthusiasm and energy of a child. And they do well in emphasizing the good points of her race as Noel-chan noticed," I lectured matter-of-factly.

"The logic is disturbingly sound…" Luniore observed, Chloe nodding in pensive agreement.

Anya, meanwhile, was flushed as she said, "T-That's right, nya! Bask in the perfection that is my jammies, nya!"

"Lunoire's outfit, being relatively less complex, is reflexive of her desire for a homely existence," I noted, "With a hint of eroticism for seducing her would-be husband after a long day's work."

"Lunoire, you hentai~, nya," Chloe teased Lunoire who had turned completely red.

"I-I-I–" Lunoire attempted to defend herself but failed.

"Chloe meanwhile looks normal at first… until you realize she is all but daring young boys to look up her skirt," I noted in a deadpan.

Chloe gasped in realization, "That's right, nya! Why didn't I think of that, nya!?"

…Let us all pretend and forget that Chloe is someone who would be arrested in the world Before and move on.

"Haruhime's outfit exemplifies the charm of the Far East that, frankly, foreigners can't really pull off as well," I claimed, before adding, "... and can someone make sure she's okay? If I go over there, a misunderstanding is guaranteed to happen."

"Darn it…" Syr clicked her tongue under her breath.

I'm sorry? Since when had she included Haruhime in her stupid Harem jokes? Does Syr have an NTR fetish? I honestly don't get it. Women.

Having also heard Syr's comment, Ryuu sighed before going over, picking up, and situating Haruhime into a better sleeping posture against the wall. She proceeded to start chanting her healing magic as well.

I, er, blatantly stared at Ryuu as her magic lit up making her look like an ethereal Christmas fairy.

I felt something poke my cheek.

Syr said next to me, "And we can all see how Ryuu's outfit makes you feel. So? What about 'mother'?"

I turned and looked at Syr, I coughed into my hand to dispel the image of Ryuu in my skull before saying completely seriously, "...Lewd Maid."

"E-Eh?" Syr stuttered, likely expecting a more detailed and pretty sounding description of why her outfit suited her.

"Can we all agree? Am I wrong?" I ignored Syr and asked everyone else.

"Yep, lewd maid, nya," Chloe instantly agreed with a solemn nod.

"Indeed," Lunoire also agreed in a similar manner.

"Lewd, nya~" Anya cheered, giggling all the while.

"I-I think it well reflects Syr's caring and servile nature…" Ryuu tried to defend her best friend. But considering everyone else's answers, it felt more like Ryuu was pitying Syr.

Syr meanwhile, looked like she just endured a lot of emotional damage, "I-I see… Is that s-so…"

Her eyes locked into mine, and were piercing. I took that as confirmation that I won this battle in our little teasing war.

"HEY!" Mama Mia yelled as she burst into the kitchen, May cowering behind her, "How long are you all gonna be slacking off back here?!"

"KYA! Mama Mia!" Anya squealed in fear.

"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to open back up for lunch on time today!" Mama Mia declared passive aggressively, "Everybody, get to work!"

"Right!" Everyone chorused in unison, doing all we could to avoid Mama Mia's wrath. Even Haruhime had already learned to fall in line.

"All that trouble getting into these outfits, and now we have to take them off again, nya. What a pain…" Chloe murmured as we all started moving out and about.

"Wait, what do you mean, nya? Aren't we going to wear them now?" Anya asked in genuine confusion. And to complain, "No way, nya!" Can't I keep it on? I was really looking forward to showing it off, nya…"

"Knowing you, you would probably be too excited to do your job…" I deadpanned teasingly.

Anya groaned, knowing I was right and had no defense.

"Oh dear," Syr said in realization, "I still need to take out the trash. I'd better hurry and get changed."

"Oh, I meant to help with that, but it took so long to do the dishes…" Haruhime, now recovered thanks to Ryuu, said idly to Syr as they started making their way towards the annex to change.

"Wasn't that your job, Syr?" Luniore asked, her voice growing faint as they left the kitchen.

"Hehe…" I could hear Syr giggle with my adventurer's senses.

I sighed in exasperation, "Might as well go to Babel Tower now, it's about time for Hestia to be done at the shop…"

Hestia had insisted on putting in some hours at Hephaestus' shop after the Emergency Denatus. So I briefly left to go here to the Hostess to escort Astraea back with Ryuu and to try and get a drink before going back over to Babel.

I was still already armored up from escorting Hestia to Babel Tower this morning for the emergency Denatus. Though, as far as weaponry went, I only had the Hestia Knife and my Hidden Blade. Needed to try and save up on throwing knives for the War Game. And I wouldn't forget to pick up the Hestia Knife like a disposable throwing knife, so I still had teleportation coverage if I threw it instead.

That said, I was in no rush, so I could take my time walking to Babel for a change. Might as well get used to people staring at me, because it's probably going to be the new norm from now on…

Other POV

Mikoto was minding her own business, as one does. More specifically, she was headed over to the Hostess of Fertility because the Goddess Hestia spoke highly of the food and customer service there.

Well, actually, that was just a good bonus.

You see, Mikoto had escorted her God to Babel Tower for the Emergency Denatus. And so, of course, she had been informed of how Takemikazuchi-sama had decided to lend military support to Hestia Familia after all.

It was a decision that Mikoto wholly agreed with. For it allowed her and her Familia a perfect opportunity to pay back the debt they owed to Bell Cranel for his kindness and forgiveness of their deplorable behavior.

No matter how much Takemikazuchi-sama insisted they (she) shouldn't take it too much to heart.

That said, the news that Isthar Familia had joined in on Apollo's side had been rather scary and stressful to hear. So Mikoto had little motivation to cook her own meal for lunch today and was otherwise free to do whatever she wanted.

So she wanted to eat a good meal before she intensified her training for the challenges ahead!

And, well, she had briefly seen the Goddess Hestia and Bell Cranel as they too left Babel. And Hestia-sama had recommended the Hostess of Fertility which was right off of West Main.

In the same conversation, Hestia casually revealed that Ishtar's complaints were about Bell rescuing a Renard by the name of Haruhime and that she was currently hiding at said pub.

Oddly, Bell Cranel looked like he ate a lemon. And looked at Mikoto guiltily, as if he had forgotten to mention the entire situation to her.

Which was weird? Because unless Haruhime had mentioned them, then Bell would have had no way to know that Mikoto was her childhood friend along with the rest of Mikoto's Familia? Maybe Bell had the weird impression that all people of the Far East knew each other? What a silly boy.

Anyway, Mikoto's gratitude to Bell and motivation to fight Ishtar Familia grew exponentially. Mikoto had not known what had become of her childhood friend before now and can only imagine the things Haruhime had been through. Mikoto had to see her and catch up. Show support. That Mikoto would not let Ishtar take her away from them again.

As she commuted, Mikoto counted herself lucky, because the lunch rush was only starting now and the roads were quickly getting packed with people. Meanwhile, she was already coming up on her destination — having beaten traffic.

But Mikoto paused as she noticed a small figure trying to lug a large bag of trash down the curb. The small child was wearing a green waitress' uniform, and it was simple to assume the child was some kind of mascot or helper for the pub in question. Though it would seem that the child had grabbed a trash bag larger than they could handle (the child's features were obscured by the crowd and were very androgynous).

Having grown up in an orphanage, and having helped care for young children, Mikoto's empathy quickly demanded that she do something lest she lose her honor!

So Mikoto went over to the child and got the child's attention.

"What are you up to little one?" Mikoto asked Noel.

Noel paused from struggling to lift her bag and beamed proudly, "I'm taking out the trash! I'm helping!"

Mikoto smiled kindly, "You sure are, little one."

"I'm Noel!" Noel introduced herself.

"Noel-chan then," Mikoto said, "Do you want me to handle that? It's not good to be on the streets right now…"

With it being so busy, a child like this could easily get lost or kidnapped, you know?

"But I gotta…" Noel began to pout.

"A-Aaah…" Mikoto stammered, flustered at how Noel looked to be on the verge of crying, "T-then allow me to escort you! That would be okay, right Noel-chan?"

"Okay!" Noel cheered, accepting Mikoto's words that the streets weren't safe and that this was a good compromise.

Mikoto smiled and went off with Noel to dump off the trash. They went around the corner of the block to the local dumpster in a back alley.

"Coming… through…!" Noel huffed as she struggled to toss the bag into the dumpster.

"Excellent work, Noel-chan!" Mikoto praised, clapping her hands. Noel had reminded Mikoto of her fellow orphans at the shrine in the Far East – and was thus awakening her 'oneesan' instincts.

"Hee hee…" Noel giggled.

"Such a diligent child," Mikoto continued to praise Noel's work ethic. "You really like it here, don't you?"

Noel nodded rapidly, "This is such a nice place. It's warm, and the people are kind. I love it here! I'm… not lonely anymore."

"Ah…" Mikoto stammered at the sudden switch from happy to somber. As an orphan herself, Mikoto was definitely familiar with being lonely. But, thanks to Takemikazuchi and the other orphan children and Haruhime-dono, Mikoto was able to grow up with a lot of people who cared for and understood her.

Mikoto was, of course, unaware of how close she was to reuniting with an old friend of hers. Bell had, in the chaos of the War Game proceedings, forgotten to hint to Mikoto that he had located her old comrade.

"Huh…? Lonely…? Why am I feeling this way?" Noel sadly asked herself in confusion.

Mikoto smiled lightly, "Everyone wants somewhere to belong, to be with people that care about them. It's in our nature."

"Nature… but…" Noel said quietly.

But before anything else could happen. Mikoto's eyes widened as her adventurer senses picked up rapid movement headed her way!

Mikoto tried to turn to face it–!

Only for her eyes to widen in pain and shock as a plain-looking man with red hair ran her through with a sword. She immediately spat up blood as the man callously pulled the weapon out from her body. She fell to the ground, bleeding terribly.

"Sharp-eyed lady!" Noel gasped out in horror.

The red haired man, Vito, grinned maliciously. "You should worry more about yourself, Noel-chan."

"H-How do you know my name?" Noel stammered out in fear.

"It sure was hard!" Vito said, without a care in the world, "I hate to say it, but I have a rather plain and forgettable face. That said, I really didn't want to risk the chance that pesky elf would recognize me from back in the day."

"E-elf? Ryuu-neesan?" Noel stammered in confusion.

"And you all bonded so quickly?" Vito said incredulously, his tone mocking and cruel, "This just makes this even better!"

In a flash, he lunged forward, striking at Noel's neck with enough force to knock her out without dealing lasting damage. He quickly put her inside a sack before turning to walk off.

Only to stop as he felt a hand weakly grab his ankle.

Vito blankly looked down at Mikoto who was desperately latching onto him.

"S-stop…" Mikoto weakly pleaded, her vitality dropping quickly as her wound continually gushed out an alarming quantity of blood.

"Fascinating," Vito said with a growing grin, "Rather than plead for your own life, you still would attempt to fight me for a child you don't even know? Aren't you a bonafide heroine?"

Mikoto said nothing, just glaring at the fiend who ran her through and was about to kidnap an innocent child.

Vito just smiled maliciously as he stepped down hard on Mikoto's hand, breaking it. Mikoto weakly cried out in pain as she was forced to let go before falling unconscious from blood loss.

"Hmm, while I would love to stay and watch a heroine like you bleed out, I really must be off," Vito said, sounding genuinely disappointed he couldn't watch the pool of Mikoto's blood grow bigger and bigger.

He had a timetable to keep. And the distraction to help mask his presence was due to go off very soon. Just because his face was forgettable, it didn't mean he could dally around so blatantly on the city streets for long!

With a final shrug, he went on his merry way. Towards the Dungeon.

Syr exited the front of the Hostess, looking left and right for any sign of Noel. After returning from getting changed, no one had seen heads or tails of the young girl. So Syr was worried that Noel had gone outside and had gotten lost.

She forced her way through the crowd, looking up and down the immediate area of the street before finally coming upon the alleyway they usually utilize for the Hostess' garbage disposal.

"Oh goodness!" Syr gasped in shock, noticing Mikoto's poor condition with conventional sight before her Discerning Eye noticed the girl's dimming soul as her lifeforce flickered. Syr recognized the Eastern woman as one of those from Takemikazuchi Familia – an ally of Bell by her machinations. Someone that Syr, as Freya, owed a debt for the schemes that Mikoto had been manipulated into. A debt that Syr would make sure to pay.

She quickly ran back for the Hostess and ducked her head inside. She yelled, "Ryuu! Ryuu I need help!"

Hearing the urgency and hint of hysteria, Ryuu immediately dropped what she was doing and headed for where Syr's voice had come from; ignoring the murmuring of the Hostess' first wave of clientele as they too noticed the tone in Syr's voice.

"Follow me!" Syr insisted, "There's an adventurer that needs help!"

"Lead on," Ryuu said simply, following Syr over to the alleyway where Mikoto lay.

"Raise her head for me," Ryuu asked as she laid hands over Mikoto's stab wound and began to sing a song of healing.

Mikoto's eyes squinted open shortly after Syr raised the Eastern-woman's head.

"Don't worry, it'll be alright," Syr assured Mikoto kindly.

"That… man…" Mikoto gasped out.

"Man?" Syr asked, not fully catching Mikoto's words.

"Conserve your strength," Ryuu instructed, having cast Noah Heal once. Ryuu's eyes widened in the realization that the wound hadn't properly healed. "A curse!"

"Man… kidnapped… Noel-chan…" Mikoto gasped out, more concerned about the child she had failed to protect than her own life.

"Man? Noel?" Syr repeated, before the words Mikoto was saying finally clicked. Syr was able to quickly piece together that Noel's disappearance was linked to Mikoto's attack. Syr might as well have dropped Mikoto's head as she started to bolt to her feet.

"Syr!" Ryuu called out, surprised at the sudden movement, and scandalized at the rough treatment.

"Noel has been kidnapped!" Syr declared, "I'll go after her! I leave this adventurer in your hands!"

"Syr? Syr!" Ryuu called after her best friend as Syr ran off with no further hesitation.

"Honestly…" Ryuu said in exasperation as Syr was long gone, "The two of them keep on getting into trouble…"

She was, of course, referring to Syr and Bell.

Either way, Ryuu focused on the troubling task at hand. The adventurer that Ryuu recognized as Mikoto of Takemikazuchi Familia was in dire straits. Mikoto had lost a lot of blood and might have gotten an infection from the open stab wound that refused to close due to its nature as a result of a cursed weapon.

Ryuu knew she would need help for this. The question was did she go straight for Babel Tower's healing center or did she try to go to a pharmacy that was closer? Could she count on them having something to counter curses? Would pharmacies carry such a relatively rare status ailment?

Then Ryuu remembered the pharmacist from Miach Familia she had been formally introduced to the other night at the Ball. Considering the woman was Bell's formal primary physician (Ryuu wasn't jealous), Naaza likely had an impressive stock of potions and such prepared just in case considering who her client was.

And Ryuu knew how to get to the Blue Pharmacy. It was closer. Nothing more needed to be thought or said. Time was of the essence. Ryuu picked up Mikoto's limp body and ran.

And did so in a way that Anya, who was peeking outside, saw Ryuu run past with a limp and bloody body.

"...So it's going to be one of those days, nya?" Anya sighed, realizing things were escalating in a way that involved violence.

Syr ran, using her otherworldly sight and senses to track Noel's position now that she knew that things were serious.

And because the man in question was trying to blend in by walking with the crowd, it was relatively easy for Syr to catch up to him.

And Syr, of course, was able to recognize that plain face and red hair.

"How strange…" Syr called to Vito from right behind him in the middle of a busy street, "I wasn't even thinking about you when I set out. But even in a crowd and from behind, I still recognized you. Things are starting to fall into place. Not that I didn't notice it before."

Syr had known that various people had been watching the Hostess building lately. But she hadn't expected it to be because of this man and by extension, the Evilus Remnant. Syr was aware about a resurgent Evilus from her information network that reported on the basics of Loki Familia's movements. Though most of her most accurate information was from Bell and Ryuu who both reported sightings of Evilus on the 18th Floor.

Either way, it would seem that her escort thought it best to try and follow this particular attacker to their end destination. Syr would need to remind them to not risk small children in the future. Their sense of danger is too wacky.

"Can you hear me? Vito-san," Syr called out to the Evilus Executive.

"Hmm?" Vito hummed, turning around with a small polite smile, "Are you talking to me? Excuse my rudeness, I didn't see you there. What does a pretty waitress like you want with the likes of me?"

Vito was, of course, attempting to play dumb and blend in. He even denied that he was Vito without using an explicit lie.

"Have you been running around? You look really out of breath. What's got you in such a tizzy, honey?" Vito asked in concern.

"Don't act like you don't know…" Syr said, not playing ball with Vito's charade, nor was she afraid.

"Hey, I have no clue. If I'm lying, I'm dying," Vito continued to bullshit like he was an innocent bystander.

"That's a rather large bag you're carrying," Syr observed accusingly.

"Oh, this old thing? Yes, I'm leaving Orario you see," Vito lied as naturally as one breathes."

"Leaving?" Syr asked in momentary confusion, not having detected a lie. She internally realized that, in a way, going to the Dungeon was leaving Orario from a certain point of view.

"What can I say, I'm a rolling stone," Vito played up his 'character' as a random roaming swordsman.

"You're lying," Syr accused simply.

"...You think so?" Vito said after a tense pause.

"You're painfully obvious," Syr declared as casually as a teacher would tell a student they are wrong, "I'd laugh if you weren't such a contemptible person."

"Just how do you figure all that?" Vito asked.

"Where shall I start? That you pretended not to hear me calling to you? Or that your bag is more than just regular luggage?" Syr declared.

Vito chuckled, "That's quite the list of accusations from a stranger who I've never seen before."

"That's not all. The way you walk. The way you talk. The inflections in your voice. It's all perfect. And artificial. Like those of a professional liar," Syr, who regularly lied, was able to easily call out a mortal liar.

"Listen, little lady, are you sure you're feeling okay? Have you got any grounds for suspecting me of lying?" Vito continued to bullshit.

"No. Not as such," Syr admitted.

"In that case…"

"But I know what I'm talking about," Syr said firmly, "Why have you stopped smiling now, Vito-san?"

"..." Vito looked slightly annoyed at being pestered by a waitress at the establishment he had been staking out the last couple of days.

"You need to be more thorough if you want to deceive people," Syr lectured the man.

"Haaah…" Vito sighed in annoyance and restrained anger, "What a way to ruin my day. Those eyes of yours… It's like I'm staring down one of those detestable Gods. You're no regular serving wench, are you?"

"You crass boor!" Syr chided him for his now rough tone before saying, "I am who I am, nothing more, nothing less. I just have one more word of advice for you… If you really want to learn how to pass as a regular human, the Gods you hate so much are masters at it."

"!" Vito visibly grew angry at her words.

"To the eyes of a God, trust and deception are laid bare, plain as day," Syr said slowly and sweetly, knowing how her words were affecting the pathetic man before her.

"Cursed witch!" Vito hissed, on the verge of lashing out.

"Show me what's in your bag, Vito-san," Syr demanded calmly, "It looks big enough to fit a person inside. Like a little girl, maybe?"

Vito's face slowly shifted into a malicious grin as he laughed and laughed.

After a moment he calmed down and said, "...It's check, but not quite mate. Never thought I'd be found out this easy. Just goes to show how important it is to smile sometimes!"

Vito continued, "This whole thing is turning into a farce. Heh heh heh… but that's fine. If life is just a joke, we'd better make it a good one, right?"

"I have no intention of playing along with your nonsense. Just open the bag," Syr demanded.

"And what makes you think a delicate maiden like yourself is in any position to order me around?" Vito said threateningly.

"..." Syr had no response to that. Not one without giving away what was about to happen.

"Just walk away," Vito hissed menacingly, "You're gonna regret it if you get mixed up in this any more than you already have."

"What exactly do you mean by that?" Syr asked, phishing for information.

Her hand reached up and grasped the necklace around her neck. The one that Bell had given her. Syr had realized that she was in danger, and that even Ottar would struggle to get to her quickly with this crowd around her.

So she grabbed the necklace Bell had given her, remembering the words he had given her.

"Well, I should let you know it's not just any necklace," Bell told her, "Should you ever be in trouble... If that necklace moves really fast, like if you were to throw it, I will know and be able to find you."

"Wow, really?" Syr asked in amazement, "How does that work?"

"Let's just say it's a side effect of a magic spell," Bell with a wink and a seductive(cheeky) smirk.

"I'm not sure you know who you're messing with," Vito said rhetorically, "We may no longer be a big organization, but we make up for it with our cruelty."

"Thank you for the warning. But you needn't worry about me," Syr firmly asserted. "My friends and I are more than capable of taking anything you can dish out."

"You're not going to make this easy, are you?" Vito sighed, "Well, have it your way!"

Vito drew his blade!

Syr ripped the necklace from her neck and threw it to the ground!

CLASH!

CLING!

There was a flash of white.

As Syr opened her eyes, they widened in surprise.

Because a Hero had arrived.

Main POV

It turns out, getting to Babel was easier said than done. There was massive lunchtime traffic going on that made travel on the main and side roads slow to a crawl. Sure, I could avoid the rush by taking to the building roofs, but that was technically frowned upon and I was hardly in a rush to begin with, so I just enjoyed the peace and quiet while it lasted.

But that peace was interrupted. For my Hiraishin senses detected that Syr's necklace had been suddenly thrown to the ground!

I didn't even think. I only acted.

Clearing about 100 meters in an instant, I let my instincts guide me. Hestia Knife drawn and put in front of me to block an attack.

Metal struck metal.

A man with red hair, and an evil smile was before me.

My first impression was that this was some kind of Joker wannabe.

My second thought was recognition. This was Vito, Level 4, formerly of Erebus Familia and an Executive of Evilus.

(Sue me for remembering a lot of the contents of Astraea Record!)

"How in the world…?" Vito growled, confused at my sudden appearance.

"I'm as fast as a flash. Now piss off, Joker," I retorted, maintaining my locked blade with Vito as the crowd around us began to scatter.

Vito groaned, "Urgh, it's just one thing after another today."

Before I could say or do anything else, one of the nearby buildings exploded and caught fire.

The crowd, already freaking out at swords being drawn, went into a panic.

"Shit…" I cursed, unable to help but wonder how many have been injured or killed by that detonation.

"Bell!" Syr called to me loudly.

I looked forward again. Vito had bolted in the confusion. "He's gone!"

"He went that way. Quick, we have to catch him!" Syr declared, running towards Babel Tower.

"Oi! Wait up!" I yelled after her.

Pushing our way through the frenzying crowd was a task in and of itself. While I could have taken to the roofs, that would just look suspicious given the chaotic circumstances. And I didn't want to risk losing track of Syr, even if she had recovered her necklace.

That said, I hadn't seen which way Vito had gone and had to rely on Syr for directions thus far, but we might as well have lost him.

And so, in desperation, we asked if people had seen where Vito had gone.

We didn't have luck until we ran into Misha from the Guild.

"This is getting out of hand!" The Guild worker loudly worried, "Move aside people, we've got a fire to deal with!"

"Misha!" I called out to her, recognizing the woman in question, "Have you seen a red-headed man with a big bag pass this way?"

"Huh? Bell? Uh, yeah, I think I saw someone like that…" Misha answered in confusion.

"Which way did he go?!" Syr demanded.

"Uh, th-that way…" Misha said, pointing towards Babel Tower.

"So he's really headed for the Dungeon!" I realized.

Why wasn't he using Knossos? Shouldn't he have been angling more northward towards Daedalus Street? Maybe there was something in Knossos that would react poorly to whatever energy Noel was giving off?

Either way, Syr didn't wait for me and immediately continued running for Babel Tower.

"Syr, come back! Are you trying to get us killed!" I called out.

Put aside for a moment that I genuinely didn't want any harm to come Syr's way despite her antics. If Syr got hurt, Freya Familia would kill me! That's what I meant by saying 'us killed'.

Misha stopped me from immediately running after Syr. She asked me, "Bell, where are you going? Do you know what's going on here?"

"Sorry, Misha. No time to explain," I tell her quickly, "Go find Ryuu and the others at the Hostess of Fertility. She'll know what to do!"

This was my way of letting the others know where Syr and I were at. And because I had a feeling that backup would be needed if the Evilus Remnant was involved in kidnapping Noel.

"B-But what am I supposed to tell her?" Misha asked, scared and confused.

"Just tell her the truth! Syr! SYRRR! WAIT UP YOU STUPID MINX!" I told Misha before running after Syr who was surprisingly fast on her feet.

"Hey, are you listening to me? URGH!" I heard the voice of Misha call out behind me as I ran after Syr in the distance.

This definitely wasn't how I planned on spending my afternoon, to put it lightly. That said, I wasn't going to back down from a fight. If the Evilus Remnant wanted to shove themselves in my face, I was all too glad to punch them right across it!

I have a sneaking suspicion that stress hormones will kill me before any of my enemies get the chance to try their luck…

That was how I chased a surprisingly athletic Syr towards Babel Tower.

Vito

Level: 4

Alias: Faceless

Strength: C: 679

Vitality: B: 751

Dexterity: C: 666

Agility: C: 670

Magic: I: 0

Magic:

()

Skills:

Broken Bane – Gain increased Excelia upon eliminations proportional to the hate the user feels for the target. No effect towards monsters. Stats are lowered when facing against a hero true.

Forsaken – The user's senses are out of alignment. There are no benefits.

Development Abilities:

Abnormal Resistance - F

Killer - F

Cursed Blades - G

Guild Codex:

…the development ability known as 'Killer' seems to be earned by committing murder repeatedly and intentionally. Not for the sake of another objective, but for the sake of killing. We have been unable to gather details from adventurers with this ability for obvious reasons. It has been speculated that it increases stats and/or attack power when fighting other people with the intent to kill them…

…'Cursed Blades' is another development ability that is poorly understood due to the fact that its user's tend to be on the wrong side of the law. It is assumed that the ability is similar to ones like Spearman or Swordsman in that it provides a proficiency and attack bonus to the associated weapon type – in this case, any and all cursed weapons…

Ryuu Lion

Level 5

Alias: Gale Wind

Unofficial Aliases: Fairy Crusader, Destroyer of Evilus, Paragon (of Justice), Untouchable Waitress, Rabbit Lover

Strength: F: 314

Vitality: H: 101

Dexterity: F: 340

Agility: F: 333

Magic: G: 281

Author's Notes:

(1) If Bell knew about this, the entire mystery around the spawning of the Juggernaut would suddenly become clear to him – as he'd be able to deduce Freya's involvement. Oh the humanity!

Heh. Sure, I'm still gonna have a War Game, but you better believe that it's not going to be another damn Castle Siege! We've seen plenty of those already. And, frankly, the sheer chance of it happening in a do-over-like situation such as this is just not possible.

That said, I found it hard to make the War Game odds balanced in a satisfying way. Because Ryuu would always find a way to butt in, but she is functionally a Level 6 which makes it hard to find opponents for her. And I don't believe the manpower of just Soma and Apollo Familias is enough to really stop Ryuu. She's too OP.

Thus, Ishtar joins as a way to subtly try to handle the entire Haruhime situation that Bell has constructed in this timeline. I've laid out my logic especially in Ishtar's monologues to herself, so I hope people understand my line of reasoning behind it all. But to put it simply, Ishtar has all but given up on attacking Freya Familia in the near future. In her head, Freya Familia is already aware of her schemes and so without the element of surprise and two of her trump cards, there's no point. Might as well get revenge on the rabbit that ruined everything.

It's kind of hard to keep track of how others would and should react to Bell, who subverts expectations of strength so badly. And to remember the relative short amount of time he has been active.

But yeah, I'm surprised no one had the impression that I would have multiple Familias in the War Game. Zanis outright said that Soma Familia would join the War Game last chapter. And Ishtar almost immediately implied as much in her subsequent soliloquy.

And, oh yeah, he still has hits on him from her and the Creature-led Evilus Remnant. Wonderful, right?

That said, there is nothing stopping Zanis from thinking he can fuck with Bell and Lili before the War Game even starts, as Hestia implies. There is a greater than zero chance of Bell toppling Soma Familia before they even get to partake in the War Game.

The scenes with Aisha were a relatively last minute addition. Despite her brash character, I find it hard to write Aisha as a pseudo-antagonist. Chalk up any weirdness with Aisha's character as a result of her desires conflicting with Ishtar's charm on her, resulting in odd and confusing behavior.

Also, Bell, the hell. Why are you doing a very human thing by being too lazy (and not paranoid enough) to always have a bag full of Hiraishin knives on your person? What a dumbass(I'm being sarcastic). That said, I've hinted multiple times that he has been less prudent lately with not bringing a pouch of those with him everywhere, particularly when escorting Hestia around town. To be fair, however, he is trying to avoid using Hiraishin in public for the time being.

Noel has been taken, and thus the events of the Winter Magic Miracle Tale are finally kicking off. Can Bell and Co. save the child or will Bell once more have to watch as an innocent person vanishes before his eyes? Will Vito somehow make it out alive like a cockroach or will he finally get his due? Find out next time!