All over the room, there was a deadly pressure in the air. Most of that was felt in the Hestia Familia as Bell had so boldly claimed he no longer wanted to be part of his Familia. The same one he was Captain of and basically carried to where it was now. That same person had just said they no longer want to be part of the Familia. Naturally, they all had their own opinions about it.

Hestia: B-B-Bell... y-you shouldn't joke around like that!

Lili: Y-Yeah, it's really scary.

Bell: Who said I was joking?

Lili: Huh?

Welf: Bell?

Bell: I'm not coming home tonight. Goddess, let's go up so you can unseal my blessing.

Hestia: There's no way I'll agree to that! Bell, you're part of my Familia!

Bell: And I don't want to be anymore.

Welf: Bell.

He turned to Welf who sat in his seat but kept his serious expression on his face.

Welf: You're sure about this?

Bell: *Nods* Yeah, I've made up my mind.

Hestia: B-But what about everything we've been through together?! You'd leave that all behind?

Bell: I've talked with a lot of people, Goddess. I've had plenty of time to reflect on everything that's happened and they all say I'm not treated like the Captain I should be.

Lili: Of course you are!

Bell: Then why can't I have my own freedom to do what I want? Why can't you respect the important decisions I've made? You could barely stomach Ryuu and now you're acting like this with Syr. I couldn't have told you any sooner unless you were right there with me.

Lili: But Master Bell-

Bell: I wasn't done!

They flinched back when his voice raised up.

Bell: For as long as I've known you, both of you haven't changed much when it came to me. It was like I was always going to be yours. Like I'm just some kind of prize. I just thought it was because of gratitude in your own way. Maybe I thought that because I didn't want to see people important to me in that light, but I can't live like that anymore.

Hestia: Then we can change! You should've just told us!

Bell: How could I tell you anything if you two would just overreact? It was like this when I introduced Ryuu the first time!

Hestia: But-

Bell: No, I've had enough! I already saw what you did to Syr! You could barely show Ryuu the respect she deserved! If this is how you're going to treat them, then I don't want to be treated like some kind of item anymore longer! Unseal your blessing!

Hestia: NO!!! You can't leave me after everything we've been through together!!

Bell: Yes, I can! You can't deny me my own freedom!

Lili: *Panicking* Sir Welf! Lady Mikoto! Lady Haruhime!

Welf: *Looking at the ground* Where do you think they get the stuff for this floor?

Mikoto: Wherever it comes from it's clear it's very high quality.

Lili: Come on~!

Bell: So, what's it going to be Goddess?

The tiny goddess whimpered before she saw Syr get up and smirk at her.

Syr: What? You gonna throw another temper tantrum?

Hestia: Don't talk to me, you witch!

Bell: I'm still here.

Hestia: Kh!! Bell, don't make me do this!!

Ryuu: Him? You did this to yourselves. Now, you face the consequences.

Hestia grit her teeth with tears in her eyes. The rest of the bar was totally silent at this lover's quarrel made more tense with a goddess involved along with a famous adventurer. In her mind, the tiny goddess tried to find any way out of this but when Bell didn't do anything, the women would slam the door shut in her face.

Bell: Goddess, you've already made enough of a scene tonight. Just get this over with before you embarrass all of us even more.

Hestia: *Crying* No! You can't make me!

And she ran out in tears!

Bell: Goddess!!

He reached for the exit but she was already gone. The albino kept his gaze to the ground before Mia bashed the bar.

Mia: Oi! This ain't a theater! If you're not gonna eat, then pay your bill and go!

The awkward atmosphere shifted to one of terror as the onlookers quickly finished their food and left pouches of money on their tables. Meanwhile, Mikoto and Haruhime practically dragged Lili back home with them. Welf was the last to leave as he placed his hand on his friend's shoulder.

Welf: Bell... I'm sorry it came to this.

His bangs covered his eyes, so he couldn't see what was going on the albino's face, but the red-head wasn't aiming to take a peek in the first place.

Bell: Me too.

He kept his fists clenched as the last of the patrons left.

BAM*

Adventurer A: *Walking inside* Rev up those fryers! 'Cause I am sure hungry for some-

Grab*

The dwarf grabbed him and carried him over her on the way to the door.

Adventurer A: HELP!!! HELP!!!

WHOOSH*

Adventurer A: My leg!!

Mia: Can't you see we're closed?!

She all but threw out the new man who walked in. She saw fit to close up shop early after tonights drama episode. His gaze never left the ground and the waitresses looked at him with concern.

Syr: Bell?

Bell: I... I'll head up first.

Syr: Th-That's fine! We can handle everything here! We'll meet you up there later!

Ryuu: Yes. No need to concern yourself with us.

Bell: ...Sorry.

He made his way to the stairs and up to Ryuu's room as the girls went to finish their work quickly. Well, tried before Mia came in.

Mia: Elf.

Ryuu: Huh?

The dwarf got in Ryuu's way to the kitchen before crossing her arms and pointing to the stairs.

Mia: Get yer ass up there.

Ryuu: But-

Mia: Just go. Now ain't the time for the boy to be by himself.

The elf was surprised before she nodded and made her way up.

Mia: Syr, just clear that sink and go join her.

Syr: Right!

While one got busy in the kitchen, Ryuu went up to her room to keep Bell company. When she went inside, she found said rabbit sniffling by himself on the edge of her bed.

Ryuu: Bell.

Whether he registered her presence she didn't know. The elf quickly changed her garments to ones for sleeping before sliding on the bed next to him. Not entirely sure what to do, she did what felt right and hugged him close while petting his head.

Ryuu: It's going to be alright.

Bell: *Sniffle* I don't understand, Ryuu. Is it too much to ask that TWO people get some proper respect. I'm not as bothered by how I'm treated by them, but knowing they'll never be willing to change- I...

He groaned and held his head in his hands.

Bell: They were the first people I ever knew in Orario. They were also the first in my Familia. I-I never wanted it to come to this, but I don't think I can go on if these two sides can't get along.

Ryuu: I'm sorry, Bell.

Bell: Ryuu, this isn't your fault! This is far from the first time they've acted like this. Actually, it's been ever since I met Lili and the two were like this with every girl I've met.

Ryuu: Still, I only made it worse.

Syr: That's not entirely true.

They both turned to Syr as she let herself into the room.

Syr: Bell, you said they were willing to at least give Ryuu a chance, right?

Bell: Yeah?

Syr: If they would change their minds so easily, then they weren't being genuine after all.

Ryuu: Wait, wouldn't that make this partly your fault?

Syr: No, and that's not important. The point is, Bell, this is the healthier choice for you. It doesn't really matter which Familia you join now, but some time apart will be much needed for you.

Bell: You think so?

Syr: Sure I do! You can trust me! So, first thing tomorrow, we'll go to your Familia's home to get your business done with.

Ryuu: What about a place to sleep for him? He's basically moving out.

The albino widened his eyes as he came to that realization as well. Not only that, but he'd have to leave behind his Hestia Knife as well. Once he found a new Familia, that blade wouldn't be useful to him anymore.

Bell: I could probably find an inn to stay at for a while.

Syr: Or, you could stay here with us.

Bell: Huh?

Syr: What? Is it so shocking that people in a relationship live with each other?

Bell: I-I wouldn't want to trouble Mama Mia. Not after what happened tonight.

Syr: We can ask her together. Anyway, we should save that for the morning. Time to sleep.

She yawned loudly before cuddling up to Bell and wrapping herself around him.

Ryuu: *Blushing* S-Syr!!

Syr: *Snoring*

Bell: *Blushing* (How is she asleep already?!)

Feeling slightly jealous, she's actually very jealous, Ryuu cuddled up closer to Bell as well. As for the rabbit, he'd would wonder the next morning how he fell asleep at all, but he was thankful his girls were there to help, even for the moment.

The next morning...

Syr got up first and opened the window in their room. After a quick wash, she changed clothes and Ryuu woke up as well. Bell still appeared to be out cold.

Ryuu: He must have been really worn out from last night.

Syr: Yeah. What do you think he's dreaming about.

Bell: *Asleep* Mm... oh... Ryuu... Syr...

The two began blushing when he moaned their names in his sleep.

Ryuu: *Blushing* (Bell!! What are we doing in his dream!?)

The silver-haired girl was having a few unholy thoughts of her own. Meanwhile, Bell continued to mumble.

Bell: *Sleeping* Yes... just like that. Ah~

Ryuu: *Blushing* Sh-Shouldn't we wake him up? Syr?

She looked to her friend and noticed her nose was bleeding just a bit.

Ryuu: Syr!

Bell: That's right... you pour that tomato sauce... all over my spaghetti. You beautiful women who live in this pub...

They were then snapped from their trances when he said that. One of them being disappointed it wasn't something from her endless stash of horny scenarios.

Syr: *Disappointed* He was dreaming about that?

Things got too awkward for the elf when Bell started making slurping sounds and puckering his mouth that looked like he was eating.

Ryuu: *Shaking him* Bell, wake up!

Bell: *Groaning* Wha- who's there?

Ryuu: Bell, it's morning.

Bell: Oh, morning, Ryuu. I was having the best dream where-

Ryuu: *Blushing* I-I don't think that's important! We have something to do today, remember?!

Bell: Ah, you're right!

Bell and the others got dressed and prepared to head to Hearth Manor to try and talk things out. Meanwhile, word of the bar fight in the Hostess began to spread as well as Bell's relationships with the waitresses there.

With the Loki Familia...

Riveria: For the last time, Ais, kissing isn't what makes babies appear.

Ais: Then what does?

Riveria: *Sigh* That's not important right now. Come on, let's eat breakfast.

On their way down, the hall was very lively with their Familia gossiping about many things. Tiona and the other girls saw them and invited them over to their table after they grabbed some food.

Riveria: Good morning, everyone.

Lefiya: Good morning, Lady Riveria. Miss Ais.

Tiona: So, did anyone else hear what happened last night?

Riveria: Did something happen?

Tiona: A lot of people are talking about a bar fight in the Hostess yesterday.

Riveria: A bar fight there is already a bad idea.

Tiona: Apparently, it wasn't violent, but Mr. Argonaut was involved.

Riveria: Was he?

Lefiya: What did he do?

Tione: So, get this. His Familia is already there and waiting for him when his Goddess and supporter start arguing with one of the waitresses. They eventually end up spilling drinks on her and saying nasty things about them before the kid arrives.

Tiona: The whole is apparently because he was dating both of them and his supporter and Goddess got super jealous!

Snap*

Ais: Huh?

They turned to Ais and saw she'd broken the silver wear she was using to eat.

Tiona: You good, Ais?

Ais: What did Bell do?

Tiona: Well, he basically asked that he had his blessing unsealed so he could transfer Familias. Looks like he's done with his old one.

Riveria: *Sigh* The whims of these gods and mortals alike will always be a headache.

As she rubbed her head, the high elf's eyes snapped open when she recalled what the amazon had just told her.

Riveria: Wait, Tiona. You said Mr. Cranel was dating them?

Tiona: Yeah. Sounds like it was the blonde elf and the grey-haired girl.

Riveria: *Grimace* (She beat you to him. Both of them. Sorry, Ais.)

They turned to the blonde who trembled in her seat before a loud screech followed from her standing up.

Tione: Ais?

The blonde's bangs covered her eyes so no one could see her face.

Ais: I-I'm going to go to the Dungeon now.

Lefiya: Wait, you barely ate anything.

Ais: I'm n-not that hungry.

Whoosh*

Activating her wind, she rushed out of the hall and the others wondered what was wrong with her. Only Riveria knew what was going on if the brief droplets of tears the girl left behind as she left were any indication.

Riveria: Oh, Ais...

With Bell...

Hestia: NO!!! I'm not letting you leave me!!!

Bell: Listen here, you four-foot Olympian cunt-

Take 2

Bell: Goddess, you can't hold me here! I have the right to go where I please and for the foreseeable future, that's away from here!

Ryuu: Goddess Hestia, stop being childish and just do this for him.

Hestia: You shut your mouth!! This wouldn't be happening if it weren't for you and-

Welf: Lady Hestia, just get it over with. You'll only make us look worse by stalling.

Mikoto: Sir Welf is right. There's no point in delaying the inevitabable... in-inevitab- in-inev... there's no point in delaying what's coming for sure.

Lili: You can't leave! You promised Lili you'd never leave!

Welf: Whose fault do you think it is that he wants to leave? We're lucky to find love at all in our lives and the moment Bell finds his, you two do your damndest to get in their way!

Lili: They don't deserve him!

Haruhime: And what have either of you done that makes you different?

Hestia: I'm his Goddess! I gave him a home and a Familia!

Lili: Lili has been his partner since the beginning.

Welf: Yeah, like that time you stole his knife.

Haruhime: Your recent actions have replaced any good deeds you've done when you disrespected his partners.

Hestia and Lili saw that the three were not going to take their side in this argument.

Bell: Goddess. Lili. I don't want to have to argue with either of you anymore than I have to. Please, just do this for me.

Hestia: *Crying* But Bell...

Welf: *Glaring* Lady Hestia.

Ryuu: Enough dodging. Do what Bell asks before you lose what little respect he has for either of you.

The tiny goddess finally complied through her gritted teeth and unsealed his blessing at last. Once that was done, both she and Lili tearfully ran to their rooms and left everyone in the living room.

Mikoto: Do you have any plans now, Sir Bell? Where will you stay?

Syr: He'll stay with us at the Hostess. We can talk Mama Mia into it.

Mikoto: That's a relief.

Ryuu: We should be going. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Welf: They brought this on themselves and I made a lot of Valis.

Bell: I'm sorry, guys.

Haruhime: Please, don't be sorry. You should live how you want.

Bell: *Smiling* Thanks.

As they were about to leave, Bell and Welf had a last talk.

Welf: If you ever want to keep partying with us, you don't have to be scared.

Bell: I'm going to take a little break from the Dungeon for a while, but I'll always be up to adventure with you all.

Welf: *Smiling* Great!

The albino took a few moments to take several of his belongings from his room to complete his move out. With the help of Ryuu and Syr, the three had his things in the living room as they stood by the door.

Mikoto: *Smiling* Take care, Sir Bell.

Haruhime: Best wishes.

Welf: Good luck, brother.

Bell: Thanks, everyone.

He and Welf bumped fists before the three left and Welf, Mikoto and Haruhime remained.

Welf: *Sigh*

He slumped on the couch as they reflected on the last hour.

Mikoto: He's gone.

Haruhime: Yeah.

Drip*

Mikoto: Haruhime?

Haruhime: *Tearing up* I... I don't have to be strong anymore... right? *Hic*

She turned to her friend and saw tears were flowing out of her eyes at a rapid pace.

Mikoto: Haruhime!

She brought the renard into a hug as her mental barriers started breaking down.

Haruhime: *Hic* It's over... I-I *sob* I lost him to Miss Syr and Lady Ryuu. I feel happy for him and yet... *sob* why? Why does it hurt so much?!

She sobbed louder on her friend's shoulder as Mikoto silently comforted her friend.

With Bell...

They returned to the Hostess and everyone was surprised by all the bags they were carrying.

Mia: What are you girls doing? You're late for morning chores and now yer setting up a yard sale?

Syr: Oh, no. These are Bell's things. We're helping him move them into our room.

Anya: Nya?! White hair is moving in?

Mia: And who authorized this?

Ryuu: Uh, Syr?

Syr: Oh, right, can he stay with us?

Mia: And what makes you think I'll allow that?

The waitress did a little spin and gave the dwarf her cutest smile along with a wink and sticking her tongue out a bit. The dwarf replied with a downward bash to the girl's head, sending her face first to the floor.

Mia: *Turning to Ryuu* And you.

The elf nearly jumped in place before trembling in fear from the dwarf's menacing aura.

Mia: Do you really think I'm going to allow the rabbit to stay with you, especially with all the girls here?

Ryuu: *Scared* I-I...

Mia: *Menacing* Well?!

Ryuu: Uh... (Quick! Think! What would Ardee do?)

Ryuu: (Um... Um... What would Alise do?)

Ryuu: *Terrified* (What would Kaguya- wait!)

In Heaven...

Kaguya: BITCH!!! You're not even gonna finish asking me?! MMPH!!!

She felt her mouth get covered before she was dragged away.

Back with Bell...

Bell: Please, don't be upset with them! Most of this was my fault!

Mia: Damn right it was! That's why I should tell you that you better not try anything with my other girls. Not when you have Syr and Ryuu.

Bell: I won't! Wait, what?

Mia: I'll do you a favor and let you stay here until you find a new Familia. Heh, looks like you followed my advice after all.

Anya: Yay! White hair is living with us, nya!

Chloe: At last, one step closer to his ass.

Ryuu: Thank goodness.

Anya: Thank you, Mama!

Mia: Yeah yeah.

Anya: *To Syr on the ground* Say thank you, Syr-nya.

Syr: *Groaning in pain*

She was still face down on the floor. Several hours later, Bell was fully situated in the pub and would stay in Ryuu's room with her. Meanwhile, with Syr, the girl was currently standing in front of the sink that was full of dirty dishes.

Mia: Since I was so kind as to allow your boyfriend to stay here, you'll be cleaning all of these.

Syr: *Intimidated* By myself?!

Mia: *Cracking her knuckles* This sounds like insubordination.

Syr: Mama, this pile is huge! There's no way I can do this on my own!

Mia: *Smiling* And that sounds like it's not my problem.

Syr: But-

Mia: *Menacing* Don't make me bring out the anti-horny serum, girl!

Syr: HII!!! S-Sorry!!

Over the next several days, Bell would adjust to his new life in the Hostess. With just a few modifications.

Mia: You gotta pull some weight of yer own here, boy.

Bell: I can help in the kitchen or wherever you need me if you go a little easier on Ryuu and Syr.

Mia: Why would I do that?

Bell: You don't have to pay me and I can work extra shifts for a little bit.

Mia: I can give them a day off a week to spend with you if you work day to night.

Bell: Two days.

Mia: I'll give you extra meatballs with your spaghetti from now on.

Bell: Deal!

They shook on it and Bell was fully recruited. Though, his trip to the market with Ryuu was... eventful.

Demeter: Bell, I heard you want a new Familia to join! I have nice carrots ready for a rabbit!

Hermes: Bell, join with me! Your harem doesn't end with just two women!

Bell: *Grabbing Ryuu's hand* Cranel Family Secret Technique!

WHOOSH*

Bell: Nigerundayo!!

The two ran off in a hurry with their groceries while several gods chased them. A few turns later, they lost them and returned to the Hostess.

Bell: I know I made a scene that night, but it's not like I'm in a hurry to find a new Familia!

Mia: Well, unless yer lookin' to work for me full-time, you should find one to join soon.

Many other gods shared the idea to recruit the Rabbit Foot as a famous Level 4 would be a major boost to just about any Familia.

With the Loki Familia...

Loki: Ok!! We need ideas! How do we recruit rabbit boy to my Familia?!

Bete: Do we really need him?

Gareth: The lad's a Level 4 with a promising future. It'd be a waste to not at least try.

Finn: Indeed, but we mustn't force him to a decision. We merely give him the option if he so chooses.

All the executives were in Finn's office discussing this.

Loki: Also, we should try to accommodate both him and his girlfriends if he chooses us.

In the room, Ais felt another pang in her chest before she stood up.

Ais: Captain, I'm going to step out.

Finn: Are you sure? We aren't done here.

Ais: I... I don't feel well.

Finn: Hm... alright. Rest in your room until you feel better.

She nodded and left along with leaving everyone there confused.

Lefiya: Miss Ais has been acting strange the last few days.

Tiona: Yeah, I'm starting to get worried.

Loki: Any ideas why, Riveria?

Riveria: I'll go check on her myself, Captain.

Finn: *Nods* Please do.

The high elf left and went to Ais' room.

Knock Knock*

Riveria: Ais? It's me.

She waited a few moments and waited for an answer yet none arrived.

Riveria: Ais, I'm coming in.

She opened the door and saw the girl curled up in her blankets.

Riveria: Ais?

As she got closer, she heard sniffling which told her the girl was crying to herself.

Ais: *Hic* Riveria...

Riveria: Talk to me, Ais. You can tell me anything.

Ais: *Hic* Why does my chest hurt everytime I think of Bell?

Riveria: *Rubbing her back* Mm. That's because of heartache. I've seen it in plenty of people and it's usually because they lost their love.

Ais: *Hic* It's not fair... I met him first.

Riveria: That's just how love is, I'm afraid. I'm sorry, Ais.

Ais: *Hic* Can you stay here for a little bit? Until I go to sleep?

Riveria: *Small smile* Of course.

She stayed behind to comfort her daughter who let out her sadness of losing her rabbit. She would not be the only blonde crying. Back in Bell's old home, Mikoto was sleeping with Haruhime as the renard was still recovering from a heartbreak of her own. With a certain albino, he was thinking about his own future while in the middle of his work.

Bell: Hm, what should I do now? I need a new Familia to join.

A shock ran up Syr's spine as she turned over to him.

Syr: Oh, Bell! I think I have an idea for-

AN: And cut! That concludes this chapter for now. I do apologize for the delay. The usual things have been happening but this story has returned once more. Speaking of returning stories,StevenShowerhas comeback on his main platform to bring us all a new chapter of his Heart of Alfheim. If for some reason you haven't already, check his stuff out. He's the mastermind behind this story as well so show him your love too.

As always, thanks for reading. Feel free to let me know what you thought of this and I'll see you in the next one.