Chapter 5: New plans
At the late afternoon, when the tavern was bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, the door creaked open. Bell Cranel, the boy at the heart of all the recent turbulence, walked in unaware of the storm he had stirred.
Upon seeing her, Bell's face instantly brightened. "Ryu!" he greeted, his genuine enthusiasm seeping through his voice. He approached the somber figure sitting at a booth. His eyes were full of innocence and naivety, unaware of the small ripples his presence had caused within the tavern.
Ryu felt a twinge of guilt as she prepared to tell Bell about the argument with Syr. After a moment's hesitation, she began, "Bell, we need to talk." Bell joined her at a booth.
At the end of her explanation, Bell sat in silence, processing the information. But before Bell could digest this information fully, she hurriedly continued, "She cared a lot for you, Bell. But it's more than that. She feels betrayed because we were friends, and I...I didn't consider her feelings. It was selfish."
Bell blinked, absently messing with his white locks as he slowly processed Ryu's confession. He had realized that Syr was fond of him, but he never saw her as anything more than a dear friend. His heart, on the other hand, fluttered for Ryu, the woman in front of him, and no other. This twisted love triangle has caused a rift, which he couldn't afford in his life when only unity and camaraderie would help him reach his goals.
With a deep sigh, Bell looked at Ryu, burning determination shining in his eyes.
"Ryu," he began, his voice firm and steady, "I'm sorry for the pain I've unknowingly caused. But I can't pretend I feel something for Syr that I don't. And I can't deny what I feel for you, either. That wouldn't be fair to Syr or to us."
A melancholic silence pervaded their booth. The familiar clinking of glasses and the soft buzz of conversations from the other patrons felt like distant echoes to them both.
"I... I've decided to leave," Ryu's voice was almost a whisper, as though the words were too heavy to raise her voice. Ryu's adorable elfin ears drooped like he had never seen before.
"Do you mean the Tavern?" Bell asked, concern etching deeper upon his youthful face.
"Yes," Ryu nodded, "I can't face her every day, knowing that my presence only brings her pain. I shall inform Mia of my decision tomorrow."
Although Bell wanted to intercede, he empathized with Ryu's struggle. A pang of sorrow clouded his countenance even further. Working under the same roof with someone nursing resentment against you was no small torment.
It was a decision born of respect and consideration, albeit heartbreaking for all. But at that moment, under the shadowy cloak of uneasy silence, Bell understood more than ever, the strength and noble heart of the elf before him.
That was when Bell asked her with slight trepidation, "Ryu, there's room for you in the Hestia Familia. And not just because I want you there, but I truly believe your skills and perspective will be an indispensable asset to us."
Ryu looked straight into Bell's eyes, seeing the mixture of resolve, truth, and affection reflected there. How could she say no to this man, the man who had stolen her heart?
"I'll come, Bell," Ryu answered, her voice steady and filled with a determination mirroring Bell's. "It's time I seriously consider my future too."
Bell reached out to gently grab Ryu's slender hand, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. Not crumbling under her startled reaction, he firmly held her gaze. "Let me walk you home."
Ryu didn't respond at first, her shock taking a moment to subside. Their fellow patrons blurred into insignificance - their rowdy voices and laughter drowned out by the steady pounding of Bell's heartbeat.
Still holding her hand, Bell stood, gently ushering Ryu to her feet. There was a different air about him, an invigorating shift from the courteous, slightly bashful Bell the residents of Orario knew. Under the dim tavern lights, he looked... mature.
"Then, tomorrow," he paused, his red eyes leaving no question unsaid, "We'll approach Lady Hestia about you—joining the Hestia Familia."
The silence that enveloped their booth was pregnant with anticipation. Bell held his breath, watching for the slightest reactions in her face. He felt her pull slightly against his grip but didn't let go. He wouldn't, not until she understood his sincerity.
Finally, Ryu gave a curt nod, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. "A journey under the moonlight, then? Bell Cranel, you really are full of surprises."
To be continued...