Note: Reading the reviews of the last two chapters has made it rather clear to me that I handled Bell's lesson in the past few chapters poorly. A part of it is that I actually rewrote the entire bar scene last minute because I didn't like how it flowed in third person. In doing so I stripped the scene of some necessary context for the characters involved. For example, Ryuu just didn't want him to expect a sudden healer in the dungeon so he doesn't die. Mia on the other hand, overestimated his way with people and changed to the "ask for help" lesson when she saw things escalating. Please remember that Bell is not a reliable narrator. Either way, I'm sorry to have disappointed you all. In the coming days I will be updating the previous two chapters to better reflect the vision I had for the story and will post a follow up update to notify you when the updates are complete.
To the people waiting for an answer as to why Ryuu, an elf, did not know of her own magic circle when they are the only race capable of naturally using magic, I would like you to please wait for the answer to that. I assure you however that I do indeed have a plan and have had a plan for this for quite some time.
Note 2: After considering it, I have decided that instead of redoing the previous chapters, I will write it forwards.
The tolling bells of Orario's grand clock rang out soon after Ryuu left.
Is it noon already? I guess that means its time to go hire a supporter. As I stand from my desk, I can't help reflecting on the conversation I just had. Ryuu is an elf, the only race naturally capable of casting magic, even if it is like comparing a spark to an inferno. Why can't she see magic circles? Even if having a falna does prevent people from seeing them like I think it does, she should have seen them before anyways.
What's really going on here?
I feel my feet carrying me to the fountain plaza, even if I'm not really paying attention as I go. It just doesn't make any sense. Magic should come as naturally as breathing to elves.
Oh. Oh!
Maybe because it comes naturally, elves don't actually bother with magic circles, at least not consciously. I mean, I don't think about taking a breath every time I inhale right? Maybe its like that. Why can't they see other elves' magic circles then? Maybe they skip the step entirely? Ryuu's spell was too effective to be natural magic so maybe that's why it had a circle…
I pull my hair as I shake my head. Damn it! Why is this so complicated?! Why does a falna even interfere with seeing circles to begin with?!
This is just frustrating! I feel like I'm gonna go insane!
Wait- when did that water get there and why is it getting closer?
At noon, the fountain plaza of Orario is a completely different place.
Instead of being a peaceful reprieve from the general hustle and bustle of the city, it transforms into a den of desperation and thieves. It becomes a gathering place for unemployed supporters looking to make any money they can, by any means necessary.
It's a travesty that such a delightful place is tainted by our presence enough that even civilians avoid the plaza during the noon hour. Only the most desperate, naïve or unsavory of adventurers come here to hire us. Not that hiring the desperate has no advantages. It's a rule amongst us thieves not to ask any questions. Makes having a tool to set traps for other adventurers much easier if the tool isn't asking too many questions.
I don't often announce it to others but my name is Liliruca Arde, a member of the Soma familia. My entire familia is filled to the brim with desperation and treachery. It would be no exaggeration to say that the lot of us are the most desperate to rake in capital in the whole of Orario.
Unfortunately, I'm too weak to indulge in some of my familia's more… egregious and profitable endeavors and I'm frequently treated as a sacrifice, but my short stature does have its advantages.
For one, naïve adventures are easier to trick so they tend to be my prime target. In fact I'm here staking out for one today.
Newbies aren't the most common but they come through often enough. I might be here the whole hour though. Maybe even for the next few days before I can pull in a single Valis, but that's the life of a Soma supporter.
As I'm thinking this, someone catches my eye.
A short white haired boy wondering around with his head lost in thought. His ruby red eyes opening and squinting shut in quick succession as he seems to go through some mental struggle.
That is, until he walks straight up to the fountain and falls face first into the water.
The other supporters all burst out laughing as the kid flails around in the water. Me though? I feel a somewhat vicious smile pull at my cheeks. For someone like me to make money, I need to do whatever it takes to survive. No matter what.
And it seems like today's payday.
My face must be as red as my eyes. I've made a fool of myself… I was so lost in thought that I walked straight into the fountain. I don't think I've ever been more embarrassed in my life and all my clothes are soaked now. I-I should just cut my losses and leave.
The laughter of the people surrounding me was deafening as I trudged my way out of the plaza. Maybe I'll wait a while and try again…
"Excuse me Mr. fountain man?" a soft voice called out to me.
A short, rusty haired girl with brownish amber eyes and a pair of cute dog ears is staring up at me. She's… really cute…
"Mr?" she repeated a little nervously.
Oh shoot. Was I staring? "Ah sorry, did you need something?" I ask, smiling despite my embarrassment.
She nods "Lily was wondering if Mr. fountain man was an adventurer?"
I make a strange sound. I didn't realize what she called me last time. "I uh really made an impression didn't I?" she must have heard my muttering because she nodded enthusiastically "Well, my name's Bell, and yes I am an adventurer. I'd really appreciate it if we could forget about earlier…"
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Yes sir Mr. Bell sir. Lily has already forgotten." Thank the gods… "Is Mr. Bell trying to find a supporter?" I nod "The would Mr. Bell be opposed to hiring Lily?"
Wait really? It's that easy?! What a stroke of luck! "Absolutely!" I must have shouted because everyone's looking at me again but I couldn't care less. I found a supporter! Lily seems taken aback but quickly smiled as well "Meet me in front of the dungeon tomorrow at noon and every morning just after sunrise after that!"
A strange expression crossed her face "Wait how early?" I couldn't quite hear what she asked as I started running back to the hostess. I wrapped up early which means I can keep trying to learn magic before work!
It may have been awkward but so far things are turning out great today! Here's hoping it will stay that way!
It did not stay that way.
I got back to the Hostess in high spirits and threw myself into my magic studies… only to accomplish absolutely nothing in the four hours I spent on it. I tried feeling for magic, tried to force the damn rune to light up, tried both at once, and still nothing! I may as well have been bashing my skull against the wall for all the good my efforts did me!
And so here I am at my daily pre-shift briefing from Mama Mia, explaining how I got a supporter.
"-and while I was running away from the laughter, she just came up and offered her services. If it weren't for Ms. Lily, I probably wouldn't have gotten a supporter today at all." I finished my explanation and Mama let out a sigh.
And promptly slammed her fist on my head "Owowow! What was that for?!" I shout as I clutch my now throbbing skull.
"That was for being an idiot brat." Ouch, I already knew that, you didn't have to beat it into my head! "Leaving your social ineptitude aside for now, you're being put in charge of the Loki familia executives' table tonight."
"Isn't that a big job? It doesn't make any sense to assign me there…" What reason could she possibly have to use me instead of Ryuu or even Chloe?
Mama Mia smiled awkwardly and scratched at her chin "Well, after the crap from last night, I felt I needed to do something to make it up to you." Huh? Make it up to me? "I thought what I was doing was the best way to teach you to ask for help, but clearly I was wrong. I expected too much from you. Especially since I didn't give you any indication that's what I was going for. So for that, I'm sorry."
I-I don't know what to say. I've never seen Mama look so unsure. Since I met her she's been a bastion of confidence. Seeing her like this… "It's okay Mama, you did what you thought was best and well, even though it blew up in my face, I appreciate all the help you've offered me."
"Heh, well okay then kid." Apparently that was all she needed to go back to normal "Anyways, nothing specific to learn tonight, just don't let that rowdy goddess Loki know that you don't have a falna. These are some of Orario's top adventurers. Use them. Probe them for anything you can. You can do this Bell."
I nod "I'll learn as much as I can from them." After a quick introduction and explanation as to the members of the Loki familia, I started to leave the privacy of the kitchen when Mia called back to me.
"Remember Bell, you can't lie to a god, but half truths? Those are fair game." Her tone is serious. She really doesn't want me getting caught out…
"Understood." And with that I left the kitchen into the main room.
Sweeping my gaze across the dining area, I spotted the motley crew that makes up the Loki Executives.
I make note of every person sitting at the table.
A well mannered, incredibly short, blue eyed, blonde haired boy wearing a purple dress shirt, a pallum if I had to guess. That must be Finn Deimne. Captain.
A blocky chinned, brown haired dwarf with a frankly splendid beard is making merry while nursing a mug of ale, probably got one on his way in. This must be Gareth Landrock.
A beautiful, overly clingy, at least to Finn, Amazoness with dark green eyes, straight black hair and some rather noticeable assets. She is occupied by a drink in one hand and her seemingly (hopefully) suffering captain in the other. This must be Tione Hiryute, one of the twin amazon executives which means…
Short, messy black hair and green eyes to match her sister's, even if her assets don't quite match up. She must be Tiona Hiryute. She's gesturing wildly seemingly telling a story of some kind to her fellow executives. She seems nice.
Next at the table is an utterly gorgeous woman with long golden hair and eyes to match frame her doll like features. Her long white dress covered by a steel chest plate are, as my grandfather would say, a mortal sin. She is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, although I might be biased that Ryuu beats her on that front. So that's Ais Wallenstein, the sword princess…
Forcing myself to tear my eyes away, I wouldn't want to be caught staring after all I continued my observations and, had I been drinking, I would have spit it out. I thought Mama's description of Riveria Ljos Alf sounded familiar! But sitting in front of me is proof. The beautiful green haired woman I met at the library really is the vice captain of the Loki familia.
Controlling myself as best I can I moved on to the next person, a red haired ironing board- I mean goddess trying desperately to reach Ms. Riveria with a lecherous grin and amused, closed eyes. Was Mama trying to make a joke? There's no way this is the goddess Loki right? Feeling it out a little more I can feel the divinity rolling off of her in waves. I feel bad for her executives…
And finally is a face I'll never forget. Spiteful orange eyes, wild grey hair and a blue tattoo under his right eye. The pair of ears atop his head marking him as a werewolf. He's sitting there already drunk and laughing like a buffoon in his fur coat. Bete Loga. Executive of the Loki familia and the asshole who turned me down without a moment's thought.
I was prepared for this thanks to Mama's primer course on today's guests but still… Staying calm is going to be harder than I thought.
I take a breath to steady myself, and put on a smile.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, what can I get for you today?" I ask. It feels almost wrong to just walk up and talk to the top familia in Orario but its my job so I suppose its fine. Although I could do without them immediately staring at me.
"Hoho- and who's this cutie?" Loki grinned perversely… I'm a guy and I still found myself covering my chest… "Did Mama hire someone new? In a suit too? Let Loki get a feel for you!"
When she leapt at me I most definitely did not make a girlish shriek and anyone who says otherwise is lying. Chloe, shut up. I can hear your laughter from here.
"Goddess, get off of the poor boy." A gentle voice blessed my ears. It seems that Lady Riveria is the voice of reason for the group.
Immediately the red haired goddess released me and recoiled "Aissssss!" she cried "Mama hired a boy to trick me! Hold me!" and promptly jumped at Ms. Wallenstein.
I feel my eye twitch as the Sword Princess awkwardly rubs her goddess' back while said goddess buries her face in her chest. I'm not jealous. Seriously I'm not!
Lady Riveria turned bowed her head slightly "I'm sorry for our goddess' behavior. We'll take spaghetti around the table. Ms. Mia already knows the specifics for our orders."
I nod and mark it down "Alright, I'll get that started for you. Anything to drink?" I ask. Honestly I don't think I'm really gonna do much learning tonight…
Mr. Landrock raised his mug "Aye! Another round o' ale for the mutt and I!" his voice carried a certain strength to it, and yet it was upbeat. The kind of voice that makes you want to celebrate just because they are. I like him. Admittedly a not insignificant reason why is that he called Bete a mutt.
Said mutt threw his empty mug at the dwarf, which their captain deftly caught without even looking. "Who are you callin' a mutt?!" he shouted, a slur to his voice. How is he already drunk?! I glance at the table. Two mugs? Is he a lightweight?
The twins started laughing at the display "Count us in too!" Tione happily called out with a raised mug of her own. They seem free spirited. I suspect I might have been pretty close to them if only I had joined their familia.
I looked to the familia's captain "and yourself?" I asked.
Mr. Deimne turned his azure gaze to me and I feel an invisible weight press on me for the brief moment our eyes met. Just what was that feeling?
"I suppose I'll join in as well." He said with a sigh. He seems to be used to be dragged into the chaos his fellow executives seem to create. Poor guy. I don't think I'd be able to do it, let alone be the person held accountable for their actions. Nope, being the captain of a group of hooligans definitely isn't for me.
"Oooo! Me too! Loki wants a pint!" I felt my eye twitch as she used Finn's head to prop herself up instead of the table. I don't like her. I mean I can tell the pallum doesn't mind it, judging by the small smile on his face as he supports his goddess.
I can also tell that Loki very much cares for all of her execs. I just can't agree with that kind of attitude though. Although, maybe it's a common thing for divinity and I'm just the odd one out.
Finally, I turn back to the Sword Princess and before I can even open my mouth, the more excitable members of the party had jumped up and covered my mouth with haunted looks "Never again…" they muttered, dead to the world "She'll have water."
And then everything went back to normal.
What the hell was that? And why do I feel like I just dodged a very dangerous situation?
Is Ms. Wallenstein that much of a menace when she's drunk?
Well, I guess it isn't my problem. I gotta say her pouting face is adorable though. Returning to the kitchens, I put the order through to Mama who shuddered when I mentioned that Ais was going to order a drink before having her familia put a stop to it.
Just what did she do that even Mia Grand is scared of her?
As I waited for the food to cook I poured their ale from an open keg and two glasses of water. After the whole thing with Ais I completely forgot to ask Lady Riveria what she wanted but, based on her strained smile as the others were gunning for booze, I suspect water was what she would have wanted anyways.
I can't help my smile though as I briefly imagine the dignified vice captain sipping at juice like a child.
Why do I feel like just imagining that was a sin?
Pushing that aside, I arrived back at the table.
"Here are your drinks everyone!" I hope my voice sounded cheerful as I handed out their refreshments "I'm sorry I forgot to ask what you wanted Ms. Alf, I thought water would be the safest bet but I can get you something else if you'd like."
She blinked with a strange look on her face. Oh, I must be smiling weird again. I remember Chloe making an odd comment that my smile can have a strange effect on women sometimes…
Suddenly feeling a little embarrassed I pass the final mug of ale to the goddess at the table.
"So kid," the goddess began, her voice chilling me to my core "why did Mama Mia send you to our table?" my breath hitched does she know..? "She knows we're a rowdy lot so I can't really figure out why she would send a new hire like you? Is there somethin-OW!"
The fist of justice, know as Riveria Ljos Alf, came down hard on Loki's head. "Can't you see you're scaring him?" she said before turning to me "I'm sorry about her, she likes to run her mouth sometimes."
"Hey! You could let me have a little fun you know?!" The goddess cried while clutching her skull.
I could feel myself visibly slacken. She doesn't know. Why would she? But seriously what an awful personality. Who would do something like that for kicks? "It's alright, she wasn't entirely wrong." I began, time to make a story. Hopefully this doesn't backfire… "I'm actually a new adventurer. Mama thought it would be beneficial if I got to talk to you all, even just a little"
Something in Loki's smile shifted a little and I suddenly found myself in the spotlight again. Glancing at Bete in concern, he might recognize me after all, I noticed his eyes shift from narrow to wide. Shit. Throwing back his already half empty mug, for a lightweight he sure drinks fast, he started laughing and pointing at me.
"Haha! I thought you were familiar! You're the pipsqueak who came to our door with nothing to show for yourself! You wanted to be a hero right?" I noticed Finn's gaze become curious now "I'm surprised you found a familia with such a flimsy goal!"
The diminutive captain coughed into a closed hand and Bete started rambling in a fluster "Not that there's anything wrong with that!" what's with the sudden change? "Just make sure you can back up that kind of dream! That's why I told you to come back later after all!"
The world froze around me. What?
"Come back when you're not so pathetic pipsqueak!" That's what he said… there's no way but…
"Err ?" I began, I'm not quite sure why I added the Mr. but whatever, "are you saying you were telling me to get a bit stronger and then return?"
The rest of the Loki familia sighed when the werewolf looked at me like I grew a second head "What else would I have meant?"
I couldn't help it. I smacked my palm against my own forehead and let out a sigh of my own. He's just an idiot. An idiot who can't communicate for the life of him. "I thought you were telling me I'm not even worth your time!" I couldn't help raising my voice a little at the end.
I'm happy to be where I am, but it would have been a lot easier and safer if he could have just told me that in the first place!
"Bete?" Finn began in a quiet voice that silenced the loudmouthed werewolf "I believe we'll need to have a talk later about your conduct towards potential recruits." Bete wisely kept his mouth shut and nodded "Now, I don't believe I've caught your name yet?"
I really am an idiot. I forgot to introduce myself so I can't be blamed for answering in a bit of a fluster and spilling out into my dream right? Right?! "Ah! Sorry! My name is Bell Cranel and it's my dream to be a hero!"
Finn chuckled, "I see, well Mr. Cranel, on behalf of this oaf, let me apologize. He really should have just gotten one of us from upstairs."
I frantically waved my hands "No no! there's no need for that Mr. Deimne! In the end I'm glad I was rejected, it helped me find my own path that works for me!"
The pallum smiled "That's good then. I'm glad you found your way."
"Speaking of…" oh god, I was really hoping I somehow wouldn't hear that voice again "if you didn't end up in the arms of lil' ol' me, who did you end up with?"
Loki's question is the one I was most dreading. I have no clue how to answer that! Breathe Bell… Okay, half truth…
"Well, I want to make a name for myself, without using someone else's fame so I'm trying to keep that under wraps for right now. Forgive me for choosing not to answer properly Lady Loki." I said with a small bow.
I think that will work. Nothing I said isn't true. There should be nothing that would tip her off. Taking a glance at her, I noticed her nodding. Good.
"Food's up for the Loki party!" Mama Mia shouted from the kitchen.
I took a step back after hearing that "Ah, that's my cue," I began "I'll go get your food. If possible, over the meal could you tell me a bit about the upper floors?" I asked to which Lady Riveria nodded.
"Gladly. I look forward to seeing what you make of yourself."
Huh? Did I do something to make a good impression with her? Looking around I could see the rest of the party smiling and nodding as well, the twins were even giving a big thumbs up. Did I impress them somehow? With more than a little confusion, I took my leave to get their meals. Admittedly it took more than one trip. Apparently the Loki familia has some big eaters.
After serving the group, with exception of a few alcohol runs, I sat with them and listened to the grand stories of their upper floor adventures.
It was a lovely night.
There. Finally done. This chapter was really hard for me to write but next time we finally get back into the dungeon and Bell gets his new weapons.
For the whole Bete thing… I always planned it. To me, he's just entirely unsociable and a drunkard, not evil or anything.
I am so sorry for how unbelievably long this chapter took but things have finally calmed down in my life so I'll be slowly (Potentially quickly) returning to weekly uploads. I want to thank you all for being patient with me and I hope you enjoyed. If you have any questions, please leave them in the reviews. I'll answer them to the best of my abilities.