The impromptu date began as soon as the waitress received permission from the bar owner.
A beautiful sunset unfolded.
The sun was setting, painting the sky with a warm and beautiful orange hue.
Magical stone lamps began to light up in anticipation of the impending darkness of the night.
Autumn was coming to an end, and winter was arriving. The weather in Orario changed accordingly.
Days were shorter and less warm, nights colder but still bearable.
Leaves had stopped falling from the trees, leaving only their trunks and branches.
Winter in the city brought along a series of festivities unique to the season, sparking excitement and joy among both the young and the old.
The Goddess Festival, commemorating the fertility goddesses in gratitude for the bountiful harvests of previous seasons, was the main event, with Demeter taking the spotlight due to her title.
Other celebrations were also organized, such as winter festivals, where delicious food and entertaining game stalls were abundant.
It was a time of jubilation and happiness...
But... enjoyment is not always constant.
In the streets, as hundreds of businesses on either side began to open their doors and street vendors set up their stalls, the pair of young individuals walked along calmly.
Walking side by side without uttering a word, they both kept their heads lowered, consumed by nervousness and the fear of touching upon sensitive subjects that could disrupt the experience, creating an unwanted and uncomfortable atmosphere.
Syr held the edge of her white dress, which extended below her knees. She also rested one hand on the straw hat that sat upon her head, preventing it from being blown away by the wind.
On the other hand, Bell irregularly moved his right arm, attempting to find a comfortable position that wouldn't cause discomfort or pain.
The aftermath of his battle in the dungeon against the calamity and the days he spent on the lower floors with Ryuu still took a toll on him. If it weren't for Uranus taking care of the expenses at the Dian Cecht familia headquarters and the tool he used on his arm, he would have an even greater debt than before, on top of his existing one for Hestia's dagger.
Noticing his gestures and the furrow on his brow, the gray-haired girl broke the barrier between them.
"Bell, how's your arm?"
She asked, concerned for his well-being.
She knew how challenging that experience was for him and his close friend, Ryuu. How close they came to death on multiple occasions.
Her concern was evident, even though she hadn't had much time to dwell on it lately.
Bell ceased his attempt to adjust his limb and turned to his left, where the girl accompanying him voiced her inquiry.
"Huh? I guess it's fine. It hurts sometimes, and my bone cracks, but I can manage. There's also a pretty big scar on my biceps, but all things considered, it's okay. Airmid said it'll improve in four days, and I'll be able to return to the dungeon as usual. However, I haven't really felt like going lately..."
He replied, explaining what the healer of the Dian Cecht familia had advised for his swift recovery. When he mentioned his return to adventuring, a hint of consternation appeared on his face. He scratched the side of his head while his voice gradually diminished in volume.
The waitress looked attentively at that arm, for some reason it piqued her curiosity.
Her soft gray eyes analyzed it part by part. The jacket sleeve widened over the elbow due to the bandage around the area where the arm was severed when he faced the Juggernaut.
Along the forearm, some parts also bulged, as if they were protrusions.
(I suppose that's the device she was referring to).
Her thought mused, sighing without giving it too much importance.
Out of sheer curiosity, or perhaps accidentally, her gaze collided with the young man's hands.
When this happened, her eyes widened in surprise.
The rabbit's knuckles were covered in bruises and wounds that hadn't fully healed yet. She wasn't known for her knowledge of human anatomy, but she could tell that several of the bones were in irregular positions.
Instinctively, she turned her attention to the second hand, the left one, to rule out the possibility that it was due to the same dungeon event. However, this hand was in an equal or worse condition than the previous one.
It was impossible for these wounds to be caused in the dungeon. It was as if...
(It's as if he has been relentlessly hitting a solid structure... and due to the condition of his right arm, he directed his frustration onto the healthy one).
It was the hypothesis that best fit the situation, according to the girl.
She lowered her head, feeling saddened. She didn't need to be a genius to understand the reason behind it.
(You haven't had it easy either, have you, Bell? You've suffered a lot since she left... haven't you?).
Tears welled up, which she quickly wiped away, preventing him from noticing.
"I-I'm glad to hear that your condition has improved"
The girl responded to what her companion had said, looking at him and offering a smile.
"Thanks for the well wishes. And tell me, Syr, how's everything been?"
The young man, attempting to keep the conversation from ending, posed the question.
"Uh? N-Not so great lately, heh..."
Her response came with an uncomfortable laugh, not appearing entirely convinced. On the contrary, she seemed uneasy and unwilling to reveal more. She even flinched when spoken to, as if startled.
Bell briefly shifted his attention to the beautiful girl, his observant and detail-oriented nature picking up on a certain incongruity.
(She's forcing a smile... Why...?)
He questioned mentally when that gesture, which normally conveyed warmth and a hint of playfulness from the gray-haired girl, didn't carry its usual intentions.
Being face to face, just a few seconds of eye contact, revealed something off about her usually well-maintained and fair complexion.
Dark bags under those usually lively gray eyes.
It was a clear sign of the few hours of sleep she had been getting.
Curious and concerned, he searched for more signs of neglect, not to judge her, but to ensure his suspicions weren't unfounded.
Soon enough, he noticed her delicate hands, resting at her sides and moving in sync with her legs.
At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. However, upon closer inspection...
(Her nails are broken...).
He thought.
(And not just that... it looks like her fingers are injured...).
He added to his train of thought.
She returned her gaze forward, placing both hands on her dress's skirt, abruptly halting the young man's analysis.
That didn't matter anymore because... he immediately understood the truth behind the lie.
That "Not so great" was actually a "Terrible." The days following Noel's death undoubtedly left a deep mark on the girl's heart.
(You haven't had it easy either, have you, Syr? You've suffered a lot since she left... haven't you?).
Unbeknownst to each other, they had both arrived at the same conclusion.
(I need to change the direction this outing is heading. Otherwise, we'll just sink into depression, and that's exactly what I don't want.)
He thought to himself, setting a new goal.
"Hey Syr... Would you like to grab something to eat?"
He asked, lightening the mood.
"Uh?"
The girl tilted her head at this.
"Let's get something to eat. I skipped breakfast and lunch this morning, so I'm starving."
The white-haired young man informed her, scratching the back of his head and smiling.
(I've been drinking so much wine that I've forgotten to eat, so I'm not very hungry... but... maybe it's a good idea to say yes.)
It was Syr's thought process.
"Sure, if you don't want to, I won't force you..."
Before Bell could offer an escape route, Syr's index finger pressed against his lips, silencing him.
"I'd love to eat with you."
Syr replied, accepting the proposal to dine together.
"Ah~! I'm starving too! I hope you're taking me to a place with delicious food."
Stepping forward, she expressed that and partially turned her head to glance back at her date, smiling and giving him a wink.
The boy's cheeks turned red as Syr's playful and lively personality returned.
"I-I hope I meet your expectations..."
He responded, visibly nervous.
He took a deep breath, gathering his confidence. He must maintain this peaceful and joyful atmosphere that was so hard to achieve.
"I'll lead the way, Syr."
He said, approaching the young woman and...
"Eh?"
He held her hand.
"Follow me."
He added, leading the surprised girl.
(Whaaat?!)
The gray-haired girl screamed internally, her heart beating fast.
(What's happening?! Where did he get so much confidence from?!)
Syr questioned herself about the shameless act of that restless rabbit who always runs away from her flirtations.
(It's... very warm...)
Her opinion about the contact between their hands and skins.
She closed her eyes and shook her head.
(I'm in your care...)
A part of her enjoyed the initiative from her companion.
However, the other part...
(But... do I deserve to feel happy...?)
She still felt like a monster that damages everything she touches. The conclusion she arrived at during those two days of suffering and crying over Noel's loss wouldn't easily fade away.
She didn't believe she deserved the joy of being held hand in hand with her beloved "Odr," that existence she had longed for and searched for before even knowing it existed.
Her mood dropped. However...
"It might not be the fanciest place... but you'll definitely love the food!"
Bell's comment, along with the smile that followed, snapped her out of that state.
She returned the gesture.
Even though the sorrow she carried wouldn't disappear easily, and neither would that self-loathing, just for today... she would forget it.
They walked several minutes without letting go of each other. Some people stared at them, and their voices carried around.
The fame of "Rabbit Foot" is still strong, so any matter involving him will give the city's residents something to talk about, as they always seek to satisfy their hunger for entertainment.
Although this wasn't something the subjects of the rumors cared about, so they didn't pay any attention and continued on their stroll until the young white-haired boy stopped at one of the street stalls.
"Bell?! What are you doing here?!"
The shrill voice they both knew shouted the rabbit's name and a question.
"Sorry for the trouble, Kami-Sama. We came to eat, and I didn't think of any other option than buying Jagamarukun."
The young son of the vendor, who was none other than the goddess Hestia, apologized.
"Hello, Hestia-Sama. I apologize if we're being a nuisance. I wasn't aware that Bell would bring me here either."
Syr spoke up, greeting and giving a small bow to the deity as a sign of apology for any trouble they might cause.
"I was honestly hoping for a café or something..."
She made a disappointed face and murmured. While she doesn't refuse Jagamarukun, she had been hopeful for something other than greasy potato croquettes.
Somewhere in Orario, a certain woman with golden hair frowned.
"They've insulted Jagamarukun..."
She muttered, getting annoyed.
"Hmmm."
Hestia squinted, carefully observing the waitress from "The Hostess of Fertility"
While jealousy filled her seeing her beloved son hand in hand with another girl, she was aware of the circumstances they had been through, so she didn't react badly.
The twin-tailed deity was puzzled by the young girl's physical condition, quickly deducing the reason behind it.
(it's been a heavy burden for both of them... Neither of them has slept properly).
That was her assumption.
Letting out a heavy sigh and allowing the date to proceed, she spoke.
"What are you going to order?"
She resumed her role as an employee and ignored the underlying mix of feelings produced by seeing the man she loves with another.
"I'd like two Jagamarukun, Kami-Sama. One stuffed with meat and..."
"I'll have mine with shrimp."
As Bell placed his order, Syr communicated her choice.
"One with meat and one with shrimp, coming up!"
Hestia raised her voice and prepared the orders.
A few minutes passed as the pair waited for their food.
The twin-tailed goddess occasionally made a comment or two, to which they replied. It was all trivial chatter.
At one point, she asked them where they would go next. Syr shrugged, not knowing their upcoming destinations. Bell simply said he wouldn't reveal it yet, piquing the curiosity of the two women.
The Jagamarukun were made and served. The potato-based dish steamed and emitted a truly delicious aroma, causing the stomachs of the pair to growl.
The young white-haired boy paid the corresponding 30 valis, and together with the grey-haired girl, they left, bidding farewell and thanking Hestia for her service.
The latter watched them walk away.
"That girl reeked of alcohol. How did Bell not notice?"
The goddess commented, snapping back to work.
The pair of young adventurers sat on the benches around the fountain near the adventurers' guild and began to eat.
Despite the hour, the flow of people was increasing.
The sun had not completely set yet.
Its few remaining rays illuminated the streets, though their light was overshadowed by the magical stone lamps.
They savored each bite of their meal.
"It tastes even better than I imagined."
Syr voiced her opinion after swallowing.
Bell nodded in agreement as he chewed, satisfying his hunger and concurring.
"I used to eat Jagamarukun a lot. It was the only food that Kami-Sama and I could afford. At least until you started giving me your bentos."
He confessed.
"Huh?"
This took her by surprise.
"While our financial situation has improved now, I still enjoy them just as much as the first time. Just like the meals you cook for me, Syr."
He added, taking another bite of the potato croquette and disregarding the fact that his companion was blushing more with each compliment.
"You... enjoy my cooking?"
Incredulous, she wanted to make sure it was true.
As a goddess, she's capable of detecting lies. That's how she found out that Allen, Helun, and the children at Maria's orphanage lie to her about the taste of her cooking.
"Huh? Of course. Any food made with heart is delicious. What you prepare is no exception."
Bell replied without a hint of doubt.
Completely elated, she looked down at the ground, feeling warm and steam practically coming off her head.
In silence, she continued to eat her Jagamarukun.
(I thought he might be eating it out of obligation...)
She told herself, relieved that it wasn't the case.
The minutes passed, and each of them gazed at the city.
The sound of footsteps, voices, laughter, shouts, the neighing of horses pulling carriages.
Yes... Orario was teeming with life.
The wind blew. Syr's hair fluttered as she held onto her hat firmly, which she had taken off upon arrival because the sun no longer bothered her, to prevent it from flying away.
It was a calm and joyful night, one that infected anyone immersed in that atmosphere.
For the first time since Noel left, Bell and Syr were enjoying the outdoors.
However, out of the corner of their eyes, each of them was drawn to different things.
For the grey-haired girl, it was a street stall.
There was someone there whom she knew.
"Ice cream..."
The girl murmured.
Yes, it was an ice cream parlor she frequented.
It offered many delicious flavors, her favorite being chocolate with chocolate chips.
For a moment, she thought about asking Bell to buy her one.
But she had a memory from not too long ago that saddened her.
"Noel..."
She whispered.
The scene played out in her head as if it were a movie.
Bell, Noel, and she walked together, as had become customary since that false "family" was formed.
It was noon, and the birds were singing.
The heat, though bearable, lent itself to enjoying a cold dessert.
The three of them decided to go buy some.
Although the girl didn't know what it was, seeing the excitement in her "mother," she wanted to try it.
Her eyes lit up when she held the cone in her hands.
Excitedly, she asked if it was just for her, to which both of them answered yes.
In her attempt to bite into the ice cream ball in one go, she hit her chin and it fell.
The infant's crying was immediate.
Characteristic of her age, she screamed and lamented, saddened by not being able to eat it.
To fix the situation, Syr gave her her ice cream and then turned to Bell, who gave up his, remaining without dessert.
"Hehehe. It's a father's duty to please the daughter just like the mother."
The girl said.
The white-haired youth didn't complain.
"Moreover..."
She suddenly leaned in close to his ear.
"Don't worry, dear. I'll reward you tonight. Remember that Noel wants a brother and a sister."
She whispered, making the "Father" blush.
"Wow! It's delicious! So tasty! I love it!"
Noel interrupted the flirtation, shouting with joy and enjoying the ice cream.
A smile appeared on Syr's face.
"Really? It's Mommy's favorite flavor. That means we share tastes."
She expressed, pleased by that.
"Yes! Can I try that one?!"
The little one responded, pointing at the one that previously belonged to the rabbit.
The waitress gave it to her, and she tried it.
Unlike her previous reaction, this time she looked disappointed.
"Mmmm, it doesn't taste bad, but... it's less sweet..."
She analyzed, holding her chin.
"Hehehe. Daddy has never liked sweet things."
The mother clarified, grabbing the ice cream again.
"But I love everything that's from your father..."
She provocatively licked it while keeping her eyes on her "husband."
Suddenly, the memory stopped, sensitizing the girl's heart, causing her to lower her head.
On Bell's side, the situation wasn't any different.
He gazed at the bookstore where he used to buy hero tales.
He sighed heavily, as if hit by nostalgia.
"Noel..."
He mentioned her.
He also had a special memory about all the others he cherished.
That was the day when Syr and Noel accompanied him to that bookstore, which also served as a library.
Both of them asked him which book he recommended, and... THAT SET THE WHITE-HAIRED BOY IN MOTION!
They entered the establishment, and he launched into his lengthy discourse, brimming with passion, characteristic of a devoted lover of hero stories.
"Dungeon Oratoria recounts the historical events that took place in Orario during the Ancient Times, before the Gods descended. It consists of a compilation of numerous tales of the heroes of old."
"Being an epic of massive proportions, Dungeon Oratoria spanned across multiple volumes. While there was an original version 1,000 years ago, many of these volumes ended up getting lost over time, causing few to be able to read it in its entirety."
Mother and daughter listened attentively, not missing any details. They were surprised by how quickly he spoke and how eloquent he was in sharing one of his beloved topics.
This charmed Syr.
"Stories like 'Fulland of Water and Light' or the tale of the hero Albert are among the most famous. Personally, I prefer the heroic account of the Argonaut, who is the hero everyone labeled a fool, but despite that, he made an effort to fight for his ideals and..."
He abruptly stopped, turning toward them.
"I-I'm sorry! Am I boring you?"
He apologized, feeling embarrassed for showing them that childlike side of him.
"No problem. If Daddy's happy, I'm happy."
That's what Noel replied.
"Yes. That side of you I didn't know is so cute, I love it."
Syr agreed, winking at him.
"Please stop making those jokes!"
"Shhhhhhhhh!"
He pleaded, being shushed by the bookstore owner for raising his voice.
"Noisy Daddy..."
"Yes. Your daddy is very noisy."
The pair of gray-haired girls teased him.
That memory concluded.
And, just like Syr, Bell lowered his head, becoming saddened.
Immersed in depression, exactly what they wanted to avoid, they were alerted.
A child's voice caused them to search for its origin.
"Daddy! Mommy!"
It was a little girl, walking hand in hand between her parents.
Each of them held her from one side.
As if it were a cruel twist of fate, they had the same memory.
The two of them walking alongside Noel in that manner.
When they were visiting Maria's orphanage to bring food and let their daughter play with the orphans there.
While on their way there, Noel pulled them and joined their hands.
They intertwined their fingers and looked at each other before gazing at the little girl.
"Daddy and mommy should be like this!"
She exclaimed, laughing.
"Oh, Bell. If that's what you wanted, you could've just asked me."
The young gray-haired woman said.
"I-It's not like that!"
The white-haired boy responded, fidgeting, as was characteristic of him.
Syr bent down to be at her daughter's eye level.
"Hehehe. Good job, well done, dear."
She praised.
They sighed once again and the food was finished.
This visit had the opposite effect of what was expected.
(I won't allow the mood to be ruined).
It was the young man's thought.
Suddenly, he stood up and positioned himself in front of his companion.
"Bell?"
She called him.
"There's... another place I want you to accompany me to..."
He extended his hand.
Without hesitation, Syr took it, accepting to follow him.
Bell lifted her from her seat as he pulled her forward.
And so, the date continued...
Gradually, they distanced themselves from the bustling city.
The people on the streets grew sparse.
The path they were taking became familiar to the girl, yet she remained silent.
After minutes of walking, they finally arrived.
"I suspected it from the moment we entered the Daedalus Street. I just want to know... What are we doing here?"
Syr inquired.
"Did you forget about this place?"
Bell replied with another question.
She shook her head.
It was impossible for her to forget.
The place they were visiting was...
"You brought me here when doubts were eating me up, and fear dominated me, as I earned the hatred of all Orario."
He clarified.
"Yes... it was after you protected that vouivre."
The waitress added.
"But you still haven't answered me."
She furthered.
The adventurer took a couple of steps forward.
"Seeing you today, I thought it was the ideal place to sort everything out because... your eyes have been very sad today..."
He expressed.
"Sort out?"
The young woman tilted her head, confused.
"On that occasion, you supported me and acted as a pillar for me..."
Said Bell, turning and facing her.
He closed the distance step by step, and...
"That's why... I want to fulfill that same role with you. Allow me to help you as you did for me..."
He covered the cold, slender hands of the girl with his own.
Syr's heart rate accelerated to unimaginable levels.
However...
"I know that's how we'll overcome her departure..."
The rabbit added.
A void formed in the girl's stomach, the sparkle fading from her gray eyes as those words were spoken.
"It hurts so much that she's gone... I understand that better than anyone..."
"I miss her cheerful voice running to hug me..."
"Her familiar and affectionate way of calling me..."
"Stop..."
Bell spoke, detailing what he loved about Noel.
Syr begged him to stop.
"The way she tried to steal my snacks even though I wouldn't deny her anything she asked for..."
"Please, just be quiet..."
"That time when Mord tried to carry her and said she looked like a bad guy, breaking his heart and pride..."
"Bell... seriously..."
"The day she cooked with you and burned the kitchen, and we got scolded by Mama Mia and May."
"I don't want to relive those memories..."
The muscles in the gray-haired girl's body tensed as Bell continued, laughing when memories amused him.
"It was... wonderful being her father..."
The young man added.
"And I imagine you loved being her mother too..."
The waitress's fragile body trembled.
"T-That's not true..."
She lied.
"I know that's not what you want to say..."
"Stop, seriously. You're making me angry..."
"Those smiles weren't fake."
"Shut up..."
"That proud look when she achieved something wasn't a lie..."
"Be quiet..."
The gray color in the girl's iris blinked, alternating with purple.
"I don't know why you're saying all these things... I'm fine..."
"It's not true!"
Bell shouted, causing her to jump.
"That love wasn't a lie! This pain you're feeling isn't either!"
"Shut up... shut up... SHUT UP!"
"I won't! Not until you accept that you're suffering! That her death hurts you!"
"SHUT UP!"
Smack!
"I don't want to relive those memories! I don't want to!"
Syr slapped him, tears streaming down her face as she raised her voice, her fragile voice on the verge of breaking.
Her legs wobbled, weakened.
She fell to her knees on the grass.
Her crying intensified.
"I don't want to... I don't want to..."
The girl repeated incessantly.
Bell knelt before her and... hugged her.
"You're not the only one feeling this way... I'm hurting too that it's over... that she's gone... that she left us..."
"It would be easy to deny it and pretend it never happened..."
"But I don't want to forget her..."
"I don't want to pretend I'm okay with this..."
"That's why I'll live carrying that burden... I'll live for her... as she would have wanted..."
"Because Noel... wouldn't want us to be sad..."
Syr clung to him. Her face buried into the chest of the white-haired boy, soaking it with tears.
"And... maybe... to overcome it... we should stay together, as our daughter wished."
With emotions welling up and nothing to hide, the waitress finally opened up.
"I loved her so much... I loved her deeply... she was my girl... my beautiful girl... it all started as a joke to tease you... but in the end, I came to see her as my own daughter..."
She revealed.
"I didn't want it to end so soon... I didn't!"
She added.
Her words were muffled against Bell's chest.
"I promise I'll be by your side..."
Patting her to comfort her, the young man vowed.
The moonlight illuminated them.
The chilly breeze passed by.
On that seemingly ordinary night, two souls touched.
Back at the bar.
"Feeling better?"
The rabbit asked.
"Yes."
The girl replied, smiling at him.
"Besides, I'm not cold anymore. Thanks for lending me your jacket..."
She commented, extending her arms to showcase the garment.
"I-It's nothing..."
He replied, avoiding eye contact again, something he's been doing for a while, scratching his head and avoiding her gaze.
"Hehe, what's wrong?"
Syr asked playfully. She found that attitude adorable.
"N-Nothing..."
"If something's bothering you, tell me. We promised we'd be each other's support."
In the face of her persistence, he spoke.
"I-I didn't want to tell you, but i-if you insist..."
She remained expectant.
"W-When we hugged, I smelled a strong alcohol scent coming from your mouth. That's why I avoided facing you directly, the smell made me dizzy..."
The young man confessed.
The hopeful smile on the waitress gradually changed.
Disappointed and embarrassed, she blushed excessively and...
"Hmph!"
She hit him several times on the shoulder.
"Ouch! Hey! That hurts!"
"One shouldn't say that to a lady! Especially not to me!"
There was no use protesting, and she continued, puffing her cheek in a pout.
"You asked me to tell you!"
"Penalty! *Burp*"
Suddenly, while shouting angrily, he burped.
If she blushed before, now she was completely red.
"Pffff!"
Bell suppressed his laughter at this.
"THAT NEVER HAPPENED! UNDERSTAND?!"
The girl with gray hair, utterly humiliated, grabbed the white-haired boy by the collar of his shirt, pulling him closer and threatening him to forget about the burp incident.
The commotion didn't stop, and the force of the punches increased.
Sooner than later, they arrived at the entrance of "The Hostess of Fertility ," putting an end to that battle between the tactless man and the alcohol-scented lady.
Once there, it was time to say goodbye.
Although... the waitress wanted to reaffirm something. Playing with strands of her hair nervously, she said:
"B-Bell... Were you serious about what you promised me?"
The aforementioned man tilted his head and, oblivious, answered:
"What thing?"
Syr crossed her arms and puffed her cheek.
(Huh? Now what did I do?).
"I-I apologize for my bad memory..."
The adventurer said.
Without making eye contact, she replied:
"About being by my side, you fool."
The girl spoke.
Having remembered, Bell responded:
"Oh, that! Of course, yes."
There was not a hint of doubt, just resolute decision.
Syr's lips curved into a smile, and she murmured:
"That's what I wanted to hear..."
"Huh?"
"N-Nothing! See you tomorrow!"
The hurried waitress bid farewell and entered the bar.
"Goodbye..."
Dumbfounded, the white-haired youth turned around.
Until...
"Bell!"
He was called, instinctively turning back.
And there...
She kissed him on the cheek.
"!"
He couldn't hide his surprise, placing his hand over the spot where those soft lips had touched him.
Almost as quickly as the kiss happened, she pulled away.
She put her arms behind her back and spoke.
"If possible, the next one I give you won't smell like alcohol."
It was Syr, winking at him and sticking out her tongue, playfully teasing him.
Walking backward, she returned to the bar and disappeared inside.
As red as a tomato and as motionless as a statue, Bell stood in the middle of the street.
When he was about to return home, filled with doubts in his mind and feelings he didn't fully understand, his shoulder was touched.
"Bell! I almost forgot!"
It was the waitress again.
Noticing the seriousness in her tone, the young man snapped out of his trance.
"It's about Anya! We need to help her!"
Without needing any explanations, he replied.
"Alright, let's go."
In one of the rooms on the second floor of "The Hostess of Fertility" a depressed cat girl lay down.
"Stupid cat-nya..."
That adjective hurt her...
Immersed in pain and hopelessness, she murmured.
"Maybe... Onii-Chan and that member of Evilus are right-nya... everything I touch is destined to be ruined-nya..."
Having been partly responsible for the kidnapping and eventual death of Noel, Anya was regretful.
"It was my fault-nya..."
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Well, here is today's chapter, I hope you like it and leave your support for this new fanfic.
Anyway, leave me your opinions regarding the story and if you like how it is heading.
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