Author's note:
On the short end, but I thought the last scene was a good place to call it.
Sorry things have been slow.
Chapter 47: An Opened Box
Bell:
"Back again…" Bell muttered uncertainly to himself as he walked through the great iron-wrought gates at the front of Belit Babitty. He had told her it was fine to stay behind, but Haruhime was following along as well. Her nervous hands always moments away from grabbing his sleeve.
Kirito would hold her hand and comfort her… Blushing, Bell knew that he could never do that. Instead, he turned to look into her wide golden eyes. "Umm, H-Haruhime."
"Bell?"
"I'll protect you so…"
Giggling, Haruhime hid her mouth with a hand. It was something Bell noticed the girls did a lot. Not the reaction he was hoping for, but still, some worry faded from the girl's eyes.
"Thank you, Bell. I know you will."
Giving her an awkward smile, that Bell hoped had some confidence in it, he turned back to face the building. All of Hestia familia had come except for Strea and Rain. The girls' eyes had clouded over from bad memories and refused to enter the opulent building that they now owned.
Besides them, Aisha accompanied them as a guild liaison. The amazon had little choice in her day routine as the guild continued to pressure her as the next in lie after Ishtar left. They had piled even more work on her head by beginning the process of shuffling responsibility for the brothels to her.
"I didn't get to go inside last time…" Sachi spoke quietly to Mikoto and Haruhime, the two girls closest to her. Only Bell was close enough to eavesdrop. "Look at how fancy it is."
"Urgh, it makes my hair stand on edge," Mikoto admitted, face pale. "I thought I was going to die here. Even now I can imagine an alarm going off and hoards of amazons rushing out to kill us."
Thankfully, that did not happen as they entered through the large double doors into the entrance hall. The opulent building was designed like a palace, where two staircases on either end curved up to a landing that overlooked the open area. At first glance, it gleamed with perfection. A more thorough viewing revealed the holes in the veneer.
Dust piling in the corner, rugs growing matted, chandelier not centered. A dozen other, smaller things also stuck out. Some were from their previous invasion; most were due to Ishtar familia evacuating in a hurry.
Walking in an odd silence, the familia began splintering as they explored their new house. Whatever it may be, it would never be a home. Bell shivered at the thought of actually living in this place.
Ascending a side staircase with Haruhime and Lili, Bell entered a room at random. With the handover being official, they now owned everything in the mansion.
"Oh, that looks fun!" Entering, Bell smiled, his opinion of Ishtar familia improving somewhat. Suspended in the middle of the room was a hammock-like device. Bell could imagine how comfortable it would be to lay on, his legs suspended in stir-up like pieces. "Did they take naps in it? Do you want to try it Haruhime?"
"B-Bell…" Haruhime moaned.
"I'm no expert but I even I can tell what they used it for!" Lili whined.
"Huh?" Blinking, Bell reassessed the room as a whole. Lined up on the counter by the entrance were three bottles in flowing handwriting. Lubricant, Love juice, and energy juice. The rest of the room contained a large bed and a chest with the lid thrown open, a variety of objects heaped within.
Gulping, Bell's body began to violently shake. "T-This is… I… I didn't mean it like that Haruhime! I swear!"
"Oh, I apologize if I did not sound eager enough. I merely have no experience with these devices. If you are willing to put up with my inexperience—"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Lili growled, covering the Renart's mouth.
"Urgh!" Blushing even darker, Bell knew he had to leave. "I-I'm going to be looking elsewhere!"
Before the girls' calls for him to halt could materialize, Bell had sprinted out of the room. Arms pumping, he made his way up and up and up. His feet replicating the path from that fateful night. It seemed almost like a dream now, facing down the amazons of Ishtar familia with Haruhime's magic aiding him.
Emerging out onto the rooftop, Bell bent over, hands on knees panting. "This place… is bad for my heart."
Even as he struggled to recover though, Bell felt a gaze peering at him. Head perking up in a very rabbit-like manner, Bell turned back and forth, searching for the source. Sweating, Bell thought his senses were betraying him. No matter how exactly he thought he looked at the gaze, he saw nobody.
Yet, at the same time, Bell was growing more and more sure that someone was there. His eyes could practically follow the presence as they circled the rooftop.
"I'm not hallucinating, I'm not hallucinating." Muttering to himself, Bell placed a hand on the hilt of the Hestia Knife that he always wore. Gulping, Bell yelled out, "show yourself!"
A feminine giggle emanated from the place Bell was looking. Instantly after though, the presence seemed to vanish further. Bell would only briefly sense them behind him before whirling around, still finding nothing. Standing in the middle of the rooftop, sweat came harder as the person circled him like a shark smelling blood.
"S-Stay back!" Fully unsheathing his blade now, Bell held it before him, wishing he had worn his armour. Ah, I should have taken the threats Hestia was talking about more seriously! This could be an elite Freya familia member, toying with him before killing him in one blow.
Thoughts running wild, Bell realized he had not sensed the person in over a dozen seconds. They had completely disappeared.
"Got you!" A playful voice suddenly shouted out from right behind him. An accompanying hand reaching around and grabbing his right arm.
"AHH!" Screaming in fear, Bell writhed, trying to get away. The person was clearly an upper-level adventurer, but their strength was only a little higher than his own.
"Oh jeez, calm down, calm down already!" The voice sounded annoyed. Jumping away, Bell twirled his knife in front of him. When he looked at the girl that had been restraining him however, Bell blinked in confusion.
"A-Argo!?" It was indeed the renart that Bell had only met once on that fateful day in the entertainment district. It felt like years but wasn't even two months ago.
"That's me! Kiri-boi never mention me?"
"Err…" Saying no was probably rude. Furthermore, half the words Bell heard Kirito say were compliments about the food whenever they ate together.
"Urgh, that boy. Goes and collects a gaggle of gals and forgets about his first! Who do you think taught him how to talk to women!?"
"Ahaha…" Laughing weakly, Bell was still trying to recover from the shock of Argo's hunting game. "I'm sure he would like the chance to talk more…"
"Hmpf!" Argo snorted, then her face fell, ears twitching. Looking up at him, Bell swore he saw a hint of guilt on her face. "Do you… still hate me?"
"H-Hate you?" Bell gasped at the random question. "Of course not! You gave us the magic items that we used to win the war game!"
Bell had used one of them to sneak close enough to the Ishtar base in order to pretend to steal their flag and run away. Those and the smoke bombs had been provided by… Hermes familia. The god Argo followed was the one that had made his farming life unlivable.
Shaking his head, Bell refused to get pulled down by the bog that had encased him then. The sweet melody of hate that he had dispelled. Never again.
"Hehe, looking at you now, that title they gave you fits so much better."
Coloring, Bell averted his head. Everyone who heard his second name got a pensive expression before nodding, as if a piece of a puzzle made more sense.
"Personally, I would have made it 'The Light of Vesta!' far better than 'Vesta's Light'. I mean, it's not like you're going to use that skill of yours as a nightlight for your goddess or anything."
"Ergh…" Yes, that was his title, Vesta's Light. The second name that marked him as an upper-class adventurer. One of the few elites that were worthy enough of a title hand chosen by the solemn communion of gods. The people from the other world did not seem to understand. They received them with all the grace of a person who was the butt of a joke at their expense.
Bell was not sure if it was their reactions that were rubbing off on him, but Bell did not like to think about his second name much. At least he had not been labelled as a Rookie or something.
"Hehe, far better than mine!" Argo continued, without acknowledging Bell's emotions. "Can you believe that they wanted to call me Hermes' Rat!? Are they blind, I'm clearly a fox!"
"That… seems a little harsh." Bell agreed. "So what is your title?"
Argo's face darkened. "Hermes' Pseudorat."
"…S-Seriously?"
"Yes."
"I…" Thank you Hestia! My title is one million times better than that!
"Don't force yourself slick," Argo sniffed. "May as well paint whiskers on my face at this point. "Stupid god, stupid names."
The girl was on the verge of marching off. Realizing he still had things to ask, Bell raised an arm to her. "W-Wait! Why are you here?"
"Same reason as you, obviously." Argo gave him a sideways look, as if she couldn't believe someone had to ask such an obvious thing.
"R-Right… Umm, so what are your takeaways?"
Argo considered this one. Head twitched to the side; Bell had the horrible realization that her foxy features blended with the mousey hair to create a distinct rodent impression.
"This place is a beacon of weakness. A lordless castle does not stand empty for long. With how weak the guild is, I fear the battle for this place may be the spark that sets light to Orario."
Bell paled. "Y-You must be joking…"
Argo raised an eyebrow and beckoned for Bell to follow her. Doing so, she led him to a back corner of the building. She pointed at the windowsill and balcony beneath them.
"See that? The wall is decorated with beautiful scrollwork, the balcony rail is made from high-quality metal. There's a fortune in materials laying in this building. Like the Zeus and Hera properties before them, this building will become cannibalized but without the restraint and respect shown for the fallen titans."
Bell winced, thinking about his old home. He had been by once after returning to Orario and had barely recognized the area. The once great compound was being parasitized by merchants, prospectors, and familias alike. Argo had not been there for his reveal and did not know about his connection to them.
"B-Be reasonable Argo! Orario is the center of the world… there's no way something like that would happen!"
"No?" Argo mused. "So, I must have imagined the monster that was unleashed during the wargame. Same with the raid on evilus…"
"W-Well…" Groaning, Bell ran a hand through his hair. "Where are the first-tier adventurers when we need them?"
"…Who knows," Argo replied softly, looking out over the city. It was a view Bell had seen once before but was still as pretty as ever. They were of a height with the great walls, almost able to see the rolling plains beyond.
"A-Argo…" Bell asked hesitantly.
"Hmm?"
"Are you going to ask Kirito… you know, about…?"
"Huh!? What is this!? I'm the one who teases people, not you!" Argo snapped back.
Bell caught the red tinge in the girl's cheeks though as she turned away in a huff. "Sorry," Bell apologized.
"…Don't be," Argo sighed. "Truthfully…" taking a look around the rooftop, she only continued when she was sure there was no one else there but the two of them. "There was a time I wanted nothing more… but now there is so much to do. The more I learn, the more my path separated from his."
"…But is that what you want?" Bell was unsure where his questions were coming from. He thought maybe it was because he had experienced being separated from everyone. A year isolated from life; farming, keeping everyone at a distance.
"My wants grow less important every day I am afraid…" Suddenly, Argo's face tightened, a wariness growing in her eyes. "Hey, Bell… what have Kirito and the others told you about our old world?"
Bell blinked and realized something, "absolutely nothing. Huh, that's weird. I should ask sometime." Laughing weakly, he suddenly felt very stupid. "All these people around that have lived in a different world and I never thought to ask!"
Argo nodded pensively. "…Goodbye, and uh, don't tell Kirito I was here." A short chant magic later and Argo's outline blurred until she disappeared entirely. Bell thought he could follow her for a bit, but he quickly lost any track at all. Bell was unsure if she was scaling the building or descending a staircase.
A few moments later, the door opened, and more people entered the roof. Hestia was leading the group, cheeks glowing. "This place is despicable! Every single room has some device or bauble, even architecture!"
"What did you expect?" Aisha shot back, looking irritated with Hestia's behavior. Kirito closed out the group of three, his eyes distant and spacey.
"Urgh, I don't know! I don't know anything anymore…" Hestia complained. "Oh, Bell! Did you struggle in there?"
"Huh?" Forgetting about Argo, Bell remembered what had driven him up here. "Ahh… It was umm, a bit extreme."
"Sounds like there's a story there," Aisha teased.
"Urgh." Blushing, Bell looked away. An image of Haruhime dangling in the sling, clothes and hair awry, popped into his mind.
"Hmm," Hestia narrowed her eyes and approached Bell. "For some reason, I get the impression that you need a good smack…"
"I-I have no idea what you are talking about!" Defending himself weakly, Bell refused to meet the deity's the searching gaze.
"You know, I think your boys staying here would be good for their education," Aisha told Hestia.
"Education my ass!" Hestia hissed. "They would descend into debauchery. Lavishing in attention and… and other things!"
Aisha shrugged. "Nothing wrong with turning a boy into a man. It frightens weak women. The power, the lust for control, the urge to dominate."
"T-That's not right at all!" Hestia choked back. "Women are not objects for men to claim!"
"Ah, but there no better feeling in the world than that claiming!"
"Can we please discuss something else!" Bell begged the women, cheeks flaming. He did not like the thoughts and images that were knocking at the edges of his mind.
"Hmm, what about going to the benevolent goddess for supper? We could afford a little party…"
Kirito's sudden words took the entire group by surprise. Bell wondered if Kirito had heard any of the conversation the way his eyes were zoned out.
The two women also gaped at him, as if completely disbelieving the boy was not acting. Bell, however, had a sinking suspicion about something. "Kirito… have you eaten today."
"NO!" The boy whined, suddenly turning and participating actively. "I never got a chance before I was shuttled out the door!"
"Ahaha…" Never change Kirito. Never change.
Aisha looked somewhat disappointed but allowed the conversation to move on.
"So, the verdict is, is that we want to sell this place off as quickly as possible, yes?" Bell spoke, trying to move it in a more productive direction.
Aisha snorted. "And who is buying a mansion worth hundreds of millions of valis?"
"W-Well… Loki?" Hestia wondered.
Even Kirito reacted to that. It was a laughable concept. The only other entity capable was Freya familia, and Bell knew that the haughty goddess would likely not want Ishtar's left-over domain of debauchery.
"If only," Aisha sighed in an over-the-top dramatic matter, "there was a group of girls who used to call this place home who would be eager to return…"
"A group of girls who could defend it against invaders…" Bell added on thoughtfully. His comment earned him an evaluating look from Aisha.
"I'm surprised you thought of that." Aisha commented. "But yes, the thieves and low lives will be stirring up and making their moves soon. Honestly, I imagine it was only disbelief that kept them at bay this long."
Bell instantly opened his mouth to retort that it wasn't his idea but stopped. Argo had asked he not mention her presence to Kirito. "Just lucky I guess…"
"Hmm, well, someone in your familia needs that kind of mind. Although I thought it was that annoying supporter of yours."
"Lili's a smart one," Kirito agreed absently, arms hugging his stomach. "I wonder what they have on special today…"
Hestia sighed heavily. "Let's get out of here and go eat. We won't get anything else done. Aisha, if you can produce some deal where you get Belit Babbity back then—"
"Already done," the amazon answered smugly. "I figured you would not want it."
"Urgh," Hestia whined, "it feels like we've getting ripped off of our earnings!"
Aisha's eyes narrowed. "Think about how our low-tier members feel. A decision was made above their heads, next thing they know people are invading their homes and killing them. Then, they find themselves watching as their familia fights a wargame that their leader resigns. Having no control over anything, they have lost everything.
"I'm grateful that you helped Haruhime, but you created more victims than you saved. Remember that when you go on a shopping spree with our hard-earned valis."
Aisha's haunting line sat heavy in the air. Bell bowed his head, unable to respond. She was right, they could not complain. Even without the liquid assets, just saving Haruhime would have been enough.
"…I don't think that is true." Kirito spoke softly, participating for the first time. "If we had done nothing, Orario would be a waste heap at the moment. The whole city would have burned as you did battle with Freya familia.
"I am sorry about your members. I know most of them are innocent… but we stopped far worse. Don't take out your anger at Ishtar on us. Nor your anger at yourself."
"…Tsk, go eat. I'll drop by with the documents later." The traumatized amazon sauntered away, her pace quicker than usual. As if she could not wait to be gone from the mansion that contained so many memories.
"Urgh," Hestia muttered, once Aisha was out of earshot. "I can't like this situation… Everything feels so…"
"Muted?" Kirito suggested.
Bell simply nodded at the word. Muted. It was an apt description. Things should be happy and settled, but they weren't. Ishtar was lurking somewhere; the city was more dangerous than ever. There were no visible enemies, nothing to achieve, unlike when the wargame, or the full moon was approaching.
"Yes, I think a celebration would be great." Hestia nodded sharply. "Kirito, since it is your idea, run home and grab everyone, we will meet you there."
"You got it!" Smiling broadly, the boy's mood did a one-eighty at the confirmation of imminent food and shot off toward the front of the roof. Not bothering with the stairs, Kirito leapt from ridge to ridge, using everything and anything until he was only three stories high. At that point, he flung himself to the paved stones below and took off without a backwards glance.
"That's one way to motivate him, I suppose," Hestia laughed wryly. "Come on Bell, let's leave this place for the last time."
Nodding, Bell took one last look to where he thought Argo had run off to. Did she ever say why she had come? With no answers, Bell could only begin collecting the rest of the familia.
Sachi:
This is familiar… Taking a small sip from the large jug, Sachi tried to not shiver at the thick, almost bitter liquid that coated her mouth. If she was to describe it, she would say it had a mature flavor, to herself though, Sachi thought it was disgusting. She did not understand why adults would punish themselves by drinking this after a long day at work.
While the drink was disgusting, Sachi found herself sitting in a chair, a wall within touching distance. Laughter and conversation circled around the large table in unending waves. Yet, Sachi did not speak, she just sat there, the epitome of a wallflower.
This position was far more natural to her, it was comfortable here. She got to listen to so much, to learn so much about everyone. All without the pressure of being forced to communicate with them.
Every few seconds however, Sachi's eyes would slide over to Kirito, too far away for her to make out any of his conversations properly. Every now and then, the locations of people would shuffle, the seats next to Kirito being occupied by different girls. For awhile it was Yui and Strea, the small girl upset that her younger sister Strea got a glass of ale, but hers was just apple juice. Blink and it was Rain and Philia, the two girls so close to each other, it was easy to imagine that the two of them were sisters or lovers. Moments after, he was flanked by Leafa and Silica, then Hestia and Lisbeth. A cycle of women that Silica found herself left out of.
Haruhime and Mikoto were talking to Bell and Lili, who had yet to leave the boy's side. That left Sachi by herself, no one trying to talk to her. It brought back memories of the computer club. Days when she would watch the boys discuss the newest game or project, barely ever offering a comment, only laughing along.
Taking another sip, Sachi swirled it in her hands. The golden liquid swishing at the edges… It's half empty? Sachi had no idea how that had happened. Even as the thought crossed her mind though, she was lifting it to her lips to take another sip.
"T-That's not what I was saying!" Silica was whining to Leafa and Lisbeth, her face beat red. "I-I just meant that I would if the situation arose."
"Uh huh," Liz said nonplussed, a giant smile on her face. "Like you don't want to."
"You can admit it, Silica," Leafa comforted the girl, "its fine."
"AHH! Stop making me say things like this!" Silica buried her face in her hands. From behind them, her voice leaked out. "Yes, I do want that."
The two other girls broke into giggles and cries of congratulations. Their cheeks were tinged red with their own glasses of ale that were beginning to run out.
Wondering what they were talking about, Sachi was upset that she had missed the beginning. Taking a swig of her drink, Sachi swirled the remaining two centimeters around.
"Here, you go!" A gray-haired maid replaced the cup in Sachi's hand with a full one. Sachi blinked as she looked up at the girl. The maid had spent quite a bit of time around Kirito but kept flitting off to do her job. Now, however, the apron was gone.
"T-Thank you…" Sachi accepted the refill gratefully, taking another drink so that she would not have to talk further. Was it getting less disgusting?
"Your Sachi, yes? I'm Syr. Would you be willing to do something for me?"
She's so forward! Sachi was bad with people like this. Sachi could never say no. If the request wasn't too ridiculous, it was easier to just accept and deal with it. "W-What do you need?"
"Well… everyone else went over with someone else… Do you want to come talk to Kirito with me?"
"…Ehh?" Sachi was not sure she heard correctly.
"Is that a yes? Come on!"
"W-Wait!" Drink threatening to slosh all over her, Sachi was dragged out of her seat and around the table. She didn't think any of the others even noticed until Syr and her were standing behind Kirito's chair. Philia and Rain were taking another turn flanking him. The three playing a game where Rain and Philia tossed the peanuts back and forth between them and Kirito needed to catch them out of midair with improvised chopsticks to eat them.
Fake coughing, Syr got their attention. "Excuse me, Sachi was wondering if she…"
Before Sachi could protest, the two girls bounded to their feet. "Ah, sorry about that Sachi! I guess I thought you'd be talking with Mikoto all evening." Looking guilty, Philia apologized and dragged Rain away who flashed Sachi a knowing smile.
"S-Stop pushing!" Sachi finally complained as Syr shoved her into the chair beside Kirito. The distance between them was miniscule, her knees bumping into Kirito's.
"Hey!" The boy smiled easily at her, as if this was completely normal. This close, Sachi could see the red cheeks and almost taste his breath. She couldn't exactly say it reeked. It likely smelt exactly the same as her own.
Suddenly, Syr's face appeared a little bit behind Kirito's having claimed the second chair. Swallowing, Sachi looked across the table. She had been thrown into the middle of everything, many people meeting her stare for the first time this evening.
This is embarrassing! Burying her face in her mug, Sachi took long sip after long sip to try and hide herself.
"Whoa, be careful Sachi!" Kirito warned. "If this is your first-time drinking, be careful not to go overboard."
"Hehe, and what about yourself," Syr asked Kirito playfully, filling up his glass from hers as she spoke. "Have you been moderate?"
"Of course!" The boy protested, although Sachi did not trust his words. "This is still my first glass."
"Hehe, it does become so much harder to monitor intake when the glass never changes, doesn't it?"
Kirito frowned for once into his glass, which was about half full before Syr had refilled it. Eyes widening, Sachi remembered the half a dozen times the girl had come by to check on Kirito before this… How much had the girl added each time?
Eventually he shrugged and his smile came back. "So, Sachi, how is your spear work coming along? You're getting scary good."
"M-Me? O-Oh no, I still have a long way to go to reach Ouka's level or Take Mikezuchi's. Even Mikoto is better than me with it and she barely uses a spear!"
"Your magic changes things though," Kirito continued, not dissuaded in the slightest. "If you can find efficient ways to incorporate it into your repertoire, you'll be an extremely powerful adventurer."
Blushing, Sachi surprisingly found herself able to respond. "You say that, but I have a long way to go. I need to train more."
"You aren't alone," Kirito laughed, "we all need to put in work. By years end, I expect everyone to be level four."
"Then you better be level five at that time!" Sachi poked Kirito hard on the arm.
"I'll do my best ma'am." Breaking into matching smiles, they took another long swig. Sachi was not sure what she had been complaining about before. The lack of sweetness made it easier to drink in higher volume. Furthermore, the heartiness of the drink made it an apt substitute for food.
"Ki-ri-to," Syr sang. The smile on her face was still wide, but Sachi thought it was a little strained. Did I talk too much?
"Syr?" Kirito answered back, turning toward the waitress. "You took off your apron. Done for the night?"
"That's right!" The girl leaned on the table so that she and Kirito could look at each other easier. "Now you have me aaalllll to yourself. Excited?"
"I'm always excited for the chance to talk with you, Syr." Kirito answered, placing a hand on hers.
Face turning red, Syr averted her eyes. "Maybe I gave you too much? Urgh, you're such a lady-killer now."
"S-Syr?"
"N-Nothing!" The girl sulked. In less than a second, the pout was replaced by the usual smile. Grabbing the peanuts that Rain and Philia had been using, she cocked her wrist back in a throwing motion. "Say ahh!"
"Ahh." Kirito obeyed, opening for her.
"First try!" Syr cheered as the peanut flew home cleanly. The two of them laughing.
Sachi only watched as the conversation flowed naturally. Kirito's cup getting lower and lower before the level rose again. Shuffling uncomfortably, Sachi looked back and forth, but once more no one was looking at her. They looked past her to Kirito and Syr.
She brought me here because I wouldn't fight for Kirito's attention…
When Sachi finally figured it out, her head bowed even lower. Staring at her lap, Sachi finished her drink and set the empty mug down. If she was braver, she would leave, but she didn't want to have to explain why.
"Saaa-chi!" Kirito slurred poking her cheek. "Why are you so depressed?"
"Ehh!? I-I am not! You… you were ignoring me is all…" Sulking, Sachi once more wondered why she was saying this. Unable to stop the torrent that Kirito's question had released, she poked his chest and continued. "This is your fault, I was fine in the background before you. I was fine hiding…"
"And hide that beautiful smile?" Kirito questioned, his eyes glazed slightly, but his expression was as warm as Sachi had ever seen it before. No worry lurked in his expression or tainted his words and motions.
Is this the freedom that alcohol grants? Can I… be like the others? A sudden urge gripped Sachi. Unable to resist it, not wanting to, Sachi grabbed an abandoned drink, and drained the remainder. Wanting and hoping for its sensations to wash away her awkwardness, wash away the straps that bound her heart.
Even for just one night, she wanted to experience it. Life as one of the popular, happy, outgoing kids.
Back straightening, Sachi faced Kirito with a bright smile, "say it again."
"Hmm? Oh, your smile is beautiful."
Giggling, Sachi hid her smile, with a demure hand. Slowly, she took it away revealing it once more. "Again."
"Your smile is gorgeous," Kirito changed it up this time.
Stamping her feet in excitement, Sachi almost burst into laughter. Only her hands stopped her loud laughter from echoing through the restaurant.
"Ki. Ri. To!" Syr interrupted, the maid's wide smile strained. "What about mine."
"Hmm…" Kirito stroked his chin, staring intently at Syr's face.
For some reason, Sachi grew even happier as the boy took his time, as if unable to think of a compliment. Syr's smile as well grew more uncertain.
"Mischievous."
"That's no answer for a lady!" Syr spluttered, cheeks heating angrily.
"Kirito!" Sachi poked him hard in the side. "Be nice to Syr!"
"But it is!" Kirito complained. "I always feel like she is making a joke I don't understand!"
"Hmm, maybe you would if you were smarter!" Syr huffed, starting to look visibly upset.
Reaching out to her, Sachi grabbed her hand. "I think your smile is very cute."
"Well, thank you. At least one person here has manners."
Pressing his hands together, begging for forgiveness. "Please forgive my manners. Syr, you have the smile of a goddess of beauty. Truly you are enrapturing."
"Hehe!" Instantly, that anger disappeared off her face, "so you think I'm a goddess, do you?"
"Of course not," Kirito answered, struggling to keep a serious face, "goddesses would be jealous of you and your smile!"
"Hehe, oh do me, do me!" Sachi demanded.
"Why you, Sachi? As radiant as the sun. You really should smile more."
Breaking down into a fit of giggles, Sachi hid her head against Kirito's shoulder. The words warming her hot heart. Why is it so hot in here?
Fanning herself, Sachi felt an unnatural urge rising in her. "Hey, Syr… can we set up a dancefloor?"
"Huh?" Tilting her head, Syr gave Sachi a puzzled glance for about half a second, then her smile returned. This time, there really was no way to describe it except as mischievous.
As Syr turned to look around the café, that had turned into a bar as time ticked on, Syr eventually nodded happily. Sachi realized as she followed Syr's gaze that she hadn't glanced around the room anxiously in quite a long time. As before, there were eyes on them, but no one tried to engage them in conversation. For some reason, the gazes were far less intimidating than they had been.
Standing up, Syr moved with business-like efficiency, clearing out the tables in the center. When Syr smiled and asked, the patrons moved instantly for her, helping her readjust the room. The resulting area was not large, but it was large enough.
Suddenly, everyone in the room was looking at the center, drinks in hand, smiles on their faces. It wasn't long before one of the serving girls returned with a case. Laying it on the corner of the bar, the serving girl pulled up a stool. The place was near the edge of the dancefloor, yet far enough away that she would not be in the way.
As she began to remove the flute from its case, Sachi realized with a start that the girl was an elf. She looked young by any standards, with light golden hair falling in curls around her head, hiding the tips of her ears.
The flute she carried with an easy grace was carved from wood. It had no elaborate ornamentation yet seemed rich for the lack of it. Bringing it to her lips, she paused and stared at Syr, waiting for her command.
"Okay everyone! Get ready to dance!" Pointing at the elf, Syr began it. "Hit it, Ria!"
The tune that flowed out was not one Sachi knew, nor had she been expecting one at all. In fact, she now realized exactly how preposterous her demand had been. How much work would normally have gone into fulfilling it that Syr performed instantly.
Bouncing to her feet, Sachi held out her hand to Kirito. "Come on!"
"Eh? But I don't know the song!"
"So?" Sachi pouted. "We can just copy what they're doing!"
Already a few pairs had entered the floor. The tune was bouncy and simple. The uncomplicated beat had the still sitting occupants stomping their feet to the rhythm, almost overriding the flute.
"…Okay." Only hesitating for a moment longer, Kirito rose and extended his hand, seeking to grab Sachi's outstretched one.
Retracting it hurriedly, she smiled at Kirito's confusion. "Ask properly."
Snorting, Kirito flourished his black coat, and bowed deeply, well past ninety degrees. "My Lady Sachi, would you honour me with a dance?"
"Hmm… Yes, I suppose I will." Giggling as she took it, Sachi skipped her way unto the makeshift floor. There was little rhyme to what was occurring there. Every pair was doing their own thing. The only common trait was the rhythm. A constant, easy beat that even the most drunken adventurer could keep.
"Here we go!"
Kirito's right arm went around her waist and his left raised hers. Sachi was familiar with the pose but never expected to experience it. Now that she was, Sachi could not keep the smile off her face. She felt like her cheeks were splitting.
Suddenly, at the top of the beat, Kirito's body moved even closer, his right foot moving to the space where her left was. Guided by his hands, her foot moved back in time with his. Swaying to that side, they paused and did a quarter-turn, sliding back the way they had come.
"You know… Your smile really is beautiful," Kirito whispered, "I wasn't just saying that."
"Ahaha," Sachi soul was singing. The exertion of dancing, the contact, the heat filling her body. The cloud in her head numbing her fear. "Well, the closer you keep me, the more you'll see it!"
"Yeah… I suppose that's true…"
As words faded away, their bodies continued to move. More and more people joining in. Unlike the rougher bars, the ratio of men to women was almost even. More and more tables were getting stacked against the wall, expanding the floor.
Sweat glistening on her skin, Sachi could barely handle the heat. Breaths coming short and fast, her smile never fading, her eyes never leaving Kirito's. He would never lead her into danger. With subtle movements, he perfectly directed her. Spinning on command, stepping. It was a magical moment, stretching into minutes that passed too quickly.
One final twirl out and then back in, Sachi found herself held close to Kirito's body, faces almost touching as the final note faded.
"Kirito…"
"Sachi…"
Breaths mingling, Sachi did not know what she had smelt last time. There was nothing amiss. This is where she was supposed to be. This was who she was supposed to be.
More!
"Ahem!"
"Ack!" Panicking, Sachi jumped back as Syr's voice rang in the air. "Next song, next pairing!"
"Huh? But I—" Sachi's outstretched hand slowly fell back to her side. Syr had already started dragging Kirito away. The boy gave her one final smile and wave but turned to his new partner. Pulling her close and moving to the beat that emerged in a similar song.
Left alone, the heat was getting to Sachi. Taking one last look at Kirito, Sachi left through the open front door. After nightfall, the air was cool. Autumn was here, and Winter not far behind. The end of the year was rapidly approaching.
Leaning against the banister on the vacated balcony, Sachi ran a hand down her face. It came away wet. "What a night…" Looking up at the sky, Sachi started to realize how drunk she was. How hard it was to focus. The dance, the conversation, it was blurred in her mind. Thoughts in general were hard to focus on.
"Hmm… Maybe I can get another turn with Kirito…" Something told Sachi to savor this night, it was unlikely they would have another like it in a long time.
Turning back around to enter, Sachi resolved herself to stop drinking. She wanted to remember this night. The first time she was able to act competent in a group setting. Even if she had not gotten to express her true emotions.
Kirito:
"Oww…" Groaning, Kirito placed a hand to forehead. Keeping his eyes pressed slightly together, Kirito's hand lowered from his forehead to his eyes, blocking more of the photons attempting to stimulate his sight of vision.
Kirito knew exactly what caused it, yet he was a little surprised. He had the immunity ability, should alcohol not affect him as much? Also, when did he drink this much? Hadn't he only had one cup?
"Well well, look at what the partier reaps."
"Hestia…" Kirito whined, cracking an eye to observe the grumpy miniature goddess. "Please torture me at a later time."
"You have things to do today," the goddess reminded him. "Besides, this is entirely your fault! If you and Sachi hadn't been drinking like sailors, the two of you would be able to function despite the late night!"
Fair… Kirito could not admit that out loud, however. "Urgh, and we still don't have anyone with healing magic…"
Hestia sniffed again and placed two vials in Kirito's hand. "Drink these! And pay better attention next time! Urgh, my familia leader behaving like some…"
"Was I really that bad?" Kirito asked. His memories seemed intact. He talked to everyone for a long time while eating. It had been a great time. Then when Syr and Sachi were with him, Sachi wanted to dance, so they made a dancefloor. After that, Kirito danced with everyone for the rest of the night. Not a single song went by that he got a chance to rest.
"Well, you were good at dancing but…" Growling, Hestia whipped her head back and forth, twintails flying. "Ahh, just drink those and get to work!"
"…Yes goddess." Pulling out the stoppers, Kirito downed both vials at the same time. The liquids and their tastes mixing together on his tongue. Like all good medicine, they were bitter, but had a magical healing effect that numbed the taste.
"…That's… That's all I had to say."
"Hold on!" Kirito called out, sitting up straight, "can you update my status while you're here?"
"So needy," but Hestia did not sound upset.
Turning away from her, Kirito waited as Hestia poked her finger and ran it across his back, removing the lock that she had finally learnt how to do.
"Hmm… Definitely growing slower now."
Taking the sheet of paper wordlessly, Kirito analyzed it. The conclusion was bleak, Hestia was right.
Kirito
Level Four
Strength: I 0 I 30 Defense: I 0 → I 12 Utility: I 0 → I 22 Agility: I 0 → I 31 Magic: I 0 → I 10
Aura: G Immunity: H Blademaster: I
Magic:
Gigas Cedar – Summons a branch of the unfellable tree to grow from the equipped sword.
Mirrored Blades – Duplicates the properties of the weapon held in each hand.
Skills:
Gilded Hero – Grants the user abilities surpassing their limit in times of great desperation or need. Particularly when aligned with a righteous goal.
Spinning Shield – Aids the user in blocking projectile magic with a weapon.
Kirito had not fought any enemies on his level since levelling up. Just fodder for funds and his trip a few days ago to clear his head. Hopefully the stat issue would change when he was up again monsters that could challenge him.
For now though, he had a bigger issue, facing his family. Pulling on a shirt, Kirito changed his bottoms quickly to new ones and descended the stairs. It was later in the day then he was used to getting up at. Already, he could hear murmurs of conversation and dishes clacking downstairs. A light flurry of activity reminiscent of restless inhabitants.
As soon as he had gone low enough to see the main room of their home, everyone had frozen. A light blush entering their cheeks as they hid their mouths. Only one girl had a different reaction. Sachi was on the couch, head in her hands, face pale. Upon sensing everyone's reactions, she shot up. Eyes becoming the size of saucers, she bolted. A full-on sprint straight out the front door.
"HAHAHA!" More than one of the remaining occupants broke down into gales of laughter. Liz and Rain especially, while Lili held it only a little better.
"…Morning." Kirito greeted them, refusing to be intimidated by the strange mood. Getting to the bottom, Kirito grabbed a bowl and some of the miso soup that Mikoto had made with help from the others. Not the most standard breakfast in the world, but it did the trick.
"Well well, the dancing man didn't tire himself out after all." Liz snickered sliding in beside him.
"Haha don't worry, I can last as long as you all want." Kirito replied, his head starting to feel lighter. Only from a faint chocking noise from Liz, did Kirito reconsider his words. "Ah, I mean…"
"…"
Kirito received no reply. Liz only stared at the counter, face red. Forcing himself to move, Kirito sat down at the table where he was greeted by more red faces. This time though, Philia, Rain, Leafa, and Strea were all bent together whispering. Yui looked upset at being left out. She had fallen asleep at the table last night, her stamina failing.
"Hey Yui, get anything cool when you levelled up?" Kirito figured it was a safe topic.
"Ehh? Did Hestia…?"
"H-Hestia?" Kirito asked, confused.
"…Please excuse me Papa!" Standing up, the small girl rushed upstairs where Hestia had not descended from. Kirito could only watch in confusion as the small girl abandoned him in the maze of predicaments he did not remember causing.
"Ki"
"Ri"
"To!" Having fun with his name, Rain and Philia sang it back and forth between themselves as the two girls sat themselves beside him suddenly. He hadn't even noticed the huddle break up.
"Y-Yes!?" Voice squeaking, he took a sip of the soup. Silica had joined them at the table. Now, no matter what direction he looked, there was one of them smiling at him.
"Did you enjoy last night?"
"Yes…" Answering slowly, Kirito was trying to sense out the conversation shortcomings. He used to fall into them all the time. Every time he thought he improved however, he seemed to screw something else up. The only logical conclusion was that the girls moved the location of the landmines. "I had a great time talking and dancing with everyone."
They continued to smile, the expression growing happier, Kirito thought. Assuming the worst was over, Kirito took a long draught of the soup. The heat and delicious simplicity of it reinvigorating him as much as the potions had.
"So why did you dance with the other girls so much?"
"Guh!" Coughing, Kirito almost spit all over the table. Hitting his chest a couple of times while the coughs continued, Kirito finally recovered enough to stutter a reply. "W-What do you mean?"
"Syr and all the other patrons!" Philia explained. "Your leering eyes kept undressing them and more than one thought you'd be inviting them to spend the night!"
"W-What!?" Racking his brain, Kirito did not remember doing what they accused him of. When a song finished, he would bow and try to leave. Turning around however, he would always find another woman waiting for him, eyes staring expectantly. Obliged to fulfill his role, he would ask them to dance. They said yes, and Kirito was stuck for another song. Again and again. Melodies beating endlessly through his skull.
"Don't have an aneurysm," Leafa glared at Philia, "she's kidding… mostly."
"We had to fight a war…" Silica muttered.
"Hehe, but wasn't it worth fighting?" Strea chimed in.
"I agree," Rain added on, leaning into Kirito. Wrapping her hand around his, she grabbed the spoon. "Say ahh."
Obeying, Kirito allowed himself to be fed the soup, but he continued to look around the table for an explanation.
"Well, what I said was true!" Philia defended herself. "How many people were inquiring about joining our familia? Men with their greedy eyes, or women thinking they'll just ride easily on your back."
"S-Surely there were only one or two…" Kirito asked in disbelief. He had not noticed anything like that.
All the girls frowned at his words. "It is why we could not dance with you as much," Leafa explained. "There was a constant funnel of patrons in and out approaching us. They tend to avoid us on the street, but in that environment…"
"Ah, I'm sorry…" Thinking on it now, there were women who asked for a second dance, winking occasionally.
Kirito was unsure exactly how he replied to the women, but clearly, he had managed to fend them off one way or another. Likely by thanking them, bowing and seeking a chair.
"Seriously, how much did you have to drink?" Silica berated him with crossed arms. "You didn't stick up for yourself once! You could have made our lives easier if you would just…"
"Did I… Do something wrong?" Kirito asked them plainly. He could tell that they had been drained by the events of last night… but had they not enjoyed themselves? Kirito could remember clearly how pretty each of them had been in his arms, wide smiles flashing.
"No," Rain spoke swiftly, before anyone could say anything else. "I think we just want…"
"Reassurance," Philia blushed. "You're so popular after the wargame now that there are many women who will want you…"
Kirito looked at his right hand, flexing it closed and then open. Philia's words sounded like a joke, or the start of a fantasy that all straight men had. "Sometimes… I feel that power. A strength that allows me to rip the world apart. I feel different, changed… but there are times like now that it just seems like numbers. No different from when I would grind an MMO for levels."
Silence reigned after the embarrassing explanation. Kirito knew that they were celebrities now. Every man that approached them last night was interested in them, but they had fended off each one. Only dancing occasionally with the ones that seemed safe. The ones that had been there at the beginning and didn't filter in chasing rumors.
They deny them for me… and what assurances, have I given them?
"Umm, I think I understand… I-I have no intentions of adding… err, what I'm trying to say…" Vision filled with expectant faces no matter what direction he was facing, Kirito's cheeks flushed bright red. "I don't want random women! I… I love my family. So only people in our family…"
Despite his resolve, Kirito still couldn't finish as the girls' smiles expanded. "So cute!" Leaping across the table at him, Kirito toppled backwards in Strea's embrace, the rest of his soup spilling everywhere.
"Hold on…" Philia mused. "Does that not mean we are responsible for choosing?"
"Pretty much," Rain agreed.
"We should make a list," Philia yelled suddenly. "We can include the Yeses, the maybes, and the nos!"
"Aisha is definitely a no!" Silica said, for some reason on board.
"Ha… Hahaha!" Breaking into laughter slowly, Kirito wrapped his arms around Strea on top of him and pulled her in tighter. "Do what you want. As long as you are all happy… so am I."
Letting his eyes, close, Kirito did kind of wish that he could have danced with them more last night. Instead of the random partners, he would have loved to see their smiles more. The pure happiness that he never would have expected a year ago to be because of him.
"Sorry to break up the party…" Mikoto sounded like she was not sorry at all. "But Kirito needs to go after Sachi."
"Oh, that's right!" Strea bounced off Kirito. "I think Sachi is a yes!"
"Of course," Rain rolled her eyes. "She's family."
With Silica and Leafa nodding as well, Kirito blinked. "You think… Sachi likes me?" Kirito remembered almost kissing her last night. It had been that mistake more than anything else that had engrained a resistance in him against dancing with a woman more than once. Leaving and finding a new partner each time.
"Somehow… he still is naïve," Philia wondered. "Clearly I need to educate him more…"
Philia's evil laughter turned into a sharp 'eep', when Rain chopped the back of her neck.
"She's been smitten since you saved her in the dungeon a long time ago," Mikoto sighed. "Of course last night was the first time she allowed herself to express it…"
"Got it!" Standing up, Kirito looked around the room. "I'm not going to force anything though… okay?"
"Of course not!"
Before Kirito could even recognize that his pants were still soup-stained, he had beem kicked from the house. With no direction to pursue, Kirito went hunting for a girl.
Argo:
"Where are you…" Muttering to herself, Argo hid in the tall grass, invisible. Not figuratively, the way predatory animals were, but magically. It pulsed at Argo's mind, an ever-present sensation, her sorcery. It was not to the level of the Renart's that Hestia familia had adopted, but it was powerful, despite its rather unfortunate setbacks.
From her outlook, Argo stared across the empty plain. A road cut the sea of grass, only hard-packed dirt that the landscape threatened to swallow. Upon the road, a convoy of three carts travelled. Pulled by horses, they approached Orario. The white walls were almost in sight. Yet, despite their journey almost being at the end, Argo could see the drivers' eyes flicking back and forth in terror. Sweat beading at their foreheads, they had the look of men doomed to die.
The only ones more composed were the guards of a mercantile familia. One of the few that were willing to guard these cargos. Argo did not recognize their sigil, but figured they were new to the area. Taking on a job without knowing the true risks.
Where are they…?
Argo was tense. No one knew she was coming here. Only Hermes. Any hunters should not be aware of her. Still, that did not Argo's nerves.
Stalking slowly, she was aware of how each step parted the grass. Supplemented with her status, it looked little different from the effect of the wind. Golden stalks shifting back and forth in transfixing patterns.
Argo thought back to earlier that day, standing atop Belit Babitty with Bell. How sensitive the boy was to being stared at. An interesting one, he. Departing from the entertainment district, Argo had walked through the Western gate and arrived at her present location.
Now, Argo could not repress the stress. She could feel the sweat beading on her brow as her senses worked overtime. Would they come? What would she do if they did?
It was like Orario did not care about the missing shipments. No one talked about them, no one truly noticed. Adventurers complained about rising weapon costs, Blacksmiths about ore rarity, but everyone just shrugged and issued more quests for dungeon resources.
They didn't understand the danger. They thought adventurers were untouchable. That the common person was no threat to a person with a falna.
They didn't know how wrong they were.
"Huh?" Jerking to the side, Argo heard it. A small crack, a boot crushing plant life underfoot.
Where!?
Her eyes were lying to her. There was nothing there. They were invisible. Invisible like her or…?
Like a predator.
Argo wanted to hit herself. She had just thought about it earlier. There were pictures she had seen back in the old world of animals. Except, the picture looked empty, the animal was so camouflaged that your eyes lied to you.
In Orario, one could buy monster hunting tarps. Unlike normal camouflage blankets, the ones of this world were magically crafted to blend in. They weren't true invisibility, but most times, they were good enough.
Standing up straight, Argo focused her level three senses and found them. One, two, three, four distinct lumps lay disturbing the grass.
It happened just as the caravans passed by them, the guards' eyes moving ahead to the next area.
Bang! The loud ringing sound that Argo had heard replicated so many times in movies and shows. The herald of the end of melee combat.
The first one signaled the next round. The lumps rising into two people each. A cacophony of smoke and loud explosions later and the guards were all dead. Disbelieving eyes still wide as they stared into space.
The panicking horses rearing and trying to force themselves forward faster, the drivers on the verge of letting them do so.
"Stop the carriages or die." A man's voice called out dispassionately.
"AHH!" The driver of the first carriage did not listen, whipping their horse into a gallop. The tired animal straining to drag the large cart loaded with metal ores. They barely got anywhere before one of the figures ran over, easily catching the horse and stabbed the driver through the heart with a needle-like blade.
"So stupid…"
"Ahh, at least its easy though!" A high-pitched voice laughed. "Now, now, let's get these to the farm, yes?"
"Yes. Calm the horses. If we have to kill them, you'll be dragging the carts."
Argo shivered. She knew what she'd been expecting, but finding it was so much worse. These weren't primitive rifles either. The guns appeared to be semi-automatic. Someone with extensive knowledge about the technology had been involved in their crafting.
In swift fashion, the eight figures dressed mostly in black clothes grabbed and secured the carts. The other two drivers, once freed from their seat were thrown a singular knife. One of them walked away.
Argo hated how little they hesitated. How they dove at it and fought tooth and nail against their coworker, a friend. Eventually it ended, one driver standing panting, his friend's blood splattered across his face. Taking one look at the wagons, he sprinted away, back towards the mining town they originated from.
Bang!
"Idiot," the needle-blade wielding man remarked, having shot the fleeing man down.
"That was great!" The loud one cried, thumping the wooden side of the carriage in ecstasy. "What a fight! Did you hear the loser in his final moments? Please Mark, I have a wife! Mark, spare me! She's pregnant! Ahh, it gets better every time!"
Assholes… Argo bristled, glaring daggers at them. Her hand clenched around the hilt of her dagger. She was invisible, she could do it. I've killed before…
Growing more determined to make this raid their last, Argo had barely lifted her foot when the leader of the group whirled around, handgun extended in her direction.
Bang!
Pressed flat against the ground, Argo's heart beat wildly. The bullet had missed, barely. Even at level three, it travelled far too fast. Only the man's shift in posture and time it took to tighten his finger on the trigger really mattered.
"What was that?" The men asked, raising their guns as well.
"…Nothing," the leader said after a moment. "But reload and stay vigilant."
"Tsk, and he tells us not to waste even a single bullet," Argo heard one of them whine. But she could not focus, not anymore. Not after being shot at. Not after the cruelty she had witnessed. The world was changing, and Argo feared it was not for the better.
"Oh Kirito… Stay ignorant and stay safe." Even as she said it though, Argo knew that this wasn't a problem that could be fixed. One could not close Pandora's box. A power once wrought upon the world would not be quickly forgotten.