Bell stood in Alfia's room as the woman glared at him. He had a smile on his face as her eyes started twitching.

"So you've managed to charm an amazon, eh?" She growled.

Bell nodded. "Yup"

"And now you want to wander into the pleasure district to go and save a girl you briefly met in Melen. At the behest of another girl who you barely know."

"Correct"

Alfia groaned. "Why is it always girls with you? Why can't you just hang around with your guy friends?"

"Because there's a lot more girls around here than guys. Also, Bache is pretty cool. She's nice, too."

"Yes, the woman who threw herself at you. I don't doubt you find her cool after what she showed you."

Bell grinned, remembering his time in Melen with her. "Oh yeah. That was pretty cool to"

"Bell, she's 13 years older than you."

"Even better."

Alfia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. She could already hear the old god cheering all the way from Hearthome.

"Ok, we'll touch on that later because there's no way I'm letting you sleep with her."

"You're allowed to believe that."

Alfia sighed again. Desperately wanting to hit him upside the head. "Back to the topic on hand. What makes you think I'd allow you to wander into the pleasure district in the middle of the night? You know what goes on in there."

"Well, you and Grandpa always told me to help people where I can. I'm just following what you taught me."

"I understand that, but this is extremely dangerous. Sure, you fought Kali and a few of her amazons in Melen. But Ishtar has hundreds of them in the pleasure district. Sure, you may be stronger than all of them in there, but eventually you'll get tired. Or your mind will run out. Or you'll take a hit somewhere, even if it's not intentional."

"Then come with me. If you're there, we'll be unstoppable. Once we get the information we need, we can act on it."

Alifa sighed again. She was about to tell Bell the reason she called him here. "I can't do that, Bell. I'm leaving back for Hearthome tomorrow to escort the stone masons and the supplies they need. With such a massive caravan, it'll be a prime target for bandits. We can't risk losing these supplies. Not when the Long Night will be upon us."

A look of sadness filled Bell's eyes. His aunt was leaving. "Oh, okay. Do you know when you'll be back?"

"It'll take two months. Maybe a week or two more, depending on how fast we go. I wanted to let you know before I left."

"Oh. So you won't be coming with us for the expedition then."

"Yeah. But I'll be around for the next one. You going to be alright with me gone?"

"Yeah, no, I'll be fine. Just didn't expect you to leave so soon."

"It won't be long, Bell. I'll be back before you know it. But please don't go rushing into danger while I'm not around. You know I don't like that you have to fight."

Bell wryly chuckled. "It's funny that I'm really good at the one thing you hate I have to do. Kind of ironic."

"Look, I know I can't stop you from going to the pleasure district if I'm not here. But if you do which, you most likely will be careful. You don't know what's going on in that place or what will happen to you."

"But if someone's in trouble, I should help them. I mean, if it was me trapped in there, you would burn the whole place down. How is this any different?"

"Because this girl is a stranger."

"Zald said a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet."

Bell and Alfia stared at each other. Neither was backing down from their point of view. On the one hand, Alfia wanted Bell to be safe and not risk his life. If the Long Night weren't approaching, she wouldn't have allowed Bell to pick up a sword at all.

But Bell was stubborn. Very stubborn. But he was also smart enough not to jump headfirst into something without getting details down. He knew rushing into the pleasure district to save some girl he never met was stupid.

Incredibly stupid.

But he also knew someone needed help. Needed saving, and Bell couldn't look the other way. He knew that he would likely do it on his own with him and Mikoto.

It would be easier for Loki that way. Ishtar had such a tight grip on the guild relating to an incident regarding the true levels of her adventurers. Many familia's went into financial ruin because of her.

Now that he thought about it more, it would be better if he did this without Mikoto. That way, she doesn't bring any blowback onto her familia.

But he would need help getting Haruhime out of there. He would also need someone to fall back on in case things got really bad. But he didn't want to cause Loki any trouble, which is why she didn't know about this.

Luckily for him, he had just the person in mind.

"So I can't convince you to not do this?" Alfia asked.

Bell shook his head. "Sorry, Alfia, but I can't stand by while I know this information. That's not who I am."

Alfia smiled before kissing the top of his head. "Your parents would be proud of you."

Bell looked at the ground. "Are you proud of me?"

"I am. You're headstrong, and don't let anyone push you around. Once your mind is made up, there's no changing it. You're smart as well. You look at a situation in multiple different ways before acting. You're also a damn fine swordsman. As you grow older, you might surpass Albert Waldestein."

"You really think I can be that good?"

"I know that you'll be better. Your talent's greater than mine."

With those final words, Alfia released her hold on Bell. The boy looked at her, and she gave him a smile.

"Now go read that letter Zeus sent you. You've been putting it off long enough."

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Bell entered his room and saw Met sleeping on top of his bed with Silver resting on top of her head. He smiled at the scene before sitting at his desk and opening the letter his Grandpa sent him before he left for Melen.

Dear Bell

Hey, kiddo just writing to check up on ya. This letter shouldn't take too long to reach you as I sent it by messenger pigeon. Which is pretty cool since we can exchange information with each other within a few days.

Anyway just writing to check up on ya. I had a feeling you made me really proud, and I just had to check in to see what it was. So go on and tell me so I can brag about you.

Oh, also, Zald says if you die, he'll kill you, and Hera says to wash behind your ears.

Woman, am I right?

Anyway, things here are going great in Hearthome. We're building ballistas and trebuchets as well as catapults. Let's see how an army of the dead likes it when a rock the size of a cabin lands on them.

Well, I'd best hurry with finishing this letter. Afternoon drills are about to start, and I have to oversee the next batch with Zald.

So, I'll finish off with some Grandfatherly advice.

Don't die

Sincerely

Your Grandpa

P.S. You get laid yet? Zald and I have a bet going.

Bell chuckled at the letter before setting it aside and grabbing a paper and pen. He wrote his response detailing the time he's had in Orario so far. From arriving to his time in Melen, he wrote a detailed account of what happened while also adding some comedy and childlike wonder to it.

Once it was done, he folded and found an envelope to hold it. After that was done, he gave the letter to Loki and asked her to send it to Zeus since he didn't know where any messenger pigeons were.

"Ah, there you are, Bell. Thanks again for getting me another level six. Gonna make things a lot easier in the dungeon," Loki greeted.

Bell smiled before sliding the letter on her desk.

"Oh. Is this a love letter for little ol me? You shouldn't have Bell," Loki teased.

Bell rolled his eyes and chuckled. "No, it's not a love letter. It's a letter back to my Grandpa in Hearthome. I didn't know where any messenger pigeons are located."

Loki oh'ed. "Ah, gotcha. Yeah, don't worry, I'll take care of that for ya. So, what are your plans for the coming days?"

Bell shrugged. "Relax a little. Melen was quite tiring, and I had to plan everything last minute."

"Did you at least enjoy the beach before shit hit the fan?"

"I did; it was fun fishing with Cruz and Raul."

Loki smiled. She was glad Bell was getting along with some of the familia. "Alright, well, I'll get this sent out for ya. Have fun with the rest of your day."

Bell bid Loki goodbye and left her office while Loki looked at the envelope.

"He's most definitely lying about relaxing. Oh well, who cares? Better get this letter sent."

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Alicia sat in Riveria's office with her knee bouncing up and down. Said high elf sat across from her with a calm gaze.

She knew something was bothering her second in command. But she didn't know what.

"Why are you so nervous, Alicia? You're not in any trouble," Riveria said.

Alicia nervously swallowed. It had been a few days since the incident in Melen. She had yet to tell anyone but Bell. However, those who knew her knew something was wrong.

"I-it's nothing, lady Riveria," Alicia lied.

"Alicia. I know something is bothering you. You've been acting differently since Melen. I just want to know what happened so I can help you."

Alicia looked away from the high elf, her hand on her chin. She found the wall more interesting right now.

"It was nothing. Nothing bad happened."

"I never said it was bad; I just said something happened."

Alicia flinched at her small mistake. Now Riveria was even more suspicious than before. However, Riveria had some idea of what happened when Alicia closed in on herself.

She had seen many of the servant girls do the same after her father left their rooms. She knew the signs.

"Alicia. Did one of those amazons do something to you?" Riviera asked.

Alicia was silent. She didn't look at Riveria, finding the wall more appealing. Her knee was still bouncing up and down, but tears were brimming her eyes.

Alicia didn't trust her voice, so she simply nodded. Rivieria got up from her chair and went to the door.

"Stay right here. I'll be right back," Riviera ordered.

Alicia didn't reply, and Riveria opened her office door, seeing Aki outside.

"Aki, wait with her," Riveria ordered.

Aki didn't get a chance to ask why before Riveria was already gone. Aki was confused about the situation but went inside her office to see Alicia shaking.

Aki was immediately at her side, careful not to touch Alicia as elves didn't like being touched. But that didn't seem to bother Alicia as much as she latched onto Aki and cried into her shoulder.

Aki was surprised for a second but patted Alicia on the back and wrapped her tail around her for extra comfort.

Riviera returned a minute later with Loki in tow. She shut the door to her office, and Loki was immediately at Alicia's side. A comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Alicia, honey, you're alright. You're safe. Nothing can happen to you here," Loki told her.

Alicia kept crying while holding onto Aki for dear life. Loki kept her hand on her shoulder, rubbing comfortable circles on her back.

Rivieria stood off to the side. She had seen a sight like this many times in the Alf forest. Her father preached purity among the high elves, yet he himself had many mistresses.

Some were willing, but most weren't. She had seen a sight like this many times but was powerless to do anything about it. He was her father, after all, and she couldn't go against him.

But now that she wasn't in the Alf forest anymore. She could do something, and that's what she did. At least, that's what she'd like to believe.

In reality, all she did was bring someone else and stand off to the side. She was doing the exact same thing she did back home.

Letting someone else deal with it while she stood off to the side. It seemed her father still had his hold on her in this way.

Something she didn't seem to realize herself.

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Mikoto nervously waited inside her room at the Takemikzuchi familia home. Bell said he would come and get her once it was time for them to head out.

Many thoughts ran through her head as she waited. What if they were caught? Would she drive her familia to financial ruin? Would she be taken as a prostitute by Ishtar and turned into a piece of meat with no personality?

That last thought made her worried. But Haruhime was her friend, and she couldn't leave her there. She knew Haruhime would be miserable in a place like that.

Haruhime was too sweet and innocent to be happy in a place such as that. Mikoto took a deep breath to calm her nerves, but it didn't work. Too many thoughts were running through her mind, and she couldn't think clearly.

She grabbed her katana and laid it out in front of her. She sat on her knees with her hands on her thighs. She closed her eyes and began to meditate.

She would do this for the rest of the day until Bell arrived to pick her up.

But even as she meditated, her thoughts wandered to the white-haired boy. Bell had only talked to her once, and that was after he saved her life from those weird people in robes.

He and the other boy helped her and didn't ask for anything in return. That's why she felt comfortable asking for his help again.

She couldn't ask Welf as he was too weak to take on the Berbera much like herself. But she had heard of Bell's skills during the monsterphelia attack and knew he could take them on if the need arose.

She let out another deep breath and calmed her nerves some more. Her heart rate slowed down, and she could feel a more attuned sense of her surroundings.

Chigusa and Ouka were in the kitchen while Takemikzuchi was outside, sitting in the sunlight. The rest of her familia was making their way to the Far East to deliver money to the shrine where she grew up.

They wouldn't be back for months, so it was just the three of them and her god that remained. Another deep breath was let out, and Mikoto was in a zen-like state.

Her mind was clear, and her breathing was calm. Her body felt light, and time passed. Once she opened her eyes, she saw Bell sitting in front of her.

"That's a pretty cool trick you got there," He said, elbows resting on his knees. His chin in his hands.

"Ah! What the-when did you get in here?!" Mikoto screeched.

"A while ago. Your god let me inside and said not to disturb you. So I waited."

Mikoto's heart was racing. She hadn't expected to see the very boy who occupied her thoughts. Once she got over her shock, she realized it was dark outside.

"So you ready to go to the district of pleasure and debauchery to save your friend?" Bell asked, standing up.

"When you say it like that, it sounds like a code for something depraved, Sir Bell."

Bell shrugged. "Eh, you have a point there. Now you ready?"

Mikoto nodded and stood up. She grabbed her katana and left it next to her bed. She noticed Bell didn't have his swords by his sides.

But he pulled back his sleeve and revealed the dagger hidden underneath. "Might wanna grab a hold-out weapon in case you need it. Never know what could happen."

Mikoto agreed with his sentiment and grabbed one of her Shinto blades and hid it under her sleeve as well. Once the two were armed, they made their way to the pleasure district.

It was a night Mikoto wouldn't forget. For two reasons.

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Bell and Mikoto walked the nightly streets of Orario. The two were nervous to be walking into the pleasure district.

Mikoto more than Bell.

Once the two reached the entrance, Bell pulled her aside into an alley to discuss the plan one more time.

"Alright, we'll walk in together and start looking. If we get separated, we meet back at the entrance an hour before the sun comes up. If we don't find her, we'll look again tomorrow."

Mikoto nodded and looked toward the entrance from the alleyway. "What if the Berbera notice us?"

"Then we run back to the Twilight Manor. I'm more likely to be recognized than you are, so if I tell you to get away from me, do it. They won't assume anything if I treat you like a crazy stalker."

"But I'm not," Mikoto protested.

"They don't know that," Bell added.

Mikoto nodded in understanding once she got his point. After finishing the final details of the plan, Bell and Mikoto walked in.

An array of red lights lit the district up, and Bell could see a vast sea of people made up of all races. Prostitutes stood off to the side and catcalled at anyone they found attractive or rich.

Bell and Mikoto kept walking without any idea in where to find Haruhime. Bell guessed they kept her as a secret judging by the cloak she wore in Melen.

What he didn't know was why she was kept secret. Mikoto and her familia were too weak to be a threat to Ishtar, and that was taking into account that she knew the two knew each other.

No, she was being hidden away and kept secret for something. For what Bell didn't know.

Mikoto looked around the district. Her face was red from the lights and her blush. Many scantily clad men and women stood in the streets waving to her and inviting her to stay the night with them.

She nervously gulped and scooted closer to Bell, feeling really embarrassed being here. Bell kept his poker face on, but the amount of predatory eyes he felt sent a shiver up his spine.

He was just glad his backup wasn't far behind him.

The two kept walking until Bell passed the amazon. She was with Haruhime in Melen. He felt her gaze turn to him and saw recognition in her eyes.

"Get ready," Bell muttered.

Mikoto was confused for a second before Bell backed away from her. "Stop following you, stalker! Everywhere I go, I see you behind me!"

Mikoto was perplexed before remembering what he said. "Wait, but I-

"Stop following me!" Bell said before hurriedly walking away.

Once gone, Mikoto slumped her shoulders and watched as an amazon walked past her. "You'll get him next time," She comforted.

Lena kept following Bell as Mikoto stood in the street. She was still very nervous, but Bell had given her the disguise of his crazy stalker.

Now, when people would see her snooping around, they'd assume she was looking for Bell.

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Bell kept walking before turning down an alley in an attempt to lose Lena. He felt a dangerous presence to his right, hiding in the shadows.

They lunged at him, and Bell spun on his foot, dodging the woman. The amazon he dodged looked at him and licked her lips.

"Mhmm, I'm gonna have some fun with you," She cooed.

"No, Aisha, he's mine. I saw him first!" Lena complained.

"Oh, Lena, we can always share."

"Son of a bitch" Bell muttered. He was getting ready to run when he heard a voice call out from behind him.

"Oh, Bell, is that you, dear boy?" Hermes called out.

"Fuck" Bell muttered as Hermes approached.

"Why it is. Oh, it seems you have company as well. A pleasure to meet you, beautiful ladies. Has the lad captured your interest?"

"He has Lord Hermes," Aisha answered.

Hermes looked over to Bell and saw a warning look in them. But Hermes, being Hermes, wanted to have a little fun at his nephew's expense.

He knew he'd pay the price later, but it'd be worth it in the end.

"Oh well, in that case, allow me to give him this," Hermes said, reaching into his bag and handing Bell a potent aphrodisiac.

Bell slowly turned his head and glared at his uncle as Hermes walked away. "Have fun now, dear boy. Tell me all about it later."

Bell wanted nothing more than to kill Hermes at that moment. But he was busy as Aisha grabbed his arm and took the aphrodisiac.

"Well, looks like we'll have lots of fun now. Come on, rabbit, let's get you to a room," Aisha said, throwing Bell over her shoulder.

Bell would've protested, but when he saw them heading in the direction of Belit Babeli, he didn't. He was heading to the home of Ishtar. Maybe he could find more information about Haruhime there.

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Aisha walked into Belit Babeli with Bell over her shoulder and Lena behind her. She found it odd that Bell was putting up more of a fight.

He seemed strong and knew she was in that alley before she grabbed him. But after Hermes came, he turned docile.

She chalked it up to embarrassment and continued her stride. Once they entered a lavish foyer, the Goddess Ishtar appeared at the top of the stairs.

Aisha pushed Bell's head down so the Goddess couldn't use her charm against him. But before she did, Bell saw Haruhime at the top of the stairs with her.

"Aisha, why are you bringing a Loki brat to my domain?" Ishtar demanded.

"He wants a good lay lady, Ishtar. Lena and I scooped him up," Aisha answered.

Ishtar narrowed her eyes at Bell, who remained still. His objective was here but was with Ishtar. It seems extracting her would be a little harder than he first believed.

"Oh, Bell, what a surprise it's you again. About to enjoy some fun in the romp," Hermes asked.

Bell flicked him off while Hermes chuckled. "Do show him a good time, ladies. Ishtar and I have some business to conduct."

Ishtar kept her gaze on Bell for a moment more, then turned back to Hermes. "Very well, Hermes, I'll listen to what you have to say. Aisha, keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't go where he isn't supposed to."

Ishtar then grabbed Hermes by the back of his collar and dragged him off. Bell looked up at the top of the stairs and saw Hermes give him a wink before disappearing from sight.

Once their goddess was gone, the two amazons took him into a room and threw him down on the couch.

"Now then where were we?" Aisha asked, standing behind him. Her arms rested over the couch.

"Yeah, you look strong. You seem like fun," Lena added.

"Especially with this," Aisha said, waving the aphrodisiac next to him.

Bell nervously swallowed as he tried to figure a way out of there. He was about to bolt it to the door, but three more amazons appeared.

"Oh my, who's he, Aisha?"

"Yeah, he looks pretty cute."

"Like a little rabbit," Samaria cooed.

"Oh, just some wandering boy I found. You three wanna join?" Aisha asked.

Bell cursed under his breath, seeing that his only exit was blocked. Bell looked to the open window to his left and thought of a plan.

He stood up from the couch and nervously put his hands up.

"Ladies, ladies, I'm sure you don't want me. I'm young and have no experience," Bell said, slowly stepping back to the window.

"That's what makes it fun. Virgins are the best to deflower," Aisha said.

"Yeah, besides, I saw you in Melen and found you pretty cute," Lena added.

Bell took another step back, getting closer and closer. "Well, I don't think I can take five of you. Oh no, that'll be too many."

Another step.

"Oh, that's alright, it won't be all at once," Samaria said.

"Yeah, we'll take turns."

"You're not running away from this cutie."

Bell was at the window and looked at the amazons approaching him.

"Just let it happen, little rabbit. You have no escape," Aisha cooed.

"Well. That's where you're wrong."

Bell jumped back and threw himself out the window. The amazons quickly rushed to the window as it was a 500-foot drop. They were worried this kid just killed himself.

But when they saw a slide of ice with him sliding down it, their worry was replaced with anger.

"After him! That little bastard ain't escaping," Aisha shouted.

The amazons ran after Bell, getting more and more of their sister to chase after him. They would get their rabbit.

They would dine on him tonight.

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Bell landed on the ground and took off running. He knew the amazons would chase after him soon, but his job was done.

He had found Haruhime, and now he needed to get Mikoto and get the hell out of there. He had a feeling this district would get very lively in a few minutes.

He didn't have to look hard for her. Just find the nervous and embarrassed Far Eastern woman with black hair, and there she was.

She had her back pressed against the wall with a tan man in front of her. Mikoto had her hands on her chest while the man had his hand above her head.

"Come on, gorgeous. It's just one night."

Mikoto didn't get a chance to respond as Bell grabbed her and took off running.

"Time to go"

"Hey, get back here!" The man yelled.

Bell picked Mikoto up and held her in a princess carry. She wouldn't have been able to keep up with his speed.

"Sorry about this. Hate me later."

Mikoto let out a scream as Bell picked up in speed. She could feel the wind blowing her hair in the wind, causing it to brush against her face.

She held onto Bell for dear life, afraid he would drop her by accident. She was about to protest when he turned and ran down an alley.

She could hear the faint sounds of voices behind him and now realized they were being chased. She was scared about what would happen if they were caught and wished for Bell to go faster.

As if hearing her thoughts, Bell picked up in speed, looking like a blip on the rooftops. He ran for hours, Mikoto in his arms as he did so.

Yet the amazons were persistent and seemed to be around every corner. Bell even had to jump over one at one point to avoid being caught.

Eventually, they lost them, and Bell set Mikoto down as he caught his breath in a dark alley near the main road.

"Well...that was fun," Bell panted.

Mikoto fixed her hair as it had blown in the wind so much it was all frizzy. "Wanna explain how you got chased by amazons."

"They found me attractive," Bell chuckled.

Mikoto gave him a bug-eyed look. She really felt the need to smack the back of his head. But she held back. It wasn't his fault amazons acted that way.

"So what now?" Mikoto asked.

"Now we leave. I found Haruhime, but we'll have to get her out later. Too much heat in the area right now. Just give me a second to catch my breath."

Mikoto nodded and stood guard. But her heart sank when she heard the voices of the amazons that chased them.

"You see them?"

"No, do you?"

"If I did, why would I ask you?"

"Just shut up and help me look."

"Maybe they went this way?"

Mikoto could hear them getting closer. She started to panic she didn't know what to do. They were getting closer and closer.

Mikoto felt her back press against the wall, and a pair of lips crash against her own. She let out a squeak and went to push whoever it was away but stopped when she heard a voice to her right.

"Oh, they're not here, just two kids."

"Ha! I remember when I was that age."

The two amazons walked away, and once they were out of sight, Bell pulled away. He looked down the alleyway as the amazons walked away.

Mikoto was blushing up a storm as she just had her first kiss. Outside of a brothel, no less.

"Well, it looks like the darkness worked to our advantage. Let's get out of here before they come back. Then you can hit me if you want," Bell said.

Mikoto nodded, not able to trust her own voice at the moment. Once Bell signaled the coast was clear, he and Mikoto sprinted out of the pleasure district and all the way back to the Takemikzuchi home.

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Once arriving back at her home, Mikoto and Bell sat on the steps outside. The sun would be up in a couple of hours, but that wasn't what occupied their minds right now.

Many things occupied Mikoto's. Haruhime was here and trapped in the pleasure district. Ishtar was keeping her as a piece of property, and Mikoto wanted to bust her out.

But another thought ran through her mind. Bell kissed her. It was her first kiss, and he just did it. There was no build-up or tension at all. He just did it.

She didn't hate it she liked it. But it still surprised her. She didn't know what to think. Did Bell like her? I mean, he wasn't a bad-looking guy, quite the opposite, in fact. What did he think about her?

"Hey, Bell. What happened back there...did you mean to do that?" Mikoto asked.

"You mean the kiss? Yeah, it was the only thing I could think of to hide at that moment. Sorry if it made you uncomfortable."

"O-oh no. It's just…I didn't expect it. That was very bold of you."

Bell chuckled. "Yeah, sorry, I'm normally not that bold. I like to get to know somebody better before I do something like that. It was just the only thing I thought of at the moment. I really did not feel like running that long again."

Bell caught his breath while Mikoto tried to keep her blush under check. Her night had gone somewhat well. She found Haruhime and had her first kiss. Although it was with someone she didn't expect.

It was still nice.

"So what's the plan now?" Mikoto asked.

"We wait. I need to gather more information first. Ishtar has Haruhime for a reason. She's keeping her secret, and I'm gonna find out why. In the meantime, keep out of sight. Don't draw any attention to yourself, ok."

Mikoto nodded and stood up. Bell did as well, and Mikoto bowed before him.

"Thank you very much for your help, Sir Bell. I ask you to use me in whatever way you can when the time comes."

Bell cringed. "Please phrase that better."

Mikoto's blush deepened as she kept her face to the ground.

"But I'll come get you when I decide to make my move. For the time being, be patient. Once I have everything figured out, I'll come to get you."

Mikoto nodded and bid Bell farewell. Once Bell was out of sight, she headed back inside her home where her his was waiting.

"So I'm guessing you had fun tonight?"

"Lord Takemikzuchi, I, um, well, you see."

Takemikzuchi raised his hand and chuckled. "It's alright, Mikoto. Bell seems like a good kid."

"Wait, no, it's not like that"

"Goodnight Mikoto"

Takemikzuchi walked away while Mikoto was left a stuttering mess.

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"Alright, you can come out now," Bell called, standing alone in an alley. A figure jumped down from the roof and landed in front of him.

"So I'm guessing you want to date multiple women at once?" Bache asked.

Bell chuckled. "You know who my Grandpa is, right?"

"Oh yes, I forget you're a child of Zeus sometimes. So he taught you to have a harem?"

Bell laughed. "Taught me? No, he raised me on the idea of having one."

"And do you want one?" Bache asked, tilting her head.

"Haven't given it much thought. So, did anyone see you?"

Bache shook her head. "No, I remained out of sight and waited for your signal in case you were in trouble. Find what you were looking for?"

Bell nodded. "Yeah. Now all I need is more information on why she's hidden."

Bache's brow furrowed in confusion. "You're looking for the fox girl, correct?"

Bell nodded. "Yeah. Why do you ask."

"Because I know why Ishtar has her."

Bell's ears perked up, and he listened closely as Bache explained the killing stone and the plan to take down Freya.

Bell sighed and pinched his nose, leaning back against the wall.

"And when will this ritual take place?" Bell asked.

"During the full moon," Bache answered.

"Alright, so that's in a week. Which means I'll have to come up with a plan quickly. Can I still count on your support?"

"Of course. I owe you my life, so I'll always have you back."

Bell smiled. "Thanks. It means a lot knowing I have you out there with me. I'll let you know when I'm ready to enact my plan."

Bache nodded before walking up and kissing Bell on the cheek. He chuckled as she walked away.

"Are you jealous?"

Bache didn't answer, but Bell knew she was. He chuckled again and followed her, hearing the voice of his Grandpa cheering him.

He'd have an interesting week ahead of him.

Well looks like Hermes, a big ol troll, and Bell made Bache jealous. Anyway, that's all for today, and I'll see ya later.

Peace.