Is it Wrong to Live Transmigrated as Bell Cranel in a Dungeon?

Chapter 18: Rising Sun

"I hereby declare war on you all! The Fourth Great Ninja War begins now!"

— 'Tobi', Naruto

Main POV

Upon leaving Haruhime to rest at the Hostess of Fertility, I left for Hestia's Church to check up on my Goddess .

Now, it was rather 'early' in the morning at this point, so I wasn't surprised to find that Hestia had been unable to stay up waiting for me.

I was gratefully surprised to find Lili there too. More specifically, the two had fallen asleep on the couch together. And let's just say that Lili had some really nice pillows to rest her head on.

The cute sight aside, it was good to see that Hestia hadn't been left alone and had something resembling a protection detail. And I reluctantly woke the duo up to inform them of my crazy day yesterday.

There was first some yelling about where I'd been. After having them calm down, I gave a summary explanation of what had happened.

That Zanis had refused to let Lili go from the Familia because he wanted to shake me down for infinite money – I left out my suspicions about plotting with Apollo because I didn't actually have any proof that had actually happened, it was just conjecture on my part.

I didn't mention my meeting with Asfi, as that wasn't really relevant at the moment.

I did mention how I realized that something bad had happened to Lefiya and how I went running with barely a thought. And how I was caught and confined by Loki Familia.

And how I happened to see Haruhime, who I had 'learned about' from the casinos the day prior. And valiantly rescued her before dropping her off at the Hostess of Fertility. Which brought things up to the present.

I was now getting sighed at in stereo.

"At least you weren't flirting with Wallenwhatsit…" Hestia has said, as if trying to find the silver lining in my escapades.

Hestia was weirdly concerned about my relationship with Ais. Probably because Ais had the facial features of an angel (not a biblically accurate angel for obvious reasons).

Apparently, the thought of me 'seducing' someone from Loki Familia in general was also a no go. The rivalry between Hestia and Loki is rather silly, but amusing all the same.

Lili rubbed her ears and said, "…Bell-sama really does have an ear fetish, huh…"

"I do not!" I instantly retort, my face blushing red. The biggest insult that hurt the most was an insult that was actually true. Not that Lili was insulting me, per say, but the sentiment was the same.

And I quickly needed to reiterate that, "Lefiya is just a friend and rival! It would be like trying to flirt with my sister or something! And Haruhime being a Renard is just a coincidence! I literally explained how Killing Stone's work!"

Something about Lefiya filling a sister-like role just felt… appropriate.

And Haruhime's appearance had little to do with why I was saving her specifically over all the other indentured servants in Ishtar's employ; Haruhime was the only one being used as a living sacrifice. Haruhime's circumstances required more personal interference.

Lili's deadpan expression seemed to imply she wasn't buying my words, "Bell-sama's preferences are super hentai…"

"Are you trying to imply I'm into incest or something?!" I call out incredulously. What the fuck?!

Lili smirked, revealing that she was just teasing me, "Lili deserved a little revenge for the torture inflicted on Lili by Ryuu-sama. Besides, Lili knows that Bell-sama has not looked at that elf with lewd eyes."

I don't like the emphasis Lili put on the word 'that' but I really didn't want to rile up Hestia…

So I instead asked, "You trained with Ryuu?"

Lili nodded, "Indeed. Ryuu-sama and Hestia-sama found Lili this afternoon and brought Lili with them here. The fact that Bell-sama had been training Lili had come up and so Ryuu-sama insisted on stepping in."

Lili shuddered from the trauma of training with Ryuu. "Never again… Lili understands where Bell-sama's training techniques come from…"

"So you don't want a new sensei, huh?" I asked with a teasing grin.

"Bell-sama is so merciful and kind for watering down Ryuu-sama's techniques!" Lili yelped, "Please don't abandon Lili to that person again! Lili will never look at a healing spell the same way ever again…"

Considering Ryuu's upgrade to her healing spell, she now saw breaking her pupil's limbs as just a minor inconvenience. The source on that? Me.

At least she was considerate enough to not aim for my right arm…

"That damned elf!" Hestia began to grumble, "Barged into Hephaestus' shop, dropped a bag of Valis on the table before straight up kidnapping me!"

I blinked, "…Eh?"

Hestia raised her fingers for air quotes, "She was all like, 'Bell has requested I guard your person. Please, do not resist.' Like that!"

I had the feeling that Hestia did a lot of childlike attempts at resisting being manhandled by the comparatively young elf. First Tione treating her like a sack of potatoes and now Ryuu? That must be a little frustrating…

In any case, it looks like Hestia had quite the day while I was out being held under guard at the Loki Familia's inn.

"How was your day?" I asked Hestia.

"Unbelievable!" Hestia complained, "After that elf lugged me away, she brought me to the Hostess and threw me behind the bar so she could get back to work! If you're going to kidnap me from work, don't make me work somewhere else!"

"But, you work at the bar at least once a week already…" I point out. Call it complacency, but I was convinced that no one would connect Belko to Bell just because Hestia was occasionally at the Hostess. It was so blatant that no one would think of the connection, let alone believe it.

"Voluntarily!" Hestia countered, "And it's so I can watch over you being so cute!"

I thought that feeling of being watched had been more intense everytime I worked when Hestia was there. I really should have deduced this myself.

"You just casually said something that hurts my pride as a man…" I complained, but I didn't really mind.

"It doesn't count because at those times you are a girl!" Hestia said, somehow both giving an emotional and logical argument at the same time.

"Maybe logic doesn't have all the answers…" I grumbled to myself, having noticed the danger logic poses to my dignity. "Anything else happen?" I asked Hestia.

"Just that Astraea came out from hiding in the pub's annex and laughed at me," Hestia said with a huff, "Something along the lines of 'an agent of justice takes protection duties seriously' and 'it is also wise to not upset one's boss'."

I honestly doubted that Astraea literally laughed at Hestia. That said, I also think that Astraea tends to be subtle with her humor, and Hestia might have been perceptive enough to notice the other Goddess' antics. At least, Astraea is subtle when she isn't teasing someone about romancing her child…

In any case, the latter words mentioned was obviously Astraea saying that Ryuu brought Hestia to the Hostess so Ryuu could work at the pub while still looking after Hestia. And Astraea seemed to approve of the multitasking.

"And I guess Ryuu took a few hours off in the evening," I deduced, "Since she brought you and Lili here, but clearly hasn't stayed."

"Basically," Hestia confirmed, "After torturing Supporter-kun for an hour or so, the elf went back to the pub. Assuring us that Lili would be able to take over protecting me until you got back."

So Hestia thought Ryuu's training methods were torture…

"Huh…" I said, taking that information in. It seems that Ryuu had been confident that I would return soundly. On one hand, that is kinda weird since the Floor 18 incident wasn't too long ago. On the other hand, I guess after the Artemis Quest it was hard to see me as the same weakling as I was such a relatively short time ago.

All in all, I have to say that I like the fact that my friends are interacting with each other even when I'm not there. The fact that Ryuu had gone so far as to help train Lili is… really heartwarming. Though I'm not sure exactly why – putting it into words is rather difficult.

"Ah!" Hestia made a noise as if suddenly remembering something, "Hermes also stopped by for a little!"

I raised my eyebrow at that, "...What was he up to?"

HE BETTER NOT HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PEEP ON HESTIA AND LILI OR SO HELP ME–!

"Hermes-sama wasn't doing something lewd… for once…" Lili assured me with a deadpan.

Oh? Was my facial expression that obvious? How embarrassing.

"It was," Lili said to me, responding to my facial expressions since I hadn't said anything aloud.

"Indeed, all he did was hand over these," Hestia said, grabbing a few documents, "These are forms from the Guild. Apparently they are authorization documents for waving away the fact that we didn't report your Level Up to Level 3 right away due to, well, everything that happened."

Indeed. With the Floor 18 Incident and the Artemis Quest happening one after the other, I'm sure it was awkward for the higher ups in the Guild to justify these papers while also refusing to divulge anything that happened in both of those incidents.

"I'll go take care of that tomorrow," I said to her, "I'll also try to gather information the Guild has on the Apollo and Ishtar Familias."

It wouldn't hurt to put together all the publicly available information on those Familias considering they seem to be my primary opponents right now.

Hestia's eyes widened, everything involving Harihume and thus Ishtar Familia finally registering in her head.

Hestia exclaimed, "That… ! That's right! You picked a fight with Ishtar Familia because of another woman?!" Hestia screeched in utter frustration.

"Lili got too distracted by the bad news with Zanis-teme and Lili realizing Bell-sama has an ear fetish! This is really bad!" Lili all but yelled as she too remembered to freak out over the trouble I had gotten myself into.

"My damsel in distress sensors were going off!" I defended myself, quoting myself from when I first rescued Haruhime.

"Bell! This isn't a laughing matter!" Hestia yelled at me, she was so serious she dropped the honorifics.

"I know it's not," I said seriously, "What was I supposed to do? I happened upon the girl I heard rumors about, someone that had been forced into servitude, and was clearly miserable… Someone who confirmed that she was going to be used as a human sacrifice to increase Ishtar Familia's power. I was supposed to just look the other way and abandon her?"

Lili winced. I guess Lili found some of the things I said and noticed parallels in her own life. Lili still protested by saying, "...That last bit is a post-rationalization and you know it, Bell-sama…"

"Bell-kun…" Hestia sighed, exasperated. I had the impression she didn't disapprove of my intentions, but didn't like the potential consequences. "We are already in hot waters with Apollo Familia, and now you're picking fights with Ishtar?"

"To be fair," I defended myself, "Ishtar Familia attacked Loki Familia first. They were enemy combatants. Haruhime was a magic caster, so removing her from the field was just natural to do in those circumstances. And considering how I doubt that Ishtar Familia got permission to leave the city, they can't act on anything that happened in the first place."

"Officially, in any case," Lili reminded me before saying, "And Bell-sama doesn't need to post-rationalize Bell-sama's selfless actions with selfish reasoning. Lili knows that Bell-sama is too much of an idiot with a heart of gold to do nothing. Lili just wishes it wasn't against Ishtar Familia."

"Those words would have been really heartwarming if you kept out the insult hidden within," I said to her, but the cheeky grin on my face betrayed how much Lili's words touched me.

Hestia groaned, "My mortal body isn't meant for this much stress…"

"I'm sorry for making you worry," I said to her. But that was all I could give her. I dare not make a promise I couldn't keep like 'I'll stop getting into trouble all the time'. It just wasn't possible. Things were only going to keep on heating up from now on.

"No, no…" Hestia said to me, "I love your kind, heroic side too. I love you so much, Bell-kun, that it hurts… You've grown and endured so much in such a short period of time…"

"Hestia…" I said, unable to speak any more as Hestia's eyes watered.

"I'm so proud of you," Hestia said to me as she wiped tears from her eyes, trying to hold back sniffles, "...I really am… But, with what happened in the Dungeon… and then with Artemis now gone… I'm just really anxious and emotional…"

My heart sunk. That was right. My failure got one of Hestia's best friends killed. That had to have been really hard on her. She was probably holding up as she had until now because she wanted to be strong for me. Because she saw how hard I was taking my mistakes and wanted to support me.

Now here I was, getting into even more trouble – this time with powerful Familias. Indeed, the developing situation wasn't looking all that great at the moment. I certainly had been feeling all that pressure on my shoulders for some time. But I shouldn't have forgotten that Hestia was also bearing some of the burden as my Goddess. And that it was my fault for burdening her by getting into all the trouble I had been.

I needed to take responsibility for the consequences of my actions. No, I wanted to take responsibility. With people like Hestia and Lili supporting me, I could bear the entire world on my shoulders.

I got to my knees and hugged Hestia to me and said, "I'm so sorry. I know I've messed up a lot lately. And I don't blame you if you are upset with me about it. Just know… Just know I will do everything in my power to make sure we come out of this all alright. I'll protect you all, beat the bad guys, and come back to you and say, 'I'm Home', alright?"

Hestia nodded into my shoulder, mumbling out, "...I love you."

"I love you too, Hestia," I whispered to her.

I then noticed Lili awkwardly standing nearby, trying not to intrude on 'our moment'.

So, of course, my arm shot out and pulled Lili into our hug, saying, "Oh, get in here!"

"Eep!" Lili squeaked as she was forcibly brought into what was now a group hug.

"Thank you so much, both of you, for sticking with me and dealing with my idiot-self," I told the two of them.

"S-someone has to watch Bell-sama's back…" Lili stammered out, trying to maintain her composure despite her pink cheeks.

"While I'd rather be the sole focus of your affections, this is nice too," Hestia giggled before turning to Lili and saying, "Try to keep this suicidal-idiot from getting into any more trouble? He really needs to clean up his mess before causing a new one!"

Eh? Suicidal is little much…

"Bell-sama is such a slave-driver," Lili faux-complained, "Getting himself into so much trouble. Training Lili into the ground. Sicking his elf girlfriend on us. Lili is going to start losing sleep at this rate."

"Oi…" I protested weakly. And what did Lili call Ryuu exactly? Excuse me, but did my relationship with Ryuu somehow progress when I wasn't looking? I don't appreciate this teasing or my feelings being blurted out like that by someone else, you know?

My protests fell on deaf ears and Lili and Hestia continued to tease me about how troublesome I was. But their words also continued to convey how they would continue to stand by my side despite everything.

That's all that mattered.

Liliruca Arde

Level 1

Strength: E: 410 - E: 431

Vitality: F: 322 - F: 399

Dexterity: F: 399 - E: 411

Agility: E: 400 - E: 415

Magic: F: 399 - E: 400

Magic:

(Cinder Ella)

• Your wound is mine. My wound is mine. Echoing the message of midnight.

Skills:

Artel Assist - When the user is carrying a certain amount of weight, the skill will help compensate in abilities. The amount compensated depends on the weight.

Development Abilities:

()

The next morning, I commuted from the Church and I went through my usual routine of training with Ryuu before helping set up the pub for the morning. Everything about that was normal until the part where I went into the Hostess. Because that is when I noticed that there was an extra head among us.

And no, it wasn't the sight of Haruhime in a barely fitting Hostess uniform that was bizarre. (Her uniform needed some more room in the chest area…)

It was a small head. From a small girl with androgynous facial features, teal eyes, and dark long hair.

I looked down at the child, who looked back at me curiously, and then over to Syr who had an amused and sheepish grin on her face.

I gestured to the child and asked Syr, "What is with this lost adorable child?"

Not quite a One Punch Man reference, but it's close.

Before Syr could answer, the child spoke up, "I'm Noel!"

I smiled at the cute child, "It's nice to meet you Noel-chan. I'm…"

I paused my introduction, remembering that I was currently in my female form.

"This is Belko-Oneechan," Syr introduced me to the child while I had paused in thought.

"Bel… ko…" Noel slowly said the syllables, familiarizing herself with them before saying, "Belko-Oneechan!"

Hnng!

I feel like I should be taking damage for being called an older sister, but in the face of such a cute child, all that has happened was a heart attack induced by sheer wholesomeness!

Syr giggled, no doubt having deduced my internal strife and how I was likely already whipped by this small child.

Syr then said, "I found her yesterday evening while you were out. She's… special. We're going to try and see if there is a missing person's report at the Guild later…"

"I'll be able to do that," I told Syr, "I have plenty of business at the Guild anyway."

"That's great!" Syr said.

I could understand why Syr said that Noel was 'special'. Ever since experiencing Artemis' Arcanum up close, I found myself really sensitive to certain energies. While Noel wasn't giving off Arcanum like a deity, her presence was… off.

(And yes, via this new Sense I've found more evidence to conclude that Syr is Freya… not that said fact was really in question anymore. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly my plan is on that front. Freya Familia is the strongest in the city, after all…)

Not that it really mattered. Noel was clearly just an adorable lost child without guardians. While it's not possible for me to do something for every lost orphan in the city, I can't just sit around and do nothing when there is such a child right in front of me!

I have the power to help, and so I have a responsibility to do something!

That, and all protests fail in the face of such a child. CUTENESS IS JUSTICE!

And I'm not a lolicon you damned perverts! It's my paternal instincts that are flaring up and nothing else!

On a similar note, anyone who lewds Weine needs to be punished severely! Purged even.

Coming back to reality, I noticed that Mama Mia had entered and had been talking with Chloe and Anya. I presumed that they were filling Mama Mia in on our little guest.

I was proven right when Mama Mia came over with a maternal smile, nodded, and said, "Okay, I see how it is."

Ah, Mama Mia has deduced that everyone had been subjugated by Noel's sheer adorableness.

"Mama Mia, is that all you've got to say, nya?" Chloe asked, "Aren't you going to lay into Syr for bringing in someone off the street? And who is this other gal, nya?"

"I was expecting more of a reaction, too, nya," Anya said, "But I guess this is a little different with what happened with Ryuu and Belko-chan, nya."

"Oi…" I complained weakly. I gained employment fair and square! I think.

…Okay, it was more out of pity, but I will still complain!

Mama Mia just hummed non-commitingly to Anya's words.

Ryuu chimed in, "I'm sure I have no right to comment, but…"

"Mama Mia?" Syr butted in, "I was wondering…"

"Did you check in at the Guild?" Mama Mia asked us.

"I'm going to go after setting up," I spoke up, "But I honestly doubt it will go anywhere…"

Orario was a large city. It was a place that was larger than microstates from Beyond. I only got around so quickly thanks to the awesomeness that is the Falna.

Even if Noel did have guardians looking for her, it was unlikely they would have a missing person's report out yet - or at least one that is registered at the main Guild Building.

But that was just logic talking. I had a deeper reason for believing that asking at the Guild would be a waste of time.

Noel's eyes… were really lonely. If she had any guardians before… they likely weren't around anymore.

"I don't like the way this is going, nya…" Chloe grumbled, "Can't we just let the Guild deal with her?"

"The Guild's not a daycare center," Mama Mia pointed out, "I think we should give her to an orphanage. The only problem is…"

Cue Noel, who was clinging to Syr like her life depended on it. Her eyes were watering, and her lip was quivering, and everything!

"...I don't think she'll want to go," Mama Mia finished saying.

"She ended up sleeping next to Syr last night at the annex," Lunoire said, sounding a little jealous…

Of getting to be with Noel… or is it...

Hehe… the Syr x Lunoire ship is sailing…!

Not.

"She just won't let go of her, nya," Anya observed.

"That girl's gotten so attached to you, I don't know how we're going to tear you apart," Mama Mia said neutrally.

"What do you mean by that?" Syr asked worriedly.

Mia sighed, but with a smile, "Never mind. You can do whatever you want, but she's your responsibility, all right?"

Permission to adopt a child acquired! Let's GOOO!

"Thank you very much, Mama Mia!" Syr said cheerfully.

"Syr, what are you guys talking about?" Noel asked curiously, the conversation clearly going over her young head.

"We've decided it's okay for you to stay here with us," Syr told the child in simple terms.

"I-I can stay?" Noel asked shyly.

"I still say this is a bad idea, nya!" Anya mumbled nearby, "Not only is there a new hire, nya. But looking after a kid is going to seriously disrupt our work schedule, nya."

"I agree, nya," Chloe agreed, "Even if she did awaken strange new feelings in me, we can't just drop everything for her, nya. It's one of our busiest times of the year, nya!"

Indeed, the winter holidays were just a week away. Don't ask why a world without Christianity celebrates Christmas – chalk it up to sheer coincidence or something.

…Also I'm going to keep an eye on Chloe. Damned shotacon! At least keep your perversions to those who can consent!

Truly, being the only mature 14 year old in the city is an immense burden.

"This girl is probably going to be more trouble than a normal kid, too…" Lunoire pointed out factually.

She had a point. Noel had eaten her breakfast without utensils like she hadn't used them before. It sure implied that Noel barely had an education at all and was raised poorly. Correcting such things and raising her properly would be a challenge.

Haruhime had been aghast at such poor table manners, but also didn't have the confidence to tell the poor girl to eat more politely.

"You all raise valid concerns," I say, giving my two cents, "But I would like to raise a counterpoint… Noel-chan… is really cute."

There was a beat of silence.

"...Uwaah, Belko-chan likes them young, nya… I wouldn't have thought, nya…" Anya said, looking at me like I was garbage.

"I-I'm sure Bell–Belko(?) meant well…" Haruhime commented unsurely. Haruhime had been sticking near Noel as they were both the new faces being introduced today. I also had a feeling from the looks that Haruhime was giving Noel that the small child had awakened Haruhime's maternal instincts.

Which was good, because Haruhime otherwise had been ravishing my feminine form with her eyes. I wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that Haruhime cared little about gender in terms of sexual orientation.

Or maybe she was confused as to why I was suddenly… more feminine. Probably that.

"I'm no lolicon!" I instantly retorted, my face as red as my eyes, "The pervert you are looking for is over there!"

"Who are you calling a pervert, nya?!" Chloe complained about being pointed at.

"All of you knock it off!" Mama Mia cut in, "What even is the matter? Any of you got a problem with my decision? Huh?!"

"No, Mama Mia," everyone immediately chimed in unison, me included, subjugated by Mama Mia's sheer presence.

Let's just say that at that point, the Hostess of Fertility family had grown by two. For the time being anyway.

Not long after that, I was able to finally get Haruhime alone without any of the other girls around us. I hadn't gotten the chance to check up on her yet, so I was doing so before I needed to take off now that the opening duties were taken care of.

"So…" I said, a little awkwardly, "How are you holding up? I assume Mama Mia talked with you?"

"Indeed," Haruhime confirmed, a soft smile on her face, "I was a little confused at first, of course, but she assured me that as long as I stayed on site, I had nothing to fear from anyone. Especially Ishtar-sama."

"That's right," I said, trying to assure her that Mama Mia was not joking around, "Mia's the former Captain of Freya Familia. Ishtar wouldn't dare. In any case, this is just a short term solution. This is, well, little more than a gilded cage in a viper's nest right now."

Haruhime shook her head, "No, this is more than I could have ever expected. Thank you for taking such good care of me."

"No need to be humble," I said, "Or hide how you're feeling. Ishtar is probably searching for you as we speak. And I know that's stressful to think about. So I know it is a lot to ask for, but just give me some time. I'll work things out so you can walk freely in the streets. I promise."

"Honestly, Bell-sama, this is more than enough," Haruhime insisted, "Please don't put yourself at more risk for my sake…"

"What if it wasn't just for you?" I posited a counter-argument.

"Eh?" Haruhime paused, not expecting that.

"You are a high priority because Ishtar was threatening your life," I stated, "But Ishtar has plenty of other slaves still, does she not?"

"Well, that's true…" Haruhime confirmed.

"I'll see them all freed if I can help it," I declared.

It was hard to explain in a few words. Haruhime needed to be saved specifically as an individual since she is a human sacrifice. All of those victims of human trafficking by Ishtar and many of the casinos (as a few examples) couldn't be saved so easily.

I just didn't have the logistics to meet the needs of so many people. Which meant the 'how' and 'how fast' I could save them was different from Haruhime. Haruhime had a time constraint, the others do not to the same extent. I could provide shelter for one person easily – for tens of hundreds, that was impossible for one person.

So storming a casino and liberating everyone that might be in those damned VIP rooms would be cathartic, it wouldn't be enough to stamp out the problem.

The casinos needed to be crushed and reformed. And in a controlled manner so that the disruption to the economy didn't ruin even more lives from unintended and unforeseeable consequences.

So too did Ishtar Familia need to be crushed in a manner with as few disruptions to everyday people's lives as possible.

I'd rather not send all of Orario into an economic depression just to save a minority of people who are genuinely suffering. There was sure to be a way to achieve both at the same time. I just needed the right plan and the right helpers.

Crushing Ishtar Familia, which is more of a singular entity than the many casinos, is a good trial effort for eventually achieving the goal of ridding Orario entirely of slavery by another name.

"It's more than just saving you," I said to Haruhime, "It probably won't be as flashy, but I'm going to save all those men and women forced into bondage by another name. I swear it."

"I see…" Haruhime said, a small smile on her face as her eyes lit up in awe. I'm going to blame how Haruhime's life has been rough the last few years for how she has so quickly given me the 'hero eyes' even though I've barely done anything.

Is snatching her away from Ishtar Familia's clutches worth that much hero-worship? Her eyes can see no fault in me. Am I just feeling uncomfortable, because it's hard to see myself as a hero-to-be after… Artemis?

…

I don't like this line of thinking.

"Well then, let me know if I can offer any assistance," Haruhime offered, her voice soft yet firm. Like a seed of determination was growing in her soul.

"For now, just try to get used to your environment," I suggested to her, "Get to know the other girls. They're great, and I'm sure they have a few things to show you. Do you have any questions for me?"

"Ah, yes!" Haruhime said enthusiastically, "Uh…! Er… Why are you…?"

Ah.

Feeling a little dead inside, I answered in a deadpan, "Magic spell and the terms of my part-time employment."

"Oh, I-I see…" Haruhime stuttered, sounding surprised.

What? Did she think I was a girl the whole time and mistook me for a man when we first met?

Damnit Bell's mom, why did you have to give me all your pretty facial genes?!

From there I chatted with Haruhime a little more. Mostly about the common duties and some do'es and don'ts about the other girls.

"...So Chloe is a perverted shotacon, so keep her away from, er, Noel," I told Haruhime, "And Syr is a teasing minx of a woman who insists on poking fun at me. If she insists I am trying to build a harem, don't believe her, the joke is really stale."

Haruhime, of course, wasn't listening to my advice and instead freaked out, "H-harem…?! E…eeep…"

I leapt forward to prevent a red-faced Haruhime from collapsing to the ground in a dead faint, catching her in my arms.

"...I was trying to warn her to prevent this from happening," I grumbled in embarrassment.

Syr popped out of seemingly nowhere and giggled, "I didn't even need to do anything this time~ Look at her face, she's having naughty dreams about you bedding a bunch of ladies. You perv, you better take responsibility…"

Indeed, Haruhime was blushing madly and squirming in her sleep. The fact that she was in my arms just made my embarrassment even worse.

"I just can't win," I grumbled, "I do nothing, you tease them and me to death. I do something, they jump to their own conclusions and either way I'm the pervert. This isn't fair…"

"Just give in," Syr taunted me teasingly, "Give in to your carnel desires Bell-kun~ You gotta own it to get over it~"

"Oh yeah?!" I shot back, going on the offensive and getting right up in Syr's face, "Seems like someone is awfully into it, huh! Maybe I should start with you, huh? That what you want?!"

Syr was blushing madly, "A-Ah! No! Not in front of the kids!"

I blinked, "Kids?"

I turned and looked to find Noel looking at all of us in confusion.

"...Are you two about to smooch?" Noel asked innocently.

Of course Syr has already taught this child about smooching. Of course.

I breathed in sharply, "...I'm outta here. I need to go check in with the Guild."

"D-Don't run away, Belko-chan!" Syr called after me, trying and failing to hold in her hysteria.

But I ran away anyway – for I was just done for the moment, thank you very much.

I went ahead and set Haruhime down in a chair inside. Got yelled at by Mama Mia for causing Haruhime to faint on her first day on the job. Then I made my way to get changed and the heck out of this chaotic mess.

Or, in other words, it was just another Tuesday. Except it wasn't Tuesday.

As I finally left, instead of going northwest-ward towards the Guild building, I went to the southwest.

After making a quick purchase at the markets where a lot of exotic goods were located, it was only then that I went northwards to the Guild building.

Upon entering, I couldn't immediately see Eina at her booth. But I needn't wait long. I had barely entered the building before I heard the sound of running from deeper inside the building.

Sure enough, Eina all but bolted from the employee only area, "Where is it!? My nose cannot be fooled!"

Eina's eyes spotted me, and the package in my hands. Her eyes had a dangerous look in them as her cheeks flushed pink as she ran over to me in a flash. "Bell-kun!" She called to me affectionately, "That bag wouldn't happen to be for me now, would it?"

I ignored the stares of the other guild employees as I nodded, "It sure is!"

Eina didn't hesitate to swipe the bag out of my hands before bringing it to her face and inhaling deeply.

What was in this package that was causing Eina to lose her composure?

Coffee.

This isn't a joke. It was just some high quality coffee beans. They aren't grown locally and have to be imported, but thanks to that last run to the casino, I wasn't hurting for Valis.

And, of course, the workaholic that Eina was both by personal choice and neglect from her fellow co-workers… It is hardly any surprise that she is a coffee-addict.

Eina at this point put the bag behind her and coughed into her hand, regaining her composure. "So… how can I help you today, Bell-kun?"

"Ahaha…" I chuckled, "This is probably going to require a private room…"

I'm about to get in trouble, one hundred percent. What do you think the coffee was for?

"I'd assume so!" Eina said sweetly. Too sweetly. "Because I haven't seen you in person since you first went to the Middle Floors! Not once! At all! Not even a note!"

Oh yeah, I'm dead.

Needless to say, I was sweating profusely as Eina dragged me away to a private room where she could kill me.

Eina's eyes were resting in her hands as she leaned heavily on the table in front of us.

"Haaaaa…" Eina sighed deeply in reaction to my story. "So… let me… get this straight…"

"Yes…" I said submissively, preparing myself for the coming storm.

"You and your party almost died after pushing too deep in the Dungeon," Eina began to summarize, "You met up with Loki Familia and with one of their members you ended up alone in the forests and fought some unknown plant-monster that was in the Level 4 range…"

"Correct…" I said, starting to sweat as Eina's tone was getting ever so slightly more aggressive.

"The next day, when Loki Familia had left for the most part, you fought some kind of monster that you can't talk about because of a gag order from the Guild," Eina continued, "Which is the reason why you Leveled Up. And you couldn't report about it because you left Orario on a Guild Sanctioned Quest that was also issued a gag order."

"That's right…" I mumbled.

"And while you would very much like to share your new Development Ability with me, you are refusing to do so because it is really personal?" Eina said lowly.

!

An escape route has been found!

"Yeah…" I answered her honestly, "It's more of a curse than anything else. If I don't… fulfill certain requirements, it can affect my health. I don't really feel comfortable with it being in my record…"

Eina sighed, "I suppose it wouldn't be the first thing I've neglected to put into your record…"

"Thank you so much, Eina-san!" I said, doing my best to convey my gratitude. Eina was really sticking her neck out for me by lying so much about what was on my Status. Like, she could easily get fired if the department wasn't already completely dependent on her presence.

Eina smiled lightly, "It is my pleasure, Bell-kun. Though I will admit, it does bother me that things like this keep happening…"

"Sorry for stressing you out," I told her, before flashing her a smile, "Try not to get yourself too anxious or anything. If you get fired for my sake, I'll be sure to take responsibility!"

Eina's face instantly lit up like a red lava lamp, "E-eh?!"

I realized my poor phrasing, "I-I mean I'll pay you enough Valis to live comfortably until you find something new to be passionate about or something…"

Eina sighed in relief as she fanned her glowing face, "I-I see… Wait, that's not okay!"

I blinked as Eina suddenly slammed her hands on the table, and said, "I'm an independent woman and I made the decision to censor your information! If I should get fired for it, that's all my fault!"

"And you would have reported everything if I hadn't put you in a different position otherwise," I pointed out.

"A-and besides, as the older woman I am, I don't feel comfortable accepting the money of a young adventurer like yourself," Eina then argued, not even trying to defend her initial point anymore.

I pointed at the bag of coffee, "But that kind of bribe is okay?"

"So it was a bribe!?" Eina instantly called me out for my slip of the tongue. Curse my honesty!

"That…" I said, my hands out flat like I was picking up a box from its sides and moving it slightly to the right, "...is not the point."

"You're not even denying it!" Eina instantly retorted. I was just glad that I wasn't the one who was the straight-man in a comedy skit for once.

"Anyway!" I cut in after coughing into my fist, "I wasn't just here about my Level Up."

"Oh?" Eina said with a raised eyebrow.

"So, uh…" I then stammered sheepishly as I described the encounter with Apollo Familia at that bar.

Eina pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration and disbelief, "Bell…"

"And, uh, there's more…" I said sheepishly.

"HOW," Eina asked sternly. She didn't raise her voice, but it sure felt like she had.

"W-well…" I stammered before giving Eina a 'hypothetical' situation, "I, uh, may or may not have snuck out of the city because I was worried for the safety of one of my friends in Loki Familia… And I, uh, may or may not have attacked members of the Ishtar Familia that were also attacking the Loki Familia…"

"..."

"E-Eina-san…?" I called out to her anxiously as she remained silent, her face back in her hands.

"..."

"..."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Eina all but screamed at the top of her lungs.

I had long since been sweating bullets. I honestly began to fear for my life.

Hestia. Lili. Ryuu. Everyone. It was good knowing you!

Eina lunged across the table to strangle me.

I deserved it?

We collided.

Let's just say I left Eina's thirty minutes later with scratch marks on my neck from her trying to strangle me. Poor Eina is going to be the subject of lewd rumors now…

All in all, my business was concluded with the Guild for the time being. I had estimates on the size of Apollo and Ishtar Familia's manpower, estimates on known assets and debts, knowledge about notable figures, and so on.

And I confirmed that no one matching Noel's description was considered missing. But it could take a few more days for such a thing to turn up, so I'd need to check again to be sure.

Eina also warned me against conflicts against other Familias saying, 'Nothing good can happen from two groups fighting with each other… In the worst case, the entire city of Orario could become a battlefield if two Familias fight head-to-head.'

It was something I silently had to disagree with. I definitely understood the sentiment Eina was ultimately going for, that peace was a good thing and that war was tragic.

Indeed, from a logical standpoint war was a massive waste. Think of it in terms of nation-states. What ultimately happens is that two nations are spending money and lives in a zero sum competition, every bit of their spending ends up making their combined net utility drop for the common man. Every cent spent on bullets is taken away from funding schools, hospitals, roads, and so on.

Even preparing for war is a waste. 'I spend money so my neighbor won't invade me, my neighbor then spends money so I can't invade him, and in the end we've both spent money for nothing.'

But war wasn't entirely logical, it was often emotional. Driven by individuals' seeking to gain power over others in a vain attempt to find fulfillment and pleasure – but never finding it. Because power alone doesn't grant happiness.

And yet there was a place for war.

When someone steals from you, or imposes on your vital freedoms… such impositions must be resisted by any means necessary, up to and including the use of force. It was why Apollo Familia was my enemy, because Apollo wanted to claim me like property. It was why Ishtar Familia was my enemy, because Ishtar bought and sold people like chattel, and was going to slaughter Haruhime like one just to satisfy her ego and lust for power.

These thoughts, however, I didn't share with Eina because it would just stress the poor woman out even more. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission in this case.

That said, partially because of the dossier I had just gone over, I was quick to recognize the two figures waiting for me as I made my way back into the Guild lobby.

At the end of the hall we're two young women. Both had cute faces, but one of them had sharp, intimidating eyes.

On the left was Cassandra Ilion, Mirabilis, Level 2. She had long, waist-length dark blue hair and light green eyes. Her demeanor, both posture and facial expressions, were rather submissive and anxious. She was wearing a long dress uniform of the Apollo Familia.

On the right was Daphne Lauros, Laurus Fuga, Level 2 and one of the Apollo Familia Executives. She had medium length dark, red hair and sharp light yellow eyes. Her posture and aura exuded confidence. She was wearing a white version of the Apollo Familia dress uniform, but in a short dress version that revealed part of her thighs.

"You're Bell Cranel, yes?" Daphne asked me knowingly.

I nodded, "That's correct."

Daphne nodded before handing a sealed letter to me, the wax was ingrained with the symbol of Apollo Familia, a bow and arrow in front of a sun.

I tried to ignore how similar it was to Artemis' own symbol.

I took the letter as Daphne said, "Give this to your Goddess. The name's Daphne. That's Cassandra. As you can see, we're from Apollo Familia."

"It's a pleasure," I said amicably. I hardly blamed these two for their God's shenanigans. I only had a problem with Hyakinthos because he had a problem with me!

"Um, you see, it's an invitation. Apollo-sama is going to hold the Celebration of the Gods, a-and if you'd like… I-if-if you don't want to, that's okay…" Cassandra stuttered out, until Daphne chopped the top of her head.

Daphne turned and began to walk away, saying, "We've done our job and given it to you. Blame yourself for not getting found by us sooner. Bye."

"...I see," I said, not understanding why I was getting blamed for not being found earlier.

Daphne walked a few more steps, Cassandra following, before she stopped, looked back to me and said, "You have my condolences."

I don't even have the chance to make a witty response as Daphne was already halfway into the crowd of the lobby. Cassandra makes a small bow before taking off after her.

All I could do was stand there in utter bafflement. What the hell?

I'm starting to really get upset with myself for barely remembering anything about the War Game Arc. Sue me! I heard the anime was poorly adapted and it showed, because I remember the arc going by really fast and being really boring. So excuse me if I don't remember the exact sequence of events that led to it starting!

I wasn't even sure that Apollo was going to do his bullshit before recent events, but here we are!

Whatever, I'll just need to coordinate with Hestia and keep on our toes. Better go do that right away.

Sure enough, I didn't wait until evening to show Hestia the letter. I tracked her down to the Hesphaestus Familia shop she works for and showed her the contents.

"An invitation to the 'Celebration of the Gods'…" Hestia said to me with a sigh, "It's been about a month and a half since Ganesha held one… I imagined someone would organize something soon."

"And Apollo is hosting," I said with a wince, "Do you want to skip it? He's likely to pull something considering his advantage as the host. It would be the perfect opportunity to sway public opinion."

"That would be nice," Hestia admitted, "But we can't. Not with that fight you got into the other day."

Indeed, if we refused to attend so soon after that public barfight, it would look like I was feeling guilty or something. Like I had a reason to hide away. The only choice to not look like the instigator was to go.

I'm not sure ruining Apollo's scheme and buying us more time would be worth the reputational cost. While I had personally garnered a lot of attention for being the record holder, Hestia Familia was barely in the public consciousness.

I'd rather avoid people's first impression of Hestia Familia to be a bad one. How vexing.

Despite appearances, Hestia had been trying to recruit new members into the Familia. Trusted ones. But she was so unknown, and our assets so limited, that no one gave her any attention. And the lack of positive results just made subsequent attempts to pitch her Familia to people less and less enthusiastic.

I'm already adding plenty to Hestia's troubles with all the trouble I've been getting into. Better not make it even worse if I can help it.

"Don't feel too bad," Hestia assured me, "I can't stand him."

"May I ask why?" I asked, already having a good idea just based on it being Apollo.

"Let's just say a lot happened in Tenkai," Hestia said with a shudder.

"Right…" I said, shuddering just like her.

"In any case, the party is tomorrow night. Not a lot of time to prepare," Hestia said.

"Well, it's a good thing we have nice clothes for the occasion already," I said with a satisfied smile.

Indeed, I already had a nice suit and Hestia had a lovely blue dress. Which we would need since this Celebration of the Gods was allowing each Familia to bring one member of their Familia along with.

"Miach and the others probably have their invitations by now," Hestia said, "Go make sure they are attending or not. It would be nice to have a united front."

"Roger that!" I said, totally in agreement. Considering we didn't know exactly what Apollo was up to, it would be best to have as many allies nearby as possible.

Indeed, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the war has already long since have started!

"Thanks again… for helping us today, Bell-kun…" Naaza thanked me as we returned to the Blue Pharmacy after getting her and Miach fitted for fancy clothes.

It's amazing how throwing money at problems makes them go away. A boutique was able to quickly churn out the Miach Familia's current outfits when I threw casino money at their faces.

Having a modest fortune was nice, I decided. Maybe I should start a business? Would be a good way to keep Hestia from having to go to multiple jobs all over the city. The operational security around her safety was starting to cause me anxiety every moment she wasn't being escorted by someone I knew and trusted.

Something to consider for later.

"No problem!" I assured her. Miach had already went inside to put away their clothes for tomorrow.

"Do you… want to do a… checkup while you… are here?" Naaza then offered.

"That's a good idea now that you mention it," I responded, "if you don't mind."

"Please… come in…" Naaza offered her hospitality and we made our way inside to her 'nursing room'.

"So…" Naaza asked me as we sat down and got situated, "How have things… been since you… last checked in… with me…?"

"Well, a lot's happened since then…" I prefaced, as I hadn't had a medical checkup with Naaza since before… the Artemis Quest.

"Bell-kun…?" Naaza softly called to me, noticing my melancholy.

"Ah, sorry," I said with a sheepish grin, "I had continued to get worse and worse coughs. But it stopped as soon as I killed about… 20 or so Level 2 monsters."

"I… see…" Naaza said, writing down notes, "Truly… your Skill and condition… is really weird…"

"Killing… a Monster Rex equivalent monster has really helped flesh out for me how it all works…" I told Naaza before explaining to her my hypothesis on the mechanics behind Accretion Disk and Breach.

My body is constantly trying to break down, starting with the respiratory system. I leave out to Naaza about how this is due to the pressure of having two souls in one body.

Without Energy, I have no way to fight against the degradation. As I start to gain Energy, the degradation stops accelerating and starts to decrease.

Upon reaching a certain threshold, my Energy 'Tank' has enough Energy to equal the amount of 'power' needed to exactly counteract the damage being done to my body for a given period of time, likely a day.

Reaching this equilibrium causes the Status malluses to stop. And most of the immediate symptoms can be mostly healed from a typical healing potion or spell.

Passing this equilibrium in a positive way, by having more Energy than I need, is when the positive effects of Accretion Disk kicks in. My Mind Regeneration and Excelia Gain are buffed proportional to the amount of spare Energy I have.

The Excelia Gain buff seems to be small to negligible. Though it may just be because the boosts from Liaris Freese are so insane it's hard to spot the boost from Accretion Disk. Though I leave out comments about Liaris Freese to Naaza.

The Mind Regen boost, however, seems to have a much higher base value. If the Excelia Gain equation is like .0001 * x then the Mind Regen equation is like .1 * x which is a massive difference.

The Mind Regen boost was almost negligible after barely passing the threshold for positive effects to kick in. With all the Energy from Antares, my Mind Regen was so high it was almost instant — which made it hard to fall asleep.

Which leads into how Energy is lost. Energy is, of course, gained by killing enemies. It is lost at a constant rate in order to combat the constant degradation of my body. It also decreases when spells are cast… and when monsters are defeated. Because excess Energy is being converted into Mind and Excelia respectively.

Can you see the viciousness? The very act of gaining too much Energy is wasteful, because some of the Energy is converted into Excelia instead of going towards maintaining my body.

That said, despite this, it is clearly still possible to have a net positive Energy gain. I was able to reach the buffs granted by Accretion Disk before killing Antares, after all.

The main concern was that I've gone through almost half of the energy I got from Antares. I haven't really been to the Dungeon or killed any monsters since then. And that the amount of Energy I would need in the future was bound to grow because it was attached to a Development Ability.

"It's a lot like a Black Hole," I described to Naaza, about to give an apt analogy.

"A what…?" Naaza asked in confusion.

"Oh, right…" I said, realizing that current day astronomy would not really know about the existence of them.

"A Black Hole is a celestial body of infinite mass and density, concentrated at a single spinning point," I described, "Its gravity is so much more intense than a star like the Sun it's not even funny. It's so intense that nothing can escape its pull when too close, not even light."

"I… see…" Naaza seemed as much intrigued as she was skeptical. I didn't exactly have any way of proving it existed to her… outside seeing if the likes of Miach would confirm or deny their existence.

"Consider them theoretical," I said to Naaza, "Like a supernatural element from a hero's tale."

"Ahh…" Naaza made a sound of understanding, mentally chalking up my analogy as some obscure Hero Story reference.

It's a little concerning and offensive that convinced her. My Chibi Bell, the counterpart to Chibi Ais, is crying hysterically in embarrassment for us getting flak from liking hero stories.

"Anyway…" I continued my analogy from there.

When a Black Hole takes in mass and energy, like say, from swirling matter and energy from its accretion disk, it grows slightly. And when a Black Hole does not gain energy, it slowly loses mass as it evaporates via Hawking Radiation — and thus grows smaller. My body was the black hole in this metaphor, and the time scales were much quicker than the astronomical timescales involved in Black Hole growth and decay.

"Because it normally should take about 10 to the power of 64 years for a black hole of the mass of our Sun to evaporate," I casually threw that fact out, assuming our star was the same mass as the one Before.

"Eh…?" Naaza blinked, struggling to imagine that timescale.

"Er, not important," I said, dismissing that science fact as irrelevant to the current discussion.

The main takeaway was that the days of being able to not go into the Dungeon on a regular basis was numbered. Unless I could find a way to kill Monster Rexes regularly, I would eventually reach a point where I wouldn't be able to leave the Dungeon at all.

That said, how long it would take for my increased Energy requirements to reach such a dismal point was hard to say. It could be several months to several years to several decades away. In the more immediate term, it would just require that I continue to Dungeon Dive every day to stay on the safe side.

We simply couldn't know until my Energy requirements got noticeably larger.

"…That said, considering the Bell Cranel Effect," I joked seriously, "I'll probably run into tons of monsters and such that will give me all the Energy I need. And defeating the Black Dragon will probably generate so much Energy that I could live comfortably for the rest of my days."

"…You just brought up… slaying the Black Dragon… with a disturbing amount… of normalcy…" Naaza said with an exasperated deadpan.

"Well, it's the final goal," I said casually, "I haven't been lighting a fire under my ass to get stronger because I'm a masochist."

Naaza gave a look like she was inspired by my resolve… and that she didn't believe that I was anything but a masochist at all.

Bruh.

"I'm not a masochist!" I protested her look, "I'm just trying my best to be a hero like from those old tales!"

"I'm not sure I… can look at hero stories… the same way…" Naaza said with a teasing grin, "knowing that… heroes are all… massive masochists… like Bell-kun…"

I blushed in embarrassment from the words that were mocking and yet also of genuine flattery.

"I-I don't have to take this!" I said, getting up and tactically began to retreat.

"D-Don't run away… Bell-kun…! I… accept you… for who you are…!" Naaza called out to me as I left, holding back her laughter all the while.

My friends are all teasing jerks.

The next evening, I found myself heading for Apollo's Ball.

I will say, the whole 'ride in a horse drawn carriage to the manor' thing felt kind of pretentious. Then again, considering how everyone was wearing fancy clothes, it made sense that everyone was using transportation over walking the city streets.

Upon seeing the large manor, I couldn't help but be reminded of generic, romance Korean Manhwas which always seem to be based in medieval European-like settings.

I was, of course, unarmed. I mean, my fists are weapons, but you get the idea. Bringing weapons to a ball was rather uncool.

I stepped out of the carriage shortly after it stopped. And I, of course, do the gentlemanly thing of offering Hestia my hand to help her down the carriage steps.

"Thank you, Bell-kun," she said to me with a joyous smile, "You're pretty good at this escort thing."

I gave her a cheeky smile and said, "I aim to please, milady."

"Kyaa!" Hestia gushed as her cheeks turned pink. Glad to see someone is already having a fun time.

A familiar duo approached us as Hestia composed herself.

"My apologies, Hestia, Bell-kun. Thank you again for supplying these clothes and transportation for us," Miach said gratefully, Naaza on his arm wearing a soft, red dress with long sleeves designed to cover her artificial right arm.

It's amazing how throwing money at problems makes them go away. A boutique was able to quickly churn out the Miach Familia's current outfits when I threw casino money at their faces.

Having a modest fortune was nice, I decided. Maybe I should start a business? Would be a good way to keep Hestia from having to go to multiple jobs all over the city. The operational security around her safety was starting to cause me anxiety every moment she wasn't being escorted by someone I knew and trusted.

Something to consider for later.

"You guys need some luxury in your life once in a while, right?" Hestia quipped kindly.

"…Do I look nice?" Naaza then asked me, lightly pulling the skirt of her dress out to the sides with her fingers and doing a little curtsy.

"Miach-sama should be careful," I said to her, "because someone might try to steal away his date is what I think!"

I may have gotten them the clothes, but this was actually my first time seeing them. Naaza insisted on me staying outside. Likely so she could spend time with Miach and I was alright with not interrupting them.

"O-oh…" Naaza said, blushing lightly. Her eyes were the same as always, half closed. But there's a joy in her expression that I haven't seen before. Her tail happily flicks back and forth beneath her dress.

"Well then, shall we proceed?" Miach said to our little party.

"Sure. All right, Bell-kun. I'm counting on you?" Hestia said to me.

"Of course," I said, offering Hestia my arm, which she gladly took in hers to hang off of with a giggle.

We went ahead and entered the long line of people entering the building.

With nothing much else to do I struck up conversation with Naaza.

"How's the shop doing?" I asked her, an easy convo starter. Outside of my checkup yesterday, we hadn't talked much.

Naaza perked up, her tail wagging enthusiastically, "Really good…! We got a bunch… of reward money… from Freya Familia!"

"Eh? Freya Familia?" I asked her in confusion. Why was Freya Familia giving Miach Familia money all of a sudden?

"Oh, I suppose…. You wouldn't know much… about it would you…?" Naaza asked rhetorically before explaining, "The Guild often asks… the highest ranking Familias to perform… charity or service for the city… in an effort to ensure good relations between… adventurers, Familias, and the civilians."

"Okay, that makes sense," I said, showing I was following along.

"Freya Familia… usually ignores such requests… for they are too busy Dungeon Diving or protecting… various commercial interests… in the Business Quarter," Naaza explained, "But it seems… that Freya Familia had decided… to start funding the medical industry…"

That… was an oddly specific thing for Freya and her Familia to start doing…

"They've been rewarding Familias for inventing… new healing items and techniques…" Naaza told me, "So we had been rewarded for… the creation of the Double Potion… and Nutrition Potion…"

"Sounds nice!" I said cheerfully.

"Freya Familia is also… offering grants to help in further research…" Naaza added, "So assuming my application is accepted… I'll start receiving funds… to help research that."

I got a little nervous at Naaza's words, "Aren't you worried about embezzling funds?"

I doubted there was a grant out for looking into my very specific condition…

Naaza blinked, "No… one of the grants is for… looking into a condition similar enough to yours…"

"Really?" I asked her suspiciously.

"Indeed…" Naaza confirmed, "The two top paying grants are for… investigating bloodline diseases and… unknown respiratory diseases…"

I internally deadpanned at the knowledge that Naaza had just given me. I think it was fair enough to determine that Freya had spied on me and somehow learned something about my condition.

I'm not thrilled about the invasion of privacy. But I guess that I should be content with the fact that Freya wasn't freaking out and turning Orario upside down over me.

My thoughts on the matter were stopped there as we finally reached the end of the line. It was time to start making our way into the real party.

After a quick search, and having found no weapons, we were finally allowed inside.

The entrance hall is just as ornate as the outside of the building.

Golden pillars decorated with hundreds of candles lined the hallway. I have to squint my eyes. The soaring style of architecture made it feel very open. Alabaster statues designed to look like every single God and Goddess stood in different areas of the hallway like small shrines.

If cameras existed, this would be a great opportunity to get a picture with Hestia's look-alike statue. Assuming there was one. I couldn't spot it just yet.

The hallway led to a set of equally extravagant stairs. The location of tonight's party is waiting for us at the top: the second-floor ballroom.

The ballroom was already noisy with guests who had arrived before us. And, of course, the ballroom is just as well decorated as everything else. Many chandeliers equipped with magic-stone lamps hang from the ceiling, and long tables with elaborate spreads of food run down the sides and back of the ballroom. There's a balcony beyond the tall, thin windows.

The sun has already set, and no light is coming in from outside. This building is located on North Main, surrounded by the houses of some of Orario's wealthiest residents. That could be why the sounds of the taverns and nightlife feel very far away. This place is so quiet that it's almost hard to believe I'm still in the same city.

I catch glimpses of well-known adventurers as we go into the center of the ballroom. One elf looks like she'd rather be anywhere but here. There's a dwarf whose clothes are too tight, and some sharp, vigorous-looking animal people and Amazons. Humans and Demi-Humans are intermingling with the Gods and Goddesses.

A God and Goddess greet us as we make our way toward the corner of the room — Hephaestus and Takemikazuchi. Hestia rushed out ahead of me to meet them, followed closely by Miach and Naaza, who smiled and gave short bows.

"Ah yes, there you are," Hephaestus said to Hestia.

"Miach, too! This is a surprise," Takemikazuchi-sama said after that.

"Hephaestus, Take!" Hestia greeted cheerfully back.

"Hey," Naaza said simply.

"You look well," Miach greeted with a smile. Both sides smile and say hello.

"You brought Mikoto, eh, Take? Thanks for what you did the other week," Hestia said to the eastern God and Mikoto respectively. A subtle reminder that the Floor 18 incident was a little over a week ago.

"Y-Yes, er, n-no! It's nothing…!" Mikoto stammered out in embarrassment. Her long black hair has been expertly braided and matches her flowing dress. She's physically shaking…

She must not be used to exposing her shoulders, because she's huddling in, making them as small as possible. Even the tips of her ears are turning red.

"Who is accompanying you, Hephaestus? I don't see anyone," Hestia asked her 'niece'.

"He's a strange one, leaving me here to explore the party on his own," Hephaestus grumbled.

She didn't bring Welf? Poor bastard. Can we get an 'F' in the chat?

"—Hey hey, everybody's here! Let me join in the fun!" a familiar male voice called out to us.

"Ah, Hermes…" Hestia noted.

I turn around in time to see Hermes practically bound over to our group. He's wearing his usual charming smile, his eyes narrowed.

"Feh," Takemikazuchi grumbled, he clearly doesn't seem to be too happy about this.

Asfi is right beside Hermes, her silver glasses sitting comfortably on her face. "Hermes-sama, please lower your voice…" There's a hint of protest in her tone as she sighs under her breath.

"Why did you come over here? We haven't had direct contact for very long at all."

"Hey, come on, Takemikazuchi. Didn't we work together not too long ago? Don't leave me out in the cold!"

Hermes slips by the obviously perturbed Takemikazuchi after giving us an energetic greeting.

A few moments later, he's standing in front of me, showing off a toothy grin. "Hi there, Bell-kin! Love that jacket, that's what I call style! And Naaza-chan, wonderful dress!"

"Th-thank you," Naaza seemed to be confused that she was getting a compliment from Hermes.

"Appreciated…" I said neutrally. Was he trying to butter me up for some reason?

"What's this? Got some butterflies in your stomach, Mikoto-chan? Your cute face is going to waste!"

"C-cute…?!" Mikoto stammered.

Unlike Miach and myself, Hermes is dressed rather casually. His tie is loose and poorly tied and his top three shirt buttons are undone.

He goes around our circle, complimenting everyone from Hestia to Naaza. His eyes twinkle like a kid who's found a new toy when he turns to face Mikoto.

He reaches out and takes her hand before pressing his lips onto her fingers. Mikoto's face practically explodes in a deep red blush.

Takemikazuchi, of course, proceeded to slap Hermes in the back of the head at the same time that Asfi drilled her heel into his shin. Frankly, he deserved it.

"Many of us have come out tonight."

"This time the children are with us. Tonight's Celebration of the Gods promises to be a bit livelier than usual."

Hephaestus and Miach strike up a conversation to try and ignore Hermes's whimpers of pain after he collapses to the floor.

I have no sympathy… Okay maybe a little. It was a good prank, but he deserves it for pulling the stunt in front of everyone.

"—My guests! I'm glad to see you've all arrived!" A loud voice then echoed through the ballroom.

Every head around me instantly turns to face the other side of the room. There is a God standing in front of the opposite wall.

He has orange hair that seems to shine like the sun. The bright and wavy locks glide over one another like early afternoon sunbeams. With a smile that is equally as brilliant, his handsome looks are powerful enough to make me, another male, stand and stare.

He's pretty tall, too, and wearing a crown of laurels on top of his head.

Some adventurers, a man and two women, are standing just behind him on either side. Hyakinthos, Daphne, and Cassandra.

There's no doubt about it. That was Apollo.

"An idea came to me about how to make this event special. How do you like it? Dressing up the ones we hold most dear and bringing them to our Celebration of the Gods — what could be more delightful?"

I can clearly hear the excitement in the voice of our host. Quite a few other gods agree with him, shouting and clapping in approval.

"Seeing so many of my kin and the faces of their beloved children fills me with great joy. Tonight is a night destined to be filled with grand opportunities and new meetings. I have foreseen it."

Apollo's gaze sweeps over the crowd, but then seems to instantly lock on me. I shudder under the perverse gaze that flashed through his eyes for an instant before it vanished.

"The night is young. I have assembled only the finest wines and freshest food. So by all means, wine, dine, and enjoy yourselves!" Apollo finished his opening speech, raising his arms high into the air as the last echoes of his voice made their way through the ballroom.

There's another cheer, mostly from the male deities, in response to this. Wine glasses with all sorts of designs carved into their bases are filled and clinked all around me as the party officially gets underway.

"The night is young," I said to Hestia, "Let's enjoy ourselves, but keep up our guard, no?"

"Sounds good to me!" Hestia said, eyeing the buffet table.

"I'll save us a table," I told Hestia before splitting off and securing an open table. Soon enough, Miach and the rest of our party joined me at our table.

I decided to strike up conversation with a certain lady from the east. I said to her, "Mikoto-san. Thank you for everything you did on the 18th Floor. I appreciate the effort and assistance for everything during and after."

We hadn't really had a chance to speak much since we split up upon reaching the Surface after the Floor 18 Incident. I figured this was a good conversation starter, of sorts.

"I-it was nothing. Really, I didn't…" Mikoto must've gotten used to this atmosphere and overcome her nerves. She responds quickly.

"Do not forget what you accomplished, Bell-dono. I remember enough that you played a big part in defeating that second Irregular. And I got to witness you take out that hidden Monster Rex in the hot springs. Your strength and bravery left a profound impression on me."

"I couldn't have beaten that… 'Irregular' on my own," I pointed out sheepishly, "And I hardly defeated that other monster on my lonesome either."

The two of us exchange a few more denials. We smile at each other before we know what is happening. We both clearly noticed how absurd our humility sounded.

I also couldn't help but feel like I was forgetting to mention something to Mikoto. I'm sure I'll remember eventually. Being on guard against Apollo (and to a degree Ishtar) had me rather distracted.

"…Bell-dono. If you are ever in danger, summon me at any time. My sword shall defend you," Mikoto said resolutely, to my surprise. Considering how I didn't fight the Goliath with her, I would have thought that our bond wouldn't have gotten so strong. I guess Mikoto was just such a nice person that even now the Pass Parade incident was weighing her heart down with guilt.

Then again, Mikoto and the others had seen how roughed up I had been after the fight with the Juggernaut. I guess it was easy for them all to associate me as being part of the same battle. Which was true, I just wouldn't blame them for not understanding that I was involved, just in a different 'theater' of that battle on Floor 18.

"Mikoto-san…"

"Captain Ouka and Chigusa would also like to lend you their strength, just as I would," Mikoto added.

"Well, me too… If any of you are in trouble, call me anytime. I'll do anything I can to help," We promise to help each other in the future. Mikoto's face melts into a smile as we both nod.

She extends her right hand. I reach out and give her a firm handshake with a smile.

"If I may ask you a question. I've heard that you grow at an incredible rate. Would you be willing to share some advice?" Mikoto then asked me.

"Bell's not completely human. I dope him up with muscle-building pills of my own design every day…" Naaza joins our conversation, clearly enjoying herself.

"Please don't tell stories like that!" I immediately retorted, refraining from pointing that she does sort of do that with her Nutrition Potions – not that I've needed one since… Artemis.

At least the financial situation of the Miach Familia was on the rise thanks to that invention.

"This Celebration has a different feel to it. Many gods who don't normally participate in these events are here tonight."

"Yeah, Apollo has some unique ideas…"

I take a look around the room for myself.

I see a lot of smiling faces and pause a moment to take in the atmosphere, but there's something else on my mind.

"Excuse me…What's Apollo like?" I asked in Hermes' direction, shamelessly phishing for more information on the deity. Mainly to confirm my foreknowledge.

"Oh? Are you interested, Bell?" Hermes turned to face me.

"In a manner of speaking," I say as I make eye contact.

His orange eyes smile back at me as he takes a step closer. "He's an interesting one. I've known him since we were in Tenkai, and even now I haven't gotten bored of him. That guy has provided us with millennia of entertainment."

That's a weird way to answer…

"Anyway, he's rather frisky. Even though he's not an adventurer, we still gave him the title 'Phallus the Passionate' because it fit him so well."

Ph-Phallus?

I was right, he does have a sex dungeon doesn't he?!

"He's quite the persistent lover boy — wouldn't you say, Hestia?" Hermes grinned Hestia's way.

"How should I know?!" Hestia snapped, her back to us, sampling the food — more like stuffing her face — when she snapped at Hermes's playful verbal jab. She immediately dove back into the food, shoveling it into her mouth a little more vigorously.

I feel sorry for all Hestia had to endure while in Tenkai.

"Also, he is extremely… tenacious," Hermes said finally and vaguely. But before I could ask anything more, there was a large ruckus from the entrance.

"Would you look at that… The big cheese has arrived." Hermes sounds surprised once he finds the reason for the commotion.

I follow his eyes — and instantly find the source of everyone's excitement.

All of the attention in the ballroom is focused on one giant animal person and the silver-haired goddess standing beside him. Ottar and Freya had arrived. It was the first time I saw her, in person, in this form.

Silver eyes and a well-defined body line, her large breasts, thin waist, yet large child-bearing hips are hidden behind a dress that looks like it was woven in heaven itself.

Though I must admit, I personally don't think lilac purple is really her color. Then again, I'm more of a fan of darker colors to begin with. And white. It's a shame that silver as the main color of a dress usually doesn't work that well considering Freya's hair and eye color.

She takes one step forward, and all eyes in the room lock onto her. Another step and the gazes follow. She's quite a ways from me, but even I am momentarily stunned. If someone wanted to describe what the perfect woman would look like, Freya was it. That was just a fact.

Then, I am captivated by her face. But not for the reasons one would suspect.

Freya's face, her smile and expression, are like that of a perfect lady's. Like a statue made in heaven.

It's so utterly fake that it's disgusting.

It was hard to believe that Freya and Syr were the same person at that moment. Syr's smile was hundreds, no, millions of times more genuine and honest than Freya's was right now.

Freya might look proud and perfect, but in my eyes it was clearly just a sham. The Goddess, the woman, before me was far from being as happy as she portrayed herself. It was something I wouldn't have noticed before now – as I've only seen Freya as Syr, as a happy, teasing minx of a woman. Not this Goddess looking down on mankind from On-High.

It was sad to see. Freya's done some not cool things against me (the Silverback and Minotaur), but she was still my friend – in a weird roundabout way; she throws challenges my way because she cares. She deserved compassion, a chance to be saved.

I could think of something to at least make this night a little more enjoyable for her. The sight of her now spurred me to think, to action.

"—Huh?!" Hestia gasped loudly, breaking me from my thoughts.

I immediately turned to her, frantically, "Are you okay?!"

Hestia blinked, as if stunned, "H-huh? Uh… yeah…"

I raised an eyebrow, "Is something wrong?"

"A-Any child who sees a Goddess of Beauty will get brainwashed by her charm… yet you…" Hestia explained to me, as if confused that I seemed to be unaffected.

Liaris Freese must have done some bullshit and made me immune after glancing at Freya for a few moments. While I would admit that it would be hard to look away from Freya and her… assets… it wasn't like I felt any unnatural compelling to declare my undying love and devotion or something like that.

And Hestia sure wasn't kidding. Almost everyone around me is slack-jawed, staring at her. Man, woman, it doesn't matter. They're just standing there, as if their spirits have left their bodies.

Mikoto and Naaza are fighting hard against Freya's influence. Naaza's eyes are clenched shut as she shakes her head back and forth. Mikoto has turned the other way, but her entire face is blushing. Only Asfi seems to be holding her own. She's looking out in the middle of nowhere, like a daydreaming kid.

"First Ganesha's Celebration of the Gods, and now this one… Freya never comes out in the public this much," Hephaestus muttered.

"That so?" I asked curiously. Honestly, it wasn't too surprising that Freya wasn't out much for obvious and not-so obvious reasons.

Hermes explained, "Freya-sama usually stays in her room on the highest level of Babel Tower, rarely showing her face in public. Many of the Gods here come to the Celebration of the Gods just for a chance to see her with their own eyes."

It was readily apparent that it would be difficult to go anywhere if you get that much attention just by stepping outside. Freya might like to be among us, but I'm sure utter chaos happens every time she tries.

Looking at how people react to her now, I don't blame her for staying up in the tower.

Truly, the ability of Charm was more of a curse than a blessing. I'm sure Freya struggled to find and build genuine relationships with others. It was likely the entire reason behind her Syr persona.

I'm glad that I helped ease some of her pain by being her friend. And, more selfishly, I hoped that by helping Freya be less lonely, she might be less, yandere-like in the future.

That is when, of course, her silver gaze falls upon me.

She stops walking and turns in my direction… and smiles. It's slightly more genuine - like Freya wanted to smile wider but was restraining herself; likely to preserve her reputation or something equally worthless. There is a speck of confusion in her silver eyes. Like she doesn't understand why I'm looking at her with compassion and sadness.

Loneliness and isolation… is really painful you know…

The heels on her shoes echo as she approaches. Everyone in her path makes way, backing out as if pushed by some unseen force. Hestia warily watches the silver-haired Goddess and her massive attendant walk right up to us.

"So you're here, Hestia. Hephaestus as well. First time since Denatus, I believe?"

"…Freya, what are you doing here?" Hestia said gruffly, squaring her shoulders directly in front of Freya the moment the other Goddess extended a friendly greeting.

"I'm glad to see you are looking well," said Hephaestus next to Hestia. Hestia looks like she's trying to hold back a torrent with a cork.

"I merely came to say hello. It's a rare chance to see so many familiar faces at once, so how could I not make my way here?" The words roll off Freya's tongue as she glances toward the small mob of male gods that have assembled around her.

All of them seem to melt as her silver eyes pass by. Hermes is weak-kneed, a dumbstruck look on his face. Takemikazuchi is blushing a light shade of pink and clears his throat. Miach bows and compliments her by saying, "You are quite beautiful this evening."

Not a heartbeat later, the heels of the expensive shoes that belong to their female followers find their way to the toes of the male deities. Yelps of pain soon follow.

I felt like Freya's words were not mere platitudes. She really just wanted to talk. Likely in part because Hestia is immune to her Charm since she is a Virgin Goddess. Hestia is likely one of the few people that Freya can have a genuine relationship with. And not the lewd kind.

I'm reminded again of the loneliness that Freya must feel in her position. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to help make this a night to remember. She is a friend, after all, despite her antics.

Once again, her silver eyes alight on me.

She leans forward, extending her arm toward my cheek… and is surprised when I intercept her hand with mine.

I smile and bring her hand before my lips, but not touching. I then say, "It's a pleasure to see you again, Freya-sama."

It takes all of my willpower to not flinch as Ottar's gaze on me got… rather intense.

Freya's eyes sparkled with amusement and a hint of bewilderment, "Again?"

I winked cheekily and said, "That would be telling! But, in any case, while I would love to ask you to a dance, I really should dance with my Goddess for my first tonight. Do forgive me."

I then let go of Freya's hand. 'Syr' looked stunned for just an instant before the mask that is 'Freya' came right back up… But 'Syr' snuck through as Freya brought her hand back to her lips as she giggled.

Hestia, beside me, was stunned at the interaction.

"What a gentleman," 'Freya' praised, "Indeed, I suppose that is the proper etiquette, isn't it? Hmm, very well, Bell Cranel. I'll leave you to your partner for this evening. But be assured…"

'Freya'(Syr) winked with a teasing smirk, "I'll be sure to have that dance from you someday. I always collect what is due to me."

"I look forward with bated breathe," I said with a grin, using my tone to convey to everyone listening that this was all a joke.

Freya's(Syr's) smirk deepened, and I thought for a moment she was about to turn away. But instead, she quickly leaned close to my ear and whispered huskily, "I'm the one waiting anxiously~"

I felt my entire being shudder as my face lit up from Sy–Freya's words.

As 'Freya' pulled away, I saw the teasing smile on her face and realized she got me again.

Teasing minx of a woman!

Freya looked to Hestia and said with her usual smile, "Sorry if I've upset you. I'll take my leave now. Until next time."

She then turned to her companion, "Ottar," she called to the animal person beside her and started walking. I watch them go, my eyes following the fluid motions of Freya's hips side to side...

MINX! She's doing that on purpose! Seductress!

At least I managed to drag some of Syr out and let… them(?) have a nicer night.

"—Not here two seconds, and that vixen's already showing me up," A new voice cuts through the calm. It's coming from the other direction. It catches me off guard. I spin around and notice the next set of people to approach my group.

"Loki?!" Hestia cried out, finally recovering from my bizarre interaction with Freya. I'm sure I'll be grilled on that later when she remembers it happened…

"Yo! Itty-Bitty! I see you learned how to wear a dress. You're acting so grown-up, I could bust a gut!" Loki mocked Hestia. Loki was wearing a red man's suit. Hestia was quick to start squabbling with the other Goddess.

And standing beside her was a radiant girl with blond hair and golden eyes, wearing an elegant light green dress. While I wasn't a fan of light colors, Ais was pulling off that dress rather well.

That said, Ais looked slightly embarrassed standing just a little ways in front of me. I guess adventuring for as long as she had would make wearing a dress to be a little embarrassing.

"Just when did you get here?! You're not the type to sneak in!" demanded Hestia.

"Shut up, idiot! Two flopping boobies stole my entrance, got that?!"

It sounds like Ais and Loki only just arrived. Everyone was so preoccupied with Freya that no one noticed. Talk about bad timing.

The pair almost look like some high-ranking nobleman's daughter with her bodyguard, which is the complete opposite of reality. I have a feeling that the trickster Goddess did so partially for that reason just to mess with people's expectations.

Ais' pale green dress is open in the front and in the back, completely exposing her delicate, feminine shoulders. Sparkling beads and various other decorations are sown in as accents in several places on the dress. I have no doubt that Loki was in charge of the design and had no problem spending a large amount of money to show her affection for Ais. The finishing touch is the long, silky gloves that extend all the way past her elbows.

Ais, be strong, the Goddess beside you is definitely going to try to do something lewd to you before the night is over. Stay strong!

Ais lifts her face and we make eye contact. I can't help but be a little amused at how shy she is right now.

"You look lovely as always, Ais-san," I said politely, with a small smile. I was doing my best to not look too much at her shoulders, neck, and breasts.

Ais' cheeks turned pink, "...Thank you."

I didn't flinch as Hestia buried her heel into my shin.

"Hmm, Bell Cranel," Loki said to me naturally in greeting.

"Loki-sama," I return her words with a nod. We gave each other a silent, serious look.

My intuition was telling me that Loki wanted to stay away from me, but couldn't because she had to keep an eye on me. Or something like that. Friends close, and enemies closer, perhaps?

As if to further confuse me, Loki relaxed slightly, putting her hand to her chin and said, "Nah, this kiddo does nothing for me. My Ais-tan is so much better it's like comparing heaven and earth!"

Oi! While I take no pleasure in my feminine looks, I do take offense to how Loki is insulting Alfia and Meteria's looks!

Hestia was quick to retort, "Just like before, you know you can't win in an argument, so you have to brag about your child this time?! So predictable, it's painful to watch!"

"—Oh yeah?!" A vein suddenly pops out of Loki's head.

"Anyone can see that my Bell-kun is much cuter than your Wallenwhatsit! So charming, just like an adorable little rabbit!"

"You hit your head, moron?! My Ais-tan is a hundred times cooler than that puny bunny!"

An angry bragging contest breaks out! Get the popcorn!

The two Goddesses continued to trade verbal blows with reckless abandon. Hephaestus sighed to herself, whispering, "Here we go again…"

Miach has an empty smile on his face. Nahza and the rest just watch, their mouths slightly open in shock at the sight.

I, who have seen this happen multiple times at the Hostess at this point, am unphased by the incredulity of the moment!

The two of them are practically growling at each other, and other deities are starting to take notice. "Hey, look, it's round two!" "Now this is entertainment." "Check that out." Gods and Goddesses are gathering around us.

Now this is getting embarrassing at this point. So Ais and I step forward and try to calm our Goddesses down.

Both of them are breathing heavily, eyes filled with flames of rage. Luckily, Hermes steps in and we finally get them under control.

"…Humph. Itty-Bitty just spoiled my good mood!"

"That's my line!"

"Ohh? Ais-tan, we're leaving!"

"Bell-kun, so are we!"

Loki grabs Ais' wrist as Hestia takes hold of my hand. Both Goddesses, almost comically, storm off in different directions, pulling us with them.

I take a quick look over my shoulder. Ais is looking back at me. Our eyes meet for a brief moment. She is conveying her own apologies and embarrassment over the encounter. I silently convey that everything was alright.

I wasn't going to let the divisions between Familias determine who I was friends with or not. Though it looked like Loki didn't like me. I guess Lefiya finally spilled the beans as to what occurred during… during Artemis' Quest.

My ears then twitched, hearing another ruckus followed by familiar footsteps near the entrance. My eyes widened at the sight that approached.

Two women, one taller than the other. On the left is Astraea-sama wearing a long elegant white gown with lace and ribbons. It is both elegant and humble at the same time.

Next to her is Ryuu, wearing a simple blue dress that matches the color of her eyes. The dress I bought for her and had Syr hide in Ryuu's closet.

My face is burning like the surface of the sun. The sight of Ryuu in the dress I bought for her is really doing something to me!

Ryuu's face is flushed. She clearly wants to be anywhere else but here. And I don't blame her, as fancy parties didn't seem like something an introvert like Ryuu would enjoy in the slightest. Not to forget her elvish sensibilities.

"You, uh, look good," I said, wincing at how stupid I sounded as the duo came over to us.

"Y-You are quite dashing yourself, Bell," Ryuu said, glancing at me briefly before refusing to look me in the eye.

Astraea seemed amused, looking at us with a small smile as she said, "Ara ara…"

STOP THAT, WOMAN! I internally screamed.

Astraea's MILF energy was too damn high for her to be throwing around Ara Aras like that!

I coughed into my hand to regain composure, "Well it's great to see the both of you tonight."

"Indeed, I believe we have much to discuss, but I think that some of it should be saved for behind closed doors," Astraea said to me.

"Can I ask why you chose now to reveal yourself?" I asked her, knowing that she had been hiding her presence in the city until now.

It was an important question. Because by revealing herself, the quiet remunerations to clear Ryuu's name are likely to gain public attention. All those who may still have lingering grudges will surely not react well.

"It's the first Celebration of the Gods since my return," Astraea answered, "It is only proper that I be honest about my intentions to return to the city. Thankfully, all the paperwork has already been done to shift my Familia's status in the records. Though that still leaves us in a precarious situation considering Ryuu-chan's Level..."

What Astraea is saying is that her Familia is properly classified in the Guild's ranking system. Which, unfortunately, places too high a measurement on the Level of the adventurers in the Familia.

Because Ryuu is Level 5 the Astraea Familia is still ranked highly despite having no other members in it.

The Apollo Familia has over a hundred members, with Hyakinthos being the strongest at Level 4 — something that boosted the Apollo Familia rank from D to C. Though just barely.

Ryuu all on her own brought Astraea Familia to C rank. And it would be higher if there were more members, even if they were 'measly' Level 1s.

Ryuu speculated even having one more adventurer might be enough for the Guild to have kept Astraea Familia at its B ranking. Having a Level 5 was a big deal.

The main problem, besides the high taxes, was that a Rank D or higher Familia of the Exploration-type was required to go on expeditions in the Dungeon on a somewhat regular basis.

And, like Hestia Familia, the Astraea Familia was classified as such. Never mind the nonsense it was to expect a Familia of one to go on expeditions. But there was also the fact that Ryuu herself wanted to be a part-time adventurer at most.

I had the feeling Ryuu was also uncomfortable with being the Familia Captain by de facto and de jure. Similar to how I was rightfully and technically Captain of Hestia Familia on account of, well, being the only official member.

Long story short, while I could unofficially & voluntarily help chip in for the Astraea Familia taxes I couldn't do anything to stop the Guild demanding Ryuu go on an expedition at some point.

Though… there was nothing stopping me from inviting myself along on a hypothetical expedition — whether Ryuu wants me along or not.

"Let me know if there is anything I can do to help," I said to them both.

"I appreciate the sentiment," Ryuu said, neither accepting nor denying my assistance.

Astraea seemed amused for a moment before saying, "We are still thinking on how to take the Familia into the future… I suppose I will see in the coming days if there are those with Justice in their hearts and minds…"

Ah, so basically Astraea was going to see if people applied to her Familia or not in the coming days. After her sudden appearance, rumors about her return would spread like wildfire.

Would the Familia's small size and controversial Captain be too much to bear despite the Familia's good reputation from its previous members or not? Time would tell.

About an hour had passed with eating and small talk. I had a good feeling that if Apollo was going to drop something on me and Hestia, he would do so at the end of the festivities or close to it.

So I was still calm when it came time for the dance floor to open up.

I got out of my seat, and walked over to Hestia. I offered my hand with a smile and said, "Would you care to join me for a dance, milady?"

Hestia giggled like a schoolgirl before gently putting her hand in mine, "It would be my pleasure!"

I gently brought Hestia to her feet and led her to the dance floor. Finding an open spot, facing her, I put one hand on the small of her back and the other in her open palm. My cheeks heated up slightly at the feeling of Hestia's naked skin under my fingers and the softness of her hand in mine.

Despite Hestia's short stature at about 140 centimeters, I was also quite short myself at 165 centimeters, so I had no major trouble taking a proper dancing stance. It also helped that Hestia was wearing heels. How did I know how to dance? Because I got lessons after sitting awkwardly at one too many weddings in the time Before.

That, and training with Ryuu was like dancing but more violent.

I maintained eye contact with Hestia's deep blue eyes as the music began to play. I began by moving my right leg forward, placing it between Hestia's feet. She stepped backwards, easily gliding her left leg behind her. We effortlessly fell in sync following this pattern. Gliding forwards and back, forward and back, all while slowly rotating clockwise in tempo with the music.

Perhaps it was just the lighting shifting as we moved, but Hestia's eyes sparkled – full of life and joy. She was grinning widely, as if she had fulfilled her purpose in life or something, that was how elated she seemed to me.

…I also think she forgot that we needed to be on edge in case of Apollo pulling something, but I wasn't going to be the one to interrupt her good mood. She deserved much more revelry and happiness than I could provide.

"Thank you, Bell-kun," Hestia said to me, her eyes falling half-lidded as she looked at me warmly.

But, for some reason, it felt like a bucket of cold water was poured on me. Thank me? But her friend, Artemis, was dead because of me…

"Don't look away from me," Hestia said firmly, yet warmly. My eyes couldn't disobey the command and looked back to hers.

There was understanding and empathy in those eyes of hers. She said to me, "Everyone makes mistakes in life. Don't let yours turn into demons, Bell-kun."

My eyes widened, Hestia's words of wisdom being mentally recorded for all of time. I smiled gratefully at her from keeping me from beating myself up again.

Having made a full clockwise rotation at this point, the music sped up and so did our dance. Instead of completing our circle in eight steps, it now only took four. And having completed another orbit, I dropped my hands to Hestia's hips.

Effortlessly using my adventurer's strength in combination with my momentum, I raised her into the air and rotated us swiftly. Hestia squealed as she gripped my shoulders in support as the hem of her gown spiraled freely with our movements.

Completing the motion, I set Hestia back down and seamlessly resumed our dance as before.

"Maybe I should add the dancing skill to your Falna," Hestia joked as we went through another orbit of each other.

"You're hilarious," I deadpanned before giving in and giving a light chuckle.

This time, upon completing a circle, I removed my right hand from her shoulder and grabbed Hestia's fingers with my left. I raised the latter hand high enough for Hestia to spin once underneath my arm. She giggled all the while before we resumed our orbit of each other.

I glanced around the dance floor, which was getting increasingly crowded. To my amusement, I noticed that Astraea had dragged Ryuu to the dance floor and was in the position of the lead, which is usually done by the man.

Ryuu's face was like two peaches. The spiraling in her eyes showed that she was utterly confused and just wanted to go home.

At least Astraea seemed to be having a good time, I guess…

I also noticed that Loki was frantically looking for Ais, who was not by her side. I guess Ais was either tired of the sexual harassment… or needed to use the powder room. Or was pretending to need the powder room so as to escape from Loki's sexual harassment.

No, wait, she was over by the buffet table, stuffing her face with fried potatoes…

Of course she was. I resisted the urge to smile and chuckle at the sight.

Focusing entirely on Hestia again, I noticed that her face was really flushed. It was like Hestia was resisting the urge to pant from thirst. I guess despite all the walking that Hestia does on a daily basis, her endurance isn't that great. She did get tired rather quickly on Floor 18 when we traveled to Rivira.

Thankfully for Hestia's sake, the dance ended with a last soft tune accompanied by applause from the audience – praising the wonderful team of musicians.

Hestia fanned her flushed face and said to me, "I-I'm going to go get a drink…"

I noticed that she gave a smug grin in Loki's direction. I assume that Hestia had also managed to notice how her rival was having bad luck at dancing with Ais and wanted to gloat.

Goddesses are weird.

Feeling a little hot under the collar myself, I decided to use the moment to retreat to an open balcony. I sigh in relief as soon as I felt the cold, night, winter air on my face.

Turning back around, I scoff in amusement as I easily spot the sight of Hestia and Loki bickering in the distance.

I turn back to the starry night above me. Light pollution from the city wasn't bad enough to completely blot out the stars in the sky. Even still, it was a wonderful sight. My Grandpa from Beyond and I both loved the stars…

My ears twitched, my adventurer senses heard something down below. I went ahead and walked out to the ornately carved hand railing and listened to the strange sounds coming from below.

Looking out over the green lawn decorated with a fountain and many trees, my eyes find three human-looking figures.

They were by a garden of sorts. The edge of the property is lined with tall trees, enough to remind me of a wooded area. There, in a dark spot where the lights from the Celebration can't reach was Hyakinthos and Zanis.

I can't make out all of their words. I'm lucky to get this much at this distance. Concentrating with all of my might, I focus my ears — enhanced by my Status — on their conversation.

They're quite a ways from the balcony, but I can also make out their lip movements. With that, plus snippets of their voices, I get a general idea what they're talking about.

"Tomorrow morning at the earliest… According to plan… We will handle the timing… Is that clear, Zanis?"

"Yes… About the money…"

Before I can make out anything else, the two men suddenly turn in the direction of me and the building. I instantly start backing away as I watch their eyes scan all the balconies on the side of the building.

"Bell-kun?" Hermes' voice comes from behind me and I spin to face him.

Hermes is standing next to the window that leads to the balcony. The party, of course, is still in full swing behind him. I look over my shoulder back to where the two men were just a moment ago.

The two men are nowhere to be seen. I resist the urge to satisfy my paranoia and run off with Hestia right then and there.

"What are you doing out here?" Hermes asked me casually, walking out to meet me at the hand railing.

"Ah… I'm not certain," I said, not lying. If those snippets of conversation are true… then Apollo Familia must be finishing up their deal with recruiting Soma Familia's manpower.

This was big. But I hardly intended to let them go through with their plans. They were probably dependent on Hestia and I refusing a War Game, after all.

"…Oh well, it doesn't matter. Here, drink up," Hermes said to me, handing me a glass.

"Cheers," I said, accepting the glass and clinking it against his.

Sure enough, it's a glass of wine, but it might as well be just a glass of juice to me because the alcohol doesn't hit me at all. It seems I get to be like Captain America and not get the honor of getting drunk anymore.

While I take another swig, I shoot Hermes a look of 'what are you up to now?'

"I'm innocent!" Hermes said with a laugh, "We never did have that chat you wanted on Floor 18. Sorry I'm not one of those cute girls inside, but may I join you?"

His joke makes me smile and I nod at him, "Of course."

"You and Hestia just keep making progress. I've known who you are for a while now, but after seeing what you can do on the 18th Floor… and what happened after… you can count me as one of your fans," Hermes said to me, his tone conveying solemness at what happened with Artemis.

"You became a fan after witnessing two of my most recent mistakes and failures?" I said to him sarcastically, trying my best to not spiral down into a depressed mood at the reminder.

"I'm referring to you defeating the Irregular and Antares respectively," Hermes clarified, "You went out of your way to save people who were once your enemies. And you saved the girl from the monster–"

"You have a sick definition of 'save'," I spat at him spitefully.

"I'm sorry for burdening you with that," Hermes said to me, his tone conveying sincerity and remorse, "You can hate me for it, if it will make you feel better. What happened to… to her was a tragedy. But would you have rather let her continue to suffer? For the world to be destroyed?"

I sighed, "...No."

It was clear that no one could understand the frustration and guilt I felt at being unable to save Artemis. As far as everyone else was concerned, there was nothing I could have done. Nothing I should have known. But I did know. And I couldn't explain how I did. And so it was unfair of me to expect others to understand my issues and to have some nice, pretty words prepared to help me cope with my failings.

But Hermes did have a point. The decisions I made after confirming the movie was canon were ones I wouldn't take back.

In a manner of speaking, I did save Artemis. It would never stop being bittersweet in my mouth, however.

"Say, Bell-kun. Why did you become an adventurer?" Hermes asked, clearly trying to understand my motivations and thus why I was so upset.

I sighed as I joined Hermes against the railing. I said to him, "...When my gramps left me alone in the world, I was… lost. I never knew my mother or father or the rest of my family… and I wasn't particularly close to anyone in town. I was all alone in the world.

"For a bit, I despaired.. And was confused. And scared. I wanted to be saved… And I decided that I wanted to save others. I loved the hero stories Gramps told me growing up. And I remembered what he told me about Orario.

"Orario has everything you *could* ever want. If you wanna go, go. Orario has money and I could… meet lots of cute girls, that joining a beautiful Goddess' Familia and being part of a big family was more than just a possibility."

I scoffed at the word 'could'.

Hermes for his part, tilted his chin toward the night sky and laughed at my words from deep within his belly. I look at the red-faced deity who's clutching his stomach and doing his best to calm down. It was clear to me that he was reminiscing about his times with Zeus.

"You can be a hero. Go, if your will is strong enough… Those were his words," I say to him.

It was, of course, not a demand. Just an old god presenting a young boy with an option in life. Not dictating anything in young Bell's life, or demanding 'respect' or 'loyalty'.

And when I arrived, it merged into a goal to save all of the good innocent people that would be in Bell's life. To be the kind of person that I had always admired. A quest to become a hero.

And perhaps, deep down, I was desperate to find somewhere with someone to belong. It was only when Ryuu metaphorically reached her hand back to me in that alleyway that I finally escaped my complete and utter loneliness in this world.

"…Your grandfather sounds like he was very amusing," Hermes said knowingly.

Feeling no need to spoil the fact that I knew who Gramps really was, I just smiled in agreement and clinked my glass with Hermes' again – toasting to that sentiment.

"So then, you spent your entire life in the town where you were born until you came to Orario?" Hermes asked me.

"Yes. A small village in the middle of the mountains… It's taken a lot to catch up on things considered common knowledge here."

"Hmmm…" Hermes hummed. I had the feeling I had impressed him considering how at our first meeting I had given an armchair historical-based projection of Orario's future based on the recent past.

"You could say that my ultimate goal is to finish what was started in Dungeon Oratoria," I told Hermes.

"Oh?" Hermes said leadingly, "What do you mean by that exactly?"

"Simple," I said grimly, "Kill the Black Dragon before it kills the world."

Hermes' eyes widen for a moment before he smiles, "Cheers to that!"

We clink our glasses once more and take another swig.

Hermes looked at me with jealousy, "This schtuff isn't hitting you at all ish it?"

Hermes was slurring his words slightly. Did this dude seriously bring back the hard stuff? Serves you right you sneaky bastard!

It took a lot of effort to conceal my amused feelings from showing on my face.

"Nope," I said, loudly popping the 'p' sound as I left my empty glass on the railing.

"Well, our chat went a little long. Sorry to take so much of your time, Bell-kun."

"No, it's all right. Thank you for talking with me."

Our conversation over, Hermes gives me one of his charming smiles. Suddenly the atmosphere on the balcony changes completely. Hermes cocks an eyebrow after I thank him and points nearby.

"Look Bell-kun! Is that a lonely fair maiden I see o'er yonder!" he said to me dramatically.

Indeed, Ais Wallenstein was hiding behind a pillar not far from our balcony. From her posture alone, it was clear that Ais' night so far had been rather lackluster.

Maybe that alcohol was actually hitting me, because my first thought was to say to Hermes in a dead-serious voice, "Help me get her to the dance floor with me and I'll forgive you for Floor 18."

I was, of course, referring to when he abandoned me above a pond full of naked women.

Hermes didn't hesitate for an instant, "Say no more!"

Hermes proceeded to briskly walk over in Ais' direction, with me shortly behind him.

Perfectly crafted melodies from the musicians fill the dimly lit ballroom. The magic-stone lamps on the chandeliers have been turned down, leaving the dance floor illuminated by moonlight.

Hestia and Loki are still arguing in the back corner. Ais is standing not far behind them. I bet that anyone who extended a hand to her was immediately driven away by her overprotective Goddess under threat of the wrath of Loki Familia. I doubt anyone has even said hello.

She's just standing there, watching the Goddesses go at it looking lonely and pitiful. It's the entire reason I wanted to ask her to dance. I felt like I owed her for my initial suspicions towards her. She deserves to have a little fun tonight.

Finding a brief opening in Loki and Hestia's argument, Hermes put on the airs of a gentleman and bowed in front of her, saying, "Oh my, how exquisite you are on this night, Kenki! May I, Hermes, have this dance?"

Ais' face goes pale as she stands, motionless, in front of the deity. Unsure of what to do, she tries to catch the eye of her Goddess. Unfortunately for her, the argument between the two Goddesses is still in full swing.

A few long heartbeats later, Ais looks back to Hermes and opens her mouth. She's probably going to refuse, but before she can…

"Oh, goodness no! How could I have forgotten something this important?! I just remembered!"Hermes turns away, his hand over his face. It feels like I'm watching an actor on the stage more than anything else.

His acting is so obvious, it's fucking hilarious!

Ais, for her part, isn't moving. I don't think she's even breathing. Her brain is likely struggling to understand the social situation she is in right now. Do I feel bad for effectively pranking the air headed girl this way? No. No I do not.

Hermes then brought his hands together as if he's just gotten an idea. He looks back over his shoulder before spinning to face me, saying, "It is an embarrassment as a God, and as a man, to not be able to honor my own invitation — Bell-kun, take my place."

I smiled impishly and said, "In order to uphold the honor of gentlemen everywhere, I accept this responsibility."

Hermes grinned at me 'gratefully' before stepping away as I stepped forward in front of the golden-haired girl. I was aware of the irony that I had initially run away from Ais when I first met her and was now 'chasing' after her.

Fighting the Juggernaut and Antares toughens you up, I suppose.

Focusing on the here and now, I looked straight into Ais' golden eyes with a light smile. I gave a short bow before offering her my hand as I said, "Would you care to join me for a dance, milady?"

Ais' eyes widened for a moment, as if she had suddenly understood something, before falling half-lidded as she softly smiled at me, "…Gladly."

She put her gloved hand into mine, and I tightened mine in turn as I led her a short distance to the dance floor.

Getting a spot on the floor, I faced my second partner. It was clear at a glance that Ais was a little nervous, her body language tense like she was ready to jump into a fight. I had the impression she wasn't sure what to do with herself.

So I softly told her, "Put your hand on my shoulder and your other in mine."

Ais' face became determined of all things as she nodded affirmatively and followed my instructions. It was kind of cute, to be honest. Like a child trying to be serious when given a 'grown-up' task for the first time.

I, in turn, put my hand on the small of her back – though the feeling of her bare skin on my fingers made my cheeks heat up.

I'm sorry, but since when did I have a back fetish? I blame Ninomae Ina'nis. And this body's absurd libido. It's not my fault!

Maybe Artemis had a point about men after all, haha…

Ignoring my own embarrassment, I asked my second partner for the night, "Do you trust me?"

"...I believe so, yes," Ais answered me after a moment.

Good enough for me. I said to her, "Then don't take your eyes off mine and follow my lead…"

Using subtle movements, I lead Ais in our dance, giving her 'openings' to follow after. Despite being in the 'lead' this dance was more like Ais was chasing me.

Which was why she stepped on my feet in our first circuit. A little too aggressive in chasing after me, she was.

'Sorry.' Her eyes conveyed to me.

'I-It's nothing!' Mine returned, trying and somehow succeeding to not cry at how it felt like a steel beam had been dropped on my foot.

Round and round we moved in tandem with each other and the music. And slowly, Ais' face lit up more and more. Until her smile was bright and innocent like that of a young child.

And just like that, a bunch of things clicked into place.

I remembered that Ais had become an adventurer at a young age from watching the Astraea Record. And by definition, she had lost both of her parents to the One Eyed Black Dragon before circumstances had her frozen and released into the present era. I didn't really know much of those particular specifics.

Losing your parents at such an age… maybe right in front of her… that was certainly the tragic backstory of a heroine. But she wasn't just a heroine, she was a young girl in front of me, in my arms.

One of Ais' first questions to me… was asking how I got so strong. I had only thought then that it was based on strictly a desire to grow stronger physically. But only now had it finally clicked with me that Ais… wasn't passionate about being an adventurer. Not really. Her passion was more about revenge than about swordsmanship.

She was asking others for their source of strength, because she was struggling to find a passionate desire of her own outside of sheer hatred of monsters for the pain they've caused her and others.

She didn't want this kind of life for herself. Everything she had done so far must have been done out of sheer desperation and hatred. And those two fuels driving her didn't have the energy to propel her to new heights; like how a coal-based steam engine would never have the power to fuel a rocket to the moon.

Ais may look strong, but she is deep down a victim of the curse that is Hatred.

In this moment, she finally gets to be that girl she always wanted to be.

I promised myself in that moment to one day save her from that hatred.

I knew I was hardly qualified. I didn't understand hatred like Ais and Lili did. It's why any attempt from me right now would be fruitless – it was naive of Past-Me to somehow think I could completely help Lili back then when I didn't fully understand her.

I had no magic plan to save Ais from her demons. Just a desire to one day be able to do something for her and Lili both.

It's a similar reason for why I haven't pursued anything further with Ryuu yet beyond the excuse of how we are still adjusting to Astraea's return. I've never been stolen from like Ais and Lili and Ryuu have been. I don't understand their loss and their hate.

Not in the same way, in my eyes. Artemis is… something different from the loss that they have endured.

Telling them to just 'let go' of their pain like the aloof Jedi of Star Wars would be the height of arrogance. Because I didn't understand.

But I didn't need to yet. All I need to do right now is dance with a beautiful young woman.

And that's what I did. Ignoring Loki and Hestia's complaints nearby all the while.

"This is my first…" Ais said softly to me, her words unknowingly having a lot of lewd potential.

"Eh?" I said with a blush, my brain having instantly picked up on Ais' poor choice of words.

"This is my first time dancing…" I watch Ais' lips move. We are about the same height, so talking face-to-face is easy. "I always wanted to try, when I was little…"

Her words clinched my suspicions. I said softly, "Is that so…?"

"Yes… So I'm happy… Thank you," she said to me gratefully.

And just like that, the song and the dance had ended. Ais had barely let go of my hand before Loki appeared in a rush, grabbing both of Ais' hands as she glared daggers into me.

I blinked awkwardly as Loki hissed at me as she dragged Ais away from me. Was the trickster Goddess so mad at me she couldn't utter words? And where was Hestia?

I was honestly expecting more of a negative reaction from my partner for the night.

Looking around, I noticed Hestia was now being accompanied by Astraea. Though considering how Hestia kept looking between me and Astraea, I had the feeling that Astraea was trying to keep Hestia occupied for some reason.

But why?

A potential answer came as Ryuu suddenly stepped in front of me, her facial expression and reluctant posture showed how embarrassed she was feeling right now.

"Uh…" I said eloquently, lost on what was happening right now.

"Astraea-sama insisted I dance with you while she talks with Hestia-sama…" Ryuu explained to me in shy exasperation.

…Was Astraea being a wingwoman or something? The hell? Oh well, I'll take it!

I rolled my eyes and smiled, offering my hand. I said to her, "Then would you care to join me for a dance, milady?"

Ryuu, instead of looking away, directly looked me in the eyes. Her sky blue eyes sparkled, her lips twitching upwards, as she said, "...It can't be helped."

I shyly took Ryuu's hand in mine as I put my other hand on her back. You can't begin to understand how glad I was to finally have a dance partner whose back wasn't bare. My poor teenage libido wouldn't have been able to survive experiencing another fair maiden's back.

Soon, the music kicked back up, and the dance began again.

It was clear to me that Ryuu had no formal dance practice. But she didn't need it. I was familiar enough with her movements and mine with hers from our near-daily training sessions.

We could have danced with our eyes closed and not once stepped on each other; that's what I felt like anyway.

There was no instance of me needing to tug her along, or her moving forward too quickly. While I had no such problems with Hestia either, that was also because she knew how to dance properly despite having essentially been a shut-in while in Tenkai. Which made my synchronicity with Ryuu much more impressive.

We knew each other's movements so well, that this might as well be another morning of training for us. The only difference was that I was on the attack for once. Despite that, we were still able to have a coherent 'conversation' with our movements and positioning.

My analysis of our dancing was cut off as Ryuu suddenly asked me a question, "Bell… What is Justice to you?"

I blinked, then chuckled.

Ryuu frowned lightly, "And what is that about? There's nothing funny about–"

"Sorry," I apologized, continuing to dance on instinct, "I'm just surprised it took you this long to ask me that outright."

"I feel like you have a weird perception of me…" Ryuu said, realizing I was teasing her. The most effective ammunition against someone is the truth and Ryuu probably knew it based on how her cheeks lit up slightly at being called out.

"No at all," I assured her before saying, "Though I certainly don't claim to have all the answers you know."

I tried to ignore the fact that the number of hairs on the back of my neck were growing and growing from more and more people looking at me.

"That's fine," Ryuu said, "I want to know the answer of the current-Bell."

I nodded to her in understanding, only being silent for a moment to gather my words, "...Justice is a loaded term. Is it about equality? Or fairness? Getting what we deserve or what we need? Is a society Just if everyone fulfills their roles, thus allowing for things to run smoothly? Even if people don't like their roles?"

"I suppose that would be harmony, but it doesn't sound satisfying," Ryuu said to me, her sparkling eyes never leaving mine as we continued to dance. We completely ignored everything around us aside from the beat of the music.

All I focused on were my words. And the warmth of her hands in mine. The way her eyes sparkled from the lights hanging from crystal chandeliers.

"Justice is something that depends deeply on how you perceive reality," I said to her, absently aware of the heat of Ryuu's hand in mine as I continued to say, "Because Justice is the foundation of social, ethical, and moral principles in day to day life."

I barely even noticed as the music picked up. I casually spun Ryuu under my arm as I continued to speak. "I'm the type of person that believes that every sentient being is born with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Both aspects of me had always agreed on this manner, even if part never knew the technical words for it.

The Right to Life. The idea that sentient, free-willed people have a right to food, water, and shelter. People only have so long in this world, and they have a justification to have it.

How to get those resources to people, however, is the thing that is rather hard to answer. As the go-to short term solution is to take from the wealthy to give to the poor. But while that short term method creates equality, it isn't fair.

Justice should be about tackling the cause of such resource scarcity. But I didn't know how to do it. Such a task, on a large scale, is not something one man can solve.

The Right to Liberty. Otherwise known as 'freedom'. Many people misunderstand the totality of freedom – assuming that any infringement on themselves by another is against their rights. This just isn't possible in reality. Freedom is about maximizing freedom for the individual without impeding the freedoms of others.

Freedom is simultaneously about freedom for the individual and freedom for the collective.

Getting someone else sick because you were too ignorant to put on a mask during a plague is an example of prioritizing your own freedom over another's – in this case, the inconvenience of getting sick at best and dying at worst. Getting someone else killed because of your own greedy interpretation of freedom violates the Right to Life.

The Right of Purpose. The pursuit of happiness is the final pillar that deals with people finding meaning and joy in their lives. Because being happy, and eventually reaching self-actualization, is a fundamental need of people that comes after survival needs are met. People need to find meaning in their lives despite existing in a cold, unforgiving universe.

Everyday, people live their lives desperately searching for happiness, and often look for it in the wrong places. All the people in the Pleasure District or in the Casinos in the Business District look for sex and money and pleasure to try and make themselves happy. People like Ishtar believe that acquiring power will somehow make them happy.

But happiness is just about finding something you like doing, and being around people who care about you and you in them. Community.

Or, at least, I think so.

Ryuu raised her eyes at me. She seemed momentarily perplexed by my use of the term 'sentient being'. While it technically wouldn't be correct, it would still be applicable to use 'human' or 'mankind' to refer to conventional members of civilization despite the multitude of non-human races.

I was essentially hiding my reason for so intently believing in the rights of the Xenos in plain sight. Because while they might as well be considered to be outside of society as I know it, that doesn't mean they are not born with rights the moment they become free-thinking beings capable of making intelligent, moral choices.

"Life, Liberty, and Happiness…" Ryuu repeated as she hummed the words to herself. She didn't bat an eye as I dipped her down low and brought her back up in sync with the music.

"...It's catchy," Ryuu finished saying.

"Put another way," I said, "Justice to me is about trying to work towards the Common Good. That everyone should be able to live in happiness without impeding others as much as possible."

It is why people like Dix would always be my enemy. He deliberately tortured and killed Xenos for his own sick perversions. He knew fully well that he was doing those things to thinking beings – even worse was that very fact of their sentience was the reason he derived so much pleasure from the act. It was the height of pride and arrogance of the most unacceptable degree. And someone that would be in my sights sooner rather than later.

If the death of Dix would result in less suffering in the universe… then I could resolve myself to be his executioner.

"I see what you are saying. You too seek out hope for tomorrow. That the future will be brighter than the past," Ryuu said. Since she was ever the philosopher, I didn't need to explain what I meant with words like 'freedom' or 'life'.

Ryuu then asked me as I lifted her into the air and back down, "How would you do it?"

This is where I faltered, "...I'm not sure. Not entirely. I'm still looking for an answer. I'm just one person. All I can hope for is for Justice to come around."

I was just one man. I couldn't stop all crime in the city just like that. I couldn't feed all the hungry or cure the sick. I had lofty ideals, but achieving them all was another matter entirely.

Not to forget to mention that… Artemis… was proof that sometimes there isn't a third option I could take.

Ryuu's hand tightened in mine as her lips twisted in a small smirk, "You don't give yourself enough credit. Are you not working on that problem? You have your Goddess. You have your party members. You have allies in other Familias. You have me. Together, we can work for a brighter tomorrow. That is the hope I relearned, thanks to you."

"I…" I uttered, finding myself speechless at her encouraging words. My face felt so hot, I was legitimately afraid I might have had a fever.

I barely noticed that the music stopped and that the dance ended. Just that Ryuu's face had gotten close to my own.

All I could do was stare at her for a long moment, lost in those blue eyes sparkling with–

"—Guests, are you enjoying the festivities?" Apollo, the host for the evening, suddenly called out from his place at the stairway before slowly walking towards me.

A handful of his uniformed followers spread out behind him as he squared his shoulders.

I pulled my face back, having somehow gotten really close to Ryuu's as we danced. I had almost… again… kissed…

Focus!

The music has completely stopped. The gathering is silent as well. It's almost eerie.

This has to be it. Apollo is finally moving!

"It brings me great pleasure to see you are indulging. That lets me know hosting this Celebration of the Gods was worth it," Apollo said before looking my way, "Much time has passed but… Hestia. It appears my children have caused you some trouble."

"…Yes, and mine you," Hestia said from behind me. I was a bit startled that she was there, actually. I must not have noticed her come up on me since I was… distracted dancing with a certain blond.

Hestia walked beside me as Ryuu took a step back behind me.

"My precious child was critically injured by your boy. I demand compensation," Apollo demanded in front of the collective audience.

It took a lot of willpower to not have my facial expressions react to those words. So this was how he was going to start a War Game?

It's just the bar fight? Somehow I expected there to be more to it than that. The justification is rather weak considering the difference between our Familias on paper and in the public consciousness.

"That's an exaggeration! My Bell-kun was hurt, too! You have no right to demand anything!" Hestia said, her tone full of fury at the accusation.

Admittedly, Hestia was stretching the truth as Hyakinthos had only given me bruises, but her point was still valid. This was bullshit.

I mean, we both expected bullshit. I even told Hestia to accept War Game proposals on the drive here, even though she assumed that things wouldn't escalate that far. I didn't try convincing her too much on that front.

"My dear Luan-kun came home so beaten and bloodied that day I had to hide my eyes… My soul wept in his presence!" Apollo claimed, putting his hand on his chest like an actor trying to be overly dramatic before spreading his arms open wide.

A figure emerges from behind Apollo's squad of adventurers. "Aah, Luan-kun!" Apollo cried out as he rushed to the Pallum's side.

Luan… that's the Pallum from the bar. His entire body is wrapped in bandages, like some kind of ancient mummy. He groans in pain as he works his way forward with Apollo's aid.

"It hurts, everything hurts…" Luan said, somehow not triggering every deities lie detector with his words. I suppose those injuries are actually real then. How cold of Apollo to beat the shit out of one of his own 'precious children' for political leverage. Fucking bastard!

"My Bell-kun did no such thing!" Hestia immediately denied wrongdoing on my part.

I loudly added, "I did not give him those injuries! Can a single God or Goddess say that I am lying?!"

It went without saying that Apollo's word didn't count. It mattered if every other deity agreed I wasn't lying.

Apollo, however, didn't give anyone a chance to speak, "I have heard that it was your boy who initiated the fight. There are many witnesses. You are not talking your way out of this."

The God raised his arm and wiggled his fingers as if beckoning someone forward. Forward they come, all at once. Many people come to the front of the crowd, forming an even closer ring around us.

Witnesses… The other customers at Hibachitei? I don't remember seeing any of them, but all of them in turn say they were there and side with Apollo.

They all say vague things like:

"He was there that day."

"I saw them fight."

"The rabbit hit him."

All said things that were technically correct but deliberately concealed the truth of what happened. What a bastard!

"Wait, Apollo. It was my child who made the first move. Surely Hestia does not deserve all of the blame," Hephaestus spoke up, taking responsibility since it was Welf who attacked first.

"Ah, Hephaestus, what a beautiful friendship you have. But you need not stick your neck out for her. It is clear as day that Hestia's boy is the one who sent your child to do the dirty work," Apollo quickly dismisses Hephaestus' claim.

I had to concede that Apollo was using his words well. He expertly made it look like Hephaestus was just helping out of familial obligation and that she was just covering for her 'aunt'. It didn't help that Apollo's final claim that I sent Welf to do my 'dirty work' was easy to sneak by lie detectors as well.

Apollo then added that Hephaestus could ask any of the witnesses present for the full story. The Goddess' good eye, the one not covered by an eyepatch, narrowed at that.

He's trapped us in some kind of elaborate blame game, saying who did this and who didn't do that. Unfortunately, Apollo has brought a large number of supporters with him. His argument is much stronger since they are doing well in avoiding lies with their half truths. And from directing conversation away from strong counter-arguments like the one I gave.

"One of my beloved followers was badly wounded. I cannot accept this lying down. The reputation of my Familia is on the line… Hestia, will you not take responsibility for his actions?" Apollo all but demanded.

"Enough already! You bastard…!" Hestia began to curse Apollo. Hestia was completely pissed off, which was startling to see, as I don't think I've ever truly seen Hestia be angry. This was completely different from her playful bickering with Lili.

Hestia was well and truly furious.

Apollo's face contorted after Hestia's words — into an evil visage. I could tell that he was assuming that Hestia was about to reject his War Game proposal. Which was probably his plan from the onset, as a Familia like mine actually accepting a War Game request from a Familia like Apollo's was just insanity.

It's a good thing heroes are stupid then.

The corners of Apollo's lips curl upward into a dark expression unfit for a deity. He opened his mouth to speak–!

"Allow me to intervene in this matter," The voice of Astraea, Goddess of Justice and Order, spoke up as she stepped forward.

Apollo faltered for a moment, "Astraea. This matter doesn't–"

"Concern me?" Astraea cut him off, "Why, Apollo, I'm dismayed that you didn't come to me to mediate this affair as soon as you realized I was here. I may have been away from the city for some time, but I am sure that it is well known that I am an unbiased arbiter."

Oh damn! Astraea was subtly implying that Apollo was up to shenanigans since he hadn't asked someone like her or Ganesha to help settle the dispute in the eyes of the law.

Of course, Astraea doesn't realize that I, personally, was angling to accept the War Game in the first place; all for the purpose of getting other Familia's to leave us alone while also freeing everyone who had been taken into Apollo Familia by force.

Oh well, might as well see how this new development goes.

"I didn't want to burden you with something like this so soon after your return," Apollo claimed, before saying with a frown, "But pardon me for being skeptical about your status as one without bias."

"Whatever do you mean?" Astraea asked calmly, unphased.

Apollo pointed at Ryuu, and said, "Everyone saw how passionately your Captain was dancing with him! I don't know how such a thing came about, but your child is clearly the boy's lover and you expect me to assume you will be unerring in your judgment?"

My face was completely red in embarrassment. Is that what we looked like?! Is that why I felt like I was being stared at so intently?! I…! I…!

This is absolutely mortifying. If I looked at Ryuu right now, I am certain I would literally die from discomfiture!

Focus, me!

Despite the blindside, Apollo made an excellent point. Even I had to admit that Astraea would be hard pressed to defend herself considering I was a major factor in why she was even back in the city… not that many people knew that.

Excuse me for not wanting to think about how Ryuu and I looked to others a few minutes ago!

(He called us lovers! AHHH!)

Astraea sighed, "While the insinuation that I would be anything but fair is quite insulting… I do not blame you for your concerns."

Astraea then eyed down Luan, saying, "Which is why we can simply let the truth speak for itself. There are plenty of other deities here to confirm fact from fiction…"

Astraea was trying to assure everyone that she couldn't lie if she was inclined to do so because so many other deities would be able to verify if a mortal was lying or not. Essentially, Astraea was pointing out there were plenty of other deities that could serve as a mediator here and now.

I glanced in my periphery and noticed Freya. She was looking right at me with a calm smile plastered on her face. She was twirling a glass of wine in her hands back and forth and back and forth and back and forth…

I couldn't read anything from her face. But based on that wine glass, she was irritated about something.

Did Freya want to intervene, but wasn't because of politics? It would be weird if Freya of all people got involved in such a small problem. And it would also cause tensions with other Familias like Loki Familia who might see Freya acting as a mediator as an attempt for her to exert more soft power in Orario and gain influence.

Apollo opened his mouth to speak, but Astraea must have learned that letting him do that was a bad idea, and so said loudly, "Bell Cranel!"

"Yes?" I responded to the Goddess of Justice.

"Did you or did you not get into a fight with this Pallum?" Astraea cross-examined me.

"...I did," I admitted.

"Describe what happened," Astraea commanded me to speak.

"Me and my party members were eating at Hibachitei, we had a reservation and were celebrating Welf's Level Up," I answered, deliberately not saying Welf's family name for his own sake. "We were minding our own business when Luan-san loudly started insulting us loudly. He insulted me. Then my party. Then my Goddess. It was when he insulted Hephaestus-sama did my comrade lose his cool and retaliate."

There was murmuring as all nearby gods and goddesses picked up no lies from me. I noticed that Hephaestus was frowning in Luan's direction – someone wasn't happy!

I then concluded, "Things escalated into a typical bar fight. A few bumps and bruises. The most severe injury was likely when Phoebus Apollo knocked out Welf-san, but he was able to recover in a minute or so."

There was more murmuring, this time it was a mixed reaction. While no one was likely detecting any lies on my part, it was just a fact that Hyakinthos had garnered a lot of positive attention from his part in defending Orario during the Antares Incident.

So much so, in fact, that I could feel in the air how I somehow lost sympathy even though I was simply telling the truth.

Astraea turned from me to Luan. Before she could ask him a question, however, Luan spoke first.

"H-he is responsible for this happening to me!" Luan said, his voice in pain, "Bell Cranel is the reason I'm like this! It hurts…"

The murmuring increased. Luan wasn't lying. Because his statements were deliberately misleading! Bastards!

Astraea opened her mouth, likely to ask a more specific question Luan couldn't worm his way out of, but Apollo was done with humoring her.

"See!? We have confirmed that Bell Cranel is ultimately responsible and should be held accountable!" Apollo loudly decreed, "Hestia! If you refuse to compensate me for damages and lost profits, then I will have no choice but to declare a War Game!"

"Apollo's done it now—!"

"What a bully…"

"Actually, I'd like to see that!"

Voices erupt all around me as soon as Apollo makes his declaration.

The Gods and Goddesses are always looking for entertainment, and this seems to have piqued their interest. Justice has all but been forgotten now. The fervor for a War Game is overtaking all the deities here.

Who did what no longer matters in the public eye. The Gods demand excitement!

As such, the ring of people around us voice their support for Apollo. Hestia and I are officially cornered. These fickle Gods and Goddess cared little for Justice, for what actually happened. They just wanted entertainment, and a War Game would bring about just that.

I scan the crowd and catch a glimpse of a silent Loki and briefly meet the gaze of a very concerned Ais.

Well, one person against a Familia of over a hundred certainly looks like pretty shitty odds. So that look makes sense.

Then again, it's not like I was particularly trying to avoid a War Game altogether. In fact, I all but welcomed it.

All of my training and grinding, including the Floor 18 incident, was all for the purpose of being able to win a War Game and thus get the Familias' of Orario to back off and not try to steal me away because of Liaris Freese and Hiraishin to a lesser extent.

My scanning of the crowd also showed that Ishtar herself was in attendance with a relatively skinny tan man. She was looking at my with a disturbing amount of glint in her eyes.

That… will be a good thing to remember, I think.

I glanced over at Hestia… and shivered.

Hestia was so pissed off she was just barely holding herself back from trying to rip out Apollo's throat! That's how mad she looked. I consider myself lucky I couldn't see Hestia's eyes under her bangs right now!

SCARY. HESTIA IS REALLY SCARY RIGHT NOW.

And as Hestia began to speak, her volume was… very normal, "...You want to take Bell-kun… from me?"

SCARY.

"Everyone knows my Familia is dirt poor," Hestia said, her volume low and tense, "All I have is Bell-kun… All of this… is to take Bell-kun… from me…?"

It was clear that all of my hints about Apollo had clicked in Hestia's head. That he was working to try and take me from her. Me, her child and family.

Even Apollo looked unnerved at the atmosphere that Hestia was giving off.

Hestia looked up, finally revealing her eyes. Those blue irises were full of fire and fury.

"You think I'm scared of you?! Of your numbers or your swords?! Of your wealth or your words?!" Hestia declared rhetorically, "We're not! We'll fight you in the arena! We'll fight you in the Dungeon! We'll fight you in the streets! How and where doesn't matter, because we'll never let you tear this family apart!"

Tears gathered in her blue eyes as Hestia held back a sob, "I'm sick and tired of losing those close to me. You want to take away Bell-kun and destroy everything we've built together? I'd rather die than let that happen! Hestia Familia will not be bullied."

Hestia paused only a moment, looking me in the eyes, silently asking for permission. I nodded my consent.

Hestia looked back to Apollo, and then declared, "We accept your challenge. Let there be a War Game."

The room exploded in volume as all of the Gods and Goddesses collectively freaked out over the fact there was going to be a War Game. And by freaked out, I mean in excitement and bewilderment – for it would seem that despite everyone wanting a War Game, no one thought Hestia would actually agree to it.

And based on Apollo's face, he definitely didn't expect that either. How could he have known that Hestia would be traumatized by the loss of Artemis and thus respond violently to someone trying to tear apart her family?

Family. One of her divine purviews. Actually, he probably should have known better.

"V-very well! Both deities are in agreement!" Apollo acknowledged our acceptance, "W-we shall work out terms among our peers at an emergency Denatus as is tradition… I will also inform the Guild posthaste and send you the details. J-just don't try to squirm your way out of this hole you've dug for yourself, Hestia!"

"Wouldn't dream of it!" Hestia hissed, before sharply turning away from him.

"Bell-kun," Hestia said to me, "Let's get out of here!"

"Roger that!" I instantly agreed, sticking around after that was just asking to be bugged by everyone around.

I took Hestia's arm in my own as I escorted her out of the party.

I only looked back once to find Ryuu's eyes looking at me as I left. Concern and faith swirled around in her sky-blue orbs, for she likely believed that everything would be alright, but she couldn't help but worry anyway. It was like the lover of a soldier watching them head off for the battlefield.

Ryuu seemingly feeling that way felt rather… good.

I looked back forward as we left the ballroom and walked down the stairs.

"—" A handsome young man is standing right next to the exit. We make eye contact.

Hyakinthos' cold stare burns itself into my memory. I could feel his hostile intent like an eighth sense… I can tell that it would please him greatly if I dropped dead at any moment.

And not in the 'this is an exaggeration' type way. I mean that Hyakinthos literally looked like he wanted my to die where I stood.

How about no?

Hestia, meanwhile, was silent. Shuddering as she was clutching onto my right arm like it was her only life-line. The mere thought of losing me so soon after losing Artemis was… stressing her out, to put it lightly. More like Hestia was as traumatized as I was, and had simply been hiding it until now. Holding it in to be strong for my sake.

Which makes me feel horrible for ultimately being the one responsible for that pain… and angry at Apollo for reopening scars that hadn't even had time to scab over yet.

Before now, my intentions of crushing Apollo Familia had been based on a distant sense of justice – to free those (that like Apollo was attempting to do to me) that had been forced into Apollo's subservience. With an admittedly selfish side-goal of making an example out of Apollo so that other Familias left us be.

Now? It had gotten personal.

No one makes Hestia cry and gets away with it. That's a promise.

Other POV

"Well, this complicates things…" Zanis muttered to himself from his corner of the ball. Zanis attended this social function to finalize discussions with Apollo Familia. His God Soma, of course, was not in attendance; Zanis was 'officially' at this ball in his stead.

The discussions with Apollo Familia to this point were that they would pay Zanis via Soma Familia a large sum of Valis in order to serve as extra manpower in subjugating one Bell Cranel. The justification being that since Orario was large and Bell Cranel's records indicated he had high levels of Agility, it would require a large pool of manpower to prevent Bell Cranel from managing to flee the city or something similar.

Aside from monetary gains, Zanis was also invested in this partnership as it allowed him to reclaim one Liliruca Arde. He first learned that Liliruca was alive from his associates down in Rivira; for Liliruca was spotted with Bell Cranel and Loki Familia forces down on Floor 18.

It was simple to deduce that Bell Cranel's known supporter, who had a similar build and gender, and Liliruca were in fact the same person. And upon questioning Soma himself, Zanis was able to discover and confirm the existence and limitations of Liliruca's magic spell.

And the possibilities it created. Liliruca's spell was not limited to transitioning into a humanoid, but instead by size.

Which meant that Liliruca could serve as excellent bait so that Soma could more easily buy into the Talking Monster underground market.

Zanis knew that Ikelos Familia was making tens if not hundreds of millions of Valis from selling Talking Monsters to buyers outside of Orario.

Zanis wanted in on the trade. Zanis cared little for the apparent intelligence of these Intelligent Monsters. In fact, their intelligence and likely social skills were entirely what would make capturing them so easy… if only he had Liliruca's power.

Zanis would lend his Familia's manpower for a nice upfront payday as well as recovering a valuable asset for bringing Zanis even more wealth and luxuries. A win-win.

Zanis wasn't worried about insubordination from the rank and file of his Familia. Aside from a few like Chandra and Liliruca, all of the peasants have been turned into desperate addicts for Soma's Divine Wine. Just dangling a promise of reward was enough for them to follow his every command.

Zanis felt nothing about how he has ruined the lives of those below him or how he has turned his fellows into his personal slaves via the addictive power of Soma's Wine. He felt nothing but exhilaration at the power he held at his fingertips.

And it would soon increase greatly, money is power after all.

That said, the plan with Apollo Familia had counted on Hestia Familia rejecting the War Game as that was the only logical option for that Familia to take considering their Familia was just Bell Cranel and Apollo Familia had over a hundred members.

While still 'illegal' there was no longer a somewhat reasonable justification to use conventional force. Outside of the War Game, that is.

The plan would need adjusting for sure. For the moment, Zanis would plan on having Soma Familia partake in the War Game as a co-belligerent. Not out of loyalty to Apollo Familia, but because Zanis was at least honest enough to follow through on his business transactions.

And because sticking around presented more opportunities for reclaiming Liliruca Arde with as little fuss as possible. Zanis would carefully watch for any opportunities that present themselves. She would return to the fold one way or another, he just needed to find a way that minimized risk to himself.

He cared little for how Soma Familia's reputation could potentially take a hit from such acts – as long as he was paid, he didn't care. Besides, Zanis could easily put forward justifications about Bell Cranel holding Liliruca Arde against her will. If anything, Soma Famila's justifications were stronger than Apollo Familia's.

Yes, things were looking up.

And it certainly didn't hurt that Zanis was aware of where Liliruca was currently boarding at – the second floor of a shop owned by a Gnome. Should the opportunity arise, Zanis can easily just abduct the girl at his leisure.

Yes, things were still looking up for Zanis despite this hiccup.

And so Bell's enemies increased.

Ishtar sat down onto her throne deep in contemplation. Earlier that morning, she had heard the latest reports on her investigation into the white-haired adventurer who interfered in Port Melen. And on the location of where that Renard had vanished to.

The results were mixed.

The only people matching Aisha's description in all of Orario were Bell Cranel and some waitress girl working at a pub that was under that bitch Freya's protection.

It was normally simple enough to discount the girl as a suspect, as reports show that the girl is too sickly to have been the culprit. Which would otherwise leave Bell Cranel as the only known person of interest.

Despite the confirmation from the Guild that the boy somehow was Level 3 now, Ishtar was still somewhat skeptical that the boy was the one who attacked her forces at Melen.

It was just a simple fact that a fresh Level 3 had no business threatening Aisha, who is on the verge of becoming Level 4 any day now.

Which led Ishtar to believe that Bell Cranel had extended family that weren't as well known as he was, hiding in the shadows as he took up all the spotlight.

Considering the apparent resemblance, it wouldn't be surprising if the waitress girl was Bell Cranel's sister or cousin. And that the girl's supposed illness was a fabrication. Having verification would be ideal.

And so, running with that line of thinking, she had investigated Bell Cranel's lineage. Official records only mentioned that he had an unnamed grandfather that was deceased. Unofficially – it took a distressing amount of Valis to reveal that the only other person to have the family name 'Cranel' was an adventurer from the now defunct Zeus Familia.

Ishtar didn't need anything more than that to connect Bell Cranel to the Hera Familia as well – and not just because the two Familias had essentially been joined at the hip.

While she had never met the woman personally, Ishtar was well aware of Alfia the Silent. Not just from the adventurer's reputation, but from Ishtar's connections to Evilus. The woman's long white hair was a well known visual trait that Ishtar would have loved to have in her own Familia.

It was simple for Ishtar to deduce a rough timeline of events. The failed attempt to defeat the One Eyed Black Dragon, the exile of Zeus and Hera Familias, Alfia the Silent's return to Orario under Evilus, and Bell Cranel's approximate arrival to Orario.

The boy and girl had to have been born sometime around the exile of Zeus and Hera Familia. It was entirely possible that Alfia the Silent had conceived before the death of their father(s?).

From there, Ishtar speculated.

Alfia the Silent could have borne twins, taking one child with her back to Orario while leaving the other somewhere outside the city as a 'spare'. Using her power within Evilus, Alfia the Silent could have found a way to raise and train her child in secret. And this child had just now finally become of age and was on a personal quest to punish Evilus and its associates for failing in their Quest and in failing her mother.

Or the child had disagreed with Alfia's methods/world-view and had joined Evilus' opposition in the form of joining Freya Familia once she came of age. And was coming after Ishtar Familia because she somehow uncovered evidence that connected Ishtar to Evilus, but not enough to bring to the Guild.

In the first case, this was just a girl with a grudge. But the second had more evidence for it. Because Haruhime had been discovered at that same pub with the waitress girl 'Belko'.

A Pub run by the former Captain of Freya Familia. Which was the evidence that also suggested what Familia 'Belko' was likely from. Only Freya Familia would be able to hide such talent from even the eyes of the Guild.

It was all but official. Freya had caught onto the fact that Ishtar was once more attempting to attack her, despite all the effort Ishtar went in concealing her efforts. Placing Haruhime in public, but still out of reach, could only mean one thing. That bitch Freya was mocking Ishtar for attempting to stand against her!

…Or was it just a coincidence?

If Bell Cranel, despite the fact that he shouldn't be strong enough to pull it off, was the culprit then things are different. It likely meant that Bell Cranel was a disposable puppet for Freya.

Because, again, Haruhime had been brought to the Hostess. In this scenario, by Bell Cranel. An odd choice unless Hestia and Freya Familias were connected.

Ishtar had remembered the unusual amount of interest that Freya displayed for Bell Cranel and Hestia Familia by suggesting and forcibly passing an Alias for the boy in the last Denatus. That alone was evidence that suggested Freya may have vassalized the Familia behind the scenes.

Ishtar had gotten more evidence not too long ago at Apollo's Ball. Isthar had seen the way that Freya and Bell Cranel had interacted from a distance. And eavesdropped enough to hear something about 'seeing you again'. It was clear to Ishtar that Freya and Bell Cranel were connected!

Yet it didn't seem like Freya had funneled any money Hestia Familia's way, as far as Ishtar could tell. It all looked like Freya was using the boy as a disposable tool.

The boy was a way to claim to the Guild that she wasn't bullying Ishtar by blaming Hestia Familia as an independent third party. When in reality it is just to use Hestia Familia and abandon them when they run out of value to Freya.

This scenario still meant that Freya had caught onto Isthar's plans and was mocking her by placing Haruhime out in 'public'. But the context was different in an important way.

Belko was likely a member of Freya Familia directly. Now that Ishtar's hand had been noticed, Ishtar couldn't dare attack Freya Familia. Especially now that Kali Familia AND Haruhime are out of reach. Ishtar Familia simply didn't have the strength to fight Freya Familia on an even playing field.

And Isthar didn't trust that the untested monster from the Evilus Remnant would be enough on its own. Otherwise the Remnant would have used it already. Meaning that the Evilus Remnant too was unsure of its capabilities and was using Ishtar as a means for their own goals.

Unacceptable.

So, in short, Ishtar couldn't move against the Hostess of Fertility. More investigation into this 'Belko' woman would still be needed to confirm Ishtar's suspicions, but it would be reasonable to assume that Ishtar was correct.

Bell Cranel, on the other hand, was someone that Ishtar could exact revenge on. Even if he wasn't the true culprit, Ishtar would at least be denying Freya a potential asset in the future.

The boy's ability to grow so quickly was concerning. Even if he was likely Leveling Up at the bare minimum of Stats.

Someone needed to pay for Ishtar's ambitions being crushed once more. Ambitions that look to have been crushed again before they even got off the ground!

Belko couldn't be punished for being too close to Freya Familia; Ishtar knew that Freya would do anything for any of her children. But Bell Cranel was (likely) just a disposable vassal. Freya would have no choice but to let Ishtar vent her rage against such a weak vassal – lest Freya want to risk Loki Familia mobilizing against her for mobilizing against Ishtar.

While there was no lost love between Ishtar and Loki Familia, Ishtar knew that Loki Familia couldn't allow Freya Familia to disrupt the balance of powers in the city so easily.

In short, Ishtar was going to continue looking into 'Belko' and Bell Cranel to confirm her suspicions. And begin thinking up ways to punish Bell Cranel on the off chance that he is in-fact the one to have been behind Haruhime's abduction.

In fact, it wouldn't hurt to cover all of Ishtar's bases. Might as well reach out to some of her connections to ensure the boy is removed from the board. It would do well for Isthar to also pretend to have not done anything to anyone affiliated with Freya Familia - directly or otherwise. Requesting a hit from the Evilus Remnant couldn't hurt.

And… just in case… the Ball had just opened up another vector for attacking Bell Cranel, after all….

This was the series of misunderstandings and suspicions that drove Isthar's actions for the time being.

Deep in Knossos, a certain letter made its way to a woman with pink hair and an empty heart. The woman read the request before smiling sadistically.

"How amusing!" the woman declared, "Seen associating with Loki Familia, huh? It's almost funny that Ishtar thinks dangling that fact in front of me will get me to drop everything and become her personal bitch!"

Valletta laughed in amusement. Ishtar must be paranoid and desperate to use such poor and blatant attempts at manipulation against someone as smart as her!

Still, Valletta wasn't one to say no to a good payday. Money was harder to come by these days now that the Evilus Remnant was forced to literally operate only underground and in the shadows.

The Gale Wind had certainly seen to it that nearly all Evilus assets outside of Knossos were destroyed. It was just a simple fact that Evilus could no longer operate in the daylight like they could at their height 7 years ago like during the Great Feud.

While that fact certainly irked Valletta, it was not enough to make her act irrationally. She actually held quite a bit of annoyance at 'Enyo' for causing that mess at Monsterphilia. Which has resulted in Loki Familia looking too closely into the Violas and everything involving those Demi Spirits.

All of this was to say that Valletta had a vested interest in keeping all of her and the Evilus Remnant's operations as subtle as possible. With Evilus in the shadows, the Guild wouldn't dare use the full might of Orario against them lest they damage the economy. The uncertainty and fear caused by Evilus would be enough to send Orario's economy into a depression, easily. The Guild and Finn wouldn't dare risk it.

Put another way, by remaining hidden in the public consciousness, it was easier for her Evilus Remnant to continue to operate since all of Orario is not actively looking for them. And thus the resources the Guild is spending against them is minimal.

Anyway, while Bell Cranel was a known associate of Loki Familia and had fought against her agents on one occasion… he was still a rather low priority.

And, somewhat embarrassingly, the timing is rather bad. Vito has already requisitioned a large contingent of Remnant forces for securing the recently discovered chamber containing the trapped Demi Spirit. And for the abduction of that Spirit Child that might free 'Her'.

That was made all the more tricky since the child seemed to be in close proximity to… The Gale Wind!

This was an important operation that could significantly move up the Remnant's timescale by having an additional Demi Spirit much earlier than planned.

As they needed a certain amount for the plan to finally destroy Babel and thus Orario.

If those Demi Spirit things weren't so bizarrely strong, Valletta would be more concerned about how Thanatos was loaning one to Ishtar Familia in the first place, to be honest. Then again, the loss of said Demi Spirit was worth the risk if it might destroy or cripple Freya Familia. Assuming that tan bitch didn't chicken out.

Then again, Valletta also understood that money didn't grow on trees. And Ishtar Familia had been a longtime silent partner and associate of Evilus. It was fitting that they scratch each others' backs, as the saying goes.

Well. It certainly didn't hurt Valletta in the slightest if she came up with a plan or five for how to deal with Bell Cranel and his pathetic Goddess. Valletta did have a soft spot for killing wannabe heroes and goody two shoes like them. And money was money.

It was, of course, only after Valletta made plans against Bell Cranel out of boredom did another messenger arrive. This time a notice from 'Ein'.

Valletta couldn't help but deadpan as she finished reading the note, "…How many enemies can a single rabbit make?"

It would seem that Ein also wanted Bell Cranel dead. Ein recommended targeting individuals close to the boy to weaken his resolve by killing them in front of him.

(And oh boy did the idea of such an act get Valletta excited.)

Ein, however, also recommended against killing his Goddess despite her being relatively vulnerable and easy to kidnap. Too much attention due to the announcement of a War Game. The death of a deity would attract too much attention to them from the public.

It was similar to how Evilus killed deities on the surface to hide that they killed a deity in the Dungeon to summon Delphyne. Except they currently had no way to obscure the death of a Goddess like in those days.

That all said, Ein only said to avoid killing his Goddess. Nothing about avoiding kidnapping her and maiming her enough to not be able to speak about the Evilus Remnant…

The idea of being the one to remove a Goddess' tongue and hands in front of her only child excited Valletta beyond belief.

If only Valletta had more manpower to work with… She simply didn't have the time or resources to fuck around with that little boy right now. It really was a pity. Oh well! Something to consider for the future!

Besides, It didn't compare to the ecstasy of the idea of finally killing Finn. Nothing could top that. Besides the idea of crushing all of Finn's hopes and dreams before killing him.

Oh man, did that thought excite Valletta even further beyond!

And so Bell Cranel's enemies technically increased as Valletta was absorbed in thoughts of Finn's suffering at her hands. The only consolation he was blissfully unaware of was that he was (currently) too far down on the Evilus Remnant's shit list for Valletta to give a fuck about him… for now.

Author's Notes:

As I am sure a number of people have guessed, but inserting events from the mobile game into the timeline find it to be a difficult endeavor. The game has winter and Christmas time simultaneously when Bell is Level 2 before the War Game with the new year happening after the destruction of Ishtar Familia. Yet the light novel explicitly puts the timeline at the beginning of spring before the War Game begins. Very frustrating. So (as one might have noticed back in Chapter 14) I've shifted the background dates a little so that it is supposed to be winter-time and not the beginning of spring.

Ishtar falls prey to immense misunderstandings! She learns that a Cranel was in Zeus' Familia, and considering the hair color of Bell and 'the assailant', she assumed that Alfia must be their mother. Putting aside how much such a thought would infuriate Aflia… Ishtar essentially comes up with a conspiracy theory because she cannot reconcile Bell's strength with her understanding of how reality works. She isn't aware of how Bell casually breaks the rules of the Falna and so it is understandable that she finds it confusing to believe that Bell and 'the assailant' are the same person. And considering the only other person in the city with white hair and red eyes is 'Belko' she basically has confirmation that there are multiple children from the Cranel bloodline. Belko being a cute waitress at the Hostess garnered enough public attention to get noticed; Ishtar is just the first to connect Belko to Bell because she was the first to issue such an investigation into 'white haired and red-eyed' people.

It is intentional that Ishtar's misunderstandings don't make complete sense. She is really mad about all of her recent failures and it is impacting her rational thought. This mainly takes the form of her concluding that Bell and Belko are family, that Freya protects her people, yet Bell is still an okay target to attack. It doesn't make sense, but Ishtar rolls with it because her emotions are battling with her rationality for what on earth she's going to do now.

Hermes would have figured it out by now too… if he wasn't distracted by the logistics of the Artemis Quest and everything he is already doing in the SO storyline.

Ishtar never wonders if Bell and Belko are the same person, because she was already biased into thinking that Bell must have relatives/siblings.

Long story short, Ishtar doesn't intend on going after Belko because she thinks Belko is part of Freya Familia. And is putting careful plans together to screw with Bell because she thinks that Bell is associated with Freya Familia, but is likely still free game to go after. Because if Bell was really something Freya cared about, why hadn't Freya taken him for herself yet?

And, well basically, Ishtar is looking to punish Bell and is more or less coming up with a way to do so without making a huge mess of things politically. It takes time to organize assassins and stuff like that. Especially ones willing to attack a Level 3 adventurer, no matter how low their stats 'apparently' are. That, and all the public attention on Bell makes it harder to covertly assassinate him... outside of the Dungeon, anyway.

When Astraea was talking to Hestia, it was to inform Hestia that she had noticed that Apollo had been looking at them weird… and to help Ryuu have a chance to dance with Bell.

How was Astraea invited in the first place? Bell's invitation being handed over personally was an exception. Most people got their invitations via the Guild as an intermediary. Or in other words, most people got automatic post.

I've also tried to portray the fact that Ishtar and the Evilus Remnant aren't allies that trust each other. Valletta is well aware of the fact that Isthar might try to Charm her people for her own ends. There's a reason they are communicating via letters. And Ishtar is shown to not trust Evilus entirely despite being a sympathizer by how she doesn't trust the strength of the loaned Demi Spirit.

The relationship between the two organizations is more like an alignment of interests, a business deal, rather than one built on trust.

And Valletta isn't of a mind to so blatantly attack a Familia, even Hestia Familia, outside of the Dungeon because it will bring too much heat on her. And she is currently busy dealing with the fact that Vito has taken a large portion of their men for the coming events involving a certain Spirit Child.

Also, RIP Aisha who has so far been out of the limelight since Bell didn't really need more determination to rescue Haruhime. I'll figure out some way for her to but into the story.

P.S. I've made a minor edit to the previous chapter. Mainly a quick addressment to the fact that Ishtar would theoretically have known if Haruhime had died from detecting the loss of her Falna. It basically boils down to a few of the weaker members of the Berbera present had succumbed to wounds (and been eaten by Violas) and so it was hard to know for sure if Haruhime was among that number or not.

P.P.S. I'm probably going to post every three weeks from now on. While I still have a decent amount of content prewritten, it's hard to keep ahead of my current posting schedule. And while I enjoy writing this, it feels like it is taking up too much of my life. Giving me an extra week will also give me more time to refine certain ideas and concepts.

Edit: I'm well aware of the fact the Guild doesn't REQUIRE more than details on how adventurers leveled up and what their levels are at. But I'd argue that it doesn't stop them from trying to ask anyway. Sort of like unsolicited credit card applications when you go into a grocery or clothing store. The Guild will try and ask, but drop it when you say no. Bell just hasn't caught onto that part of the culture, and Eina is unaware that he is unaware.