"I hate this," Bell said, fixing his bow tie.
He was wearing a black tuxedo with a white dress shirt underneath. He wore black dress pants and black dress shoes. He didn't have his swords on him but had his dagger in his sleeve.
"And why is that? You look like a lady killer dressed all nice," Raul asked.
He was dressed similarly to Bell. The only difference, however, was Raul's suit jacket was green and not black.
"Eh, I don't like this material. I feel restricted, and this bow tie feels weird around my neck." Bell complained.
Raul chuckled and walked to the door. "I'm guessing this is your first time dressing up then?"
"Well, why would I have to dress up in Hearthome?" Bell deadpanned.
"Right, stupid question."
The two exited their room and made their way to the foyer. Once they reached it, they saw everyone else dressed and ready. The ladies wore elegant dresses, while the men wore tuxedos.
"Oh wow, look at you, Bell. You clean up nicely." Loki teased.
"Ha, he's gonna make the girls swoon." Gareth laughed.
Bell grabbed his collar and fidgeted with it. "Uh, I hate this collar. Feels so tight and restrictive."
"Eh, you'll learn to deal with it. I doubt this will be your last black tie event." Cruz sighed.
"Oh, not more of them!" Bell complained.
"I don't see what the big deal is, Bell? You look very handsome. So handsome you made Alicia blush with your mere presence." Aki teased.
"Aki!" Alicia hissed.
Cruz threw his arm around Bell and started walking with him. "Don't worry about the nice clothes. Tonight, we are adventuring to the land of beautiful women dressed nicely. It's a man's dream."
Bell felt someone grab his arm and pull it between their chest. He looked over and saw Bache dressed in a velvety red dress and her matching black scarf.
"Uh, Bache. You good?" Bell asked.
"Mine," Bache muttered.
Cruz snorted, trying to hold in his laughter. "Wow, Bell. You really know how to pick them."
Bell elbowed him in the side, causing Cruz to wheeze.
"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes," Narvi said, grabbing Cruz's arm.
"Worth it."
The group walked outside and saw multiple carriages outside the manor. Loki delegated who went into one. Which left Bell stuck with Bache, Haruhime, and the twins.
"Hey, sis. You notice Bache acting differently?" Tiona asked.
"Yeah. But she's in love. It'll do things like that." Tione answered, musing over her captain.
Bell, on the other hand, was sat in between Bache and Haruhime. Both held one of his arms but seemed content sharing him.
"Did I miss some sort of secret conversation between these two?" Bell wondered.
"So Bell. How long have you had Silver for?" Tiona asked.
"Since I was seven. I found him when he was an egg, and he took five years to hatch. So he's just been on my shoulder for those last two years."
Tiona excitedly nodded. "That's so cool. Man, I want a pet dragon."
"He seems like he'll be a handful when he gets older, though. What do you plan to do with him then?" Tione asked.
"Find somewhere big enough where he can stay and be close by. I'll be needing him soon."
Nobody in the carriage failed to pick up on the ominous undertone.
"So Haruhime. I hear ya like hero stories. Which ones are your favorite?" Tiona asked.
"The tale of the Argonaut. It was so romantic and had a reverse of the princess saving the hero in the end." Haruhime blissfully sighed.
"Eh, my Grandpa always gave me shit for liking that one," Bell commented.
"Oh, I like that one too. But my favorite story is the one where a hero arose and put an end to infinite darkness with a flaming sword. Bache actually told me that one back in Telskyura."
Bell's muscles tightened a little, which Bache picked up but put to the back of her mind for the time being.
"Well, I was only retelling what Kali told me. Who knows how much of it is true."
"Oh, I like that one too. Although it's been so long since I've read it that I forgot what it's called." Haruhime added.
"Your Grandpa ever tell you that one Bell?" Tiona asked.
Bell quickly shook his head. "No. Although he did tell me one of 300 men holding back thousands of men. He also told me the story of Alfia fighting the Levithan and Zald fighting the Behemoth."
Tiona's eyes widened in excitement. "That's right, you've grown up with real-life heroes. Tell me what's it like what it's like?!"
Bell chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Well, for starters, it was cold. But other than that, it's really just a normal village made up of remnants from the Zeus and Hera familia. I mostly stuck with Alfia and Zald the whole time."
"Yeah, but you're living with real-life heroes. That's gotta mean something, right?!"
"Well, I guess their name helps when I need to throw my weight around, and since Alfia is my aunt, people who are my enemies are scared to kill me. Just ask Bache."
Tiona turned to Bache, who nodded. "It's true. Kali didn't want us to hurt him too much, and when we fought. But we amazons mostly lack in intelligence but make up with our strength."
"Which is what I played on." Bell smiled.
"Oh sir, Bell also knows the knight of knights."
Tiona's eyes nearly bulged out of her head. "You know the knight of knights! I heard he also fought the Levithan and then became a teacher!"
Bell sighed and shook his head. "Yes, I know him. His name's Leon, and he's an annoying asshole."
Bache giggled. "No, he's not. You just don't like him teasing you."
Bell grumbled. "He's annoying. Always trying to educate me."
"I didn't realize an education was so terrible of an idea to you, sir Bell." Haruhime teased.
"It's not that. Leon just goes about it with an overly friendly attitude. Make me wanna punch him."
"Oh no, a teacher who likes teaching. Whatever will you do?" Tione mused.
Before Bell could answer, the carriage stopped, and the driver opened the door. Outside was the Freya familia mansion known as Folkvangr.'
"We're here," He said.
"Thank the gods for ending that conversation." Bell thought, walking out of the carriage before helping the ladies down.
"Such a gentleman." Bache teased.
"Eh, I try," Bell answered, helping Tiona down.
"Ah, makes me feel like a princess. Going to a ball and being escorted by a man. Like a hero story."
"You're welcome to smack her if you want," Tione said.
Bell smiled before helping Haruhime down and signaling the driver to go.
"Well, might as well get this over with," Bell muttered.
"I also won't tell Tiona we already had the conversation about Silver."
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Bell looked around in marvel at the design of the mansion. Its aesthetic reminded him of an old temple with carvings of battle and sex on the walls. Its floor was made of black and white marble, giving the floor a checkered-like layout.
Above them were multiple chandeliers lighting up the foyer. To their right was a massive set of stairs covered in a velvet red carpet.
"Uh, Bell. You good?" Raul asked.
"It's a nice building." Bell breathily said.
"Oh right, keep forgetting you come from the mountains," Raul muttered.
"Oh, don't be too harsh on him, Raul. It is a magnificent structure." Aki teased.
"Since when are you so well versed?" Cruz asked.
Aki clicked her tongue and looked away from Cruz. "I'll have you know I'm incredibly well-versed in fancy words when the need arises."
"Uh huh, sure. Anyway, isn't there supposed to be a butler or something to escort us?" Cruz asked.
As if on cue, a massive boaz man walked into the foyer dressed in a black suit similar to Bell's. He was, however, much taller and more muscular than Bell.
This man's name was Ottar, a level eight and captain of the Freya familia. He had been Freya's devoted servant for much of his life, seeing Freya as a sort of mother figure.
His sheer size and presence was overwhelming to some as Bell felt Haruhime hide behind him to avoid the boaz's calm and steely gaze. Bell moved a little to the right to further hide Haruhime from his gaze.
"How's that for a butler, Cruz?" Bell joked.
"Shut up!"
Bell chuckled but felt Haruhime grab his hand. He gave it a comforting squeeze, letting him know he was here.
"Loki familia. Nice to see you arrive. Follow me, and I shall escort you to the others." Ottar said, his face blank.
"Lead the way, Ottar. Ooh, also show me to Freya. I wanna have a chat with her." Loki said, walking up to the man twice her size.
"Lady Freya will be down momentarily. You may speak with her then, lady Loki."
"Oh, alright. But let her know I wanna have a conversation."
Ottar nodded before leading Loki and her familia further into the mansion. Bache had moved closer to Haruhime and was holding her other hand, calming the fix girl down from Ottar's sheer presence.
"You doing ok?" Bache asked.
Haruhime gulped and nodded. "Yeah. It's just hard to be around a level eight at my level. Or one as revered as him."
"Don't worry, lass. I won't let the big bad Ottar hurt you." Gareth joked.
Gareth knew how to keep his presence of a level eight down so as to not scare a lower level unless he needed to. Ottar, however, showed off his strength as a badge of honor and, as such, didn't hide the pressure his presence could put off.
"Hey, big guy. Mind toning it down a little? Scaring my friend here." Bell asked.
Everyone, minus Loki and Bache, turned and looked at Bell with wide eyes. He just practically gave an order to one of the strongest men in the city.
"Oh, sir, Bell, you really don't need to-
"My apologies. I didn't realize you had a level one with you. I apologize for any discomfort I may have caused."
With that, Ottar reeled in the pressure a little bit, giving Haruhime an easier time. Everyone still looked at Bell in shock as he kept walking forward. No one noticed the small smile on Ottar's face.
"Thank you," Bell said.
Ottar's smile grew a little more.
"Loki. I like this kid." Gareth whispered.
"So do I. That's why I'm trying to figure out ways to make him stay."
"Well, count me in with that plan. Cause this kid is awesome."
Finn rolled his eyes at this while Riveria kept her eye on Alicia. She hadn't said much and stuck close to Aki and Narvi. Riveria hoped tonight would help distract her a little.
Riveria's attention then turned to Bell, whom she had yet to thank for saving her pupils. Although Bell wasn't there himself, he had ordered his dire wolf to keep an eye on Alicia. She also needed to thank him for saving Lefiya as well.
We're here." Ottar stated, pushing open a door.
Bell's eyes widened once again, seeing a lavish ballroom. Its floor was the same as the foyer, but it had many tables filled with food and drink. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, providing the room with light.
Many finely dressed people littered the ballroom made up of all the different races. The wallpaper was a dark red with paintings of Freya herself strewn about.
Butlers walked around the ballroom holding trays of champagne in their hands and handing them out to party guests. The middle of the floor was obviously a dance floor, which wasn't in use yet. Off to the left, huddled in a corner on a stage, was a band playing classical music, letting it fill the air.
"Fell free to eat and drink to your heart's content. But behave as lady Freya wouldn't like her evening to be ruined." Ottar stated.
After he spoke, Ottar departed, heading deeper into the manor while Bell and the others spread out and mingled.
"Oh hell yeah, they have ale!" Gareth said.
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Ottar walked down a dimly lit hallway heading to Freya's room. Once reaching it, he opened her door and saw her dressed in a beautiful white dress. The top was low cut, showing off a generous amount of her cleavage, which Freya enjoyed showing off.
"He's here, lady Freya," Ottar said.
Freya smiled in delight as she walked toward her captain. "Lovely news, Ottar. Tell me, is he everything I hoped for?"
Ottar nodded. "Yes, my lady. He told me to reel in my power as it was making his friend nervous. He wasn't scared to speak to me despite the gap in our levels."
Freya's smile brightened. "Oh, how wonderful, Ottar. I know you desperately want to fight him, but I ask that you wait."
"If that is your wish, then I shall Lady Freya. However, I must inform you that Lady Loki wishes to speak with you."
"Oh, Loki, huh? Very well, I shall indulge the trickster in a conversation later. Now, Ottar, care to escort me so I can meet my guests?" Freya asked, holding out her arm.
Ottar locked his arm with hers, and the two began walking to the ballroom.
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"So Bell. How are you enjoying city life so far?" Loki asked, sipping her champagne.
"It's hectic, I'll tell ya that. Although I have enjoyed my time here. I've made new friends in such a short amount of time it's almost overwhelming." Bell answered.
"Well, nice to know you're settling in well. You ready for your first expedition?"
Bell chuckled. "Yeah, but I'm a little nervous. But hey, I'm really good at winging things if needed."
"Well, don't worry about it, you'll be fine. Just stick close with Raul and the others, and they'll see ya through."
Bell smiled before a thought clicked into his head. "Oh, Alfia isn't here, so I can get drunk and not have her be mad."
"Oh no." Loki sighed.
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"Gospel"
A tree located a few feet away completely shattered as Alfia chanted her spell. Her traveling companions looked at her in fear as they were camping for the night.
"Um Lady Alfia. Is something wrong?"
"I have a feeling Bell is doing something stupid," Alfia grumbled.
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Back at the ball, Cruz and Raul were trying to manage Bell on his drinking. They remembered the warning Alfia had given them and didn't want to test their luck if she somehow figured out when she returned.
Alicia watched in amusement as she stood off to the side with Haruhime and Bache. The three had become fast friends as Alicia vowed to protect the kind renard. Seeing Bache and her had similar goals, the two didn't mind each other's company.
"Does sir Bell always drink a lot?" Haruhime asked.
"No, not particularly. Although when he went out for guy's night, he got so drunk he couldn't even walk." Alicia giggled.
The trio looked back over to the boys, watching Bell like a hawk.
"Will you knock it off? This is like my third glass." Bell complained.
"It's been five minutes since you started drinking." Raul pointed out.
"Yeah, and I don't want Silence beating my ass 'cause we let you get blackout drunk again."
Bell rolled his eyes. "I won't get blackout drunk. Cause I'd make a fool of myself if I did, and we don't want that."
"Last one, and then you're done for a while," Raul stated.
"What! Says who?"
"Says us. We don't want Alfia beating our asses," Cruz said.
"Fine. But I'm not gonna like it." Bell grumbled.
Before any more could be said, a door opened, causing everyone to turn their attention to it. Walking arm and arm was Freya and her captain.
"Lady Freya has made her arrival," Ottar announced.
"Wow, that is a low-cut dress," Bell commented.
Not hearing a response from his friends, he turned around and saw them blushing while looking away.
"Oh, come on. Don't tell me a little skin out like that makes you all flustered?"
"It's that, not Bell." Raul nervously said.
"Oh, right, her charm," Bell said, coming to a realization.
"Wait, why are you not affected?" Cruz asked.
Bell furrowed his brow. "I don't know?"
Aki and Narvi quickly made their way over to the three. Both grabbed Rual and Cruz and forced their gazes on them.
"Raul, keep your eyes on me," Aki said, blushing like the others.
"Same goes for you, Cruz," Narvi said, looking like the others.
"Oh well, now I'm feeling a little left out. How come you guys are affected, and I'm not?"
Bell didn't receive an answer as Alicia, Haruhime, and Bache surrounded him.
"Don't look at her, sir Bell. She's a goddess of beauty and can charm anyone."
"That right. Look at us instead." Bache demanded.
Alicia said nothing but nodded along with the two. All three of them were blushing as well. However, Haruhime's was less severe thanks to her time around Ishtar. Looks like her time there had some use after all.
"Yeah, thanks for the concern, but I'm fine. I don't feel anything." Bell said.
The group looked at Bell in confusion as he wasn't affected even a little bit by Freya's charm. Bell himself was confused as he didn't know why. He was a mortal. Shouldn't he be affected like everyone else?
"Well, hello, my dear. It's a pleasure to meet you." Freya said.
Bell looked into her eyes and saw she was face to-face with him. Everyone else was keeping their gaze on the ground to avoid Freya charming them fully if she so chooses.
Bell stepped forward, gently moving Alicia out of the way. "Uh, hi. If you're looking for Loki, she's somewhere around here."
Freya smiled in delight as Bell resisted her charm without even seeming to try. Whether he knew it or not, he further captured her interest.
"Oh, I'm aware. I'm here to talk with you, however." Freya cooed, putting her hand on Bell's cheek.
Bell was extremely confused by this whole situation. First, he wasn't affected by Freya's charm, and now she wants to talk with him. Why?
"Uh, why? Also, were you the one who gave me my dragon?" Bell asked.
Freya softly giggled. "Hmm, perhaps. Tell me, will you help me fulfill a dream tonight?"
"You have dreams?"
Freya let out a laugh, which many in the room didn't expect. Even Ottar was slightly shocked. This boy made his goddess laugh within seconds of meeting her.
"Never mind that. Tell me, are you enjoying tonight?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, I guess it's alright. I mean, free food and drink taste better than stuff you pay for. Oh, you also have a lovely home too. I like the. architecture."
The smile never left Freya's perfect face. "Well, I'm glad. But alas, I must sadly part ways right now. I have other people I must speak with. Save me a dance?"
Bell nervously chuckled. "I uh don't know how to dance."
"I'll teach you."
With that, Freya walked away, leaving Bell and his friends confused.
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Outside the mansion, someone dressed as someone else was sneaking inside. Their mission was to quietly slip inside and blend in with the crowd.
It was a simple mission and nothing more. However, they were still armed in case things got dicey. They were also allowed to gather any information if they could. But they were mostly there to blend in.
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"Ah, here at last. Delta, Beatrix, be on your best behavior. That means not doting on Bell too much."
"Whatever you say, lord boss man." Delta cheered.
"Also, Leon, try not to tease the poor boy too much. You know how much he despises your lessons." Baldr added.
"Yes, my lord," Leon added.
The small group walked in and saw the end of Bell and Freya's interaction.
"Wow. Looks like he's captured her interest." Leon muttered.
"Oh, Alfia's gonna throw a fit when she gets back." Poseidon chuckled.
"Well, let's not be close to her when she does," Baldr said.
Bell turned around after Freya and left and paled, seeing Leon and Baldr.
"Ah, great, it's you two," Bell muttered.
"Nice to see you as well, Bell. Tell me, have you changed your mind about attending my school." Baldr asked.
"You already know the answer to that," Bell replied.
Baldr laughed before walking past Bell. "Didn't hurt to try."
Bell rolled his eyes and looked to Leon, who had a teasing smirk.
"Don't you even start," Bell warned.
"Start what? I assure you I'm not here to try and educate you on something. I just have a simple question."
Bell quirked an eyebrow. "Oh yeah, and what's that?"
"I noticed you carry two swords now. One looked like Blackfyre. Is that the case?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, I found them after coming to the city. Why are you asking?"
"Oh well, as you know, I'm a historian myself. It's quite marvelous how a blade made so long ago remains sharp and not rusted. Tell me, though, where is Dark Sister? That is its twin blade, is it not?"
"Oh, I gave that one to Alfia so she could protect herself better."
Leon's smirk grew. "Oh, I didn't know you thought that way about her."
Bell was confused. "What do you mean by that?"
Leon didn't answer and instead started walking away. "Leon, what did you mean by that? Why'd you say it like that?"
Bell never got an answer as Leon disappeared into the crowd. Bell felt someone ruffled his hair and looked up to see Poseidon.
"Don't worry about him. He's just teasing. But I'll have to talk with you later. Delta, Beatrix, and I have some matters to attend to. Make sure you stay out of trouble."
Bell rolled his eyes as Poseidon walked away. Delta and Beatrix made sure to give him tight hugs before they followed.
"I find it interesting how you can speak like that to someone like the knight of knights so easily," Cruz said, his blush gone now that Freya had walked away.
"Eh, I grew up with him around. It's easier to talk that way to him." Bell shrugged.
"Still, you'll need to tell Loki about your resistance to charm. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone who could do that before." Raul said.
"Yeah, I will. But enough about that, let's party!"
"Yeah, wait, he's going for the alcohol again!"
Aki and the girls just watched as Cruz and Raul tried to wrestle away the ale Bell had.
"What do we see in them again?" Aki asked.
"Good looks and kindness." Narvi offered.
"Nah, it's not that? We're just stupid." Aki replied.
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Lefiya stood in some far-off corner away from everyone else. She didn't really like the dress Loki put her in as she felt that it revealed too much.
Her friend Filvis. A dark-haired elf with red eyes also stood with her. She was the captain of the Dionysus familia. Her level was known only to the guild and her patron god, but Lefiya knew she was strong.
"I'm glad to see you here, Miss Filvis. I'm not really meant for gatherings like these."
"Don't worry, Lefiya, you're doing fine. These gatherings are all for show anyway. Most of the time, there's an ulterior motive. But enough about that, how goes your magic training?"
"It's going well. I'm able to have a higher blast yield with Arcs Ray now."
"Oh, that's wonderful, Lefiya. I knew you could do it. Oh, you also just got back from Melen as well, didn't you? How was it? Did you go to the beach?"
Lefiya nervously gulped, remembering how she was almost kidnapped by amazons. Filvis noticed this but didn't say anything.
"It was nice. I went to the beach and saw Miss Ais in a bathing suit. I got to have some girl time with everyone while the guys played poker. But it uh wasn't all sunshine and rainbows."
"I can tell. Do you want to talk about it?" Filvis asked.
Lefiya nodded before taking a deep breath. "Tione and I were attacked by Kali's amazons. We were captured and brought to their boat and would've been taken."
"But I'm guessing Ais found you and rescued you?" Filvis inquired.
Lefiya shook her head. "I would've loved it if it was Miss Ais that saved me. But it wasn't her. No one knew where we were, and Kali would've set sail if it wasn't for Bell."
"Bell? That new boy who joined your familia? Silence's nephew?" Filvis asked.
Lefiya nodded. "Yes, that's him. I don't know how he did it, but he was able to find the ship and get enough fireworks to signal where we were. Then took out the rest of Kali's amazons, turned one to our side, and rescued us. It's honestly mind-boggling he was able to do such a thing."
Filvis turned her attention over to the white-haired boy currently fighting off two other men trying to take his mug away.
"He seems...eccentric," Filvis said.
"I know, and that's why I'm surprised he saved me. I mean, he threatened me before we even got to Melen and then saved me without asking anything in return. He didn't even gloat!"
"Wait, why did he threaten you? Do I need to have a talk with him?" Filvis asked, a dangerous edge to her voice.
Lefiya quickly shook her hands. "No, no. It's my fault I was looking down on him because he was human, and I was a little jealous he was able to control a magical creature such as a dragon."
"Still. You're a nice and kind girl. He shouldn't have done that."
"Miss Filvis." Lefiya blushed.
"Anyway, I'm sure once he realizes that, he'll be nicer to you," Filvis stated, not realizing what she did to Lefiya.
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Loki and Freya stood next to each other close to the band, so their voices would be drowned out by the music.
"Well, Loki dear, I have to say. Bell is truly an extraordinary child you have."
"Yup, and he's mine, so don't go getting any ideas."
"Oh, come on, can't I play with him? Just a little bit?"
Loki glanced over to Freya and noticed her face flushed. "Ugh, Freya, really? You already have a bunch of strong children. Why do you want him as well?"
"Because look at him. He's so cute and oblivious to most things around him. He wasn't even enamored by my charm one bit. He only got nervous when he admitted he didn't know how to dance."
"Ah, hell, you've got it bad this time." Loki groaned.
"I do not! But can I have Bell? Just for the night?"
"What, no! He's not some pet I'm gonna hand out."
"Oh, come on, Loki, why not? He'll probably say yes if you ask him."
Loki pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Freya, I was hoping to have a serious conversation here. Besides, if either of us do anything, Alfia will kill us."
Fryea shivered in fright before feeling herself back. "You are correct. Now, what is it you'd like to talk about."
"I want you to help me on my expedition. I don't know how strong Evilus is, and I want as many heavy hitters as I can get down there."
"Hmm, sounds like a big task. What's in it for me?"
"Well, I'll let you have unrestricted access to Bell so you can talk to him whenever you want. However, you'll have to get past Alifa once she gets back."
Loki didn't have to wait long for a response. "Deal."
Loki chuckled at how easy it was. "So Freya, what's the real reason you like Bell?"
"I already told you most of the reasons. But a main one is his soul is pure white. Except for a small part in the middle where a raging inferno is building."
"Hmm. Well, then, that is interesting. Now I really want him to stay in my familia."
"Who knows, maybe after talking with me, he'll want to join mine?"
Loki scoffed. "As if."
This led to an argument, resulting in Loki and Freya being dragged away from each other.
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Bell stood alone by the food table. Aki had dragged Raul to dance, and Narvi did the same with Raul. Bell didn't know where Bache, Haruhime, and Alicia were.
Gareth was drinking himself silly with Bete hitting on Delta, who didn't seem to care what he said. Tione was doting on Finn, who seemed annoyed and angry by her presence.
Tiona was annoying Riveria, while Lefiya hadn't moved from her spot with Filvis. All in all, things were somewhat peaceful, and Bell was enjoying himself.
He didn't have to worry about much; instead, he just relaxed. Enjoyed the music. Looked at the pretty girls and enjoyed himself. He knew his Grandpa must've liked events like this one.
Bell finished his ale before setting the mug on the table. That would be his last drink for a while, as he promised Raul and Cruz he'd watch his drinking while they danced.
He didn't know why, but he enjoyed alcohol. He hoped he didn't become an alcoholic, as Alfia would beat him black and blue if he did.
It had been two weeks since she left, so she'd be halfway to Hearthome by now. Bell wished she was here, but you don't always get what you wish for.
Bell squinted as he saw a familiar mop of red hair walk into another room of the mansion. What was she doing here? Why show herself in public like this and where he could see? He pushed himself off the table and followed them.
Once the door shut behind him, the music was muffled, and the hallway he was in was dimly lit. The hallway had blue carpet with red wallpaper.
Bell walked forward, traversing down the dim hallway. He saw the figure turn down and corner and followed her.
After crossing the corner, all he saw was an empty hallway. Which confused him. Didn't she just walk this way?
"Excuse me, what are you doing here?!" A stern female voice said.
Bell cursed under his breath as he turned around. When he did, he saw a grey-haired woman that looked similar to Syr. However, her hairstyle was different as she had one of her eyes covered by her hair.
"I'm sorry, I'm looking for a bathroom. I had a little too much to drink. Do you know where one is?"
The woman narrowed her eyes at him while Bell stood his ground.
"Yes, it's back the way you came and to the right. Now I ask that you go back to the ballroom. Lady Freya doesn't want anyone wandering around."
Bell nodded and smiled. "Thank you for your help. Now I'll be going now."
Before Bell left, he felt a drop of water hit him on the nose. Which was odd as he was indoors, and it wasn't even raining outside.
Bell slowly reached into his sleeve as he looked up and saw Revis holding herself up on the ceiling. She was wearing a suit much like Bell's, but her tie was red instead of black.
She dropped down, and Bell jumped back, brandishing his dagger and standing in front of the other woman.
"Nice to see you again, Revis. You a little hot in those clothes?"
Revis didn't answer. Instead, she tore the suit off, leaving her dressed in her normal clothes. Attached to her hip was a small, short sword, which she unsheathed.
"Guess that's a yes."
Revis launched forward and slashed at Bell, who blocked and kicked her in the knee.
"Run!" Bell yelled.
The other woman did what he asked and ran away while Bell blocked another strike.
"I'm not allowed to kill you," Revis said.
Bell jumped back and avoided a thrust. "Oh, that makes me feel special. Is it because you fell in love with me?" Bell joked.
Revis cut his arm, but Bell didn't seem to care. He dodged and parried wherever he could, but it was much harder without his swords.
Revis had better range and finesse than he did right now. If only he had his swords.
"You're stronger than last time," Bell said.
He blocked another slash before charging forward and slamming Revis into a wall. This didn't do much as Revis kneed him in the gut before punching him in the face.
Bell stumbled back and got a cut across his chest.
"That's because I'm trying this time. It wasn't pleasant getting my hand cut off."
Bell blocked another slash before Revis kicked him through a door. Bell stumbled back and felt his back pressed against a railing.
He was outside on a balcony overlooking the front of the manor. A garden of shrubs and flowers and a fountain were located below.
Bell blocked another attack before sliding up and elbowing Revis in the face. Her nose bled, but she didn't care as she elbowed the back of Bell's neck.
Bell responded by driving his fist into her gut, causing her to keel forward. He grabbed her head and kneed her in the face.
Revis punched him in the ribs. She slashed down, and another cut open on Bell's chest. Blood was pouring from his wounds, but he kept fighting.
Bell parried Revis's sword again before biting her on the neck. Revis gasped and kicked Bell in the stomach, sending him back to the railing.
"Did you just bite me?" She asked, confused.
Bell panted as he was covered in small cuts. He really wished he had his swords right now so he could fight better. Revis had also gotten stronger since their last meeting.
"What can I say? Desperate times call for desperate measures." Bell joked.
"So you bite me?" Revis asked, irritated.
Bell smirked as he kept taunting her.
"Oh, don't tell me you liked it, Revis. You naughty girl."
Revis kicked Bell in the gut, causing the railing to shatter and sending him flying off the balcony. He landed in the fountain, his blood turning the water red.
Bell groaned, but Revis didn't seem to pursue. He felt a strong arm grab his collar and pull him out of the fountain. When he opened his eyes, he saw Ottar looking down at him.
"Are you alright, child?" He asked.
"Right as rain. Although you had a member of Evilus break in her. Don't know what she was doing, though." Bell groaned.
Ottar nodded as a blonde elf with red eyes tossed him a potion. Ottar pouted its contents on Bell, and he immediately started feeling better.
"Honestly, boy. You were outclassed. You were lucky Horn wanted us so we could help you in time."
"Yeah, 'cause me being knocked into a fountain just screams lucky."
"Hmmph. Nevertheless, you still found the intruder and stopped whatever it was she was doing. Congratulations, you did a good job, I guess."
Bell laughed as he sat up. "Tsundere elf."
The elf's face turned red. "I am no such thing!"
.
.
.
.
Revis watched from a distance, seeing that Bell was ok. She was glad he was as she turned and ran away. She needed to report back and get a new tasking.
As she was jumping, she felt a sharp pain shoot through her neck. She winced and touched where she felt the pain and felt teeth marks.
"I still can't believe he bit me." Revis thought.
She kept jumping until arriving in an alleyway behind the guild. It was time for her next mission.
Well, that ends this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. Next one should be the start of the expedition, and oh boy, will things go to plan totally.
Anyway, I'll see ya later peace.