Bell slowly woke up because his nose tickled, as if a fine hair was moving against it. He moved his nose, but whatever touched his nose moved too.

When he opened his eyes and looked down, Bell saw a golden furred fox ear close to his nose. Whenever he breathed through his nose, his breath tickled the fox ear, which led it to twitch and like that tickling his nose.

Fueh?

He wasn´t completely awake, but he knew who this ear belonged to. Now he felt the soft body that was snuggled up to him, the head resting on his chest. Haruhime was at his side, he only noticed now that his left arm rested on her back, her right hand was on his left. It looked like she took his hand in the night and put his arm around her, which was surprisingly bold for her.

Her left hand was on his bare stomach, right on his abs. Bell slept sometimes without a shirt when it was quite warm, just like tonight.

Now that he thought back, it wasn´t actually that warm yesterday night...and when he turned his head, his shirt was right next to him. When he slept without a shirt, Bell normally folded it and put it on his chair.

He whispered. "What happened?"

Haruhime´s ear twitched and he saw the tips of her tails twitching slightly.

At first one.

Then two.

Three.

Four.

And...

.

Five.

.

.
"Huh?!"

Bell stretched his neck a bit, there were really five tails now. Four of them moved more or less in synch with the same speed, the fifth moved a bit different, as if Haruhime didn´t have completel control of it for now.

It happened again?

And only then did he notice Haruhime´s clothes. She always slept in a light version of a kimono, the ones she used in summer only reached her knees. For some reason, this one was pulled up to the middle of her waist. It probably happened when one of her tails grew thicker and parted during the night. He wondered what exactly caused this to happen, was it just time or was there a trigger?

"Mnhml...Bell...wuv you..."

Haruhime rubbed her cheek slightly at his chest, while it was a nice feeling, he whimpered a bit.

He felt and saw it now, his upper body was covered in bite marks. It wasn´t just one and not only at his neck like last time. They were especially around his abs and one mark around his left areole.

Slowly Haruhime´s tails rose one by one, moving up so that they were in the sunlight that fell through his window. He knew that Haruhime liked the sun very much, the morning sun especially. Just like Lefiya loved the moon, she was always in a good mood when the moon was full. It also wasn´t the first time that he saw her tails moving like that in the sunlight. Whenever they were in the city, Haruhime moved subconcious in a way that her tails would be in the sunlight.

"Mmmmh~~~~"

Haruhime hummed happy when her tails moved in the sunlight, Bell wondered if it felt for her like he felt sunlight on his head.

He felt her hand caressing his abs again, the fifth tail joined her hand.

"Mweheheh~~~ Bell´sh absh~~~"

Hnnngh! She is so cute!

Her head started to move, soon Bell saw her face. The expression was a mixture of sleepy, lovingly, maybe drunk...and something else, something more adult like.

She raised her upper body a bit, Bell noticed with red cheeks that the top part of her kimono was slightly parted, allowing him to glance at the beginning of that sacred valley of her bosom.

And he saw that her eyes were golden again.

The smile that she showed him wasn´t her usual, shy and innocent one. It was alluring, tempting, flirting and her cheeks were flushed from excitement.

"Beeell~~~"

"Haru-hiii!"

Haruhime...licked slowly along Bell´s neck. It sent an unfamiliar shiver down his spine.

She didn´t wait for a good morning kiss, Haruhime leaned down and pressed her lips onto Bell´s. Her hands were on his shoulders, four of her tails moved quickly in the sunlight, the fifth curled around to stroke the side of Bell´s abs with the tip.

Bell started to put two and two together.

Whenever Haruhime grew an additional tail, her behaviour changed a bit for a few hours. Amid had guessed that it had something to do with Haruhime being a rare kind of Renard and growing into an adult. And since Miach told them that whenever Haruhime grew a new tail, the bonus on her magic in her status grew too, they guessed that it was also magic that ran through her body during that time.

The magic explained why she acted more open and a bit drunk.

But...

Having a half naked, beautiful, panting Renard on top of him in the morning was a bit much! Even more since she was his girlfriend and kissed him so passionately.

"Mmmf!"

His eyes shot wide open, he felt something poking his lips with strength.

Haru-

She moved her body so that she straddled his waist, pressed her chest onto his and deepened the kiss.

Bell Cranel was about to get his first french kiss.

And being surprised or not, it got really hard for Bell to keep his hands by himself, he was by no means immune to the temptation and alluring effect of the bodies of Haruhime and Lefiya.

Haruuuu...

.

.
"Eeeep!"

Haruhime yelped loud when the tip of her tongue moved between Bell´s lips and touched the tip of his tongue. Her eyes immediatelly became normal again and she snapped out of her love-drunk, half aroused state.

She noticed what she was doing and how she kissed Bell, looking in panic into his eyes.

Haruhime immediatelly jumped away from Bell, grabbed her blanket and wrapped herself into it. She turned into a shivering bundle, only her fox ears and tails poked out...which was one of the cutest sights that Bell had ever seen.

"Hauuuuuu! I´m sorry! I´m so sorry!"

Bell leaned forward and gently patted Haruhime´s back.

"You don´t need to, Haruhime. It´s okay."

"I´m a naughty fox..."

He chuckled. "No you´re not."

"But I attacked you in your sleep..."

"Hm?"

Not able to look into his face, Haruhime told him what happened last night.

She woke up in her room and felt really strange again. Her animal instinct told her to get close to her mate. She would be safe there, her mate would protect her. Lefiya was too far away so Bell was the only choice. Haruhime dragged her flimsy blanket behind her and carried a small pillow under her arm. She was just a little embarrassed as she snuck into Bell's room and crawled into his bed.

Haruhime tried to sleep but her body felt so weird and hot again.

More than the last time.

Her body was the reason why Bell had felt so warm. Haruhime´s instinct told her to get close to her mate, her caring love to ease the feeling of heat for him. When she had moved up his shirt, her instinct took over.

Haruhime had nibbled and gently bitten his abs, she kept for herself that she had even licked one time along his muscle. That she had bitten him more times and even rubbed her body against his slipped from her mind, she didn´t remember all that happened.

.

.
"Auuu...I´m sorry for being so naughty..."

Bell looked down, four of Haruhime´s tails were curled around her body, the fifth...still went for his abs.

Against his will, Bell rememberred something that Aisha said one time. That Haruhime was probably actually a hidden pervert...

"Haruhime, it´s okay."

"No it´s not...I can´t stop thinking of kissing you..."

He chuckled and moved closer, soon he sat next to her.

"If you want to do it, I´m here."

"Mh?"

The bundle moved a bit, Haruhime´s face appeared, she saw that his cheeks were flushed. "Be..ll..?"

He moved a bit closer. "If that is what´s on your mind, I´m not against it."

Haruhime´s tails shivered.

A bunny was offering itself to a fox...

They kissed really loving this time, a tear ran down Haruhime´s cheek. Whenever she kissed Bell, she thanked all the gods in heaven and the surface...except for Ishtar...that she was alive and found her hero. While they kissed, the fifth tail finally moved with the others, gently hugging Bell. Haruhime let her instinct´s desire flow out of her, kissing her mate how her heart demanded it.

Soon the kiss became more passionate again.

.

.
A while later, both left the room to go to the separated bathrooms. It was soon time for breakfast.

"Hauu...I can´t believe I pushed you onto the bed again...and attacked you at night...that I bit you so often..."

"I-I think it´s nothing to be ashamed of."

"St-"

Haruhime and Bell froze when they saw who was right outside of his door.

Lena.

By chance she had passed his room to go to the bathroom for the women too.

And she heard every single word.

"L-Lena?!"

"Ms. Lena?!"

Lena said nothing, but her lips slowly curled up into a smug grin.

"Ho-Hooo~~~~~ Haru-Haru~~~! I´m so proud of you!"

"N-No, it´s not th-"

"Congratulation for becoming an adult! Aisha needs to hear this!"

Haruhime shreeked in panic. "It´s a misunderstanding!"

But Lena had experience, she noticed the splitsecond when Haruhime´s eyes glanced to Bell, to his stomach.

"Suspicious!"

Lena didn´t even ask for permission, she grabbed the hem of Bell´s shirt and pulled it up.

Her eyes widened when she saw the bite marks.

Bell scolded her afterwards, as did the embarrassed Haruhime.

.

.
Both sat with red faces at the breakfast table, Lena couldn´t stop grinning. The two familias had breakfast together, sometimes the Takemikazuchi familia made a far eastern style breakfast, with help of Haruhime.

Today it was just a simple breakfast, with bread, cold cuts, eggs, tea, coffee for those who drank it, a few vegetables and fruits.

Miach and Nahza made breakfast today, it was always someone else. At first others had offered their help, but Nahza forbid anyone to disrupt her lovey-dovey time with Miach.

So the others came in one by one.

"Man, I´m starving, good thing breakfast is ready!"

Welf let himself fall onto the chair on Bell´s right side, his hair was a bit wet.

"Did you already work in your forge this early?"

"Of course! Never let the hammer get rusty! Also I have to take care of so much equipment now."

Bell smiled. "We´re really lucky to have you, Welf."

Even when he didn´t belong to one of the two familias, Welf lived at the Mansion too.

"And I´m glad to be here, trust me."

The next person that came in was pretty small.

"Good morning, everyone. Boss Bell, thank you so much for this book!"

"You don´t need to call me Boss, Luan."

The prum´s eyes shined, Bell lent him a book that Lily also read. The story about the knights of Fianna. At first Lily´s appearance during the wargame, then reading this book, it lit a flame inside Luan.

"I can´t say what a wonderful day this i-!"

Luan froze when Lily came into the dining room, she patted his shoulder while she walked past him.

"Mornin´..." She wasn´t really a morning person.

Lily´s sudden touch of his shoulder let Luan freeze, everyone knew that he was heads over heels for Lily. She had only touched Luan, because a gentle pat on the shoulder was already the greatest reward for him.

Her hair had become a bit longer recently and it fell down so smooth. Ever since the prums in Orario started to admire her, Lily took more care of her hair.

Lena leaned with both elbows on the table, resting her chin on the palms of her hands.

"He."

She still grinned and looked at Haruhime and Bell.

"Good morning, Haruhime, Sir Bell, everyone."

Mikoto sat down on Haruhime´s left side, Chigusa and Ouka next to her. When everyone sat down, Miach and Takemikazuchi would sit at the heads of the table.

Daphne and Cassandra came a bit late, both looked very sleepy. They had helped Nahza until late at night to make potions. Nahza still looked like she was filled with energy, she was used to sleep only a few hours. Also sleeping in Miach´s arms let her rest up to 100 % more.

"Welfi?"

"It´s Welf, Lena."

"Say, is my sword ready?"

"Yes, completely repaired and sharpened."

"Thank you! You´re the best! Shall I give you a kiss on the cheek?"

"Please don´t."

"Hehe, I was only joking. My lips belong to Bete Loga anyway."

Lily sighed. "Is he even your boyfriend, Ms. Lena? Does he know about his luck?"

"Of course he knows my feelings! He is just a tiny bit shy!"

"Aha."

Lena smiled in her special way. "Just you wait, I´m sure that Bete Loga does like me. He is a bit broken inside, afraid of being close to someone. But he actually got heavily depressed when I nearly died the other day."

They all heard the story of Lena and other amazons getting attacked by Evilus. When Bete thought that Lena died, he went on a rampage, similar to what happened to Ryu after her three familia members died. He defeated a large number of Evilus member, including Valetta. Bell heard that it was Riveria Ljos Alfr of the Loki familia who brought Lena to the hospital, where she got rescued just in time.

She smiled, gently stroking the small scar at her waist.

Haruhime smiled. "I wish you best of luck, Lena."

Then Haruhime´s smile changed. "But, I also would ask you to not harass Bell again."

"Jup, understood."

Lena winked, she saw how Haruhime´s tails moved behind her. If she intended to do that or not, Haruhime basically "bared her fangs" at Lena, to mark her territory. The fox girl would´ve given her behaviour a different name if she was asked.

Daphne swallowed her bite down. "Bell?"

"Yes?"

"Does Ms. Lefiya come with us when we go to claim the Goliath?"

"No, we should do it on our own. Also during that time, she and the remaining familia members will guard their home and watch over Orario, ready to attack at any time in case Evilus shows up."

Cassandra looked really worried. "Should we really go into the dungeon then? Wouldn´t it be better if everyone would remain in the city?"

Bell shook his head. "Ms. Alise told me that everything has to look normal or else Evilus could get suspicious. But she also told me that they apparently will attack from multiple directions."

"To think that the full might of the four strongest familias will be unleashed against them...that this is necessary."

Miach smiled to calm them down. "Astrea told Takemikazuchi and me that they will unleash the full might to make sure they get every single remain of Evilus. It is probably too much fire power, but better safe than sorry. Don´t be worried about that, focus on your Expedition."

They would start in two days, until then they had much to prepare. For example they would discuss if Lily would act as a Supporter or fighting with her spear.

.

.

When breakfast was over, Bell jogged to the Stardust Garden. Haruhime had too much to do to come with him and they knew that Lefiya wasn´t at home anyway. So he just went to see Alfia.

"Phew, it´s getting pretty warm."

The weather was simply perfect, the mood in the city was good, there was no sign that Orario was in great danger. Then again, Orario was probably many times in great danger.

When he arrived at the Stardust Garden, the one who greeted him first was Ryu. She was in the garden, wearing a white, light dress, taking care of the flowers.

"Good morning, Ms. Ryu."

"Good morning, Mr. Cranel."

"Is it okay when I go inside?"

"Of course, Lady Astrea has given you free access to our home."

"I think it is still better to make sure that the moment is good. Not that one of your familia members is still sleepy and...you know."

She nodded. "It is good that you thought about that. But everyone is up early these days."

"Thank you."

Ryu was about to take care of the flowers again when Bell opened the door.

"Eeeek!"

The scream...as feminine as it sounded...was Bell´s.

"Oh, mornin´ lil´ Bell."

"M-Ms. Kaguya! Why are you in your underwear?!"

"Because it´s hot."

Ryu immediatelly jumped to her feet and stormed inside, seeing Bell who covered his eyes with his hands. And Kaguya in her usual, provocative underwear, that no noble woman should show openly, that´s why she did it.

"Kaguya! I told you that Mr. Cranel will come around this time! How can you walk around like that in front of a man?!"

"Geez, Lion. As if he never saw Lefi or little Haruhime in their underwear. And I don´t care if he sees me like this, I have a bombshell body and nothing to hide!"

"No he didn´t!...probably...still! You shouldn´t walk around in your underwear when a man is coming over! Forget about that, you shouldn´t walk around in your underwear in general!"

Kaguya sighed. "You know that not everyone in our familia is an elf, right? Alise is also just wearing shorts and a short shirt."

"That is better than underwear! Also, Bell´s mother lives in this house too!"

"What? Are you worried one of us might attack him and she gets furious? In that case it would be his fault for walking into a house filled with single women, who have barely contact with men."

"Kaguya! That´s filthy!"

Kaguya just rolled her eyes and kept on walking. Her understanding of shame was different from Ryu´s. Also, it was fun to see Ryu react like this so early in the morning.

Bell still hid his eyes. "E-Everyone else is properly dressed?"

"Yes they are. I´m sorry you had to see this, Mr. Cranel."

"N-No problem!"

And just like Bell feared, the members of the Astrea familia that he saw wore light clothes because of the incoming heat.

Even Astrea wore a light dress, not her normal long one. This one was actually a gift from Syr, it only went down just below her knees and waved around by every movement. Bell noticed again what a gorgeous woman Astrea was...truly a goddess. It wasn´t only her appearance, she also smelled very good, most of the gods did.

"G-Good morning, Lady Astrea."

"Good morning, Bell."

Bell suddenly felt an icy chill in his back.

"Mr. Cranel...I would appreciate if you wouldn´t look at Lady Astrea like that..."

"I-I didn´t!"

Astrea giggled. "Ryu, don´t worry, Bell speaks the truth and didn´t have any lewd intend."

"Hm, alright."

Ryu returned to the garden.

Bell looked a bit buffled. "Ahm, you all seem to be pretty..I don´t know...relaxed?"

Astrea smiled while she led Bell to Alfia´s room. "Why wouldn´t we?"

"Because of...you know...the fight?"

"My children have experience in fighting Evilus. Being constantly worried won´t help them and if they get no sleep because of that, they would just become weaker. Also, everything has to look normal."

"Hm, I guess you´re right."

"Hehe. But I´m sad to disappoint you, Lefiya left the house with Filvis a while ago."

"This isn´t a problem. Ahm, Lady Astrea?"

"Hm?"

"May I ask...who will go to fight? You said only your seven strongest members."

"I did. Alise will lead the charge of course, then Kaguya, Ryu, Neze, Lyra, Iska and Maryuu. Because of that, Iska is spending her time with her boyfriend today. Lyra is working in her small workshop, while Viana gives her a hand. I think Kaguya spends most of her time teasing Ryu."

"Are you not worried?"

"Of course I am, I have a bad sleep every night and am worried sick about my dear daughters. I am worried every time they go to fight or into the dungeon, this will never change. But I believe in them and trust them to look out for each other."

"I hope they all come back safely."

"Do you still consider my children as your friends, even after we captured your Mom?"

"I...do. You promised me not to torture her or do anything ill. As long as she is safe and I can see her every day, I don´t have much of a problem with it."

Astrea smiled. "I really wish circumstances were different, but we had to punish her. Still, it is probably better this way. If Freya´s or Loki´s children found her, they wouldn´t wait but attack her right away."

"I don´t want to imagine such a situation."

"Don´t worry, it will never happen. Not only will we look after Alfia, but make sure that the other familias don´t know that she is alive. We will be especially careful when young Riveria and other elves of Loki´s children come over."

"Why are they coming over? I thought that your familias sometimes have a bit trouble with each other?"

"We work together when it is necessary, but Loki doesn´t like that my children are growing stronger and stronger, she wants to keep the top spot in Orario. But I will still allow Riveria and the other elves of Loki´s familia, as well as many other elves in Orario to visit our home."

"Why are they visiting your home?"

"Have you noticed the young, white tree that grows in our garden? The one in the corner?"

"Yes, it is something special?"

"This is a sacred, elven tree."

"Eh? Why do you have something like that?!"

"When Lefiya and Filvis visited their family last year, they got a branch of the sacred tree there. Lefiya is well liked in her homeforest and the elves there are more open than others. They wanted to give the elves that live in Orario a chance to visit a sacred tree. There are a few days every year that are important for the elves, but some can´t leave Orario during that time. So I gave them permission to visit and celebrate. That´s why the tree is in the corner of the garden, when it will grow bigger and bigger, it won´t threaten the house and the elves can camp outside without having problems to see it."

"Even when they belong to other familias?"

"As long as they behave, I will allow it. No matter if they are part of my familia or not, these days are important for the children. I have the chance to let them celebrate these days, so I give them the chance. Maybe this way the children of various familias can become friends and grow closer together."

When he heard her reason, Bell couldn´t hold back. "You really can be an angel, Lady Astrea."

To his surprise, the goddess blushed heavily. "Eh?!"

"Hm?"

"B-Bell...what are you saying... No flirting with me, I-I am taken...a-and you have Lefiya."

"Huh?! I didn´t mean to flirt with you."

"Oh, ehehe. Then I got your intention wrong."

They arrived at Alfia´s door and it got opened before Astrea had a chance to do that.

Alfia stood there, in one of her goth style dresses...and she didn´t look happy at all.

"Mom, good morning."

"Morning, Sweety..."

"Is something wrong?"

Alfia´s eyes wandered to Astrea. "I´m not happy with the appearance of all these loney, love starved girls in this house when it gets warm. And I would like to hear an explanation why you are dressed in such a light dress and blush like that when you are talking with my son!"

Astrea looked a bit embarrassed. "It was just a misunderstanding."

Alfia growled. "This house is filled with temptations! It is bad for Bell´s education to see you all walking around like that!"

"These are just normal summer clothes."

"Do you think I didn´t hear it that Bell was yelling out because your vice captain is running around in underwear?! And do you believe I cannot see that you´re not wearing a brassiere?! That´s too lewd for an innocent boy like Bell!"

"My dress is designed to be worn just like that, nothing will be seen. But I would appreciate it if you wouldn´t point that out while Bell is here. No one except for my beloved will ever see my body. I also will talk to Kaguya again, so don´t be worried."

"Hmpf. Come, Bell."

Alfia took Bell´s hand, closed her door and pulled him in the direction of the garden. Astrea giggled slightly and went her way.

"Eh, Mom? You´re allowed to leave the house?"

"Of course I am, as long as I don´t leave the grounds of the Stardust Garden it is okay. Did you think they would keep me in that room all day?"

"Ahm...yeah?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Mom...I was worried about you."

"And I´m thankful for that."

The garden was really wonderful, it felt nice to get outside. Bell was surprised that Alfia could stay the warmth in her black dress.

"Mom, isn´t it pretty hot with your dress?"

"Not at all, I like it when it is warm like that. Also, this is already my light, summer dress, remember?"

Bell had seen her wearing it before, but he didn´t understand where the difference was.

"As long as you´re feeling we-"

He stopped when he felt Alfia´s hand on his cheek, turning his head to the side a bit...revealing his neck.

"Bell..."

"M-Mom it isn´t what you think..."

"And what do you think that I´m thinking? That sly fox seems to take advantage of the situation, that I´m out of the house."

"Mom, it really isn´t like that. Haurhime grew a fifth tail this night, her body ached and she wanted to be close to me, it just happened again."

She sighed. "Is that so? Hah...Sweety please don´t misunderstand me. I just want you to grow into a healthy relationship with each other, that you don´t move too fast. That you really understand each other, okay?"

"Of course, we won´t be hasty, I promise."

"Okay then."

Alfia led Bell to the sacred tree, no one was close to it.

"Is it okay when we´re here?"

"Why not? Who would stop me? It is not like we´re touching the tree."

Bell knew why Alfia wanted to get close to the tree, in the past she had eaten a branch of such a tree, helping with her condition a lot. Maybe the tree sort of radiated a kind of like aura? In any case, Alfia looked healthier when they sat down.

"How are you feeling these days, Mom?"

"Except being drained from my Bell-Energy, fine."

"Mom...this is embarrassing."

"Is that so? Even when we´re alone?"

Bell still didn´t resist when Alfia pulled him closer, making him lean against her, she sighed relaxed.

"Much better..."

If he was honest, he also enjoyed cuddling with her.

"I miss having you around me all the time."

"Well at some point it had to come to this. As much as it breaks my heart, you would´ve moved out at some point... But to be honest, it would´ve been better. It isn´t good for a growing boy to be around his Mom all the time."

"I´m not a boy anymore..."

She raised an eyebrow again. "You can grow up all you want and become a young man. A part of you will always be my Sweety, my baby boy."

"Mh."

"Does this displease you?"

"No, I´m really happy to have you."

Bell and Alfia continued to talk about this and that, nothing important. The only important thing was to spend time with her. After half an hour, Bell followed Alfia´s wish and lay down, his head resting on her thighs. She gently carressed his hair and forehead while he closed his eyes, they just listened to the birds and the few sounds that could be heard.

.

.

"I didn´t notice Bell leaving."

"Because he is still here."

Kaguya raised an eyebrow when she heard Ryu´s answer. "I thought Lady Astrea only allowed him to visit Alfia one hour a day."

Ryu slightly shook her head. "They´re in the garden, go and tell him to leave if you have the heart."

"You´re too soft, Lion. Lady Astrea´s orders have to be followed, even if we like Bell."

"Then go, Kaguya. I can´t bring myself to do it..."

Kaguya snorted and went into the garden.

But...

When she saw Alfia and Bell...she didn´t have the heart to do it.

Alfia sat leaned against the young, sacred, elven tree. She had her eyes closed and was sleeping peacefully, Bell slept with his head on her thighs, one of her hands on his hair. Alfia didn´t have that much color in her face in days.

Kaguya silently clicked her tongue and went into the house again.

Ryu looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"So?"

Kaguya returned her gaze with an icy glare. "I´m not made of stone, Lion. I also have a heart."

"So you couldn´t bring yourself to wake them up."

"Of course I couldn´t."

"Lion?"

"Yes?"

"Is this really the fearsome "Silence", that we fought against?"

"It is hard to believe when we see her like that, I know."

"To think she has such a soft side inside her."

"I guess even as an "evil" person, she is still a mother."

"You know that Bell is actually her nephew."

"She raised him, she was always there for him. Alfia is probably more his mother than Lady Astrea is ours."

"True. Hah, this doesn´t make it easier to dislike her."

Ryu nodded, she understood Kaguya.

"But her attitude sure does make it easy."

Ryu nodded again, she could understand that too... The elf wasn´t completely sure about it, maybe it was just a coincidence, but it seemed like that every time she saw Alfia, the woman massaged her neck and shoulders, claiming they were so stiff.

Ryu couldn´t know of course that Alfia didn´t do that to mock her. She just missed that Bell massaged her shoulders.

When Astrea came to ask if Bell was gone, they showed her where they sat. The goddess smiled, one by one the members of the Astrea familia saw Bell and Alfia sleeping like that. The older members never had thought that the day might come where they would call the sight of the sleeping Alfia cute.

Bell´s and Alfia´s nap lasted for two hours.

For a while, Astrea sat down in the garden a bit away from the two and watched them, more Alfia than Bell. At first Alfia´s expression was quite exhausted, her illness took it´s toll from her. But resting together with Bell under the tree really seemed to help Alfia.

Many people would wonder why Astrea didn´t order Alfia´s execution, if she did it because she favoured Bell for some unknown reason. The answer would sound stupid for many people, but this was Astrea´s nature. She believed in a second chance. Astrea believed that mortals were able to change, from evil to good. There were crimes that couldn´t be forgiven, but now that she heard Alfia´s reason...it actually could be the one thing that prevented the destruction of the world.

.

.
When he wished Alfia goodbye for the day, Bell went back home. They had a lot of things to do to prepare the Expedition. While they wouldn´t go deep down, they intended to claim a Monster Rex for themself. So the plan was to go down to the 18th floor first, to camp there for about a day and go up to the 17th in time.

One thing they had to keep in mind was food. They would be in the dungeon for around four days. In case they would defeat the Goliath without anyone getting hurt badly, they would spend the last day on the 18th Floor to relax, before they went back to the surface.

On that last day two things would happen. Lefiya would come down to the 18th Floor, to spend time there with Bell and Haruhime. And the three would go to find a hidden area, that Alfia told them about. They got the job to scout this area from...well from Ryu. Because there was a forest lake there, perfect for a bath. The three wouldn´t bath together, but they were asked to take a look.

Bell was really excited to go with such a large group and face a Monster Rex.

With Bell, Lily, Welf, Haruhime, Lena, Daphne, Cassandra, Luan, Mikoto, Chigusa and Ouka they had eleven people, quite the party.

They had two different formations for the party. The first to move down to the 18th floor, which shouldn´t give them much problems. Bell, Welf, Ouka and Mikoto would move in the front line. Chigusa, Luan, Haruhime and Lily in the middle, the rest would work as the rear guard. Just like professional Expeditions, they would use the big holes to move down faster.

Due to their levels it should take five to seven hours to arrive at the 18th Floor. Thankfully they had a map where they could find the best dungeon gifts, the food that grew in the dungeon. This time they wouldn´t ask the Astrea Familia for the water crystals and such, there was enough water on the 18th Floor.

This was also one of their goals on the first day. They would search for the spot that Alfia had marked on their maps. Lily insisted that they would get themself a few water crystals too.

The information where exactly one could find water crystals wasn´t widely known. And those who got the information wouldn´t share it with another familia, since a water crystals fetched quite a good price.

And they were in need to make money.

Because of that they worked on more than one quest with their Expedition.

Beating the Goliath and selling valuable dropp items.

Finding and collecting water crystals, Welf would be the man of the hour to "mine" the crystals.

Using Alfia´s information to find the hidden spring where they could find the special water of the 18th floor. This water was said to be the best in the whole world. All kinds of restaurants and gods offered a high price for it. Since the gods longed for entertainment, that included good drinks and food. The Goddess Demeter wanted to make special vegetables, only watered with this special water.

There was also the option to use the special water as the base for new potions. Nahza was sure that she could make even better potions then. Which meant, this water was necessary as the base for Alfia´s potion in the future.

And in case they would find any other valuable things, sell them.

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"So we basically have to split the party in two at some point. Since the Goliath is able to call monsters from the 16th Floor to it´s side."

Lily nodded. "Correct. But it would be better to split in three."

"What do you mean?"

All members of the big party were present in the room they used to talk about their strategies and tactics. A huge number of maps of various dungeon floors were here, most of them made by Alfia with a skill that would let most mapmakers cry out of jealousy. According to her, the maps that the guild sold weren´t worth their money.

Lily had spread out the map of the 17th floor. She used small figures to represent the party, also made by Alfia. All of the figures looked like Bell with different pieces of equipment, each of them was a masterpiece of carving.

"Our vanguard will fight the Goliath directly, these should be our most agile fighters. So Bell, Ms. Lena and Ms. Daphne. Mr. Ouka, Mr. Welf and Lily will fight in the rear guard. But Lily has to hold back a bit, since she isn´t level two. Ms. Chigusa, Luan, Haruhime and Ms. Cassandra will be the middle, you will attack where it is necessary."

"What about me, Lady Lily?"

"You, Ms. Mikoto, have a special job. You will move between the vanguard and the rearguard, to help where it is necessary. Attack the Goliath with the others or help us kill the monsters."

Welf tapped his chin. "Lily, you are aware that I only recently reached level two, right? Wouldn´t it be better for Ms. Mikoto to take my position and I move around?"

They only had a small celebration when Welf was able to go up to level two, three days ago. It had to wait after the Expedition for a real party.

"Are you as fast and agile as Ms. Mikoto, Welf?"

"No."

Lily just looked at him, no more words were needed.

"Alright, I understand."

Lily looked at Mikoto. "Your job is very important, Ms. Mikoto. Lily will call out for you when it will be necessary."

Mikoto nodded with a serious face. "I will await your call, Lady Lily."

Then Lily´s eyes wandered to Chigusa, Haruhime and Luan.

"Luan, Ms. Chigusa, you will use your range weapons to attack the monsters that come from the 16th floor. Don´t shoot at the Goliath, even when no monsters come from the 16th at the moment. Save your ammunition."

Both nodded. Chigusa used a bow and arrows, she was quite good with it. Luan made an important decision after a long talk with Lily. He would become a supporter for the familia and the weapon of choice for him was a small crossbow. It was made for the hands of prums and there were even bigger versions, but he didn´t have the money. He claimed like this he could support and watch Lily´s handsome figure from afar.

Luan really didn´t make a secret out of his feelings for Lily.

"Haruhime."

"Yes?"

"You will also have an important job. I assume that you can now cast your fire enchant on five people at once?"

She nodded. "But it consumes more mind power than before, even when I seem to have more now."

Miach guessed that her tails not only gave her a bonus on her magic status, but also somehow acted like "containers" for her mind power.

"Then please cast it on Bell, Ms. Daphne, Ms. Lena, Ms. Mikoto and Mr. Welf."

Haruhime nodded, but Ouka frowned. "Why not on me?"

"We have to give Mr. Welf a boost for the difference in your strength, since you are stronger than him, Mr. Ouka."

Ouka nodded. "I guess that makes sense, our little smith is still a bit weak."

"Oy."

Mikoto looked happy that she would also receive Haruhime´s magic.

"Aside from using your fire enchant, I want you to bombard the Goliath with your big bow. We will carry both of your bows into the dungeon, Haruhime."

She nodded. "I will not miss this time."

"Aim for the eyes if it stands still. If not, aim for the body."

"Uuuuuh, I´m sure my blade dance will look even more exotic with your magic, Haru-Haru! When we´re back, I will need your help to impress Bete Loga even more!" Lena grinned.

"Huh?"

"I mean you have your man now, so I can´t lose."

"Eh..ahm..."

Lily knocked onto the table. "Focus please."

The prum looked at her notes. "Ms. Cassandra."

"Yes?"

"Your job is to heal the wounded members, we will take more than a few mind potions that are meant only for you."

"I will do my best!"

"And don´t be afraid, Ms. Mikoto and Ms. Daphne will both keep an eye on you."

"Huh?"

Daphne smiled. "I know that you get nervous in the dungeon, Cassandra. In case a monster comes your way, just scream for help."

"Nh..."

Lily continued. "Aside from that, Ms. Cassandra, you will help Lily to keep a look at the situation. If you see something that Lily misses, please tell her."

"I will!"

Then Lily looked at Bell, Lena and Daphne.

"The Goliath is about seven meters tall and as far as we know, it doesn´t have the same strength every time, but it is a level four monster. The abilities can be different at different times. Sometimes it has a stomp attack, sometimes a howl, sometimes it calls for more monsters. So watch out what it does. Focus on the hamstring, cut them to bring the Goliath down, then you can attack the head or the chest. Ms. Daphne and Ms. Lena will distract it when it comes down, keep it occupied."

"And what will I do, Lily?"

Lily grinned, she knew how to get Bell excited. "You will be our "David"."

Bell shivered slightly and Haruhime giggled. It meant that Bell would go in for the kill.

Which meant...Lightning Magic!

I will be a Giant Slayer!

Haruhime´s tails moved slightly. "Lily, what about my other magic spell?"

"Lily would say save it for an emergency or when the Goliath gets down to it´s knees, so that Bell can attack it with his full power. It will half the Excelia he gets, but Excelia isn´t important in that fight. Only that we beat it and everyone survives."

Haruhime nodded.

Bell smiled. "I´m counting on you."

"Leave it to me!"

They leaned a bit closer to each other.

Lily knocked the table again. "No kissing during a meeting."

""S-Sorry.""

The meeting continued for a while, Lily made sure to drill all the necessary informations into everyone. So that no one would miss his or her job.

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When the meeting was over, Bell went to Nahza´s workshop in the Mansion. Lily was the leader of the supporters, but Bell had to check on the potions and other stuff too, since he was the vice-captain and the dungeon-captain.

"Hey, Bell..."

"Nahza, you look awfully tired. I mean..even more than usual."

"Hehe...this is nothing... As long as I have such a handsome helper..."

Nahza smiled to Miach.

Bell looked at all the potions that Nahza made with Miach´s help. "This is really something else."

"Hehe, you´re going to face a Monster Rex... For eleven people this should barely be enough..."

"And what about these other potions here?"

"For the Astrea Familia...they ordered a lot...hehehehehe..."

Nahza laugh had not a spark of happines inside it.

Miach smiled wryly, put down his tools and went over to Nahza. "My dear?"

"Hm?"

Miach gently took her hands and "forced" her to put down her tools. "Miach...I need to work..."

"You need a break."

"No..I..."

Miach pulled her gently into his arms. As soon as her face touched his chest, she closed her eyes, her tail slowly dropped and she started to fall asleep.

"I´m sorry, Bell. As you see we have everything for the Expedition, but it is still much to do."

"Are we forcing Nahza too much?"

Miach smiled and gently kissed Nahza´s forehead, she smiled while she fell asleep. "Just leave Nahza to my care, then everything will turn out okay. She said it is her duty as the familia´s captain to do her part. Nahza will fight in her workshop as hard as you will have to fight the Goliath."

"I´m glad she is our captain. We will be counting on you two."

"Leave it to us."

Miach gently lifted Nahza up and carried her to the couch while Bell left.

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.

Bell visited Welf in his small forge, but he had too much to do to find time to talk. Not only was much to do, but Welf was extremely excited to work. When he leveled up, he received the "High Smith" skill, for which he had worked really hard to be able to take it. He had a hard time to explain to Bell how it increased his skills, but it did.

"Now I´m one step closer to my goal. To make something that Lady Hephaistos and I will see as a master piece, with this I will win her heart!"

"Good luck then, Welf."

After his visit at the forge, Bell went to the kitchen. Haruhime, Mikoto, Chigusa, Daphne and Cassandra worked hard here. Ouka wanted to help, but he was too clumsy. They discussed what they should make to eat, since they would stay on the 17th floor for many hours until the Goliath appeared. They would always be on alert since they didn´t know when it would appear exactly. But they had to eat and drink something. Not to mention the food they had to prepare for a four days trip for eleven people.

"Can I help with something?"

Haruhime´s tails twitched instead of shaking her head. "No, Bell. It needs a lot of skill to do what we will try to make."

"Oh, okay then."

Hmm, what to do, what to do.

Since he felt he would get in the way when he would help Lily and Luan, Bell decided to train with Ouka for a while. With him he could also talk about a few things that were important to the party leaders. They had a chain of command, in case Bell got knocked out or was elsewhere. After Bell came Ouka, then Daphne. While Daphne had a bit more experience in the dungeon, Ouka had more as a direct leader of a party. Lily would act as their tactician at all times, so she would help with orders.

Which meant while Bell and his group would face the Goliath directly, Ouka would command the rear guard that protected them from the monsters. Both were the two crucial roles during the Goliath fight.

Both were really into their trainings fight, so that they didn´t notice the figure that watched them.

"Oooooy, Argonauuuut!"

"Eh?! Ms. Tiona?"

Ouka stopped his attack. "Who is that?"

"An aq-"

Tiona grinned. "A friend."

"But why are you here?"

"I knocked at the front gate, Lord Miach said it is okay to come in, since I´m your friend."

Bell smiled. "And is there something you need?"

"I´m a bit bored, since we´re waiting at the moment. Ais is behaving strange and wanders through the city alone, don´t know why. So I wanted to see what you´re up to, I heard you´re preparing for your first Expedition?"

"Yeah, but only to the 18th Floor, we will face the Goliath."

"Uuuuuuh! The first time going for the Goliath, nice!"

Bell shrugged his shoulders. "And since everyone else is busy, we have a trainings fight."

Tiona grinned. "Wanna fight me together? Would be a nice warm up."

Ouka raised his eyebrow. "That wouldn´t be fair, you´re alone and I don´t see a weapon."

Tiona just continued grinning.

Bell leaned to Ouka and mumbled. "She is level six..."

"What?! A level six amazon?! So you belong to the Loki familia? Then you have to be "Crusher" Tiona, correct?"

"Uh! Good guess, what gave it away?"

"I heard that "Jormungand" Tione has a bigger che-"

Tiona instantly cried from anger. "You´re dead meat!"

And so if they wanted to or not, Bell and Ouka had a fight against Tiona...and got completely obliterated.

"Uuuh..." Ouka was slightly knocked out.

"Irgh..." Bell lay on the ground, he couldn´t really move.

"Haaaah~~~ That was a nice sweat! You two are really strong for level two."

Small lightning bolts still crawled over Tiona´s skin. Not even with his full magic power did Bell stand a chance, Tiona barely twitched when the lightning hit her. At first he didn´t dare to use his magic, but Tiona told him with sparkling eyes it would be okay, she wanted to experience lightning magic.

"So, Argonaut, what do you say. Do you and Haruhime have time to read?"

"I think we still have things to do, I´m sorry. It has to wait until the Expedition is over."

"Kaaaay~~~ Then good luck and thank you two for the training!"

Tiona waved happily while she went her way.

Ouka and Bell groaned when they got up to their feet.

"So this is the power of a level six..."

"I guess she still held back..."

"Oh man..."

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.

After Bell took a long shower and the familia had dinner, he went back to his room. Something caught his eye when he passed his window, long, golden hair.

Haruhime? No...who is this?

Bell saw a young woman with golden hair and eyes standing outside of the fence, looking in his direction.

Wait...isn´t that the Sword Princess?

She was just standing there and looked into his direction. Bell turned away from the window for a moment when he heard something like a whistle behind him. The sword of Albert Waldstein that lay in it´s scabbard on a special shelf seemed to make this sound.

When Bell turned to the window again, he saw an adult elf with jade colored hair and eyes, talking to the Sword Princess, then both left.

Strange.

Bell looked to the sword again, but the whisper had stopped.

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Bell Cranel couldn´t know that the sword and Ais Wallenstein were calling each other.

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In this night, Cassandra got a strange dream. She was used to strange dreams, but this one was strange in a special way.

It was a nice dream.

She walked along a pier, together with Daphne and a few other people. In front of them was a ship, a ship that had four letters written on the side. A white rabbit with red eyes stood on the ship, a fairy and a golden fox next to him. The rabbit held a paw towards them, inviting them to come aboard.

Cassandra laughed together with the others and they followed the invitation.

The white rabbit raised a black sword towards the horizon and the ship started to move.

The letters on the side of the ship were...

A. R. G. O.

The ship of heroes...set out to it´s first adventure.

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And then finally, the big day was there.

After a breakfast and a last check on everyones equipment, Bell and Haruhime went to the Stardust Garden. Bell spent an hour with Alfia, she said there was no need to wish Bell good luck and she wanted to hear everything about the Expedition afterwards. Bell noticed that the Astrea Familia was also busy to prepare themself for combat, the attack on Knossos would start the next day.

So he went to Lefiya, together with Haruhime. They talked a bit and both got a good luck kiss before they left.

Miach, Nahza, Takemikazuchi and the rest of his familia accompanied the big party to Babel. As well as Lyra, just because she felt like it. The citizens noticed such a big group, since the party was fully armed. Surprisingly, it was one particular member that drew in the most gazes.

Lily.

She wore her full armor again, carrying the spear banner with both hands. It was a new banner, made after a suggestion of Bell. This one was white and had a different symbol on each side. On the right side was the symbol of the Miach Familia, on the left was a kind of flower petal with a spear over it. Bell had seen this symbol in his ancient story book, the symbol of the Knights of Fianna.

With her full armor and the banner, Lily really looked like a living saint. She smiled brightly, even when she already put on her special helmet, that covered her eyes and forehead, since she was too embarrassed about the gazes of the prums they passed.

Lily was in high spirits, because their first expedition would start, because of her repaired and renewed equipment...and especially because of something else.

Something that had happened last evening when her status got updated.

The trip to Babel should be an easy one, but at some point, Lily felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. She didn´t know what caused that, but her face turned to the right. There was a prum girl...the prum girl that talked to her after the wargame. The girl had shining eyes and waved to her, Lily was about to step towards her when she heard the noise.

Roofers were working on the house in front of which the little one was standing. A squeaking noise and a warning cry came from above. For some reason the shingles had come off and half the roof was about to slide off... right where the girl was standing. Time slowed as Lily exploded from a normal stride into a rapid sprint. The girl's eyes widened when she heard the sound above her and the first shingle fell over the edge of the roof.

Lily sprang to the girl, pulling her to her chest with her left hand, raising the banner above her with her right hand, which was flapping in the wind, and screamed loudly.

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"Radians lux Pallum!"

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A translucent hemisphere of light formed around Lily and the girl from the top of the spear banner.

People on the street and at Lily's party watched in shock as the roof tiles fell in an avalanche. People yanked each other away from the fall site to get away from the tiles and splinters.

Dust and noise filled the street, and as quickly as the small avalanche began, it was over.

"Lily!"

Bell jumped forward...but stopped halfway.

The roof tiles lay in a heap, covering all but a ring of open road.

In that open field, Lily stood, the girl clutched to her, the banner still raised. The shield she had summoned had protected her from everything.

Lily now possessed magic as well.

When Miach updated her status, both a skill and magic appeared for her.

Radians lux Pallum, the fake spell that Lily had used in the wargame, that was acutally Lefiya´s Dio Grail, was now there as real magic. She could summon a shield that surrounded a small area around her, blocking all incoming attacks. There were two ways to use it, the short chant version that Lily just used, but it didn´t block very much. And a chant version, that was stronger than the first version. The chant version would consume Lily´s mind power until there was nothing left, except she would stop the magic on her own. Incomming attacks would increase the needed mind power.

Bell thought this kind of magic really fitted Lily. She could use it to protect the other supporters or the front line.

The reaction of the people to this scene was immense.

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.

The dust slowly cleared, everything glowed slightly because of Lily's shield.

She bowed her head and smiled at the girl.

"Are you hurt?"

"No...No!"

The girl's eyes lit up.

Lily looked like a living saint in every fiber.

"That´s good."

Lily lowered her banner and the magic stopped. The parents of the girl rushed towards them, the mother pulled her daughter into her arms, the father looked baffled.

"You saved her. You saved our daughter! You´re a hero!"

Lily shook her head. "No, Lily isn´t. Lily just did what was the right thing to do."

The mother suddenly let go of her daughter and took Lily´s free hand. "Thank you! Thank you so much! Milady!"

"M-Milady?"

The girl beamed at Lily. "Thank you, Ms. Saint!"

"L-Lily is no saint!"

"""Yes you are!"""

At first there were a few, then more and more cheers. People cheered for Lily, humans, dwarves, beastmen and most importantly prums...and her party members.

"Lily, that was awesome!"

"Ms. Lily, that was great!"

Luan´s eyes shone. "My living Saint! I knew it!"

Lyra smirked. "Heh, good job, little sister."

"Lily isn´t your little sisteeer!"

Lyra shrugged her shoulders. "Don´t fight the inevitable."

Bell noticed that Lily had a scratch on her cheek. Apparently, the shield didn´t form completely in time, a small piece of a tile fell down first and Lily moved her head in the way to protect the girl. The piece of roof tile had ricocheted off her helmet, but a splinter had caught her cheek.

The girl saw that. "You´re hurt, Ms. Saint."

Lily smiled. "It´s nothing, as long as you are not."

The wind caught the banner again and it waved strongly behind Lily.

Luan wasn´t the only prum that went down to his knees to pray...

As happy as she was to save the girl in time, as embarrassed was Lily because of the attention.

"Stop that..."

But the prums cheered. "She really is our saint!"

"Hail, Lady Lily!"

"The living saint!"

"The defender of all prums!"

"Stop it...Lily isn´t such a great person..."

"So humble!"

The girl gently squeezed Lily´s armored hand. "Thank you so much, Ms. Lily! You saved my life."

Lily smiled a bit embarrassed.

She was the perfect picture of a humble saint.

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"DON`T LET IT GET AWAY! KILL IT! SLAUGHTER IT! LET IT REGRET THE DAY IT EMERGED!"

Lily...roared while the party chased a monster in the upper levels with high speed. Right now she was the exact opposite of the picture before.

The monster that they chased was called a "Jack Bird" and it would drop an item that was worth a million Vals.

Lily really could act like a saint...but money was very important for them at the moment.

Bell was somehow glad that the prums in Orario didn´t see this side of her.

The one that got the Jack Bird was Chigusa. Haruhime fired an arrow with her bow, but the Jack Bird evaded it with great speed...and jumped right into the path of Chigusa´s arrow.

"Gogoooooock!"

The whole party cheered as they collected the dropp item. Not even one hour after they started they already made a million Vals.

A good start.

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"Huff...huff...huff...keep moving..."

A small group of wounded monsters moved further up in the dungeon, they had arrived at the 19th floor and were still moving. Thankfully the evil monster that had attacked them wasn´t chasing them.

The surviving Xenos moved towards a hidden spot on the 18th floor, where no adventurers went to normally.

Ray pressed her wing onto her wounded side. "What do you think became of Mary?"

"Let´s hope she is still hidden in the water capital." Lido groaned and tried to keep his balance...losing an arm didn´t help with that.

He carried the unconcious Wiene with his remaining arm.

The Xenos still fled for their lives.

The scenery looked all too similar to the time when the Astrea Familia ran away from the Juggernaut.

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