A top of Babel Tower in Orario. Living on one of the highest floors overseeing the large dungeon city, stood a woman with a glass of wine in her hand.
Her fingers gently pressing against the glass as she swirled her drink. Smiling in glee as she looked down at the city. Seeing everything as small ants beneath her view of the world. Though where she looked made her bite her lower lip enough to draw a small trickle of blood to spill.
If anyone could even see that far above, it would've been quite the sight to see for any man or woman. As right then, what the woman did was very erotic. Her body practically pressing against the glass as her breast were pressed hard against them.
The glass fogging up around her head as frivolous panting escaped her lips with hot breaths. Her blood covered lips leaving marks as she kissed the glass. Lower down below her breaths, was another area fogging up the glass and even getting it wet with "fluids' staining her "attire".
Calling it a dress would question the sense of fashion. As practically it was skintight and exposing much of her pale skin stomach and top of her breast. With her left leg basically exposed out to see and the lining of the waist being that like a thong.
While the other lower half of her outfit covered her body well until the mid-thigh of her right leg. Her hands covered in dark black gloves reaching up to her forearm with red cuffs. And having a feathered like choker around her neck, matching the black flower hair accessories on her head.
"O-Ooohhhh~ Oottarrr~ How did you find this boy? How could you find such a treasure in this city without informing your goddess!" She moaned as her cheeks flushed pink as she was pressing her cheek against the glass.
"Hmmm...Normally I'd punish any of my children if they misbehaved or wronged me. But you've gotten his attention! And more, you brought him straight to Mama Mia's. You've basically reeled him in to us. So, I'll forgive this mishap." She said as she twirled her finger on the glass, making a heart pattern where Mama Mia's was at.
She then looked back down at the pub. And for a moment, was blinking in confusion and surprise. Her eyes glowing in an Amythest color as her vision changed. Now seeing all creatures as small whisp within their body.
Hearing the vast laughter and chatter about. But focusing on her child and the boy he brought into the pub. And smiled widely and in pleasant surprise to what was occurring. Seeing the boy happy excited and eating Mama Mia's food, more so to eat so much for someone so small.
"Aww. So cute~ Nibbling and stuffing his cheeks as he eats. Like a little bunny! Ah! I shouldn't call him that yet. I don't want him to be mad at me." She pouted at the thought of the boy getting mad at her if she called him that as a pet name.
"Hmm? A-All this time, and he hasn't been blessed?! W-W-Why!? Nobody!? Not even that drunken flat chested bitch!? Arrrgghhh! It would've been absolutely pleasure full to rescue you from her drunken perversive hands!"
Ranting as she bit her thumb's nail and scratching at the window in her anger and sadness for the boy. Seeing his soul in her eyes as such a pure color compared to all the other mortals she saw as ants.
His reached out to her. Shining brightly and vibrant. Such a bright color practically screaming to the heavens that he was the one. He was different. Special if he had doubts about being called as such. He was someone so different and pure, that for the first time in a long time, made her heart skip a beat.
"Wait a minute...why didn't he try to apply for us? D-Did he have doubts about joining us? Did we miss his application? Come now Ottar, get him to consider-a-AH! Yes! Excellent Syr! Yes, bring him to us. Play along with her Ottar!"
Her face practically smushed up to the glass as she was looking with heavy intensity at the pub down below. Watching and listening in to what her children were saying to her precious white-haired boy.
"Please say yes...please consider it my little rabbit." She whispered as she looked down at his soul. Pouting and on edge as she intently listened in. Her face of worry then turned to a look of panic and anxiety to now joyful and glee as she wiggled and squirmed in happiness.
"Yes! Yes! He said yes! Well, at least to come in and apply. But that basically means he's coming over! Oh! I have to prepare myself for him!" She stated as she then hurried to the other side of the room and opened a large set of doors.
Immediately she began to throw and grab clothes from the closet she just opened and began to frantically search. Looking dress after dress and seeing it with herself in the mirror before moving onto another one.
"Should I wear this for when he comes over? No too frilly. This? Hmmm seems too plain jane for him! He's to be my Odr! I must dress to make an impression on him! Ah how about this, oh this could be perfect if he desires me to service him~"
"*Knocking* Lady Freya! Excuse me but Ottar wishes to have a word with you right now. We're coming- GOOD HEAVENS!!! Lady Freya, please robe yourself! Lest we deal with Allen's annoyance for the week!"
The woman, now known as the Goddess Freya, turned her head to the entrance to her room. Uncaring that she was now bare nude and all in front of her mirror and holding a garb of what looked to be sexy lingerie with leggings and a garter belt she recently wore.
She now faced her children. The one, moments ago she was watching with her Odr in the pub. Blinking at how fast he arrived after just watching them talk. But one look at the discarded clothes and the undergarments in hand, time seemed to have passed her.
And the other, a flustering mess of an elven man with blond hair. Adjusting his glasses as he looked away. Wearing black garments that of a royal would with golden linings at the button area of his shirt and cuffs. Along with a white short cape draped over his shoulders and ending by the forearm of his arms.
"Ah Ottar. Hedin. I take it this must be about the boy you spoke at the Hostess is it not?" She asked with a pleased smile. Watching as her Ottar, captain of her familia simply nodded. While the man beside him, Hedin, the vice-captain, flustered and still looked away.
"As expected, my goddess. You know why I have come."
"But of course. My little Syr, or rather Helun, is my eyes and ears, whenever I desire to know something, or see something for myself. Though, I may have to scold her so as she doesn't help that woman rob my Odr of his well-earned money."
"Lady Freya, you and Helun both have a weakness to that Dwarf. But, foremost, please robe yourself so that we can continue!"
"Awww come now Hedin. No need to look away~"
"PLEASE!"
"Hehe, fine fine. I'll fetch a robe. So, two things I must ask. Ottar, when will he be coming over to our familia? And Hedin, did we ever receive an application from him. A boy with white hair and red eyes?" She spoke as she went back into her closet and grabbed a silk robe with purple and black coloring.
"Well, I had told him that he should arrive to attempt to enroll here within a week my goddess. Given that we would need time to spread word to the other members so nothing idiotic should happen to scare the boy off."
"A week!? Ottar why did you make him wait for so long. He'll be ragged with entering the dungeon till then."
"I thought it best so we can at least let the others be aware of what can happen. Besides, we need the time to calm down the annoyance that Allen will show. Given his attitude towards you and to anyone else he considers weak."
"Indeed, and speaking of said annoyance, regarding the applicant. Well, we have him to blame for not seeing him sooner ma'am." Hedin said as he pushed up his glasses with an annoyed look for their idiotic member responsible for their headaches.
"...Explain Hedin." Freya said as she looked at the both of them with such a cold stare that the candles lit in her room went out due to the cold air she emitted with her stare.
"I was actually nearby when the boy was looking at our base. Back then, I had figured he was lost. But to my surprise he walked in opening the gated door and was about to knock at the door. Until that idiot cat kicked it down and sent him flying back."
"Go on. And Ottar, after this would you find Allen for me. I need to have a, word with him after this."
"Understood."
"Right, well...the idiot then began to yell at him asking about his business. The boy couldn't even get a word in as he kicked him again back out to the front and shouted out nonsense of weaklings and useless rabbits joining a familia of your stature."
"Was he injured badly?" Freya asked with worry as Hedin brought his hands up to stop his goddess from stressing too much.
"I took care to his injuries afterwards my lady. Though I was surprised at his resilience. A kick from Allen to an ordinary human would've killed the boy. But at worse when I used healing magic, the worst thing I detected was a few cracked ribs and bruising beginning to form."
'Allen is a Level 5, if he could get that from a beating from Allen...then what secrets are you hiding within your body my Odr~' Freya thought to herself with great interest and couldn't resist biting her lips in excitement.
"Though, I must apologize my lady. I had altered his memory after recovering him. Should he still be searching for a familia to join, I would step in."
"Really now Hedin?"
"Indeed. True, looks can be deceiving. And with what I've kept tabs on is one of the reasons why he was rejected from most familias up to this point. I have a feeling he has potential. I can't assess how skilled he is without seeing it firsthand like Ottar mentioned to me of today's events."
Hedin paused as he took off his glasses and looked at their goddess in the eyes with such a focused intent. Folding his glasses and using them as a pointer at his god and continued.
"I steak my pride as an elf that having him join our familia will make things very interesting. For the better. Something about him, just seemed to click well if he were to join our familia. At least, that's how I observe it."
Freya had to blink twice. No, blink multiple times to see if she heard Hedin right. He was steaking his pride. His ELVEN pride to have her Odr join the familia. She was aware of elves and how prideful their race can be. Without pride, other elves look at them as outcast or treated worse than slaves.
'To steak so much on my Odr. Hedin, you really believe he's worth to join. You, the most prideful and serious bunch of my children.' A smiled formed at the corners of her mouth as she stared at Hedin fondly. Until small giggles escaped her lips.
"Hmmm~ Well I trust your words Hedin. Though I'm a bit disappointed you altered his memory a bit. Even if it was for his health. Had you kept it and introduced us it would have made it easier to join him sooner. But what's done is done."
She then walked over to her bed and sat at the edge of it. Crossing her legs as she stared at her children with a sly smile. Hedin then blushing as he put his glasses back on and fixed himself to prepare for what's to come next.
"Though you suggested a week, bring him here within three days Ottar. Hedin, make sure that word gets around to the others. Especially warn Allen how he behaves when we see my Odr about joining."
"Understood my goddess. I shall bring the boy Bell Cranel soon. I'll have the Gulliver Brothers keep watch around the Hostess. Seeing as how he enjoyed it there; odds are he'd return."
'Bell Cranel. Heh..such a cute name for my Odr. Though remember, don't bring up his rabbit like face~! Even though he looks cute when angry.' Freya thought in bliss, now happy to know the name of her dear Odr.
"Wait Lady Freya. I understand wanting the boy to join soon. But, it seems like you're not having him join right away how you sounded earlier. What is it you intend to do? An interview perhaps?" Hedin asked as the words of his goddess didn't match to what he heard and expected earlier.
"True. I want him. There's no doubt that he will join. However, to avoid any negative views and feelings if he were to immediately join. I think a somewhat proper interview will be suffice. Have them see about his skills and maybe not judge him by his appearance."
"...Be honest. Why else are you going with this my goddess?" Hedin asked with a dull look in his eyes as he stared at his god as she simply began to giggle.
"I want to see him break my expectations. Think about this, what would happen when he would step inside Folkvangr with the other members?" Freya stated as she saw the look of thought on Hedin's face.
"There's too many variables as to what could even happen my lady. It's hard to come with an answer."
"Exactally. I want to see, what his answer would be when faced with an unfair situation. It's more of a means to show what hes capable of. As well as be quite amusing. We'll see what he does in three days. For now, explain to the others about our new member coming in soon Hedin."
"Right away my lady."
"Ottar."
"I'll return soon with Allen in a sack my goddess." Ottar saluted as he held a sack he pulled out from who knows where, and yet nether Freya or Hedin dared to ask.
"Excellent. Oh! And if you see little Helun. Tell her I have a task. Keep an eye on my Odr at the Hostess. And tell her that I said to be honest with herself with my Odr~ I know what she's feeling after all~" Freya giggles as she sees her children salute her and leave her quarters and herself all alone.
Allowing herself to fall back on the silk sheets of her bed and let out a fulfilled sigh from her lips. Starting above to her ceiling, unable to stop herself from smilin as she reached out with her hand. Motioning it to grasp something as if it was right there before her. With her other hand placed over her heart.
She could feel it beating so fast. The thought of Bell lingered her thoughts. Her heart racing at the thought to see him in person. Her cheeks flaring with pink at the idea of grasping him in her embrace. Tightening her legs one over the other at the scandalous thought to bring him to her bed.
"Soon...very soon my Odr." She whispered as small giggles and moans escaped her lips. Hugging her body as she tossed and turned about in her bed. Giggling and sheets grasped for dear light as her giggles and sweat dripped down onto the sheets.
[Three Days Later]
"Waiting for lover boy again nya?" A cat girl with brown hair asked Syr. As she was snapped from her thoughts from sweeping aimlessly as the girl was still looking at the saloon doors of the Hostess.
"Anya! I-it's not...well, he said he'd come back more often for dinners and meals here. Considering what Mr. Ottar spoke about with him." The silver haired girl spoke to the cat girl, now known as Anya, who snickered at her and stuck her tongue out.
"Admit it nyah! You're all about white hair's butt just like Anya! I can't blame you nayah! That cute baby face. That adorable laugh. And that nice, toned butt. You scored well-YIIIK!"
Anya's perversions of Bell were brought to a grinding halt as her head now had a large swelling lump on her head. Curtesy of one, Ryu Lion as she smacked the cat girl with a wooden serving tray and looking down at the girl in pain with a cold stare.
"It would be prudent to avoid such lewd actions and talks of a potential regular Anya. Less you want Mama Mia to 'teach' you about customer service again and also see what happens when you make her lose another customer." Ryu said as her eyes shifted over to the kitchen window.
Shivers ran up both Syr's and Anya's spines as the sound of metal grinding against metal echoed the empty pub. Having just finished the lunch rush and customers now scarce until dinner time. Both girls looked at Mama Mia, now sharpening her knives against one another with ease as sparks flew.
"Going about what that lug said Syr. It ain't easy for the boy to be making Valis. Circumstances he's in now, make it harder for him to earn much. If he tried to get the money through traditional means will end him blacklisted by the guild. And also, the face he's making the most of his money spent, it could take some time for him to afford what he ate last time."
"Hmm...white hair did eat quite a lot now that Anya thinks about it. What was it? Ten? Twelve plates meow?" Anya tried to recall how many did Bell eat, she had stopped counting the orders after the sixth plate.
"Still, if that brat is coming in here for my meals. Means that you girls might actually earn your tips from him instead of me snagging it all up! So, you girls better be on deck when he comes. Because it'll be back to hell for you all in the kitchen!" She smirked as she finished shining off her freshly sharpened knife as it gleamed in the lighting.
"Thats harsh Mama!" Syr and Anya said as they pouted. Flashbacks to their time first starting and trained under Mama Mia shook their spines to practically ice and tears escaping their eyes at the horror of the woman.
"Don't even try to deny it! Fact of the matter is that you girls have your useless and troublemaking habbits!" Mama said as she pointed at the girls one by one and began to list them off.
"Syr is lazy and can't cook for crap! I ought to start my bootcamp back up again to teach your ass to cook something edible to sell!"
"Yiip!"
"Anya is the biggest perv here scaring our young male customers away. Hell, some of them were loaded with cash!"
"I-I-i can't help it. I want all their cute asses meow!"
"And that goes double with Chloe too! Plus the fact she could be like Syr in being tricky, and gambling habit of hers nearly got us in debt."
"Luniore is the laziest of the bunch with that man hunting ideal of hers. Along the fact she's a loner that one when were suppose to get to know and serve our customers with fine service and smiles!"
"To be fair Mama...she's a bit distant because of her goddess's...habits and attitudes of closeness." Ryu said as to try and defend one of her co-workers, but not Syr, Anya and Chloe as she knew it was the hard truth for them.
"Fair enough...that airheaded idiot. But don't think you're off the hook you useless elf! How many plates and glasses have I lost from you? And the fact you're crap with even peeling vegitables and fruit?" Mia said with a dull glare at the elf.
Seconds passed as then Ryu collapsed at the floor and looked down in a depressing state. Her hair shadowing her eyes as Syr and Anya looked in shock at how Ryu handled the truth about her.
"Forgive my ignorance and sins as a waitress. I must redeem my honor. I will commit the Land of the East's ritual to redeem one's honor and save face for the Fertility." Ryu said with a dull and lifeless voice. Grabbing the serving trey she had and placed it in front of her. And quickly snatching away the broom from Syr as she held the handle end to her stomach.
"I shall commit suicide and offer my head to Mama as a sacrafice."
"RYU!?"
"What are you saying you idiot elf!"
Anya and Syr shouted and tried to talk Ryu from killing herself. Though in their head, they wondered how dumb the responsible one of the Hostess could be at times. As they now struggled to grab the broom away from the elf. Turning it into a tug of war between the three.
"Haha! What's this? Is Miss Ryu working on a improve skit!" A voice called as the sound of the pub's doors were slammed wide open. The three girls and Mama looking from her place in the kitchen saw the familiar white-haired boy from a few days ago.
Though notably he wore a much different attire than when he first came into their lively pub. Rather, he wore black long shorts held together with a red long belt that hanged its extra length through some hoops. His knives holstered through the belt loops at his waist.
Having a small single strap bag in a dark brown color with the opening on top looking white, same with the bottom covering of the bag. Slung over his shoulder as he adjusted his hold onto it.
Yet they noticed that they saw part of his bare chest with the yellow button up shirt he wore. As it was obvious, he didn't button it up. Syr and Anya had blushes on their faces as they saw the defined muscles on him and some small scars.
Though Ryu was more composed to the sight of his bare skin out in the open, she was worried about how a young boy like him got those scars. Even though they were small, what worried her was that oddly he had a toned body, but at the same time looked malnourished.
'Mister Cranel. What happened to you to cause such damage to your body. Your chest looks like its been through much for someone your age. And...so pale and worrying. Did you have to starve yourself to make ends meet since coming to Orario?' Ryu thought with a worrying look at Bell.
But to her surprise. Despite his appearance so far looking to have suffered. Her heart fluttered and wondered why. Why did she feel as though she couldn't breathe when he looked at them and smiled. Without a care in the world.
"Nah, my girls are being idiots! But didn't expect you back so soon squirt. I'd given you maybe a week and a half to come back and order more food from me since last time Ottar bought for you." Mama Mia said as she walked out of the kitchen and leaned over on the bar.
Bell simply smiled as he walked over and sat on the stool. Smiling as he set the bag on the bar and opening it to show Mia. Reaching inside as he pulled out a smaller pouch but looking overstuffed and jingled.
Music to her ears, Mama Mia perked up as Bell opened the pouch and gold valis coins practically spilled a bit on the counter of the bar. The girls could swear that Mama's eyes turned into gold coins and twinkled for a moment there while Bell moved his bag aside and rested his chin on his hand.
"I've been working nonstop in the dungeon for drops and stones since last time. I got lucky with some monster drops and through my trades, turned quite the profit. Sadly, it ain't enough to cover what I ordered last time. But this should cover three of those meals. But I want a lot so gimmie some of your regular menu items and a daily special!"
Bell said as he grabbed one of the menus and started to look over it to decide how much to order. Licking his lips with a grin on his face, waiting to savor the piping hot meals he'd order. Not paying attention to the heavy marching sound as Mia walked around the bar and towards the three waitresses on the floor.
With a heavy sounding SLAP on Anya and Ryu's shoulders. Both girls looked panicked and had their mouth's puckered shut. Feeling their bodies practically lifted off the floor like nothing as now they were above Mama's height. Their legs dangling and they looked like cats grabbed by the back.
"Time to work in hell girls. Don't mess up anything and get ready to work your hands to the bone. Syr! Serve the squirt and cater to him if he's got questions and what to recommend!" Mia said with a venomous smile. As the girls in her hands shivered and held onto one another as Mama marched back in the kitchen.
Syr couldn't even respond as the sight of Mia now terrified her. She was shaking as a leaf even when she stood back up and gave a silent prayer to her co-workers and best friend as now the sounds of the stove turning on and the shuffling footsteps now running back and forth.
"Seem's like she really wants more of my money now huh? Is she always like this Syr?" Bell called to her as she snapped out of her panic educed fear and hurried over the bar and began prepping him a drink while he waits.
"N-Ngh..Well sometimes. Mostly to more of our, wealthy, customers. But I think you left quite the impression last time. So sorry if you end up spending more than you wanted. Here you are, one lemonade to start you off." She said as she handed the mug to Bell as he took it from her hands.
Unknowist to him, she blushed at the brief brush of his hand against hers. Biting her tongue to silence her small squeal in shock and a hint of joy. Her finger's slightly brushing against one another, as if to savor the brief touch.
"Ah thank you Syr. I needed a cool drink. Dungeon diving and hunting for drops is time consuming honestly. But if it means I can eat your tasty food then it'll be worth it!" Bell said with complete honesty and a smile to the silver haired waitress.
"I'm happy to serve you~ Now! What would you like to start off with aside the daily special of assorted sandwiches and fries?" Syr said as she had in hand a pencil and pad to write down his orders.
"Hmm. Well aside the special today I'll start with your Outdoor Fish Skewers. Then maybe I'll have this Refined Pasta dish and add in these fried shrimp and calamari sides. Though, why do you call it 'Refined Pasta'?" Bell asked as Syr dotted down each of his orders and side request.
"Chloe and Anya call it that because it's made with dried pasta cooked in the oven with meat and marinara added later on. It's served with some toasted garlic and oiled bread, giving a bit of a bitter taste. Also, a small coffee on the side too."
Syr had to stop herself from asking if he honestly wanted to order that meal. But the shiver crawling down her spine basically screamed the fact Mama Mia was glaring at her from the kitchen.
"Ah that sounds lovely! I can't wait to try it! That'll do for now. I wanna savor those meals." Bell said as he closed his eyes and took another drink of his lemonade. Licking his lips in anticipation to savor those meals he ordered.
"Alrighty~ Be back with your special and I'll hand over this to Mama." Syr said as she hurried to the kitchen and handed Mama the order. And immediately was handed a large plate with four freshly made sandwiches and a piping hot amount of fries resting aside them.
"One daily special! There's a BLT, a classic sandwich and a Pulled Lobster Bacon and Lettuce sandwich in this order." She listed as she giggled looking at Bell's expression when she put down the plate before him. His eyes popping a bit out of his sockets and a bit of drool escaping his lips.
"Syr! Come help us with the kid's order for a sec! Ryu's messing up the vegetables too much and Anya needs a leash on her!" Mia called as she flipped over the pan and fires crackled underneath it. The sizzling smell of tomato seared and bubbling on the pan wafting the air.
"Coming! Enjoy Bell!"
As Syr walked off and hurried into the kitchen, Bell rubbed his hands with glee. Licking his lips as he took the lobster sandwich first and took a bite. Nearly moaning at how fresh it was. How he could taste the cold salty flavor of the lobster and the bacon mixing well. How fresh it felt in his mouth and crunchy it was.
"A-Ahhh! Schoo tashty!" Bell cried as he began to savor and devour the sandwich with glee. Earning smiles from Mia and Syr as they saw him munching away and taking in all the flavors the meal had to offer.
"I'm glad you enjoy it Bell. Be careful or Mama will sink her claws into your wallet more. Here you are, your coffee and the Fish Skewer set. I made it myself so be sure to savor it! Your pasta will be out soon so take your time." Syr said as she set down a small mug of coffee to him and the platter next to it.
Leaving a piping hot pot of the coffee on the bar in case he would want to refill it later. And before him was the scent of grilled fish sprinkled with some lime and seasoned well with herbs and salt.
"Wait a minute...Mama you had Syr make White Hair's food!" Anya cried in a hush silent as that brought Mia and Ryu to a halt as Syr walked inside the kitchen again to help with clean up. All three girls looked at Syr then to Bell as he settled the sandwich back down and reached for one of the fish skewers.
"Lion, be ready to get the brat to the nearest doctor or to Miach's clinic. We gotta prepare him something else to counter that moron's cooking!" Mia said in a hush whisper as Ryu was now readying to make a sprint to Bell as he opened his mouth and bit down on the whole fish.
The sound of crunching noises and the sight of him pulling the skewer out with nothing but the whole fish's bone still intact and on the skewer remained. Causing the three worried girls to blink before their eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. More so the fact that he was chewing and swallowing the food.
"Hgk! A-Ahh! Gahhh! Hrraaaaahhhh!" Bells cries brought the three to shock as he then suddenly shot up from his stool. His hair shadowing his eyes as his body shook. Holding the skewer still in hand despite trembling.
"Ryu! Anya!"
"YES MAMA!/Hold on Mister Cran-"
"SO GOOOOOODDDDDDD!" His outburst caused Anya and Ryu to fall face first into the floorboards and Mia to blink in confusion and clean out her ears to make sure she heard right and not gone senile.
"Ahhh! So tasty! Way too tasty Syr! How'd you make grilled fish taste like a five star meal!" Bell exclaimed as now he couldn't stop his hunger and began to devour the rest of the fish skewers and sandwiches at the same time. Stuffing his face and smiling happily while the other three women looked at him in confusion or in horror.
"Tee hee~ That's my specialty cooking Bell! Though Mama doesn't let me cook that much often."
"WHAT! No way! You gotta cook more! This stuff's the best! Say Mia! I'll tip well if you have Syr cook some meals for me!" Bell said in an excited glee as stars were practically shining off of him and blinding Anya by his cuteness.
Lost for words, not even Mia could even say anything to the kid. Normally, given the oprotunity and offer to make more money she would take it so long it benefited her. But this was Syr he was talking about.
Syr, the one girl among her staff, who was an absolute nightmare in the kitchen. Even worse than Ryu and that spoke volumes. So many plates and pots broken and cracked from Syr trying to cook. Even when following the recipes her dishes turned to some strange creature or dark liquid that melted through iron caldrons.
'I-I dont-Is he for real? Syr to cook for him?! Is he even sane? How did he not keel over from even a bite of that fish! Ether he's trying to be nice, or he's the God of Gluttony. No...definitely a glutton. No way was that an act before. But if he dies on me...will i be cursed by the aftermath of Syr's food!?'
"I-I um..I'm not-"
"Are you Bell Cranel?"
A voice called from the pub's enterance as the doors swung back and forth from who just entered. Turning around with a sandwich still in his mouth, Bell saw who called out to him. Having an odd feeling he was familiar somehow.
Standing there by the door, was Hedin, holding his weapon in hand as he looked at him. Walking closer to him and careful as to not drag or stab his weapon on the floor. As it was a cross between a magician's staff and a large dual edge broadswords halfway at the bottom.
"Hmph? Mmn, yeah that's me. Can I help you with something pops?" Bell said bluntly as that made Ryu's jaw a gape as the elf before him now had his eyebrows quirked up a bit in confusion.
"My name is Hedin Selland, Vice Captain of the Freya Familia. It was brought to us by our head captain Ottar that you requested to join us no? Also, why did you just call me 'Pops' just now." Hedin asked as he made the first move to get the boy's attention and to bring him to their goddess as soon as possible.
"Hmmm. Well, I was told that Elves have a longer lifespan than many beings. And something about you told me you're older than you look. What are you...100? 400?" Bell said bluntly as that brought Hedin's eyes twitching as he scowled at Bell.
"I'm not that old! I'm only 77 years old. I'm nothing like that wretched woman's age!" He yelled. But the part of 'wretched woman' was more of a habit he couldn't stop himself from saying as even the thought to be compared by her in age infuriated him to no end.
"Seventy-Seven!? Holy crap that's definitely old man age! No wonder I instinctively called you Pops." Bell said bluntly as again Hedin scowled. But shook his head with a small growl as he had a duty to fulfill.
"Anyways! I came here to bring you to Folkvangr for your interview. Apparently our goddess was very interested in you and said to bring you in as soon as possible. Therefore-" Hedin then grabbed the boy by the back of his shirt and bag with his staff and started to drag him away.
"Let us be on our way. I don't want her to be waiting."
"W-Wait wait wait wait wait! Wait a second can't I finish my meals first!?"
"No. The longer we make her wait the more trouble it'll bring. And you just had a big meal! How are you not satisfied?" Hedin said as he didn't bother to look back at the boy and instead focus on getting back to the Familia's home.
"I haven't even gotten the chance to even look at my pasta course yet! Let alone snack on the side of bread with it! Syr! Help me!" Bell said as he grabbed the pub's doors to hold himself in place. Causing now a tug of war with Hedin, his shirt, and the door to take place.
"Let! Go! You! Moron! We need to get there soon otherwise it'll bring more annoyance to us than now! I do not want to deal with that idiot's tantrums and whining!" Hedin said as he began to pull on the boy's legs as now Bell was in midair holding the doors with all his grip could muster.
"Mama help me please! At least let me get them to take out! Syr! Don't let my food go to waste please! I still haven't finished that sandwich or the coffee yet! Hey! Let me go Pops seriously! Let me go!"
"Shut up! I'll pay your meal later! Let's go!" Hedin said as he then punched Bell on the head. Making him fall with the doors now ripped from its hinges as he quickly started to drag the boy with him to Folkvangr on the floor. As he cried out in anguish about his meal. Leaving behind Syr to smile at the two and waving them off.
Noticing now that there were less and less people as Hedin dragged him away in a mad dash, Bell looked around and noticed more of a clear area around and saw ahead of him from behind was a large wall and could make out a large garden and greenery in the front with a large fountain in the center.
"Listen well kid. Your interview will take place in the garden in the front with all the familia members we have. Active adventurers only though. While I can assume some of our non-combative members will be in attendance, it'll be quite a lot."
"Wow, you guys are the biggest familia in Orario. How many should I expect to see?"
"Perhaps over 300 members. Though I should warn you. Our goddess is very interested in seeing how you do in this interview. So it's prudent you be on your best behavior and make a good impression. She has some expectations for you in this."
"She does!? Wow...I must've made quite the impression to your captain huh?" Bell said with a blissful smile as he staired up at the clear skies. Bringing Hedin to raise an eyebrow, though a small smirk formed on his lips at how nonchalant he was being.
"Still try to meet her expectations. We're here. I've brought the new recruit! So settle down you morons!" Hedin cried out as Bell was then brought up to see alot of eyes now on him. Many prominent and skilled fighters and adventurers. All looking at him with uncaring gazes or mild curiosity.
"If you succeed in getting our Lady's blessing, then you'll have time to get to know them. For now, the higher rankings of us are Ottar, me and my partner Hogni Ragnar, the Gulliver Brothers, Heith Velvet and that annoyance known as Allen." He muttered that last name, though turned his head to dodge a flying knife at his head.
"The hell did you fucking say you smartass elf!" A short cat man yelled at Hedin, pointing at him with an annoyed scowl on his face as he marched and pushed aside the other members in the crowd till he reached to Hedin and leered at Bell.
"Why the fuck is this small runt back again! He's weak and isn't worth our goddess's time!"
"Our lady asked to bring him here Allen."
"Yeah, don't start something so pitiful and stupid."
"And you wonder why Ottar and Hedin keep calling you a moron."
"Dumbass cat."
Allen then turned to his left as did Bell. Seeing four short statured sets of gold armor and similar dressed men carrying large weapons that seemed to be a set together. Bell looked back at them and to Hedin, looking as if to ask him something.
"Yes, those are the Gulliver Brothers."
"Ah! I see you've gotten the boy here in time my trusted partner! Hmm...I say I can see the potential he emanates. If our lady doesn't take him in, then perhaps I can train the boy till he's a successful aid to our familia Hedin!" A dark skinned and white-haired elf said as he posed dramatically next to Hedin with a satisfied smirk on his face.
"Stop embarrassing us Hogni...where's Ottar and Lady Freya? He should be interviewed so Allen will shut up." Hedin said as he rubbed his eyes from how his comrade acted such a child. And to make matters worse was the interest he saw in Bell's eyes as he watched his partner's poses over and over.
"Lady Freya is still finishing up with some duties, and Ottar is on standby with her. Did you perhaps see Helun anywhere while you were out?" Hedin and Bell turned to see a red head human with tired eyes responding to Hedin's wonder of where their lady was.
"So you're the one that impressed our captain? Well it's rare to impress him, so I kinda hope to see what you're made of. Names Heith Velvet. I'm usually the one to patch these idiots up if they nearly die."
"Oh! Nice to meet you too! And hopefully I look forward and trust your skills if I need anything patched up. I'll try not to get injured too much. By the looks of it, it must be stressful and tiring for you." Bell said as he offered his hand to shake hers. But was instantly meet with a hug from the redhead and tears falling from her face.
"YOU SEE! WHY CAN'T YOU IDIOTS AT LEAST BE CONSIDERATE LIKE HIM!? IT'S HELL FOR ME TO PATCH ALL OF YOU UP WELL AFTER YOU FIGHT EACH OTHER FOR STUPID CRAP! ESPECIALLY YOU ALLEN!" She yelled at the garden full of members as she hugged him tighter, her outburst met mostly with laughs, but Allen snarled.
"Shut it red! I bet this bunny boy's ass will be your patient after an hour in the dungeon!" Allen said as Hedin looked over at Bell to see his eyes twitching and his fingers wiggling into a fist.
"Honestly why are we wasting time with this rabbit looking weaking! If his interview's gonna involve him being baptized, then I bet he'll be dying within three minutes. Do us a favor brat and go back home!" Allen yelled as Bell's eyes were shadowed over his hair.
"Shut it you annoying cat. He's here till our lady says otherwise."
"Say Pops. You said your god has some expectations of me right?" Bell asked calmly as that surprised Hedin at how calm and collected he sounded. Despite Ottar's warnings about Bell when being called a rabbit, he had expected him to try and fight Allen then and there.
"Yes. Though of what I don't know."
"I see, then you also said that I needed to make a good impression, right? A thought occurred to mind. If someone has expectations, would surprising them make a good impression?" Bell asked as Hedin thought about his words.
"Sometimes it's more favorable, but why-"
"Well, I figured, if I want to impress your goddess enough to get accepted in I figured a grand impression would need to win her over. So, how do you break expectations? And believe it or not, Allen here helped me figure it out!" Bell said as now he was smiling and laughed as his eyes were shut in glee.
"Huh!?! He helped you!?"
"This idiot cat gave you an answer?"
Velvet and Hedin asked in bewilderment as now even the other members of the familia in the garden looked in confusion and interest in what Bell was going on about. Allen scowled as he leaned forward to look at Bell with the coldest glare he gave, in compared to his blissful and gleeful smile.
"Like hell I'd ever help you get into our familia! You moronic rabb-" Before Allen could even finish yelling at Bell. All watching felt as though time stopped, and the event taking place in front of them must be engraved in their memories to the fullest.
Allen Formel, the Vana Freya of their Famila. A Level 6 adventurer. Was just socked in the face by an unblessed rookie. His nose now bleeding, and all watched as he fell back from the top of the steps to the grass below.
With a heavy thud of his landing now echoed the entirety of the gardens of Folkvangr. All now turned to Bell as his fist was outstretched in a swung motion. Smiling as he cracked his knuckles.
"The answer was so simple. How do you break expectations? It was so simple. You break it by sheer guts and balls to do the unexpected! So, bet you didn't expect me to knock your ass to the floor huh stupid cat! Gahahahahaha!"
Bells laugher rang in their ears as their eyes widened to dinner plates. While the upper members of the Freya familia ether tried to hide their smirks and looked at Allen. Or outright howling and joining in with Bell's laughter. The latter with Hogni and Velvet now holding their sides or nearly in tears looking at Allen's confused face.
"You are so dead bunny bra-Gachk! Fucker!" Allen said as he was then jumped on by Bell and punched in the stomach by the white-haired kid. Who just smiled with a mischievous glint in his red eyes looking down at him.
"Round two starts right now moron! Who ever said I was finished kicking your ass! Let's start this so-called Baptism right the hell now!"
"I will break your fucking-FUUUUUUCKKKKK! Who...the fuck goes for the balls!"
"I do! This is a fight! Not some knightly duel! And there's plenty of more coming at you, fucking pussy!"
"KICK HIS ASS BELL!/AIM FOR HIS WEAK SPOT! KICK HIS BALLS AGAIN!"
"Velvet! Hogni! Stop encouraging him!" Hedin shouted as now the whole garden was in rally and cheers. Circling both of them as now they wre in a makeshift ring and all around they cheered and jeered for both of them to fight and to kick Allen's ass. Laughters and cheers filled the air as did blood and sweat from Allen and Bell.
"See what I mean Ottar? Look at them all. Normally my children would be at war with one another, and violent screams would fill my garden. But my Odr instead fills it with laughter and cheers. Despite Allen protesting, I will have him in." Freya spoke as she and Ottar looked down from one of the windows in the mansion.
Seeing the sights of her children cheering and laughing. Swelled her heart to skip a few beats at how precious and cheerful they looked when they first joined her. Seeing each of their souls shining more bright than usual. Especially Bell's soul. Swearing she could see it laughing and having tears manifest despite now taking harsh blows from Allen.