"I'm surprised you came later than usual. Lately you seem to come by every day or other day. Why this time? It's been three days and Monsterphelia is in four days." Hephaestus said as she was currently seated by the kiln.
In front of her was a grindstone wheel she was making rotate with a pump she built to keep it spinning. Pumping it with her foot as she inspected the weapon she was still making for Freya as the other goddess settled in her seat.
"Well, you weren't at the meeting a few days ago. But you are aware Monsterphelia was pushed back. Hermes screwed up a few things and those of us with actual use and money needed to put in aid to help Ganesha with the sudden change in plans." Freya said as she sank back into the comfortable armchair she was in.
"That idiot. When will he realize he has to stop messing around. I feel sorry for his children." Hepahestus said as she was putting on her goggles and slowly started to bring the weapon to the grindstone. Slowly moving it along the wheel as small sparks started to fly.
"So the reason why I was late was because I needed to fill out paperwork and set my children out on certain jobs to help Ganesha. Which went rather well and paid off quite a bit." Freya said as Hephaestus turned her head towards her before going back to her grinding the weapon.
"For your familia or for the story you're gonna tell me? I'll listen, but I'll be a bit focused on this so sorry if I don't respond or yell at whatever insanity your child pulls off." She said as she returned back to the weapon and slowly gliding it up and down.
"Well we did make quite the profit. But yes, Bell now seems to have created quite the rumor that now people are gossiping and believe it to be true." Freya said as she waited a bit and saw that Hephaestus was now focused heavily on sharpening the blade.
"He solidified that Hedin and Riveria were married. However, they're now divorced because of a dispute over him." She started off as that was when Hephaestus nearly fell over the grinding stone. Nearly hitting it and would have eventually scraped part of her face if she hadn't landed a bit to the right of it.
"Riveria tried claiming that he couldn't be her child as he didn't have the proper traits of an elf. Much less Elven Royalty. Hence to why Hedin despises Riveria, for refusing to believe he is their child, and wanted nothing to do with him at birth."
"Is your child fucking mental!? How!? Just how did he create a rumor that big, and how are idiots falling for it and gossiping it around like a whore in the red light district!?" Hephaestus said as she pointed the weapon at Freya on instincts and had her hands up in the air at the sheer audacious news she was told.
"Loki as absolutely going to kill you for starting this."
"Would you believe me that Bell was only about half the reason this rumor came to be? But rather, he had a bit of help from Loki's own children." Freya said as she opened one eye and smiled at Hephaestus as she was frozen with a shocked look on her face.
"How and when the fuck was this? And who in the right mind from Loki's Familia would believe such a-"
"Thousand Elf Lefiya. Along with her little friend from Dionsyus Filvis Challia. They were there when it happened and helped spread this rumor after seeing what Bell did to the shop owner."
"...This is gonna take me all day, but fuck it. Fuck it! I have to hear this now. Your weapon's gonna take longer since I'm now gonna have to sharpen it slowly to be able to hear this story now! I hope you're happy!"
"Not at happy as you are. If I didn't know any better, I think you've been looking forward to hearing my stories about Bell now." Freya smirked as she saw the smithing god now taking her time and pacing the sharpening of the blade very slowly as she leaned forward in the arm chair.
[Flashback Start]
Due to the blunder that God Hermes had made around the Colluseum, Monsterphilia had to be forced to be delayed for a few days. Originally, it was meant to be pushed back for an entire month. But with the request from Ganesha and the Guild, many Familias offered to help ensure the festival was to be held as soon as possible.
This included Freya's Familia as well in the help of Ganesha request. Some of the members went into the dungeons with Ganesha's children. As they needed help capturing some other monsters for the event.
Others went to the Guild as part of the Labor Force. In preparations and help with constructions to stalls and eateries. Along with to ensure the safety and the stalls and gates for the monsters to be extra secure.
Leaving Bell in the hands with the other part of Ganesha's needed help. Being part of Magical and Medical Gathering Item's team. They were tasked to purchase medical items and drugs to help with the Dungeon Capture Team to ensnare and trap monsters.
Along with ether assisting in preparing said drugs and medicine for the adventurers in the dungeon and to have on hand in case injuries were to happen during the event. Heith and Helun were tasked with him, however parted ways as both of them were called to help in preparing medicines.
Hence, Bell was now paired with Hedin and Hogni in searching for medicinal items along with magical remedies to help in the process of creating more potent sleeping traps. Among the other varieties to capture monsters with ease and minimal injuries.
He was being lead by the both of them down the streets and back allies of Orario. Going through its dark twist and turns, even underground as they had made their way to one specifich shop. Enshrouded by magic illusions as Bell was amazed at the variety of items and magical tools inside.
The Witch's Secret House.
"Woah! This is amazing! All these scrolls and staffs! And magical weapons and clothes too! Pops is this where you get your stuff from? How come you never took me here when we went clothes shopping!" Bell said as he was zooming across the small shop in amazement as sparkles were emitting from his eyes.
"Why would I bring you here when you haven't developed an apptitute for magic at all yet? Idiot." Hedin said as he shook his head as Hogni was showing Bell a few items.
"Come now Hedin, just because he can't use magic yet doesn't mean you can hold out on showing him at least something! Besides, wouldn't you want your son to follow your footsteps."
"Yeah pops! I wanna do something awesome like you and Hogni do with magic! Plus, your clothes are awesome!" Bell chimed in as now both he and Hogni were attempting to appease Hedin with praises and complements.
"Never would I believe that The White Knight of Freya would have a child. But the evidence is as plain as day by the looks of him." A voice called from behind the counter. Looking at the back entryway to see the curtains hanging there moved and saw a small woman climbing up to be seen over the counter.
She was dressed in a long dark robe. Her eyes and part of her face covered by her grey hair and black pointed hat. She had a long nose, with warts and blemishes adorning it as she moved over a few items with a wand in her old, withered hands with long sharp nails.
"Lady Lenoa, apologies for bringing him here. But we-"
"I know why you're here child. Feh, Hermes that moron of a god. Now I have to wait longer for Demeter Familia's pumpkin pies. So, what exactly do you need for helping with the festival." She said as she grumbled about waiting for her precious sweets.
"Well, we need the following: A Dragon's Flame Sac, three bundles of Abyss Mushrooms, Lizardmen's saliva, Dew Drops from a Yew Sprout and Burdock from back home." Hedin said as he listed off what he had written for supplies Helun and Heith needed.
"And an enchanted cape! Something to make Pops here look badass!" Bell said as he grinned at the old witch, before being caught in a choke hold by Hedin as Hogni smiled and covered his mouth to hide his chuckles.
"Will you stop with your idiot habits! We're just here for the supplies!"
"Come on...I'm just trying to look out for you pops! Adding a cape would get ladies attention for you!" Bell choked out as Hogni pulled them appart as Bell smiled and turned to the witch.
"Hey Miss Lenora, you have any cool robes to make my Pops a hit with the ladies? I know I kinda worry him a lot and he's often the only smart one in the familia, so I figured I'd help him connect well with a nice smart woman."
"HAVE YOU BEEN TRYING TO SET ME UP ON DATES!?" Hedin yelled as he looked at Bell in shock and bewilderment.
"I WORRY ABOUT YOU POPS! YOU ALWAYS SAY THAT YOU NEED SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE TO TALK TO WITHOUT A HEADACHE!"
"IS THAT WHY I'VE BEEN GETTING LOVE LETTERS FROM OFFICE WOMEN AND SOME OF THE STAFF FROM THE GUILD!? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!"
"I'M TRYING TO HELP YOU LOOK FOR LOVE AGAIN POPS! WHY ARE YOU SO SCARED TO GET BACK INTO LOVE! TRY IT, AND MARRY A NICE WOMAN! ONE THAT I CAN CALL MOM SOMEDAY!"
"ADMIT THAT YOU'RE STUPID!"
"OVER MY DEAD BODY!" Bell roared as he tackled Hedin down on the floor and rolled around the small shop. Yelling and arguing with Hedin as he was trying to refuse Bell's ideas. A slur of yells and grunts from the two of them as both argued about Hedin's love life and Bell's idiocy.
"Heeeehehehehe! H-He's definitely you're son you stupid brat!" Lenoa cackled as both Bell and Hedin paused their fighting. With Hedin pulling on Bell's hair, and Bell looking about to bite Hedin's leg and pausing before he could take the first nick with his teeth.
"Ahhh how it's been ages since I last laughed like that. Be grateful to your caring son you idiot white elf! Since I'm in such a good mood I'll sell you the items for half the price each. And I'll see if I have something in the back for this little one's request." Lenoa
"Oh! Please let it be a cape! Bitches love capes!" Hogni said to the woman as she cackled. Walking to the back of her shop as Hogni picked up both Hedin and Bell. Smiling at him as he fist bumped in cheers to helping out Hedin.
"Enough! Stop corrupting him!" Hedin said as he looked at them and clutched his hands in place. Hearing the door being open and ringing the bell. The three of them looked at the incoming customers. One of them making Hedin's stress level spike.
"Perhaps you should take your own words to heart you useless king."
"And maybe you should learn to shut that whorish mouth of your wench!"
"My lady please don't pick a fight in Lady Lenoa's home!"
"Easy pops! Easy now, breath in through the nostrils. Then out through the mouth." Lefiya and Bell said to their respective teachers/familia members. Blinking and both looking at each other across the room.
"Oh! Miss Lefiya! You here to assist with the festival? And...I'm sorry but I don't recall meeting your friend behind you. Is she part of your Familia?" Bell said as he and Hogni were trying to help Hedin relax.
Lefiya looked over to her left as she dragged Riveria back a few steps. Moving aside as for Bell to get a better look at who else joined her and Riveria to the Witch's House.
Bell's eyes gazing to the right and meet his red eyes with the girl ahead of him to her own pair of red eyes. Yet, they were more alluring than his own. Having somewhat of a more amber like color in her red irises.
She was a elf as the ears gave it away. But one with dark hair color, as it was black and shined like obsidian. Standing out with the outfit she was wearing. Primarily with white and light blue colors of her jacket. Hugging her body well and her skirt was somewhat short, stopping at her mid thighs.
Though also showing off her long legs, with a view given how her white tights hugged her thighs and mashing well into her white and blue boots. He noticed that aside her eyes and hair, her hands were another part of her that stood out. Being an elf, it wasn't uncommon for some to wear gloves on their hands to prevent touching others.
"Oh, sorry but no. She's not part of our familia Mister Cranel. This is my friend Filvis Challia. T-Though please keep in mind about-" Before she could even warn him, Bell was immediately in front of Filvis and grabbed her hand, shaking it up and down like a kid would and smiled. While Filvis was baffled and could only make a face with her lips puckered into an X.
"Nice to meet you! Any friend of Lefiya and Tiona is a friend of mine! I'm Bell Cranel, a new adventurer! Hope we can go dungeon diving together someday! Oh, you should try and join us Miss Lefiya! It could be fun!"
"Bell! Not all elves are comfortable with touching others!" Snapping his attention from the argument with the Elf Princess, Hedin turned to scowl at Bell who was still holding Filvis's hand. Seeing the boy looking lost and the other's face now flushed red.
"But I'm wearing gloves pops! So it should be fine right? I'm not an idiot." Bell said as he muttered that last part and looked back to Lefiya and Filvis.
"E-Even so Mister Cranel. F-Filvis doesn't like to be touched. Sorry. She-"
"I don't deserve to be touched." Filvis interrupted as Bell looked back to her, his own crimson eyes looking into her down ridden red orbs as she pulled away her hand and looked down.
"I, tend to make things unclean when I touch something or someone. Even my own kind. I'm unclean. So, sorry if it may seem that I'm being rude. But its for your own sake. You seem like a good person Mister Cranel, which is all the more reason why you shouldn't-"
Before she could finish, she was startled as she felt the sleeve of her coat being grabbed and pulled towards Bell. Having a look of pure focus peering into her eyes as she watched him open his mouth and bit on the fingertips of his own glove.
"W-What are...no. No! No please! I-I'll just make things worse for you!" Filvis said in a panic as he watched him toss the glove aside with his mouth, now his hand bare naked and opened. Watching in horror as he motioned it over to her own gloved hand and slowly peeling it off.
"L-Lefiya!"
"M-Mister Cranel! Please desist! A-Are you trying to prove a point! W-What you're doing is-itss-th-THATS ABSOLUTELY LEWD! She won't be able to marry!" Lefiya exclaimed as now Riveria and Hedin looked at each other for a moment, before glarring at Bell and at each other.
"Bell! Don't be Allen Level stupid! Stop that right now young man or I'll tell Lady Freya and Mama Mia to ban your ass from ordering extras!"
"You abhorrid dumbass of a fallen prince, what kind of fucking standards are you even teaching him!? Cease this boy! Or you will learn the consiquences of Elven L-"
"Does it look like I give a crap about what you say you'll do." Bell said in a cold voice, causing the three elves to pause and look at him. Felvis felt a shiver crawl up her spine, but by instinct, relaxed her hand as Bell continued to slip her glove off. Hogni and now Leona looked at the scene with peaked interest.
"If you're gonna talk bad about pops, then you have no excuse about how you teach that dumb blonde about etiquette and manners. Plus, we're not in your kingdom are we?" He said as he looked at Riveria with a cold gaze, that it felt like he could burn her and freeze her soul and send it to hell.
"We're in Orario. A place where we're free to adventure. A city where opportunities and friendships are found and forged through trial and peril. I can't stand by and see a friend in trouble." Bell said as he finally took off the white glove of Felvis's hand.
Holding his own hand very close to hers, noticing she wasn't flinching away from him. He stopped himself from touching her pale delicate hand, as they were only mere millimeters away from one another.
"You say that you're afraid to touch people, because you think you'll make them unclean and dirty them?" He asked her, as she nodded. Her eyes wavering as they looked at his hand in fear for what she believed will happen to him if they even so much as graze one another.
"Then I'll bet, that nothing will happen to me!" Bell said as he showed his teeth with a confident grin on his face. Turning back to Riveria as she flinched at the wild and bizarre look he showed her.
"Hey, granny queen! Wanna bet on this, if I don't become dirty or un-pure or whatever, you drop those lame threats of yours and owe me three favors!" He said as Lefiya and Filvis's jaws dropped at how blunt and disrespectful he was being to their Queen.
"And if you do succumb to any curses or become tainted? I fail to see what I would gain-"
"You'd have my life and pops will bow before you and apologize about anything." He said as both she and Hedin froze at his vow. Double taking it in, as they did in fact hear that he was putting his life on the line.
"Kill me. Behead me. Put me on trial. Make me a martyr to your people back home. Blacklist me from Orario. Anything! EVERYTHING you can think of to make my life hell as this so-called punishment for your peoples 'sacred' bullshit laws about other races and touching!" Bell said as Riveria's eyes were shaking and dilating back from normal to shrunken in fear.
'W-What even IS he!? Is he that foolish to offer his own life over something Filvis has been hiding to protect others. He barely knows her and he wants to risk it all to get her to be more social and to stop hiding herself!?' She thought in pure confusion and fear, swearing she could see something demonic forming behind him.
"P-Please...don't-"
"Don't worry! Believe me, you're not gonna hurt me. I dunno who told you that you make things unpure or whatever, what I do know is that you're a good person." Bell said to her as he then made contact with her hands. Their palms and fingers touching one another.
'H-His hand..its so warm. L-Like a fire over a cold winter night.' She thought as her hands twitched at the warm feeling of Bell's hand. Almost wanting to intertwine with his fingers to never let go of this warmth she felt.
However, she felt it seeping from her hand. Looking at the black miasma she could only see forming. It shrouded her entire hand, but what terrified her was that it was growing larger and larger.
'No! Please Mister Bell stop! Pull away from me! By now this should be enough to win your bet!' She thought as now the dark miasma was forming into a horrifying figure. Looking as though it was a decaying shroud.
She could only hear it screeching in hunger. As she saw it now headed towards Bell. Her eyes shook as she was panting softly. Worried for Bell as she closed her eyes tightly. Apoligizing over and over in her head. A repetitive mantra as she let another one be tainted and unclean.
"Heh! Don't worry, I said nothing bad would happen. You're a good person. Besides-" Bell said as now he intertwined his fingers into hers. Her eyes snapped open at the sudden tightness she felt on her cold hand and looked at Bell.
His red eyes, burning with determination as the miasma was decaying away at his gaze. Looking at the dark shrould burning as though it was paper. Its cry of agony as it tried to get away, only to be burnt to nothingness.
"I'm a man, that will never die before I can reach my dream!" Bell exclaimed as the miasma burned away from her own hand. Her heart beat rapidly as she felt this sudden warmth. He then released her hand, and still felt his warm touch.
"Alright granny, test me out! Let's see if you're gonna hang me by the throat or you'll be in my debt for the rest of your life!"
"It was only three favors that you-"
"Being in debt to him practically signs your life away wench! You're a fool to have take it." Hedin said with a sneer and smirk on his face. Causing Riveria to growl back at him.
"Feh! There's no need boy. You're a bright and pure one. Besides, knowing this uptight brat she would've lied to you and own you out of pitty." Lenoa said as Bell looked back at the witch and smiled. Laughing and danced in his victory with Hogni.
"L-Lady Lenoa!? I-How-"
"Please you brat, I know how you are. Who do you think taugh you about making deals and having the uopper hand! Stupid idiot child!" Leona smirked as she cackled at the doomed Elven Queen, which Hedin was taking in to seeing the tormented look on her face.
Added the fact with his smug look, Hogni and Bell added on a small cape over his shoulders that somehow blew in the store with no wind.
"See brother! I told you this would look amazing on you! Bitches love capes!" Hogni said as Hedin looked down at his shoulders and saw the small red cape hanging off his shoulders. Pausing himself before he looked back at Bell and Hogni.
"Normally, I'd kick your ass. But I'm in a good mood. I mean a REALLY good mood. So I'll let this pass. Thank you Lady Leona. Best of luck to you young elves. Wench, prepare to be my student's bitch." Hedin said with a smirk as Bell grinned.
"Speaking of which. For the next week...you have to agree on anything said about you! That's gonna be one of my favors!" Bell said as he smirked wider as Riveria gave a disgusted look and spat aside. Causing Lefiya and Felvis to sigh and worry for their queen.
"Oh! Witch Granny! Wanna get in on this too? You can help make her agree to whatever anyone says~" He said with an innocent glee as that caused the witch's eyes to sprakle in a michevious manner.
"Interesting...what did you have in mind?" She asked as Bell walked over to her and crouched down to where he cupped his hands over to the witch's ear. All was silent aside the faint hisses and peeter patter coming out of Bell's lips that were barely audible.
Nothing happened until he was done and stood straight back up. The witch looked at Bell, then to Hedin and Riveria. All aside Bell shivered as her cackling laugh shook the bottles and doors in her very shop. Her hands clutching her sides as she kicked her legs as she fell over.
"Ohhhh~ You're a very clever and special brat aren't you? Normally...only elves are allowed to even know of this place. But YOU, are the exception! Feel free to drop by any time to shop!" She grinned, causing Lefiya and Filvis's eyes to widen as Bell had his hands resting behind his head.
"Sure! Though maybe I'll come by to visit and have some fun! You don't mind?"
"Not at all! I'm very interested in what sort of fun you'll bring for me to see. Never in a long time have I been this entertained since setting shop here and the few rare moments these past dozen years." The witch cackled as Bell joined in on the laughter, which only horrified the poor Riveria.
[Flashback End]
"H-He made Leona...the Witch Leona...laugh! To the point where she was practically fallen over and could barely get up and clutching her sides! J-Just what the fuck is your child even doing Freya?" Hephaestus asked out of pure bewilderment as Freya smirked and leaned back against her chair.
"He's absolutley and chaotically brilliant! He has Loki's Mother Hen practically his bitch! Ohhohoho! When I told Loki that, and the look on her face when she heard it from her own child, Ahh!" She squealed as she bit her thumb to restrain her own urges.
"He's insane...But somehow terrifyingly smart." Hephaestus muttered as she slumped down in her own chair to the point she was about to slide right out of it.
"I can't wait to tell you the other stories he'll create for me to learn and share. But...for now I have to get back home."
"What!? Why so early! It's not even noon yet and I know you're holding out on me! I know that look you have! You do have more!" Hephaestus exclaimed as she saw Freya about to open the door and smirked at the goddess.
"Fine~ I'll stay and tell you about the other thing that happened to him with Allen of all people-"
"Well don't just stand ther-"
"That is, if you don't mind watching me have one of my 'sessions' on your desk while I think of Bell turning that whore of a mother of Loki's children into his bitch and helping me rule Loki's familia." She said without hesitation or even embarrassment.
Satisfied at the gaping look of surprise on Hephaestus face as she continued to open the door and make her escape. Hurrying along out of her manor to return home. Quickly and eagerly ready to jump into her own chambers alone with her own thoughts.