Have you found out anything else from Loki's familia about that creature from Monsterphilia?" Freya's voice echoed down the vast halls of the building. With her heels clacking as she walked with Ottar behind her. Passing by room after room of other injured people and nurses going about.
"*Sigh* They're still investigating. Though they have made back the trails the creatures came from Orario's sewers. And the fact remains that they are connected with Evilus is given due to the miasma they lingered." Ottar said as he could tell Freya was seething in rage at what happened four days ago.
'It was supposed to be just a test and to toy with him...I didn't expect this to happen to my Odr.' Freya thought as she bit her lower lip in worry and shame. Her plan was simple: Set off some monsters free for Bell to test out his knew knife and see how much he grew since he was close to leveling up.
She had set Helun around as a means for Bell to grow fond for Syr and become her knight and shining armor. And if things got too dicey for him, she would've had Hedin and Hogni step in and take over while he would rest.
But then, that Evilus plant creature appeared and ruined it. Tainting one of the monsters she set free and forced it to undergo a metamorphosis. She was surprised that Bell took down three of them, including the Apex Silverback. But if it hadn't been for that wretched Sword Princess ignoring Bell's advice and taking away what was his, he wouldn't be in this hospital right now.
She stopped in her tracks and turned to her left. Entering a room as it was bare, aside the medical equipment and the only people inside. Including the patient, who was sound asleep. Looking as though he was blissfully unaware of what could be happening around him.
A soft smile was brought upon her face as she saw him. Moving closer until she was by her side and brushed the soft locks of hair away from his eyes. Freya was tempted to kiss him, her Bell, in hopes he would wake up like that of a princess story. But knew this would be wrong and not the time.
As other worried members of her familia were in the room. None of which looked more worn and tired than Hedin, who sat by Bell's side and bed. And looked as though he hadn't gotten much sleep through the days he's been admitted in.
His gaze never looking away from Bell's face. He was slumped against the chair and the wall, arms crossed and clutching on his sleeves. Never even bothering to push his glasses up or rub his eyes as they were heavy with bags underneath them.
Next to him, was poor little Helun, as she was fast asleep and leaned against Hedin as a means to rest on. Her eyes had small bags underneath them and her hair disheveled. Freya smiled and held back a giggle escaping her lips. Looking at the scene and still solidifying her little teas of Hedin truly being a father to Bell and little Helun.
Blinking at the occasional sounds of snoring, she looked down at the floor and was startled. It had appeared that Hogni was with them and opted to cover himself with his own robes and rolled up against the wall. He almost looked well rested and peaceful, if not the occasional snore and worried face he had on.
"I don't see why a stuck-up bitch like you has any right to try and heal MY patient and familia member Shitty Saint!"
"Like you're one to talk, how is it he's this reckless if you didn't coddle and quickly patch him up Bitch Witch!"
Shouts and growling echoed from the hallway as Ottar and Freya turned to the door. Hearing footsteps and the insults growing louder and louder. Causing them both to sigh and look dejected. As they watched Heith coming in, pushing her body against a girl her age, wearing a blue and white outfit with vertical blue stripes in the front.
Standing out were her gold and white long boots and her red tie that rested atop her breast and wore a nurse's cap atop her long silver haired head. By her appearance, she looked as though she was a doll. However, due to Heith, she had a scowl on her face as she too, was pressing her body against her.
This was the Dea Saint, one of the Two Great Healers in Orario with Heith. Armid Teasanare.
"Like you wouldn't cuddle with him? Look at him when he sleeps! He's like a stuffed *bunny* when he's relaxed and rested! You couldn't even tell a good man when you see one with that thermomotor so far up your ass it's giving you retina damage." Heith shouted as she pointed to the sleeping Bell, making sure to whisper the bunny part.
"I believe he's cute, but you'll ruin his common sense if you don't treat him properly and force him to get the rest he needs!"
"Oh so you wanna force him on the bed now huh? Who knew you were so desperate to now want to have your patients all to yourself. Ottar! Kick her ass! She want's Bell's infamous carrot and without his consent!"
"T-T-t-Tha...That's not it at all!"
"Then why are you blushing and why are you pressing your legs together whore!"
"And why did you admit to seeing Mr. Cranel's...phallus!?"
"RRRAAAHHHHH! Shut up! People are trying to sleep and it's too early to listen to Allen and Alfrigg's lovers quarrel and grunts! God...wake me up when breakfast is ready, and the smell is gone from the manor..." Bell roared at first, as his eyes were half open and dialated. Bags and eye crust seen before he wiped them away and soon went back into bed.
Seconds passed as all of them looked in shock that Bell was fine and woke up earlier than expected. Blinking as they watched again him rise from the bed, slowly this time and looked at them all. He blinked as he looked around the room and then back down to the sheets before looking at Freya.
"This isn't the manor...How did I get here Goddess?"
"BELL!!!"
Suddenly he felt many arms wrapped around his upper body and some patting and rubbing his head. He heard the sobbing and felt the tears that Helun and Hogni shed on his body and sheets. With the two of them also nuzzling against his cheeks. Freya nearly suffocating him in her breast before Ottar and Heith pulled her away.
He felt imense pride somehow when Ottar ruffled his head a bit and said he did a good job with the monsters. His chest swelled and many thought they saw flowers and a golden glow around him, even his hair stood and waved a bit at the praise.
Bell then turned to Hedin, as he was startled by the man's look on his face. He expected to be scolded or smacked upside the head and at least have some concern for him. But he was surprised, when he saw Hedin just sitting there, wide eyed. Showing quite well the dark circles under his eyes.
"Pops? Y-You okay? H-How long have I-"
He couldn't say anything else as he felt arms wrapped around his body. And felt Hedin's hair tickling his nose as he was now in the crook of the elf's neck. Bell noticed that his shoulders were shaking and that he heard chokes and sniffling behind him. Feeling the fabric of his medical gown tightening.
"Do you know...how worried we were? How long we waited when they brought you in? You went and did something incredibly stupid!" Hedin said through some hiccups and tiredness in his voice. Making Bell's eyes widened as he was hesitant to wrap his own arms around him. Slowly, patting Hedin's back until he embraced him in a soft hug.
"Pops...I'm so-AH! A-Ah...P-P-Pops. T-That's a b-bit...too...tight..." Bell soon started to sound strained and felt his body being squeezed of air. Until he felt Hedin's biceps and arms now locking around his neck and body.
"THREE YEARS! WE'VE BEEN IN HERE FOR THREE YEARS! Do you know how many nights I spent awake!? Waiting for you to wake up, you idiot! And you don't even apologize for your stupidity!"
"Actually it's only been about four days brother...no need to be the overprotective father now. Lets just be glad your son is awake now." Hogni said trying to ease the tension. But fell nearly deaf to Hedin's ears.
"It felt like years damnit! And I'm not overprotective! I'm just concerned what this idiot's stupidity will cause next! Most likely, MY DEATH!" Hedin yelled as now he felt air escaping his body, and soon was now being shook back and forth by Bell, retaliating to Hedin.
"I was...about to say...I was sorry for ma-aking! You worried Pops! Y-ou probably...had it worse! To wait for...me!"
"D-Damn...straight I did...T-They...told us...you were naked and bloody! I panicked...and came straight here!"
"S-Sorry to make you worry...Pops!"
"Say it...better!"
"Not...until...you call me son and ...admit you were s-super...worried!"
"Enough!" Armid yelled as she pulled both of them apart and threw Hedin off the bed and laid Bell back on the bed. Putting pillows behind his back to allow him to be well rested while sitting up. Grabbing the medical chart in front of his bed as she looked through it and then back to Bell.
"Ahem...Alright Mister Cranel, you had quite the extensive list of injuries when you were brought in. Some of them being hit in the head and when we observed you, it was apparent part of your head was gashed and you had quite the number of concussions. I'll be asking you a few things about the events from four days ago, so try to recall if they ring any bells."
Armid said as Bell looked at her with a dull look before he sighed and looked away to Hedin.
"I don't know what's worse Pops. Being called a rabbit or puns from my name."
"I-I didn't mean any humor by it. This is just to ensure you didn't suffer any memory loss. Now, it was from eyewitness that you fought against four Silverbacks prior to assisting the Loki Party with that odd creature?" Armid asked as Bell closed his eyes in thought, before letting out a 'tsk' and scowled.
"It was only three, that dumb Sword Doll Princess had to ruin my fun testing Lady Freya's gift. I had cut off its arm and was about to fight it, until she butted in and killed it!" Bell roared as he thrashed about in his bed. Making Hogni and Helun try to calm him down as he scowled.
"Then...well. There's kinda this odd gap. I know for sure I was yelling at her for being an idiot and there were two other Silverback's tag teaming me. But from that I can only remember yelling at her and telling her what a dumbass she was. And my body, kinda, sorta, moved on its own." Bell said as that caused Hedin, Ottar and Freya's eyes to widened.
'Could that have something to do with the knife? Or what this Wild Child coming into effect? It described having to do with his emotions. Perhaps his anger was one way to trigger it? Though, his past dives with Hedin and the others, and when he went alone showed some significant growth.' Freya thought as she grew curious and worried for Bell and for his skills he had.
"I see. There have been cases where the body reacts whenever it detects an imminent threat to you as a whole. This could be one of those cases, or perhaps a developed skill that manifested in itself during your experience." Airmid said as she wrote down what Bell was telling about that day.
"Eh!? I got a skill from that?"
"Actually...while I don't think it's anything like that, I can confirm that you did gain a rather...unique skill while you were stuck in recovery." Freya said as Bell turned to her, nearly blinding her and the others with how bright and stary eyes he got.
"Oh! I got one? What is it?"
"After we finished if you could wait. We need to be thorough with our medical reports." Airmid said, interrupting Bell's excitement as he then looked dejected and gave in. Though, Airmid could feel that Heith was flipping her off from behind and Hogni joining too, quite openly.
"Well, after I noticed the other two were dead, the last one was turning red, and smoke came off its body. I remember it hurt like hell and I got flung a bit, but then I taunted the thing and used the severed arm from earlier to punch it in the face and stab it."
"Wait...you used a severed arm? To punch the thing in the face!" Heith said as she looked baffled, along with Hedin and Ottar. She gripped the metal bedframe and leaned forward close to Bell's face.
"Yeah? I mean...I did cut off parts from that Baby Dragon floor boss when I went back to the dungeon after a week of withdrawal. Why? Aren't severed parts considered a drop you can get?" Bell asked as Heith now had her hands on his shoulders and was lightly pushing him back and forth. Gently as she recalled he's still healing.
"Those are rare item drops! So rare that only the Ganesha Familia are the only ones even able to get a chance to earn one from a drop. No other adventurer has ever had the chance to even get a limb as a drop from a monster!"
"Really?"
"Ganesha Familia, specializes in hunting for monsters to tame and for their rare drops." Ottar added in as to explain the confused boy about the significance of what he's done.
"Normally, when you kill a monster, they drop magic stones or items correct? Before the body turns to ash and smoke. Getting a limb or even the corpse remaining intact after death and the stone is dropped, is a very rare occurrence. Adventurers with the skill called [Hunter, are said to be able to have a chance at gaining such a rare drop."
"And even then, parts of the body are increasingly rare and are valued quite high. Why do you think the guild paid us a lot for submitting that dragon's head?" Hedin said as Bell looked in awe and surprise of what he did and was able to do it twice now.
"Really?! Wait...I remember the amount we each got...so where's the rest of it Pops..." Bell asked dully as Hedin returned the glare back.
"You think I was going to let you keep all that money? I have it set aside and saved majority of it for you for later use. In only cases of emergencies or any needed necessities are we going to use it!"
"Oh? Saving for your dear son's consideration and a rainy day. How very 'Papa' of you Hedin~"
"That's very considerate and caring of you Hedin!"
Hogni teased while Helun found it to be a very sweet gesture for Bell. Making both of them blush as Hedin now was strangling Hogni, who laughed at the flustered elf. And Helun was smiling at Bell, who now wanted to hide his face with one of the pillows. Until a thought entered his brain about the news of monster limbs now being drops he could get.
"How do you think monster meat would taste? Silverback Steaks sound like a good idea..."
"Don't even think about it! They're incredibly hard to get and most monsters are inedible and are poisonous!" Airmid chastised at the white-haired boy who could only pout. With Freya, looking dully at him and felt as though fate was toying with her.
'He got a dragon's head and a Silverback's arm. Along with that new skill I saw on his back after I updated his status...I feel as though this is fate being a bitch or just flipping a table over when it comes to Bell. Seriously...what is it about him?' She thought with light amusement and now questioned what exactly Bell was.
"Okay, so after you stabbed it, what else happened that you can remember?" Airmid asked as she rubbed her eyes at Bell's jump from different topics and making her lose focus.
"Well, I climbed on its back and kept stabbing it. Then I guess it got smart and tried to crush me by falling over. So...I thought if I couldn't escape it as I was on its back and it was too big to avoid, I just cut into its body and make a different way out. Then I ripped out of its chest with the knife and came out of it."
"You...carved a way out from it. By cutting and gutting it from the inside out?" Airmid said, now looking queasy and staring at Bell in horror.
"That's-"
"Holy crap! That sounds sooo cool Bell!"
"Indeed! Ah I wish I could've seen that happen! Maybe I should try it whenever I go down in the Deep Floors. Say? How was it? Did it feel weird, or was it a rush?"
"Oh! Did you have your arm out of its stomach like this one book I read? The monsters had its eggs planted inside an adventurer's stomach and it came out bursting from its chest and-"
"Enough please! I'm trying to gather all the needed information to assess Mister Cranel's health!" Airmid said as Hogni and Heith's excitement soon died down. Both now quiet, but scowling at Airmid and flipping her off, rather extravagantly. Both posing and waving their hands as they groaned and glared at her.
"Well...after that, I felt like a rush or something. Like I just got out of bed after a good sleep and saw that the dumb princess was still here. And then I heard the creature's destruction down the road, so I wanted to go help." Bell continued as he waited for Airmid to stop writing.
"From there I meet up with Tiona and then we saw the others fighting it. And...no comment..." Bell said as he turned his face aside. Though that couldn't hide how bright red he turned. Airmid, also turned red as she recalled from the girl's perspective of what happened when he arrieved.
"What happened?! Oi! Tell me!" Hedin said as he was shaking Bell once again. But he refused to speak about what he saw.
"T-The plant creature is what you saw correct? From the reports it was resistant to most weapons and only was injured by magic. But, given from what Miss Lefiya and Lady Tione saw, you somehow cut it apart?"
"Ah that...I actually took your advice Pops! And it worked! 'When in doubt, be stupid!' so that's what I did when it swallowed me in. I tried to think about how to be stupid, but couldn't think. And that's when it hit me! I shouldn't think and just move!" Bell said cheerfully, as now Hedin was being glared at by Heith and Airmid.
"I see...But...it's fortunate you recovered well. The acidic burns had already healed enough but try not to remove the bandages for another two days. And fortunately, when we checked your head two days ago, there wasn't any sign of brain damage." She said as she finished writing down the rest of her report on the clipboard and placed it back.
"For now you should take three days of rest before you're allowed back into the dungeon floors. And I would suggest you report to your advisor about your status update and condition so she can set a limit to what floor you can go."
"Absolutely not! Knowing that stupid sadist she'll say I can't go any deeper than the first floor!" Bell said as he crossed his bandaged covered arms and shook his head side to side.
"It's only temporary. You need to get your body use to such movement and activities in the dungeon after-"
GRRRRROOORORORORORORORO*
Bell blinked as they all looked at him. As he looked down at his stomach, that emittied such a loud grumble and looked back up and turned towards Hogni and Helun.
"Wait...how long was I asleep!? And what happened to Miss Tione, Lefiya and Filvis!? Are they alright? AH! And SYR! Isshealright!?WhataboutTionaandweretheyabletogettheothermonsters-"
"Learn to breath idiot! Otherwise, you'll pass out from lack of oxygen!" Hedin shouted as he smacked Bell upside the head. Prompting both nurses to smack Hedin upside the head as well. Ignoring his scowling look.
"I-It's been four days since you were admitted. Though the only thing they were able to give you were IV fluids to keep you healthy and get plenty of nutrition in you." Helun said as she stood up and began to walk out the door.
"Don't worry, I'm sure they have meals prepared for the patients by now. I'll get you something to eat for lunch. Be right back!" Helun said as she hurried down the hall to get Bell some much needed food.
"...Is it wrong to want to propose to her Pops?" Bell said as he was then whining in pain at his cheek being pulled. And Hedin grunting at his own pain with Heith pulling on his ears.
"Think with your head and not your bottomless stomach! You couldn't be that hungry. Even with all the IV drops and nutrients they've put in you!"
"I was asleep for four days! I missed twenty meals!"
"Five meals each day...how is it you can eat that much and still look so scrawny and thin." Ottar said in somewhat surprise as now Hedin, Heith and Bell were rolling about on the bed. All the while Freya had to hold herself from giggling in victory and praising Helun at her thoughtfulness.
"Well, you're in quite the treat today. I recall the cooking staff talking about their new meal plans they've created. Their food has led to many other patients recovering quicker than anticipated." Airmid said as Bell's stomach growled, and drool was escaping his lips.
"This glutton..."
"Now now brother, food does heal the soul. Isn't that how the saying goes? Come now don't deny your son to be excited to have a decent meal after so long on IV drips."
"I'm back." Helun announced as Bell's head turned quickly to her so fast one could swear that he just cracked his neck completely. As he watched the silver haired attendant bringing in a large tray filled to the brim with a variety of food that was able to fit.
"I thought one plate wouldn't be enough, so I had to request more. Saying that it was for us and mostly for the patient's father. S-Sorry Mister Hedin. I used your name as Bell's parental figure to bring this much."
She said as she sat down the trey of food before Bell. In her surprise, the white-haired boy immediately clasped both her hands into his. Looking at her sole black colored eye with his watery red orbs.
"Helun, please marry me you absolute wonderful woman..." Bell said as tears fell from his eyes.
"H-Huh? E-EHHHHHHHH!?!?!" Helun screamed, as now her face was completely red and flustered. Looking around frantically for any aid. Sadly, there was none. Not even from her own goddess as she was flashed with a thumbs up from Freya and could tell that she was mouthing 'Say Yes!' over and over.
Ottar was of no help, and rather she cried when she saw him smiling a little. Hogni and Heith were the worst of them by far as they smiled and cheered. Even holding flags for victory and Heith acting overly dramatic as she blew her nose and was crying.
Her final gaze rested upon Hedin, who stood up and had his hand on the tray.
"Idiot. Eat or it'll get cold. But, you should know that relationships are a two-way street. If you're dead serious-and I DO mean SERIOUS- about courting young Helun, then you should wait for her answer. For now, taking things slow is the best action." Hedin said, as Helun felt odd and weird about his response.
'I-Did he save me from this embarrassment!? Or did he just add to it! I-I-I mean...I wouldn't be opposed per say if...Me and Bell..No! No no no I can't! H-He's mt lady's betrothed! I'm just an attendant to my lady and...LADY FREYA! W-W-Why are you feeling so ecstatic about me and Bell?!' Helun thought in worry as she looked back at her lady. Who was nodding ferociously at her and flashing her peace signs and thumbs up.
"I-I um..."
"Hmm/HAAAH!?" Both Hedin and Bell turned, clearly, it was Bell that was surprised most of all as his cheeks turned pink at Helun now answering what he meant was an affectionate thank you.
"I..wouldn't be opposed at the idea. B-B-But! Mister Hedin is right, l-love and r-relationships are a serious matter of the heart! A-and...marriage is quite the step. I-I might not be ready for that quite yet, though, could we perhaps, start slowly. As friends first?" Helun asked as she was too flustered to even look at Bell.
"W-Wha..Um..I er-I-I can...accept that. But we're already friends you know. I-If you want, I can...i dunno...try better for you?" Bell said as he was now sputtering and murmuring. Looking down as steam was coming off of him. Never noticing Helun smiling and having her hand near her heart.
"Just shut up and eat." Hedin said as he grabbed one of the small rolls of bread and shoved it in Bell's mouth. Making him choke until he started to eat it. Though, unknown to him, Bell was thanking Hedin for shutting him up and moving this embarrassing moment away.
He was now free to feast to his heart's content!
"GHCK!"
"Bell?" Hedin said as his eyes widened at the sight before him, in knowing and watching over Bell's growth since joining and since his first attempt to join their familia. Never would he ever witness such a sight.
Bell spat out the food and began to heave and hurl the contents over in the small trash bin on the opposite side of the room.
"Urg! What the hell is that! Why does this taste...grk! Sooo bland and taste like bitter and sour! I thought-urp!-you said this was supposed to make me feel better!" Bell asked as he looked at Airmid in betrayal. Airmid then took a sample of the food. As she tested the soup before looking at Bell again.
"Ah...this is what they meant by the new meal plans. Though...it is a bit bland in taste, they do mix in medical herbs and grounded spices meant to heal the body. Though...once you get past it, this is quite filling..." Airmid tried to sound positive of the bland food her familia served, as Bell's face grew pale and pale with each second and his eyes looking dead.
No one said a word when Bell got up from his spot on the floor. Walked over to the sink in the room and the sounds of gargling and running water was sound for a few seconds before he spat it out. He then turned to them and looked under the bed and pulled out the clothes that Hedin brought for him on day one of his admission.
"B-Bell...what are-KYAAA! OH COME ON MAN AT LEAST WARN US!" Heith said as she turned away, flushed in the face as Bell was in the process of changing clothes. The girls covering their eyes and turned their heads to the side. Though, that didn't stop them from taking a peek.
In the case of Freya. Her eyes were covered by Ottar and Hedin's hands. And Hogni helping to hold her flailing arms and legs as she complained and demanded they release her and allow her to see the rumored 'giant carrot'. The men sighed as they looked away from Bell. Though, Hedin looked over at the girls and sighed at the fact they were taking some not-so-subtle peeps.
With the exception of Helun, who had her eyes shut, turned and covered them with her palms.
Now, with Bell clothed. And thanks to the girls 'clearing' to open their eyes, they finally were able to look. Noticing it was Bell's casual adventuring attire, consisting of Bell's brown and black coat and black pants with matching brown boots.
Though normally he had a black long sleeve underneath the jacket, he was wearing a black muscle shirt instead. Showing some of the wrappings and bandages around his neck and bandages on his chest. He rolled up the sleeves, showing some bandages and wrappings around his arms as he then attached his knife and sheath to his hips.
Bell then walked over to Helun, and soon grabbed her hand. Walking her over to the window and setting her two feet away from him as he now stood in front of it. Turning back he staired at Hedin right in his red eyes.
"Tsk...fine. I'll alow it. Only because I agree with you. This food taste like absolute shit!"
"M-mister Hedin!?"
"I'll be by around there to pay the tab. But it'll be with your money I'm using. Don't beg me to pay for it all." Hedin said as he pushed his glasses up and sighed. Before looking back to Bell, giving him a small smile of comfort as Bell did the same.
"Thanks Pops. And I understand. Also...sorry about this." He said before he then walked over to Helun and then carried her in her arms, like that of a bride. She was practically a tomato at this point as she felt Freya now ecstatic and envious of her.
She then held onto his jacket and body tight as she felt his grip around her body tighten and pulled closer. Now feeling the small wind in her face as he ran towards the window, she was glad to have listened to her instincts, as she closed her eyes shut, and felt air in her hair and felt like falling.
"HAAAAAAHHHH!?"
"I'LL MEET YOU BACK AT THE MANOR LATER! SEE YOU SOON POPS! LADY FREYA! OTTAR! HEITH! HOGNI!" Bell screamed out as his voice was fading away further and futher until it was but a faint voice.
"I'm surprised Hedin...you being so protective for your son? They say accidents brings out the truth and emotions of loved ones. Can you say to me that you don't see him as a son. Especially given with his proposal to 'court' Helun?" Freya said with such tease and softness in her voice, that the men and even girls couldn't fight the blush from their faces.
She sounded so pure with love, and yet at the same time it sounded so erotic.
"...No. I suppose, I can't deny it. That idiot is now, and will be my son in all but blood. Though, I still won't admit it to him just yet. And...call it some, fatherly advice about romantic pursuits, so that he doesn't make the same mistakes as me."
"Hooray! You've finally admitted it brother! Wait, that makes me an uncle! Haha! I'm an uncle now Heith! We shall follow my dear nephew's footsteps and need a celebration!" Hogni said as he looked over at Heith who joined in with him of dancing about. Though, Heith noticed that Airmid wasn't talking or ruining their moment.
"Hey, Shitty Saint! What are you suddenly mute? Why aren't you being a stick in the ass and ruining the mood?'
Airmid flushed red as she now looked down at the floor. Swallowing a lump in her throat, and the heat now rising up on her face.
"It was so much bigger than what the rumors told...eight...maybe nine...and he's still young..."
"Don't even think about it..." Heith and Freya darkly muttered as now the members of the familia looked at the Dea Saint. The girls, mainly in anger and protectiveness for Bell. And the men just staring at her with pity.
All the while Airmid was being judged and stared down, Bell was bridal carrying Helun in his arms across the streets of Orario. With Helun clinging and clutching his jacket for dear life and looked up to him.
"B-Bell! Why on earth would you do that!?"
"No way would I call that "thing" food at all! While I do appreciate the work you put into getting it and delivering it to me, we need something good to eat! We're going back to the Hostess! So that was the quickest way I thought of escaping that hell hole."
"We were on the third floor! And we?" She questioned as Bell looked down at her and blushed.
"Well...I fighured you guys must've been waiting for me to wake up. And probably didn't get much to eat. Sooo...why not...ya know...I treat you to food, as...friends?" He said as his voice was getting softer and his face more flushed as Helun did the same.
"I-I would...like that actual-Bell look out!" Helun said as Bell looked forward and pressed his heels to the dirt road. Loud screeching came from his boots and dust was kicked, as he stopped right in front of the person that was coming out of an alley way. Slouched and tired by their appearance and holding onto something in hand.
Now, the three of them were coughing as the dust was settling down. Helun and Bell blinked as they got a good look at the person they almost ran over. She was a very short woman, with looks similar to be around ether a young teenager or a child. Her black hair tied in twin pigtails held by bell hair ties.
Bell blushed and swallowed a lump in his throat as he looked down at her attire. Or rather what can be called as such. She wore a white dress, the sleeves and collar of it looked as though they were torn off. The collar, especially looked torn till the middle of it, allowing the girls rather large chest to be shown and underneath it was supported by a small blue ribbon strapped around her arms and back. And only appeared to be wearing sandals.
They watched as the woman dropped what was in her hands. And noticed it was one of those fried potato snacks they would often snack once in a while after diving in the dungeon. Connecting the items together and recalling her face, Bell and Helun remembered who this woman was.
"Oh! The Jagamaru woman...ummm...H-Hes...what was it..." Bell said as he looked up, trying to remember.
"Lady Hestia. Sorry for nearly running into you like that."
"Gah! Oh it's you two! The Attendant and Hildrsleif's love child!" Hestia said as now she looked at both Bell and Helun, and blushed at how they were together this moment.
"O-OH! I'm so sorry to interrupt your moment! Wait...are you two eloping!? Under Freya's nose!"
"W-We're not like that!" 'Y-Yet..' Both of them said and thought to themselves. Before two sounds of grumbling and gurgling was echoed. Bell blinked as he knew one of those sounds was coming from his stomach. But looked at Hestia, who groaned and now was teary eyed as she looked at the fallen snack on the floor.
"S-Sorry about that. And don't worry about this, it was an acci-" Hestia said as she was waving her arm to mean nothing of her current predicament. But she couldn't finish as her hand was grabbed and flinched at the serious look on both Helun and Bell's face.
"Sorry Helun, but I have to carry you diffrently."
"No. This is fine...this is rather a serious matter that can't go unnoticed."
"E-Eh..." Hestia said as now she saw Helun being carried by one of Bell's arm. Her legs dangling from his arm now under her legs as she had her arm around his shoulder and held onto him. As Bell suddenly pulled her in.
For a moment she was pulled off from the ground and then felt his arm wrapped around her stomach and her arms and legs dangling in the air. She was compleatly confused as she then saw Bell's feet scratched the dirt road and were bucked. Before she was now screaming at the top of her lungs and the wind in her face.
"WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHTTTT IIIIISSSS TTTHHIIIISSSSS!? I'M BEING KIDNAPPED!" Hestia screamed as she felt her body being swung as with every turn and corner he traveled through. Feeling dizzy from how fast he was running and the repeating motions she saw his legs moving. Until she heard the sound of doors slammed open and now was seeing a dark wooden floor and the smell of food hitting her nostrils.
"MAMA! GIVE ME SEVEN HUNDRED ORDERS OF FOOD!" Bell screamed as he looked at the whole pub with shrunken eyes, sharpened and serious. All while Helun got off his arm and walked over to the bar and looked at the surprised dwarf woman.
"Prepare him about twenty plates of food if you could. He hasn't eaten anything decent in the past four days since he was in the hospital." Helun said as the dwarf woman snapped out of her stuipor and smiled at the attendant and patted her head.
"Heh! Alright then, and you ordering anything too?"
"Give her whatever she wants! It's my treat and Pops will swing by later with my money to pay you back what we'll eat. Also! Help me feed this tiny Jagamaru woman!" He said as he held up Hestia by the back of her dress as if she was a cat. As she was dangling and trying to compose herself and shook her head and now meet Mama Mia's gaze.
"Oh!? The Loli goddess comes into my pub. Heh, alright kid. Pop a seat and I'll have your orders out soon! You're in luck Hestia, you're getting some good meals." She said as she went back into the kitchen and the girls ether joining her or now were behind the bar, ready with their usual drinks and a cup of water for Hestia.
"I'm relieved that you are alright Mister Cranel. Syr will be thrilled to hear you've recovered well. You have our thanks for saving Syr." Ryuu said as she bowed her head at Bell before the air in front of her was slapped away by Anya and Chloe.
"Now now, no need to sound so serious Ryuu. We're thankful to you Bell and relieved you've recovered."
"Nya! I'm so glad you and Syr are meowright! How can we live without ether of you! Especially your purrecious butt White Hair."
"Anya...don't make me get Mama Mia out here with the broom." Ryuu said as she slowly turned to the brown hair cat girl as she was now frozen with fear.
"Wait! How can you sit about ignoring the fact that I was just manhandled and kiddnapped by this beast of a man!" Hestia said aloud. Making the other partons of the pub spit out their drinks and turned their heads quickly to Bell and Hestia with widened eyes.
"Manhandled?" Ryuu asked as Hestia was red with embarrassment.
"How else would you call it? He picked me up roughly with only one hand and then had his hands around my hips. I was bouncing and my hands and feet were dangling in the air as he went wild!" She exclaimed as she waved her arms about and her hair was somehow wiggling as she did.
The patrons of the pub looked at the short goddess and noticed her rather ample chest. Jaws dropped at the thought of what Bell was doing to her before coming here for food. And some even envious of him.
"How could you even agree to let him do that to me Miss Attendant! And how were you able to be completely fine when he did the same to you!? Woudln't your legs and rear be sore from how he handled you?"
Again, the patrons spat out their drinks or choked on their food as they saw Freya's Attendant looking embarrassed. Some of them even fell on the floor and scrambled away out the pub or to their seats to talk more about Bell's new added 'achievements' and now thought the 'rumors' spreading of him could be true.
"W-Well...I'I didn't mind it. Rather...I quite enjoyed it. He felt comfortable, and it was quite the surprise. But it was quite the rush. And I couldn't let you stand there on your own with how you were in a rut, and Bell knew just what you needed given how hard your job is."
A thought then came to many of the patrons of the pub. Looking at Helun in surprise and a bit of fear as they trembled just for thinking to the conclusion based on their conversation. And then looked back to Bell as though he was the pinnacle of man and all of mandom everywhere.
'The Attendant likes it rough in her backdoor?! And she approved of the Savior/Sadist Conqueror/White Warrior of taking a goddess in the same bed!? She watched them both as they were getting rough!? A god...no...HE'S THE PINICAL OF ALL MEN! BROTHER!'
"Mind giving some context Mister Cranel? Anya and Chloe are bleeding from their noses." Ryuu said as Bell looked at both cat girls as they were red and blood was leaking from their noses all of a sudden as he finishes his first drink and looked at the waitresses.
"We almost ran over Hestia here after I made my escape from the hell hole now known as the Hospital. I was starving and missed twenty meals, and I knew Helun was getting hungry, so I brought her along. And when I heard Hestia's stomach growl, I knew best to bring her here."
"Ooooohhhhh!" The girls said as they looked at the flustered small goddess and smiled.
"So it's just a misunderstanding on your part then Lady Hestia."
"I agree. Mister Cranel isn't the type of man to touch a woman like that inappropriately or without consent."
"Hmmm...I kinda figured it had somethin to do with White Hair's love of our cookin! Though...say the word and I'd let mew manhand-"
"Mama..."
"I'm sorry..." Chloe said as once again she was scolded by the elf. As Hestia slumped over the bar and sighed.
"My bad Bell. Sorry for accusing you. And thanks really! I need a good meal. Money from my job and my debts are something I need to be better at handling so I can at least live properly with a good food in me." She said as Bell looked at her and then suddenly smelled some fresh cooked fish and fried shrimp.
Out from the kitchen came Mama Mia and Lunoire with trays and plates of food. The hot steam wafting in the air as Mama and Lunoire were now setting the plates down before them. Hestia at this point was drooling as both her and Bell's stomach let out a happy growling sound and her slurps and lip licking were practically music to Mama's ears.
"Eat your fill you three. I'll be sure to enjoy filling you lot to the brim."
"Say Mama Mia, how's the idea of making more money from me sound?" Bell said as he twirled the fork in his hand as she placed down a large steak before him. Pausing at the sound of his now tempting idea and offer, she looked at him.
"How much money are we talking about?"
"Helun, remind me that Hestia here is a god right? Do you know what kind?" He asked as Helun paused from biting into her spoon full of soup and placed it back into the bowl. Looking up and then back to Bell to answer.
"If I remember this correctly, she's the Goddess of the Hearth. Meaning both fire and home. In a sense, she ensures that no matter where or what a person calls home, it gives people warmth and a relief feeling."
Turning around from his seat, he leaned back against the bar and watched the other patrons of the pub looking lively amongst themselves and talking. The atmosphere felt warm and at ease despite all the commotion and chaos about.
"If you hired Hestia to be a waitress, then it could bring this place more business and make things much livelier around. Given how this place is meant to fill bellies with warm food and comfort as though this was their home, it could bring in plenty of cash if customers stayed around for the merriment."
"So, you want me to hire this Loli then? I'll admit it's tempting, and she's not shit in the kitchen unlike most of my girls."
"HEY!/OI!/I must commit the Far East's ritual again..."
"Given how many of your customers are men, you could make off like a bandit if they cause trouble for her. Given her...stature and would underestimate her. You could beat the crap out of them and rob them blind. Or make a fortune with tips."
"It's settled. Congrats Loli Big Boobs! You've got the job and can stay in the dorms!" Mia said as she was completely sold, as Bell laughed and turned back to his steak, stabbed it with the fork and ripping a chunk out of it and laughed.
"Are you for real!? Just like that!?" Anya, Chloe and Hestia herself were surprised at Mia suddenly agreeing to Bell's offer. While in the corner of the pub, Ryuu was trying to commit seppuku with a wooden trey, but it was ineffective.
Bell soon felt a hand on his shoulders as he turned to see Helun and Hestia looking at him. With Helun smiling and glad at Bell's kindness. And Hestia in tears as she was babbling and sniffling.
"T-Thank you Bell! I'll make it up to you somehow as thanks!"
"You really are kind Bell."
"Heh! I'm just being me. And you don't have to do much to make it up for me Hesita! You've treated us a few times at your Jagamaru stall. So just make sure to cook some great meals and I'll tip you well. Now, no more tears! Mia, bring out more plates and some booze for the goddess in celebration of my recovery and her new job!"
"I'll do you proud Bell!"
In Folkvangr, Freya, Ottar and Hedin were in her room. Making sure that the doors were locked as both men stood before their goddess as she sat on her bed. Legs crossed as she looked down at the paper in her hand with a concerned look.
"This is going to be quite the issue when word gets out. We have no choice to submit this to the guild. The issue is..."
"How are we going to handle this and tell Bell?" Ottar began as Hedin brought up the biggest issue in the room. On the day Bell was admitted, Freya updated his status in hopes it would make his recovery quicker and avoid the worse to happen to him.
But truth to Ottar's philosophy of adventures, that they cannot grow unless they face such harsh obstacles in their path, Bell had grown. Quite a lot within these past two months since joining their familia. And Freya's little teas of him, was the breaking point for him to grow.
"It's quite obvious, we can't allow him to learn about Liaris Freese. If word gets out of that skill and what it does, then we'll be having War Games from various annoyances. Though, I feel it best we should explain and allow Wild Child to be seen."
"Are you sure that's wise? It's almost on par with Liaris Freese in terms of growth."
"Yet he doesn't have full control of it Hedin. Sure, there might be some, but this skill is completely based on his own emotions and feelings. And while he's simple and pure hearted. In an event such as with that Sword Doll of Loki's, it shows the difference between the two."
"I see your point...Though...what baffles me are two things. The fact that hes able to break pass the status own limits. Never in my life have I seen a status sheet show anything above an S Rank Status. Yet his shows double, and one triple S Rank status."
"True...though, given with what he's told and what we've seen. Liaris Freese, Wild Child and whatever so called training and life he's had before coming to Orario might be the case for him to go beyond the status's limits." Freya said as she looked down at the paper once again, going over the numbers and the evident results.
"And the other thing that has you concerned? Is it about his weapon? Endless Sky." Ottar asked as Hedin pinched the bridge of his nose.
"It's his skills. Not only did he get Luck as a development skill automatically, when it's to be done with his choice only and approved by Lady Freya from the other two development skills. But somehow, he has a hybrid mix of a mundane skill and a development one."
"Ahh you mean that one we saw when our lady updated him. It's...quite peculiar I suppose. Though given his reaction when we told him, you'll have to keep aware of what it can do." Ottar said as Hedin raised his arms up and clenched the air in his hands.
"I mean, what did he even do to gain that!? Was he dreaming about eating food in the dungeon?! And how does sleeping allow him to gain such a skill in the first place!?" Hedin shouted as Freya smiled down at the status sheet of Bell's. Looking over at how well he's growing and how Hedin is overly worried for him.
Bell Cranel
LV. 2
STR: S999-- I 0
VIT: SS999-- I 0
DEX: S999-- I 0
AGL: SS999-- I 0
MAG: I0-- I 0
MAGIC:SKILL:
Liaris Freese: Increase of growth based on users' feelings.
Wild Child: Alternates strength, agility and combat based on feelings and emotions. The user has the heart of a pure heated wild child out on an adventure!
Delicious in Dungeon: Likelihood of Monster Corpse/Limb drops increase. Able to analyze any edible plant/food found. Able to cook well due to the analysis effect. Odds of monster limbs being able to be eaten are randomized, heals more if successful.