"E-Eh!? M-Mister adventurer! L-Lili's flattered but, we've only just meet and-"
Liliruca Arde was a crafty woman. A simple woman with her own goals and jobs to do to survive in Orario and against adventurers. She would work with them, lower their guards, rob from them of Valis and other items and repeat when she was finished with them.
Through her life and experience in Orario and in her familia she believed this: Adventurers are nothing more than greedy bastards to the weak.
And here, seeing this white-haired boy she spied on the other day about looking for more party members and given the idea to hire a supporter to join him was a golden opportunity for her. Play with this boy's imaginations and feelings for her joining his party. Play along with him as she would rob him of everything and leave him to die in the dungeon as she made off like a bandit.
She didn't, however, expect him to look at her with an enchanted look in his eye. Gently grasping her hand and slowly intertwining it with her fingers. Moving her closer to him as she now looked up into his ruby red eyes that seemed to reflect her face back at her.
Liliruca Arde could be called a thief. She could be called a rat. A cheating whore. A bitch. But still, one thing remained that was true to some of the names adventurers called her in the past, was that she was a young girl.
And is it wrong for young girls to have a little bit of a maiden's heart inside them?
Her flushed face was then brought out of her stupor as she felt her legs off the ground. Her backpack no longer on her back as she saw it was in the other arms of the boy. One handed at that while she was being carried under his left arm. Looking up as he looked around the plaza before setting his sights down a certain pathway, and now felt the cold morning air in her face.
Waking her up immediately as she screamed. She could only watch the various people and shops she was now forcibly moved passing by as the boy that suddenly grabbed her was taking her somewhere else.
"W-W-Wait! Wait a sec Mister Adventurer! Put Lili down please! I-if this was about scaring you earlier, Lili is sorry!" She cried as she looked ahead and her jaw hung a little at the buildings ahead, to now where she and the boy were running acorss.
The stench of sweat and various perfumes filled her nose as the boy was bringing her around the back allies. Her ears twitched at the occasional moans and cries of pleasure that echoed off in some of the buildings.
'I-Is he...is he going to sell Lili here!? Is he going to take me!? No, NO! Lili won't allow her first time to be taken by some rabbit looking philander! When he puts me down, I'll kick him in the balls and slit his throat!' She thought as she looked at his hips and saw his knife. Thinking to use it as to end her would be rapist.
Her daydreaming of her escape was then crashed and ruined, as the boy literally crashed into a door to one of the buildings. Groaning a bit as he kicked the door open and slammed it back shut when inside with his foot. Dropping her bag as now he was carrying her by the scruff of the back of her hood and raised her up.
Lili wondered if this is where she was going to be sold as she saw some of the woman inside now coming down the stairs or from another room and looked at her in confusion or in sheer horror. Making her even more confused as to why they're looking at her like some bizarre weirdo.
"Girls! Please tell me it's not just me right!? I-I don't even know if I can handle this instance for a third time now! I-Is it natural my heart is pounding and it's hard to breathe?"
"E-Easy Bell! Easy! Deep breathes in okay. A-and no, it's not just you, they look...God did she actually have one in the past? B-But let her down a sec and come sit. You look so terrified right now!"
Lili was now even more confused when the young amazon in the room called for the boy, now named Bell, to sit on the couch as she guided him to relaxing. She looked at the boy and saw that he looked so confused and horrified.
Wondering if this was because he reminded her of someone or something horrific? Thinking that he was having a panic attack perhaps. Now made her feel worried for her potential sucker for some odd reason as she felt bad about it now.
"U-Um...is he-"
"What the actual fuck! Since when did Ruka have one already!?"
"Relax Fortuna...*Yawn*. Even if she did...it looks like she might've...forgotten her."
"How rude Sekhmet~ Go call her over so we can see if this is true. I'm sorry little one, don't worry. If she won't accept you, how about I be your new mommy~" Lili found herself now in the arms of the Far Eastern woman. And though the hug felt comforting, her envy for the woman's breast practically enveloping her body made her struggle.
"Raikou! Stop suffocating the boss's possible love child and help me calm Bell down! He's lost in thought and I'm not sure if his eyes should be rolled this far back!"
"Oh! Coming Lena! Here Bell, just relax into mommy's chest and it'll all be fine." The Far Eastern woman, now known as Raikou to Lili, finally released her. As now she was gasping for breath and on her hands and knees as she looked up.
The amazon, Lana, now patting and coming through Bell's hair as his face was burried into Raikou's chest as he returned the hug to the woman. As she was patting and running her hand down his back, seeing him actually calming down. While the woman known as Fortuna, sat at the bar stool and looked at her with a puzzling look.
Soon after, the sounds of footsteps hurrying down the stairs came closer and closer. As all now looked at it and waited for the person to arrive. Bell now released from Raikou's hug now sat next to Lena as they were both on the edge of their seats.
For the second time, possibly even third time if she counted her sudden abduction to the pleasure district. Lili found herself absolutely shocked and was very unprepared at what she was looking at now.
As the person came down the stairs was looking around the bar in a frantic panic until her eyes meet with her own. Chestnut gold-colored eyes looking at another chestnut-colored pair. A familiar face to one another.
However, Lili was on the floor, looking up at the other person that just arrived. Who was fully nude. And looked A LOT like her.
"Girls...Bell...What the actual fuck am I looking at!?" She yelled out, looking back at the others around the bar as she was now looking scared and panicking.
"I think that's what we should be asking you the same thing! Along the fact that why are you naked! Christ sake's we have kids in here Ruka!" Fortuna slammed her fist on the bar as Lena and Bell tilted their heads while Lili had the decency to blush and look away.
"Um...Fortuna. This is a bar and we are in the pleasure district. It's kinda our job?" Lena said.
"She does have a point. And besides, I don't particularly mind the view and you know who and what kind of man I was raised and grew up with. Though if you feel uncomfortable Miss Liruka I can pay you." Bell said as he raised his hand and looked a bit sheepish at the nude woman.
"That's sweet of you Bell but it's fine. If anything, I blame you Sek! You woke me up saying that Ishtar was blowing up our shop!" Liruka yelled at the top of her lungs against the ceiling. Shaking her fist and letting out a growl.
"...I regret nothing...Don't wake me up..."
"Don't you dare fall back to sleep or so help me god I will have our customers run a train on your lazy ass for half off tonight!" She yelled towards the ceiling, making all three of the younger ones actually blush and look away from her.
"But anyway! Bell! Who is this girl and why does she look exactly like me aside my mature look, eye make up and more healthy skin!" She said as she looked over at Bell as she pointer to Lili on the floor.
"W-Well...this is...and this is her real name as she introduced me about a few minutes ago, Liliruca Arde. A-And...I kinda panicked and brought her over because I wanted to know...if you two were related." Bell said as he then bowed at the nude manager.
"I'm so sorry! I-It's just...seeing doppelgangers now since Syr and Helun and our goddess...kinda had me freak out..."
"Okay...well. Yeah I can see why you'd be freaking out. But I'm the one that should be freaked out more! We look nearly the same! And-wait how old are you?" Liruka asked towards Lili, who by now was standing, though using the bar as a means of leverage to help her up right as she was still baffled at her nude look-a-like.
"L-Lili is fifteen, but..my parents passed away in an incident in the dungeon when I was little." She said with a bit of sadness in her tone. But relieved that this was all just a coincident and that her paranoia idea of this nude look-a-like being related to her was put to rest.
"Oh okay thank god...Sorry about your parents. But it's okay Bell, it's all just a coincidence. She's not my kid. And I'm too young to be a mom anyways."
"Bullshit!"
"I'm only twenty-seven you nympho elf! You're sixty-two!"
"And I still get plenty of more action than your midget ass! Without me this bar of ours wouldn't get half as many customers! Even some are now taking me on escort dates for more money! Ask Baby Bell's Daddy!"
"I knew it! I knew it! I knew Pops was lying about seeing someone! Yes, our plan worked!" Bell said as Fortuna flashed him a grin and peace sign. While Lena looked surprised at the two of them and Liruka scowled at Bell.
"You actually set this nympho up with your dad!?"
"No fare Bell-chan! Why didn't you set me up with your daddy~ or if you want you and I can-"
"Oh don't even try it milk tits! For one, I'm actually dating him and getting to know him! I'm not gonna just jump on his dick and do the vertical tango, unless he's in the mood and we both agree to it!" Fortuna said as now she and Raikou were butting heads and growling. Pushing one another as their respective breast and ass shook with each shove.
"You're really set to making Fortuna your new mom Bell?" Lena asked as Bell leaned back against the sofa as Liruka was now putting both women in a connected choke hold using her entire body. Strangling Rakou with her petite slim legs while with Fortuna, she was using her arms.
"I did say that I was gonna try and find a nice girl for Pops. And well, considering all this stuff about me being next in line, why can't I find him one since he and granny are doing the same for me?" Bell said as he looked at Lili as he motioned for her to join with them on the couch.
At this point, Lili couldn't even argue or question why and how a Pallum woman was able to choke the two taller women with such ease. Avoiding their little scuffle and ignoring the pleading looks Fortuna and Raikou gave her. She made her way to the couch, dusting off a spot and sat down. Next to Bell and Lena but gave her a little more space away from them.
"First...I'd like to apologize for, well, all this. I kinda was paranoid and had some similar experiences to this. So sorry for wanting to make sure if this instance was real or if I was hallucinating." Bell said as he bowed his head at Lili, now waving her hands at Bell.
"I-it's fine. I-I well...the world is still a big place. So I can't blame you for this. Though, a little warning could have been nice."
"I'm sorry. The name's Bell Cranel, and earlier you asked about joining me in the dungeon. I actually wanted to ask how it works with Supporters and contracts with adventurers. Do we make a contract, or do you have a schedule I need to keep in mind?" Bell asked as Lena was observing the two quite intently.
'Something's defineatly off about her. A supporter with that large of a bag I can get. What I don't get, is the items inside it. *Sniff* Some of that is poison and numbing solutions. And tipped arrows.' Lena's eyes narrowed as Lili was explaining the conditions and other offers Supporters would give to adventurers and talking about some examples of contract's dealings.
'She's wearing that tattered robe, but underneath it there's not much protection. I can guess maybe a tattered top and shorts, or a skirt? And the tights around her thighs from what I saw are torn as well. Meaning she's not one for defensive support or assists. More like she's a range fighter and a hit and run specialist.' She thought as she relaxed herself. Though subtly shifting her eyes to Liruka who saw them and lightly nodded back in discretion.
"I see, so technically I can't hire supporters to join my crew unless they're more suited after a few dives with the clientele and then can determine if they want to join?" Bell asked, slightly disappointed that he would have to wait for Lili to join him, and that would be a big IF she wanted to.
"No, though your price would be tempting for Lili, consent and mutual agreement for both parties must be taken if a Supporter is willing to make a exclusive contract with a client." She said, though part of her was very, very tempted to accept the offer he made to join his little crew.
'He must've come from some rich blood to offer that amount of Valis and starve himself if he's looking for more party members.' She thought as now getting the ideas in her head to keep him around longer than she would to milk him for all he has left and for every Valis he would earn in the dungeon.
"How about this, we spend some time dungeon diving together, let's say...for a week. And after that, you can decide if you want to join my crew or not. Even then if you don't, I'll still pay you with extra for all the work you'll be putting in with me." Bell suggested as Lili blinked.
"W-Well...actually that does seem like a fair deal. Alright then Master Bell, Lili will be your supporter for the week. Please take good care of me. And I hope you'll be fine with my decision about joining your party." She said as she bowed at him a little. Though wondered why he looked at her with a confused expression and tilting his head to the side, making him a bit cute.
"Hm? Party? No, nothing like that. I mean join my crew." Bell said, making Lena and Lili confused what he was talking about.
"Um Bell? Don't you mean a party to go to the dungeon with? That's typically what you call it." Lena said as Bell leaned back against the soft cushions of the sofa and smiled. Hands over his head as the two girls looked at him smiling.
"Nah, I mean my crew. What I see it and understand it, is that a Party is more like a band of other adventurers diving in the dungeon to earn more Valis and drops. Sure they can become friends or more likely be the same members from your familia. But that's not what I want."
"Then..what is this Crew? How would you say it's different than a Party?" Lili asked as both girls then felt an odd sensational shiver crawling up their spines. Seeing Bell's smile growing even wider as he had his arms in the air.
"A Crew is more than a Party. It's like a familia in of itself! A family. A group of motley adventurers and interesting people that explore and go on amazing adventurers no one has ever been on before! Riches and treasures! Amazing sights this world has to offer! A band of people that don't care about the riches and fame people give them, we'd explore and hunt in the dungeon, for the thrill of it!"
Both girls were in awe and silence after his explanation. Though, Lena was more in awe and now wondering how Bell could turn her on after such a rousing speech and explanation of what a crew meant to him.
Lili on the other hand, was confused. For a moment she wondered why did she continue her own set goals in mind and instead of taking Bell's ideology about adventuring. The way it sounded to her, made it seem he was utterly free.
Free of anything and everything and just diving in the dungeon for the sheer joy of it. No shackles or chains on him or any necessary goals or task to bind him down.
"W-well. T-That's quite the...passionate idea of a crew you have. Please respect Lili's decision after the end of our contract for the week. Should we start this contract of ours today or rather wait for tomorrow?"
"Today! Let's go dungeon diving today! I'll show you how much fun it can be if you decide to join my crew. Let's go! Bye girls! See ya around Lena!" Bell said as he hopped off from the couch and grabbed Lili by her arm towards him. Now cradled in his arms bridal style as he slung over her bag over his shoulders and ran out the brothel. With Lili's screams now echoing into silence as the rest of the girls waved him bye.
"Passionate speech aside...you girls picked up on her, didn't you?" Liruka said as her eyes narrowed. Looking at the rest of her staff and got the view of serious looks on their faces. With the exception of Raikou, who was smiling so deadly it couldn't withhold her leaking bloodlust and now had a large axe with a golden blade in her hands.
"Better tell my future hubby about Bell's new supporter after our date later this week."
"Better yet, why don't I have a little 'chat' with this girl. She needs mommy's approval to be going out with Bell."
"Lena, take whatever time off you need this week and keep an eye on that girl. Report back and intervene when needed. But don't let Bell see you alright?" Liruka said, ignoring Fortuna and Raikou as Lena got off the sofa and saluted to the short, and still naked, Pallum woman.
"Roger that ma'am! Also, why haven't you put on anything yet?"
"Because I'm stuck dealing with these two idiots first and haven't gotten back to my room yet idiot! Still...I kinda felt sorry for the girl just now." Liruka admitted. Earning her girls confused looks upon their faces as the stared at her.
"Take all what we saw her reacting to and talking to Bell. She had no idea what Bell's done around Orario. There wasn't even a hint of hesitation or second guessing about him when he talked." Liruka said as she crossed her arms and smirked.
"That poor, poor girl. She's now stuck with Bell for an entire week diving together in the dungeon."
"I wonder what would break first? Her spine after we tell Hedin and from us after? Or her sanity?" Lena asked with a puzzled expression as she walked out the brothel to follow Bell and Lili.
[10 Minutes after leaving The Midnight Veil]
"YYYEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHh! T-TOO FAST!!! WAY TOO FAST!" Lili screamed at the top of her lungs as she was then splashed with another few drops of monster blood on her face. Her screams echoing the dungeon walls as a plea for this wild nightmare to end. But it was all drowned out from the child like laughter coming from Bell.
In his overexcitement of Lili, temporarily, joining his crew before making any final decisions, made a full rush to the dungeon. Wanting to go deeper and bring a large haul of goods to show Lili this would be beneficial for her and give her a taste of the rush and excitement she could witness if she did join him.
She was still being carried like a princess, though with only one arm carrying her. As he now wore her large backpack as they were still running through the dungeon's floor as he slashed apart many kobolds, goblins, poison moths and ant like creatures in his way.
"Let me down you idiot!" Lili screamed as she then slapped Bell across the face. Making him tumble as he fell down. Lili being safe, though now she was laying atop his body as he groaned and rubbed his cheek. Flustered by this, she rolled off of the boy and kissed the dungeon floor as she was out of breath.
"*Pant Pant* Haaa...thank the gods I'm alive. What floor is this!? Where did you drag Lili!"
"Owww...that hurt! And we're only on the ninth floor."
"Ninth!? We were just at that brothel at Ishtar's district like ten minutes ago!? How, how in the world did you drag me and my stuff down to the ninth floor of the dungeon. Across Orario no less, in only ten minutes!?" Bewilderment couldn't even come close to how surprise Lili was at with Bell.
"I run really fast and training. Well, hup, lets get going and collect these things. The quicker we do the faster we can get to the deeper levels." Bell said as he squatted down to the floor and began picking up the magic stone drops and the occasional fangs and claw drops that lingered on the floor.
"Wha-um...I think Lili should've asked this but what Level are you?"
"Oh, I turned Level 2 recently actually. But I've had quite the experience in the dungeon beforehand. Hell, even before I joined with my familia I was dungeon diving to earn a living." Bell said as he adjusted the backpack on his back and counted up the drops he got sofar.
"You dungeon dived without a blessing!? That's illegal!"
"Well no one told me it was, and I was never caught. The guild workers never even asked what familia I was in when I came to Orario. But hey, ether I make some money to get buy in an inn or live on the streets." Bell said as Lili had her hand out. Confused as to why until she moved her head to the side.
Blinking, he then realized she wanted her backpack back. Taking it off and now was surprised how a small girl like her lifted it with such easily and freely carried it behind her.
"Woah, for being so skinny and small you're super strong! I wonder if you could carry me easy?" Bell said, amazed and even clapping at Lili. Causing the Pallum to flush red and scowl as she collected the other drops on the floor.
"It's because of my Supporter Skill. Supporters in the dungeons are expected to be the pack mules for adventurers. So there are skills that help us make things easier for the party. Like strength or skills that allow us to carry large loads. Magical pockets to store more items. Or even support magic like healing or enchantments."
"Ohhh~ That's pretty cool! Wait...I wonder if my new skill could be considered a Support Class skill?" Bell wondered aloud as he and Lili were finished with collecting the drops and continued walking down the dungeon.
"Oh right, I have heard that when you Level Up there's a chance to gain a skill."
"What Level are you at Lili if you don't mind me asking?"
"Level 1. But I have my own skills and tricks up my sleeve~!" She chimed, wanting to still get on his good side and lower his guard for later on in the week.
"Hehe! Then hopefully I get to see them one day. Now, off to the thirteenth floor!" Bell chimed as he hurried his pacing. His statement made Lili freeze up and blink. Soon shaking her head as she followed Bell, and not long after, the sound of the deaths and screeching's of monsters rang about.
'The thirteenth floor? Is he that ready to go to the middle floors of the dungeon so soon? We aren't prepared for this...I should ask him to reconsider. But, there's a chance this could benefit me and leave him off.' She thought as she realized Bell was already done with the monsters up ahead as he swung his knife aside. Flicking off the blood as it illuminated in the dungeon's darkness.
'It cleaved through the dozen of Killer Ants like nothing and not even a spec of blood could stick to it. And the cuts...they're so clean and swift. That must be a well made knife.' Lili thought as she walked closer and collected the stones. But now had more info to fish.
"Master Bell, how were you that skilled to cleanly cut through these monsters. Even if you're a Level 2 adventurer, something like that has to take years to master."
"Oh, well true. I did have years prior to even coming here to Orario in training how to fight monsters and other strong opponents. And this knife was a gift from my goddess and her friend for joining." Bell said as he collected some stones from the corpses of the ants as Lili clapped.
"Aw, that's sweet of your goddess and her friend to make you such a useful gift." 'If a god was able to help create that knife...then its an Hephaestus made knife! I could sell that beauty for millions!' She thought, already piecing who was the god that made that knife. Making her way to collect more stones until she realized one critical detail.
"That's odd...the Killer Ant's aren't disappearing." Lili said as she moved to one of the corpses that was cut in half. Touching the head and around its limbs. Feeling some warmth from the corpse as she saw the dead eyes and amounts of blood that leaked from both halves.
"Weird. It's dead, no denying that. But then why is it the body is still intact and not a smoke of black ash."
"REALLY!?" Bell screamed out. Startling Lili as she watched the white-haired boy going wide eye and now turning all around the floor. Shaking his head left to right and hopping to all four directions before he raised his hands in the air with the knife still in his hand.
"YEAHHHSSS! It worked! My Skill actually works!"
"W-Wait...your skill is causing this?! Is it [Hunter]?" 'So is he part of the Gaesha family? Or could it be a side effect of the normal [Hunter] Skill an adventurer has the option to choose from after a Level Up?'
"Yeah! See, while I was in the hospital after a certain accident. My goddess updated my status to help with my recovery. And not only did I level up from it apparently, but I got a skill while I was asleep! I guess this is part of what it can do." Bell said as he picked up one of the corpses and looked at it.
"W-What's your skill called and what exactly does it do. Just in case if it's dangerous." Lili asked, playing on fear in hopes for him to tell her and using it so as a means for him to confess if she felt she would cancel the deal they made.
"Oh, no it's nothing dangerous. Rather from what Pops and my goddess told me that it's super good to make some more Valis! It's called [Delicious in Dungeon]! And what it does is a few things: it allows me to tell if some of the plant life in the dungeon is edible and makes monster limbs and corpses to become possible drop items! Plus as a little extra, if the monster parts are edible and I prep and cook a meal from it, it can give recovery to people!"
'What? WHAT!? A skill like that exist!? Monster drops are already rare itself! If we take these corpses...the amount of Valis could be huge! But, why would anyone eat monsters from the dung-'
C R U N C H !*
Lili froze as she was looking at the floor in shock from Bell's explanation of his skill. After hearing and thinking of the part about eating monsters. Hearing that sound sent a shiver of panic and fear through her spine. Slowly, she turned towards Bell. Praying that it wasn't what she was thinking that he was doing to the monster corpse.
"Hmmpfh? Ah...schowwy. Did you want some of my snacks Lili? I brought extras and a lunch for later. But if you're hungry I can share!" Bell said as he was eating some cookies he took out from his small pouch and offered one to Lili, who now let out a sigh of relief.
"I would like one actually." Lili said. As they then dried up the corpses and stuffed what they could into Lili's bag and Bell's magical satchel and continued on with their expedition until they had reached the entrance to the thirteenth floor.
Lili felt nervous as they were in the front to what many adventurers called "The First Line". It was the entrance to the middle floors. Filled with monsters and dangerous areas than what the first twelve floors of the dungeon offered to many newcomers.
'I know what the middle floors are capable of. And we could get lost within them. Maybe Bell thinks this will be like the floors from before, but sadly his naive nature will be his downfall.' She thought as she clenched onto the strap of her backpack. A sinking feeling in her gut as she looked at the entrance.
"S-So Master Bell, what's-"
"Hmmmm~ So this is what the entrance looks like. Alright! Well we reached our goal for the day, time to head back!" Bell said as he patted the top of Lili's hooded head and swiftly turned back with the balls of his heels and started walking away.
"W-W-Wait a sec! We came all this way down here to the thirteenth right? I thought you wanted to explore the floor for a bit and then call it a day?" She exclaimed, but that didn't seem to stop Bell as she followed him.
"Nah, this is as far as I can go. Pops would nearly kill me if he found out I went to the deeper floors without my crew. And especially if he didn't have me take lessons and learn a few things about them from ether books or from that sadist." Bell said with a dejected sigh escaping his lips. Earning Lili to look puzzled at the mention of a sadist.
"Besides...we got quite the haul today. And knowing me-"
"I don't know much about you actually aside some bits here and there. Along how you're most likely a regular at that brothel now."
"Well then we'll have to change that today then! C'mon lunch is on me today! But, knowing me or rather you getting to know me now Lili, I'm an idiot." Bell said, looking back to her with a cheery smile as she felt her face looking at him with a dull look.
"I'm an idiot that's got a love for adventures, fighting, food and romance of life. So I probably wouldn't hold myself back about exploring an entire new floor or picking a fight with every monster that might come our way if we went down to the thirteenth."
'How is he an idiot when he knows his own faults and means to solve them and at least learn from his stupidity? Whoever this 'Pops' of his, must've taught him well enough for him to admit and learn.' Lili thought as she was impressed by his maturity of the situation.
"And while that seems fun, I don't want to put my crew at worry without warning them or them getting use to the floors first. And since you haven't decided about joining me yet. I'm not gonna risk your life for my own selfish want of an adventure. Not yet at least." Bell admitted as Lili found herself smiling at him.
"Plus, we should have made quite the haul today. And I don't think either of us can carry any more drops without slowing down a lot to get back to the upper floors." Bell said as both of them had to look back and see Lili's bursting backpack filled with stones and monster drops and the occasional corpse and limb peeking out.
"Fair enough..alright! Let's head back up to the guild and have our fill at lunch!"
"Now you're talking my language!"
Unknown to Bell or Lili, Lena was observing them both as she let out a small smile. Hiding behind some of the dungeon's rocks and terrain as she watched them leaving the entrance to the thirteenth floor. To recall her findings as of sofar.
"Well...she had a few opportunities to leave Bell alone and stranded. Though I don't think that would've happened. He's more aware of his surroundings. But she was hesitant. Maybe re thinking whatever she had planned for him. And she seemed generally surprised about Bell not going down to the thirteenth." She said as she made a mental list of Lili in her head.
"Maybe she's not too bad. But she's definitely a crafty one. Better keep a closer eye on her if she actually does snag Bell's cool looking knife. And maybe see who her clientele list is and her other jobs with other adventurers too...this definitely isn't her first time and lets see what she does to the others." She muttered as she swiftly followed them behind. Making sure to stay in the shadows or out of their sights.
[Some Time Later: Guild]
"Th-Thr-Three..."
"Three million Valis! Haha, we're rich Lili!" Bell quietly, and silently cried in joy as they were now staring at the large sacks of Valis on the table. Lili's eyes couldn't believe it at first when they were told the estimate.
But after emptying their bags for all the stones and drops they had. Watching the startled and horrified looks on the guild member's faces when they turned in the corpses. And waited nearly over an hour and a half for them to count, separate and store the money for them. Here she was now forced to eat her own doubt down her throat.
"So, how would you say about joining my crew after seeing today's results?" Bell said with a snicker and grin on his face so wide, Lili thought it would freeze up and or end up in the hospital for them to try and get it to stop.
"A-As tempting now after seeing this...Lili won't be swindled in with money! Please Master Bell, be patient for Lili's answer."
"Hngh! Thought I had you...but fine. Please try to bear my eagerness till then. It's just, gah! I can't help it! I feel like with you in my crew we can turn the whole dungeon upside down!" Bell said as he was practically dancing and hopping in place and extremely giddy.
"Lili will try. So now let's split the prof-eh?!" She was then startled with the amount of Valis he was taking out of one of the bags and putting it into the other. And then scooting the one with now more money to her as he tightened up the bag and placed it in his magical bag. Watching it get instantly sucked inside and adjusting it to his hip.
"Alright, well that settles the pay. Now come on! Lunch awaits and I am starving for some stir fried noodles!"
"W-Wait! Master Bell are you that reckless with money!? W-We should make an agreeable division of profits. Why not 50/50? Or if you want then we could do it 60/40 for you so-"
"Nah! Besides, you did a great job in watching my back and helping me pick up everything!" Bell said as he crossed his arms over his head and smiled.
"I noticed that you had a crossbow in your cloak arm and saw the arrows off in the distance at the walls where the other monsters were pinned at. And I could tell by the leaking residue falling from the walls they were paralyzing and poison ones. You really had my back covered with that variety of range support. So I felt, that you more than earned the amount I gave you."
"Master Bell..." Lili was surprised. Sure she was doing her job, but she was never expecting her to be compensated for her effort into the work or for him to notice how she helped. Before it was always following orders, no matter how rude or painful her clients were to her. And her getting the small change and pay at the end of it all.
"Plus...I think this would be a bit suitable for an apology. Y'know for this morning? About dragging you to the girl's business."
"A-Ah! W-Well...alright then. But I'll only accept it this time. Next time we go to the dungeon we're setting a good ratio of the profits split between us. Got it?"
"Hehe! Alright I got it. We can talk about when the next time we go and what to split over some food. I know a good place that's always treated me right, and I sometimes can convince the owner to give us a bit extra for no charge."
"Really?!" Lili asked at the sound of a good bargain as she instantly stuffed the sack full of Valis in her backpack and placed it on her. Running ahead of Bell out to the entrance of the Guild as Bell followed her stride.
"Let's hurry then Master Bell! Better hope Lili doesn't make you lose all of your Valis over lunch! I'm gonna go all out!"
"Now you're speaking my native language! Though I hope you don't mind the view of maid like uniforms and the sight of an elf trying to commit Far Eastern suicide over not being able to cut veggies!" Bell asked as he let out a hearty laugh from his gut, while Lili couldn't help but smile at his telling's of the place they were about to dine together.
'Master Bell...honestly...if only we had meet for the first time. Things might've been different for me. But...you're too kind for your own good...'