A tired and struggling Bell could be seen rolling around in his bed this early morning in his room. Groaning and turning from one side to the other in attempts to get comfortable and return to his dreams. Yet sadly, this morning's sunlight was being rather annoying like Eina in his opinion as the rays were hitting his bed.
Making him feel too warm and awoke him. As he now tried to turn in his bed to find cold to make him fall back asleep. However, this was proven to have no effect as the longer he stayed in bed, the sun would still rise enough to where the sun's rays could now hit his face.
"Damnit...just when I thought I could sleep in a little while longer. I wish it was foggy like yesterday, that felt like I could've stayed in bed all day." Bell muttered as he rolled over to the left side of his bed and pulled the covers off himself.
Stretching his back as he raised both arms up. Moving his neck side to side to hear audible pops and light sounding cracks coming from his neck as he slid down from his bed to reach his sandals that were on the floor. Slipping his feet in them as he walked away from the bed in nothing but a pair of oversized shorts he wore to sleep.
Making his way into his own restroom a few feet away from the bed as he turned on the lights and now facing the mirror he had over his sink. Staring at his tired face in the reflection while rubbing one of his eyes.
Blinking twice to notice he had eye crust in the corner of his eyes and a little bed head that wasn't much different than how his hair normally looks. Turing on the faucet as he briefly washed his face first before brushing his teeth thoroughly and gurgled out his mouth for rinse.
Before leaving his bathroom, he paused to look at himself in the mirror. Looking down and turning a bit to each side. His fingers tracing over the scars he's had for years now and some that were still healing from the incident back at Monsterphilia.
There was one particular scar he couldn't seem to take his eyes off of. The large X shaped gash that was at the center of his chest. Gently tracing it and resting his hand over it as he looked at himself in the mirror, smiling as he looked at it with a familiar and reminiscent gaze.
"*Sigh* I'll keep my promise to you. It'll be a while before I can help you achieve your wish, so bear with me and wait a little longer..." He said to himself. Smiling at his own reflection as he turned around and shut off the lights.
Quickly moving to his drawer and pulling out a set of clothes and quickly dressing up. Now wearing nothing but a pair of black pants and a loose pale blue long sleeve shirt and now putting on his brown boots.
Now leaving his room as he passed by a few others in the familia going about their morning. Waving hello or many of them wishing each other good luck for the dungeons today as he made way to the mess hall. Half full and some leaving or going for more helpings of breakfast.
"Morning!"
"Hey./How's it going?/Morning kid!/Good morning!"
Various hellos and waves towards Bell were given as he made way to the lineup for breakfast and picking out what to eat. His plate soon full of multiple choices for breakfast as he was trying to look for space and where Hedin is.
"Morning dear nephew! Looking for you dad?" Bell then turned behind to see Hogni smiling and wrapping his arm around Bell's shoulder. Guiding him towards the back corner of the dining hall and there he could see Hedin, Helun, Heith and surprisingly Allen seated together as he and Hogni made way and pulled out the chairs.
"Morning Pops! Helun! Heith! Bottom cat boy." Bell said as he smirked at Allen as the cat threw his butter knife at Bell, who tilted his head to avoid the coming knife as it was now imbedded in the wall.
"Morning Bell/Hey there, sleep well?" Helun and Heith greeted him as he sat down as Hedin looked towards him, pausing his eating as he saw Bell about to dive into his meal.
"So, how was your little excursion yesterday with your supporter?" He immediately asked, getting straight to the point as the others were now interested. Though Helun and Hedin knowing this was coming as this was evident to come sooner or later.
"Hmm~ Well it kinda scared me when I meet them. She looked exactly like Miss Liruka from The Midnight Veil. I-I mean...serious this happened to me three, maybe four times now." Bell said with a blank look, but was trembling a little in his seat.
"What on earth is your luck with finding doppelgangers of other people?" Heith asked as she was also startled on how many times this has happened to Bell.
"But after that whole mess...I'd say it was pretty productive! We went down to the floors after only ten minutes since we left the girl's place and were making good progress and got some drops. And I got to see what my [Delicious in Dungeon] Skill looked like when it was activated!"
"Bell! Couldn't you have been a little discrete with your skill to that supporter you hired? What if word gets out because she saw you?" Hedin said, scowling at Bell who raised his hands with fingers out.
"One, how could I have hidden it when we were together in the dungeon? Two, what reason could I give if we were then leaving the dungeon and those corpses and limbs were still there even after I took out the magic stones? Three, she explained that her clientele and whatever they do in the dungeon is confidential. So there's not much need for worry."
"Even so, you should be careful with that."
"Pops, it's me. Which brings me to the fourth reason why keeping it hidden wasn't gonna work out. It was bound to happen ether way. Ether from others seeing it while I'm killing monsters in the dungeon, or me selling the corpses at the guild. Which I did, earned us quite the money. Or if I wanted to hide it, I should've eaten them."
"Fucking gross! Could you not talk about eating monsters while I eat my meal in whatever peace there is with you around?" Allen said as he gagged from hearing the sound of Bell possibly eating monster corpses to keep his stupid skill a secret.
"Please I bet that's not the grossest thing you've heard. Or tasted probably. I mean, from what I hear passing by the rooms, the sound of you gagging on Alfrigg's dick probably taste horrible for you. Though I bet Alfrigg is having a worse time if you're blowing him." Bell retorted with no hint of hesitation as Allen was now beat red, and sadly held back by Hogni who was smirking, while Helun tried to hold her laughs and Heith was now on the floor clutching her stomach.
"Eating monsters...honestly I don't even know how that's a thing with your skill. But are they even edible?" Hedin said as he rubbed his eyes as Bell continued to eat.
"From what I saw yesterday, the Killer Ant's were the only corpse pieces that were considered edible. Though I kinda regret not getting to taste or cook one to try it out."
"Ew! Bell! Why would you even think about eating ants?" Helun said as she looked flushed and a bit green at the thought of eating insects.
"Well there's those chocolate ants candies made from ants. And some scorpion popsicles I saw from The Witches' House. And even this one food vendor from Monsterphilia had a whole menu made from bugs and insects that were deep fried and properly cooked." Bell said as he took another bite from his plate as Hedin then passed him a few extra slices of bacon from Allen's plate as he was being held down by Hogni.
"Besides. This wouldn't be the first-time eating bugs. Back with my shitty gramps's training for me to become an adventurer, he had me survive the wilderness for a whole month. So, I had to eat whatever I could hunt and find in the woods."
"H-How old were you when he started doing that insane training methods to you?" Heith asked, bewildered at the fact someone would leave a kid alone in the woods for a month. And expect them to have survived it all with whatever they could scavenge from there.
"I was about six years old. That was actually one of the more tamer training sessions he gave me. Some were just excuses to help him peek on the women back home or other neighboring towns. But I ruined those for him."
"What on earth was your grandfather even thinking to train a six-year-old about survival skills?" Hedin asked as Bell shrugged his shoulders as he kept eating.
"So what's your plan for today? Another run in the dungeon? You better be careful with that skill now or others are going to be suspicious with how much Valis you earn." Hedin warned as Bell placed down his fork and wiped his mouth with the napkins.
"Nah, no dungeon dive today. Lili said she had to help with some favors her dwarven friend needed help on. And about the money part, she told me that yesterday and said she would keep her share in a safe place. Considering how some adventurers around and her familia are causing right now, money should be protected when you're done with the dungeon."
"What familia does she belong to? Or did you not ask her that when you hired her?" He asked while holding his urge to smack Bell upside the head.
"She's from this familia called Soma. Apparently, what I got word of, he's in the process of making a batch of his famous wine. So his members are scrambling to get money to afford it. I wonder what it tastes like considering it supposed to cost someone their arm, leg, kidney and even eyes to afford one bottle of it."
"Hmm...I remember Lady Freya once bought a bottle before. She did comment it had a nice fragrant smell and that it was a taste said to relax and relieve your body. But it's made by a wine god, so I don't know exactly about the effects for humans or mortals. Well, aside his failed product at least." Heith asked as Bell placed his utensils on his plate and went over to return it to the cooks and thanked them for the meal.
"Maybe someday I'll try it. But for now, it's off to the Hostess and the rest of my day off!"
"Are you going there for second breakfast?"
"Nah, nothing like that Pops. Just wanted to have some tea and talk with Syr for a bit and help her out. She said she had a new recipe for the menu and wanted me to taste test it." Bell said as many of the others in the familia froze on the spot and dropped their utensils and or glasses at the sound of Syr making something.
"I-I see...well be mindful about it. They're only asking you to help taste test it and review it. Don't go about ordrring dozen's of food! If they're making new menu items then the Hostess is more likely closed for the next few days to get their new menu set in stone."
"Alright Pops. Afterwards I'm gonna swing by Lady Phae's and ask if that Welf guy is in. And something else that I had a question about. Take it easy today Pops! I'll look over granny's letters and proposals when I get back so leave them in my room." Bell said as he turned around to head to the doors and waved them off.
"Don't be stupid and don't ask for anything idiotic for Lady Hephaestus!"
"And don't overwork yourself! Otherwise, how would you enjoy your upcoming date with Miss Fortuna~!"
S L A M !*
"WHO THE HELL TOLD YOU THAT!?" Hogni and Heith were nearly about to die from holding in their laughters in so hard at the sight of Hedin shooting straight up from his seat. Ears bright red and steam coming off from them. All while his stuttering and embarrassed face was growing dark red with each passing second as Bell's laughter soon faded away.
"I'm going to kill him. I am definitely going to kill that idiot son of mine when he comes back here and when we go over his lessons tonight." Hedin muttered as he slammed his fist onto the table and had his hand over his face. Slumped in his seat and trying to calm himself down from the embarrassment his son gave him over his personal life.
"If you did that, wouldn't the Queen kill you too? And don't blame him too much. Miss Fortuna kinda spilled the beans when he introduced Lili to us yesterday." A voice ran around the small group as Allen and Hogni instantly drew their weapons and looked around. Helun and Heith blinked. Checking under the tables and around them who was talking.
"That woman...fine. I'll let this pass. Now get out of there Lena. What brings you by aside your report from yesterday." Hedin said as he reclined into his seat. As from above, one of the ceiling tiles was opened and jumping down from above and landing on Allen's head was Lena. Narrowly avoiding Allen's sword slash and sat down on the table in front of Hedin.
"Well I did tell boss woman I'd keep an eye on Bell and that Lili girl. And I'm here to tell you I'll be following her today and see what else she's doing. As well as some protection towards her." Lena said as Hedin nodded in approval, while the other four in the table were baffled at how easily she came into their home.
"Very well. I approve of your plan. Did anything suspicious happen yesterday when they went into the dungeon?"
"Aside the items she was carrying in her bag. While which can be considered suspicious, supporters do carry poisons and other concoctions for monsters. So I really wouldn't know what her plan was with them entirely. But its painfully obvious that she's oblivious to who Bell really is." Lena said as Hedin placed his fingers to his chin in thought.
"That could be advantageous to us actually. I'll send word to the Faes to assist you in recon and spy work for the remainder of their deal. Also, given that she's from Soma, watch out for any of her other familia members. Those drunken buzzards have been on the prowl as of late for any scrap of Valis they can get their hands on.
"Aye eye Bell's Dad!" Lena said, giving a salute to the man and making Helun smile as Heith and Hogni were wheezing silently and slamming their hands on the floor.
"Though, I do have something to add into what I saw. I think...Bell might know she's not exactly what she claimed to be." She added in. Making Allen and Hedin blink.
"Hold on. Are you saying that the stupid rabbit knows she's acting a bit suspicious and still playing along with her? How can you even tell." He asked the amazon as she covered her mouth and looked up to the ceiling.
"Well...it's not one hundred percent certain that I know he knows. It's more...like the look in his eyes when they were talking, and he asked about her. What they did. Hobbies. Life and day to day things they would do. He had this focused look in his eyes when she would talk to him, and it got...I dunno...a look of understanding when she mentioned some personal issue of her with her familia." Lena explained, trying to sound it as to make sense to the both of them.
"Hmm...well, for now I'll trust him. If there's something he knows about her already, best wait and see what he does. If not, then we have time to intervene. Thank you for your input Lena."
"No problem! While I'm gone want me to ask Fortuna when you two wanna meet up again for date night?"
"...Yes."
As while Hedin and Lena were talking, elsewhere in Orario, at the Hostess of Fertility. Normally the small pub would be filled with customers and the girls busy as can be. Yet today, the pub was closed for all. As inside the pub the girls were seated at the bar. Watching quite the spectical happening in the main hall of their happy little resturant.
"Like hell you will be cooking for Bell you silver haired harlot!"
"And you can!? How many times did you make mistakes in taking orders Loli Big Boobs! What, did your brain go straight to those things?"
The girls of the Hostess were honestly surprised, and yet not at all when the question came about who would be cooking today's new menu items for the pub. When hearing from Syr that Bell would drop by for his opinion on their new menu items. Hestia took it upon herself to offer that she would cook for them.
Which evidently sparked a fury in Syr.
At first, it was a calm exchange of words and self-sacrifice of the two of them to make Bell a meal. Then it escalated to small jabs at one another about their skills. To then about how clumsy they each were when the pub was busy. Till at one point it became insults about their bodies. And hence why now Ryu, Anya, Chloe and Lunoire were watching the two now gripping at each other's face and hair as they tumbled about on the floor.
"I get the feeling we should try and stop them nya." Anya said as now they watched as Syr topped onto hestia as she grabbed the small goddess's pig tails and began to yank on them hard.
"If we do, I feel like things would come to a misunderstanding when Mama and May come back from getting the rest of the supplies. Do you really want to risk Mama punishing us by mistake for fighting?" Lunoire said. Wincing at the sight when Hestia rolled over and pinched the inside of Syr's thighs and twisting them, Charlie horses were nothing to scoff at.
"You idiots are all getting punished regardless for not stopping these two idiots!" They all flinched as they heard Mia's voice. Kicking open the saloon doors of the pub as she let another cat girl inside first with bags of groceries in her hand.
She wore a white chef's outfit, completely buttoned up and her long sleeves rolled to her elbows. Around her waist was the Hostess's usual colored apron with their tiny emblem on one of the bottom corners. Brown heeled boots and an ascot around her neck and a cap with two holes on top for her cat ears to pop out.
"Enough of your stupid arguing and bitch fighting!" Mia said as she grabbed both girls by the collars of their uniforms and smacked their heads together. A loud KONK sound came from their heads as they were now wincing and tears falling from the corners of their eyes. Rubbing their foreheads to soothe the pain, but it didn't help. As soon after, Mia then smacked them both atop their heads.
"Alright you little shits and lazy asses, line your asses up! Front and center!" She yelled as immediately all the girls including the one that came with Mia through the door lined up straight before her. Their heads held high and for the cat girls, their ears pointed up in attention and their tails straightened out.
"Today isn't just going to be like last time where we make new items and slap it on our menu ladies! Because today, thanks to the idea and invitation from our laziest and yet somewhat competent worker-"
"Mama!"
"Silence! Because of Syr, we are going to have the kid over to help taste them. Give his advice and opinions about them. And what other types of food we can provide and serve to our pub! And since you two morons can't decide who is going to cook for him, then it'll be May!" Mia said as all of the girls looked over to the third cat girl in their staff, the one that came in with Mia.
All blinking in surprise. But to all aside Hestia and Syr, it made the most logical sense. May was their head chef, hence she cooks the new items and recipes she came back with from her small journey outside Orario.
"Wait a second Miss Mama Mia ma'am! Permission to speak!"
"Permission granted tiny god! But make it fast! We got no idea when the kid will be here so the sooner May gets in that kitchen the better we're ready to take notes and to prep our presentation!"
"Thank you ma'am! Why does she get to cook for Bell-kun! We all need to learn the recipes so why not have some of us cook to get use to it so we have more capable cooks for when it gets busy!" Hestia asked as Mia smirked and crossed her arms.
"Very nice suggestion and reasoning tiny god! Yes, while having you girls get practice with it. Unfortunately...it's not worth having you all cook! One, being that it's a waste of food and we don't have all the items needed to make multiple of the same dish! This is a practice test so we can finalize it later! Two, because ultimately, it's me, May, Lunoire and Chloe that are the better cooks in this place!"
"Mama!"
"That's hurtful!"
"...Why must I be cursed with killing the ingredients. Where is my wooden tray?! I have failed my kind!"
"I have it under lock and key you stupid elf! I don't need you trying to repair your kind's honor over your clumsy inability to chop vegetables right! You can cook, but you can't make the simplest cuts to even a potato!" Mia said as Ryu collapsed onto her knees and now looked at the floor.
"Um...Mama? I've been out of the loop now about who's coming to help us taste test the new dishes. Is he that special?" May asked as she raised her arm a little. Her tail straightening more as Mia turned to her with a gleem in her eyes.
"May, let me put it this way. The kid that's coming in her drops nearly over a hundred thousand Valis...sometimes up to five times that a couple days or every few weeks. It's why these morons have some extra spending cash on them now. How we've been getting more business for his suggestion to hire this tiny goddess here. And why we have better equipment in the kitchen!" She said as she walked over to the cat chef.
She slammed her hands onto her petite shoulders and gripped them slowly. Smiling dangerously as May was now trembling in place as her eyes were watering from fear at the look of Mia's eyes.
"If he approves of your cooking and our new menu items. We are going to be swimming in a giant pool of Valis for the rest of our lives. Do what you have to in order to get him to keep coming in here to keep spending and eating!"
"M-Mama! Y-your eyes! I can see Valis symbols in them!"
"Cook like your life is on the line! Give him a show with your cooking! Seduce the boy or marry him to get him to come in here just to see you and spend money for your cooking!"
"HEY!" The rest of the girls cried out in annoyance and glared at their boss.
"If you wanted him to keep coming here then why can't I seduce him! He comes in to visit me a lot already! So why is it you're okay with May seducing him!" Syr asked as Hestia then joined in soon after.
"Bell's already got me making his dungeon lunches! If it's to shag him to come in every day then let me do it! As a goddess, I can use my charms to lure him in! Plus, he's a growing boy! My chest is the best one here!"
"Nyaaaa! No fair mama! Let me pounce on White Hair! I want that hot piece of ass of his!" Anya said as all the girls soon flinched at the sound of bones cracking. They shivered as they saw Mia's neck turn to all of them as her eyes were shadowed over her bangs, but the glowing red gleam in them was what made them visible.
"Do you have a problem with May getting to know the kid better since she hasn't been back for a few months and missed out what hell she's been missing while you all took over for her part?" She asked. Her voice for a moment sounded deep and as if rocks were grinding against one another.
"...F-Forgive us Mama Mia..."
"Woah! Wait what happened!? Did Ryu convince you all to do that Far East honor death thing?!" A voice rang as the sound of the saloon doors swung open was heard. Mia turned her head as did the girls were now sitting on their knees before Mia and May.
May then moved a bit to the side as to get a good view of the person that came in. Assuming it was the one she would be cooking for, she expected them to be some rich looking snob or prudish looking.
"Cute..." She unknowingly muttered as she looked at the young man. Built but slim looking as his white hair and red eyes made him stand out more. His worried and panic look at the girls made him cute. And he then turned to laughter at the flustered faces on their faces was quite infectious she almost giggled.
"Ah, nice of you to come by kid."
"Well I did promise Syr I'd help you out and give my opinion. Hm? You hiring more people Mama?" He asked as Mia turned and smirked back. Pushing May forward towards him.
"This here is May! She's been a part of our staff for a long time. Usually every couple of months she leaves to search for new recipes for our business. May, this here's the kid I was telling you about, cook him up something good!"
"Hehe, I can't wait to try your cooking! Bell Cranel, nice to meet you." He said as he offered his hand to her as she gently shook it.
"H-Hi. I'll do my best to serve you the most delicious meals I've learned!"
"Alright, well don't let me stop you then. I'll wait and prep myself to have some of your cooking!" Bell said as he then went to his usual spot at the bar and propped himself on the stool. Waiting as he kicked about his feet from the edge of the stool and rested his chin on his hands.
May then went to the back into the kitchen and brought over the groceries. All while Mia brings over a mug and filled it with juice as he would wait. The rest of the girls stood up and under Mia's instructions, majority of them went into the kitchen to help May with the prep work, aside from Ryu. Now sitting next to Bell at the pub with her head down.
"C'mon now Ryu, you're still a good cook and waitress. I'm sure you'll have the recipes down in no time when I finish giving my opinion." Bell said as he waved his hand at Ryu, who turned with a sullen look in her eyes.
"But I can't even cut up vegetables right...how can I fail at that. I've forsaken my kind."
"Nah! Besides, your kind are my people too you know. And I say you haven't brought shame." Bell said as that made Ryu blink. Taking his words in and now realizing what he meant. Soon she blushed and now bowed before Bell.
"My apologies your highness! I won't bring shame to us!"
"Heeeyyy~ No titles! I'm no king. Heck I'm technically not even next in line to inherit Grandad Lar's throne. That's step-ma Riveria's responsibility. I'm just your favorite customer and ever laughing patron of the Hostess, Bell Cranel."
"Forgive me Mister Cranel-"
"Bell!"
"Bell sir, but you are now officially part of elven royalty. To call you anything else without formal respect is disgraceful to our kind. Even if you insist, I feel I must address you properly." Ryu said as Bell groaned and now laid his head on the table, his chin resting on the counter as he looked up at Mia with a amused smile.
"I see what you mean when you call her an idiot."
"Right! It's true, but it does give her a bit of charm despite her crappy skills and loner like nature." Mia chimed in, as Ryu felt like she was stabbed by arrows from Bell and Mia's words.
"Speaking of kid, is Ryu here on your list for potential wives?" Mia asked, refilling his mug and nearly making the girls drop what they were doing if it wasn't for her glare through the kitchen window.
"M-M-Mama Mia!? W-Why would you ask such a thing!?" Ryu exclaimed, her face and ears turned bright read as Bell sat back up.
"I'll admit, she's a clumsy and aloof. But come now, she's quite the cook. At the very least she's the most responsible one of my girls-"
"MAMA!"
"And honestly, with you I can see her actually smiling more often. And don't think I haven't seen you smile Ryu. Since he came along now, you do show more emotion." Mia said as Ryu now had her hands touching her face. Feeling if she was smiling right now.
"Plus she's quite the beauty." Bell admitted, joining into Mia's list of complements for Ryu. Saying it as if it wasn't difficult to say and taking another sip of his mug. But not seeing the shocked look on Ryu's face.
"EHHHH!?"
"MOU~ BELL! What about me!?"
"Bell you cheating rabbit!"
Syr and Hestia whined, as they stepped out of the kitchen and peeked through the door frame to look at Bell. And their eyes widened when they saw Ryu's face as soon as he said that. She had the goofiest smile she couldn't even hide or control. Her face and ears so red that it was practically like a tomato. And worse, they heard her giggling!
"Kitchen. Now." Mia growled to them in a low voice as not to disturb Bell and Ryu. Both women flinched and slowly scooted back inside the kitchen. And the sound of now fire being turned on and sizzling of vegetables were heard. Music to Mia's ears.
"Ho? And what make this clumsy elf of mine a beauty?" Mia said, smirking as Bell didn't seem to notice the girl's reaction or how Ryu was acting up right now.
"Well, she has this odd mysterious allure to her when she's so focused on her work. I think it adds more to her natural beauty. The short hair with those blue eyes of hers. Honestly those cool gazes of hers when she looks at people give her more of an alure to her face. She's hard working, and I admire how well she does so. Plus, even she has her cute and embarrassing moments that are hard not to appreciate and laugh at."
"Maybe you should thank her and tell her that to her face." Mia chimed. Tilting her head towards her left. Making Bell blink as he turned. To be stunned at the completely red-faced Ryu as he saw steam coming off her head and puckered lips as she stared at him.
Silence came between the two, but that didn't stop his face from burning up and now looked back down at his empty mug. Slowly turning up to see Mia's smirk as he grew one on his own face. Looking sheepish and rubbing the back of his head now.
"Any chance of forgetting what I said?"
"Nope! You might have a chance here Ryu! Now kid, under no circumstances are you free to fool around with any of my girls hearts. And if you do then you better be prepared for me to cut off your balls if you're not serious about them." Mia stated as she slammed a knife into the bar. Making the girls flinch and Bell to cross his legs by reaction alone to the sound of the knife.
"If you're completely serious, then I expect a ring and a wedding within the year you do propose, and I better see a bun in Ryu's oven a few months after!" Mia boldly claimed, as May was also startled this time and nearly burnt her tail in the process.
"Mia! Of all the things you did and say in the past why are you somehow serious about Sir Bell marrying me!?" Ryu asked. Slamming her hands on the bar as she was now a whole new shade of red entirely. With Bell chocking on his own spit and coughing like a mad man.
"If he gets married to you, then business will be booming with elven customers and the royal family will pay us a fortune for catering!"
"You heartless money-grubbing dwarf! How could you offer our Ryu away so easily! Even if it is to Bell! There are things that should be taken nice and slowly at first and then blossom!" Syr exclaimed as she yelled through the window.
"I want what's best for us and the restaurant! More so, I want grandkids coming from this boy! He's the first man that I can be safe to say that he's got my approval to date you girls! I'm taking what his situation brought him to good use! If you all want a chance for him, then try harder and seduce my potential future son-in-law!" Mia yelled as Bell was struggling to get up to the bar and look at the dwarven women in surprise and blinked twice.
"Huh? Guess she does have a motherly side to her after all." Bell muttered as the yelling of proposals and argument of who should marry first was going on. All the while May was now bringing out the treys of food and placed them before him.
"I am impressed and shocked that you were able to bring this side of Mia to light again. And hopefully I can stick around to seeing how else she reacts and talks to you. Though, try not to give me a heart attack while I'm cooking." May said as she shivered and rubbed her singed tail.
"One, that wasn't my intention or fault. And, I can only promise to try. So! What dishes did you discover?" Bell said as he licked his lips in anticipation. May smiled as she lifted the lids to three plates.
At the sight of the three, Bell was already salivating hard enough to be considered a waterfall falling from his mouth. Seeing one plate with thich, sizzling steaks on a hot plate and melted butter and garlic seasonings spilling on it and with the sounds of the cooked corn and vegetables around the steak.
The one in the middle, was a deep red colored lobster. It's backside opened to reveal the juicy and plump shellfish and steamed potato toppings with cheese and to the side of it was fried shrimp with noodles and spices sprinkled.
Finally, the final plate was a sandwich, but the fillings look oh so captivating and bizarre. Bell inspected it closer as he saw lobster in it. Along with fine chopped lettuce and bacon, in between a layer of lobster and what looked to be steak meat and melted cheese. The smell was also like that of the sea, but mixed in with peppers and garlic.
"The first dish is what typically can be considered a normal steak meal, but the difference being how thick it's cook and it is continued to be cooked while served on a hot plate. Allowing it's fat and juices from the spices and seasonings we prepped it to melt in with the oils and garlic butter to the vegetables and corn."
"Oh gods, I can smell the scents of the veggies mixing in together with the oil and steak. It's smells oddly sweet and tantalizing."
"The second dish is one I found when I visited a port town. I was fascinated how they mixed in the concept of shellfish dishes with potatoes. So I thought why not combine it to become a mix of them. A baked potato styled lobster. Boiled to a vibrant red and cut open to mix in our various oils and potatoes, then steaming them to a nice temperature where the potatoes are closely resembled to the innards of the lobster and melt cheese on touch. With a small side of noodles mixed with shrimp that's been boiled and stirred together in the same pot."
"May, are you trying to give my stomach and tongue an erection right now? It feels like you're edging me to the point of dehydration for losing so much saliva and water from my body just now!" Bell said as his throat was becoming dry at the listings of the prep for the meal.
"And finally, a little bit of the two dishes mixed together to create a light meal. The lobsters' edible shells and meat. Pressed thick enough to not take too much of space for a sandwich. Toasted garlic aioli bread, sandwiching layers of lettuce, finely chopped. Then several thin lightly charred steak slices and cheese. Tomatoes along with tartar sauce as to complement both types of meats, along with the bacon cooked to the fine point where its chewable and yet leaves a crunch in your mouth~." May finished as she bowed before her presentation.
B A N G!*
"FUCK ME!"
"EEp!?" May yelled in surprise as now she watches Bell now starting to devour and savor the first dish. His lips smacking and sounds of gulping down the food as if it was water. His loud chewings and crunching of the vegetables as she watched him mix the steak together and bite into it again. Even starting to worry as he took the corn and bit half of it off and ate it.
"What!? May what are you doing to Bell!" Hestia panicked as the girls heard Bell's roar and quickly turned to the startled cat girl.
"Nya! I've lost to May of all people! I thought I would lose to Syr or at the very least Lunoire but not from one of my own-Oh wait...false alarm! He's just going at it as usual." Anya said as the girls then noticed how Bell was devouring and licking up the plate thoroughly.
"H-H-How is this normal for you!? Is this how he acts when he eats our food?" May asked in bewilderment.
"More so if we actually give it our best. Somehow he eats Syr's food and hasn't been to the hospital yet."
"She can't even cook right!" May exclaimed as Syr send her an irked look as the sounds of sizzling and something wet hitting something hot was heard.
"Oh wow. He's really going at it with that hot plate...that's kinda sexy." Chloe said as she bit her lower lip watching Bell lick every morsel of scraps and meat juices from it. Slurping up the remains that linger on his drooling tongue before now eating out the lobster dish. Even making the rest of the girls blush and Mia to look sheepish and groan.
"He's supposed to give us feedback about this. May, did you tease him at all when you presented them?"
"N-No! All I did was explain how I cooked them and what was part of the plate and sides."
"Oh my me you did tease him. No, scratch that! You were putting him on the edge and now he can't hold himself back! You harlot!" Hestia said as she blushed. Listening now to Bell sucking out the rest of the shellfish from the husk of the lobster and now slurping up the noodles and shrimp.
"Wow, it actually took him longer to get to his third plate. This is showing some good signs Mia! When was the last time it took him this long before going to another plate! May's word teasing and edging Bell did something to get him to really savor her skills with her hands!" Lunoire noted as all the girls went wide eyes and now looked in awe at May.
"P-Please don't phrase it like that!"
"May, you're joining Ryu in seducing that boy and giving me grandkids! That way they'll have your skills and his appetite to give us more good cooks and leave me to give the restaurant to you someday!"
"Why not me?!" Syr, Anya and Chloe shouted.
"Why me!? I barely know him! He's cute and all but I don't know much about him!" May exclaimed in embarrassment.
"I knew it..." Lunoire, Hestia and even shocking May, Ryuu muttered under their breaths.
Crunch!* *Crunch!* *Smack!*
"Ohh~ He's almost done with the sandwich. You're right Lunoire! Alright kid...finish that meal and tell us what we need to know. Don't you dare hold back on us! Good job for pointing that out!"
"Good enough job to take a few days off?"
"Denied!"
"What if it was to get a date with Bell?"
"Approved!"
"Denied!" The girls exclaimed as they leered at Lunoire who merely stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry at all of them.
Clack*
"Gaaaahhhh~ Oh...Crapbaskets. How long was I zoned out!? All I could think about was the food and savoring each speck of it?" Bell asked as he set the plate back down and looked at the girls staring at him normally while Ryu handed him another mug of juice.
"It actually took you about almost thirty minutes to finish two plates. That last one was about...two minutes? Maybe three. But enough about the time, tell me boy. Give us your review on it. And no fucking holding back! Tell me what this genius of a chef did to make you get blue balled on your tonge to suddenly snap like that and go all in on them!"
"Phrasing Mia! Phrasing!" May said as Bell took a long drink from his mug and placed it back down. He then pointed to the first plate, the one in which was three steaks with melting butter on a hot plate with corn and assortment of well paired veggies.
"That first plate, I would call it Steak of Babel, left my mouth watering with every bite. The way how juicy and tender the meat was. How it nealy melts in my mouth each time I chewed only made me hungrier. And it had a sweet aftertaste to it thanks to the veggies. Though...I feel that if it was with more variety, say like tomatoes and zucchini than mostly lettuce, corn and peas then it would have some extra flavors and vitamains to pair with the steaks well."
"Hestia write that down! Write that down and make notes to put in more orders for tomatoes and zucchinis next time we go out shopping for ingredients. And the second one?!" Mia said now handing Hestia a notepad and pen as Bell pointed to the second plate.
"Hmm...The Sea Basket Special...no that name could be better. Well, while the potatoes mixed well with the cheese and lobster. It was just that. Sure the different oils and seasonings gave it more taste. But perhaps adding something else inside the lobster would make it more enticing to dig into it. Maybe bits of tuna or something to pair well with the ingredients. And the side was actually fresh in its taste. Salty, but the peppers and spices added quite the texture."
"Hmm...Honestly that was one issue I had in mind. I thought that potatoes would mix well enough. But maybe I can experiment using peas and bits of steamed carrots and salmon inside it." May thought as she made a mental note to try and add in other things for this dish.
"Finally the third dish, hoo boy that one was like fireworks setting off in my mouth. Lobster in a sandwich, I never would've thought it would pair well. But it did, the sauce you used as a mayo substitute paired well with everything inside. I got a bit of just about everything each bite and it was simultaneously warm and yet cool and refreshing."
"And what would you name this dish of hers?" Mia asked as Bell slumped in his seat and rested his chin on the bar.
"Sad thing, I can't think of a name for this bombshell of a sandwich. It was so good and I nealry forgot that I had to rate them and give my opinion. I was almost tempted to ask for anothe five of them."
"Five more sandwiches..." May whispered as she was even more surprised at how a thin boy like Bell could eat so much.
"Hmmm...Oh! I got it! What about Panic! Mayday!" Anya said as all looked to her with puzzled faces.
"Hear me out, we all panicked when Bell yelled at May to wanting to snag him right then and there-"
"No he didn't!" May said, now red forming on her cheeks and her tail raised straight up.
"Shush you! So, when he said that we were all worried! And then lo and behold he was savoring and enjoying them to his stomach's content. Savoring each bite, he took and from what he told us just now, it's like an explosion of flavors mixing perfectly in his mouth. Watch out! Mayday! And explosion of tasty flavors!" Anya said as she waved her arms around, emphasizing on the explosion of taste.
"Huh...guess there is a brain inside that head of yours. Alright! Now that we've got feedback on them and names. Let's add these to the menu! Except Dish 2, May! Take as much time as you need to test the waters on that one and we'll add it in later." Mia said as she clapped her hands and the girls saluting at her.
"There's one thing I would like to ask Mama." Bell said as she turned back to him.
"I noticed that most of your menu is often pastas, finger foods, some steaks, but why are majority of them sea food and or something to do with chicken?" He said as Mia blinked and looked at one of her own menus and flipped through it back and forth.
"Huh? I'll be damned...you're right. MAY!"
"W-Well...we do get a lot of cat people customers and mostly dog people too. And humans and elves don't seem to mind, well aside the vegetarian options we have for elves." May said as her tail and ears drooped down a bit. Making it know that she was somewhat at fault for making the menu options a bit less diverse.
"Hey, how about this! I cook you all a meal and if you like it, you add it into the menu!" Bell said as he soon got up from the bar stool and hopped off. The girls could only blink as he moved a bit past them and went into the kitchen. Now starting to wash his hands thoroughly.
"Wait, you cook us a meal?" Mia asked, flabbergasted considering his only notable thing aside causing issued and chaos with the elves recently and records and rumors to spread, was his gluttonous ability.
"Yeah, I've cooked before in the past. And I was the one that cooked for me and my shitty gramps back home. It might not be much bit I can whip up something good!" Bell said as he grabbed one of the Hostess's aprons and tied it on. Earning some of the girls to ether look flushed or have nosebleeds for how much of a 'house husband' he looked right now.
"Syr, did you know that he can cook?" Mia asked as she leaned back on the bar counter while the girls took over the bar. Seated and waiting partiently for their meal from Bell.
"N-No. Not really. I haven't asked Helun if Bell could even cook. I did hear that he use to cook outdoors like camping and roasting fish over the fires when he was little." Syr said, though internally...she was panicking and now anxious.
'Oh my precious Bell! By gods you're an absolute tease! First your primal demand to yell "FUCK ME" in the pub with all us girls. Then the way you were eating May's food made me so envious! And now you go about flaunting the fact you can cook, while looking like the perfect house husband!' Syr, or rather Freya, mentally yelled as she had to calm her nerves and pinch her thighs to stop herself from rubbing against each other.
"So nature cooking? I'll admit that's common among elves. Though the taste is rather lacking sad to say. I think it best we keep our standards a bit low. Just to be nice if it ends up tasting a bit, bland." Ryu said as the others somewhat agreed.
"*Sniff* Oh? Going by the smell and sounds. It sounds like he's deep frying something good. I think it's ether pork or meat. And...why does he have eggs out?" May asked as now the sounds of food being sizzled and the sound of boiling oil could be heard.
Clattering of dishes and the sound of the heat dying off. Even the sound of cracking eggs was heard and chopped ingredients rang in their ears. But they couldn't tell what he was making. After a few more minutes of anxious waiting, Bell came out of the kitchen. Holding two large flat treys holding three bowls in each one.
He settled them down by the bar window and one by one served them all a covered bowl and a pair of chopsticks each. Once settled, he set aside the treys and opened the bowls. Removing the lid as a waft of steam filled the air and the scent of the food now trailing up their noses.
"Hope you like it. This was something the local restaurant back home had on their menu. It's simple and you can add in more ingredients if you want. But the main piece of this is what's on top that you're seeing. You can cook it and serve it as is but its paired well with other foods. I give you, a Pork Croquette bowl! Added in with a cracked egg on top, with chives, oregano and a little bit of plum jam mixed in with the rice on the bottom!"
The girls had no words to even begin to describe this heavenly dish served to them. It was as thought this was made with high quality ingredients that fitted for five-star restaurants. The smell alone made the cat girls salivating and their tails wagging. Even Ryu's ears were twitching at the smell of it and Hestia's hair shot straight up.
Nearly blinded by how the egg looked like pure melted gold on top of the perfectly brown and crispy looking croquette. The spices looking so elegant and like stars in the sea of gold and white rice, mixed in with the feint traces of red plum jam in between the grains. Making it look as though it was like an aurora borealis right in the bowl.
"H-How in the world did you cook all these quickly and how does it look better than what we make!?" Mia exclaimed as Bell was busy setting back the treys and washing up the dishes in the kitchen.
"I have been cooking for myself and gramps since I was about six. I was terrible at it, so I had to practice a lot. And I recently have a cooking skill I gained when I leveled up. I haven't had the chance to test it properly till now. But what it can do as part of it, was assist me in how to cook with the ingredients so that it can heal those that eat it."
"Thank you for the food!" Mia was then baffled at how all her staff was now praying before the meal before devouring it. One bite was all it took for Mia to see her usual girls, to now devouring the bowl like Bell usually does. Some even had tears in their eyes as they were still eating.
"MNGH! Sho tasty! It's so crunchy and good!"
'Odr you better cook for me more often and then fuck me right here after I finish this!'
"Amazing! How is it that rice can be so refreshing and chilled to eat after you cooked it! It's like two different meals all together!"
"Nyah!? Look at Ryu's mouth! Cheese is coming from hers!"
"Oh, I remembered most elves weren't too fond of meats like pork and beef. So I made one cheese filled one instead. The good thing about that is there's a lot of possibilities of what types of croquettes to make instead of just one." Bell said as he was wiping off his hands with the apron and stepped out of the kitchen.
Mia then decided to try it herself. And if she was younger and a bigger idiot than her girls, she would've scarfed down the bowl like the rest of them. Smiling as she looked at Bell whi calmly smiled and took off the apron and set it back on the hanger by the kitchen.
"Heh! Congrats kid, your dish is now part of our menu!"
"Hehehe! I look forward to buy and tasting some of your guy's own croquet-"
"MARRY ME!" Lunoire yelled as she hopped over the bar and clasped her hands over his together. Her rear show to the girls as half her body was on one side of the bar and the other now looking at Bell with a pleading face.
"U-Um..what?"
"Marry me Bell please! You're the perfect man I've been looking for all my life! You can cook! You're an excellent provider with how much you make and spend here after coming back from the dungeon. You're so kind and funny and you're absolutely handsome! Please marry me! I'll give it my all to make you the happiest man alive!"
"NYEHAH!? L-L-Lunoire actually giving it her all for Bell!? She's just as lazy as Syr!" Chloe exclaimed as Anya nearly droped her bowl. May was almost choking on some rice. Hestia slammed her now empty bowl on the bar. Syr almost falling off the stool and Ryu chocking and gagging on her cheese croquette.
"W-Well...Lunoire. I-I'm honestly flattered about that. B-But-"
"Ah! Right! You're marriage offers! I know! I'll submit myself to Mr. Hedin and hand out the necessary forms. But, even if I can't be your main wife, please consider me if you have needs to want any mistresses. Here, feel my body! It's perfect to carry children and I'm quite slim!" Lunoire said as she began to undo the top of her uniform, showing Bell a bit of her cleavege as much to his protest and the girls now trying to pull her away.
Sadly, the tug onto Bell was much greater than the girl's trying to force her back. She was then sent crashing into Bell. And to much the girls horror, they were in close proximity and saw, Lunoire had her lips connected to Bell's. Both of them flushed in the face and didn't even bother to pull apart from one another for a few good seconds before scrambling onto their feet and a foot away from each other.
"Lunoire! That's too far! You just stole Bell's first kiss!" Syr exclaimed, though inside, she was furious and chastised herself on why she didn't think to do that.
"This is bad...Sir Bell can't marry anyone from the forest. We might have a war incoming to claim over you and force you to marry him, or it would be death!" Ryu said as Anya and Chloe were hissing at Bell while May and Hestia were panicking at the thought of Elven Guards coming to take Lunorie away.
Mia however, was enjoying this lunch and show bit the girls were doing from sheer stupidity.
"I-I'm so sorry! I'm sorry for taking your first kiss!"
"N-No...I um. I should be sorry for taking yours...and...that wasn't my first." He muttered softly. But his eyes widened when the sounds of several snaps were heard and felt a set of arms grab his shirt.
His face now forced to turn to see Syr's dead serious eyes staring directly into his.
"Pardon? But, that wasn't your first?"
"...No. But m first was an accident I swear! We just tripped and-"
"Who was it!?" They all exclaimed as Mia was smirking. Bell could only think of one thing to do. Closing his eyes. And swallowing the lump in his throat as he then faced Syr once again. Holding onto her shoulders, as he felt her grip tightened.
And quickly gave her a peck to her lips.
Small squeaking sounds filled the air as he then felt her grip loosened. Taking advantage of this, he grabbed Syr and pulled her towards him. Carrying the waitress as he ran towards the door.
"Okay! By Mia me and Syr are off to visit the kids at the orphanage like we promised! Good luck on your menu!" He yelled out. Completely red in the face while Syr was giggling and smiling without a car in his arms. Running down the streets as he ignored the calls for him to come back.
Elsewhere, on the outskirts withing the city's walls were large plots of land. Unused and untouched to any as there laid the ruins and fragile architectures of the city's past. Large buildings and mausoleums once standing proud and tall now crumbling apart and overgrown with vegetation and plant life.
Though speculated that this area is but one of many to house hidden treasures, the idea to excavate it was but a fool's gambit. One wrong move or one tremor to happen, would soon lead to question if you could escape the falling debris from all around.
Yet nothing was ever said that one could hide their treasures among the wreckages. As here, is where Liliruca was finishing up hiding her own treasures in the wreckage. Moving stone after stone to hide it deep and well. Camouflaging it and covering it with vines and bushes to better blend in with the surroundings.
Once done, she dusted herself off and cautiously looked around to see if anyone was nearby. Making her way out of the nearly intact building, she wandered about for a few minutes. Acting lost in the sights of the wreckage just in case.
"If this is what can occur for partnering with that kid. Maybe, Lili can have a shot at leaving and live normally. Maybe away from all of this." She whispered as she recalled the Valis she just buried. Never in her life had she earned even a fragment of that amount given to her the other day.
"He's honestly too nice for his own good. While I might end up leaving, I should at least teach him the truth of what the world really is like. He should be more selfish." Lili continued as she wandered around the ruins.
"Believe me, he can be selfish if he really wanted to! But, it depends on what he wants to be selfish about. Honestly he's actually quite caring and considerate to others, but he's extremely stubborn."
Lili then turned around and clenched her teeth. She rolled up her sleeve to reveal a drawn crossbow and aimed it whoever was talking. To her surprise, she saw no one behind her or around.
"Up here! Didn't expect to see you wandering about this place Lili. Hoping to find some random treasure?" Lili then tilted her head up and turned to the side. Above just a few feet of her, sitting on top of a large broken collum was Lena, smiling down at her as she was kicking her feet in the air.
"Miss Lena, don't scare Lili like that! I heard this place had some treasure, so I was hoping to look for some. But rumors had it that this was haunted! What if you were a ghost!" She said, panicking and lying to the amazon.
"Haunted? Hmm, well this place was abandoned, and a lot of people must've died overtime here. Especially when the Dark Days occurred. Wouldn't be all surprising if you saw something go bump in the night. Good thing you came during the day!" She laughed as Lili was thankful the lie was bought.
"Bell must've been sad you couldn't go to the dungeon with him today huh?"
"W-Well..yeah. I had some things to help out with a dwarven friend of mine, so it would've taken some time out of going in for a dive."
"And did these things involve hiding away your recent score and restocking on more poisons and other tricky items to use on Bell?" Lena asked sweetly. As Lili's eyes widened and fired her crossbow directly for her head.
Lena simply jumped off from the collum and landed straight in front of Lili. Smacking away the crossbow and using her other arm to catch her wrist. Noticing the sharp knife aimed for her neck. And let out a impressed whistle when she caught her other hand holding several needles.
"*Whistle* Straight for the head. I'm quite impressed! And then going for my neck while you were gonna paralyze my body with those needles. This isn't your first time dealing with adventurers stronger than you huh? That's pretty amazing, and a bit scary actually." Lena said, now finding more joy than fear if anything else as she disarmed Lili and tossed the items away from them.
"What are you gonna do to me now? You're going to take my Valis? Beat me up? Kill me?" Lili asked as she readied herself for the worst. But the look in her eyes showed Lena she had fight in her. That she might be going down, but will still fight with tooth and nail.
"*PFFT!* Oh man, I can see why Bell's taking a liking to you and wants you in his little crew. No, I'm not here to fight."
"Then what are you doing following Lili around?"
"Put it simply, orders." Lena said as she clapped her hands together. The echo of her clap rang across the ruins around them. As Lili saw something moved from the shadows. At first it was just her imagination. But no, she saw multiple shadows moving across and around them all.
Trying to keep track of some of them, until when she looked back at Lena, her eyes were widened to a large degree. All around her and surrounding them. Some even standing atop the ruins and others hiding in the foliage of the ruins.
'Elves!? H-How did they even appear out of the shadows!? One...two...nine...no way! I count over twenty of them! Are they with this amazon slut from the pleasure district? Were they hired to take my belongings?'
"Wow! Mr. Hedin said he would send in you guys to assist but damn! Didn't expect all of the Faes to pop up." Lena said as she turned around and looked at them all. As one of them stepped forward and placed his fist to his palm and bowed before Lena.
His long hair looked that of a lion's mane with the lower back of it tied in a small knot at the bottom. Wearing a black headband and facemask that was part of his skintight meshed sleevless shirt. Tucked neatly into his set of baggy looking pants with an overlayer of armor around his hips to his thighs, all while they were tucked into his black combat boots. The same as what the rest were wearing.
"If it's for the sake and to ensure of her majesty, and her grandson's safety, then we are at beck and call. Though we're only meant to observe and report our findings and his details we will not hesitate to kill if need be." He stated as he looked over at Lili with narrowed eyes.
"Ease up on the looks big guy. We just came to talk and warn her is all. No killing here." Lena said as the Fae guard nodded and stepped back. Letting Lena walk closer to Lili with a sway and skip in her stride as she looked around at the rest of them until meeting her eyes.
"Like I said. We're just here to talk and give you a heads up is all."
"W-What about? And who are they?"
"Ahhh right. Alot of people still aren't completely aware of the news. Figured it was spread fast already. Well, to add in some context, a few days back the Elven Royal family came here due to word of Lady Riveria's secret engagement and apparent love child she had. Her parents came, her mother and the guards practically went to war with Loki's children and won. And now for the elves, they have two new members of the family." Lena begain as Lili slowly nodded her head at the understanding of it.
"See, the thing about this apparent love child of Riveria's is that he's not an elf. He's human. And word of it is she left her precious baby boy and her father alone while she went off to do her own thing. But it was clear as day that it was theirs. And when the queen saw her grandson after so many lost years, well, she made it then and there to welcome him and his dad to the family."
"S-So...did Lili-"
"Upupupup! Let me finish. This is all so you can really understand why we're here and what this means for you." Lena said as she tapped on Lili's nose to get her to stop so she can continue.
"Any who, he's been accepted to the family. Which turned out a bit chaotic and actually a good thing for some of the elves that disagree with the prudish stereotype of their race. And already the queen is loving her role as a grandma and taking into wanting him to have a rich and happy life. Even going so far as to make a harem for him."
"A-A harem!? Lewd! Philanderer!"
"It's elven law that allows it. I don't make up a kingdom's rules. Any who. The queen and the father of her grandson take quite a lot of effort to search for good candidates for him. And thus, do a very thorough background check on them to see if they're doing this out of pure want, or for pure selfish reasons." Lena said as she then brought her hand under Lili's chin and tilted it up.
"But, their kid has a habit of doing things his own way. He's a bit of a wild child and still not aware of what people are after. In which is why the queen and Mr. Hedin sent us or any spies they have around Orario to watch over him in case he's in way over his cute little head." She smirked as the look in Lili's eyes satisfied her as she saw the complete and utter shock she had after finally peacing it all together.
"M-Master Bell...is Lady Riveria's love child? And a sucessor?"
"Yup! And hence, when he told Mr. Hedin, his dad, about going on dungeon dives and hoping you would join his crew after thinking over it for a week, he asked the queen for some assistance."
"And you were part of his spies at the brothel?"
"Oh that? No not at first. It was more about my boss asking me to check on you two on your first dive together."
"B- but how could you tell-"
"Ohh dear sweet little Lili~" Lena chimed as she now had both hands on her face. Pulling her closer to hers as Lili trembled under Lena's now cold, dark gaze into her own chestnut-colored eyes. Her smile ever so creepy it nearly made Lili want to vomit.
"We're part of Ishtar's familia. We know aaaallll too well about the kind of person one is. We've seen darker things than you could even imagine or even have suffered through. If you thought a bit of wordplay here and hiding your scent with some strong perfume and sprays, then you'd have a better chance to not pass out from the sheer orgasms we'd give you to the point it's almost torture than to try and pull one over on us."
Lena said ever so sweetly as she stepped back a bit. Combing and caressing Lili's shaking face with her hands. Ever so gently as she relaxed her smile.
"But, thing is, most of us hate Ishtar. And if she gave the order to kidnap Bell for her own sick pleasures, then we wouldn't hesitate in trying to stab that bitch. Boss and us have taken a liking to him. He treats us and others in the district like actual people and considerate of our feelings than the pigs that are trying to prove with their dicks." Lena explained as she leaned forward again to Lili.
"That's why, when she asked me to look out for him after you two left, I did so on my own accord. Not by Ishtar's. Not by the Queen's worry or money if she ever offered me. I did it because we care about Bell. His dad cares about him even if he can be stubborn with his feelings."
"B-B-But...why come here and warn me when it's easier to just get rid of me entirely! You don't trust Lili! So why even keep me around!"
"Because Bell likes you. And I admit, you've caught Hedin's attention. In a good way at least. See, he's done a background look at you. And color him impressed with your skills. But there were some things that struck him. You're part of Soma, yet you don't seek after his wine."
Lena then went to embrace Lili in a hug. Making the Pallum flinch until she felt Lena's hands patting and combing through her back and hair. Her breath ticking her ears as she continued to talk.
"You had lost your parents. Like Bell, but he never knew of his. Never even once remember their faces. You struggled and did what you could to last this long from adventurers that act like shit. Even you had a bit of a sweet and normal life, until they took it away and brought you back to here and now." Lena said as she pulled away from Lili, now her eyes letting out tears and she was hiccupping and chocking on her spit.
"Hedin sees the good in you. And Bell sees how fun and sweet you are. And even I think you're pretty cute. So, this is a bit of a warning and assurance. One, that for the rest of the week, these guys here will protect you along with Bell if you're both in way over your heads."
"A-And then?"
"Well, that's the warning part Hedin gave me to tell you. You have the rest of the time you have left with Bell to admit who you are and what you've done. And then it's up to him, if he'll accept you into his little crew he's planning. If you do and say no to him still, then your deal with him is still in accord." Lena finished off as she pulled back and nodded her heard towards the Faes.
In an instant, they were all gone. Not a trace or shadow of them even seen or felt in the area as Lena wiped away Lili's tears from her face and smiled.
"L-Lili isn't sure...s-she's too afraid...of what will happen to Master Bell with the others that are out for me."
"Let us worry about that. What your cute little heart and body should really do. Is relax. Don't worry about whoever's hunting you down, and ready yourself to tell the truth to him. You have six days left now...one of the Faes will be tailing you in the shadows to keep an eye on you just in case if you're still scared." Lena said as she saw Lili nodding her head. Turning back from the Pallum as she was about to leave.
"Oh, one more thing!"
"What-"
Chuuuuuu~*
"Gaah!? W-W-W-W-Why did you kiss Lili!?" She exclaimed as she was holding onto her cheek where Lena suddenly kissed her at. Scowling at the amazon while as red as her second cloak underneath.
"Hehehe~ I wanted to see how you'd react. And you were just to cute not to kiss. Maybe you'll be lucky if Bell does the same to you. Oh! And then me and him can tag team you on who can make you squirm more with our kisses!"
"LEWD! A-And why would Master Bell kiss Lili!"
"Call it a girl's intuition~! And besides, I have a feeling you'll be wanting him as well~"
"Go away!"
"Fine fine~ I'm off! But remember Lili~ Six days left!" She said, giving a wink to the small Pallum that was now a blushing and stuttering mess as the amazon left with a sway to her hips. Leaving Lili alone in the ruins of Orario to think.
"What do I do?"