So, didn't quite reach the target this time around, so we are just sitting at monthly updates for this story for now.
Would also like to thank the second patron of my SSJ3 tier, Shane. Three more and we will be looking at twice monthly updates ongoing.
As for where I am at the moment. I've got my specialist exam this month, so I've not yet cracked on with my writing properly. That being said, I've had a few ideas literally keep me up at night, so I had to write them.
As I said though, I am still writing very non-linearly, so these ideas are both set at very different points of the story.
The first of the two scenes/chapters I have written are a further two chapters continuing on from my original Astraea Familia storyline (to help place it, it is immediately at the end of the Juggernaut fight in LN 14 and chronologically follows on from the end of the Astraea Record/Great Feud/Seven Days of Death), meaning there are now three chapters there. Again, given the setting in the story, it alludes to the same spoilers that chapter 12 does, but doesn't outright reveal them like I do in chapter 12, so again, don't check those chapters out unless you don't mind spoilers. I also just wanted to write some Astraea fluff and that part is free on my pat reon. Really need more Astraea.
Furthermore, I've gone and written two chapters which I suspect are going to be around chapter 50/51, detailing the Apollo Banquet which gives you a bit of Ais and Freya fluff, while also hinting at the events to come. These two are also freely available.
I have two ways to go about the Apollo war game and the eventual fallout, I'm just not sure what route I will take yet as both will have very different implications for the setting of the story. Suspect I may do a slightly merged version of both ideas.
The other two scenes I was thinking of writing would be what I am guessing would be around chapter 15, Bell's first meeting with Lefiya, and chapter 40 which will be Bell's fight with the Black Goliath. I will probably do these after my exam though, as it is crunch time now.
With all of that being said, enjoy chapter 3.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Bell would go to the Hostess of Fertility for dinner and spend the night speaking with Syr. Later in the night, the Loki Familia would arrive, and Bete would recount the tale of Bell's encounter with the Minotaur mockingly, much to Bell's humiliation. Overcome with emotion, Bell would rush off to the Dungeon, spending many hours in there alone, before returning home to Hestia, stating his intentions to grow stronger.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 3 – Making amends
Bell woke early the next morning feeling extremely tired. Bell felt a weight beside him and opened his eyes a crack. There nestled into his side was Hestia. Bell blinked his eyes a few times trying to remember what had happened to land him in this situation. Bell recalled how he had returned late at night after clearing out the first four floors of the Dungeon. He remembered the makeshift sack he had thrown together with his weathered and damaged jacket, which he had filled with the excess crystals and drop items he couldn't fit in his pouch. He groaned, realising he needed to get up and go and exchange them. He wondered if Hestia had managed to let the Guild know, but given they seemed to be in the same position they were in when they had been wrapping his wounds, he doubted it.
'Goddess, we need to go to the Guild.' Said Bell softly, nudging the Goddess beside him.
Hestia stirred quickly, and her eyes snapped open faster than the eyes of anyone who had just been sleeping had any right to. Hestia practically glomped Bell, causing the bed to jostle.
'You are not going into the Dungeon today!' Declared Hestia firmly, getting a small laugh from Bell.
'That's okay, I wasn't planning on it. I don't think there is anything there for me now anyway.' Said Bell with a small smile.
'You were serious about that?' Asked Hestia in disbelief.
'Yeah. Sorry if I worried you.' Apologised Bell.
Hestia shook her head and gave Bell a small smile.
'I wouldn't be your Goddess if I didn't get worried about you, but you're working very hard. I will as well, so let's get your items traded in so I can get to work as well!' Cheered Hestia.
It was a few minutes later that Hestia had gotten herself ready, while Bell went to have a quick shower, stripping out of his threadbare clothes and putting on a fresh set of clothes, a simple black long-sleeved top, and pants without any armour.
"Well, I don't really think I have anything that can be considered armour anymore." Thought Bell, looking at his shredded leather jacket and recalling his ruined leather breastplate he had discarded in the Dungeon.
'Come on, Bell, let's get going.' Said Hestia, slinging Bell's sack over her shoulder.
'Goddess, you don't need to carry my things, I can carry everything myself, I brought it all here, didn't I?' Said Bell kindly, getting Hestia to smile.
'That's okay, I can do at least this much for you today.' Countered Hestia.
'You'll make me embarrassed, Goddess.' Continued Bell.
'Then make it up to me with a nice dinner tonight, okay?' Offered Hestia, causing Bell to smile.
'Okay. I promise you will be surprised.' Said Bell.
The two then set out for the Guild, so Bell could make his exchange and let the Guild know of his adventure.
'Bell! What is going on? There was a report that you came out of the Dungeon looking half-dead last night!' Exclaimed Eina, the second Bell crossed her line of sight.
'Sorry Miss Eina, I let things get a bit out of hand. I will be taking a bit of a rest now though.' Admitted Bell.
Eina sighed as her head dropped.
'Honestly Bell, what am I going to do with you?' Muttered Eina, before taking in the sight of the girl beside Bell and their burden.
'What is all of that Bell?' Asked Eina.
'Ah, my Goddess is helping me bring back everything I got from the Dungeon.' Said Bell, gesturing to Hestia.
'B-Bell, you can't let your Goddess carry your things for you!' Stammered Eina, eyes darting around nervously, but noticed it was so early that no one else was around yet, other than her fellow Guild employees.
'It is nothing to worry about, Bell deserves at least this much support from his Goddess. Besides, he will treat me to a special dinner today as thanks.' Said Hestia cheerfully, before putting the sack on the ground near the counter.
'I needed to tell you something though, Miss Eina, I don't think there will be any monsters on the first four floors for a bit.' Said Bell.
'What do you mean?' Asked Eina.
'Well, we should probably go through it all after the exchange, it is a long story.' Said Bell.
Eina quickly came around the counter and picked up the makeshift-bag Hestia had put down, as the three walked over to the exchange.
'So are you really going to take a break? I don't think there has been a day since I met you that you didn't go into the dungeon.' Asked Eina curiously.
'Well, I don't have any armour left, my clothes were ruined, and my knife is on the verge of falling apart, so I don't really have much choice. I also need to make something right first as well.' Explained Bell.
'You're not hurt at least, right?' Asked Eina worriedly, her eyes running up and down his form carefully.
'Nope, just a bit tired, but that's all the more reason to take it easy.' Reassured Bell, causing the half-Elf to sigh in relief.
Bell, Eina, and Hestia then systematically unloaded all the magic shards in the bag and Bell's magic stone pouch, before Bell scooped out all the drop items. After adding everything up, Bell and Hestia's eyes widened as eighty thousand valis was placed on the counter in front of them.
'Isn't that a lot?' Asked Bell in disbelief.
'Well, you did clear out a few floors alone… but that does still seem like a lot.' Chimed in Hestia.
'I'm sorry, did you say Bell cleared out entire floors by himself, and more than one?' Asked Eina, with a sickly-sweet smile.
'I did say I was going to have a rest today, didn't I?' Chuckled Bell nervously, causing Eina to sigh.
'I think it is time for your report now then.' Said Eina, leading the pair towards a small table that all three of them could sit at.
Eina produced a piece of paper and a pen.
'Now then, why don't you tell me what happened?' Asked Eina patiently.
As Bell's story was told, Eina's patient expression first shifted to one of exasperation, which slowly shifted to worry, and ended with a look of disbelief by the time Bell had finished.
'I'm strongly considering banning you from the dungeon for a week after that.' Said Eina with a tight smile.
'Sorry… I just… I want to prove myself… but even I can admit maybe I went a bit too far this time.' Chuckled Bell bashfully.
'That's putting it mildly. Well, I will be sure that the Guild issues an alert so others are aware of the… depletion of the first four levels, it would not be good for adventurers to start turning on each other and accusing others of monster overhunting. That being said, I will not let you back into the Dungeon without armour and weapons, so once you do have your rest, I want you to come straight to me so we can get you properly equipped, and I will not be taking any objections.' Said Eina.
'Of course, I fully trust your judgement Miss Eina… even if I sometimes do reckless things, I do take your lessons to heart.' Admitted Bell.
'Then we won't have any problems, but I am going to strongly recommend you get someone to go to the Dungeon with you sooner rather than later.' Advised Eina.
'I'll look into it, I promise.' Nodded Bell, getting a smile from Eina.
'Well then, we should not hold Miss Eina up any longer, besides, it looks like it is almost time for adventurers to start coming to the Guild for the morning, so we should make sure you are not around, Bell. Adventurers can hold grudges after all.' Advised Hestia, with Eina nodding.
'Your Goddess is correct, Bell, you would do best to lay low for the next day or so while resting.' Added Eina, with Bell nodding in understanding.
'I will.' Said Bell, getting smiles from the two.
-line break-
'You've got some nerve just walking back in here.' Said Mama Mia, arms crossed over her chest as she levelled a stern gaze at Bell.
Bell bowed at the waist, lowering his head in front of everyone.
'I'm truly sorry, I let my wounded pride force me to do something wrong.' Apologised Bell.
'Wounded pride? Pride… but here you stand, bowing your head in apology. That doesn't seem like pride.' Commented Mama Mia.
'Pride isn't an excuse to forget manners. That is arrogance and I know I am not the best yet.' Said Bell, as he raised his eyes to meet Mama Mia's.
'Yet?' Commented Mia questioningly with a raised eyebrow.
'Yes! I will become the best and I am sure I will come back here many times, so I don't want my first visit here to be left with such a bad memory. In fact, other than paying what I owe, I would like to offer my services for today.' Said Bell, bowing his head again, missing the expressions of surprise and confusion from the barmaids.
'Um, Bell, I don't think you are exactly the right type to work here.' Interjected Syr kindly.
'It is not to cause offense, Mr. Cranel, but there are no males employed by Mama Mia here.' Added Ryuu.
'Nya, can we cross-dress him thenya? Asked Anya.
'I-I don't think I would do as well as all of you as a waitress, I meant to offer my services in the kitchen. I know I have just come to apologise for my pride, but my Goddess does say that even with limited ingredients I can make quite delicious food.' Said Bell, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.
'What do you think, May?' Asked Mia.
'We should test him first at least, right?' Suggested May.
'Would you not rather go adventuring though?' Asked Lunoire.
'Uh, about that… I might have gone a bit overboard last night and need to lay low.' Admitted Bell, as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.
'Are you in trouble, Bell?' Asked Syr, taking a step forward.
'Uh, hopefully not, but that's why I need to keep a low profile for a bit.' Revealed Bell.
'I wouldn't mind Bell spending some time with us, meowbe we can help teach him some things too.' Said Chloe.
Ryuu gave her a sharp look, before she glanced at Syr, but the grey-haired girl seemed to be amused.
'All right, let's see what you've got then. Make us all some pancakes for breakfast.' Challenged Mia.
May showed Bell where things were located in the kitchen, before leaving him alone and joining the others.
'Are you serious about this, Mama Mia?' Asked May.
'The gesture alone is enough, but if he really is in trouble, it wouldn't be the worst thing to keep him safe for a bit.' Said Mia.
'I agree. It will be fun to have Bell around.' Added Syr.
'Oh no, if Syr thinks it will be fun to have him ar-meownd we need to be careful.' Teased Anya.
'What about you, Ryuu, what do you think?' Asked Syr.
'I think if Mr. Cranel needs help, we will of course help him.' Said Ryuu simply.
'Surely we should at least see how his cooking is first before making a decision.' Said May.
'Oh even if his cooking is bad, I can hide him in my room.' Offered Chloe.
'Maybe we need to protect Bell from you.' Commented Lunoire with a smile.
A few minutes later, Bell came out and placed a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice and a pot of tea on the table. It then took Bell four trips due to the care he took, bringing out the pancakes two at a time, placing a plate in front of each of the six waitresses first, before placing the last in front of Mama Mia. The group collectively looked around and appraised the plates of the others. Each plate had its own accompanying treat to go with them. Ryuu's had some honey and a lemon wedge, Anya's had blue berries and cream, Chloe's had raspberries, Lunoire's had chocolate, Syr's had strawberries, and Mia's had vanilla yoghurt.
'Oh, I forgot the cups and mugs.' Said Bell, before he went back into the kitchen and returned with four mugs and three cups.
Bell placed a mug beside Mia, Syr, Ryuu, and Lunoire, while placing a cup next to Anya, Chloe, and May.
'Bold to assume you know what we like and prefer to drink.' Said Mama Mia, as Bell poured the tea, then moved on to the juice.
'It is important to know what things someone likes before cooking. When I cook, I am cooking to a specific person's taste. I also learned to make the most of what I had.' Explained Bell, his smile almost seeming sad.
'I've not heard of many people speak about cooking like that before, much less adventurers.' Said Mia.
'Adventurers have to eat too.' Shrugged Bell, getting a small laugh from the smiling Mia.
'Well then girls, let's see how he did!' Declared Mia, getting the girls to dig in with grace.
Bell waited eagerly as the group tasted his food. In a surprising display of unity, the entire group hid their reactions as they ate, not showing any sign of how they thought the food tasted. Once all the plates were empty, the girls shared a look.
'Bell, have you had cooking lessons before?' Asked Mia, speaking on behalf of the group.
'Not really, I just had a lot of fun experimenting when I was younger with my grandfather. He said every time I cooked, he was in for a surprise, so I kept trying out as many things as I could.' Said Bell.
'Well, I think we can let you work the kitchen this morning as an apology.' Said Mia, with the others nodding and smiling.
Bell smiled in turn and the others all got ready for work for the day. As the breakfast rush started to come through, Bell was serving up orders almost as fast as he was getting them. May had come back to see if he needed a hand at some point, only to find herself gaping at him in disbelief, as he seemed to flow through the kitchen. All the others spotted May standing there in shock and each took turns watching Bell work for a while. As the rush came to an end, Bell started to slow down only to notice May and Mama Mia were watching him.
'Uh, is something wrong?' Asked Bell, as he placed the last order up for service.
'Guess speed is your preferred method of combat in the dungeon.' Commented Mia.
'Yeah. How did you guess?' Asked Bell, as he wiped down the entire counter in one smooth movement.
'The fact that you handled the entire breakfast rush without even slowing down once and got everything out in record time.' Said Mia.
'Oh, well I didn't want to let you down on my first day.' Admitted Bell, wringing the washcloth slightly.
'Go on, have a break, we'll make you something to eat.' Said Mia, ushering Bell out of the kitchen as he took off his apron.
Bell sat down at the counter to see the last few customers finishing up their meals. Syr took her apron off and sat herself down beside him.
'Well Bell, you've managed to go from having half of us out for your blood, to making all of us in awe of you.' Complimented Syr.
'Er, I'm really sorry about yesterday.' Said Bell in embarrassment.
'Come on, Bell, you don't have to be sorry anymore, especially after this morning.' Said Syr, before Mia brought out a plate of scrambled eggs and buttered toast, with a cup of orange juice.
'Here, this is on the house.' Said Mia.
'Thank you very much.' Said Bell, before starting to eat.
'Oh, I know, I'll make you a snack for after!' Said Syr, before running off to the kitchen, causing Mia to wince, before she gave a laugh.
'Mr. Cranel, please praise Syr's cooking no matter what it is.' Said Ryuu, coming to sit next to Bell in the spot Syr had just vacated.
'Uh, of course I will, why, is something wrong with Syr's cooking?' Asked Bell, a forkful of eggs halfway to his mouth.
'Oh nothing, and if anything happens, you can rest in meow room.' Said Chole, who was passing by with some dirty dishes in hand.
'Syr… has never had any cooking lessons before.' Said Mia.
'But I haven't either.' Pointed out Bell.
Mia and Ryuu shared a look at this.
'Let's say the two of you ended up on different sides of the spectrum.' Said Mia.
Bell finished up his food and a few minutes later, Syr returned with a pair of sandwiches.
'Here you go, Bell, I hope you like it.' Said Syr, sitting back beside Bell, Mia and Ryuu having discreetly vanished.
Bell looked at the sandwich curiously for a minute. It was a lettuce, cheese, and tomato sandwich. Looking at its construction though had Bell mentally scratching his head. The lettuce and tomato were against the bread and the cheese was in the middle. Bell even questioned how Syr had made the sandwich like that without things spilling out. Bell took a bite out of the sandwich and while the bread was now a bit soggy, it still tasted okay. Bell noticed how Syr's eyes lit up as he ate, so he easily finished the sandwiches.
'That was nice, Syr, have you had any cooking lessons before?' Asked Bell.
'Nope, I'm self-taught, just like you.' Said Syr happily.
'Do you want to try and make something together?' Asked Bell, only for Syr's eyes to sparkle.
'That sounds like fun!' Cheered Syr, causing Bell to smile.
The rest of the barmaids and Mia herself were watching from a distance and were awed at Bell's skilful manipulation.
'All right, let's clean up and let those two go about their own thing.' Said Mia, getting a nod from the others.
Bell and Syr had made their way into the kitchen now, and Bell set about grabbing some ingredients.
'What are we making?' Asked Syr curiously.
'I'm going to show you how to make eggs three different ways.' Said Bell.
'Aren't eggs really easy to make?' Asked Syr.
'They are easy to make, but hard to make well, it takes a lot of trial and error.' Explained Bell.
Bell then cracked one egg into a small bowl and then placed the remaining egg white into another bowl. Bell then cracked a second egg into the bowl with egg white only, and finally cracked a third egg into another bowl, which he whisked until the white and yolk were all mixed together.
'Why did you do something different with each egg?' Asked Syr curiously.
'One egg will be for poaching, the second will be for sunny side up, and the last will be an omelette.' Explained Bell.
'The trick for all of them is the cooking time and the method. The poached egg is the quickest but the easiest to get wrong. Three minutes is the perfect time, any more than that and it will be overcooked. Sunny side up takes the longest as it takes time to get all the way through. Scrambled is the easiest one though, because you can flip it over, which cuts cooking time in half, compared with the sunny side up method.' Continued Bell.
'Why don't you just increase the heat to cook the sunny side egg quicker?' Asked Syr curiously.
'Because then you might burn it. If you want things to turn out right, you need to take your time. Rushing things along can ruin them.' Said Bell, missing Syr's momentarily thoughtful expression, before it shifted back to her usual smile.
Bell would show Syr how to poach the egg first, with Syr looking on in almost childlike wonderment when Bell scooped the egg out minutes later, noticing its wobbly jelly-like quality. While this was happening, Bell flipped the scrambled eggs over, while gently nudging the sunny side up egg with his spatula. Syr watched as Bell reached up to a higher shelf which had some plates and noticed his shirt rise slightly. It was only for an instant, but Syr thought she saw something on Bell's exposed back, her soft eyes narrowing sharply for a moment, before returning to normal. Bell then quickly grabbed a few slices of bread and went to make a couple pieces of toast, while watching as the eggs finished cooking. Bell took the toast to the counter on a plate, while he slid the poached egg, scrambled egg, and omelette, onto separate plates.
'You can try them first, Syr, tell me what you think, but let me do this first, it's my favourite part.' Said Bell, as he took a knife and struck the poached egg, its yellow contents spilling out like liquid gold.
'Enjoy.' Said Bell.
Syr looked at Bell's eager expression and felt a strong urge to tease him in that moment.
'I don't know what the best way is to eat them all, can you show me?' Asked Syr innocently.
'Syr, are you asking me to feed you?' Asked Bell with a small blush, as he looked off to the side.
'Maybe.' Sang Syr, only for Bell to come and sit next to her.
'Say ah then?' Said Bell, placing a piece of the omelette on the fork and holding it out to Syr, holding his hand under it.
It was now Syr's turn to blush, not having expected Bell to follow through. Syr smiled on the inside as she leaned forward and wrapped her lips around the fork, sliding the egg into her mouth. Syr's eyes crinkled in delight at the flavour and texture, causing Bell to laugh.
'What is it?' Asked Syr, opening her eyes.
'N-nothing, you just looked really cute with that expression.' Admitted Bell, causing Syr to huff.
'Are you here to feed me, or tease me?' Pouted Syr with a small blush.
'Can't I do both?' Said Bell with a smile.
'Only if I get to return the favour.' Countered Syr, taking the fork from Bell's hand.
'W-what?' Stammered Bell.
'Say ah.' Said Syr, holding a piece of egg toward Bell.
Syr's eyes twinkled with naked amusement, knowing exactly what Bell was thinking.
"This is an indirect kiss." Thought Bell nervously, trying to steel his nerves as he closed his eyes.
"I can't let something like this be the end. I'm going to have a harem after all, aren't I? This can't be where I quit!" Thought Bell, before leaning forward.
Instead of egg, Bell found a piece of toast shoved into his mouth.
Opening his eyes, Bell saw Syr eat the egg off the fork. Syr looked at Bell with a playful smirk, with the boy's eyes also closing in amusement as he smiled with the bread in his mouth, before bringing his hand up to the toast and biting into it. Bell went and got himself another fork from the kitchen and the pair ate the eggs and toast.
'Next time, I'll do the cooking.' Declared Syr.
'Of course, I can't wait to see how you do.' Said Bell with a nod.
'All right you two, we've got dishes to wash before lunch time, let's get to it.' Said Mia.
'I will help Mr. Cranel, Syr, you should take your rest now as well.' Offered Ryuu, walking over to the pair, the others already getting the tables ready for lunch.
'Thanks Ryuu, be careful of this one though, he is a charmer.' Warned Syr playfully.
'I would never overstep.' Said Ryuu, only for Syr to smile.
'Oh don't worry about that, Ryuu, the more the merrier, right?' Said Syr, before walking away, leaving a slightly blushing Ryuu behind.
The adventurer and Elf made their way to the kitchen and started the process of washing and drying the dishes from the morning rush. Bell was mindful as he handed the plates to Ryuu, taking care not to accidentally touch her hands, knowing that could be quite a big deal for the Elf.
'You seemed to make Syr very happy today.' Said Ryuu, as she dried a plate.
'Did I? I'm glad then, I felt quite bad about how things happened last night.' Admitted Bell with a small smile.
'What did you do last night? I tried chasing you down but couldn't find you. Your speed is quite impressive.' Asked Ryuu.
'Uh, I went into the Dungeon, it is an embarrassing story.' Said Bell.
'I see, I will not press then.' Said Ryuu.
The pair worked in a comfortable silence after that and finished up just as the start of the lunch crowd started to come through.
'Thank you for your help, Mr. Cranel.' Said Ryuu.
'Please just call me Bell.' Said Bell.
'That would not do, Mr. Cranel.' Said Ryuu.
'Okay, maybe later then.' Said Bell, confusing Ryuu.
Bell quickly got the grill ready, only to see May pop back into the kitchen.
'We're going to need all hands on deck for lunch, there are way more people than usual.' Said May, tying up her apron.
'I wonder why though.' Thought Bell, taking his first orders to the waiting Ryuu and Syr.
'Yeah, I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a joke, but some little kid went down into the Dungeon last night and cleaned the first few floors out completely. Even caused enough damage that there were no monsters around by the morning time.' Grumbled one adventurer.
'You think that's the worst part, I heard it was some scrawny rabbit looking kid and he was hauling a sack of drop items! How the hell does one person get a sack of drop items by themselves?' Chimed in another adventurer.
Syr and Ryuu both turned to look at Bell, who had gone completely red, before heading back into the kitchen.
'Uh, May, would you mind taking the dishes out if I make them?' Asked Bell.
'Are you sure, that means you'll be working non-stop like that?' Asked May in concern.
'Please, it'll be better this way.' Said Bell bashfully.
'Okay then, leave it to me.' Said May.
As the lunch crowd trickled out, Bell finally popped his head out of the kitchen.
'So that's why you're hiding out, don't want some angry adventurers coming after you for taking all the loot.' Commented Mia in amusement, even as Bell flushed red in embarrassment.
'I was just so annoyed, I didn't realise how much damage I had done until the end.' Admitted Bell.
'That's some pride you've got there boy, enough to wipe out almost five percent of the entire Dungeon. Now we find out you can cook too. Girls will be all over you at this rate.' Said Mia in amusement, even as Syr pouted in the background, bringing some dishes back from a customer.
'Well, I'll admit that sounds appealing, but I wouldn't want people fawning over for me for my reputation, I like getting to know people, even if I know I will always protect a girl in need.' Said Bell, causing Syr's eyes to twinkle.
'Oh? How many girls are you planning to save then, Bell?' Asked Syr, after she had placed her plates down in the kitchen.
'As many as I can!' Declared Bell firmly, causing Syr to break out into a fit of giggles.
'You sound just like a hero.' Commented Syr, resting her arms against the counter.
'Well that's one of my dreams.' Muttered Bell, quiet enough that only Ryuu's superb hearing picked up on it as she walked by.
'Why do you plan to save so many girls, Mr. Cranel?' Asked Ryuu curiously, setting down her plates as well.
'Why not?' Shrugged Bell, causing Syr to giggle even louder.
'Oh Bell, I'm going to have a lot of trouble on my hands, aren't I?' Asked Syr.
'What do you mean?' Asked Bell.
'You're going to make girls fall for you left, right, and centre at this rate, you might even forget about me at this rate.' Said Syr.
'I would never forget about a pretty girl.' Declared Bell strongly, only for him to blush as Syr started laughing openly.
'And what if an even prettier girl comes along?' Asked Syr.
'All girls are pretty in their own ways. I wouldn't replace anyone; everyone would be special to me.' Said Bell, causing the rest of the girls in the restaurant to look at him.
'Isn't he adorable?' Asked Chloe, causing them all to nod.
'We're going to have our hands full with you.' Laughed Mia.
'Miss Eina and my Goddess say the same thing sometimes.' Admitted Bell, causing Mia to laugh.
'Well Bell, as long as you keep everyone in mind, I don't think anyone will have a problem with that.' Said Syr, causing Ryuu to look at her in shock.
'Syr, surely you can't be saying something so scandalous.' Protested Ryuu.
'The more the merrier I always say.' Said Syr, causing the Elf to blush.
After Bell had finished the dishes, this time with Syr's help, Mia came to see Bell.
'You should probably head home, I imagine if you stick around for the dinner rush, you won't have time to make your own.' Said Mia.
'Ah, I forgot! I promised Goddess that I would make her a special dinner today for staying in the Dungeon last night and worrying her!' Exclaimed Bell.
'Well, if you come back tomorrow as well, I'd be happy to let you take supplies for one meal from our stores.' Said Mama Mia, only for Bell to hug her.
'Thank you so much, Mama Mia, I'll be back for sure.' Said Bell, causing the large woman to laugh.
'Where's my hug?' Asked Syr with a fake pout, only for Bell to shift over to her and give her a big hug as well.
'Eh?' Gasped Syr, as Bell hugged her.
'Thank you too, Syr, and I'm so sorry for running out on you again.' Apologised Bell, only for Mia to clasp him on the shoulder.
'No more of that after your work today, the slate is clean, got it?' Said Mia, causing Bell to nod as he released Syr.
Syr then gave Bell her basket and told him to bring it back tomorrow. Bell quickly filled the basket with the ingredients he needed before preparing to head out.
'Thank you all so much for your hospitality today, I'll see you tomorrow.' Said Bell, before running off.
'So Syr, the more the merrier, eh?' Teased Mia, once the boy had left.
'Let's just say Bell is a very special case.' Said Syr, causing Mia to raise a brow.