Burning Love of Justice!

by Ventanus

My idea of Bell entering Orario during the Dark times, it isn t a full Ero story, but there will be plenty of naughty stuff. Harem setting.

10. Cerberus

Author´s Note: Hello everyone. And holy heavens! Thank you for so many Reviews! It looks like many people liked what I did with Dionysus. The first plan was for Cerberus to appear and ram him into a wall, but then I got the idea with the banana, which I liked much more.

The writing and inspiration bugs bit me, that´s why this chapter happened and came out so fast.

The chapter has grammatical errors, my AI that I use to check the grammatical had trouble with the length, so I will check the chapter and fix grammatical errors tomorrow morning.

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Chloe was prepared to see many things when she entered Bell´s room, personally, she hoped he would sleep on the side, with the blanket slipped away.

But whatever she expected to see, it wasn´t this!

A giant dog, black as midnight, with red gleaming eyes, and three heads.

As soon as she opened the door and the dog witnessed her, he barked, extremely loudly!

"UNYA!"

Never before in her life did she get scared like this! The enormous dog got up to stand and barked again. Like this, the whole house got alarmed.

Bell sat up immediately, Ryu and Ardee woke up from the noise and the movement. This was not how they had hoped to wake up!

Cerberus didn´t bare his fangs, nor did he move towards Chloe, he just barked loudly again.

Ryu made a loud noise, tried to get up, but was hindered from doing that since Bell climbed over her to get up first. Neither she nor Ardee woke up slowly, their adventurer instincts kicked in.

"Cerberus! Stay! Stay!"

The three heads got turned to Bell, one of them whimpered slightly, the other two panted happily. Cerberus barked again, moving towards Bell and "ramming" the middle head against his chest...he probably just wanted to greet him.

Bell stumbled to the side, Cerberus was very strong! The right head looked at Chloe, who got so scared that her instinct kicked in.

To flee.

But not into the hallway...her instinct let her flee in Bell´s arms, where she knew it was safe. In his obvious reaction, Bell caught her and pulled her to his chest, he felt how scared she was and shivered.

Bell tried to focus when he held Chloe, whose hands were on his chest, her body pressed against him, wondering how he accidentally used his magic...or was it a passive effect of Cerberus? Maybe to guard and warn him?

But there was nothing...the wheel appeared in his mind, but the part of Cerberus´ trial was blacked out.

"Huh?!"

Noises came from the bed, Ryu still struggled with her blanket, while Ardee climbed over her to get up...it was quite an amusing sight, despite the situation.

The first to arrive was Kaguya.

"Bell! Ryu! Ardee! Maid!"

Chloe, as the scaredy-cat that she actually was, didn´t dare to look up, when Bell turned them around so that he was now closer to Cerberus. Finding herself so suddenly in front of such a monster, scared her very much!

Kaguya held her sheathed katana in her right hand, pulling down her shirt with the other one. Right now, only wearing panties and a short top, Kaguya gave off a pretty lewd sight, but she just woke up, so she couldn´t help it.

Maryuu and Iska came from the kitchen, followed by Tiona and Tione. Both took it upon themself to show the twins how the cooking duty went when it came to breakfast for the whole familia. Tiona didn´t know how to cook, Tione only a little.

Kaguya looked irritated. "Why did you use your magic, Bell?! Do you know how that barking let me jump up?! Send him back already!"

"I can´t! It doesn´t work!"

"What?!"

Cerberus sat down again, panted excited, wagging his tail.

Ardee blinked when she found herself face to face with one of the heads after she got up. Ryu got up behind her, wrapping the blanket around her body. While she wore her sleeping clothes, she didn´t want to be seen like that!

"Cerry?"

Cerberus reacted and barked one time, the tongue hanging out of the middle head. She slowly raised a hand, Cerberus didn´t wait but pushed his nose against her palm, which was pretty wet...

"Eh? He feels...so...real."

Normally, people who had experience with magic could feel when something was different. When Bell called one of the summons or used his Mirror Image, everyone could tell that the summons and copies were magical beings. It just felt a bit different to be held by a magical Bell, not much, but a little.

Ardee had touched Cerberus before, but now it felt VERY different as if she touched a living being.

"Nyaa..."

Chloe moved her face up, looking with teary eyes at Bell.

"Chloe, it´s alright, I´m here."

"Mmhh..."

He gently stroked her back, the other hand was around her hip.

Bell whispered into her ear. "I will protect you, always."

That was it, the last nail in the coffin.

Chloe was done.

It was over.

She had fallen completely.

Without thinking, she moved her face up and gave Bell a shy kiss on the cheek. "Thank nyou..."

He smiled gently. "Do you want to wait outside, Chloe?"

"Nyes..."

Bell led her out of the room, so she wouldn´t get too close to Cerberus...which wasn´t easy...with a cow-sized dog. When she went out of the room, Bell noticed how her tail moved along his leg, while she looked at him over her shoulder. There was a longing gaze in her eyes, and the movement of her hips and tail was almost inviting.

He knew this behavior from Neze.

And Chloe noticed how Bell followed her with his eyes for a moment. He was aware what Chloe´s behavior meant, and he was quite fond of her too.

Before he turned to Cerberus again, Bell whispered into her ear.

"Chloe."

"Nya?.." Her lower lip almost trembled, and not from fear.

"Would you like to train with me later?"

"But...meow stabbed nyou..."

"Unarmed training."

She nodded. "Mh."

Eventually, he turned to Cerberus again...Ardee was happily patting his head and scratching the chin of the middle one.

Before he could say something, the right head swung around, looking at the door. Then, Cerberus started to move.

"Hey, what are y-"

Stopping something of that size and mass was almost impossible. Kaguya and the others managed to move out of the way. Bell immediately went after Cerberus, trying to stop him.

A surprised voice came from the living room, followed by a happy triple-bark.

"Wha-? Cerberus?!"

Another happy bark.

Most familia members arrived in the living room at the same time...more than one carried weapons with them, just in case. Cerberus sat with a happily wagging tail in front of Astrea, who just came from her room to see what this commotion was.

The Goddess wore a dressing gown and didn´t seem to be shocked or afraid of the enormous beast. She raised her hands and gently stroked the two side heads.

"I can´t believe you´re here..."

Cerberus whimpered happily.

The others looked dumbfounded, how their goddess wasn´t scared or reacted appalled.

Kaguya still stood there in her risky attire. "Lady Astrea?"

"It´s alright Kaguya, Cerberus won´t do anything...I just wonder why he is here..."

The left head turned to Bell and barked lowly.

"Because of Bell?"

The right head barked.

"And me?"

Then...the heads...nodded.

"You can understand him, Lady Astrea?"

"Hm? Of course, every god can understand spirits."

"He is a spirit?!"

"Well, not completely, but almost. Close enough for me to understand him. Oh, Kaguya, everyone, please lower your weapons, Cerberus gets easily scared."

"Scared?!"

Many of them looked shocked when Astrea leaned closer and giggled.

"Because you´re just a giant puppy, aren´t you? You cutie pie."

She happily scratched Cerberus´ chin and gently kissed the snout of the middle one. The other heads turned to her too.

"Cer, Rus, don´t be jealous of Ber."

Kaguya had never before in her life made such an expression. "Could you please explain the situation?!"

"He said he came because of Bell, and me. It was his own wish."

"I mean why you´re petting such a monster?!"

Cerberus suddenly looked...hurt, and whimpered.

"Awwwww, don´t listen to her, Kaguya didn´t mean it in a mean way."

Astrea smiled at her children while she continued to pet Cerberus.

"I had a good relationship with Hades in heaven and often went to visit him and Persephone in their garden. I have known Cerberus since he was just a small puppy, often played with him. Hehe~~ Even when he grew this big, he can still be like a puppy, right? You little, cutie pie."

The tail wagged heavily again. It was the weirdest sight most of them had ever seen, when the cow-sized dog went down to the floor, rolled on his back..and let the giggling Astrea scratch his tummy.

Kaguya shook her head in disbelief and went to her room to dress herself properly.

Tiona´s eyes sparkled when she moved a bit closer to Cerberus, ignoring the hand of her sister, who tried to hold her back.

"Is this really the real one?! The real Cerberus?!"

Astrea smiled. "Yes, he is."

"Woaaah!~~~ Can I...pet him?"

Astrea smiled down to the left head. "What do you say?"

It didn´t look like Cerberus had anything against it. Tiona was still careful when she slowly moved her hand to the head, letting it sniff at her hand...before giving it a lick.

"Hehe~~ He likes you."

"I can´t believe this is really happening!~~"

Tiona was careful when she scratched this head´s chin, moving the other hand to his enormous chest and gently stroking it. On the other side, came Ardee.

"Cerry!"

The head on this side barked, having nothing against Ardee.

In the background, since everyone else was only paying attention to Cerberus, Ryu sneaked out of Bell´s room, and back to her own, to get properly dressed.

Neze stood at the corner of a hallway, holding one hand halfway behind her.

"Lady Astrea...is this...really not a monster?"

"Don´t worry, Neze. Cerberus won´t do anything, and he is actually more a spirit than something else."

When a golden-haired head poked out next to Neze´s legs, Astrea understood why Neze was so careful.

"Haruhime, don´t worry, nothing will happen. Cerberus is a guardian, and he is bound to Bell. He promised me to protect this home and everyone in it."

The small fox-girl looked very shy and a bit afraid, which was understandable since Cerberus was so massive.

Bell, who didn´t understand too much of the situation, went to Haruhime and crouched down next to her.

"Shall we go together, Haruhime? Neze and I will protect you."

"Mh...yes, big brother."

Neze´s tail wiped left and right. "Bell...I don´t think she should..."

Haruhime looked up at Neze, she could see that Haruhime was a bit afraid, yet more fascinated.

"Hm...but I will come with you."

"Mh!"

Bell carefully picked Haruhime up and walked very slowly toward Cerberus. It really was a strange sight, to see this massive creature lying on his back, getting stroked and scratched by Astrea, Ardee, and Tiona.

"The real Cerberus...the Guardian of Hades..."

Bell put Haruhime down two meters away from Cerberus, directly next to him might scare her.

And then...this giant dog did something truly adorable... While making sure not to hit one of the three who were petting him, Cerberus slowly rolled around, until he lay on his stomach. Then, all three heads on the ground, he slowly crawled to Haruhime, stopping every now and then. Neze stood right next to Haruhime, ready to protect her little sister at any time.

The left head looked at Bell, the right at Neze, but the middle one at Haruhime. Only very slowly, did the middle one rise a bit, and sniffed at Haruhime. He made a low sound, sniffing more at Haruhime´s hand when she shyly held it forward.

Astrea chuckled. "Don´t worry, Haruhime, Cerberus would never hurt you, he already sees you as someone to protect."

Haruhime looked up. "Me-Eep!"

She was startled when the middle one licked her hand, and then he sniffed her hand again, pushing his wet nose against it.

"See? He really likes you."

Haruhime´s eyes widened a bit. "This is...really...the real one? From the legends of Heracles?"

The goddess giggled. "Yes, I remember the time when Cerberus ran out of the garden, and got lost. So Heracles got the job to find him and bring him back."

The fox-girl´s eyes sparkled, she witnessed a legend coming to life!

Bumping slightly against Bell´s leg, the left head seemed to want attention too.

"Hehe, Cer and Rus tend to get a bit jealous when only Ber gets attention."

Bell looked confused. "Are these...really the names of the individual heads?"

"Yes, Persephone named them."

"Oh."

Eventually, Ryu was fully, and properly clothed and came into the living room, everyone was here now. "Lady Astrea, could you please explain to us what you meant? That he is bound to Bell, but came here because of him and you?"

"Alright, it will be the best, so please sit down, everyone."

They followed their goddess´ wishes. Still...Ardee, Tiona, and Haruhime sat on the ground next to Cerberus and gently stroked his three heads.

"Bell, I think it will be easier if I update your status, could you please take off your shirt?"

"Understood."

After Astrea updated Bell´s status in front of everyone...Heith had to avert her face for a reason she didn´t understand...and was still busy processing what currently happened, she drew his status on the special paper.

"Hah, you really are something else, Bell."

"Hm?"

"Here."

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Bell Cranel

Belongs to: Astrea Familia

Level: 5

Strength: E 402 (+50 + 13*20)

Endurance: F 399 (+50 + 13*20)

Dexterity: E 413 (+50 + 13*20)

Agility: E 422 (+50 + 13*20)

Magic: D 512 (+50 + 13*20)

Skills and Abilities:

Luck

Abnormal Resistance: G

Swordsman: D

Heroic Desire: Increased growth as long as the desire to become a hero remains strong.

Blood of Zeus: Due to kinship with the King of Olympus, increased attraction to females. Increased status for every chosen partner with the same blessing close by (+1 to 20)(greater affection = more bonus). Immunity to Charm. Lady Killer. Sign of Affection.

Lady Killer: Able to see vulnerable spots of female living beings.

Sign of Affection: Able to take mind energy from elven partners. Allows chosen partners to call upon one of the fables.

Magic:

Firebolt: Short chant fire magic

Heroicae Fabulae: Summoning Magic. Granting the ability to summon parts of heroic fables as long as knowledge about the fable is complete.

Avaiable Fables: Trials of Heracles (11/12), Avatar of Zeus familia, Avatar of Hera familia + Spirit Fox (Me*****)

Divine Gift: Bound spirit, Champion of Justice

Bound Spirit: Gift from the God of Death, Hades. Guardian Spirit "Cerberus", will protect bound partner and family.

Champion of Justice: Chosen partner of Goddess of Justice, "owner" of her heart and ever-lasting love, Increased status as long as keeping the blessing of Goddess of Justice (+1 to 50)

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"What is this jump in my status?! And these numbers?!"

"I can only guess it has something to do with Cerberus being here."

Astrea´s face was a bit red, that the depth of her love got revealed in Bell´s status...and to think she gave him the biggest boost in status.

She looked around the room, thirteen partners were here...so Haruhime, Heith, Tiona, and Tione were most likely excluded...

Wait, he has already chosen Chloe too?!

When Astrea looked at Chloe, who stood behind the couch Bell was sitting on, how her tail slowly moved along his shoulders and neck...it was quite obvious.

Hah...all of them have maximum affection for Bell...including me! You sinful man... Also, Harem King?! Zeus! I will have to give you some serious words when we meet!

"Like I said, here, the Divine Gift. Cerberus is bound to you, as a guardian spirit. Apparently, it is a gift from Hades to you."

"But...I never met Lord Hades."

"He is still up in heaven, my guess is, it is because you´re Zeus´ and Hera´s grandson."

Astrea forgot for a moment that Heith was there...the goddess was reminded of that immediately.

"He is what?!" Heith gasped.

Astrea´s expression slipped...this was a secret that wasn´t supposed to get out.

"Ungh...ah...it´s too late now... Heith, can I ask you to keep this secret?"

"Lady Freya ordered me not to talk about the familia´s secrets. She said betraying her friend is a no-no."

Astrea smiled with a warm expression. "Thank you, and thank her, please."

"I will."

Heith looked with a strange expression at Bell. "But...what does that even mean?"

"Bell, can you explain it to her later?"

"I will."

Tione and Tiona also looked perplexed up when they heard this...Tiona still didn´t stop to caress Cerberus.

Bell sighed and chuckled. "I will explain it to you too."

"Woah..."

"Grandson of Zeus..."

Bell felt two gentle hands moving along his neck down to his chest...to the surprise of many present, Chloe gently hugged Bell from behind, meowing softly.

Thankfully, Haruhime was too distracted and fascinated by Cerberus, so Neze let this slip. For her, Chloe´s state was obvious, also the fact that she not only longed for Bell´s affection but was craving it.

Alise got up from her place and slowly walked over to Cerberus, giving in to her curiosity.

"Lady Astrea, what will we do now? He isn´t small at all, people will notice this."

Before Astrea could answer, she heard a voice. And only she did.

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Astrea.

Ouranos?

We need to talk.

Because of Cerberus?

Yes.

Alright, I´m on my way. Do you mind if I bring one of my children with me? I have to go to the hospital with her afterward.

I don´t mind.

Thank you.

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Some of them noticed how their goddess spaced out for a moment.

"I will go and talk to Ouranos, then to Ganesha. We have to make sure to spread the message over Orario, that a spirit decided to reside in our home. Otherwise, it would lead to a panic. So don´t let Cerberus out of the house until then."

Alise nodded. "Unders-..wha?!"

Cerberus suddenly moved all three heads away from Haruhime, Ardee, and Tiona, moving them towards Alise. He looked at her, then the heads moved to her midriff and sniffed. The sniffing this time was quite intense, he put his noses against Alise´s belly. The left head turned to Bell, barked, then sniffed Alise again.

"What is with you?" She giggled because of the ticklish feeling. "Do you like me that much?"

The right hand licked Alise´s left hand, then he lay down on the ground, "curling up"...as much as a dog of this size could do it.

"Man, he is big enough to ride him."

When Alise said this, Haruhime and Tiona looked with sparkling eyes up.

"Oy, oy. Don´t actually try to ride him."

Ryu exhaled slightly. "That´s Alise for you...already being that friendly with a spirit."

"Hehe, to be expected of me! Hey, you make my shirt all wet, stop sniffing my belly so much."

When Alise crouched down, one of the heads sniffed her chest for a second, before it moved up to her head. All three heads sniffed Alise from head to toe.

More than a few wondered why Cerberus was so interested in Alise. Then again, Alise was the last one who had sex with Bell, so maybe Cerberus saw her as the main wife? Since he was also very interested in Ardee...was it Bell´s scent on them?

After finishing sniffing Alise all over, especially the belly again, the right head lay down on the ground, grunted slightly, and focussed on Haruhime again.

Alise grinned. "Hehe~~ Bell, I hope you won´t get jealous."

"Don´t worry...I´m still trying to get my head around what is happening here."

He heard a very, very soft meowing again, and then felt a strange sensation. Chloe was also sniffing him slightly...and nibbled at his earlobe, while she started to purr. Thankfully, Ryu was the chaperone of the familia. She moved to Chloe and mumbled into her ear.

"Behave yourself, there is a child present."

"Nya?" Chloe blinked at Ryu as if she wasn´t really there.

It took a moment.

"N-Nya!"

Chloe now realizing what she did, snapped out of it and stood up straight again, looking abashed to the side. Still...the tip of her tail slowly caressed Bell´s shoulder and neck. Since she did that pretty often, Ryu didn´t see a reason to scold her.

Only Neze might barely have an idea how much Chloe suffered. Her first heat after falling in love with Bell also was very intense.

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"Ryu, would you please accompany me? I have to appear in front of Ouranos, he already knows what happened here."

"But why me, Lady Astrea?"

"Because afterwards I will go and see if Filvis and Aura are awake again. I assume it would be easier for them to talk with you too, since you helped them."

"I understand, of course, I will accompany you."

"Thank you. Everyone, please make sure that Cerberus doesn´t demolish the whole house. Cerberus, be a good boy until I come back, alright?"

Cerberus barked and wagged his tail again, it really looked like he listened to Astrea and liked the goddess.

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"Haruhime?"

"Big sister?"

"I have a very important task for you, while we take care of the house and move the furniture a bit, can you keep an eye on Cerberus?"

Haruhime´s eyes shone, taking over an important task meant a lot to her.

"I will do my best!"

At first, Neze was very afraid that Cerberus might do something, he looked like a monster after all. But she trusted Astrea not only with her life but her soul. And since the goddess knew Cerberus, and assured them that he was a guardian...a blessing couldn't lie after all...and saw Haruhime as someone he had to protect, Neze would trust him.

"Cerberus?"

The three heads rose and looked at Neze, it was still scary to look into these six, red-glowing eyes...each of them looked like a portal into the depths of hell.

"Haruhime is our youngest, and most precious member. You will protect her, right?"

The heads looked at Haruhime, then at Neze again, and he bared all of his fangs. Maybe because he was kind of a spirit, but Neze got what this gesture meant. Cerberus would destroy everything and everyone that threatened to do something to Haruhime.

Still, as a very protective big sister, Neze would remain in the same room and take care of the furniture here. While it was Haruhime´s job to look after Cerberus, it was Neze´s job to look after Haruhime while she did her job.

And it looked like she wasn´t the only one.

"Giiiii..."

Tiona couldn´t take her eyes off Cerberus.

Alise tapped her on the shoulder. "Tiona, you will keep an eye on Cerberus too, this is an important task!"

"Understood!"

Tiona didn´t even try to hide her joy for this order.

Tione, who watched how her sister ran to the dog, mumbled.

"Don´t trick my sister like child."

"I would never do that?"

"Hm."

Tione got distracted when Bell walked past her, to take care of a different task. Her cheeks got pretty dark, her heart started to beat very fast.

He was the one, no doubt...after what she saw yesterday...it could only be him.

So, she decided to follow him, there was something she had to know.

"Bell."

"Hm, Tione?"

"I help with task."

His smile let her heart beat even faster. "Thank you, Tione."

Both went into the basement, to clean it up and check on the stored vegetables, like potatoes. Tione had never done something like that, but if anyone had to show her the ropes, it should be Bell. And she would show him her best sides, how fast she could learn!

At first, she thought such a task would be boring, but at Bell´s side, learning from him, it was quite nice.

"You learn pretty fast, Tione."

"Nh...thank you."

Never before in her life did she feel like that, it felt VERY good to get praised by Bell.

"Bell?"

"Yes?"

"What kind of girl you like?" She averted her eyes when she asked him.

"What kind of girl I like? I..hm...I would say, someone who is herself, not pretending to be someone else. Someone who is honest."

"G-Good to know..."

Bell´s answer made her quite happy. But as an amazon, Tione couldn´t understand why she acted so shy around him! She should just tell him that she had chosen him as her partner! But somehow...she didn´t dare to.

Tione Hiryute couldn´t know this, but for an Amazon, she was one of the purest to exist, actually on par with her sister.

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"Ouranos, I came like you asked of me."

"Thank you for your time, Astrea."

The old god looked at Ryu, who wore her usual cape, hood, and mask.

"Be welcome, child of Astrea."

Ryu bowed slightly. "I thank you, Lord Ouranos."

Then Ouranos looked at Astrea. "Now, please explain how it comes that Cerberus appeared in your home."

"As you wish...grandfather."

Ryu´s eyes widened in shock, hidden under her hood.

Grandfather?! Lord Ouranos is Lady Astrea´s grandfather?!

Astrea started to explain the situation, about Bell´s magic to summon legends. And to make clear how this could come, who raised him.

"I am aware that Zeus, Gluttony, and Silence raised Bell Cranel, I´m also aware that his mother is from Hera´s familia."

"Oh...is that a problem for you?"

"Why would it be? He is who he is, his actions speak for themself. His heritage has nothing to do with that."

"Oh, alright."

Astrea continued to explain the situation.

"Hm...so Hades just sent down a spirit from heaven, who happened "by chance" to come to Bell Cranel and bound itself to him as a guardian."

"Ahm...yes."

It wasn´t the whole truth, only from a certain point of view. Someone could argue that Hades broke the laws, yet he didn´t.

"You can keep Cerberus under control?"

"Of course, he will protect our home and the children."

"Children? Did I miss something?"

The goddess smiled. "I´m sure there will be plenty in the future. When Orario is in danger, I´m sure he will help."

"Don´t let him into the city before the situation is clear and information has spread through the city."

"Of course not. I will talk with Ganesha, he will help. But Cerberus will stay on my familia´s grounds when there isn´t any danger for the city."

Ouranos nodded. "Bell Cranel...an interesting young man."

"That he is."

"To think he was able to win the heart of my granddaughter."

Astrea got a bit red. "S-So what?"

"I´m just happy for you, my dear."

"Hm, thank you."

Ouranos closed his eyes. "Now that I know everything, in case one of the others complains, I will say something."

"You would do that for me?"

The old god smiled. "No, but for Orario."

"Alright then, we will take our leave."

Ouranos didn´t reply, he was already focussed on his prayers again.

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Ryu was baffled by the talk between Ouranos and Astrea, to think Astrea would talk this friendly with the ruling god of Orario...

And that he was her grandfather!

But she didn´t have time to ask Astrea anything, since after they left the divine chamber, Astrea rushed to the hospital.

They arrived there quickly and were led to the containment area.

Amid turned around before she opened the door. "Lady Astrea, Ms. Leon, I must ask you to be very quiet while we go through this area. And be prepared that what you see might not be a nice sight. Also, both might be in a problematic mental state."

Astrea nodded. "I understand, Amid. We will be careful."

"Thank you. Now please follow me."

The containment area was a separated hallway, with several rooms, and only very few doors were closed. Some had warning signs on them. Thankfully, over two-thirds of the doors were open and the rooms were empty.

Amid stopped in front of a door, putting a hand on the doorknob. She opened the door only very slightly, looking inside.

"Is it alright for you?"

Ryu heard a mumbled answer but didn´t understand the words.

Amid looked at both of them then. "You can come inside, I will look after other patients."

Astrea nodded. "Thank you, Amid."

The healer nodded and left.

Astrea and Ryu went carefully inside the room, Ryu closed the door behind them. The room was white, every wall, the furniture, and the beds.

There were two beds in here, one for Filvis, the other for Aura. Both beds looked a bit different. Filvis sat in her bed and leaned back into the pillows, she wore a shirt that would normally be way too short for every elf since it ended directly below her chest, but her midriff and rips were covered by bandages.

Aura on the other hand had a complex arrangement of pillows since she had to lay on her side. She wore the same kind of shirt as Filvis did, her midriff was also covered by bandages.

Their light clothes weren´t the only thing that both elves had in common, their expression was the same.

Devastated. Hurt. Even Aura´s eyes were red. It looked like both elves had cried a lot. Yet...Filvis looked even more destroyed than Aura.

But both looked up when Astrea came inside the room, Ryu waited at the door, taking off her hood and mask.

"Filvis...Aura...thank goodness you woke up again."

"Lady Astrea..." Filvis´ voice was rough and hoarse.

"Ah..." Aura´s voice sounded even worse.

"Amid told me they managed to save your lives, that you´re out of danger now."

"Lady Ast-*cough cough*-rea...please...tell us...Lord...Dionysus..."

"I´m sorry...he is back in heaven. From what it looks like, there were activities of Evilus nearby...maybe due to that...but no one knows any details."

Filvis´ expression slipped, she pressed her hands on her face and cried out, and new tears came out of her eyes. Aura screamed as much as her hoarse voice allowed, and pressed her face into her pillow, sobbing.

Astrea didn´t know if it would be a good idea or not, since Filvis was an elf, but she went to her bed, sat down on the side, and gently touched Filvis´ back. Soon enough, Filvis reacted and looked at Astrea with a hopeless expression, when the goddess hugged Filvis, the black-haired elf returned the hug and cried her heart out.

Ryu looked like she didn´t know what to do, Astrea looked at her and slightly nodded towards Aura. Elven custom or not, both of them needed comfort right now. So Ryu went to Aura´s bed, and gently put a hand, that was still in a glove, on Aura´s shoulder.

For the quarter of an hour, Astrea and Ryu just spent the two elves comfort and waited for them to calm down. The goddess didn´t care that Filvis´ tears made her dress wet.

When the two elves calmed down, Filvis looked guilty.

"It´s my fault...all my fault..."

Astrea kept gently stroking Filvis´ back. "No, it isn´t. Your hair color doesn´t mean anything."

Filvis looked slightly up.

"Yes, I am aware of what elves think of black hair. And also that they think white hair brings luck. It was neither your fault nor Aura´s. Only Evilus is at fault."

Filvis sobbed again, Aura turned her head slightly and looked at the goddess, she didn´t seem to mind Ryu´s hand on her shoulder, and was rather thankful for it.

"We always had a dangerous fight ahead of us, no one could predict they had such a monster."

Aura´s eyes wandered to Ryu. "You...saved us?"

Ryu slightly shook her head. "I merely helped. It was Bell, the Champion of our familia, who risked his life and saved both of you."

The white-haired elf looked at the black-haired. "Filvis...thank you...because of me...you got...hurt..."

Filvis still didn´t separate from Astrea´s hug, she needed this. "I would never let go of you, Aura."

They became quiet for a while.

"Is..."he"...here?"

"No, he said he would visit you when you get out of the hospital, since as a man, he shouldn´t see you like this."

Astrea took a deep breath. "Filvis. Aura."

""Hm?""

"I would like to apologize, for forcing my blessing onto you two."

"No.."

"It saved us..."

"Still, I did it without your consent. I swear on my name in heaven and Justice itself, if you want to leave when the one year is over, I will support you. But in the meantime...you can stay with us."

Both elves looked at each other and nodded slightly.

""Thank you.""

"Is there something you need to be taken care of? My familia will look after your home, so no one steals anything."

Filvis hissed slightly when she made a wrong movement. "My cat."

"Is it still at home?"

"Yes, she should be."

"Then we will look for her. If Amid allows it, we will bring her here."

"Thank you..."

They continued to talk softly, Ryu explained what Bell had done to save them, how much he brought himself in danger. Both expressed the wish to thank him personally at a later date.

Also, while they were devastated about losing their familia, Filvis, and Aura both swore to hold up what their familia stood for. What Dionysus stood for. Astrea was deeply surprised when she heard from them what Dionysus had done in the city, and how much the people liked him. How he had talked to his familia, that they had to protect the people at all cost, bringing back their smiles.

Did I misjudge him? Did he change that much since he came down from heaven?

Filvis and Aura would never forget their god, and do their best to honor his name, continue the work, and make the people smile.

So that no one had to cry and scream in fear and despair anymore.

It helped them a lot that Astrea promised them, Dionysus would surely look over them from heaven. And that their fallen comrades would now reside in heaven, maybe at the side of their god.

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.

In heaven, to increase Dionysus´ punishment even more, Erebus made sure that he heard every single word, and saw Filvis´ and Aura´s strong, positive emotions.

"Heh, looks like this is your legacy now, Dionysus. Fewer and fewer people will scream in despair and terror now. So...thank you?"

Erebus would lie if he said that he didn´t enjoy Dionysus´ screams of sheer madness. This was the worst possible outcome for him, and it would haunt and torment the god forever.

There was only one thing that surprised and amused Erebus to no end. Astrea´s Champion, the young man she fell in love with...almost sounded exactly the same as him, and with his white hair and friendly nature...he was almost like Erebus´ reflection but reversed.

I will watch in awe what you will do, young hero.

And while Erebus would watch and keep guarding Dionysus, the screams of the other god would only sweeten his own punishment.

Both had worked with Evilus, and led them. But both with completely opposite goals in mind. And it looked like...Erebus´ goal was slowly becoming true.

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Eventually, Filvis and Aura became tired again, Amid returned roughly at the same time, explaining to Astrea and Ryu that they now had to leave, since both needed to rest.

"I will return tomorrow, if you need anything, just say it."

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"Ryu?"

"Yes, Lady Astrea?"

"Could you go to their old home and look for Filvis´ cat? I have to talk with Ganesha about "him"."

"Will you be safe?"

"Yes, don´t worry. Ganesha´s children are everywhere today. But...hah...mayb-"

Astrea stopped when she heard a voice in her head. Every god in Orario heard this voice.

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Everyone, pay attention. To make things easier and safer for the city. A spirit came down from heaven and now resides in Astrea´s home. Some of you may know him as Cerberus. Please make sure that your children understand that he isn´t a monster. Ganesha spread the word in the city, you others can help too.

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"Lady Astrea?"

"Hah...Ouranos already went ahead...you don´t make things easier for me, Grandfather."

"G-Grandfather...is he...really your...Oh...I´m sorry for asking."

"No, Ryu. It´s alright. Yes, Ouranos is my grandfather. He is that for almost every Olympian god."

"Oh.."

The goddess smiled and raised her index finger in front of her lips. "But keep this between us, alright?"

"Of course. I will now go and look for the cat."

"Thank you, my dear. Hah...it will probably become very noisy at our home soon."

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The Astrea familia couldn´t stay in their home and all looked over Cerberus. When Alise came close to him and sat down in an armchair, for some reason, Cerberus got up and lay down in front of her as if he wanted to protect her.

"Hehe~~ Looks like he really likes me."

Astrea had returned after Ouranos made the announcement, telling her familia about it, they would now be on alert, since probably many gods would come to see Cerberus. At least they now could let him out in the garden.

"Alise, could you bring him out?"

"Hm? Of course. Cerberus?"

The three heads looked up. "Shall we go outside?"

At first, he didn´t react, maybe he didn´t understand her. But when Alise got up, he followed her immediately.

Maryuu chuckled. "Maybe he likes her so much because she was in your presence for the longest time, Lady Astrea."

"Hm, maybe? Or he just likes her. Oh, that reminds me, Neze?"

"Yes?"

"Could you please go and buy the ingredients for dinner? It would be best if you take Haruhime with you, it will soon become quite noisy here."

"Alright, Haruhime?"

"Coming."

"Hehe, make sure to listen to your big sister, Haruhime."

"I will, Mother."

Astrea smiled warmly and patted Haruhime´s head.

She looked around. "Where are Bell and Chloe?"

"Bell wanted to train unarmed combat, but since it will become noisy here, he went to the abandoned ruins in the west, taking Chloe with him."

"Heh, they sure get along well."

Neze smirked. "That is obvious."

Astrea turned to the Amazon twins, Tiona looked like she really wanted to follow Cerberus.

"Tiona, Tione, could you go with Neze and Haruhime? They can show you where to shop for food."

"Haaay!"

"Alright."

"Hehe~~ You´re such good girls."

Again, the amazons didn´t know how to reply to such praise. It would take time.

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.

Alise walked a bit through the garden, and Cerberus followed her at every step. One of the heads was focused on her, another looked around the garden, and the last one was on high alert, looking for possible danger.

"Do you like it out here in the sun?"

Cerberus only grunted as an answer.

"Here, this is my favorite spot."

Cerberus didn´t sit or lay down, he just kept looking at Alise.

"What´s wrong?"

He didn´t move. Only when she sat down, did he slowly walk behind her, lay down, and curled halfway around her, so she could lean against him.

"Hehe~~ You´re pretty warm."

Alise enjoyed the presence of their new guardian and gently stroked one of his heads. During the next days, everyone would notice that he followed Alise around whenever she walked somewhere, making sure that she was safe. And just as much would he watch over Haruhime.

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"Lord Hermes?"

"Y-Yes, Asfi?!"

"Why are you shivering like that?"

"N-No reason! No reason at all!"

"Hm? Suspicious..."

"Suspicious? Me?!"

Asfi rarely saw her god that pale. Currently, she accompanied him during his walk through the city. Half an hour ago he spaced out for a moment, then he started to shiver and got pale, lamenting for an unknown reason. Both walked in the direction of the Stardust Garden, Hermes had to deliver a letter there again.

After he went pale, he begged Asfi if she could go alone there and deliver the letter, but she reminded him that his customer had a specific contract, only allowing Hermes to deliver the letter.

It almost looked like her god wanted to cry.

"What is wrong?"

"You will probably see it when we´re there...Asfi...whatever you do, don´t react aggressively..don´t do anything that could be seen as a threat."

Her expression darkened. "What did you do? Did you try to peep on a follower of Lady Astrea? Or maybe on her?!"

"No! I swear!"

"I don´t believe you!"

"I didn´t do anything this time! I swear!"

The Stardust Garden came into view, and Kaguya and Asta stood at the entrance. The cute dwarf casually threw her Warhammer into the air, let it whirl around, and caught it. Kaguya lightly drummed her fingers on the hilt of her katana.

Asfi looked at Hermes with suspicion. "Why are they guarding the entrance when we come here? You did do something!"

Hermes´ voice got a high pitch. "I didn´t!"

Eventually, they arrived at the entrance.

"Y-Yah, Kaguya, little Asta."

The dwarf greeted Hermes, while she kept throwing her hammer. Kaguya eyed the god from head to toe. "Now that was fast, didn´t think you would be the first to arrive."

"I don´t intend to go inside! O-Only to deliver a letter for Bell!"

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Y-Yes! Here! Take it and I´m g-"

A thunderous, triple bark echoed from the garden, scaring Asfi.

"What was that?!"

Hermes screeched. "I knew it! I shouldn´t have come!"

Thunderous steps, slow, but threatening, came closer from the garden. Asfi blinked in surprise when she saw Alise´s head "floating" above the hedge that surrounded the Stardust Garden. Why was she so high up?

The answer became clear a second later, Hermes almost fainted...as did Asfi. Astrea came out of the house just when Cerberus came into view, baring all of his fangs at...Hermes.

The deep growl that came out of Cerberus´ chest was like a furnace burning up.

And Alise Lovell...casually sat on Cerberus´ back...

Astrea blinked. "Alise, what are you doing?"

"I can´t help it, Lady Astrea. He wanted to go here but didn´t want to leave me alone for some reason.

"Hah..."

The goddess looked at Hermes. "Oh, what brings you here? Be welcome, Asfi."

"Thank you, Lady Astrea..."

Asfi couldn´t take her eyes off Cerberus.

Hermes held a letter with his shaking hand towards Astrea. When he moved a tiny bit closer, Cerberus growled again, showing WAY too many teeth.

"I-I won´t come closer, Cerberus! I swear!"

Astrea put a hand on the left cheek of the left head. "What is wrong, Cer?"

Cerberus growled for a few moments and barked low a few times.

Astrea´s expression changed when she looked at Hermes.

"I should´ve known it, Hermes!"

"I didn´t do anything!"

"Cerberus says something else!"

"Why can you understand him!"

"Because I helped raise him."

"W-Whatever he says, I swear I didn´t peep at Persephone bathing up in heaven, and Hades didn´t send Cerberus to chase me away and never let me come close again! I swear!"

Asfi looked at Hermes as if he was a nasty bug. "I knew it...you´re the worst..."

Hermes handed Astrea the letter and fled.

Asfi bowed slightly with an ashamed expression. "I...have no apologies for him..."

"It isn´t your fault, Asfi."

Now that Hermes was gone, Cerberus calmed down. He carefully lay down and let Alise get down from his back.

"So the rumors that came up in the city everywhere are true?"

"Yes, this is a spirit, but different from the Gnomes at the bank."

"Hah..."

"You sigh a lot, Asfi."

"I know...I´m sorry, I have to follow Lord Hermes."

"Alright. Oh, and please deliver the other letters by yourself or someone else. Cerberus won´t let Hermes come close to our home."

"Which I can understand and support!"

"Hehe."

Asfi looked one last time at Cerberus, then she followed her god.

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.

The Astrea familia would notice that only one male god would come to visit them...every other male god except for Ganesha seemed to have a reason or two to fear Cerberus.

Thankfully, the curious gods wouldn´t come all at the same time, the main reason for that was a certain Goddess of Love, who came to visit her child, and out of curiosity. Ottar accompanied his goddess, order or not, he wouldn´t let her alone in the presence of such a beast.

And he also couldn´t stop Freya, when she heard Ouranos' message, she got really excited! The mighty Cerberus! This promised not to be boring at all!

Astrea of course welcomed Freya.

"I knew you would come."

"Can you blame me? After this message?"

"I don´t, I guess you want to see him?"

"Only if I´m not bothering you."

"Not at all, come, my friend."

Freya looked as excited as a regular town girl would be.

But when Cerberus came into view, something else caught her attention. He was dozing on the grass, it looked like two heads were asleep, the third one awake. He lay curled around Alise again, protecting her.

Freya would be the only person to immediately see the reason why Cerberus would be around Alise at most times, protecting her.

Alise´s soul orb was a fiery red, just like her hair. It pulsed with her heartbeat. But there was something different from usual.

There was a small spot inside her soul, a very tiny spot, of a slightly brighter red.

Oh my.

Freya knew exactly what this spot inside a woman´s soul meant.

So she is the first one? Hmm, it can only have happened recently, I doubt anyone noticed something so far.

Freya at first thought about not saying anything or dropping any hints.

Alise Lovell was pregnant, and Freya wouldn´t take to discover it away from her. But...maybe a hidden hint to Astrea? Freya didn´t want anything to happen to her...maybe dropping a low hint to Astrea, wondering why Cerberus guarded Alise out of all people so vehemently?

Freya knew that them noticing Alise´s state would be a never-known joy, and she didn´t want to take that away from them. But as a Goddess of Love and Fertility, Freya wouldn´t just feel bad if something happened to the very small life that had taken root in Alise´s body and would start to grow now. She would also be hurt, Freya and Syr, both sides of her, liked the Astrea familia very much.

Her mind went into overdrive, thinking about the best strategy to let them get to the realization on their own. At all costs, Freya had to protect the unborn life in Alise´s womb. Which meant, she had to make sure they realized it today so that she would stop going into the dungeon. If even one monster would be able to land a blow at her stomach, that could be it.

Alright, time to do this. Carefully.

"Wow, he really is as impressive as the rumors said."

"Have you never seen him?"

"No, I wasn´t allowed to move much in heaven, remember?"

"Oh, yes."

The two goddesses came slowly closer, the head that was on guard looked at Freya.

"Hello, Cerberus."

The head, Rus, looked at Astrea.

"She is a friend, don´t worry."

Freya held a hand towards the head, it moved forward and sniffed her. Nostrils flared, Cerberus took a deep breath and inhaled Freya's scent. Then he pressed his big nose against her hand for a moment and licked it.

It tickled and Freya couldn't stop herself from giggling.

"I guess that means he likes me?"

"Most likely, but why shouldn´t he?"

The head allowed Freya to gently pet it and scratched the chin. Ottar wasn´t jealous...well...maybe just a tiny little bit.

Freya carefully sat down on the grass, still petting the head. Astrea also slowly sat down, she had to be more careful due to her dress. Ottar turned around and stood on guard in his own way. The two other heads woke up from their nap. One moved to Astrea so that she could pet it.

The other, the right one, moved to Alise, and gave her cheek a lick, before sniffing her belly again and then lying down on her lap.

"Ehehe~~ I hope your Juggernaut won´t get jealous when he sees that."

Alise smiled. "I don´t think so. But I can´t help it, he really likes me."

Cerberus hummed quietly, enjoying the petting from the two goddesses and Alise.

"When did he come? It can´t be long ago, right?"

Astrea nodded. "He appeared this morning in Bell´s room."

"Oh? Wait...please tell me Cerberus isn´t female..."

Astrea laughed. "No, he is male. And I don´t think even Bell could charm a spirit like that."

Alise grinned. "Would you dare to bet on it, Lady Astrea?"

For a moment she was in thoughts. "I...ahm...no."

Freya giggled. "He is really fascinating. Hm, Alise?"

"Yes, Lady Freya?"

"What happened to your shirt?"

"Oh, that? Snot...saliva...Cerberus won´t stop sniffing my belly."

"I wonder why? Does he sniff somewhere else?"

"At first only my hand, but now he just won´t leave me alone."

"Then he must really like you."

Freya chuckled and winked. "Or maybe he can just smell something that we can´t? Did you maybe drop some sauce from breakfast?"

"No, he did that even before we had breakfast."

"Oh? Does he do that with one of the others?"

"No, only me."

"Hm...I wonder why. But maybe he just likes you a lot?"

Cerberus rumbled in a low voice, the head on Alise´s lap looked up at her eyes, gently licking one time along her belly, blinking.

Astrea became quiet after she heard Freya´s words and noticed Cerberus´ behavior. The Goddess of Justice leaned to the side and whispered something into Alise´s ear. Freya pretended she didn´t hear it, but she did and noticed how Alise´s soul reacted to Astrea´s question.

" ...tw-two days ago...and no...it should happen in two weeks or so..."

Astrea clapped her hand over her mouth. "Does that mean...you currently..."

"Hm?"

Astrea leaned closer again and whispered.

Freya heard every word...it was hard pretending not to.

"Does that mean...you...you...o-ovulated?"

Alise got bright red, her soul flared up. "E-Eh?! N-No!...wait..."

She raised one of her hands and counted with her fingers, then she got a bit pale, and her soul flared up even more.

"M-Maybe?..."

Astrea looked shocked.

Freya looked like oblivious innocence incarnate. "Is something wrong?"

Alise looked with a red face to the side. "I ahm...I should go to the hospital."

"Oh my, are you getting sick?"

"Not because of that...I need to check on something?"

"Oh?"

Freya´s face lit up as if she just understood what Astrea and Alise talked about. "O-Oh!"

Astrea stroked Cerberus´ head on her lap to calm herself down. "That would explain why Cerberus followed Alise everywhere...he is the familia´s guardian now...and bound to Bell."

Freya raised an eyebrow. "Bound to him? He´s getting more and more interesting."

Alise gently, but insanely nervous now, stroked Cerberus´ head on her lap. "Did you smell that? Are you sniffing me because of that?"

Cerberus just blinked, of course, he couldn´t answer. But he growled in a low voice.

Astrea looked shocked. "He...said something about protecting the pack..."

Alise laughed nervously. "I think...I should go now."

"Take Iska and Maryuu with you. Maybe even Lyra and Asta. You will NOT go alone!"

"Lady Astrea...please don´t make me more nervous than I already am..."

Freya smiled gently. "If you want to go to the hospital to check on "that", how about I accompany you? I wanted to go in that direction anyway."

Astrea looked at her. "You would do that, Freya?"

"Of course. If it really is because of "that", as a Goddess of Fertility, I will make sure she is safe."

"Thank you, my friend." Astrea exhaled.

"But you should come with us, Astrea. I will not be the first to congratulate her in case it is true, that has to be you."

"You´re right! I will go and get ready immediately!"

"Astrea...calm down."

"S-Sorry!"

"And keep in mind, in case it looks negative, if it just happened recently, and only Cerberus can smell it, it might be that the magic items at the hospital can´t notice it at the moment."

Astrea was still nervous, Alise looked exactly the same. Freya would make sure to talk with the hospital in secret, to use the best and most expensive tools. They HAD to notice that Alise was pregnant.

"Then..shall we go?"

"Y-Yes, right away!"

"Alise?"

"Yes?!"

Freya pointed down to Cerberus´ head, which was still on her lap.

"Oh, you´re right!"

Alise gently, but nervously, cradled Cerberus´ head. "You can smell it, right?"

Cerberus just blinked.

"Hehe, thank you. But I need to go now, alright?"

Cerberus hummed and got carefully up.

"I need to get my shoes!"

"Alise, you´re wearing shoes."

"*gasp* You´re right! Aaargh! I´m so nervous!"

Astrea didn´t look any better, so Freya gently took both of their hands. "It will be alright, don´t be too worried. I know this is easy to say, but believe it or not, you wouldn´t be the first woman who has this happening to her body."

"Mmmmmhhh!~~~" Alise looked now more than happy, still nervous.

And Astrea...Freya had never seen another goddess like this before. But she wouldn´t blame her, one of her beloved children was now expecting a child.

The fact that Ottar went with them, made sure that no one would bother them. The check-up in the hospital would turn out negative, which was to be expected since the fertilization happened only two days ago. But the hospital heavily insisted on Alise having to come again next week, and the week after that, one of these check-ups would tell them the result.

Also, they strictly forbid Alise from going into the dungeon or taking part in any kind of combat or training. When she would return home, Cerberus would return to her side, watching over her, even sleeping in her room.

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While Alise and Astrea went to the hospital with Freya...glad for her presence...Neze, Tiona, Tione, and Haruhime were shopping for ingredients. At some point they had bought so much, since they would also stock up, that Tiona and Tione went ahead home, both carrying a lot of stuff.

Since there was still a bit of time until dinner, and Haruhime seemed to be quite hungry, Neze decided that letting her have a potato snack would be right. She was really careful and protective as a big sister. And even when she liked Rose very much, and Rose helped Haruhime with Koine, even when Rose maybe would join their familia in the near future...Neze wouldn´t give up her big sister spot...for no one.

After all, Haruhime was her precious little fluffy bun!

Since Haruhime was a bit tired, and she had to rest her feet, Neze looked for a bench. The weather was nice, so most benches were filled. Only one was empty, so she went there. Just when they arrived at the bench, Neze´s ears twitched as she heard steps.

Looking to the right she saw an adult elf and a girl of Haruhime´s height and age, with equally blond hair. And this girl was also holding a potato snack, but a bigger one, with toppings.

"Oh, Nine Hell."

"Bloody Justice Fang." Riveria nodded.

Neze still wasn´t happy about her alias! Astrea had promised to do her best in the next Denatus, so it would get changed. Other members of her familia had silly names too, like Asta´s "Minor Citadel", or Maryuu´s "Fanatical Healer of Justice"...well...Maryuu could be quite scary and very protective of her mace.

At least Iska liked her alias "Stylish Bruiser".

Since the bench was more than big enough, there shouldn´t be a problem sharing it. Neze held the potato snack for Haruhime, while she sat down.

"Chew properly, alright?"

"Yes."

Neze smiled and gently patted Haruhime´s hair.

Ais wouldn´t give Riveria her potato snack, but she had more practice sitting down with one in her hands.

"Ais, the same goes for you, chew properly."

"Mkway."

"Don´t talk with your mouth full."

Neze and Riveria kept standing.

"Shopping for food?"

"Yes, and you?"

"I only accompany Ais to get her premium potato snack."

"Aren´t these extremely expensive?"

"Thanks to your Jugg-..Bell Cranel, she will get one each day for a year."

"Oh? What did he do?"

"Didn´t he tell at home?"

"No."

"He won the lottery at the stall here, and was so kind to give Ais his prize."

Neze´s smile was filled with warmth and affection. "That does sound like Bell."

Riveria nodded to a spot a bit away from the bench, both would still keep their eyes on Ais and Haruhime.

"We heard about Dionysus familia..."

Neze nodded with a grim expression. "It really is horrible...only two of them survived."

"Rumors say it was Bell Cranel who saved them?"

"He did most of the work, yes. By chance, they were down on the 27th floor, for a trip with new members."

"Ah, the Amazon twins I heard about?"

"Yes."

Riveria showed her a wry smile. "You know, we were about to look for them and recruit them."

"I won´t apologize for that."

"And you shouldn´t...may I ask what will happen to the two survivors now?"

"Lady Astrea had to give them her blessing, otherwise they might´ve died, you know how these things go when someone is injured."

"I do."

"So at least for the next year, we will take care of them. After that, it´s their decision."

Riveria nodded again. "I´m just glad that two of my brethren got saved by him. Bell Cranel really is fascinating, many in Orario speak his name, see him as a young hero."

"Oh, that he is, absolutely."

Both looked for a moment at the bench, Ais and Haruhime were looking at each other while they ate. Haruhime smiled shyly, Ais did the same as much as her stuffed cheeks allowed it.

"Loki told us something interesting, about your familia."

"Yeah, the rumors spread like wildfire now in Orario. I got asked that easily a dozen times today."

"So, it is true?"

"Yes, it is."

"I can´t say my familia, especially Loki, is extremely interested in that topic."

"I don´t know how it is about visitors, only Lady Astrea can say something regarding that topic."

"I personally have no particular interest...but Ais does."

"Oh?" Neze looked at the bench again.

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Ais and Haruhime had finished their meals.

Haruhime again smiled shyly. "Hello."

"Hello." Ais looked much calmer and more relaxed than usual.

"I´m Haruhime."

"Ais."

"Do you like potato snacks?"

"I love them!" Ais´ eyes sparkled.

"Ehe, I like them too."

"Which one the most?"

"I think...Azuki cream beans."

"A good choice."

Both couldn´t look more different. They were of the same age, almost the same height, with the same hair color. But Haruhime was a non-combatant, anything even remotely dangerous was kept away from her, she got protected at all times, especially Neze bared her fangs at everything and everyone that could endanger Haruhime.

Ais on the other hand was already a trained warrior, as strong as Neze. Haruhime had heard stories about the young girl with the sword.

Haruhime´s eyes wandered to the sword at Ais´ hip. She also wore her armor, since she and Riveria just came back from the dungeon. And Haruhime noticed the figure dangling from the keychain.

"This figure looks like Albert the Great!"

Ais blinked. "Huh?"

"The figure at your sword, the potato snack mascot. With the scarf, sword, and black hair, it looks like the statue of Albert the Great! He is one of my favorite heroes, the one who injured the dragon!"

"O-Oh...is that so?"

"Yes, he is one of my absolute favorites! Big brother Bell told me so much about the great hero, that he is one of his idols."

"He is my idol too..."

"Really?! Hehe~~ I can see you becoming strong like him. Maybe wearing the same kind of scarf? It would surely look heroic."

Ais looked down at herself, touching her bare neck. Wearing a red scarf...like him...

"What...do you like about him?"

Haruhime gladly told Ais that, about Albert´s bravery, his strength, and all the things she admired in him. Riveria noticed how deeply this topic touched Ais, but she didn´t cry...and Ais had cried often because of this. Right now...it seemed to help her a bit, to hear that some people admired her father.

It may only be a small step, a small first step...but this moment, this short talk...was the beginning of a friendship between the two girls.

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While things happened in different places in Orario, Bell, and Chloe had arrived in the abandoned ruin district, no one usually came here. For Chloe, the walk alone was like torture. A part of Bell´s skill "Blood of Zeus", was the increased attraction towards women. Namely, those who held affection for him.

But what did that increased attraction mean? One of the things was Bell´s scent. It was a bit different for each of his lovers, but he smelled very good in any case.

In Chloe´s case...and this was what made it almost torture...was a faint scent of...

Catnip.

For her, Bell smelled very slightly like catnip.

It was hell.

She suffered.

It was wonderful.

She wanted nothing more than to sing and be close to him.

To get away from him so she would be able to think straight again.

Chloe wanted nothing more than to pounce on Bell, rub herself on him, and lick him all over.

Never before was such a wild storm of emotions inside her.

Ever since she came to Orario, Chloe was a scaredy cat, making up a strong front, to cover what was inside her. After she attacked Bell and became the prisoner of his familia, it became even worse. But now...when she was in his presence, she wasn´t afraid. That was why she ran to him when Cerberus surprised and scared her.

He would protect her, she knew this.

At the same time, she felt bad, very bad. The he of all people was the one she had attacked, had stabbed...had tried to kill. And now he was so friendly towards her, so nice, protected her, gave her comfort.

Stole her heart.

And had such a perfect butt.

She wanted to be close to him at all times and looked forward very much to getting her massage lesson for him.

And...

Her loins were on fire.

Chloe was at the absolute peak of her heat now. Most of what she could think of currently was to do it with Bell. To get pampered by him, gently taken care of, grope and fondle his butt...and many more things.

Which made the choice of her current clothes bad...very bad!

So that their usual clothes wouldn´t get damaged, since both were level four and five, Bell gave Chloe a special set of training clothes. The gods had designed these clothes, the Astrea familia used them for training.

The gods called this stuff, Spandex.

It fit every body shape perfectly, and was made from a material, that it would be perfect in the dungeon too, since the defensive capabilities were enormous.

But why did the Astrea familia have such expensive training clothes? And why did Bell gift Chloe her own set?

Well...it surely helped that he had once over two billion Vals, even when he gave most of it away.

To give a maximum of moveability, these clothes sat skintight. And maybe just to mess with her...probably...Kaguya had shown Chloe what kind of underwear she could only use with this equipment.

A thong.

Chloe didn´t have much problem with this piece of cloth. It let her feel more confident, elegant, and sexy, like the cool beauty type she wanted to be.

But to wear one in this kind of short pants in front of Bell! He could see the outline of her butt perfectly!

As could she see his...

Chloe begged to the heavens that she would be able to keep herself under control.

But her eyes betrayed her.

They wandered down on Bell, his pants were also skin tight. She could see the outline of his "tail" perfectly.

She wanted to see it...feel it...touch it...hell...she wanted to sniff it...give it a lick. Taste it...while groping his butt.

Bell noticed how Chloe fidgeted and rubbed her thighs together, with her hands between them. It would be hard not to notice it.

And he saw how she panted, her eyes fixed on his length. Also...her outfit was skin tight too, so he noticed the two spots appearing at her top, Chloe´s nipples got hard...

Bell caught her scent, just like Neze when she was in heat, Chloe had a very special scent to her. He couldn´t help it, it wasn´t only her body that reacted.

Chloe´s eyes widened when she noticed the bulge in his pants, his length was tucked upwards and grew slightly.

Her desire to attack Bell, push him down, and then...well Chloe was a bit perverted, but she was also a virgin with no experience...so...have him take the lead!

This desire got so strong, that it accidentally triggered not one of Chloe´s skills...but one of Bell´s.

Since a part of Blood of Zeus...Astrea had declined the original name "Harem King" and crossed it out, however, she managed to do that, allowing Bell´s chosen partners to call upon one of the legends. Not all of them could call something, only if one of the legends fit their personality.

And in Chloe´s case...

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"Nyaaaaaaa..."

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While she felt bad about attacking Bell, she still wanted to properly train with him, she wouldn´t miss this chance to do something with him, while they were alone!

Chloe crouched down, almost like a cat would sit, but her butt didn´t touch the ground. A second tail grew next to her normal one, but this one was made of...fire. It looked like her canines grew, while her ears got covered with a fine layer of fire.

In his mind, Bell saw the symbol of the Nemean Lion glowing, he knew what that meant. Chloe was able to call upon this fable, but only as a status boost, like a few of the others could do.

That it manifested with fire, was due to Bell´s personality. Celty was the one who made this comment first, that Bell was almost like a Firebolt. It fit him so perfectly, that the others wholeheartedly agreed.

Her posture, the fact that her canines had grown slightly, how she held her hands more like claws...

Beastification.

Bell showed her a wild smile, he didn´t need the Nemean Lion to show it, this wild side was in him. And he gladly welcomed proper training with Chloe, both of them being extremely horny or not.

Chloe wasn´t out of her mind, but all of her animalistic instincts screamed in her ears.

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"NYAAA!"

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The ground beneath Chloe cracked when she shot forward, slashing with her right hand through the air, fire followed it as if she had the same enchantment as Alise. But it wasn´t the same, it was just how her version of the Nemean Lion looked like.

Burning ears, a second tail, hands, and feet covered in fire claws.

Others looked different. Maryuu for example...she could call the Cretan Bull, growing horns of fire from her head, and getting a cow tail, giving her an enormous strength buff. In Ardee´s and Ryu´s cases, it was the Ceryneian Hind, giving them cute hind ears on top of their heads, and a very short tail, enhancing their speed. But only one of them could call this fable at once.

For Asta, it was the Erymanthian Boar, giving her strength and endurance, as well as extremely cute boar ears and a short tail.

For Kaguya...maybe it was a bit fitting...the Lernaean Hydra, giving her a long, scaly tail made of fire, as well as horns. It was an overall boost in status, but each of them was lower than the single boost the others got. And it allowed her to summon not four swords with her magic, but nine.

Bell evaded to the side.

Chloe was used to her own speed and strength, but not to the enhancement of the Lion. So she was stronger and faster than she was used to. Which resulted in her dashing further forward than intended...smashing her fist through an old stone pillar, and cracking it apart.

It was easy to forget just how much strength upper-level adventurers had since all of them had learned how to hold back in their daily lives. But right now it wasn´t the case, Chloe didn´t hold back at all. A wild grin appeared on her lips, jumping at Bell again.

He blocked her fist with his open palm, since it was his flames, it didn´t bother him. He didn´t get pushed backward. Chloe was overall the speed type, she never raised her strength status over 500. So, Bell was much stronger in terms of raw strength.

Chloe panted, throaty and heavily, her tails wiped through the air. Her desire was obvious, she jumped back and crouched down again, subconsciously raising her hips, wriggling them. It looked like a cat that got ready to attack.

Or...one in heat.

She attacked him again.

What followed was a very fast unarmed close combat, with constant back and forth between them.

Unknown to both, since they were so focused on each other, they attracted the attention of someone.

Two adventurers from the Loki familia got sent to patrol in this area. They did that occasionally, to make sure that no remains of Evilus settled out here.

One of them was probably the most normal adventurer one could be, without any special skills or magic. Raul Nord, sixteen years old, so just recently he got old enough to be counted as a young adult.

And his all-time companion, a slender cat-girl, Anakitty Autum. Both had the same age and level, they were always together, watching each other´s backs.

And while both were too shy to admit it, they felt great affection for each other. Under normal circumstances, it would take years for them to finally become a couple.

But this would maybe change today...

"Raul, do you hear that?"

"The screams and sounds of battle? Yes. Let us take a look before we report anything."

"Alright."

Both snuck carefully closer, making sure to make no noise. They hid in a part of the abandoned ruins, where broken walls surrounded them from all sides. No one could see them here, but they could see the surrounding area, which was the perfect hiding spot.

And what they saw let both of them gasp.

A fight of great martial skill, speed, and strength. Both of them knew who Bell was, the Juggernaut was widely known in the city. But they didn´t know the other one.

They couldn´t take their eyes off the high-speed fight.

"Woah...this is what first-class adventurers can do...I never saw even the Captain or Gareth fight like this."

"Neither did I..."

"Can you fight in the same way as she does, Aki?"

"No way, I only use my sword. And while she doesn´t look like someone who fights without weapons all the time, her posture seems natural."

"That fire stuff seems natural to you?"

"Silly, I mean how she crouches, moves with high speed, evades. If I had to take a guess, I would say she uses a short sword or dagger. See how her right hand is the dominant one?"

"Hm, you´re right."

"Also, don´t look too closely at her, Raul!"

"I won´t!"

Anakitty and Raul were still growing, but both were healthy, young adults. While their bodies still matured, they had already reached the point where they got interested in the opposite sex. But not just someone...only each other.

Raul gulped. "These clothes are really skin tight..."

"Indeed..."

He glanced over to Anakitty.

"What are you looking at me for? Perverted Raul! Don´t you dare imagine me wearing these clothes!"

"I don´t!"

He did.

"Good, I will never wear something like that!"

She would, but only for him.

But since both were full of hormones themself, they would be unable to take their eyes off what would soon happen...

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.

None of Bell´s partners could keep the magic enhancement up for long, but Chloe´s concentration broke in a very unique way.

When she tried to attack Bell again, he went first, grabbing both of her hands and shoving her backward. She mewled when her back got pushed against an old pillar, to keep her pinned, and to achieve victory like that, Bell pressed his body against her.

Chloe, who had tried to deal with a kick, had raised her left leg.

So...

Bell´s crotch got pushed against Chloe´s. She felt his hard length pushing against her nether regions.

"M-Meooooown~~~"

The fire instantly vanished, Chloe´s lower lip trembled, and her crotch was hot like never before.

She panted heavily and throaty again, looking at Bell. No clear thoughts ran in her head anymore, Bell saw pure lust, the desire to mate with him.

And he felt through his pants how wet her crotch was.

"B-Be-!"

Before Chloe could finish saying his name, he kissed her. Chloe´s ears wriggled, her tail wiped around, clenching around his hips, not allowing him to move away. Bell let go of her right hand, which immediately went down and groped his butt.

Chloe could feel how Bell pressed more against her.

She was on cloud nine.

Finally, finally, she got kissed by Bell!

His scent was even more intense from up close, and the taste on her lips...heavenly.

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.

.

"Wh-What are they doing?!"

"L-Lewd!"

Neither Raul nor Aki could take their eyes off and look away. The reason for both was the same when Bell started to kiss Chloe and she grabbed his butt, now with both hands.

From the distance, as a black-haired catgirl, Chloe looked similar enough to Aki, so that Raul could just imagine himself doing that to Aki...if he wanted to or not. And for Aki, she could only imagine doing that with Raul.

Since the dark times had only ended recently, sexual education almost never happened among the mortals. Maybe a few gods, like Hathor, would do that in the future. But the only thing that Anakitty and Raul knew about sex, was that it was meant to make babies. They knew that places like the Pleasure Quarter existed, but both never dared to think too much in these directions.

Nor did they know anything about sex, except for the very basics.

Aki looked with red cheeks at Raul, he returned her gaze, and both swallowed heavily...and watched.

Aki clapped her hands in front of her mouth. "What is he doing?!"

They had just seen how Chloe meowed even more and louder, both sinking to the ground. Now Bell pulled her pants down, she was more than just wet, meanwhile, he pushed her top up, revealing her breasts. The way Bell looked at Chloe´s naked breasts gave her a joy she had never expected. She saw fascination.

Bell didn´t discriminate.

He was as fascinated of Chloe´s breasts, as he was of every other breasts he had seen. Chloe didn´t protest at all when he took her pants and thong off, she lay there with spread legs, mewled again, looking at him with lust and expectation. Bell didn´t let her wait long, he only took a moment to admire the sight, her scent, and compliment Chloe, about how beautiful her sacred place was.

Aki´s eyes nearly popped out when she saw how Bell...moved his face between her legs.

He´s kissi-...he´s licking her there?!

Next to her, Raul gulped. Both felt extremely hot.

"He´s...licking her..."

Aki noticed how Raul glanced at her, how his eyes wandered down to her lap. "D-Don´t look at me like that, pervy Raul!"

But he noticed how she fidgeted too.

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"Haaaaaaaahn!~~~~ Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!~~~~~ Unyaaaaaaaa!~~~~"

Both were startled when they saw how Chloe´s tail wrapped itself around Bell´s neck, her hands on the back of his head. Her spread legs quivered and shook, while Bell licked her and ate her out. Suddenly, Chloe´s hips bucked up, Bell grabbed her butt, and her whole body twitched.

Bell hadn´t needed one minute to let Chloe climax for the first time. Her scent and taste were to die for.

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"Hawawawa..."

"*gulp*"

Aki couldn´t help but imagine...would she make these noises too? If Raul...

"Aki..."

She returned his longing gaze. "Raul..."

In the background, Chloe meowed and moaned again and again, her second climax hammered through her body in under two minutes. Raul and Aki were so lost in each other's eyes, that they were surprised when they looked forward again.

"Nah!"

"Wah!"

Bell and Chloe had changed their positions. He now lay on the ground, Chloe had straddled his face, while she leaned forward, pulled his pants down and something jumped up. Aki couldn´t believe how she brought her face close and breathed on it. Then...

"She´s licking it?!"

"Dear heavens..."

Both saw how Chloe licked greedily along Bell´s rod, rubbing her cheek against it, sniffing it, licking it again and again, while Bell still ate her out...and grabbed the base of her tail.

Aki felt hotter and hotter while she watched.

"Irgh...Aki..."

"Wha-?!"

She saw it when she looked at Raul...the tip of her tail rubbed along his crotch...where a visible bulge was.

"S-Sorry! It wasn´t on pur...pose..."

Both saw it.

Chloe lowered her head, swallowing Bell´s tip.

"Oh."

"My."

""Loki...""

Both didn´t even know that during sex, one could or would do things like this with their mouths. And since they did it first...was this how sex actually started? No one ever told them! And both wondered heavily if that felt good...it looked like it.

"Hah...hah...hah..." Her eyes wandered to the bulge in Raul´s pants.

"Hah...hah...Aki..."

"Raul..."

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.

Bell and Chloe gave themself to their love and lust. Chloe didn´t manage to finish Bell off with her mouth, he was just too skilled and let her climax five times in total, just with his mouth.

The following love-making wasn´t wild, passionate, or rough. Bell was very gentle and loving with Chloe, and gave her the time to get used to having him inside her. He sat on a broken pillar, she on his lap. Since her hips had given up after the fourth climax, she couldn´t move on her own. So Bell did it for her, holding her butt, moving her gently up and down, while they kissed. Sometimes she hugged his head to her chest, not believing the blessed feeling of his lips and tongue on her breasts. Then she stared into the void, just feeling with her body.

Raul and Aki finally snapped when they noticed how Chloe started to spasm again, while Bell was buried inside her down to the base, and he twitched too.

""I-Inside?!""

There was no holding back anymore since Raul was more the careful type, it was Aki who pushed him down behind the wall.

And so, behind that wall, a bit away from them, Raul and Anakitty got too curious with each other. Taking the first, awkward, and clumsy steps to adulthood together.

Both would discover just how good this felt, even when they were very ashamed after both reached nirvana together. And what a wonderful stress relief it was, sinking into each other´s arms, giving in to their love.

This would mark the beginning of both getting honest about their feelings. And almost three years later, these two would become three...and a few years later, four.

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"Nya~~~"

Chloe couldn´t move on her own, she snuggled up to Bell´s chest, blinking tired, but extremely satisfied and in love, up at him, while he gently carried her in princess style to their home.

"I love nyou, Bell."

"And I love you, Chloe."

He gently lifted her up enough to kiss her, the intense "training" had left her exhausted. Even after they shared a stamina potion...and continued. It was the best imaginable way possible for Chloe, to deal with her heat. Bell´s warmth inside her made her happy.

And now, in a way, justice was served.

Chloe had stabbed Bell...and now he had "stabbed" her.

"Nyou are...amazing."

"And you are so beautiful, Chloe."

"Nya..."

They kissed again.

.

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.

Raised eyebrows would await them when Bell brought Chloe home, it surely was a unique way to arrive home. Since Chloe was so needy and cuddly, Bell went together with her in the bathroom, hanging up the rabbit sign. Chloe would sit on a washing chair, letting Bell pamper her and wash her body, while they kissed very often.

Chloe returned this favor after she recovered a bit. Her heat wasn´t over, only mostly satisfied for the moment. Still, there was something that Chloe wanted to do for Bell...and herself. While she washed his front, Chloe ended up crouching between his legs, touching his butt again, while she spoiled him with her mouth until he came.

Maybe it was just her heat, but the "milk" that filled Chloe´s mouth...was delicious.

Afterward, they relaxed in the bathing pool, while she leaned against his chest.

For her, it was a purrfect day...

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.

They came out of the bathroom after a bit over an hour, Chloe felt pretty sleepy, and couldn´t deal with putting her maid outfit on again. Both went to the living room, where everyone had gathered.

"Oh? Is something?"

Bell noticed how excited many of them looked, some immediately with a longing gaze at him, then at Alise again.

He never saw Alise like that, she looked like a nervous wreck. Gently patting one of Cerberus´ heads, which rested on her lap. Ardee and Tiona patted the other two heads, both really liked him.

Haruhime sat next to Neze, looking very excited with sparkling eyes.

Alise smiled at Bell. "Hey there."

"Alise?"

"Ahm, Bell...something maybe came up...maybe not?"

"Huh?"

He saw how Alise put her hand on her lower stomach.

"I...may or may not...be pregnant."

"What?!"

"I will get the answer next week or the week after...but so far it looks like it."

"Dear heavens!"

"That´s what I said too."

Chloe´s eyes widened when she heard Alise´s words, for a moment, she put her hand on her lower stomach. Something that every single adult member of the familia noticed. Bell walked over to Alise, kneeling next to her.

"Alise..."

"Hehe..I didn´t think it would happen so f-"

Bell kissed her, he couldn´t help it. She laughed nervously when they separated their lips.

"Will you...come with me, next week?"

"Of course, I will! Nothing could stop me!"

"Hehe, thank you."

Her eyes were filled with love, as were his. And Bell noticed on the side how all the others looked at him...some with way more interest and longing than others.

He couldn´t know that, but when Alise returned with Astrea from the hospital, the first thing she did was talk to Kaguya and apologize to her.

"Kaguya, I´m sorry..."

"For what?"

"That I...I mean...before you..."

Kaguya shook her head. "Silly captain. Yes, I want to bear Bell´s children, want to become pregnant. But so want Lyra, Neze, and maybe some of the others. I have no right to claim the first child for me."

"You´re not mad?"

Kaguya smirked. "Why would I? If any, that is a good sign, it means Bell is able."

"I just thought you wanted to be the first."

"I don´t need to be the first...as long as it works for me."

"Hm..then...I hope you get cured soon."

"Me too, trust me. Also, Alise?"

"Yeah?"

"Since everything looks like it, congratulations."

"Thank you." Tears flew out of Alise´s eyes.

"Oh my, already getting emotional?"

"I can´t help it...I probably going to become a young Mom."

"Heh, will be funny to see you with a big belly."

"But Kaguya, you know..."

"Hm?"

"That means you will be the acting captain in the dungeon and the streets."

"I can live with that, you lean back now and relax. And if you dare to do anything else than clean your equipment, I will slap your hands, understood?"

"Of course."

"Hm...we will need a third in command."

"Lyra?"

"Best choice."

Alise was surprised when Kaguya hugged her. "I´m happy for you, Alise."

"Thank you, Kaguya."

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.

The Astrea familia threw a small party, and all of them were sure that Bell actually had hit the mark. Not all of his lovers already dreamed about having children, some saw themself as too young for that, but a few others...

Still, there was one thing all could agree on.

Everything that was even close to being stressful would get taken away from Alise. And they would all keep themself in check since soon Bell´s special weeks had to begin. The healer told them it would be best if he didn´t have any sexual activities at that time at all, only if he couldn´t bear anymore with the effect of the medicine.

They needed a large sample after all, so they could test how it reacted with other medicines and Kaguya´s samples. Since it would be embarrassing to "take out" the samples in the hospital on his own, Kaguya said she would "lend him a hand", since he did it for her. If her sample would continue to kill Bell´s seed. Even when it would work for him to impregnate her, it could be bad for the child, if the poison was still in her body.

Thankfully, Bell said that money didn´t matter, whatever the hospital could try, he would pay for it. So that his beloved Kaguya could become happy. And the others agreed to help, if the hospital would need ingredients from the dungeon, they would search for it without end.

Kaguya was really touched by how much her familia cared about her.

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In that night slept Bell in Alise´s room. Gently hugging her from behind, whispering oaths of love into her ears, kissing her often, while he gently caressed her belly.

Alise Lovell was insanely happy.

As were the other members of the familia. Astrea cried from joy more than one time, to think the first of her followers was most likely expecting a child now...and that it was Alise. She still remembered Alise as a child, and now she would become a mother!

Ardee was still awake in her room when she heard scratching against the door. She opened it, finding six red eyes looking at her.

"Don´t you know where to sleep?"

Cerberus hummed. Since Bell slept at Alise´s side, Cerberus didn´t need to guard her. And since her familia would guard their captain now as if she was their young one, Cerberus could look for other places to sleep, until they found a long-term solution.

"Hehe, come in."

He followed her invitation, went into her room, and lay down on the carpet. Ardee couldn´t help herself, to think that THE Cerberus was in her room now, laying down on her carpet...was she actually dreaming?

"Mh...it gets a bit cold tonight..."

Her eyes wandered to Cerberus...she had seen him breathing hellfire...he surely was quite warm...

Shakti would probably freak out and faint if she saw the scene that followed. Ardee took her pillow and blanket and lay down in a way that she could snuggle up to the giant dog, which curled slightly around her like he had done with Alise.

"Hehe~~ You´re really warm, Cerry.~~~"

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The next days promised to become interesting, and nerve-wracking. All of them would count the days until Alise´s next check-up.

The next morning, Bell would go to the guild, reporting to them that Alise Lovell would be out of adventurer duties for a while and later probably a long time. Since he had to report it to her adviser...which was Rose...Bell couldn´t know what kind of fire he would light up in her.

He had barely been able to deal with Chloe´s heat...now a love-hungry werewolf awaited him...

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But all that could wait, for now, all that Bell cared about, was the warm body that he hugged.

"I love you, Alise."

"And I love you, Bell."