Hey! Thank you so much for all the reviews. There are too many to list here, but just know that I read every single one of them.
By the way, to the person who pointed out the detail about Astraea, thank you so much! Don't hesitate to comment on errors like that—I really appreciate it. In my language, her name is spelled "Astrea," so I assumed it would be the same in English. Now I see it's not.
In any case, I hope you enjoy today's chapter. Feel free to let me know what yall think—whether you feel I went overboard with a character's personality or anything else. Your feedback really helps.
I hope you have a great read. I truly appreciate you all.
"Woohoo!" shouted Alise, raising a fist into the air with overflowing enthusiasm. "I'll train him!" she declared with energy, as if the decision was already made.
Kaguya, standing near the table, turned her head slightly to glance at her out of the corner of her eye. Her serious expression seemed to carry a silent weight, though her tone retained its usual sharp calm. "And who will take care of the paperwork, Captain?"
"Obviously you. As the captain of the Familia, I must—"
"Nuh-uh, young lady." Kaguya raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms with a firmness that cut Alise's retort short.
Before the argument could escalate, Astraea intervened softly yet with undeniable authority, pulling out a chair for Bell to sit in. "First of all, Bell deserves a good, hot meal."
Bell, still slightly overwhelmed by Alise's intensity and Kaguya's imposing stance, felt the atmosphere instantly relax with Astraea's words. Turning his head toward the table, he noticed Ryuu standing still as a statue, observing him with a mix of discreet curiosity and cautious distance. Beside her, Iska stood with arms crossed, her dark eyes assessing the boy.
Catching Alise's spark of excitement, Bell smiled slightly and sat down.
"Goddess… please!" Alise clasped her hands dramatically in front of her chest, leaning toward Astraea with sparkling eyes. "Besides, with how bad things are in Orario right now, he needs to know how to fight, doesn't he? How will he enter the Dungeon if he can't?"
"Always exaggerating, Alise." Kaguya sighed and shook her head, though her serious expression softened with a touch of resignation. "Not everything is solved with punches."
"Yes, it is! Well-placed punches solve everything!" Alise shot back, crossing her arms and lifting her chin with a radiant smile as bold as she was. "And by the way, what right do you have to say that?"
Astraea gave the redhead a patient look, placing a hand on her cheek. "Hm. Well, we'll have to make sure Bell becomes a healthy, strong, and happy young man."
With that, the goddess leaned slightly toward Bell, placing a tender hand on his head. As her fingers touched his unruly hair, she frowned softly. "In the meantime, could someone fetch me a brush?"
Bell turned his head toward her, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. "Ah… thank you. It's been like this for months…"
"Don't worry about a thing now, alright? Just focus on growing strong. I believe in you. For now, enjoy the meal—it'll be ready soon."
Bell looked up to meet Astraea's eyes. In that moment, he was certain of something: even if she hadn't told him she was a goddess, he would have guessed. Her mere presence radiated a warmth and kindness that couldn't be human. Even among deities, he was sure not many could compare to Astraea.
"Yes," Bell replied, nodding firmly as he lowered his head with a sincere smile.
Ryuu continued observing in silence, her posture was relaxed but attentive. Although she didn't speak, her gaze seemed to measure the boy, as if already evaluating how worthy he might be of the Familia.
Bell's eyes lingered for a moment on the girls present, pausing briefly on Iska's figure as she chatted with Ryuu in the corner just before leaving. Then, his gaze shifted to Alise, now sprawled on a sofa like she owned the place. Finally, he turned to his new goddess. Even just thinking of calling her that made his stomach flutter—a warm sensation he couldn't recall feeling before.
"Lady Astraea… how many members are in the Familia?" he asked cautiously, his voice still somewhat timid.
"There were eleven," Astraea replied with a faint smile, though the way she said it made Bell frown, a hint of unease showing in his expression.
Noticing his reaction, Astraea let out a small, nervous laugh, waving a hand as if to dispel any misunderstanding. "Ah, sorry if I scared you. It's just that, with you, we're twelve now."
Bell's face turned noticeably red, though this time it wasn't his usual embarrassment. His puffed cheeks made it clear he wasn't happy. "Please don't give such ambiguous answers…"
Astraea chuckled softly, her laugh light and airy. "Hehe, I'm sorry. I promise to be clearer next time." Then, turning to Kaguya, she added, "Could you check on the stew and bring it to the table? I'm sure everyone's hungry."
"I'm starving already!" Alise shouted from the sofa, stretching her arms as if she'd just fought an epic battle against hunger. No one seemed to pay her any attention.
Astraea tilted her head with a mix of exasperation and fondness before turning her focus back to Bell. "Alright, now hold still."
Bell tensed slightly when he saw the brush in Astraea's hands, freshly delivered by Iska. Astraea positioned herself behind him, placing the brush against his hair with a focused look.
As she began brushing, Astraea quickly encountered resistance. Bell's hair was unruly, a chaotic mess of tangles that seemed determined to defy any attempt at order. The brush's teeth snagged constantly, pulling out a few strands and eliciting soft whimpers of pain from Bell.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Bell. This… is more difficult than I expected," Astraea said, concerned she might have hurt him.
"I'm used to it… my mother was less careful," he replied, though he winced slightly at the next tug.
Ten long minutes later, Astraea stepped back to assess the result of her arduous effort. Bell's hair was now smooth, with a shine that reflected the room's soft light, giving him a surprisingly polished look. However, a few stubborn strands still refused to behave, defying any notion of perfection.
"Well… I think it's not too bad," Astraea commented with a smile. Then, running a hand through Bell's hair and observing it with a mix of admiration and frustration, she added, "It's like a jungle… impossible to fully tame."
Bell let out a small laugh, more relaxed now.
Astraea set the brush aside, shaking her hands as if she had just completed a titanic task. "I think that'll do for now. Let's help with the table."
As Astraea went to coordinate the meal with Kaguya, Bell ran a hand through his newly brushed hair. Although it remained somewhat messy, it was the first time in a long while that he felt someone cared about something as simple as that. He couldn't help but smile.
After gazing at his combed hair reflected in a glass for a few seconds, Bell decided to offer his help setting the table. However, he quickly realized that the girls worked with the coordination of years of experience. Before he could even pick up a plate, everything was ready.
The table looked almost festive: freshly baked bread, a generous platter of vegetables, a steaming stew that crowned the center, and a juice with a fruity aroma Bell couldn't quite place. Everything gave off a warm, comforting smell that quickly reached his nose. The stew, with tender chunks of meat floating in a rich mix of vegetables and spices, emitted such a homely aroma that Bell couldn't resist leaning closer to observe it, his eyes shining with curiosity and hunger.
Astraea glanced at him sideways, her expression gentle and satisfied, as if she were proud of the boy's reaction. "Smells good, doesn't it? I like to cook every now and then. Consider this your welcome," she said with a soothing smile.
Bell nodded happily. He didn't fully understand why this goddess had received him so warmly. Just hours ago, she had literally picked him up off the streets. But now, looking at the table and feeling the cozy atmosphere, he decided this wasn't the time to question it. Perhaps, the thoughts and motives of gods were simply different from those of mortals.
He took a seat in the chair Astraea had offered him earlier, joining the rest of the girls. Each seemed to have an assigned place, making Bell feel even more like part of something special.
Alise was the last to arrive. As she got up from the couch where she had been lounging, she tripped over a cushion no one had noticed and fell flat on the floor, eliciting soft, stifled laughs from the others.
"I'm fine! I'm fine," Alise assured them, dusting herself off as she got up with overflowing enthusiasm and not a trace of embarrassment. Finally, she sat down, still laughing, and rested an elbow on the table, staring intently at Bell.
"Hmmm, having a feast like this, prepared by our goddess, isn't something common…" she murmured, bringing a hand to her chin in an exaggeratedly thoughtful gesture. Then, with a mischievous smile, she added, "Thank you so much for blessing us, little bunny."
Bell felt his cheeks burn at the nickname, averting his gaze in an attempt to hide his blush. "I-I'm not a bunny..." he muttered.
"But you look like one! Look at yourself... soft, pale, and with those red eyes that look like pearls." Alise made exaggerated circles with her hands over her own eyes, mimicking the boy's appearance, before bursting into laughter. "Bon appétit!" she exclaimed, taking the first spoonful of stew.
The others seemed immune to the captain's theatrics, as if it were as natural as breathing. Astraea sighed, placing a hand on her forehead with maternal resignation, while Kaguya maintained her characteristic elegant demeanor, though Bell noticed a slight tension in her lips, as if she were suppressing a flicker of discomfort. Ryuu and Iska, on the other hand, appeared unfazed, acting as usual, though Bell didn't know them well enough yet to decipher more about them.
Driven by hunger and excitement, Bell grabbed a piece of bread, dipped it into the stew, and took a bite.
Delicious. That was the only word his mind managed to form.
The warm, rich flavor enveloped him, as the soft bread absorbed the stew's essence and the chunks of meat and vegetables melted in his mouth. It was more than food; it was an experience, a sensation of warmth and belonging that filled him completely. More than the taste, what truly made him happy was the fact that he was eating with company, at a table, under a roof. At last, he felt clean, safe, and part of something again.
"It's delicious, Lady Astraea," Bell said after swallowing.
"Is it? I'm glad you like it," Astraea replied with a warm smile, finally taking a spoonful of her own plate.
Alise, already devouring her second piece of bread, raised her spoon as if to toast to the moment. "At this rate, our little bunny will grow strong and happy in our burrow!"
Bell could only sigh, resigned to the fact that the nickname probably wouldn't go away anytime soon. But as he looked at Astraea, the other girls, and the table overflowing with food, he decided not to mind. It was, after all, a sign of affection from his new captain.
Bell sat on the bed in a simple and modest room. There was just enough: a bed, a small wardrobe, a bedside table, and a clear space.
It was strange. Although the structure didn't resemble his old home in the slightest, the atmosphere felt familiar. It reminded him of that place where he had spent so many years with his mother.
His eyes began to glisten. However, he shook his head and wiped away the tears threatening to roll down his cheeks. He took a deep breath, clenching his fists. This wasn't the time to be sad—he had a new family now, after all.
As if fate itself responded to his thoughts, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Bell quickly stood up and opened it.
"Lady Astraea, please, come in."
His voice came out more excited than he expected, but he didn't mind. Astraea entered with her characteristic serenity and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Well then, remember what I told you during dinner."
Bell nodded silently. He removed his long-sleeved shirt and lay face down on the bed. As he felt the coolness of the sheets against his skin, the question he had been silently forming for minutes finally escaped.
"Goddess… before we begin, why did you take me in so willingly?"
Bell's voice was barely a murmur, as though he feared the answer. Astraea gave a kind smile and let out a small sigh.
"Oh… you know, gods have very good intuition. If it had been another boy who saved us that time, I would have thanked him, of course, and rewarded him. But I wouldn't have taken him in like this."
Bell wanted to reply, but something in his chest told him to stay silent and listen.
"However, you bring me peace... It's hard to explain, but I feel it's my duty to take care of you. Gods are... complicated, aren't we? Even the kindest among us can be capricious at times."
Her smile grew slightly as she said this, and Bell couldn't help but let a timid smile form on his face.
"I-I see."
His voice sounded neutral, but under the pillow, he hid a wide grin he didn't want the goddess to see.
Astraea then took out a small needle, pricked her finger gently, and let a drop of blood fall onto Bell's bare back.
A soft golden light filled the room, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Bell felt a slight warmth spread across his skin before everything returned to normal.
On his back, the family emblem had appeared. It was a long, central figure with elegant curves that ended in a pair of majestic wings spread wide, covering the lower part of the design—a symbol many called "the symbol of justice."
"All done, Bell."
The goddess took a piece of paper and carefully transcribed the information before handing it to the boy. Although she knew it didn't contain anything significant yet, the act itself was important. It was a ritual, something symbolic.
Bell
Human
Lv1
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Magic: []
Skills: []
The paper was blank, but Bell didn't mind. His hands trembled slightly as he held it, and his expression reflected deep gratitude.
"Thank you, goddess."
"It is my duty as your deity. Tomorrow, your training with Alise will begin. I know it may seem a bit soon, given how weak your body still is, but it will do you good to strengthen yourself."
Bell smiled with determination, tilting his head toward Astraea.
"I'll make sure to thank my captain properly."
"That's what I wanted to hear. Goodnight, Bell."
Astraea left, walking out and closing the door gently behind her.
Bell stayed for a moment, gazing at the paper, mentally going over every line. Finally, he set it aside, slipped under the covers, and closed his eyes.
The warmth of the room and the softness of the mattress enveloped him like a hug, allowing him to sleep peacefully for the first time in a long time.
The morning at the mansion had been calm, even somewhat subdued, probably because the rest of the family members weren't home.
For Bell, that wasn't a bad thing. He'd describe it as relaxing: a simple but nutritious breakfast, light conversations among those present, and, for some reason, Astraea insisting on brushing his hair… again.
"Just in case." That was the only explanation the goddess offered as she ran the brush through his white hair. Bell tried to say something at first, but ultimately decided not to complain. What was the point? Besides, it was somewhat soothing… though he was starting to wonder if this would become a daily habit.
Now, however, the atmosphere had changed. Bell was in the mansion's spacious courtyard, with the sun beating down on him. He wore a short-sleeved white shirt, simple pants, and high-cut boots. Over his chest, he had a leather breastplate, and in his hands, he held a pair of wooden daggers.
On the outside, he looked like someone ready for training. On the inside, he felt like a ragdoll after an hour of being thrashed. Moreover, his weak body seemed to struggle with keeping up. "Hey, you're learning too fast."
Alise, standing in front of him, wore her usual confident smile, which never left her face. Not a drop of sweat marred her despite having spent the last while enthusiastically beating him. She wore her typical casual outfit: a short-sleeved white shirt, black shorts, thigh-high stockings, and brown boots.
"I've taught you more than I planned to today."
"Thank you." Bell was breathing heavily, but he still found the strength to reply. "It's because you're such a great teacher, Capt—uh… Big Sis..."
He mumbled the last part, averting his gaze as his face turned red.
Alise's expression changed instantly. She exaggeratedly tilted her head, closed her eyes, and placed a hand behind her ear, as if trying to hear better.
"What was that? I didn't catch that! Can you say it louder?"
"I didn't say anything…" Bell tried to brush it off, but his nervous tone didn't help at all.
"Come on! Say it again! Come on, come on, come on!" Alise began hopping around him, insisting like a little girl asking for candy.
Ryuu, who was at a safe distance, let out a deep sigh.
"This again…" she murmured to herself. The blonde had witnessed this spectacle at least ten times since the training began, and although she respected Alise, her insistence on the matter was starting to wear on her.
"Big Sis..." Bell muttered in the lowest tone he could manage.
Meanwhile, Alise decided to take it a step further. She placed a hand dramatically over her chest, as if she'd just received the most touching confession in the world.
"Oh, Big Sis! It sounds so sweet! I didn't know we were so close already, Bell. I'm so thrilled!"
Bell could only bury his face in his hands, silently praying for someone—anyone—to save him from this situation.
Unfortunately, Astraea was elsewhere, and Ryuu had no intention of intervening. In fact, the elf had crossed her arms and started to enjoy the spectacle. At least someone found this drama entertaining.
"You're the one who insisted I call you that…" Bell muttered.
"Perfect! A 10 out of 10!" Alise shouted, ignoring Bell as she raised her arms like she had just crowned him champion of some contest.
"That's enough." Ryuu finally spoke, walking toward them with a mildly exasperated expression. "Alise, the training was supposed to be for Bell, not for your entertainment."
"But he's so adorable when he blushes." Alise pouted, as if trying to justify her behavior.
Ryuu glanced at Bell, who now looked as mentally drained as he was physically exhausted, and decided to put an end to it.
"All right, Bell, take a break. And you, Alise, maybe you should rest too."
"Me? Rest? But I'm perfectly fine!" protested the redhead, gesturing to her impeccable condition while spinning around to show off that she wasn't even sweating.
"Precisely why." Ryuu sighed again, placing a hand on her forehead as she walked away.
Bell seized the opportunity to collapse onto the ground, breathing deeply. The training was exhausting, but surviving Alise was an even greater challenge.
"Hey! Lady Astraea wants to have lunch outside. Plus, we're registering Bell at the Guild, so wipe off that sweat!"
Iska appeared at the courtyard's entrance, her clear, firm voice leaving no room for argument.
Bell, still panting from the training, jumped to his feet, hurriedly unbuckling the leather breastplate. Although his movements were quick, his legs trembled slightly. Behind him, Alise continued to smile in satisfaction as she playfully nudged Ryuu.
The elf, as usual, endured the teasing stoically, letting out a resigned sigh. To Bell, it seemed both a strange and slightly entertaining spectacle.
The streets of Orario were unlike anything Bell had ever known.
He had spent his entire life caring for his mother, limited by her illness and the restrictions of poverty. Places like this—full of hustle, commerce, and life—felt almost otherworldly to him.
Despite the city's bustle, Bell didn't feel an ounce of resentment about his past. Each step he took here only reinforced his gratitude for his mother and the lessons she had taught him.
He walked slightly behind the group, wearing the clothes Iska had gifted him the day before: a long-sleeved white sweater, black pants with straps, and sturdy boots. At his waist hung a small dagger, a gift they had said was "for safety." Though the idea made him a bit nervous, seeing that even the girls were armed, he quickly understood it as a constant reminder of Orario's fragile peace.
"Where did you say you wanted to go, Lady Astraea?" Ryuu asked, her face concealed by a green mask. Her blonde hair and pointed elven ears were the only clues to her identity.
"To the usual café," Astraea replied with a warm smile. She walked at the center of the group, surrounded by Kaguya, Alise, Iska, and Ryuu. While the others chatted animatedly amongst themselves, Bell remained a few steps behind, observing the scene like a spectator to a play he had yet to understand.
But Alise wasn't about to let that continue. Without warning, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him forward, placing him among them as if he were part of some important procession.
"Come on, we don't want you getting lost in all this crowd!"
Bell didn't resist… not that he had much of a choice. Alise's strength was overwhelming.
As they walked, an elderly woman suddenly appeared in front of the group, holding a large basket of vegetables. Seeing Bell, the only man in the group, she smiled broadly. Without asking or waiting for permission, she shoved—or rather, threw—the basket into his arms with such speed that it nearly knocked him backward.
"Oh! Here you go, young man. It's for you as thanks. That wolf girl saved me from some ruffians the other day."
Bell barely managed to balance the heavy basket, which covered most of his face. He took a few staggering steps back, struggling to keep it aloft as his arms trembled.
"Thank you so much! That's very kind of you," Astraea responded with a sweet smile, taking the woman's hand and gently stroking it as if bestowing a blessing. The elderly woman nodded, clearly moved, before returning to her stall with an expression of absolute satisfaction.
"Hey, are you okay there, bunny boy?" Alise asked, glancing at Bell, who was still fighting to find a stable position to carry the basket. The boy barely managed to free one hand to give a shaky thumbs-up, without saying a word.
"Perfect, I see everything's fine," the redhead said, shrugging and continuing on as if nothing had happened.
Kaguya let out a short but genuine laugh, while Iska murmured something about how "helpful Bell was." Ryuu, on the other hand, simply observed, clearly accustomed to this kind of chaos.
The walk to the café was shorter than Bell expected—or perhaps, between the chatter and the group's constant teasing, it had simply flown by.
When they arrived, Bell entered cautiously, balancing the basket with an almost miraculous steadiness. After countless adjustments and juggling acts along the way, he had finally managed to hold it in a way that didn't obstruct his steps or make him wobble like a nervous tightrope walker.
The café-restaurant had a natural ambiance, reminiscent of the Stardust Garden, but with its own peculiar charm. The nature-themed decorations gave it a unique air: vines climbed the walls as if the place had been reclaimed by greenery, yet the immaculate cleanliness and gleaming floor under the soft light made it clear that nothing was out of place.
The group took a seat at a large, spacious table—a choice that seemed unnecessary given their small number, but comfortable enough to accommodate anyone who might join unexpectedly.
It wasn't long before a waitress appeared to serve them.
"Good afternoon, Lady Astraea. The usual?" she greeted with a familiar smile as she glanced at the group. However, her eyes soon landed on Bell, lingering for a moment as if assessing something unusual. "And who's this boy?" she asked casually, as if she'd known the family for years.
"He's our new member, Bell," Astraea replied serenely. Then, looking at him with a kind smile, she added, "Bring him the most nutritious meal you have. He needs to build some muscle."
Bell lowered his head, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on him. He nodded silently, though he couldn't stop a slight blush from creeping onto his face.
The waitress seemed surprised but quickly masked her reaction. A man in the Astraea Familia? It was certainly out of the ordinary, but she chose not to delve further into the matter.
As she took their orders, Kaguya raised her hand with almost theatrical elegance. Her expression was serious, but her eyes sparkled with unmistakable mischief.
"A salad for our dear elf," she said in a neutral tone, though the curve of her lips betrayed her intentions.
"What?!" Ryuu turned her head sharply toward Kaguya, glaring at her.
Astraea, meanwhile, only sighed, a mix of resignation and divine patience.
"I'm not a vegetarian just because I'm an elf!" Ryuu protested, lightly pounding the table with both hands as if to reinforce her point.
"Oh, is that so? My apologies," Kaguya replied, bringing a hand to her mouth with the grace of a refined lady. Of course, the gesture was more to hide her laughter than to show remorse. The subtlety only made Ryuu scowl further, though seeing Astraea's calming gaze, she opted to retreat, crossing her arms with a huff.
"I want something as radiant as me!" Alise interrupted with an exaggerated gesture, snapping her fingers at the waitress and flashing a grin.
Kaguya clicked her tongue, breaking character for a moment.
The waitress, a human, merely sighed as she finished jotting down the orders. "Of course, something that shines," she muttered under her breath, turning toward the kitchen with a small shake of her head.
Astraea closed her eyes for a moment, likely summoning celestial patience as the peculiar family's chatter filled the room.
Iska, finishing her order, couldn't help but laugh in that feminine tone of hers. Bell, for his part, found himself smiling slightly as he watched the scene unfold.
Resting... That was what his body desperately demanded.
Those girls were intense. Especially Alise.
With one hand on his stomach and a pained expression, Bell seemed to be battling recent memories of the meal. Just seeing more plates on the table made him frown, as if the mere thought of food caused him nausea.
It was all Kaguya and Alise's fault…
"I told you I should've been the one to feed him," proclaimed Alise, crossing her arms with an expression of sheer stubbornness.
"The food you ordered was a greasy bomb," Kaguya retorted, raising an eyebrow as she walked with her usual grace. "It's much better for him to try something more refined and light, courtesy of his great big sister, Kaguya."
"Huh?! Im his Big Sister! And who cares! Ryuu surely agrees with me, right, Ryuu?" Alise turned to the elf, leaning in so close that Ryuu automatically stepped back, nearly tripping over the chair.
"Don't drag me into your arguments…" Ryuu murmured, looking away with a mix of resignation and exhaustion.
"Bell."
"Bunny!"
The poor boy jumped like a spring, raising his hands in automatic surrender, having no idea what the two women wanted.
"Which one was tastier?" both demanded in unison, though Alise's tone was more of a defiant yell, while Kaguya maintained her elegance, sharp as a knife.
"Eh? I-I… well…" Bell began looking around as if desperately searching for an emergency exit. His gaze wandered to Astraea, who observed the scene with serene curiosity, as if enjoying a comedic show.
"The salmon Lady Astraea ordered!" Bell suddenly blurted out, bowing his head as though he'd just declared his death sentence.
For a moment, there was absolute silence. Kaguya and Alise stared at him, both with blank expressions that didn't betray whether they were shocked, indignant, or just processing the blow.
Meanwhile, in the background, Astraea let out a soft chuckle that quickly escalated into a melodious laugh. Her gaze filled with satisfaction, celebrating her silent victory while the rest of the group processed the outcome.
Bell, for his part, sighed in relief.
Astraea, who decided to stop laughing, hurried to pay the bill with her typical serenity, and the group left the café, ready to head to the Guild.
"So, Alise," Iska began, adjusting her ponytail as they walked, "how long do you think it'll take Bell to be ready to enter the Dungeon?"
The redhead, with her characteristic overflowing confidence, puffed out her chest as she looked at Bell with pride.
"With my training, less than a week! After all, a great teacher like me makes sure even a newbie—"
"Stop," Kaguya interrupted without even looking at her, her tone dry but as sharp as a blade. Alise slumped her shoulders as if someone had extinguished her flame, dragging her feet with a dramatic expression of dejection that seemed to scream, "Why me?"
The journey to the Guild was, miraculously, quiet. Well, almost. Bell couldn't help but notice how the townsfolk greeted them with smiles and thanks, each one recognizing Astraea and her girls' work. Though a bit overwhelmed, the boy couldn't help but feel inspired. His new family really made a difference.
"Bell!" Alise's voice burst like a drumroll through the air, breaking the tranquility. She took exaggerated steps forward, as if presenting a grand spectacle.
"Behold the magnificent, the imposing, the one and only…" She made a dramatic gesture toward an imposing building, mimicking drumroll movements in the air. "Adventurers' Center!"
Before Bell could process the theatrics, Alise grabbed his wrist and dragged him inside.
The rest of the girls followed the duo, though not without comments.
"So much energy at this hour…" Ryuu murmured with a faint sigh, while Kaguya walked with her elegant stride… or at least tried to.
Inside the Guild, Alise positioned Bell in front of the counter with a movement that seemed rehearsed.
"Look! Our brand-new member!" she proclaimed, raising her arms toward Bell as if presenting a trophy.
Bell, for his part, could only stand still, his expression somewhere between confused and resigned. If someone had walked by, they'd probably have thought he was a mannequin rather than a real person.
The receptionist, a human with a plain appearance but sharp eyes, looked up from her paperwork. Her gaze shifted from Alise to the boy as if trying to determine whether this was some kind of joke.
"Scarlet Harnel… what do you need this time?"
"We want to register this boy as our new member!" Alise replied enthusiastically, patting Bell's shoulders.
"Ah… I see…" The receptionist blinked a couple of times, then tilted her head with a faint expression of disbelief.
"Wait, wait… isn't that a boy?"
"'That'…?" Bell muttered, a small shadow falling over his eyes.
"Ah, sorry, I mean him!" the receptionist quickly corrected herself, her face turning red as a tomato. She rummaged through a pile of papers until she found a form and slid it across the counter. "Just… fill this out, please."
Bell took the pencil and paper, but a bead of sweat rolled down his temple.
Writing… He froze. His mother had taught him many things, but writing wasn't one of them.
Alise noticed his hesitation and, without saying a word, took the boy's hand in hers and began writing the information with him. Bell, now redder than ever, didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or just silently thank her.
"Let's see…" the receptionist murmured as she read the sheet. "Bell… Level 1… Astraea Familia… Everything seems in order. Do you want us to assign an advisor to explain the basics of the Dungeon, or…?"
"None of that," Alise interrupted with her usual confidence. "He'll learn everything at home, right, Bunny?"
Bell sighed. "Stop calling me that…" he murmured, loud enough for Alise to hear, prompting her to laugh softly.
The receptionist sent them off with a light sigh, and before Bell could catch his breath, Alise dragged him out again like a rag doll, with the rest of the family following at a calmer pace.
"Haaah!" shouted a young white-haired boy as he charged at a red-haired woman, dagger in hand.
Alise effortlessly parried the attack and countered, landing a controlled kick to his side, just enough to throw him off balance.
Bell staggered backward, sweat streaming down his forehead, but he refused to give up. Instead of stopping, he charged at her again. With a clumsy but determined motion, he slashed diagonally with his dagger, striking Alise's wooden sword.
Seizing the moment, he spun to dodge a counterattack, narrowly avoiding the impact.
However, his attempt to "stab" the red-haired woman's armor was thwarted yet again; Alise deflected the blow and struck him squarely on the jaw with the hilt of her sword.
Bell fell onto his back, the world spinning around him.
"Ugh…" was all he managed to mumble as he rubbed his jaw and struggled to sit up.
"Hehe, you've only been at this for a day, and I can already tell you've got natural talent," Alise remarked, casually sheathing her sword. "But you'll need more strength... Once you build some muscle, you'll be much better." She gave him a confident smile before heading toward the house's entrance.
"Don't take too long! The others will be here soon, and you need to make a good impression," she added with a light laugh before disappearing through the door, leaving Bell behind, sweaty and sore.
As he watched her leave, Bell let out a deep sigh. On one hand, he was excited to meet the rest of the family; on the other, he couldn't shake the knot in his stomach. What if they didn't accept him?
The afternoon had passed peacefully, filled with training, cleaning, and helping Lady Astraea with her plants. Though his muscles ached and his body begged for rest, the sense of belonging and purpose made him ignore his exhaustion.
Getting up from the grass where he had been sitting, Bell limped slightly as he hurried toward the house, determined to shower before the others arrived. However, when he reached the bathroom, he discovered he'd have to wait for Alise to finish.
"Nervous?" A soft voice caught him off guard. Turning, Bell found Astraea sitting at a nearby table, a teacup in her hands.
"Yes, but also excited," he admitted with a shy smile. "I wonder what they'll be like…"
Astraea set her cup down and looked at him with tenderness. "Well, each of them is special in their own way, more than you can imagine. But I assure you, they're all wonderful girls."
With that warm, maternal tone, she added, "Promise me you'll do your best to get along with them, alright? Do it for me." Her smile, so gentle and sincere, soothed Bell's anxiety, filling his chest with an indescribable warmth.
"Yes, my lady," he replied firmly before turning and hurrying to the bathroom, relieved to see that Alise had already finished.
Astraea watched him go, then picked up her teacup again, her gaze lingering on the gentle wisps of steam rising from the translucent liquid. "Such a sweet boy... I hope the world doesn't change him," she murmured to herself, though a shadow of worry flickered across her face.
After a brief silence, she whispered, as if the tea could hear her, "Though I know it's inevitable…"
Finally, she took a small sip, waiting patiently for her beloved girls to return from their expedition.