Merry Christmas everyone!
Hope you all get to enjoy your day and spend time with friends and family.
For those like me who are working over the festive period and unable to see their family and friends, hopefully this chapter is something you can enjoy instead.
See you in the new year.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Bell and Ryuu would return to the Hostess of Fertility to find an inebriated Loki. As the dinner rush continued, Loki would get an inkling as to why Bell was able to win people over, only for her drinking to catch up to her, with the Goddess being helped by Bell to her home, until they ran into Bete, who took the Goddess from Bell, assuming the boy was now a kitchen hand. Loki would wake in regret the next morning, before deciding to sleep things off. Trying to get a start on resupplying his equipment, Bell would journey into the Dungeon with a new supporter, a short blonde-haired Elf, known as Lili. The pair would rip through the Dungeon, much to Lili's fear, until Bell reached his goal, combat with an Infant Dragon, in order to secure himself the drop item he wanted, an Infant Dragon Fang, with a hide thrown in for free. As Bell and Lili would reach the Guild, Bell would flee, fearing the eventual reprisal of Eina, with Lili unknowingly being the one to throw him into her eventual warpath. Luckily for Bell, he had gone to visit Airmid for healing, allowing him to avoid the confrontation, while managing to trade his drop item to the healer in exchange for an elixir and her services.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 17 – Supply run
After leaving Airmid, Bell had made his way back to the Hostess of Fertility, only to hear about how Eina had been on the warpath trying to find him, leaving Bell inwardly very thankful that he had dodged a bullet for the rest of the evening. As Bell had told Airmid, he planned to avoid the Dungeon, wanting to see if he could have his Infant Dragon Fang made into a weapon in the first instance. As Bell thought on this, he remembered his two broken knives and wondered if he could make use of them as well, but decided to leave that for the next day to sort out.
-line break-
'Is something wrong with Ais, she doesn't seem quite right?' Asked Tiona.
'What do you mean?' Asked Tione, as the group made their way down into the Dungeon again, early in the morning.
The group was slightly more robust this time, with an extra supporter to assist Lefiya, Rakta Haze, a Hume Bunny and a fresh level three member of the Loki Familia.
'She was all quiet before, but it is like every now and then she looks like she is going to say something but doesn't.' Elaborated Tiona, causing Riveria to send her a glance.
'Do you think there is something bothering Miss Ais?' Asked Lefiya, fiddling with the strap of her backpack.
'It is nothing to worry about for now. The three of you have never seen Ais when she gets like this, it'll pass, please lend your support until then.' Interrupted Finn, causing Riveria to smile.
'Of course.' Chorused the three in agreement
"Although Finn has a point, this is not the normal quiet Ais. Something else is going on in her head." Thought Riveria, watching as Ais marched onwards to a yet unknown goal.
-line break-
'Uh, are you sure it is okay to leave early?' Asked Bell, being led to his destination by two Cat-girls.
After a good sleep, Bell was back in the kitchen at the Hostess of Fertility the next morning, only for the Cat-girls, Chloe and Anya, to lead him away once he had finished cooking, but before they had a chance to wash up.
'Of course, if you want a knife or a dagger, there can only be one place to go. You can trust me; we see eye to eye on this.' Placated Chloe, giving a small grin.
'Besides, Syr is in the kitchen right now, we need to escape while we can.' Added Anya nervously, glancing over her shoulder momentarily, almost as though she expected Syr to pop up behind them.
'Syr's cooking is improving though, shouldn't we want to see what she makes now?' Asked Bell, causing Chloe and Anya to sigh.
'You are Syr's perfect man, Bell, a stomach that has no sense of taste is perfect for Syr's cooking.' Sighed Anya, shaking her head in dismay.
'Hey, don't go giving him to Syr just like that, I still have a right to enjoy his cute behind!' Interjected Chloe, causing Bell to blush.
'So where are we going?' Asked Bell, causing Chloe to smirk.
'Well if you want a nice pair of gloves, it makes sense you go to that pure muscle with no brains. Weapons though, you need the amazing Chloe and Anya for that, those other two don't know how to use a blade.' Said Chloe proudly.
'How did you know about that?' Asked Bell, causing Chloe to wink.
'Elves aren't the only ones with sharp ears, even though we know you are Syr seem to like Ryuu best.' Teased Chloe.
'You know how to use a blade? Were the two of you adventurers?' Asked Bell, trying to change the topic, causing Chloe to grin.
'I wasn't, I was something else. If you want to find out though, I want some one-on-one time with you, nya.' Teased Chloe, causing the boy to blush.
'You'll make the witch mad.' Retorted Anya, causing Chloe to stick her tongue out, confusing Bell.
'The witch?' Queried Bell, only for Chloe to wave his question off.
'Another time, we're here now.' Said Chloe dismissively, opening the door of a small building in the northeastern section of Orario.
'Is it okay for us to just walk in like this?' Asked Bell, as he and the two girls ascended a staircase.
Bell noted a stack of blades jammed into boxes and strewn around the area, with some hung up on display. It seemed very likely that this was some sort of weapon storage facility, but the occasional clang of metal confused Bell.
'Is this a shop?' Asked Bell, turning his head to look at the dark-haired Cat-girl, only for her to smirk.
'Nope.' Replied Chloe, before the group reached the top of the stairs.
Bell finally spotted a bronzed back, seated on a small stool, raising a large metal hammer, which was being rhythmically slammed against an anvil.
'Tsubaki, got a cutie with me!' Sang Chloe, causing the large girl to still.
The girl hammered down on the anvil three more times, before lifting a scimitar up to her eye line, turning it over once and examining both sides of the blade, before setting it down.
'Chloe, it's been a while since you've come by, don't tell me you need a favour?' Asked the woman, turning around to face them as she stood up.
The first thought Bell had was that she was tall. She wasn't as tall as Mama Mia, but she was easily taller than any of the other girls at the Hostess of Fertility. The woman had bronzed skin and long black hair, with one of her eyes being covered by an eyepatch. The woman had no top to speak of however, only having some cloth wrappings around her bust.
'This is the new mascot of the Hostess of Fertility, Bell the Needle Rabbit.' Introduced Chloe, causing Bell to sigh.
'Hmm? Looks like just my type, but Mama Mia isn't one to share.' Commented Tsubaki, causing Bell's jaw to drop.
'Well, Bell just so happens to be our newest star chef, so maybe we can work out a trade. I can't guarantee him hand feeding you personally, but you never know.' Teased Chloe, causing Bell to look at her scandalised.
'I'll consider it, what's the job?' Asked Tsubaki.
'Well, sadly, that isn't just Bell being happy to be around the gorgeous Chloe Rollo, it's an Infant Dragon Fang in his pocket.' Joked Chloe, placing her hand over the bulge in Bell's pants, causing him to jolt.
'Oho? A cutie and a fighter? How long have you been an adventurer for to escape my eye?' Asked Tsubaki.
'Less than a month, isn't that cool?' Chirped in Anya, causing Tsubaki to narrow her eyes in disbelief.
'Very funny, how long has it been, kid?' Asked Tsubaki.
'Uh, it's been three weeks and three days, Miss.' Replied Bell, causing the girl to blink a few times, before seeing Anya sticking her tongue out at her, while Chloe smirked.
'Well how can I help then?' Asked Tsubaki eagerly.
'I was hoping to have this made into a knife… I kind of broke my last two.' Admitted Bell, causing Tsubaki to raise an eyebrow.
'What did you fight to break a knife if you've only been adventurer for three weeks?' Asked Tsubaki in disbelief, her opinion of the boy dropping instantly, imagining he was not taking care of his blades at all.
'A Silverback, Troll, and a Sword Stag!' Interjected Anya, causing the blacksmith to look at them in disbelief.
'W-Well it wasn't really them that broke it; it was because I pushed my magic through them, and they broke.' Admitted Bell.
'Chloe, is this some elaborate joke, because if so, I've got work to do?' Scoffed Tsubaki.
'Nya? I bring a cutie right to you and you refuse it, shows what you know.' Huffed Chloe, turning her head to the left and giving her a side glance.
Bell stepped forward and pulled out the broken fragments of his weapons from a small pouch on his hip.
'I was also wondering if you could repair them somehow.' Asked Bell, presenting the pieces to Tsubaki.
Tsubaki looked at the fragments in his hand curiously, grabbing a small magnifying lens, Tsubaki took a piece and scrutinised it.
'What kind of magic did you use?' Asked Tsubaki curiously, her eye running up and down the crack.
'Fire.' Replied Bell, causing her lips to twitch.
'Is that all?' Asked Tsubaki, causing Bell to look up to the ceiling.
'Well, I guess there were also little bolts of electricity too.' Admitted Bell, causing Tsubaki to grin.
'All right kid, I'll help you out, but I want to be hand feed something special.' Replied Tsubaki, putting down the lens.
The two Cat-girls yowled in surprise, while Bell smiled.
'You mean it?' Asked Chloe.
'For an honest, innocent cutie like this, who is going toe-to-toe with middle and lower floor monsters? You better believe I'll make him something nice. As for those blades, I don't think I can restore them both, but if you really want, I can make them into one.' Offered Tsubaki, getting a wide smile from Bell.
'Thank you very much!' Exclaimed Bell, causing Tsubaki to raise an eyebrow.
'You know, most adventurers toss away their broken tools, what's so special about these?' Asked Tsubaki, causing Bell to look off to the side.
'Syr and Ryuu got them for me.' Said Bell quietly.
Tsubaki set the blades down as she walked closer to Bell, causing the boy to look up. Before Bell or the Cat-girls could react, Bell was pulled into her cloth wrapped bosom.
'Ah, this boy is a real cutie, he's adorable! I'll have everything done in the next day!' Cheered Tsubaki.
'Can I make another request?' Asked Bell, his voice muffled by the embrace.
'What is it?' Asked Tsubaki, pulling him away slightly.
'Do you think someone could use the shards to make a bracelet or necklace out of them?' Asked Bell, causing Tsubaki to pat his head.
'Ah, you really are a good boy, aren't you? No worries, leave it all to Big Sis Tsubaki. You don't mind if I outsource a few things though, do you?' Asked Tsubaki, getting Bell to shake his head.
Tsubaki nodded and released the boy, with Chloe quickly pulling him back.
'That was your tip! The witch will come after us if we let you steal him away.' Warned Chloe, causing Tsubaki to laugh.
'Sure, sure. I want you to give me personal feedback on how your new weapon is. I don't use knives myself, so it'll be good to get some pointers on them.' Acquiesced Tsubaki, causing Bell to nod.
'Of course, thank you Miss Tsubaki.' Agreed Bell easily, only for Tsubaki to frown before she developed a grin.
'Nah-uh, you need to call me Big Sis Tsubaki.' Teased Tsubaki, causing Bell's mouth to open and close a few times.
'Uh… okay then… Big Sis Tsubaki.' Mumbled Bell, causing the blacksmith to pump her fist.
'Ah, you're even better than my usual boy-toy. Don't worry, Big Sis will take care of you, but Big Sis needs to focus now, so shoo. You can pick them up tomorrow evening.' Ordered Tsubaki, dismissing the trio, before the heat in her forge picked up once again.
-line break-
A man with orange eyes and a feathered hat was reading through a few newspaper clippings.
'Anything exciting?' Asked a handsome looking man, with a well-kept silver beard.
'What was the name of your grandson again?' Asked the man in the hat, setting down the drink he had been holding.
'Bell, Bell Cranel, don't tell me something has happened to him already, it's only been a few weeks since he got to Orario.' Said the bearded man.
'You said Bell seemed to like the Elves in your stories, yes?' Asked Hermes, causing the man to nod.
'And you're sure he never had any training before you left him, or before he got to Orario?' Continued the hat-clad man.
'Him? Training? Never. He has a backbone and patience, but severely lacks ambition and pride. Even his cooking is worthy of the gods, yet he still downplays it. I'm surprised he finally mustered up the nerve to make it to Orario.' Said the bearded man.
'I see. By any chance, have you gone senile in the past few months?' Asked the man wearing the hat, causing his companion to place down his mug of beer on the table.
'What are you saying now, Hermes?' Asked the bearded man.
'I'm afraid I need to write a letter and head back immediately. You should have a look at this before I leave.' Advised the hat wearing man, known as Hermes.
'What nonsense has you questioning my sanity now?' Asked the man, before taking the newspaper clipping from the table and skimming through it.
'Is this a joke? Is this an editorial?' Asked the bearded man in disbelief, occasional weak laughs spilling from his lips.
'I will send word once I arrive. Who would have thought the great Zeus could be rendered blind, deaf, and dumb without his notice!' Laughed Hermes, raising his arm into the air and releasing a carrier pigeon wearing a glowing necklace into the sky, before the bird blasted through the atmosphere at an enhanced speed.
The newspaper clipping was placed back on the table, before the bearded man downed his entire mug of beer.
Lone adventurer topples escaped monsters to protect innocent girls and goddess
'I never would have thought he had the nerve for such a thing. Haha, Bell, you are more spectacular than I could have ever thought! Go and show them your true self!' Laughed the bearded man, causing Hermes to smile as he heard the cries of jubilation from the man.
-line break-
'There we go, all done.' Declared Hephaestus, causing Hestia to beam as she collapsed backwards on the floor.
Her diminutive form and disproportionate bust heaved with exertion, the Goddess barely able to lift her arms anymore. The Goddess of Smithing looked at her friend with a hint of pride, before walking over to her and offering her a cup of water. The petite Goddess groaned and sat up, before gratefully taking the cup and drinking it in two quick gulps.
'So, what do you think, want to run and give your kid the weapon right now?' Asked Hephaestus, causing Hestia to sigh.
'Normally yes, but I know Bell. He is a kid at heart, if I give him this now, he will run right into the Dungeon to test it out. I need to make sure he gets some armour first… and I know just how to make it happen.' Decided Hestia, causing Hephaestus to quirk an eyebrow.
'Considering he is going in anyway, wouldn't it make more sense to give it to him sooner rather than later?' Queried Hephaestus, causing Hestia to sigh again.
'You have a point, but I am being selfish, I want at least one day with him without him needing to go into the Dungeon or work at the Hostess of Fertility. I thought we could just spend a day walking around and taking in the whole of Orario, then I could give it to him fresh the next morning.' Explained Hestia.
'Well, I won't tell you how to look after your Familia. Seems you've got enough people weighing in there already, just make sure you don't have any regrets.' Advised Hephaestus, getting a nod from Hestia.
'Of course, whatever Bell needs from me I will do my best to get it to him… but he is running too fast, I just want him to pause for a moment.' Admitted Hestia quietly, causing Hephaestus to place a hand on her head.
'Remember, time for the mortals moves differently than for us. A pause for us can be years, but for them, it can be only hours. Don't be too hard on him.' Counselled Hephaestus, causing Hestia to nod.
'I know. I'll come pick up the knife tomorrow.' Declared Hestia, before bowing to Hephaestus quickly.
'Thank you so much again, Hephaestus!' Continued Hestia, expressing her gratitude to her friend.
'In two days I am expecting you to be at the shop early in the morning.' Ordered Hephaestus, getting a firm nod from Hestia.
'Well then, better go find him, but maybe take a bath first.' Suggested Hephaestus, causing Hestia to blush.
'Fine, I'll go to the Holy Bath House.' Huffed Hestia, before walking off, causing Hephaestus to laugh.
'Still, to think Hestia would get over her reclusive loneliness for a boy.' Laughed Hephaestus, before a new person entered, who would make Hephaestus reevaluate the boy again.
'Lady Hephaestus, we got any good jewellers around?' Asked Tsubaki, entering the forge.
'Jeweller? You aren't planning to do something embarrassing to Welf again, are you?' Asked Hephaestus with narrowed eyes.
'Nah, there is a new cutie around and he is even more fun. This innocent looking white haired boy that you just want to pat on the head. He blasted his weapons apart fighting a Sword Stag, Troll, and a Silverback and he is only three weeks in to being an adventurer. Adorable right?' Clarified Tsubaki, causing Hephaestus to start laughing, confusing the tanned woman.
'I said adorable, not funny.' Remarked Tsubaki, once Hephaestus stopped laughing.
'Sorry, just to be sure though, was the boy's name Bell?' Asked Hephaestus, causing Tsubaki to nod.
'Yep! Don't tell me you knew about him before me.' Protested Tsubaki.
'That's Hestia's first child, he's making quite the few waves in Orario.' Commented Hephaestus.
'Well then, I guess I really better make these weapons something special.' Commented Tsubaki, causing Hephaestus to raise an eyebrow.
'Weapons? More than one? You'll bankrupt the Hestia Familia like that.' Cautioned Hephaestus, causing Tsubaki to grin.
'Nah, I'm getting a free meal hand fed to me by a cutie, this is pro-bono work basically. Besides, what kind of level one is facing monsters from the lower floors this early on?' Questioned Tsubaki rhetorically.
'Tsubaki, did he tell you he is a level one?' Asked Hephaestus carefully, her eye observing Tsubaki carefully.
'Nah, but it's been three weeks, I can work that out myself.' Replied Tsubaki, waving off Hephaestus, who brought her hand to her chin.
'I see. Well, I do know someone, leave it to me.' Advised Hephaestus, getting a nod from Tsubaki.
-line break-
Bell knew this moment was coming, there was only so long he could avoid it. An angry looking Eina was seated at the bar, glaring at him in the kitchen, slowly eating a chicken Caesar salad while watching him, causing a nervous sweat to go down his neck.
'Bell, you aren't cheating on me, are you?' Asked Syr, as the pair washed and dried the dishes from the last mealtime rush, causing Bell to fumble the dish he was holding.
'What are you talking about, Syr?' Asked Bell, causing the girl to giggle.
'Oh don't worry, I'm just teasing, we still need to work on your harem, but Miss Eina is staring at you like an angry lover, what did you do to her?' Teased Syr, accepting another dish from Bell.
'Ryuu and I went down to the twelfth floor… and I think Eina found out somehow.' Whispered Bell, only for the half-Elf in question to slam her fork on the counter.
'Twelfth! Oh Bell Cranel… you…' Grumbled Eina, causing Bell to flinch.
'Well, you're going to have to speak with her soon, you'll need to wash her plate sooner or later, or did you forget what you agreed to yesterday?' Teased Syr, causing Bell to sigh.
Bell should have known better, every time he left work early, he had to make up for it somehow. Since he had skipped out on dish duty yesterday, he had been encouraged to volunteer to do all dishes today, both for his sake and the two trembling Cat-girls. Bell really couldn't leave a girl in need, even if they had caused the problem themselves.
'Although we really do need an extra pair of hands, I better tell Mama Mia we need to hire more help. I'll need to make a shortlist of Elves though.' Continued Syr, causing Eina's ears to twitch.
'What are you saying Syr?' Asked Bell in a panicked whisper.
'Oh don't worry, it has nothing to do with your preference for Elves, it is for the ratio of Cat-girls to Elves, poor Ryuu is underrepresented like this.' Replied Syr in a loud whisper, causing a certain half-Elf to let out a small squeak, before she left.
Bell sighed as Syr giggled, knowing exactly what she had done, but not regretting it at all.
'Oh Bell, Eina says she will meet you outside the Guild tomorrow morning. You're going shopping.' Informed Chloe happily, popping her head into the kitchen.
'Thanks Chloe.' Sighed Bell, causing Syr to giggle.
'Well, at least you have delayed your lecture for another day with my help.' Commented Syr in amusement, racking the last dish.
Bell sighed, before walking out to grab Eina's plate to wash.
'That's only delaying the inevitable.' Pointed out Bell, starting to wash the plate.
'Well maybe Miss Eina will have calmed down a bit more by tomorrow… or she may be even madder, who can say.' Shrugged Syr, causing Bell to sigh again.
'Bell, I found you!' Exclaimed Hestia, pushing her way to the kitchen, despite Anya's frantic protests.
'Goddess, you're back!' Exclaimed Bell, racking the dish he held, before taking off his apron and moving to hug his Goddess.
'Hehe, hugs from Bell, I've missed these.' Muttered Hestia in a pleased tone of voice, causing Bell to chuckle softly.
'Bell, let's go and explore Orario together!' Declared Hestia, causing Bell to wince.
'S-Sorry Goddess, I promised to work today because of something yesterday.' Apologised Bell, causing Hestia to look crestfallen, only for the short deity to bounce back instantly.
'Tomorrow then!' Declared Hestia, causing Bell to sigh.
'I think I need to go and get lectured by Miss Eina and buy some armour.' Muttered Bell, causing Hestia's face to fall again, causing Bell to continue on.
'But maybe after that we can do something together.' Suggested Bell, causing Hestia to beam at him.
'Okay then! Tomorrow afternoon!' Decided Hestia, before leaving just as quickly as she had arrived.
'Goddess Hestia sure seemed to be excited today. I guess this means you won't be sleeping over anymore or coming in tomorrow.' Commented Syr.
'I guess not. I wonder what she has been up to?' Queried Bell.
'Well maybe you'll get a chance to find out tomorrow on your date.' Teased Syr, causing Bell to blink.
'My what?' Asked Bell.
'You've got two dates tomorrow, one with Miss Eina and one with Goddess Hestia, didn't you realise?' Asked Syr, tilting her head cutely, a quizzical expression on her face.
'W-what? Those aren't dates!' Spluttered Bell, his face turning pink.
'I don't know, sounded like a date to me.' Sang Syr.
'Hey, what about my date?' Protested Chloe, causing Bell to stammer.
'But I'm doing the dishes for you!' Protested Bell, only for Anya to chime in.
'Nya-uh, that's for me, Chloe wasn't on dish duty.' Teased Anya.
'Oi, who said all of you could slack off?' Interjected Mama Mia, causing the Cat-girls to run off.
'Well, it's never boring with you around, Bell.' Commented Syr in amusement, causing Bell to sigh.
'Glad I could be of service.' Mumbled Bell, causing Syr to giggle before kissing him on the cheek.
'Don't sulk, Bell, it only makes me want to tease you more.' Whispered Syr, causing Bell to blush.
-line break-
It had been a further two days now and Ais' thoughts hadn't stilled. As she ruthlessly cut down monster after monster, her mind was torn into three parts. The red-haired tamer had called her something no one but her Goddess and the Loki Familia Executives should have known. Her failure in beating her and getting answers caused a part of her mind to cry out in anger. The second part was morose, cutting down hundreds of monsters did nothing to soothe her sense of failure and weakness. For the millions of monsters she had slain, she still felt weak, a disappointment of an adventurer. Someone who couldn't become any stronger. Someone who was stuck being weak. A person who couldn't advance. These feelings of inadequacy spiralled together with her rage and plunged into her a deep, dark well of emotion. Normally, when Ais felt like this and looked to the top of the well, she saw nothing but darkness. An oppressive sense of hopelessness weighing down on her. These two things had been with Ais for many months now.
Now though, there was a third part.
A speck of white at the top of the well, offering her a smile and reaching a hand down towards her. A boy who seemed too innocent for this world, but one who was striving forward. A boy who thought of her as a hero. A boy who made her feel at peace and helped banish the thoughts of rage and dissatisfaction. Looking at the corpses scattering the floor of the well, Ais questioned if she even had the right to reach upwards for the picture of innocence above her. It was in these moments were Ais felt a sense of clarity. She would always pursue strength. That is who she was. She could never be happy with her current self, always needing to push herself further. Mentally frowning, the words of Bete from that fateful night came back to her.
'Weaklings can't stand at your side; you need someone strong.'
Ais didn't deny the truth to the statement, but her opinion on strength was not the same as Bete's. Bell was strong. He had nothing, but still pushed himself. Becoming a level two already seemingly overnight. What did he have that Ais didn't? Why was he still advancing while Ais had stalled?
"I stopped running… but what was my wish." Recalled Ais, cutting down another skeletal creature, before her mind pushed her thoughts through the darkness.
"I don't want to be alone… but I don't need to do it alone… I need to start running again." Resolved Ais, her eyes sharpening as she blitzed in a diamond formation and shattered the remaining Spartoi.
Resolving herself to her next course of action, Ais mentally checked the date. Another day or so and she would have her attempt. Ais was about to start running again.
-line break-
Bell had prepared for the verbal tongue lashing he was very likely to receive from Eina. In truth, he probably deserved it too. Going into the Dungeon with no weapons or armour and the twelfth floor at that! Bell was already feeling his ears ring, when a smiling Elf wearing a cute, lacy, white blouse, and a short skirt, approached him.
'… Miss… Eina?' Mumbled Bell questioningly.
'What's with that look, Bell, don't I look okay?' Asked Eina with a smile.
'Uh, no, you look very cute, I'm just surprised.' Mumbled Bell, causing Eina to pout.
'So it's surprising that I look cute?' Asked Eina, closing her left eye and looking off to the side.
Bell was stunned speechless. Instead of giving him a verbal tongue lashing, Eina was teasing him.
'N-no, that's not it at all! You just normally look so professional and strict.' Spluttered Bell, causing Eina to huff.
'That's because I do take my job very seriously. So, it bothers me when an adventurer I am looking after runs into the Dungeon with no armour or weapons!' Chided Eina, causing Bell to flinch, feeling a verbal assault about to strike him, only for Eina to smile.
'But that's something we can discuss another time, today is going to be an exciting day of shopping!' Declared Eina, raising a finger into the air, causing Bell to look at her owlishly.
'Do you think it is strange that I am excited about buying dangerous equipment?' Asked Eina curiously.
'No, it's not that… I just… you seem different today.' Admitted Bell.
'Oh, how so?' Asked Eina.
'Uh, you look more youthful today.' Commented Bell, causing Eina's jaw to drop.
'Hey! I'm only nineteen! Are you calling me old?' Asked Eina outraged, grabbing Bell's neck and pulling him into a headlock, his face pressing against her chest.
'Besides, if you have a thing for Elves, you should know even nineteen is very young.' Added Eina in a whisper, causing Bell's face to go red, before she released him.
'Now then, come on, let's go!' Cheered Eina, dragging Bell along by the arm.
Bell let himself be led by the arm to Babel Tower, only to look up for a second, peering up at the clouds.
"That feeling again." Thought Bell in confusion.
-line break-
A serenely smiling Goddess looked down from the window. Those sparkling ruby red eyes had tried to find her but couldn't. It still puzzled Freya how Bell managed to feel her gaze so easily. Was it true love at work? Was it coincidence? Or was it something else? There was one person she could use to test it. Only one. She wouldn't like it at all she imagined, but she was the only one she could use to test her theory.
'Horn, I have a request for you.' Called Freya, causing one of her attendants to look up curiously.
'Yes, Lady Freya.' Replied a grey-haired girl evenly.
As the girl bowed, her long tresses of hair covered her right eye, her left eye closed as she kept her gaze facing downwards.
'I want you to go on a little adventure for me.' Declared Freya, causing Horn's eyes to open in surprise.
'Lady Freya?' Questioned Horn in confusion.
'Just for one day, do you mind returning to the role of an adventurer?' Requested Freya, causing the girl to bow again.
'Your wish is my command, Lady Freya.' Replied Horn calmly, causing the Goddess to smile.
'Then my wish is that you accompany Bell Cranel into the Dungeon tomorrow and see how far the two of you can advance. You need not descend lower than the fifteenth floor, will that be okay?' Asked Freya.
'Of course.' Agreed Horn easily, eliciting a hum of satisfaction from Freya.
'And if you should find out anything of note, there may be a reward for you as well.' Added Freya, almost as an afterthought, even though she had deliberately wanted to throw it in at the end.