Bell paced back and forth throughout the living room. Airmid was sitting at the counter in the kitchen slightly amused. She could tell he seemed nervous about something, and she had only seen him like this a few times.

One notable time is when he ripped her bathroom door off its hinges.

Airmid wondered what was going on in that head of his. He had been acting like this since he got back to the clinic.

'Alright it's simple, just ask her if she would like to go to the Casino with you tonight. There are still a few hours until you need to be there. Don't be nervous just act relaxed and smooth as Grandpa would say.'

Thanks to the hiring of new staff Airmid began to work fewer hours at the clinic. So instead of her normal twelve-hour shift she now worked an eight-hour shift.

But as Bell took one look over at the amused Airmid he felt his heart race. 'Damnit how am I supposed to act smooth if she's looking at me like that? I'm gonna be a bumbling idiot before long!'

He paced around somewhere and Airmid let out a giggle as she shook her head. Her long silver hair flowing as it did so.

"Bell, is there something on your mind?" She called out. Her voice laced with amusement yet smooth as silk.

'Crap she knows somethings wrong. Ok, Bell moment of truth just ask her. It can't be that hard, just use your words.'

Bell stopped pacing and cleared his throat. He nodded a few times and blinked before looking Airmid in the eyes.

'Why do you have to have such pretty eyes?' Bell grumbled in his mind.

"Well, I was stopped today by a representative from the Grand Casino." Bell began.

"The Grand Casino? Oh my looks like you're famous now." Airmid teased.

Bell fought back his blush as he cleared his throat again. "Y-yes it appears so. B-but I've also been invited for a night of gambling and other things. A-a-a-

"Take your time Bell."

Bell frowned before letting a big sigh out of his nose. "Well, I-I was also told...to-to bring a plus one, a-and I was...I was-well you see-

"Bell are you trying to ask me if I would like to spend a night out on the town and go gambling with you?" Airmid asked.

Bell cleared his throat. "Y-yes, now you don't have to say-

"I'd love to." Airmid cut him off.

Bell closed his mouth and furrowed his brow. "You'd love to?"

Airmid nodded. "Of course, a night out on the town sounds like a great way to celebrate your level up. I assume there's a dress code?"

Bell was confused, why did she say yes so easily? He didn't know what to do now. He didn't expect to get this far.

"Uh, yeah. He said black tie." Bell said.

Airmid let out a small giggle as she got off the stool. "Well, we have to go and get you a suit then. Lucky for you I happen to know an excellent tailor."

"You do, how?" Bell asked.

Airmid gave Bell a deadpanned look and the boy wanted to smack himself upside the head. His nerves were really starting to get to him if he was acting like this much of an idiot.

'Control yourself Bell! It's not a date so there's no use in getting yourself all worked up.' He chanted again.

"Putting your question aside, come with me. We need to get you fitted for a suit before the sun sets. Have you thought about what color suit you want?" Airmid said.

Bell shook his head as he made his way to the door. "Uh no, I haven't put much thought into it. I don't know what color would really look good on me."

Airmid smiled as she skipped to the door. A delighted pep in her step that made her hair bounce. "Then I guess it'll be up to me to make sure you're dressed nice."

Airmid took Bell's hand into his and dragged him out of the house and down the street. Bell was a little surprised by the strength of the tiny woman. But then remembered that Airmid herself was a level two as well.

Even if she wasn't a fighter like he was.

But as he let her drag him down the street. He couldn't help but notice how small and dainty her hand was compared to his.

They were soft and smooth, and he couldn't help but like how they felt compared to his filled with callouses. A testament to what he had been through.

Her hand almost felt girly.

Which made sense since Airmid was a girl. But Bell couldn't help but feel a flutter in his chest again. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling, not at all. In fact, it felt quite nice as was holding her hand.

'This is my nerves speaking. I'm experiencing something I've never done before and it's making me nervous. That's all there is to it.'

Bell looked down at Airmid's hand again. Her fingers still intertwined with his. He wondered what it would be like to walk her to work like this. He wondered if-

'Foolish thought, she's being nice and I barely know her. Man, I must really be nervous if my mind is wandering to unattainable possibilities.'

But it did feel nice to dream for a second.

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After another few minutes, Airmid had dragged Bell to the tailors. The front of the shop was a big glass window allowing sight inside the shop. Suits were on display and quite nice looking ones at that.

The frame of the window was a painted green wood, and on the window itself was the word Richmal's. Bell assumed that was the owner's name.

Attached to the window and the green-painted wood was the door. It was also painted green but had a window on the top half with a sign that said open for business on it.

"He's one of the best tailors in the city, and lucky for you he owes me a favor," Airmid said in triumph.

She let go of his hand and Bell immediately missed the warmth and feeling of it. But he held back as Airmid walked into the tailors. Following behind her after a second and hearing the last ding of the bell.

The door closed behind them and a tall pale man with wavy dark hair and black eyes exited from the back. His shoulders were broad and his face had sharp handsome features. He was dressed in a purple button-up shirt with white stripes and black khakis.

A small goatee was hanging from the middle of his chin in a triangle shape and a thick black mustache hung on his upper lip.

Upon seeing Airmid the man smiled and gave a small bow. "Ah the Dea Saint, how can this humble tailor help you today?"

Airmid gave a small bow back before she turned and gestured to Bell with her hand. "Richmal, my friend here needs a suit for a special event tonight. The thing is he's never worn one or even know what he wants, and I thought who better to help him decide but you."

Richmal gave Bell a once over before nodding. "Hmm yes, you shall be a fine specimen to work on."

Bell raised a brow. "Specimen?"

Richmal ignored Bell's comment and waved him forward. "Come boy, I shall make you a suit worthy of your station."

Bell furrowed his brow as he approached. "Are you calling me poor?"

Richmal shook his head as he escorted Bell into the back room. "Not at all, if you're a friend of Airmid's you're already rich in the good company department."

"I feel like you're making fun of me in some way," Bell grumbled.

Airmid watched as he disappeared behind the curtain. She couldn't help but smile as she took a seat. The poor boy was so flustered it was amusing.

She had never seen him stumble over his words like that before. It was quite cute to watch, she didn't see Bell get flustered much.

Airmid let out a content sigh as she leaned back in the chair. She'd have a little more fun teasing the boy. After all, it was only payback for the amount of times he's worried or surprised her.

"Dea Saint," Richmal said peeking his head out from the curtain. "Young Bell said you would pick out the color for him since he doesn't know what he is doing."

Airmid nodded. "Of course, try a rich green with a turquoise undershirt. I think that would look good on him."

"No red?" Richmal asked. "Don't want to bring out the color of his eyes?"

Airmid quirked a brow. "Come on Richmal, I know you wouldn't settle for anything so basic."

The man let out a delighted chuckle before moving his head back in. Airmid could hear mutterings from behind the curtain as the process went on.

She could only imagine how Bell was reacting to someone like Richmal. A well-mannered yet flamboyant tailor who had an eye for color and fabric.

"She did not say pink!" She heard Bell yell.

Airmid couldn't help the giggle she let out. It seemed Richmal knew all of the right buttons to press when it came to Bell.

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Bell stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room in awe. Richmal was able to make him a suit in less than an hour after getting his measurements and the color he would need.

The suit jacket and pants were a dark yet bright green. Shining elegantly under the chandelier light. His turquoise undershirt seemed to match his suit jacket well. Complimenting the jacket quite nicely in Bell's opinion.

"VoilĂ , a wonderful suit for a wonderful brute such as yourself," Richmal said.

Bell felt his fist open and close but he refrained from punching Richmal. Airmid would be mad if he did and that was the last thing he wanted to happen tonight.

"I'm not a brute," Bell grumbled.

"Not a brute yet you have such muscles and uncouth manners. Tut tut tut, lying does you no good, good sir."

Bell bit his tongue as he so badly wanted to say something back. But this would be playing into Richmal's perception of him being a brute.

He took a deep breath, his eye twitching as he began to speak. "Am I free to go and show Airmid?" He nearly growled.

"Hmmm? Oh yes, I think the Dea Saint will positively swoon upon seeing you. That is what you would like isn't it?"

Bell's cheeks had a slight dusting on them as he scoffed and looked away. "No."

The thought had crossed his mind as to how Airmid would react.

"No? Then why do you blush at the mere mention of her swooning?" Richmal asked.

"I'm not blushing it's hot back here!"

Richmal let out a small chuckle. "It's hot back here? Huh, who knew a level two adventurer would have such a low tolerance to heat."

Bell rolled his eyes and pushed past Richmal and back into the shop. He heard the man chuckle once more before following him.

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'What is going on with me?' Airmid thought as Bell stepped out of the dressing room. Her heart had skipped a beat and she could feel her face flushing red as she examined Bell.

Richmal had done an amazing job at crafting Bell's suit. The arms of it were able to highlight his biceps but not bulge them out to where that was the only thing you focused on.

And the pants showed off his powerful legs quite nicely. Not to mention the color combination Airmid had picked was quite nice.

It was a good contrast against his pale skin and the colors suited him.

Her eyes drifted to his face. His hair was still messy and shaggy and would need to be styled, or at least combed. But was his face always that handsome? Where was the boyish charm it normally held?

"Dea Saint are you well?" Richmal asked with a teasing grin.

Airmid broke out of her stupor and coughed into her hand. "Y-yes I'm fine. The suit is very nice, I must thank you for doing such a good job on such short notice."

Richmal gave her a small bow. "Your thanks is most appreciated. Now I do believe this fine young man and yourself have something to attend tonight?"

Airmid nodded and looked at Bell. "He's right, I still need to get myself ready."

Bell gave a nod and Airmid turned her attention to Richmal. "Thank you again for your help Richmal. You're the best."

"You honor this humble tailor Dea Saint," Richmal said. "And you need not worry about the price. See this as payment for what you did for me. Should you need anything else you just ask."

Richmal then turned to Bell. "Wait here a second brute. You need a few more things before I send you back out into the wild."

Bell felt his eye twitch again as Richmal walked back into the dressing room. He heard Airmid giggle and was about to say something before Richmal came back with three items in his hand.

"Cufflinks and a tie. These are needed to finish your ensemble of a suit you have."

He handed them to Bell and the boy looked at them like they were a foreign object. Especially the tie.

"You don't know how to tie a tie do you?" Richmal sighed.

Bell shook his head. "No. But this doesn't make me a brute!"

Richmal shook his head and began showing Bell what to do.

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As soon as they got back to the house Airmid ran upstairs and into her room to begin getting ready. Bell went and sat down on the couch and began waiting.

He could hear Airmid moving around upstairs. She seemed to be rushing and Bell felt kind of bad that he had time to get fully prepared while she had to rush.

He fidgeted with his tie as his mind began to wander to what she would wear. It would definitely be a dress he knew that. But he didn't know how it would look, how she would look.

His knee bounced up and down and his hands opened and closed. His throat felt dry, like really dry.

'I need some water.'

He stood up and made his way to the kitchen. He opened a cabinet and grabbed a glass before filling it with water. He was quick to down it before filling up another one and doing it again.

Bell set the glass down in the sink before pacing back and forth. His eyes darting everywhere in the kitchen as he took it all in.

He counted the number of cabinets and drawers. Then counted them again to make sure he counted them correctly. He looked at the couch cushions and made sure they were all there.

He counted all the cookbooks and all the stools. He counted the cabinets and drawers again. Made sure the hot and cold water worked on the faucet. He counted the cabinets again just to make sure he didn't mess up.

'Ugh, this tie is too tight.'

He went to adjust it. That would solve his problems. He just needed to loosen his tie.

"Bell," Airmid called out.

His breath caught in his throat. He slowly turned around and his heart thumped in his chest. Airmid was dressed in a silver and blue gown that had a slit on the side.

She was wearing a pair of silver heels, and her long silvery hair was styled beautifully in a wrap-around bun. Her cheeks had a light hint of rouge and her eyelids had a slight shimmer of silver and blue eyeshadow.

She looked amazing, beautiful, divine even. And Bell just stood there like an idiot with his mouth gaping open and closed as words died on his lips.

"Well...how do I look?" Airmid asked. "I hope it's not too bad since I had to rush. But well I'm good at rushing since Lord Dian likes to spring galas and the like on me."

Her eyes were looking up and down. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as Bell just stared at her. His own eyes were wide with wonder and shock. The look made her feel all types of things she hadn't felt in a while.

"You look...amazing." Bell finally breathed out. His mind having finally caught up to him.

Airmid's hands folded in front of her as she blushed. Bell noticed a comb in her hand and pointed to it. Wanting to push past the awkward atmosphere the two were creating.

They were acting more like blushing schoolchildren than doctors.

"Is that to comb my hair?" He asked.

Airmid nodded before gesturing to the couch. "Um yes, please take a seat and I'll get it ready."

"You sure? I can do it myself." Bell said.

Airmid chuckled and gestured to the couch again. "You need a woman's touch Bell. Otherwise, you're too mountain man-like."

Bell made his way to the couch and sat down. "Are you calling me a brute as well?"

"No." She giggled. "But it seems you and Richmal got on well."

Bell grumbled as Airmid began to comb his hair. "He drove me up a wall like you wouldn't believe. All brute this and lack of dress sense that."

"Well, he is right about your lack of dress sense."

Bell let out a mocking gasp. "You never said anything about it before."

"Do you not remember me laughing at you when you first put on the clothes Ganesha gave you?"

"Right, how could I forget? I'll have you know that I like wearing those clothes."

"I can tell, but it seems you just put on random clothes and call it a day. Which then leads to your lack of dress sense."

Airmid finally finished combing Bell's hair and the boy felt like it weighed more than that it was up and off to the left side.

"All done." Airmid patted his shoulders and Bell stood up. "Now, proper etiquette for places such as these means we walk in together arm and arm."

She then stuck out her arm. "So, would you kindly escort me to our date?"

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Bell's mind was racing a mile a minute as he escorted Airmid down the street. Their arms were interlocked together and she was leaning slightly into him.

But that wasn't on his mind, and neither were the stares that people gave them as they walked past and grew ever closer to the Casino district.

'She thinks this is a date! Ah, crap what do I do now?! No don't panic, make her have a good time. That's what Grandpa said.'

Bell mentally screamed. 'Ahhhhh you're taking her gambling you idiot! Nice date idea you moron!'

Airmid seemed unaware of Bell's predicament. Just enjoying the walk between the two as they drew ever closer to their destination.

Time seemed to pass by in a blur. One second they were in the street. The next they were in the Casino district making their way ever closer to the Grand Casino.

'Alright, I need to calm down. I have to get my poker face on so I don't make a fool of myself. She'll never let me live it down if I do.'

In an attempt to calm himself, Bell started to take in the scenery and architecture around him. Giant stone buildings with massive marble pillars supported them. Painted in a mirage of colors ranging from red, white, purple, yellow, blue, and many more.

Many fountains littered plazas where finely dressed people. Most likely merchants and visiting aristocrats gathered and gossiped.

Ganesha familia guards patrolled the streets. Dressed in black button-up vests with dress shirts and pants while the women wore black skirts.

It seemed security here was tight. Which made a lot of sense as one began to think of all the money that passed through here. Hundreds of millions if not billions of Valis each day.

'Wait is that Dick?' Bell thought seeing the familiar black haired man.

The acrobat saw him and gave him a small wave and a smile before his face morphed into one of concern. Bell furrowed his brow as to why before hearing a throat clear behind him.

"And just what are you doing here?" Shakti asked. Her voice was calm and measured, yet holding an undertone of ice he had heard so many times from his master before.

'Uh oh, she sounds mad.'

Bell slowly turned around, Airmid still on his arm as he gave Shakti a smile. "Shakti, it's lovely to see you again."

"Flattery will get you nowhere Bell. What are you doing here of all places?" She asked.

Bell swallowed a lump in his throat. "Oh well, I was invited to have a night out at the Grand Casino as some sort of publicity stunt for them. Ya know since I broke...the level-up record."

'I think I know why Shakti is mad now.'

"Gambling? Aren't you a little young to be doing that?" The woman asked crossing her arms.

Bell looked around and noticed that everyone around him seemed to be older than him. A lot older by the looks of it. There was a chance Bell was the youngest person in this district.

"Well no, not exactly. I lived in an isolated mountain village. The only things we could really do was work and play in the stream or the woods but that risked monsters. So we either gambled or did bull riding. That was really all we had for fun up there."

"Bull riding?" Airmid questioned.

Bell nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah it was really fun, and the reason we had a bull was because we had a special breed of cattle that could withstand the high altitude. So whenever we weren't using the bull we'd use it for bull riding. Though I was the only one who was allowed to do it at first as I could heal myself. But it was still fun, my records forty seconds before it bucked me off."

Both Shakti and Airmid gave Bell deadpan but disbelieving stares. Bell just tilted his head in confusion.

"What? It's not like there was anything else to do up there."

"You've just had an interesting childhood. That's all." Airmid said.

Shakti shook her head and sighed. "Well, I better not keep you any longer Bell. Just make sure to keep your head down. That casino is a pit of vipers waiting to pounce. Be careful not to get yourself into debt."

Airmid chuckled. "If he did Lord Dian would never let him hear the end of it."

Shakti kept her gaze on Bell. As if looking at someone who wasn't there. Bell looked behind him in confusion but saw no one behind him.

"Everything alright Shakti?" Bell asked.

The woman shook her head and nodded. "Yes, everything is quite alright. Please go and enjoy your date, I will want to speak with you another time if you would permit."

Bell looked at the glimmer of hope in Shakti's eyes before nodding. "Of course, just swing by the clinic tomorrow morning and we can talk."

'She's going to ask about the level-up. Should I tell her the truth or should I lie? She's seen me fight so she knows I was a level two well before my announcement. Crap Riveria might know I'm lying as well. Hmm, what to do? What to do?'

"Then I shall be on my way. Remember not to draw too much attention to yourself, and bet safely. You don't want to be in debt to this place."

With those final words said Shakti turned on her heel and walked away. Leaving Bell and Airmid by the lonesome. Arms still connected and interlocked.

'Ah hell she thinks Airmid and I are on a date as well!'

"Well off we go then?" Airmid asked. "I want to see how a mountain man such as yourself gambles."

Bell chuckled feeling his nerves calm down slightly. "Let's just hope this place plays by the same rules I was raised on."

Airmid let out another giggle before the two began walking again. Bell felt himself begin to calm down more as he drew ever closer to the casino.

'Maybe this won't be so bad.'

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Splendor.

That was a word that came to Bell's mind constantly as he and Airmid walked around the district. But as he saw the entrance to the Grand Casino another word came to his mind.

Excess.

Was all of this really necessary? Such grand buildings with spherical-like stone on their roof. Lights that shined in the sky and bathed the district in all colors of light blocking the natural moonlight. Grand fountains and walkways, carriages of visiting noblemen, and the like.

All of it seemed an excess of pleasure and debauchery. Nothing like his humble little hometown where all of this would make their heads explode.

'Well, I guess this is just city life. Might as well get used to it and its oddities. Even if I don't find them particularly tasteful.'

A moment later Airmid and him arrived at the Grand Casino. And what a casino it was. The biggest building he had seen in the district so far. With the same grand architecture, he had seen but doubled.

And he hadn't even stepped inside the building yet.

"Bell, your arm is tensing." Airmid chided.

Bell relaxed his arm. "Sorry, I didn't hurt you did I?"

Airmid shook her head. "No I'm fine, you're nervous aren't you?"

"A little, every time I feel like I'm getting used to the city the rug pulls out from under me and it's all star-struck wonder and questions again."

"I know what you mean. I was much the same when I first came to the city." She then turned her head to look up at Bell. "Tell you what, every time you feel like that just come to me and I'll answer all your questions."

"I would like that."

With an agreement made the two made their way inside the Grand Casino, and once more Bell felt the rug get pulled out from under him.

The inside was bright, very bright. Dozens of chandeliers reflected off the white marble floor causing a glare that shone directly into his eyes.

To his left was the teller's booth. Manned by a cat person with blonde hair and yellow eyes. He was dressed in a red suit jacket with a white undershirt and black pants with black gloves adorning his hands.

A single attendant, this one a human man dressed the same as the teller stepped forward with his hand out. His black eyes bore into Bell and his black hair was neatly combed.

"Invitation." Was the only thing the man said.

Bell reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his invitation along with the golden chip that was inside it. The man's eyes widened slightly before he gave a small bow.

"Excuse me honored guest. But please wait here for just a moment."

The man scurried off leaving Bell and Airmid at the entrance. The two waited patiently, hearing the sounds of gambling further inside. Cheers and wails from those lucky and unlucky.

Bell fidgeted with his collar. He felt out of place here, like he didn't belong in a place as nice as this.

"Deep breaths Bell. You were personally invited here by the owners. You're a celebrity now and as such belong here just as much as anyone else." Airmid said.

Bell took a deep breath as a fat old dwarf approached him. The man was short, fat, and old. With a thick head of white hair and a short white beard. He was dressed in a tan suit with a white undershirt and purple tie. Wrinkles adorned the top of his head leading down to his forehead and his eyes were squinted slightly.

"Ah, the famous record holder and the Dea Saint. Please allow me to welcome you to the Grand Casino. My name is Terry Cervantes and it is an honor to have esteemed guests such as yourself here."

Airmid gave the man a small smile. "We thank you for having us. I must say this is my first time stepping foot inside this establishment."

Terry gave Airmid a crooked smile that raised alarm bells in Bell's head and he subconsciously pulled her closer to him.

"Well, we didn't think it would be appropriate for one named a saint to partake in something as foul as gambling. I do apologize if we made any offense."

"That is quite alright." Airmid then looked to Bell. "Shall we begin our night Bell?"

Bell cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, that would be nice." He then looked at Terry. "Thank you for inviting me, I promise not to cause any trouble."

Terry let out a boisterous laugh and held his fat stomach. "I would hope not my good sir. Please go and cash in your golden chip, it should give you 500k valis to do with as you please, and any food or drink you want is on the house as well. Now if you'll excuse me I must bid you farewell. I have some important business I must attend to."

Ted regarded them well before making his way back to the VIP area. Once he was gone Bell looked down at Airmid who hadn't let go of him once during their walk.

"Stay close to me. I don't want you getting lost in here." Bell said.

"I will, can't leave my knight in shining armor after all."

Bell chuckled as he made his way to the teller's booth. "So where did you learn how to act all smiles and courtesy like?"

"Lord Dian always took me along with him to banquets and galas held in his honor to show me off to the city's wealthy. I've been to so many of them acting like that has become second nature to me."

They arrived at the teller's desk and Bell handed the man the golden chip. The teller's eyes widened briefly before he held up his hand.

"One moment while I get your chips ready."

The man walked into the back room leaving Bell to look down at Airmid.

"Next time we have to go to something like this maybe you can teach me?"

Airmid giggled. "Hmm, teaching you manners does sound like it would be amusing." Another giggle as she can already picture the lessons. "Very well my mountain man companion. I shall teach you the art of manners once this is over. Can't have you bumbling over your words now can I?"

Bell rolled his eyes as the teller arrived with his chips. He gave the man a slight nod before taking them and making his way to the tables.

Alright, I'm gonna end this chapter here or else it would just keep going on and on. And while some of you might want that I don't want this to be so boring since this whole chapter was a buildup of them just going to the casino. But stopping here does give me a good place to start the next chapter.

Anyway, not much happened other than Bell and Airmid acting like teenagers before the prom which is causing them to act a little differently. That's pretty much it, oh, and Bell freaking the hell out since Airmid thinks this is a date. Oh, and Shakti is mad at him for you know what.

Well, that's pretty much all I have to say. I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you later.