Bell had had a dream that night, one in which he had once again encountered his grandfather.
He hadn't been able to speak to him, but he did see him perfectly before he disappeared completely from the scene. In that way, he was able to recall the immense helplessness he had felt at his loss, always blaming his own weakness. Perhaps if he had had the ability to help him, things wouldn't have ended that way…
Then, a few seconds later, both his goddess and Campanella appeared in his dream, both smiling in his direction, shining like the sky behind them. A few minutes later, he woke up, feeling very nervous, realizing that it had only been a dream.
He got up, only to observe how Hestia and the little one were still sleeping. The goddess looked more tired than usual, but she hadn't said anything about why. Still, for him, this was enough to calm him down, and so he did because they would have a very busy day.
-] [-
- "You're insane!" – Eina expressed with a rather angry tone. Bell was a bit taken aback, as was his little companion, but he had to defend his decision somehow. – "Going to the 7th floor? No way! Last time you almost got killed on a lower floor, and now you're asking me to send you to one even more dangerous? No way. And on top of that, you want to involve this girl? You've completely lost your mind, and I won't allow it."
- "It's not like that! Look, if you want, you can check us both: I've gotten much stronger, I'm sure I can handle the beasts on the 7th floor. Besides, Campanella is even stronger than I am when she's by my side, so you don't have anything to worry about. Between the two of us, we're more than capable." – The girl stood very firm, maintaining her serious expression. Eina didn't believe a word of it… not because she didn't want to, but because they had only recently started going to the dungeon, and she didn't want them to end up terribly injured or worse… at least not Bell.
- "Mmm… I'll check you both, but don't think it'll be easy: if you're not ready, I'll send you to a much lower floor."
Thus began her assessment: Bell had greatly increased his stats! So much that it seemed impossible to have achieved what he had in such a short time! Then she checked his companion, who indeed was even stronger than him. But what was going on with that family? Reaching those stats was very uncommon, especially in such a short period…
Campanella didn't understand the doubts of that woman, but her father needed her approval, so for now, she was just going to remain silent unless her testimony could help them.
Still, it wasn't necessary because Eina soon understood that it was true… And she felt that perhaps it was her duty to keep an eye on the little adventurer after all. How had she reached that level?
- "Alright… I admit you're right: with both of your levels, I can allow you access to the 7th floor." – Bell smiled with approval as he raised both thumbs in the girl's direction, who clapped in satisfaction. They had really done it! Eina thought that both of them were adorable, to be honest. – "This isn't a decision I'm entirely convinced of, so you'll have to do one more thing."
- "What's that?" – Bell didn't think he would have to prove in any other way that he was ready for the seventh floor. Eina simply adjusted her glasses.
- "You don't have the proper equipment, and from what I see, the girl doesn't either." – Campanella immediately shook her head, proudly showing her weapon.
- "I have this! And it's been very useful in our battles."
- "I understand, but still, where's your protection? And what about other support weapons?" – Both the girl and the boy looked at each other, admitting that… they hadn't thought much about it. Yes, they were trying to improve their attacks, and Campanella could use defensive magic. However, they didn't have anything that would physically protect them, aside from Bell's newly acquired dagger. – "As I thought. Well, if you want to go, you'll have to come shopping with me tomorrow. Keep in mind, if you don't come, you won't be adventuring either."
They were left with… basically no choice. If she said they had to do it, they had to comply, right?
- "I don't think we can really say no, so… we'll go."
- "Very well said!" – Eina affirmed, smiling in their direction. – "We'll meet tomorrow morning at the statue in the city center. Please try to be there early so we can make the most of our time."
Campanella stared at her father for a few moments, who could only laugh nervously while scratching the back of his neck with one hand. She took this as a sign of embarrassment, so she nodded at the words of the adults.
She could understand that all of this was meant to help him, so she had nothing to object to. Now that she thought about it, where would they end up going? She was very curious and was sure that he felt the same.
-] [-
They arrived at the agreed time at the city center. Campanella had her hair tied in a ponytail because she wanted to make a good impression. Getting equipment was a very important thing for an adventurer! Plus, her father had styled her hair, and despite his lack of knowledge on the subject, he had done quite well.
Eina finally arrived… looking very different from how she did during work.
She knew she wasn't the only one surprised, as her father's eyes widened in disbelief. This didn't go unnoticed by the older woman, who immediately laughed.
- "Haha, are you surprised? By the way, Campanella, you look adorable."
- "Uh… thank you very much," the girl replied, a little embarrassed. "This is thanks to Bell…"
- "I see. He's a very responsible boy from what I can tell, even though sometimes he doesn't seem like it!" She laughed loudly but then simply turned around. "Come on, guys, let's get going."
Bell extended his hand toward Campanella, who didn't hesitate for a second to take it. She felt delighted by this gesture! She could walk hand in hand with her father! That was more than she could have ever wished for in the past. At moments like this, she thought about how much she wished her mother could be there, to walk between the two of them...
Perhaps it was best not to think too much about it.
Eina cast curious glances behind her, of course noticing how Bell treated the girl, which naturally sparked something within her.
- "How long have you known each other?" - She asked very directly. The girl looked at her father with some surprise, unsure whether she should answer the question honestly, but also not knowing how to lie on the spot. Bell then decided to handle it, although he wasn't a great master at explanations either.
- "Mmm… You could say we've known each other for our whole lives." - He was obviously nervous but trying to appear calm. Campanella mentally noted that these were the things she should say if anyone asked her such a question in the future.
- "I see. I found it interesting that you share a last name! Even your names are similar! And it doesn't stop there: your faces are very much alike, even though the girl is an elf… Are you family?" - She had thrown out the expected question. Bell looked at the girl, this time with his face contorted in a somewhat tense smile. He was aware that explaining the nature of their relationship would be strange, especially since he was still considered barely an adult. Besides, the girl still thought it wasn't convenient for more people to know.
- "She's a distant relative, you could say." - Campanella then breathed out. Well… she could live with that, truthfully, so she nodded her head.
- "Yes, I came to visit him because I want to spend time with him and learn as much as I can with fa… Bell," - The girl sounded quite convincing with her words, so much so that Bell smiled in her direction. Possibly, this would be the answer they would repeat if anyone asked the question again.
- "You were lucky that Bell was part of your family, Campanella. He's a very good boy, although sometimes a bit too bold when he shouldn't be." - Bell felt embarrassed by the woman's words, but he couldn't deny them. After all, he had taken several liberties throughout his short journey as an adventurer. But for now, he would try to be as careful as possible since Campanella's well-being also depended on him. It was like having more responsibility, and, in a way, he still felt unsure. He wanted to protect her properly. - "Still, I know adventurers who are… nothing like him. In fact, they wouldn't care about involving a girl in something that could harm her, so you have to be very careful about whom you speak with."
- "Yes, I'll keep that in mind." - The truth was she highly doubted she would approach anyone if her father hadn't spoken with that person first. She didn't want to have problems, and her mother had stressed how much she wanted her to stay safe, so she wouldn't expose herself unnecessarily.
However, this left Bell deep in thought… Analyzing that he certainly had to be very cautious about whom he allowed to speak with the girl. He had personally experienced how cruel other adventurers could be, and even though Campanella was strong, that didn't mean he could afford to let his guard down.
Wow, is this what being a dad feels like? Was this how his grandfather had felt about him too? Well, there wasn't much point in asking himself those questions now.
Eina felt her curiosity was satisfied (for now), though she continued thinking that perhaps she should investigate further another time.
- "We've arrived!" - She finally exclaimed after a good walk. Both Bell and Campanella opened their eyes, and even their mouths a little, at the sight of the establishment in front of them. It was huge! People came and went regularly, some with more things than others. The expressions of those entering seemed very expectant, and the hustle and bustle of the place was evident to anyone passing by.
Campanella had never been exposed to something like this before: her family had its own way of acquiring weapons that didn't involve her being in a place like this. It was Incredible! She could see how everyone seemed quite busy. Was that normal? And they had so much space… Considering this was a place where they sold weapons, maybe that was to be expected.
In her hand, she could feel a certain tension coming from her father's grip. Was he paler, or was it just her imagination? She was about to ask him when she heard Eina speak again before she had the chance.
- "Haha, don't make that face. I know this place can be a little intimidating, but like everything else, it's just a matter of getting used to it."
- "Yes… although it's not just that," Bell expressed, who had once fantasized about shopping in Babel's store like many other adventurers. "They always have the best of the best there!" – "It's just that… I don't know if we can afford to buy anything from here."
In front of him were swords, axes, and an endless array of other weapons, all shimmering gold and silver in the display case. However, the prices far exceeded the amount of money he had ever seen in his life! Even eight or ten times more! Eina then stopped him since she hadn't brought them here to torture them with such things.
"I understand that the prices can be… a little frightening! But don't worry! Here in Hephaestus' store, there are items for any kind of budget, you just have to know where to look. The important thing is that we find something useful."
Bell nodded, though he didn't seem entirely convinced. Then Campanella decided that maybe she should intervene, pulling his hand down slightly.
"Don't worry," she said sweetly. "I'll help you find something that isn't too expensive. Let's do it together!"
Bell was surprised and a little embarrassed by her words. His little girl was much more mature than he had expected! Although, that was something she had already demonstrated many times. He couldn't lag behind, so he nodded at her words: if she had that determination, then he couldn't be left behind either. – "Thank you very much, Campanella! Yes! I'm sure we'll find something."
They both smiled broadly while the girl thought about how happy she was to be able to help him… Her mother had once told her how lonely her father had felt at a certain time in his life, and standing there, she knew that time wasn't too long ago. His goddess was possibly the best companion he could have found back then, but even so, she wanted to make him feel like he wasn't alone. She truly wanted to change many things… She didn't know if she would be able to, but at least making him feel better could be one of them.
Eina felt touched by the way the two of them acted, but she decided not to comment, at least not for now, so she could enjoy the scene a bit more. In fact, she couldn't help but think… Maybe Bell would make a good father after all. He treated Campanella with so much affection and respect! But she quickly brushed that idea aside. She didn't want to think about that all the time, what an embarrassment.
Now the two of them were walking ahead of Eina, glancing around at the items displayed. Still, the items seemed far too expensive… Even many of the people walking around them looked quite suspicious. How could they keep looking that way? Either way, her companion found it extremely amusing to see their reactions.
At that moment, still quite absorbed by what they were observing, a girl dressed as a maid approached the trio, a wide smile on her face and a brochure in her hands, which she seemed eager to give them.
- "Welcome, dear sirs! Please, come into this section, I'm sure you'll find—" The girl suddenly stopped mid-sentence, as if she had realized to whom she was speaking. Campanella covered her mouth with both hands, trying to stifle a small laugh. Bell, on the other hand, was much more expressive, letting out a little yelp as he took a step back, though not as loud as the one the goddess let out once she saw herself caught. What an embarrassing situation!
- "Goddess!"
- "What are you doing here?" The embarrassment was evident in Hestia's voice, as she seemed torn between scolding them or covering herself more with her hands. And then, there was little Campanella. What a terrible situation! However, her shame gradually turned into annoyance until she noticed that it wasn't just her two little ones. – "And who is this?" she said, pointing at the elf with glasses.
- "Haha… Excuse me, I brought Bell here to check out items that could help him in his duties. He wants to enter the seventh floor, after all, and he'll need all the help he can get. I'm Eina."
- "But how many girls do you intend to bring into my presence, Bell? You have no shame!" – Hestia was visibly upset, though she was trying not to involve little Campanella, who was more confused than anything else. – "You really are a fool. What does she want from you? Since when are you dating her?"
- "N-No, I'm not dating her!" Bell denied, waving his hands while Eina visibly blushed at the idea.
- "That's what you say! But I don't believe a word of it! And to top it off, you're with Campanella... Your shamelessness reaches a point where it's just ridiculous. This is terrible. The ONLY person I'd allow to be near you is the mo—" Hestia realized she almost said too much, so she shook her head and stepped back in her argument. Regardless, it was true! She would only accept Campanella's mother because she loved this little girl with all her heart. Maybe she hadn't known her for long, but she was adorable, smart, strong, and also carried a part of Bell within her. - "The point is that I don't approve of this, and I hope you have the decency to address it."
- "Don't worry, Goddess Hestia. I have nothing to do with young Cranel, at least not in a romantic sense. Our relationship is strictly professional." With that, Bell finally felt like he could breathe again, while the little girl tried to stifle her laughter. Maybe a confrontation like this should have made her tense and alert, but... honestly, it was very amusing to see her goddess lose her temper in such a way. Although she had always been energetic with her and, of course, scolded those who deserved a scolding, in this case, she had shown a somewhat childish side, which was charming to witness. She still had much to learn, but she wasn't going to mention anything that could embarrass her.
However, Hestia still felt embarrassed for making such a scene for nothing... In any case, she also felt relieved to hear that nothing was happening between those two. That would have been the last straw!
- "Well, I'll believe you... for now," she said, crossing her arms as a pout formed on her lips before returning to her usual smile. - "In any case... I didn't expect to see you here. I didn't want you to see me like this, but I guess there's nothing to be done now."
Naturally, it was Campanella who decided to address the elephant in the room, as any child would.
- "My goddess, why are you dressed like that?"
- "A-Ah, are you referring to this?" she asked, pointing at her dress while the girl nodded. Bell had the same question but was glad the girl had asked it first. - "Yes... Well, I'm currently working here, but please don't say anything about it! I already have enough on my plate with how much I have to work here. I know I have a large debt, but I feel like Hephaestus is taking advantage of it."
- "Goddess..." Bell said, feeling guilty, but Hestia wouldn't let him continue.
- "I don't want to hear you pitying me, please. Finish what you came here to do, okay?" she encouraged them again, smiling at her two little ones. - "I'll see you later at home. Take care of yourselves!"
Bell and Campanella waved goodbye to their goddess as she walked away, looking extremely busy... Well, it was what they expected from a situation like this, so they would have to process the information over time. For her part, Eina found her behavior quite curious, although she also remembered how... peculiar gods could be when it came to their families and their preferences. What a sight!
- "Well, let's keep going. There's a place in particular I'd like you to see," the elf explained, and both Bell and Campanella nodded, once again holding hands.
This time, they climbed to the second floor of the store, which, just at first glance, looked quite different from where they had been earlier. Bell noticed immediately that the prices changed considerably! There were things that even someone like him could afford! That was something he had thought impossible.
- "Surprised?" Eina asked, seeing Bell's reaction. His face was like an open book. - "Did you think they only sold items at exorbitant prices?"
- "Honestly… yes," Bell admitted, scratching his head. The woman could only chuckle softly.
- "Well, you're wrong. Not all the weapons are made by Hephaestus herself but also by her apprentices, and obviously, they can't sell their products at the same price as something forged by a goddess or her most skilled children. The business doesn't work that way. While they're making a name for themselves, they have to adapt to selling at a lower cost, but that doesn't mean they're of lesser quality. After all, they have to be approved by their master."
The girl also found that clarification very interesting! So that's how a blacksmith was raised! Now she understood a little more about the conversations she'd had with a certain family member, whom she also missed very much. In fact, she wondered how he and her father had met in the first place...
But as if by magic, her father appeared before her with a piece that had caught his attention.
- "Look at this! I found it in the hallway over there: it's light armor, and apparently, its price isn't too high, although it's everything I've got. For some reason, when I saw it… I felt I had to take it." Bell was very indecisive because if he bought it, he wouldn't be able to get anything for the girl…
However, her eyes widened upon seeing the shining signature of its maker. But if it was her uncle Welf! Did that mean he could be nearby? From her father's reaction, it was clear they hadn't met yet, but that didn't stop the girl from getting excited with a big smile.
- "Father, buy it! I'm sure this will be very helpful to you!" The girl nodded firmly to her own words, considering that this would serve him well during his explorations.
- "But… if I do that... we'll have nothing left for you."
- "That doesn't matter! I don't need anything right now. Please buy it, that would make me very happy." Bell took her words to heart: if she said it, perhaps she had reasons for it, right? He decided to follow her advice after gently stroking her head.
- "Alright, if you say so. I'm sure it's something important."
- "Yes! Thank you so much."
Campanella was more than satisfied with his decision, even encouraging him to wear it before leaving the store. It fit him perfectly, and she almost felt like going to the dungeon with him right away.
However, Eina didn't seem as enthusiastic about this decision. The best thing would have been for both of them to equip themselves with armor that could protect them from monsters! But well, she wasn't going to be the one to burst Bell's bubble, especially when both he and the girl seemed strangely excited… Besides, she doubted that any monster on the seventh floor could harm Campanella.
- "It's a shame you couldn't get anything for Campanella. I understand that she's strong, but I hope next time, she can also leave here with something." She wasn't going to blame Bell directly at that moment, and she understood that the decision had also been the girl's, so it didn't matter. - "Well, I have another suggestion to add to the list now that we're here."
- "What's it about?" Bell asked, curious.
- "Haven't you thought about hiring a supporter? I mean, I understand you have Campanella now, but without diminishing her power, she's still a child." Campanella frowned slightly but didn't protest… Perhaps because she knew Eina was right, though she still thought she could be of great help. - "Even so, I feel like it would be a great addition to your team and would increase your efficiency. In fact, I can help you find one myself."
- "Well, you see..." Bell needed to think about it. He didn't think it was a bad idea, but it was a bit early to make a decision. However, he was completely interrupted by the words of a stranger.
- "Oh my, am I interrupting a date?" - Riveria's voice was strong and clear, joking as she addressed the daughter of her friend. Eina scratched the back of her head… but there was someone even more surprised by this appearance.
The girl stood in shock at seeing her: the truth was, she felt a lot of distress because, given the circumstances, it was obvious that Riveria didn't recognize her, at least not in the way she would have liked. However, while Eina was processing the embarrassment that her friend's words had caused, Riveria's gaze focused on Campanella.
She remembered the gesture the girl had made when they first met, so as a form of recognition, something inside her urged her to step forward and give the girl a hug.
This left Eina completely perplexed, who had just overcome her embarrassment from a few seconds ago because of this. And not to mention Bell, who was watching the scene with expectation.
Campanella, for her part, stood there for a few seconds as if frozen, but... there she was, in her mother's arms: the same scent, the same warmth. It made her feel so protected and happy that she couldn't help but let her emotions materialize in the form of tears. She had missed being hugged by her so much… it was beyond anything she could ever put into words.
- "I'm sorry for hugging you so suddenly. I don't know why I did that... I apologize again if I made you feel uncomfortable. Now that I think about it, you didn't tell me your name, did you?" - Riveria asked, being the first person surprised by her own actions. But there was something about this girl that stirred a deep protective instinct in her! At least for now… "My name is Riveria Ljos Alf."
- "N-No, it didn't make me uncomfortable... I'm fine. My name is Campanella..." The girl's words seemed to carry a double meaning, as if she were trying, in her own way, to tell her mother her identity, but that was something Riveria might not recognize at the moment. The tears didn't stop flowing from her eyes because, despite being strong... she was still just a child. She wanted to be recognized by the people she loved, and among them was her mother. Not to mention that having been apart from her for so long had made her heart almost burst with joy at that gesture. It was all she needed.
While the scene unfolded before them, Bell couldn't help but notice how strangely familiar the face of this woman seemed. It didn't take long for him to look at Campanella, who, even with tears in her eyes, bore a striking resemblance to the elf. And then there was her skin, her eyes... They shared many physical traits.
And not to mention why the girl was crying in such a way... As if an emotion too strong for her to handle was overwhelming her. There was something he didn't fully understand.
But little by little, his brain began putting the pieces together, especially since both of them shared the surname Ljos Alf...
It didn't take a genius to think... No, it couldn't be.
It had to be a mistake! Maybe he was overthinking things: after all, someone like that elf would never see him in any different light, right?
Bell didn't know what kind of expression he had on his face at that moment, but it was a mix of surprise, intrigue, and disbelief. However, shortly after, the two separated. Riveria wiped the tears from the girl's eyes with her fingers and then decided to cough slightly... as if to avoid questions she didn't intend to answer at that moment.
- "Were you looking for equipment for her?" - she asked finally, to which Bell only nodded, still caught between shock and embarrassment.
- "Yes... but right now we can't afford anything. We'll come back later to find something for her."
- "Hmmm..." Riveria seemed to ponder for a few seconds, but then she showed a determined expression. - "It doesn't matter. I'll buy them for her; she needs them, right?" - Bell's face showed even more surprise, while Eina made a gesture with her hand, indicating that he shouldn't accept the offer.
- "N-No, it's not necessary. We can..."
- "Please, I insist." The elf seemed dead set on the idea, and nothing was going to change her mind. - "Come on, it's still early, so we can find things for her."
As they walked, Bell and Eina tried to explain that she didn't need to go to such trouble, but Riveria refused to listen. In fact, now she was the one holding the girl's hand. Campanella felt like she was on cloud nine: she was out shopping with her two parents! Nothing could be better! That's why she didn't complain even once, and she didn't understand why they thought it was a bad idea... Though it was true that her father and her mother didn't exactly know each other at that moment, perhaps that's where the distrust came from.
But that didn't matter! Even better: this was a wonderful opportunity for them to get to know each other.
- "Let's see, there are many things around here," Riveria explained as she walked toward the places she usually visited. - "I know! Do you have any sleepwear, Campanella?"
- "Uh... Well..." The girl didn't want to say no, especially with Bell's mortified expression. But Riveria didn't need an answer.
- "Alright, then we'll buy some nice nightgowns for you."
Upon entering the shop, Bell almost fell backward at the prices. Was sleepwear for a child really that expensive? And yet Riveria bought five of them. He had to admit, they were very pretty... and would definitely make the little one sleep comfortably.
- "You'll also need shoes... and accessories for that beautiful hair." The girl smiled at the compliment. At that moment, the ones carrying the shopping bags were Bell and Eina, the latter sighing at her friend's eccentricities. Well, to be fair, they weren't too extravagant, but they didn't even know each other! Besides, she didn't normally act like this. What was going on with her?
Campanella remembered having had shopping days very similar to this one, where they always ended up enjoying a cup of tea. However, given the state of her world, she didn't know if those moments could truly compare. Being able to do this in a moment of "peace" felt wonderful.
When she looked back, she couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Bell and Eina carrying a large number of bags! Well, at least it seemed like they could handle it.
They finally arrived at what appeared to be a store exclusively for mages. Riveria was immediately recognized as soon as they entered, with one of the vendors eagerly awaiting her purchase.
- "Miss Riveria!" the vendor exclaimed automatically, obviously interested in what she might buy. – "What brings you here?"
- "I have this little adventurer here with me… I'd like you to offer us something that will help her in her battles." The vendor then looked at Campanella, who shyly hid behind her mother, which made him laugh immediately.
- "Of course, we have something perfect for her."
After a few seconds, he brought out an item that seemed to be kept inside a box: it contained a pearly tunic similar to what could usually be seen on mages, accompanied by leather armor that primarily protected the upper body. The size was perfect for a child, so of course, Campanella covered her mouth in surprise.
- "This equipment is rarely requested, so we have very few, but I feel it's perfect for our young client here: it will provide her with the protection she needs."
- "It also suits her perfectly… It seems made for you," Riveria complimented as she looked at the girl. – "We'll take it."
Bell also thought it was perfect for the girl, finally feeling happy that Riveria had made such a kind gesture for her… although now he felt like a walking coat rack! And he had no idea where he would store all these things at home!
Finally, Riveria decided that they had bought enough, and after that last purchase, she said her goodbyes. She wanted to be able to see the little one wearing the gift she had given her.
- "I hope to see you soon, Campanella." She then crouched down to the girl's level, took both of her hands in hers, and smiled sweetly, which was quite unusual for her. – "Would you like that?"
- "Yes! I'd love that!" The girl nodded without stopping her smile, which greatly pleased the older elf.
- "Perfect, then have a good night." She bid a more normal farewell to her friend and barely waved at Bell, who… still seemed rather overwhelmed by the possibilities that all of this implied.
But it was best to think about that later.
For now, after a while, they said goodbye to Eina, but before doing so, she approached Bell, extending something to him.
- "Please keep this," she said, smiling in his direction.
- "A bracelet? Where did this come from?"
- "That's not important right now, it's yours. Although it's nothing compared to everything that was bought for Campanella." The elf then gently patted the girl's head before finally leaning forward. – "I hope you have a wonderful night."
- "Thank you so much!" Bell shouted, already at some distance, as he didn't really know how to repay such a gift.
Now he was carrying all the purchases. Campanella offered to help, but he firmly refused. He just wanted to get home while around them, the first signs of night began to show.
- "Did you have fun, Campanella?" he finally asked with a smile, and the girl nodded several times, her own smile stretching across her face.
- "Yes! It's been a wonderful day. I'm so happy."
- "That's what matters most. I'm so glad to hear it." After all, they had ended up with things for her that he could hardly have provided on his own. He hoped to properly thank Miss Riveria, but within the happiness that they were both sharing, something caught his attention. – "Campanella, slow down a little."
- "Huh?" The girl obeyed, slowing her pace, only to notice what was happening:
There was what seemed to be a girl trying to cover her body with both arms while a man was apparently harassing her. It didn't take a genius to understand that it was a terrible situation. However, despite many people walking by, no one seemed truly concerned about it.
Except for Bell.
He set the bags aside. – "Please watch over them for a moment, alright?" he asked his daughter, who nodded, and with that, he approached the violent scene, placing himself between the man and the girl.
The girl was trembling, completely terrified, and seemed to have lost the ability to speak. But Bell's action only angered the man even more. – "What the hell do you think you're doing? Do you know her?"
- "No," Bell replied, trying not to show fear. – "But I can't allow you to harm a girl."
- "You're a—!" But the man couldn't finish his sentence because soon, Ryuu appeared, this time stopping the man with a grim expression on her face.
- "What do you think you're doing?"
The man cursed under his breath but eventually left the scene. The girl only sighed, shaking her head, and then looked toward Bell, who in turn noticed that the girl he had just tried to protect had disappeared completely…
- "Thank you very much," Bell said, realizing that he hadn't really had a plan. – "I apologize for my rash actions."
- "What you did was foolish, but it was also very brave. Be careful," the maid then said as she left, glancing at Campanella in the distance, who also seemed grateful for her help.
Finally, Bell returned to the girl, gently ruffling her hair before picking up the bags again. – "What a day, don't you think? I feel like it's time to go rest."
"Yes, let's go," Campanella confirmed, simply clinging to one of his arms. Her father… could be very reckless, after all. It would be best to keep an even closer eye on him every day.