Chapter Text
Several days had passed since Fels's visit to Stardust Garden, and now Bell and Haruhime were preparing for their first Dungeon Dive together. Alfia had finally deemed Haruhime ready to accompany Bell without hindering him, and the two were eager to begin their adventure.
Their first stop before heading into the Dungeon was the Guild Hall. As they entered, the tall ceilings and bustling atmosphere of adventurers caught their attention. They made their way to the receptionist's counter and patiently waited for someone to become available.
After a few minutes, a silver-haired elf with piercing blue eyes greeted them with a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Sofi," she introduced herself, taking in the appearance of the two adventurers before her. "What can I do for you today?"
Bell stepped forward as he spoke;"Hello Ms. Sofi, I am Bell Cranel, and this is my companion, Haruhime. We have a meeting scheduled with Eina and need to complete our familia's registration as we have recently returned to Orario."
Sofi nodded, her long silver hair swaying with the movement.
"I see. One moment please." She turned around and headed towards a desk in the back where Eina sat working. The sound of quills scratching against parchment filled the air as Sofi whispered something to her.
When Sofi returned, she was accompanied by two strikingly beautiful women. The first is a Half Elf with an elegant figure, pointed ears, shoulder-length chestnut hair, and mesmerizing emerald eyes. The second woman is a werewolf with fierce red locks cascading down her back and piercing amber eyes.
"Greetings, I am Eina Tulle," said the half-elf, introducing herself. "I was informed by Section Leader Rehmer that you would be stopping by today. What can I assist you with?"
"I am Rose Fannett," chimed in the werewolf. "I was instructed to aid Eina with your familia's registration, though I was not given any details on why she needed my assistance." She huffed in annoyance at the added work.
"And I am Bell Cranel," added Bell beside them. "I was told to come to you for the re-registration of my familia. Any further discussion will need to be held in a private room."
"I see there is an available room now," noted Eina as she gestured for them to follow her. They made their way to a private room, with Eina and Rose settling behind a large desk while Bell and his companion took seats across from them.
"Here is a letter from my current Goddess and former god," said Bell as he handed over sealed envelopes adorned with wax seals. Rose's eyes widened in recognition when she saw the symbols on the seals: the Wings and Sword of Justice followed by three lightning bolts on either side of a crown.
(Author's Note: I changed the Zeus familia emblem from the fandom page. I couldn't identify what the center image was supposed to be so I changed it.)
"Ah, I see how that will be of use. While we review this, please complete these applications," Eina said calmly as she handed the two letters to Rose and took the completed applications from Bell and Haruhime.
"Of course," Bell and Haruhime replied in unison, their voices filled with excitement and apprehension.
As Eina and Rose read through the letters, their eyes widened in surprise and shock at the contents. The first letter was from Zeus himself, granting the Astraea Familia ownership of all property, vaults, and valis previously held by the Zeus Familia. It explained that Zeus' last remaining child, Zald, had joined Astraea's familia and therefore there was no longer a need for a separate Zeus Familia.
The second letter was from Astraea herself, announcing her return to the city after accepting Bell and Haruhime into her familia. She stated that she would be residing in her old familia home and that her current members now included four active adventurers: Bell, Haruhime, Alfia, and Zald. Both Alfia and Zald had left their previous familias to join Astraea's after she accepted Bell and Haruhime. The letter also revealed that Bell was now the captain of her familia.
Rose took several minutes to process the sudden turn of events while Eina looked on with a mixture of confusion and recognition on her face.
"Rose, why are you so surprised?" she asked tentatively, struggling to recall where she had heard the name Zeus Familia before.
"Tch, because we have a major headache coming our way now. I understand why Section Leader said this needed to be handled discreetly. You really don't recognize these names?" Rose replied with a heavy sigh as she turned towards Eina.
As the name Zeus familia was mentioned, a memory flickered in Eina's mind from a lecture she had attended during her time at the education district. She spoke up, "I feel like I have heard that name before in the Education District."
Rose let out an exasperated noise, already anticipating the headache that was to come. She turned towards Bell and stated, "I have several questions for you."
Bell straightened his back and met Rose's gaze confidently, ready to answer whatever inquiries she had.
"Alfia and Zald," Rose began but Bell already knew where this line of questioning would lead.
"Alfia is my aunt by blood, also known as Silence and was formerly of the Hera Familia. Zald is my uncle through his connection with my father in the Zeus familias," Bell explained calmly.
This revelation caused Rose to let out a heavy sigh, her brows furrowing in consternation at the amount of work that had just been dropped in her lap. But before she could say anything else, Eina's eyebrows began to twitch and she suddenly screeched,
"YOU MEAN THE PREDATOR AND SILENCE! The slayers of two of the Great Beasts!"
The sheer volume of Eina's screech caused Bell to flinch and both Rose and Haruhime to flatten their ears against their heads in discomfort.
"Control yourself, Tulle," Rose ordered sternly as she smacked Eina with a folder in her hand, using her other hand to rub one of her now-sensitive ears.
Eina's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stuttered out her response. "Sorry, I just never expected to hear that such famous adventurers had returned. We learned about them in the Education District. They are modern day heroes."
"Yeap. They are." Bell responded as he puffed out his chest in pride.
Rose's disapproving glare remained fixed on the young girl even after her apology.
"Tch. Regardless, you were much too loud for a space like this," she scolded. "As an animal person, my ears are now ringing. And if this room weren't soundproof, your outburst could have caused absolute havoc if it were overheard."
Eina nodded meekly and Rose turned her attention to Bell.
"Now for you, Captain Cranel," she addressed him formally. "I have several more questions. What is your relationship to Lord Zues?"
Bell took a deep breath, his expression becoming solemn as he recounted his past.
"Lord Zeus has been like a grandfather to me since I was a baby My mother died in childbirth and Lord Zeus has raised me since" he began. "Auntie and Uncle came to the farm when I was six years old, and we've been a family ever since."
"You were raised by Lord Zeus?" Rose's eyes narrowed with suspicion as she looked at Bell, causing him to gulp nervously.
"Yes," Bell answered, feeling sweat forming on his forehead. He could sense the suspicion in Rose's gaze.
"I see. Eina, you should keep a close eye on this one. He is likely a pervert," Rose said with disdain.
"W-wait, I am not a pervert. I promise," Bell responded earnestly.
"Hmph, that's exactly what a pervert would say. Lord Zeus is infamous for his antics, particularly the incident where he snuck into the Goddesses' bathhouse to peep on them. And most of his familia consisted of womanizers. Your uncle Zald was known for having a large harem of women and believed that the greater the man, the greater his appetite should be," Rose explained, her voice laced with disgust. A low growl could be heard from beside Bell as he felt an arm wrap around him protectively.
"Bell is not a pervert. Not only is he my hero, but I also believe he will become a great hero one day," Haruhime interjected, flattening her ears against her head in indignation while her tail bristled and the hairs stood on end.
"Hmph, it matters very little to me. Just don't cause more work for me. Moving on..." Rose changed the subject abruptly. "I now understand why section leader wanted this handled with secrecy. This news will surely cause an uproar once it gets out. We will need to consult with the Guild Master and Lord Ouranos on how best to handle this situation. I doubt any official announcement will be made soon. For now, we will reinstate your familia, but your familia rank will be withheld until we can properly consider the presence of Zald and Alfia. You may enter the Dungeon for now."
"Thank you very much. If it's alright, I would like to go into the Dungeon now," Bell said, his cheeks flushing at the thought of not only learning about his grandfather but also about Zald and their reputations as womanizers. He couldn't help but blush even more as Haruhime wrapped her arms around him, her breasts pressing against his arm and causing him to feel their softness.
Dungeon Dive:
Eina and Rose helped Bell and Haruhime complete their registration, after which the two of them decided to venture into the Dungeon. Due to Bell's status and Haruhime's extensive training with Alfia, they were advised not to go any lower than the 10th floor.
"This is strange. There should be more monsters here," Bell remarked as they only encountered a few on the lower 5th floor.
As they continued their journey through the 5th floor, they suddenly heard it: a loud roar followed by the sound of heavy footsteps.
THUMP.
Thump.
THUMP.
The sound grew closer and closer, causing pebbles on the ground to vibrate and clatter against each other. The rhythmic thud of heavy footsteps echoed through the narrow corridor, sending a chill down Bell and Haruhime's spines. They exchanged worried glances, their hearts pounding in anticipation of whatever was about to appear before them.
"Haruhime, get behind me now," Bell commanded, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "There isn't supposed to be anything that big on the 5th floor. Meaning we have an irregular."
Haruhime nodded, her sword shaking slightly in her grip as she backed up and took cover behind Bell. Together, they braced themselves for the unknown threat that approached.
As they got into formation, the noise became deafeningly loud, like thunder rolling towards them. A great and towering figure emerged from around the corner - a minotaur of massive proportions.
"A MINOTAUR?!" Bell exclaimed, his sword raised and ready for battle. "Haruhime, run now!"
Haruhime's voice trembled as she replied to Bell's command, "YES, Bell!"
Despite her progress, a minotaur was a Level 2 beast, far above someone who had only been blessed with a falna for a few months. Even for Bell, who had broken the status limit, it would be a difficult fight if he were alone.
The minotaur immediately charged at them, swinging its massive fist. Bell lunged forward to engage it, but was brushed aside as the minotaur landed a glancing blow. It then turned its attention towards Haruhime, who was retreating down the hall.
Bell saw the minotaur start to charge at Haruhime and quickly chanted, "LIGHTNING!"
A bolt of blinding lightning shot out of Bell's hand, striking the minotaur on its shoulders and face.
"RAWRRRRR!"
The minotaur roared and turned away from Haruhime, now focused on pursuing Bell.
"Don't worry about me, Haruhime! Just find safety!" Bell yells as he leads the minotaur away.
As Haruhime begin to retreat, a blonde swordswoman, a gray-haired werewolf, and an emerald-haired elf come upon her and rushed over
"Are you injured?" the elf asks.
"Ais, this way," the werewolf said, catching the scent of the minotaur. The two take off after the beast, with the blonde swordswoman close behind.
"Please save Bell. He led the minotaur away, so I could retreat," Haruhime called out before they are out of earshot.
"Tch," the werewolf grunted in annoyance as the blonde swordswoman takes off ahead to pursue the minotaur.
The two adventurers dashed after the minotaur while the elf stayed behind to examine Haruhime for injuries.
Bell and Minotaur.
With each step, the ground trembled beneath Bell's feet as he desperately ran from the minotaur. His senses were on high alert, his heart racing as he remembered his training - when faced with a stronger opponent, evade and dodge until an opportunity for a decisive strike presented itself.
But even as he weaved through the maze-like corridors, the minotaur relentlessly gained on him. Panic surged through Bell as he took a wrong turn and found himself trapped in a dead end.
"Crap," he muttered, turning to face the snarling beast.
The minotaur's smirk widened into a triumphant grin as it roared in victory at finally cornering its prey. But Bell refused to give up without a fight.
Bell called upon his magic and chanted, "Lightning!"
Bolts of electricity crackled from his fingertips towards the charging minotaur. However, the creature easily dodged the strikes and delivered a glancing blow against Bell's sword. The impact sent shockwaves through Bell's body as he desperately tried to defend himself by dodging and parrying with his sword.
But then disaster struck - as the sword took another hit, it shattered into pieces. In one swift movement, the beast swung its massive arm at Bell, sending him flying back with a sickening crunch as his body collided with the wall behind him.
CRUNCH.
Wheeze.
Harck
Bell's ears rang with the sound of bones crunching and snapping, followed by wheezing breaths. He himself is coughing up blood as he surveys his injuries. Bruised and battered, he can feel a sharp pain in his chest.
"Definitely some cracked ribs and a punctured lung." he muttered to himself, trying to catch his breath.
He looked up to see the minotaur towering over him, its broken smile seeming to gloat at his weakness. The minotaur lets out a deafening roar and charges towards him, ready to deliver the final blow when:
SICCCCCCC
The next moment, a shining silver line shot across the creature's torso, cutting through its thick hide as if it were butter. Confusion flashed in the minotaur's eyes before it let out a guttural cry of pain.
"Huh?"
"Uoohhhh?"
But the line doesn't stop there. It travels through the pectoral muscles, across the shoulder, around its neck, down its torso, and out one of its legs.
A blinding silver light shines through the wounds as the minotaur is cut into pieces. Its body falls apart in a grotesque display of violence as a wave of dark red blood erupts from its body, spraying Bell across his torso and face in a shower of crimson.
Time seems to stand still as Bell is enveloped by the tsunami of blood. For a brief moment, everything is silent except for the sound of his own labored breathing. In that moment he realizes he is alive, thanks to whoever or whatever just saved his life.
As she emerged from behind the remains of the minotaur, a worried voice asked, "Are you... okay?"
A woman with a thin and feminine figure appeared, adorned in light blue clothing. Her golden eyes, framed by cascading hair that shimmers like molten gold, look worriedly at Bell.
There was no mistaking her identity - even a newcomer like Bell had heard of the famous Kenki. She held the highest rank among all female adventurers, Level 5, and had achieved said rank at a remarkable speed.
Bell attempted to respond, but was immediately overcome by a fit of coughing and blood spewed from his lips prompting Ais to rush over in alarm.
"Bete, get Rvieria now," Ais ordered the approaching gray-haired werewolf, who takes off in a hurry while muttering under his breath about the useless rookie.
"I am... wheeze... fine. I think it's... wheeze... just a punctured lung," Bell managed to say through gasps. Ais hovers over him anxiously, unsure of how to help. Meanwhile, Mini Ais frets about what to do for the wounded bunny lying before her.
Moments later, the crisp sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the forest, getting closer and closer.
"BELLL!" Haruhime's desperate cry pierced the air as she threw herself at Bell, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
A melodious voice filled the hallway, chanting a spell as a shimmering, pale green magic circle appeared above him, and he could feel its energy pulsing through his body. His wounds began to close and his breathing eased.
"Thank you, Lady Alf," Bell managed to say as his breathing became steady once again.
"Please, call me Riveria. We are both adventurers here," the elf replied with a warm smile. "And you are...?"
"I am Bell Cranel," he introduced himself, feeling a bit awkward. "How about Lady Riveria? I wouldn't want to offend any of your fellow elves by not addressing you properly."
Riveria let out a small sigh. "Yes, they can be quite particular about that. And how are you feeling now? Do you feel better?"
Bell nodded, grateful for her concern. "Yes, much better. Thank you."
"Good. Now given your current state, Ais and I will escort you out of the Dungeon," Riveria said, her tone firm but kind.
"Thank you very much," Bell said, struggling to get up with Haruhime's help. Though healed, there was still some stiffness in his body from the battle. As they began their ascent, Riveria started a conversation with Bell.
"I take it that you are a new adventurer. Who is your Deity?" she asked, her curiosity evident.
Bell hesitated for a moment before answering honestly, "I serve Lady Astraea." He had recently spoken with Lady Astraea and she did not want him to lie about who he served, even if it would cause an uproar.
"Lady Astraea, as in the Goddess of Justice?" Riveria's voice rang out in shock, her eyes widening at the revelation.
"Ahh. Yes, she is my goddess." Bell responds calmly, though he can sense the surprise emanating from those around him.
"I apologize if this is rude, but I was under the impression that Lady Astraea only accepted women into her familia?" Riveria asked, curiosity and confusion lacing her words.
"Ahh. Yes, that was the case. However, it wasn't a deliberate decision. It just happened," Bell explained, his gaze shifting to avoid direct eye contact with anyone. "She had simply not found a man who didn't come to them with ulterior motives. And eventually, she gained a reputation for only allowing women into her familia."
"I see. That must have been difficult for her," Riveria responded somberly.
"How long have you been back?" she continued, trying to steer the conversation, meanwhile Ais was clearing the path for the group by taking the vanguard and cutting down monsters.
"We arrived a few days ago. Today was our first day in the Dungeon," Bell replied
"I see. I take it you were adventurers outside the city?" Riveria inquired, trying to make small talk.
"Yes, I have been an adventurer for about a year now. We came to Orario so that I could level up," Bell answered with pride.
Both Riveria and Ais freeze for a moment, their eyes wide with shock.
"How?" Ais finally brokes the silence with a single word of disbelief.
"Ahhh. I had very strict teachers and endured really harsh training," Bell responds with a shudder as he recalls some of his grueling training sessions.
"Still, that is quite an achievement for someone coming from outside Orario," Riveria complimented him sincerely.
"Thank you for saying so, Lady Riveria," Bell responded
As they finally reach the exit of the Dungeon, Bell and Haruhime thank their two escorts before parting ways. As the two make their way back to their home, Bell can't help but feel a pang of disappointment at his performance against the minotaur. Despite his harsh training, he still found himself overwhelmed and in need of rescue.
"I'm sorry, Haruhime," Bell says solemnly, his gaze downcast. "I couldn't protect you properly today. If it weren't for Ais, I might not have made it out alive."
Haruhime gently places a hand on Bell's shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. "You have nothing to apologize for, Bell. You did everything you could to keep me safe. We simply encountered an enemy that was beyond our current abilities."
Bell nodded, appreciating Haruhime's words of comfort, but the frustration still lingers. He silently vows to himself to train even harder so that next time, he won't need to rely on others to save him.
Part 3: The Benevolent Mistress
As they strolled down Western Main Street, the bright lights and lively sounds of the city bustling around them. Bell's sword had shattered into pieces and his armor was beyond repair meaning that Dungeon Diving was on hold for now. He let out a defeated sigh as Haruhime's hand reached out to comfort him. With the Dungeon behind them, they decided to explore the city and its delights.
As they continued their journey, Haruhime's nose began to twitch and she started to sniff the air. Her delicate nose perked up as she detected a tantalizing scent wafting towards them. Bell turned to see his companion's nose quivering and her tail swishing with excitement.
He couldn't help but smile at her cuteness before he even realized it: "so cute."
Haruhime's cheeks reddened at his words and she tried to speak through her flustered state: "T-Thank you, Bell."
Before he could become completely overwhelmed by her beauty, Bell quickly changed the subject: "So what exactly are you smelling? If you're hungry, we can follow the scent and find a place to eat."
Excitement bubbled within Haruhime as she eagerly nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. They set off through the bustling streets, the vibrant energy of the city surrounding them as they searched for the source of the mouth-watering aroma.
"Oh, I was smelling something delicious from that direction." Haruhime exclaimed, pointing down a brick-lined street.
"Let's go that way and see if we can find it. We can check it out and decide if we should bring Lady Astraea here tonight." Bell suggested, his voice filled with excitement.
Following Haruhime's keen sense of smell, they wound their way through the winding streets until they arrived at a two-story stone building that resembled a quaint inn. The entrance boasted beautifully carved double doors, adorned with intricate woodwork. As they approached, they could see various carvings adorning the front of the pub. A sign hung above the entrance reading "The Benevolent Mistress," while an overhanging sign with a crossed fork and knife marked its location.
"This is the place, Bell." Haruhime announced with a smile.
"Okay, let's grab some food and see if this is the place to take Lady Astraea tonight." Bell said as he pushed open the heavy wooden door.
A silver-haired waitress greeted them with a warm smile as they entered. "Welcome, dear customers. Oh my, aren't you two just adorable?" she cooed as she approached them.
The smell of sizzling meats and fragrant spices filled his nose, making his stomach growl in anticipation. He looked around, noting that there were only a few scattered tables still occupied thought the waitresses were clearing the tables used for the lunch rush.
"Hello, Miss, can we have a spot for two?" Bell asked politely
"Oh, so polite. Yes, we are. Though not many adventurers come here at this time. I am Syr Flova. And you are?" She introduced herself as she took in Bell and his companion with curiosity as she thought:
"ahh these two souls are so beautiful. I can't look away. I have to know more about them."
"I am Bell Cranel," Bell replied, feeling a sudden eagerness to get to know this friendly girl. "We just arrived in Orario a few days ago so we are still settling in and decided to explore some of the city today."
"And I am Haruhime," Haruhime added softly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Well then, let me get a spot for you two. Seating for two," Syr called out merrily as she led them to a set of bar stools by the counter.
"Now what would you like to eat?" Syr asked
"I would like some noodles please," Bell said eagerly, already imagining their delicious taste.
"And I would love some roasted meats and sides please," Haruhime chimed in, smiling shyly at Syr.
"Coming right up," Syr said with a bright smile before dashing off to deliver the order to the kitchen
As Bell and Haruhime patiently waited for their orders, Syr took the opportunity to strike up a conversation.
"So Bell, you mentioned that you both are new to Orario? Are you Adventurers or looking to join a familia?" she asked with genuine curiosity. In her mind, she strategized, "Let's take this slow and find out more first. If they just arrived, they might not have found a familia yet. I can get them into my familia easily enough."
"Yep, we just got here with our goddess and completed the registration process," Bell replied cheerfully. "I am the captain of her familia and Haruhime is the vice-captain."
"I see, well that is wonderful. Who is your deity? " Syr exclaimed. Her thoughts raced as she wondered, ""tch. Too bad they already have a deity but depending on who it is I may need to do some convincing."
Before she could ask further, a green-haired elf and crimson haired human approached their table.
"we are part of the Astraea Familia," he began, but his words were drowned out by a loud crash from the side.
CRASH
A great crash can be heard from the side as the Two waitresses, a green haired elf and a red-haired human, dropped the trays, scattering food everywhere. An enraged voice could be heard approaching from the kitchen.
"What in the world are you two doing?!" The tall woman's voice rang out, as she stormed into the dining hall wearing a stunning blue dress with puffed sleeves and a crisp white collar. Her face was flushed with frustration as she surveyed the chaos caused by her employees.
"My apologies, Mama Mia," the duo reply in unison.
"We were just startled, Mama." Syr quickly interjects. "We heard that the Astraea Familia has returned..."
Mama Mia fell silent for a moment before grunting and turning her attention to Bell and Haruhime, who immediately straighten in their seats under her glare. She then retreated back to the kitchen.
"So, Bell," Syr begins, attempting to steer the conversation away from the tense moment. "You mentioned being part of the Astraea Familia. But I thought Goddess Astraea didn't allow men into her familia."
" While that was true it was not divine promise. It could change depending on circumstances. Lady Astraea liked my definition justice enough to set aside the rule." Bell replied.
"I see," Syr responds while thinking to herself: "This truly complicates things. I will need to take some time and think of a way to get them out of this without hurting Astraea. Why did it have to be Astraea? I actually quite like her. Well, force is definitely off the table. That leaves me with the challenge of winning him over as a woman. An interesting challenge that I haven't had in a while."
Syr's sweet and gentle voice flowed effortlessly as she engaged in pleasantries with Bell and Haruhime, their newly ordered meal sitting on the table between them.
The two began to eagerly dig into their meals, savoring each bite their meals. In a moment of quietude, Haruhime suddenly speaks up.
"Would you like a taste, Bell?" Her fork gracefully lifts a piece of meat towards his mouth.
Bell's throat tightens at the thought of an indirect kiss with the lovely Haruhime. His face flushes crimson at the mere idea.
"Um...!" He stammers, caught off guard by her offer.
"Do you not want to?" Haruhime asked as her tail drooped and her expression fell,the weight of Bell's hesitation heavy on her. Bell immediately felt the glares from the other women stabbing him in the back DARING him to refuse this adorable girl's request.
"NOPE. I would love to." Bell immediately responded to the pressure and agrees, his words slightly strained.
"Okay. Say 'ahh'" Haruhime said as she moves closer, a happy smile tugging at her lips.
Bell's face turned a deep shade of red and twitches as he obediently opens his mouth for Haruhime to feed him.
"Ahh"
Bell responded as Haruhime began to feed him.
He quickly chewed the food and swallowed, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"It is very good. Thank you for sharing it with me, Haruhime." Bell said sincerely, grateful for her kindness.
"You are welcome, Bell." Haruhime responded with a genuine smile that caused Bell to blush, while Syr watched them with a mischievous expression on her face.
"You know Bell, you should feed Haruhime too. It is only fair and just that you give her a piece of your meal since she shared with you." Syr suggested playfully, giving Bell a knowing look that makes him gulp nervously.
"Sure. If you want some, here it is," Bell said as he lifted a forkful of his steaming noodles up to Haruhime's mouth.
Her lips part with anticipation and she gently takes the food into her mouth, savoring the flavors that explode on her tongue.
Nom.
Nom.
Nom.
A smile spread across Haruhime's face, grateful for the simple but delicious meal shared with Bell.
"You two are absolutely adorable. Sharing an indirect kiss like that and all," Syr teases, causing both Bell and Haruhime to turn even redder.
"An indirect kiss?" Haruhime asked, feeling flustered and unsure of what that means.
"Yeah! It's when you share food like that and eat off each other's plates," Syr explained, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Haruhime's face turns as red as a tomato as she realizes what just happened between her and Bell. Her tail starts wagging uncontrollably, creating a slight wind. Meanwhile, Bell can't stop blushing and stealing quick glances at Haruhime, who responds with a blush and averted eyes.
The duo finishes their lunch and leaves The Hostess of Fertility for their next destination. As they depart, they can hear whispers from the customers about how adorable they are together. Even amongst all the stares and attention, Haruhime can't help but feel grateful for this unexpected moment with Bell.
Meeting Dea Saint
After their eventful lunch, the duo made their way to one of the locations that Bell had wanted to visit since arriving in Orario. They made their way to the Dian Cecht's Pharmacy to speak Dea Saint about treating Alfia.
Opening the door, they were met with the sound of a small bell ringing, and they couldn't help but feel as though this was truly a place for healing. A calm enveloped them as they walked up towards the counter,where they were greeted by yet another beautiful young woman. She had long, flowing silver hair with purple eyes, wearing a uniform and a nurses cap.
"Welcome, how may I assist you?" The woman asked in a calm, almost monotone voice.
"Hello, I was hoping to speak with a woman known as Dea Saint. I was told that she is the best healer in the City. " Bell said, unaware of who the woman in front of him was.
"I am Amid Teasanare, and Dea Saint is my second name." She didn't feel any annoyance at the boy's ignorance, as it was common for people outside of the city, or new residents tended not know who she was.
"oh. I am sorry. If that is the case, can we both talk to you privately?' Bell asks
"of course. Please follow me in that case." Amid said as she brought the duo to a private room.
After settling in to the room Bell began to talk:
"You have recently developed a treatment for my aunt and Uncle. My aunt has an illness, one that saps her of strength when she is forced to fight. So far, nobody has been able to cure her of her ailment. She has been to your familia and Miach familia before when her familia resided in Orario. My Uncle has been poisoned by Behemoth and it is slowly spreading but his status has allowed him to resist it so far. I was looking to see when you could see them in person and then give your thoughts on what it would take for a full cure to be developed." Bell asked
"I see you are the client Lord Hermes represented. Based on knowledge and precedent I was only able to develop a stop-gap measure. Being able to see them in person would very beneficial. In the case of your aunt, I was able to examine the records of our familia and list of medical reports about a pervious set of case. I take it that they are one and the same. As to regards to your uncle, I was able to refine the initial herb to a greater extent through a trial and error process." Amid said as she continued to think through what is to come next
"I see. Then what are your thoughts on the development of a potential cure?" Bell asked
"That is a difficult prospect. Given the nature of their afflictions, a permanent cure will be incredibly difficult. I will first need to examine them we can consider next steps and what to do. It is also possible that their current treatments can be further refined to slow the progression of their affliction. Or perhaps even stop the spread altogether. If we stop the spread, given their status, their bodies may be able to heal themselves though that will be a long process." Amid said
"Thank you for your honesty and work so far. If there is anything you need related to the development of their cure, please let me know. When will you be able to see them in person?" Bell asked though he is disappointed in the results but he felt Haruhime gently take his hand and squeeze it reassuringly.
"I have some time next week. I believe that would be best. I need to review all the documents and see what has been tried before and see if I can come up with alterations to previous attempts." Amid said as the meeting concluded
"Thank you. Please feel free to stop by Stardust Garden whenever you are free. They will be around as they have decided to abstain from going into the Dungeon for a while." Bell said.
Bell and Haruhime conclude their meeting with Amid and return to the Stardust Garden as the sun begins to set.
As they arrive at the Astraea familia home, they are greeted by the sight of Alfia and Zald waiting for them at the entrance of the manor. Alfia's sharp gaze immediately takes in their disheveled appearance and the traces of blood on Bell's clothing.
"What happened?" Alfia demanded, her voice laced with concern as she rushed over to inspect them for injuries.
Bell recounted their encounter with the minotaur, explaining how he led it away from Haruhime but was ultimately overpowered. He describes how Ais Wallenstein came to his rescue at the last moment, slaying the beast with a single strike.
As he spoke, Alfia's expression grows more and more grim. When Bell finished his tale, she lets out a heavy sigh. "A minotaur on the 5th floor... That should not be possible. How incompetent do those wretches have to be to let a minotaur escape up 10 floors."
Zald nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed. "A mistake like that will get someone killed"
"But for now," Alfia said, turning her attention back to Bell and Haruhime, "the two of you should rest and recover. You've been through quite an ordeal today."
Bell wanted to protest, feeling the sting of his inadequacy, but a stern look from Alfia silenced him. As they enter the house, Haruhime gently takes Bell's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Bell," she said softly. "We'll train together and grow stronger, so next time we can face any challenge side by side."
"Thank you haruhime." Bell managed a small smile at her words as they entered Stardust Garden.
The Benevolent Mistress (Same Evening)
Upon their return to Stardust Garden, Bell and Haruhime managed to persuade Astraea to join them for dinner at a restaurant they highly recommended. Alfia and Zald politely declined, not wanting to draw too much attention.
As the trio entered the restaurant, they are greeted by a playful catgirl with brown hair and eyes.
"Meow! Is it the white-haired kid and fox cub from earlier?" she said as she pointed right at them.
"Ahh, it's the lovely-dovely couple from this afternoon!" another catgirl with black hair and green eyes exclaimed, pointing at Bell and Haruhime.
The two immediately blush at the recognition while Astraea looks on with fondness. The rest of the patrons in the bar turn towards the door, whispering amongst themselves about Astraea's return.
"Enough, Anya and Chloe. What can I do for you, Bell and Haruhime?" Syr asked
"We would like a private booth if possible." Bell requested as he started to eye the people whispering about his goddess but it isn't until the patrons notice Haruhime that the leers start causing her to huddle behind Bell, that he starts to glare back at the patrons, causing many of the patrons to smirk. Though none of them dare to meet the eyes of the goddess as she scans the room.
Syr interrupted the tense atmosphere with a bright smile, "Right this way, you three. We have a lovely booth available for you over here. It can seat up to three people comfortably."
As they follow Syr to the corner booth, they notice its high-backed design and wide entrance for easy access and service, providing both a view of the surrounding area and some privacy.
"Thank you, Syr," Bell said gratefully as he smiled at her.
"It's my pleasure, Bell," Syr responded with another dazzling smile that causes Bell to blush slightly.
They settle into the cozy booth as Syr took their order and within minutes their food arrived, filling their senses with mouth-watering aromas. The air was thick with the sound of conversation and clinking glasses as a booming voice called out over the noise.
"The guests with reservations have arrived," Chloe announced, her voice cutting through the room.
A group of ten new customers filed into the bar, their voices rising above the hum of activity. They made their way to the empty tables directly across from where Bell and his companions sat. As they settled into their seats, Bell couldn't help but notice the diverse mix of races among the group.
But then, his attention was drawn to a flash of bright blonde hair that seemed to glow like gold under the dim lights of the bar. The sight sent a jolt through his body as memories from this morning flooded his mind.
As Bell's gaze lingered on Ais as both Haruhime and Astrea turned to follow his line of sight. Haruhime wore a gentle smile while Astrea's curiosity got the best of her as she leaned in to ask how they knew Loki's children. Haruhime opened her mouth to explain their encounter earlier that day when another voice interrupted.
"Yeah, Ais! Tell us that one story!" A drunken male werewolf yelled from Loki's table, causing all eyes to turn towards Ais who sat directly across from him in a booth.
Bell and Haruhime froze in shock as they realized who had spoken - a young male animal person with wild, unkempt hair and intense green eyes sat diagonally across from Ais, eagerly awaiting her response. A
All eyes were now on Ais as her head tilted in curiosity as she questioned, "That one story..?"
Bete grinned, excitement lighting up his face. "You know that one! About those minotaurs that got away! Remember you finished off the last one on the lower fifth! You know: tomato boy!"
As Bete spoke, lightning shot through Bell's spine as a mix of shame and anger war within him.
"Do you mean the group of Minotaurs that attacked us on the lower seventeenth floor and ran away when we fought back?" asked an Amazon member of their party.
"Yeah, yeah. By some miracle they managed to escape us," Bete responded with a frustrated tone. "But we tore after them, already damn tired from our expedition into the Dungeon's depths."
On their return journey, Loki familia encountered a herd of minotaurs but were unable to slay them all before the beasts began to flee. The remaining minotaurs made a run for the surface, with Loki familia right behind them. They finally caught up with the last of the beasts on the lower fifth floor.
It was Ais who delivered the final blow to end their battle with the minotaurs.
"Yeah, and there he was - that so-called 'adventurer'! The damn newbie had gotten himself into a predicament. And to make matters worse, there was the USELESS fox that just sat there, begging for help after we found her."
Bell and Haruhime's reactions spoke volumes to Astrea. Haruhime's face crumpled in distress and she trembled, while Bell's expression shifted from shame to anger at the insults directed toward Haruhime.
"And then he goes and gets himself cornered like a helpless little bunny. Absolutely disgusting." The werewolf's venomous words caused Haruhime to tremble even more, her eyes fixed on the table.
The same amazon who had spoken before looked at the table with concern, her strong features contorted in worry as she asked, "Oh dear, what happened to those two? Were they alright?"
Bete's voice chimed in with a hint of admiration, "Yeah, thanks to Ais swooping in at the last second and carving up that Minotaur."
Bell's teeth ground back and forth as he tried to contain his anger, but it was clear from his tense posture that he was seething. Haruhime remained fixated on the table, her trembling growing more pronounced.
"That kid took a full blast of the stinky cow's blood - got soaked!" Bete exclaimed between laughs. "So tomato boy! Gya-ha-ha-ha-ahh-Ow, my ribs!"
"Wow," one of the members commented.
"Ais, please tell me you were aiming to do that?" The werewolf man begged through tears of laughter.
Meanwhile, Bell's fists were clenched tightly.
"B-bell," Syr called out, trying to get his attention, but her word went in one ear and out the other.
"But really, it's been a long time since I've seen something so pathetic!" Bete continued. "It was so disgusting, I could have hurled."
There was a moment of silence before Bete spoke again, his voice dripping with contempt. "The only thing MORE DISGUSTING than that was that PATHETIC and WORTHLESS Fox." He emphasized each word with a sneer.
Ais remained silent throughout the exchange, her face unreadable.
"Seriously, if you're gonna cry like a little bitch, why even go down there in the first place?" Bete ranted. "Right, Ais?"
Still no response from the sword princess.
"WEAK WOMEN ARE THE WORST. THAT WORTHLESS FOX nearly got tomato boy killed because she was so useless." Bete's face contorted with rage as he lashed out. "AND THEN SHE HAS THE NERVE to ask us to save him after she failed to get away and forced him to distract the Minotaur. I bet she was so useless that her OWN FAMILY didn't even WANT HER."
Sniffle. Sniffle
Drip Drop.
The booth filled with the sound of sniffling, as Haruhime's tears began to fall onto the table in front of her. Astraea quickly wrapped her arms around her, trying to offer comfort, but the sobs and sniffles continued uncontrollably.
"It's true...my own father got rid of me," Haruhime cried out, her heartbreak evident in her voice.
As Bell witnessed Haruhime's pain, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger rise within him. He stood up from their table and stormed over to the nearby Loki familia table.
"Shut your mouth already, Bete!" Riveria shouted at the drunken werewolf. "It was our mistake that let the minotaurs escape! Those two had nothing to do with it. And stop drinking! Learn some respect!" her emerald hair seemed to glow with fury as she berated Bete.
But the werewolf only sneered in response. "Oh come on, you elves and your precious pride. But what's in it for you to protect that piece of shit? You're lying to yourself if you think we're at fault. Keep your pride, trash is..." He didn't get to finish his sentence before
CRUNCH
.
IMPACT
.
Bell's fist collided with Bete's jaw.
.
"Shut your damn mouth already, you drunken asshole! HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF HARUHIME." Bell roared as his eyes blazed with fury.
.
.
DEAD Silence pervaded the bar.
.
This white hair boy had just stuck Vanargand…
.
THE Crazed Wolf
.
BOOM
.
Bell was suddenly sent flying through the open terrace windows of the Benevolent Mistress, a roundhouse kick propelling him with surprising force. He crashed through the air, landing hard on the wooden floor of the outside terrace. In his wake, an angry and visibly agitated Bete followed suit.
"GARETH, STOP Bete!" Finn's voice boomed over the chaos. The rest of the room immediately sobered up and sprang into action.
"Riveria, check on the boy!" Finn barked at one of his companions, concern evident in his voice as Reviria rushed to Bell's side. The sound of shattered glass and splintered wood filled the air, adding to the chaos and tension of the moment.
At the entrance to the kitchen:
As the chaos and commotion continued inside the Benevolent Mistress, Syr made a beeline for the kitchen.
"Mama, there is fighting in the bar!" Syr cried out, her voice trembling with fear, while thinking; " DAMN THAT STUPID WOLF! I was so looking forward to talking to those two more. I will have Mia deal with him."
From deep within the kitchen, a voice rumbled with anger. "Fighting? In my bar?"
The tone was enough to send shivers down Syr's spine.
Crunch. Crunch. The sound of knuckles cracking filled the air as a figure emerged from the kitchen. It was Mama Mia, the owner of the Benevolent Mistress. Her massive figure loomed over everyone else in the bar, as her eyes gleamed with rage.
The waitresses immediately fled in terror as Mama Mia approached the source of the disturbance. Even some of the adventurers who were still present quivered in fear as their instincts told them to run.
THUD. THUD. With each step that Mama Mia took, it felt like an earthquake was shaking the bar.
Woe onto those who awaken the ogress.
.
.
.
.
Terrace
Bell's arrival was accompanied by a loud crash, the sound of tables and people being knocked over. He quickly scrambled to his feet, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The doors leading out to the terrace were left hanging, broken off their hinges by Bell's force. Several tables lay shattered on the ground, adding to the chaos.
"YAH! IS THAT THE BEST YOU'VE GOT?" Bell taunted, eyes locked on Bete who was slowly approaching with a look of pure anger on his face. "If I'm trash, then what does that make you for letting me get the drop on you?"
Bete let out a feral roar and lunged towards Bell, but Gareth intercepted him and held him back.
"Not so fast laddie," he said firmly as his massive arms wrapped around Bete's struggling form. "You had that one coming. Now sonnie, if you could refrain from provoking this one any further, I would appreciate it."
"Tch. Fine." Bell responded and began checking himself for injuries. Surprisingly, he only found a few bruised spots from crashing into various objects along the way along with a few broken fingers from where he had punched Bete's jaw. having not fully recover from the impact yet, he is still kneeling on the ground.
"Are you hurt?" A voice called out
"Yes, are you alright?" A second voice followed
Ais and Riveria were standing over him, their expressions etched with worry. He tried to push himself up, but grimaces as a wave of pain shoots through his body.
"Yes, I am fine," he managed to say through gritted teeth. "I can tell he held back."
His cheeks flush with embarrassment at the attention from two of the strongest women in Orario. But before he can fully process the situation, another voice joins the mix.
"Bell, are you alright?" Astrea appeared at the terrace entrrance, her gaze shifting between the three of them. Ais and Riveria turned to face her while Bell looked down in shame, feeling a sudden urge to flee.
Without a second thought, he bolted down the main street, leaving behind a trail of dust and stunned onlookers.
"Oh...Bell," Astrea sighed as she watched his retreating figure, understanding all too well where he was headed as she looks
.
Towards Babel.
.
Ais took off upon seeing that the bunny has escaped, her long golden hair flowing behind her as she runs.
Riveria let out a weary sigh, her emerald hair falling over her shoulder as she watched Ais frantically chasing after the escaped Bell. But before Riveria coul even take a step, a deep, rumbling voice growled behind her.
"WHO is the one starting trouble in MY BAR?"
Mia Grand, her normally gentle features twisted into a scowl of anger, stood at the entrance to the terrace and scanned the place with sharp eyes.
Riveria let out another sigh and wearily pointed to Bete, who was still struggling against Gareth's grip.
"Ahh. Sorry Bete but you need to learn there are consequences for your actions," Riveria said in a tired tone, exasperation evident in her voice
CRUNCH. CRACK
SLAM. POUND.
Snap, Crackle. Pop.
Mia unleashed a flurry of punches upon Bete, who is too drunk to properly defend himself. His body swayed and staggered with each blow, until he finally collapsed in a heap on the terrace floor.
"LOKI! Your familia will pay for the damages caused by this idiotic wolf. And Astraea, your boy who started the fight will owe me two weeks of labor," Mia growled
Loki let out a heavy sigh, knowing that she will have to deal with Bete's punishment when he wakes up. Meanwhile, Astraea nodded in understanding and preparesd to leave.
"I will tell Bell what has happened when he gets back. But for now, I must go home," she said
"Goddess Astraea, please allow me to walk you home as well. Loki, I will go after Ais before I return," Riveria interjected, offering her assistance. While Loki merely nods.
"Thank you, Riveria," Astraea responded gratefully.
As they leave, escorted by Riveria, the rest of Loki familia finish their meals in awkward silence. Bete remains passed out on the terrace floor until two catgirl waitresses roll him off the edge and onto the ground below to make space for more patrons.
Before he can sober up, Mia quickly hog tied him and hung him up in front of her bar as a warning to others not to cause trouble in her establishment. Upon seeing who has been strung up in front of the Benevolent Mistress there is a great deal of celebrating by onlookers.