Bell stared at the earnings he and his party had made today. They had come back from their journey to the tenth floor and had expected to earn a good deal of valis, but even still, this amount blew Bell's expectations out of the water.
Three fat bags of valis stood or slumped against one another in the middle of the waist high table in the guild headquarters, the earners of such an amount were staring at them with various looks of awe and pride.
Hestia familia exceeded expectations today and they could hardly wait to share the news with the other familia members and especially the Goddess. They had a great story to tell about their journey to the deeper floors and what they faced and overcame.
Arue incinerating a whole group of wall shadows, Takeru's epic fight with the abnormal kobold, and Chitoge's mad charge against a group of orcs.
That last one was one of the biggest surprises Bell had seen his party do. They had just arrived at the mist covered floor, something that made them all more cautious, given the new surroundings, when an ork carrying what looked like a tree limb, came out from behind a boulder.
Chitoge dashed to it, jumped through the air, and came down crashing her heel into the beast's head with a mighty crack. It soon burst into ash, leaving behind the branch and magic stone.
Chitoge looked especially proud of that kill and when asked, she said it had something to do with Monsterphilia and left it at that.
Regardless, this was a time to be happy.
"Great work everyone," said Bell, "We did better than I thought we could."
Arue brought a hand up to her eyepatch in her signature pose, "Indeed," she said, "the tides of fate flowed in our favor today."
Chitoge gave their mage a deadpan look, "Does that ever get tiring?" she looked back down to the piles of money, a smile tugging on her lips again, "Well…it is the truth after all."
Hana nodded beside her and Takeru also had a smile on her face, glad they performed so well.
Though Takeru wished they stayed longer on the tenth floor, in desire to hone her own skills, she knew she couldn't expect that from the others just yet. They were still coming into their own strength as adventurers and Takeru knew she couldn't rush that.
She took one glance at Bell, a thought on her mind, 'Some of us seem to be rushing forward ahead, whether they are aware of it or not.'
Again she noticed this about her captain and summoner, he was progressing at an astounding rate. It showed not only in his advance at being able to venture so far down into the dungeon so soon, but in his combat prowess as well.
She wondered how long it would take for him to reach her level of strength.
She could take a good guess at it, but knew the surprise awaited in time.
'Maybe I should up his training regiment,' Takeru thought , 'If he's progressing like this? I can't shirk my abilities in training him.'
He might react strongly to the change, but she had the feeling he would thank her for pushing him so far.
After he was done picking himself off the ground, of course.
Bell reached and picked up one of the bags of money, Takeru taking another, bags in hand Bell and the rest of the party thanked Lili for her help in the dungeon and went on their way.
"W-wa-wait!"
The exclamation brought them to a halt, they turned back to see Lili at the table, gesturing to the remaining bags of money, "What about this?" she asked, "What about the rest of this money right here? Aren't you going to take it?"
Bell, and a few others, were confused at this exclamation, before realizing that they didn't tell her the reason they left that bag behind.
"Oh that's yours, sorry," said Bell, "forget to tell you earlier, but the rest of the team and I decided on a two-thirds split with the earnings we made today."
Lili was flabbergasted. Two-thirds split? They were only taking two thirds of the money from today?
Leaving her the other third.
She understood why they took a majority of the money, they were all part of the same familia and they definitely did the most work, being the frontline fighters in the dungeon. But to give her a whole third of the earnings? That was insane! She'd never been given this much money before, from the other adventurers she partnered with. She would have been lucky to even receive a tenth of this amount.
Were these people just that generous? Or were they that crazy?
Takeru, seeing her expression, decided to elaborate, "The reason we decided to give you that much was both because of your help and experience in the dungeon and as an incentive for further partnership with our familia. It was thanks to you that we were able to bring back so much. Not to mention your insight was valuable in and of itself."
Lillie was flabbergasted. One journey with her and they were giving her this much? Just for what scant information she had from her own experience and being able to carry so much more than others.
Again she felt she had to look at these people all over again, just to make sure they were real. Nobody was that generous, nobody was that giving, nobody was that nice.
No adventurer in this city existed like that!
"Just take the money and stop overthinking things," Chitoge said with an exasperated, albeit with an annoyed look, "You did a good job! A good job means a good pay! Nothing too complicated about that, is there? Stop over analyzing and treat yourself something nice with that dough! Ya hear!"
Lili was taken aback by the rough way Chitoge said that to her, she knew she was aggressive from watching her fight in the dungeon. She didn't think that aggression went into how she talked to people.
Lili was less uncertain about taking the money now though, after hearing the words delivered so fiercely.
Chitoge smiled when she saw Lili take the bag on the table, feeling proud with her diplomacy.
If anyone could call 'that' diplomacy.
Bell and the others elected not to comment on that and decided to move on with things.
"Thanks for your help today Lili! I hope we can work together more in the future," Bell said with a bright smile. His sincerity practically a physical blow to Lili's heart. It should be a crime to be honest like that.
Their business done, Bell and the rest of his familia proceeded to leave the guild hall, taking their earnings with them and leaving Lili with hers.
She looked at the bag of money on the table, a smile on her lips. She had worked hard today and she was glad for the generous earnings.
And for working with such kind people…
She shook her head, to clear whatever doubts she dared to think. In the end she had a job to do, a job she set out to complete before ever offering them her services. Whether she liked it or not
Remembering her task, made her look at the money bittersweetly.
It wouldn't even be hers anymore before the day was done.
"This is indeed troubling," Koukin said from her seat on the couch.
Hestia thought that was a very very big understatement.
They both sat across each other at the downstairs lounge. A cup of hot tea in front of the other on the coffee table in the middle of them.
After registering their new allies and getting them their supplies for their new life in this world. It turned out to be a bit much for their new arrivals and the decision was made for them to return home after their shopping was completed.
Koukin couldn't blame them for that decision, much as she would have liked to bring them into the dungeon to see what they could do, she knew that coming to a new world could be a jarring experience. Some could have no issue with jumping into the dungeon, day one of summoning. Others needed time to adjust to their new environment.
Though their new arrivals had honestly good reasons for holding off going into the dungeon in any case.
Kallen wanted to have a better lay of the land. Take in their home's position in the city, looking over alleyways and roadways, and finding the best shops for getting weapons and equipment.
Koukin knew a military mind when she saw one, and Kallen definitely had to have come from somewhere that had experienced war. She herself fighting in it firsthand. Koukin wanted to ask her what her experience in the theater of war was but decided that such a topic could wait another time, if she was even willing to share.
Ibuki, if Koukin didn't know better, might as well have been a normal young woman. She positively glowed when seeing the clothing stores they passed by and had to be dragged away from various food stalls they passed in the market area.
That was in great contrast to how Koukin observed her move and subtly act. During their trip, she observed Ibuki looking swiftly at corner areas and anywhere that casted a dark enough shadow. She also saw her observing people very closely, looking them over for any signs of hidden weapons or deception in their expressions. The fact that Koukin saw her do this while being an excited shopper, took her off guard to say the least. There was definitely more to Ibuki than meets the eye. Though that was to be expected, given she was a 'ninja' if Koukin recalled. Albeit a bubbly one.
Elbia was someone Koukin thought could give Hana a run for her money in the artistic sense. When they passed an art supply store, Koukin got a face full of bushy tail from Elbia's excited wagging. After shopping at such a place, mostly to avoid the puppy dog eyes Elbia threw her way, the werewolf girl immediately unpacked her new sketchbook and pencils and began drawing. Koukin didn't know what she was sketching until they started to reach home, where Elbia revealed she had made a damn near accurate drawing of the market square
She briefly wondered what would happen if Elbia and Hana collaborated with their work. It would be an interesting sight to say the least. Given Hana's habits when working on art. She hoped Elbia didn't have such compulsions.
Another nudist and she was sure Hestia would have a conniption fit.
Koukin reached down to her tea and took a sip, her expression pensive, "At the very least," she said, "Hermes doesn't suspect you, that is one advantage we have."
Hestia gave a nod, but she wasn't too assured by that fact. She still fretted at the thought of some God or Goddess finding out about Bell and his magic and what actions that could bring upon herself and most of all, her familia.
"This only reinforces what we were already doing," Koukin said, "we can't summon hastily or rapidly, now so more than ever," she steeped her fingers together, her expression focused, "but even still, that is not a guaranteed security for our familia, but it is the best we have at the moment."
Hestia nodded but had something to add to that, "And if that's no longer viable? What do we do then?"
Koukin looked the Goddess in the eye, before looking downward. She gave a sigh, unsteeped her hands and spread her arms across the couch, looking up. A minute later she replied, "I don't really know. To be honest, even thinking about what we 'could' do gives me no shortage of ideas," she raised her head to look Hestia in the eyes, her own looking weary, "but no solid plans. Not when there are countless variables to consider."
Hestia couldn't fault her for not having a definitive plan of action were such a situation to occur. They'd been so focused on keeping the summoning magic a secret, that they didn't really consider what could happen were they to find out.
'Talk about tunnel vision,' Hestia thought.
For now though, they both decided to keep the plan plain and simple. Avoid summoning for a good long while and keep an eye or ear out for anything involving the investigation from the guild.
Not the greatest plan, something Koukin pointed out with a grimace, but the best option they had at the moment.
Besides, they really couldn't summon more in any case. They had officially met capacity for their home's occupancy and any more would just be a hassle to deal with, room and board wise at least.
This made the two briefly discuss the idea of getting a bigger and proper home somewhere down the line. Hestia agreed but made her wish to keep this place obvious, given its sentimental value to her as it was her first home she owned. Koukin had no problem with it, viewing it so this place could be a potential backup site for them once they get a proper home for themselves.
Their conversation continued for a while and was finally brought to an end by a sudden arrival.
"Goddess! We're home!" came Bell's voice at the entrance to their home.
Any further discussion was tabled by Hestia's cry of "Bell!" followed by her running to where he and his party arrived.
Koukin gave a sigh at her Goddess's behavior after such somber topics, but she gave a small smile when looking at the Goddess fretting over her children like a mother hen.
There were enough intense topics for the day. Now it was time to relax and enjoy the company.
But catching a look from Takeru and Arue, Koukin had a feeling there were more issues to address now.
Not to mention she had to deliver the news that she was made vice-captain of the Hestia familia via the Goddess's orders.
If she could end this day face down and asleep on her bed, she would count it as a win.
It was revealed at the dinner table what the party had gone through today. Giving their new arrivals a good idea of what they would expect should they enter the dungeon.
Kallen was actually excited to test her mettle now that she had her curiosity settled in this new world. Ibuki was enthusiastic as well to try her luck and to see what her captain, Bell, was capable of. Though many had suspicions on her true motives given she nearly attached herself to him at the dinner table. Hestia put that plan to the sword by practically attaching herself to Bell's side, much to his embarrassment. Elbia was willing to try her best as well but stressed her interest in studying the artwork and media of this world. Hana appreciated the girl's interest in the arts and offered her to come work in her studio in the basement.
After dinner was over and done, everyone made to get ready for bed.
Bell took his shower first, to avoid any shenanigans with the other girls, according to Hestia, though she did try to offer to scrub his back if he needed help. Bell locked the door and pretended he didn't hear that.
Eventually, everyone got their showers done and retired to their rooms for the night.
Well, mostly everyone.
Koukin was sitting on her bed, legs crossed, with Arue and Takeru in front of her. None of them had changed into their nightwear and they all possessed serious visages at the topic of conversation.
Namely about the sudden and curious appearance of the short chienthrope girl to the familia's latest venture into the dungeon.
"This 'Lili', you suspect her of some kind of ulterior motives?" Koukin asked with a frown.
"Yes," replied Takeru, her face stern, "It all seemed too happenstance and out of nowhere to suddenly offer up her services as a supporter to us," she looked down in thought, "she mentioned having watched Bell from afar before she could gather the courage to ask, but I don't know if that is wholly the reason."
"How do you mean?" Koukin asked.
"I didn't sense much deceit in those words. I suspect she was telling the truth in part," she brought her gaze to Koukin, "It's what she wasn't telling us that has me concerned."
"In addition," Arue added, "Bell and Chitoge both claimed to have seen her before. When they saved that girl from being assaulted in the alleyway."
Koukin nodded, recalling the tale she was told about Bell's and Chitoge's act of heroism.
"But this supporter was a chienthrope, was she not? And Bell and Chitoge claimed to have saved a pallum that day," Koukin put her chin in her hand and continued, "realistically, I'm more inclined to believe Bell and Chitoge, in this case."
Arue and Takeru nodded, feeling the same. Bell and Chitoge both were probably the most honest souls in the familia. With Chitoge recently being revealed to be someone similar to Bell, in regards to her inability to bluff.
Koukin enjoyed that game of chess with her that time, if only just to see her menagerie of expressions.
"Bell and Chitoge may have been mistaken," said Takeru, "but saving a pallum one day, and the next, a very short chienthrope makes her appearance? Surely I'm not the only one skeptical about this coincidence?"
She received no counter argument from the other two, given they were all on the same page about the supporter.
"I'd like to add to the theory pool, if I can?" Arue said, "While she was traveling with us I sensed magic upon her body, subtle, very subtle, but noticeable if one gave it more focus," she smiled and held her hand to her crimson eye in another strange pose, "luckily my dark senses could feel such fine magic with little ease, as befitting a Crimson Demon."
Takeru gave a sigh in exasperation at Arue's overdramatic nature, while Koukin tried her best not to smile so wide and risk laughing. Leave it to Arue to diffuse the tense atmosphere with her ridiculous actions.
But what she said did bear merit to listen to, this chienthrope, Lili, was using magic of some kind and if Koukin had to theorize for what, given the information she possessed, she would say it was to obscure her appearance somehow.
This brought forth many more questions and possible theories to mind, but for now, time to cut to the meat of the matter.
"I wish to notify Bell about this," Koukin said, "I already expect some grievances from our assumptions from him but he needs to know for the sake of his safety," she then took her gaze to Arue, noticing something, "You seem troubled Arue, is there something wrong with my decision?"
Arue had a deep frown on her face, one of contemplation, before finally giving voice to her thoughts, "If possible, could we maybe hold off on telling our captain about this?"
Koukin was surprised by the request, especially since it was Takeru and Arue both bringing her into this conversation, "For what purpose, may I ask?" she asked in a calm tone, not angry, but curious.
"For the purpose of investigation," replied Arue, "we know Miss Arde is lying to us, yes, but to what purpose?"
Koukin blinked, "Purpose, Arue? What purpose do you mean?"
Koukin assumed that Lili was just deceiving them for a better sake of profit with naive adventurers, while avoiding pass troubles with a disguise.
It was hardly the first time she dealt with such people, only with the added magic was it any different.
"I feel she is hiding more than just her appearance and motives," said Arue, "Additionally, I feel she may not be so willing to go with whatever plan she is a part of."
Takeru raised a brow at Arue, "You feel she is a victim somehow," she guessed, "that she is going along with someone else's idea or plan?"
Arue shrugged, "It's a theory at least. I know though that, when we were in the dungeon, I asked her to trust us, and she said she did."
Koukin and Takeru were silent, expecting her to continue.
"She further said she was glad to work with such a kind party. To both, she was lying," Arue looked at her companions, her eyes showing remorse and pity at what she said, "she seemed to be lying to herself as well. Painfully so."
Koukin and Takeru processed what Arue said with neutral expressions, taking in what she said, before Koukin finally gave voice to an answer.
"She's being forced to," she said, "she is being made to have to partner with adventures for another's gain."
The potential answer sickened them. Someone was using this young girl to infiltrate adventure groups, but to what end?
Koukin clapped her hands lightly, drawing the other two's attention, "For the time being, we'll keep an eye on her whenever she offers her services to us again. I still wish to tell our captain about this, but only when we have more information to go on. For now though, it's time to rest."
Takeru and Arue nodded and made to leave her room, but Arue stopped by her door and turned to her, a question on her lips.
"Vice-Captain."
"Please just Koukin, I've grown used to having my name spoken with familiarity, I'd rather not have it replaced with a recent title."
Arue smiled at the reply and continued, "Then Koukin, what do you think Bell would do if he were to find out about Lili?"
Koukin didn't need long to consider that answer and gave Arue a small smile, "You know exactly what he would want to do."
Arue smiled at her in return, believing the answer.
"He would want to save that girl."
Bell expected his new familia members to have unique fighting styles, as it seemed most of them did whenever he summoned them forth. So it shouldn't have come to as much of a shock when he saw them fight in the dungeon.
Yet he still found himself amazed each time.
Kallen jumped back from a goblin's strike and followed it with an upward strike with her new Kodachi, ending the creature's life. She followed by lifting the hand-crossbow in her other hand and firing a bolt at another goblin running up on her, it struck true in the monster's neck, it was a cloud of ash after a cough of blood.
Ibuki was a blur on the dungeon floor, evading strikes and closing in on enemies like a specter on the wind. Bell saw her leap over two kobolds making an attack run and at the apex of her jump, she launched two kunai knives into each beasts' head. She landed just in time to see the burst into ash, making her give a 'whoop' of joy and giving Bell a thumbs up.
Elbia was similar to Ibuki in how she moved but closer to Chitoge with how she attacked. She made full use of her body's limber motions and struck out with a growl each time. Kicks, punches, and even claw swipes helped her dispatch any foe in front her. Bell was a little frightened when she managed to cow an attacking Kobold with a snarl, just before she dispatched it with a bone breaking high kick.
Needless to say, Bell was certainly glad she was on his side.
They were on the fourth floor of the dungeon, it was agreed to be a good spot for them to get the hang of themselves in the dungeon and maintain relative safety of the party.
Though if Bell were honest, he thought they could do pretty well a floor or two down as well, but this was a good practice and it was best to keep things simple for their first day in the dungeon.
Bell was giving it his all as well, as captain, he felt he had to show his new members what he was capable of. Needless to say, they cleaned up the area they were in little time.
Bell sliced a dungeon lizard that made a good attempt at an ambush, sending its head flying. He looked over at the others who were finishing up the rest.
Kallen made the last kill, putting a bolt through the head of a kobold, pinning it to the wall. She gave a long sigh when it burst to ash and dropped a magic stone.
"Man," she said with a breath, "you can work up a thirst doing this for an hour, nevermind all day," she wiped her forehead, "Can't believe you do this all the time, captain."
Bell gave a small chuckle, "It's not so bad Kallen. After a while you'll get used to it too, it took me a few trips before I felt I could stay all day on a single floor."
Kallen gaped at her captain, "Please tell me you didn't do that, because that's just insane," she could understand spending a morning, or afternoon here, but an entire day? That's just crazy.
Bell shook his head, "No," he said, "the longest I've stayed in here was probably," he thought about it for a moment, then remembered what he did not too long ago. He became a bit bashful before replying, "about a whole night…and some of the morning."
Now everyone was looking at him like he was a basket case. A whole night and some of a morning? At level one?! What could have spurred their captain to do something like that?
"It was a while ago," Bell said, "and it was over something ridiculous. I came back bruised and bloodied," he looked down with a bit of shame, "I made my Goddess worry about me, she and Arue and Hana as well. I couldn't forgive myself if I did that again."
He raised his head to stare at his new arrivals, a smile on his face, "So now I try to do my best, while making sure I can come home to my Goddess and familia. That is something I ask all of you to do as well!"
His words made the three smile, they could feel the generosity and earnestness in his words.
Kallen was at first skeptical with Bell being her captain and summoner, she had only followed one person in her previous life, or the 'other' Kallen's life, and that was after he proved himself and she saw merit in following him.
Bell Cranell wasn't that man in any way, shape, or form, and Kallen found herself glad for it. At least with Bell she would get honest answers to any questions.
Since Bell really couldn't lie to save his life. Which was a breath of fresh air, if she were honest.
Bell felt someone land behind him and nearly turned around with his guard raised, only to feel two soft hands hold him in place by his shoulders.
"Awww! Aren't you the sweet heart," Ibuki's voice came from behind him, before he felt her start pinching one of his cheeks gently, "It's so nice of you to worry about us like that," she let go of his reddened cheek and started to hug him from behind, "now I'm definitely glad we got you as a captain!"
"M-m-miss Ibuki! Your chest is pressing v-very hard on my back!" Bell said with a flush that made his reddened cheek look practically nuclear. He didn't notice because of Ibuki's clothes but he was surprised how endowed she actually was beneath her ninja attire.
Ibuki either didn't hear him as she swung him to and fro with her hug or didn't mind that she was hugging him so tightly.
She couldn't help herself, Bell was just that adorable.
Kallen cleared her throat in an attempt to bring attention to her, only succeeding in getting Ibuki to stop rocking Bell back and forth, "If your done turning our captain into a new shade of red," she nodded her head to Bell's blazing face, "I think we're good to call it a day, my bag is full of stones by now, and I don't care to haul back more than I care to carry."
Ibuki let her captain go, much to his breathless relief, and reached down to bring her own bag of magic stones up, its contents right at full capacity as well.
"Yeah," she said, "I'd say I'm good as well," she turned to look at their werewolf companion, "How about you Elbia? You ready to-", she cut herself off mid-speech, noticing werewolf girl and her gains for the day.
Standing there with a proud smile and shaking her long fluffy tail, Elbia had a bag nearly ready to burst with its contents under one arm. She raised her other arm up and gave everyone a thumbs up, her tail wagging even faster.
She was definitely done and clearly proud of herself today.
Bell was amazed as well, his own bag was as full as Ibuki's and Kallen's but Elbia definitely did better than they did in earnings alone.
"That's amazing Elbia," Bell exclaimed, "well done!"
Elbia preened under the praise, feeling proud of her work today. She at first wasn't sure about the dungeon, or how she'd perform against the monsters. She was quick to realize that the beasts on these floors scarcely held a candle to her. Could they potentially overwhelm her? Yes, but only if she and the others let them gather their numbers.
Which they never did.
Elbia walked right up to Bell and leaned over to him just a bit. She stared at him with eyes that told of expecting something.
Bell looked at Elbia in confusion, wondering what's gotten into her. She kept looking at him with wide eyes and a near pleading expression. Her tail was wagging, but no longer in the joyful pendulum motion it once was, now it seemed to move back and forth in frustration.
Bell was about to ask what was wrong when Kallen chimed in, "I think she wants you to pet her head."
Bell's face started to redden again. He just couldn't catch a break!
He didn't think this is what Elbia wanted and he decided to test that.
"Elbia, that isn't really what you want is-", he was cut off by her reply.
"Yes it is."
"…Eh?"
"Whenever I do good work, a kind word or two is usually enough, but I did very well today, so I ask for more," she twitched her ears up and down in emphasis, "please pat my head, captain! That is the reward I ask for."
Bell was struck into silence by the request. His previous experience with Lili yesterday informed him that such a thing would be rude and very inappropriate. Yet Elbia was right there in front of him asking for it.
Looking up at him with eyes that shone with want for the reward, the want of head rubs..
Eventually, he caved in.
Bell reached up and began to rub the top of her head, right between her ears.
Elbia stood in place as the sensation washed over her. She soon started smiling and closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation.
Her tail began wagging again, once more in joy.
Ibuki and Kallen were off to the side, watching the strange display before them. They knew Elbia could act more…primal than most demi-humans of the beast variety, they never expected this however.
Then again, they never expected to be summoned to another world, did they?
Eventually Bell stopped his petting and Elbia leaned back satisfied, content with her reward.
With little else to say, especially after that, the four made their way out of the dungeon. Pride and accomplishment in each of their steps.
"And after Kallen took out the last of them. We decided to return after that when our bags were full."
"Mm-hm."
Bell was giving his report to his guild advisor, Eina. Mentioning the performance of his new familia members, what enemies they faced, any new threats in the dungeon, and an overall summary of their performance.
It sounds like a lot but Bell was used to it by now and he could deliver a relatively speedy report by now.
Something Eina was usually grateful for, as it saved her time with the paperwork by keeping it minimal.
But today, Eina was looking at Bell a little strangely. Not with her usual polite concern and kindness.
No, her gaze was more of suspicion and of slight accusation. As if he had done something wrong and kept it secret, only for her to find out in the worst way possible.
Bell admits to being scared of such a look, but he somehow found the courage to ask her.
"Is something wrong, Miss Eina?" Bell asked.
Eina didn't respond at first, trying to pick and decide what words would be appropriate to use.
"Bell," she began, "Be honest with me. Is there a reason why so many beautiful women seem to flock to your familia?"
Bell was taken aback by the sudden and strange question. Sudden; because he'd never imagined Eina to ever ask that question. Strange because…he honestly didn't know how to answer it.
Thankfully he didn't have to answer, someone else did.
He felt arms wrap around his neck and pull him back, coming to a stop on something soft but firm.
"Miss Eina, that should be obvious," came Ibuki's voice from behind Bell, right near his ears, "it's because our captain is so cute!" she punctuated this statement by holding him tighter and swaying back and forth, a musical hum on her lips.
Bell was blushing up a storm and was trying not to be so ramrod stiff in her hold.
Eina was looking at the whole scene with wide eyes. Nevermind she didn't even see Ibuki coming, the fact that she was cuddling Bell to her chest out in public was outrageous and completely out of nowhere.
"Miss Ibuki!" she exclaimed, standing up from her chair, "That is wildly inappropriate!"
Ibuki stopped rocking Bell back and forth and gave Eina a frown, before suddenly perking up and gently holding Bell out towards her.
"Oh! Sorry. Did you want to hold him?"
Eina turned scarlet at Ibuki's words and found herself completely speechless. This girl was completely out of Eina's ability to handle.
In addition, she did her level best to suppress the urge to take Bell from her and into her own arms.
'Bad Eina! Bad! That is wholly inappropriate in the most extreme sense!'
A sudden hand-chop coming down from behind Ibuki made the girl let go of Bell, who was happy to get some distance, and clutch at the top of her head.
Ibuki looked behind her at her attacker, a frown and puffed cheeks showing her displeasure.
"That hurt Kallen," Ibuki bemoaned.
The red head only stared at her fellow familia member with an unamused look, "You're causing a commotion," she said, "quit with games already. Elbia and I want to go home without a crowd watching us."
Ibuki rubbed her head some more and finally gave a huff and nodded her head in agreement, "Fine," she said, "Sorry Bell. Didn't mean to cause trouble. Just wanted to have some fun after our trip to the dungeon."
Bell finally calmed down enough to reply, "It's alright. I was just…very surprised by that."
Kallen gave her captain a look, making sure he was alright, before turning her attention to Eina, "Is it alright for us to go? Did Bell deliver his report yet?"
Eina regained her composure well enough to reply, "Yes Miss Kozuki. He did, thank you."
Kallen nodded and gestured to Bell, "You alright to head out?"
Bell nodded, and looked to Eina one last time, a familiar smile on his face, "if there's nothing else Eina, my party and I are going home."
Eina nodded and waved them farewell. When they were gone, Eina came to a realization.
Bell never answered her question.
She sighed to herself. It didn't really matter, it was a ridiculous question to ask in any case.
She cleared her mind and moved on to something else, namely to whom Bell and his party from yesterday had on hand to support him.
She began to look through the records of the guild on various familias inside the city.
Looking for a familia member belonging to the Soma familia.
Looking for Liliruca Arde.
She didn't know why but she had a bad feeling about her. Even more so given the familia she was a part of.
She would be a fool not to act to the feeling.
Not long after they left the guild headquarters, Bell and his party found themselves experiencing something unfortunate.
*growl*
Bell glanced over at Kallen, who was walking beside him. She had a hand on her stomach and a displeased and frustrated expression on her face.
She was hungry and she wasn't the only one. Not long ago, Ibuki's stomach did the same thing and shortly after her, Elbia's stomach voiced its displeasure and further punctuated by a whine from the werewolf.
Bell too was hungry and thought now was a good time to remedy that for himself and his teammates.
"How about a detour, girls?" he asked them, "Let's get something to eat before we go home," he smiled at them, "It could be a reward, for your first day in the dungeon. Sound good?"
Ibuki was the first to voice her approval of the plan, followed by Elbia, who showed her joy of the plan more so by wagging her tail.
"Sounds like a good plan captain," said Kallen, "I knew I worked up a hell of an appetite but I didn't think it was this bad."
They had a great day in the dungeon and definitely pushed themselves to earn what they could. A little hunger was to be expected, but they didn't think they burned enough energy to feel like they were starving.
Bell felt what they felt no small number of times during his initial trips into the dungeon. It was something you eventually get used to. Though packing snacks or rations also alleviated it at times.
The potato puffs saved his stomach on many long stays in the dungeon.
Bell suggested where they should go and his party, curious about the place, followed him along. After a bit of a walk, they found themselves at a very familiar pub.
The Hostess of Fertility
Walking through the doors, Bell was greeted by the familiar sight of the proprietor of the establishment.
"Well well," Mia Grand said, watching them come in, "if it ain't the rookie coming to visit. If you're looking for Syr, she and Ryuu went out shopping. They'll be back soon though."
"Thanks but that's not why we're here," Bell said, "I'd like a table for me and my new familia members please."
Mia gave a laugh, finally noticing the trio of girls alongside him, "Three more girls to your familia, huh boy? Taking them out this soon is surprisingly bold. Didn't think ya had it in ya."
Bell flushed at her words, "No no! It's nothing like that," he said, "they worked hard in the dungeon and I wanted to reward them for their work today."
Kallen gave Bell a nudge at his side, "Just like he said," she added, "we worked our asses off so now we're being treated by our generous captain."
The dwarven woman gave a laugh at that, "Not even an adventurer for a month and you're already a captain? You've grown haven't ya, brat," she looked over the bar at Bell, taking in his appearance again before adding teasingly, "though you could stand to put more meat on those bones if I'm honest," she waved them in, "Come on! Grab a seat before the early dinner rush sweeps them from ya."
Bell and his party did so. When they were seated, a black haired cat-girl came and gave them menus to go over.
Bell already knew what he wanted and pretty soon they all placed their orders and waited.
"This place is very nice," commented Elbia, she took a deep smell of the air and lightly giggled, "Smells nice especially, lots of different food is made here and it all smells so good," she ended with a smile and a small trail of drool leaving her lips.
Kellen saw it and reached for a napkin and held it to the werewolf girl, "Calm down, the foods' not even here yet and you're already drooling on yourself."
Ibuki was looking around the place with a smile and infectious giddiness about her. She was in a pub! A fantasy pub in another world! This day got better and better!
They got their food and they soon set upon it, enjoying the delicious meal and homely atmosphere.
It wasn't too long after they nearly finished their meals, that they received some company.
"Bell!," a voice exclaimed behind him. Bell turned around to greet the smiling face of Syr behind him. This brought a smile to his own features and he waved a greeting at the waitress.
"Hey Syr! Good to see you!"
He noticed the figure beside her and he greeted her as well, "It's nice to see you as well Ryuu."
The green haired elf gave a polite nod to Bell in response to his greeting.
"It's nice for you to stop by Bell," Syr said, "you must have worked up a good appetite to come here so early."
Bell gestured to the others at the table with a smile at Syr's words, "Not just me, my new familia members did well today and worked up an appetite. I'm treating them for their hard work."
Syr then took notice of the other three at the table and her eyes widened a bit. She looked them over once, taking in Kallen's rough demeanor, Ibuki's eccentric smile, and Elbia wagging her tail happily while gorging herself on her plate.
"My my Bell," Syr said, cupping her cheek, "three more beautiful women in your familia? I didn't think you so lucky," she shot him a small teasing smile, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're on your way to start your own harem."
Bell nearly choked on his drink, Kallen actually started to choke on her food, startled as she was. Ibuki blushed a storm at the words before giving a surprised yelp at Kallen's predicament and moved to help her.
Elbia was too busy enjoying her food to notice anything. She briefly glanced up at the commotion, blinked, and went back to eating. Her tail wagging in joy yet again, accidentally hitting the black haired cat-girl, Chloe, in the face. Drawing a surprised "Nya!" from the waitress.
Bell got his composure back and quickly tried to explain, only to fumble in his wording and speak gibberish.
Syr laughed at the chaos she caused, only for that laugh to turn into a yelp as Mia tapped a wooden spoon on the top of her head, hard.
Syr cradled her head, looking back and up at Mia with small tears in her eyes.
Mia wasn't moved by those tears, not in the least.
"Quit bothering the customers," she said sternly, "you want to tease the boy? Do it after hours. Until then, breaks' over."
Syr gave a sad moan at that but complied. Before she left, she gave the table one last look and said, "Sorry about that. Had to tease you a little, Bell," she smiled warmly at him in particular, "how else was I to let you know how much I missed you?"
With that said, she turned and walked off to do her tasks, joining Ryuu in the kitchen.
Bell watched her go, his cheeks flushed red, 'That girl is always surprising,' he thought to himself.
He turned his attention to his table, seeing Ibuki pat the back of Kallen, who was graciously drinking some water now that her coughing episode was over. Elbia leaned back on her chair, empty plate in front of her, and a contentful smile on her face.
Kallen finished her drink with a loud exhale, "Dammit," she began, nearly coughing once more, "what kinda person asks that out of the blue?"
Ibuki returned to her seat with a helpless smile on her face, "Someone with a funny sense of humor I guess?" she asked with a shrug.
"That's just Syr," said Bell, "She's always like that. She likes to tease people all the time."
Elbia chose that moment to add in a question of her own, "Does she do that to you a lot, captain?" she asked innocently.
Bell nodded, "Yeah, she always surprises me with her teasing. Sometimes she can be a bit much but she means well I think."
Elbia cocked her head in thought, wondering about something, she tapped a fist into her palm in realization, "Oh! Is it because she's your mate?! Is that why she teases you?"
That statement was delivered just as Bell was taking a drink of water, next thing he knew, he was trying desperately to explain with a lungs full of water.
As Bell's party tried to save their captain from drowning via glass cup, they were watched from the kitchen by a familiar brown haired cat-girl.
"Yet more competition for ya Syr, nya ," Anya said, shaking her head, "these girls may not be as busty as that Koukin chick, but they got some killer bods on them nonetheless, nya."
"…"
"I mean look at them, nya! That redhead has got a toned belly and right rounded curves to boot, nya. Chest is definitely bigger than mine, nya. Maybe even yours, nya."
"…Anya."
"That chick dressed like a ninja, nya, is holding back a killer body as well, nya. Looking at her from the side you can see she has her chest binded, nya. Nya, I can already guess how big they actually are, nya. She got some nice thighs too, nya!
"...Anya."
"Nya, can't forget that chien- no, werewolf girl over there, nya. Nearly through my nose off for a moment there, nya, but you can't fool Anya, nya! She's got great boobs, strong legs, and a nice tail to boot, nya!"
Anya stepped away from the kitchen opening and raised her arms up, as if in defeat for someone else and shook her head, "Sorry Syr, I'd wish you good luck but with that competition, you might need a mirac-", she stopped when she suddenly felt a ominous force radiating from behind her, she turned around to see the silver haired waitress looking at her with a smile that was anything but kind.
Any knew she stepped in it bad this time and made her best attempt to beseech mercy from her friend and co-worker.
There would be none.
As Syr finished delivering punishment to Anya, who was nursing her sore ears and tail, she recalled something that was important.
Quickly, she rushed to her room to retrieve it and swiftly brought it back down.
She came to a stop by Bell's table who was finally getting his breath back from nearly drowning in his embarrassment.
Something he was sure he wouldn't live down.
"Bell! I just remembered something you might be interested in," she held out the item, "I remember you telling me you liked to read a lot so I saved it. A customer left it on a table and never came to retrieve it."
It was a book, a bit aged, but in great condition.
"I think you'd like what's inside."