Bell Cranel, draped in the jet-black cloak he found in Medusa's Labyrinth, moved through the winding paths of the Dungeon with an air of confidence that hadn't been there before. His shoulders were broader, his stride more assured, but his mind was a whirlpool of memories and emotions. The Night Lotus, cradled carefully in his arms, glowed faintly, casting a soft light on the ancient stone walls and illuminating the path to hope
Ais walked beside him, her gaze steady but her mind whirring. Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione flanked them, weapons drawn as they maintained a careful perimeter.
Asfi trailed slightly behind, her eyes occasionally drifting to Bell's profile. He had grown up; the youthful uncertainty had given way to a matured resolve. Yet his features hadn't changed much—still that same earnest face she remembered.
The party was moving quickly, covering ground in no time. Even so, Asfi couldn't help but study the boy's face. It made her chest feel oddly tight. She pushed it down with a willful breath.
Asfi called softly, "Bell Cranel"' He turned his head, meeting her eyes with a gentle smile. There was a depth in his gaze that spoke of the trials he had faced and the man he had become. Asfi's chest tightened as she pushed down feelings she had long buried.
She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated. What could she say? That the man walking beside her was both familiar and a stranger? That the sight of him stirred feelings she had long buried?
"Nothing," she finally replied, but her eyes betrayed the emotions she struggled to contain. "It's nothing."
He smiled again in understanding, and they continued in silence.
They continued in silence until they reached the camp. The moment they stepped into the clearing, Bell was swarmed by the women who had stayed behind. The moment Bell stepped into the clearing, he was swarmed by the women who had stayed behind. Their eyes widened in awe, and their expressions shifted between surprise and delight. The boy that had left the camp had returned as a grown man. He was now as tall as Bete, and had a similar build. He laughed good-naturedly as Aisha appraised him with an approving eye, and the others studied him with curious smiles.
"Well, well, you look like quite the hero" Aisha gave him a friendly clap on the shoulder.
"Welcome back, Mr. Bell!"
"Looking good, Sir Bell."
"Oh Bell! You're back! You're safe!"
"Bell..."
"Mr. Bell...!"
"Bell!"
"W-welcome back!"
The words echoed around him, filling the air with a warmth he had missed.
The other girls greeted him in turn, their expressions shifting between surprise and delight. Bell certainly looked the part, like a hero out of a fairy tale. A young warrior, having faced great trials, had finally returned triumphant.
Haruhime stood to the side, taking it all in. Bell had changed, she thought, her heart aching.
"We heard what happened, Master Bell." Lili appeared from the crowd.
"Hi, Lili," Bell said, greeting her with a small smile. When she saw Bell, she fainted.
"Lili?!" Welf cried out in alarm. "She's out cold...Did she always pass out this easily?"
"Am I dreaming? Is this a dream?" Lili murmured faintly as Welf helped her to a tent. "Master Bell looks so dashing! If this is a dream, don't ever wake me up!"
Bell looked away awkwardly.
Bell's hand immediately flew to the back of his neck as he watched the scene unfold, clearly uncomfortable. Ais stared at him blankly.
"Haruhime?" Bell finally turned to face the girl who had yet to approach him.
"Bell!" Haruhime's fox tail wagged as she launched herself at him with tears in her eyes. "You're all right!" She smiled up at him from beneath the fur pelt around her shoulders.
"Thanks, Haruhime. And everyone...Sorry to worry you."
He flashed her a smile, but his gaze lingered on her face. It was a look that only she could understand: I'm back.
Haruhime met his eyes with a faint smile, tears brimming in her own.
Bell couldn't find the words to say. He didn't know how to express the complex mix of emotions that flooded through him whenever he was with her. All he could do was give her a sad, awkward smile.
"It's nice to see you again," she said finally, a single tear escaping her eyes as she smiled. "I'm so glad you're safe."
"Haruhime," Bell started, still uncertain, and then froze.
Her face had shifted suddenly. The happy, contented look was gone, replaced by a fearful, pained expression. Her smile had faded, and her brows were furrowed, as though she were trying to hold in her pain.
She bit her lip. "Please...please don't go. Don't leave me here alone."
Her voice was shrill and high, barely audible above the murmurs of the others. Her golden eyes brimmed with tears.
Bell stared at her in silence for a moment before saying, "I won't." He smiled slightly, reassuringly. "I'm back."
Ais and the other women who had accompanied him on his excursion stood off to the side with faint smiles.
"Hey, isn't that Bell Cranel?"
"He looks... more mature, and handsome."
"Have you been training over the last few weeks, Bell?"
"N-no, I haven't, really."
"Why is he wearing that cloak?"
The questions and greetings continued as the Loki Familia women who had been left behind went up to him one by one. Bell greeted them all with a bashful smile.
"Man, you're all grown up...When'd that happen?" Welf said with a low whistle as he reappeared from the tent.
"So much has changed," Bell added with a small laugh. "The way people look at me, the way they react..."
Bell didn't have time to explain how he had changed.
Welf looked on in wonder as he noticed Bell's new air of confidence. He turned his head toward Finn, looking for an explanation, and was met with a faint smile.
"I see you've finished your quest," Finn said, rising to his feet.
Bell nodded as he turned to face the prum.
"Yeah. It took longer than I thought it would, but I got Night Lotus. We just need to get it to Amid," he replied. "How's Riveria?"
"She's taken a turn for the worse, I'm afraid," Finn answered gravely. "Amid is taking care of her now. If it wasn't for Lefiya's Elf Ring, which let her use Riveria's ice magic, I fear we would have already lost her."
"I'm sorry," Bell said.
"You have nothing to apologize for. You came back before time ran out," Finn assured him.
"We'll need to hurry," Bell responded, nodding in understanding. "I've got the Night Lotus."
"Then you should take it to her immediately. The rest of us will have to follow."
Finn gestured at the pouch hanging from Bell's hip, and Bell nodded solemnly. Then Finn glanced in the direction of the cavern where Riveria and Amid were resting.
Bell rushed into the cavern where Amid knelt beside Riveria. The pallor of Riveria's face contrasted sharply with the vibrant light of the Night Lotus in Bell's hands. Amid looked up, her expression a mix of relief and urgency.
"You found it," Amid said, standing and taking the flower from Bell. She started immediately to work.
Amid's hands worked quickly, crushing the petals and leaves into a fine powder. The elixir glowed with an otherworldly light as she stirred it in a small bowl. Bell watched silently, feeling the weight of every moment tick by. Riveria's life hung in the balance, and as Amid held up the bottle, Bell felt as though his fate hung in the balance as well. The entire cavern was tinged a deep blue by the flower's light, and his heart pounded in his ears.
Bell gulped. The entire cavern was tinged a deep blue by the flower's light, and his heart pounded in his ears. As Amid held up the bottle, Bell felt as though his fate hung in the balance as well.
The elixir slowly poured from the bottle into Riveria's mouth.
There was no time to lose.
"Will it be enough?" Bell asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Amid glanced at him briefly before returning her focus to the medicine. "Only time will tell," she responded softly.
Bell gripped Riveria's hand and knelt beside her. He squeezed her hand gently, sending up a silent prayer to whatever god might be listening.
Please, he thought, closing his eyes and squeezing tighter. Please, save her.
His mind drifted back to the events that had led him here. The flood of memories left him feeling grateful, and despite his troubled expression, he was comforted.
There were people waiting for him.
Bell knelt beside Riveria, gripping her hand tightly. "Don't give up"' he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "We're still counting on you." Her hand was cool and still, but Bell pressed it against his forehead, a single tear rolling down his cheek and falling onto her hand. "Please," he thought, "please come back to us." She had always seemed larger than life, a willowy force to be reckoned with, and now she lay there, prone and fragile.
Her hand was still as stone in his palm, and he pressed it against his forehead.
A single tear rolled down his cheek and fell onto the back of her hand.
Ais gazed at Bell and Riveria from the mouth of the cavern, her features shrouded in shadow. Her golden eyes were filled with something indecipherable.
Bell.
He was more than she could have ever imagined. He had changed, he was no longer the frightened boy he once was when she first knew him. He had grown stronger.
She let out a heavy breath and turned away.
After what felt like an eternity, Amid approached Riveria with a vial of the glowing liquid. She carefully administered the medicine, ensuring every drop was consumed. The effect was almost immediate; color began to return to Riveria's cheeks, and her breathing steadied.
Bell watched with bated breath as Amid monitored Riveria's vitals. The room was filled with an anxious silence, broken only by the rhythmic sounds of Riveria's breathing.
"She's stabilized," Amid announced, her voice tinged with relief. "The Night Lotus has worked."
Bell exhaled deeply, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. But as he moved closer to Riveria, he noticed her eyes remained closed. Her chest rose and fell steadily, but there was no sign of consciousness.
"Why isn't she waking up?" Bell's concern deepened as he looked at Amid for answers.
Amid shook her head slowly. "The Night Lotus has cured her body, but it seems she remains trapped in sleep."
Bell was at a loss for words. His eyes darted frantically from Riveria to Amid, searching for some glimmer of hope.
Ais watched from the cavern entrance as Bell kneeled beside Riveria, gripping her hand tightly in his own.
She turned away, the weight on her chest growing heavier with each step.
The group waited anxiously in the camp for Riveria to awaken.
Asfi quietly distributed rations to the members of Loki Familia who were awake. Some of them ate quietly, while others stared at the cavern with worry etched across their faces.
Lefiya watched as Tione sat alone, her expression a mixture of anger and fear. It reminded her of what Riveria had said to her in the darkness of the Dungeon: "Confront your fears."
"What can we do?" Bell asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
Amid looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking again. "Legends speak of such deep slumbers... Sometimes only something truly heartfelt can reach someone lost in such dreams."
Bell's mind raced as he pondered what that could mean. What did one do in a situation like this? Was it something only a god could accomplish? Or was it something only a person could achieve?
Bell took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but one thing stood out clearly above the rest: His feelings for Riveria.
He knew he loved her. He wanted to be with her, to hold her in his arms and protect her.
He opened his eyes and looked down at her, taking in her features. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he reached for her hand.
He held it in his own and brought it to his lips, gently kissing her palm.
He let his lips linger there for a moment before pulling away, still holding her hand.
He brought it to his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath her palm.
"Riveria," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
He took a deep breath, feeling her presence with him, her heartbeat steady against his own.
"I love you," he said, his voice stronger now, full of conviction.
His eyes settled on Riveria's peaceful face once more.
Without hesitation, he leaned down and pressed his lips softly against hers.
The world seemed to hold its breath alongside him.
As Riveria lay there, trapped in sleep, she drifted through a dreamscape of memories.
She found herself in a field of flowers, a gentle breeze blowing through her hair. She stood there, alone, as the sun began to set.
She heard a rustle behind her, and she turned to see Bell walking toward her, a warm smile on his face.
She stared at him, her heart racing. She had never seen him look so handsome, so mature. He approached her slowly, his eyes never leaving hers.
As he reached her, he took her hand in his own and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. She was enveloped by his warmth, by the scent of him.
He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her gently, tenderly.
She felt something stir deep within her, a longing, an ache. She had never felt this way before, never experienced anything like this.
But as the kiss deepened, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She knew this was where she belonged, in his arms, in his embrace.
For a moment, nothing happened. Time stood still. Bell felt as if he were in a dream or a fairy tale. He stayed there, suspended in time, his lips still tingling from the kiss. Then, Riveria stirred beneath him. Bell pulled back in surprise, watching in wonder as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked slowly, adjusting to the dim light of the cavern. Bell let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, tears of relief streaming down his face.
Riveria slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position, her strength returning bit by bit. Then she stood up and looked at Bell, confusion etching her features.
"Bell," Riveria murmured, her voice weak but laced with gratitude. "You... you saved me."
Bell's eyes widened as he looked anywhere but at Riveria. Bell's face burned a brighter red as he fumbled with his words.
'I... I just did what needed to be done,' he stammered.
Riveria's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Bell Cranel, why do you avoid my gaze? I am a High Elf. Look at me in the eye when you speak to me." she asked, trying to understand his embarrassment.
"No! No, not at all!" Bell quickly replied, his voice almost a squeak. He glanced briefly at Riveria before his eyes darted away again. "It's just... um... well..."
Riveria's brow furrowed further. She didn't understand why Bell was acting so strangely. His embarrassment seemed almost palpable.
"Bell Cranel," she said more firmly, trying to catch his gaze. "Look at me."
Bell hesitated but finally turned his eyes toward Riveria's face. The moment their eyes met, his blush deepened even further.
"I don't understand," Riveria continued, genuinely puzzled by Bell's reaction. "Why are you behaving this way?"
"Riveria... You're... not wearing any pants..." Bell whispered, his face turning crimson. His voice trailed off into an inaudible whisper as he looked away once more, his face burning with shame.
Riveria looked down, noticing for the first time that she was indeed bare from the waist down, save for thin underwear, her long, toned legs exposed to the cool air of the cavern.
The air grew heavy with tension as Riveria realized her state of undress, a rare vulnerability for the mighty mage.
"This is humiliating! Don't look at me!" Riveria cried out, her voice echoing through the cavern. She grabbed a blanket from one of the beds and wrapped it tightly around herself as the others looked on in stunned silence. "Nobody will ever marry me now! Oh, wait, I'm already married to you, aren't I?"
Riveria, the mightiest mage in Orario, was not used to feeling vulnerable.
"Bell Cranel... did you see?" She asked hesitantly, still clutching the blanket tightly around herself.
"Um... I..." Bell replied, his voice cracking. He was desperately trying not to look at the woman before him, but his eyes were drawn to her as if by some unseen force. "I didn't see your white panties or anything."
Riveria let out an audible gasp as Bell clapped a hand over his mouth, horrified at the words that had tumbled out without warning.
A wave of mortification washed over him as he stared at the ground in front of Riveria's feet. "I'm so sorry!" Bell said. "I don't know why I said that!"
Riveria stood in shocked silence, the words echoing in her mind. White panties? How much had Bell seen?
"Did... did you like?"
Riveria froze mid-thought, the words stuck in her throat. The question seemed to hang in the air between them. The air seemed to grow heavy with tension as the seconds ticked by.
Riveria slowly lowered the blanket and looked down at her naked thighs and long legs. Her face reddened as she glanced back up at Bell.
"Well? Do you?" She asked again, more boldly this time.
Bell's eyes widened in surprise, his jaw going slack. He blinked rapidly as if to clear his vision, unable to believe what he was hearing.
Riveria's head was buzzing with conflicting emotions—shame, embarrassment, curiosity.
She watched Bell's expression change as the truth dawned on him. She could feel her face burn and her heart race as she waited for his answer.
"Yes... Yes, I like them very much," he managed to say finally. His voice was soft but full of sincerity.
"I see," Riveria said, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt an odd sense of relief at Bell's admission.
"I'm sorry!" Bell blurted out, his face flushing crimson. "I shouldn't have said that! I mean, I didn't see anything!"
"Bell Cranel," Riveria said calmly, placing her hands on his shoulders and looking directly into his eyes. "I'm happy that you said what you did."
Bell swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry as Riveria's gaze pierced into him. He could feel her fingers digging into his shoulders, as if she was afraid that he would disappear at any moment.
"You...you are?" Bell managed to reply, his voice shaky but hopeful.
"Yes," Riveria answered, smiling warmly at Bell. "You've always been honest with me, and I appreciate that. I trust you, Bell Cranel."
Bell couldn't help but smile in return. "I trust you too, Riveria," he said earnestly.
"So...so I guess we're... we're good?"
"Yes," Riveria affirmed, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "We're good. I grant you permission to ogle me in my underwear to your heart's content."
Bell let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Thank you, Riveria."
"Of course, Bell Cranel," Riveria replied with a grin. "After all, you're my husband."
Bell couldn't help but smile as those words filled him with joy. He reached for Riveria's hand, and she took it eagerly.
"I'm glad you're back, Riveria," he said softly.
"I'm glad to be back," Riveria replied, leaning in and pressing her forehead against Bell's.
"Welcome home."
"I'm home."
Their voices were hushed, their faces mere inches apart. There was a palpable energy between them, an undeniable attraction. The tension was thick as they gazed into each other's eyes, neither daring to look away.
Bell's gaze dropped to Riveria's lips and then back up to her eyes, which sparkled with an unspoken question. He leaned in and gently pressed his lips against hers, kissing her softly at first but growing more passionate as she kissed him back.
They held the kiss for what felt like an eternity until finally breaking apart, their breathing labored and their hearts racing. They were both flushed and panting, unable to contain their emotions any longer.
"Riveria... I want you," Bell whispered hoarsely, his eyes darkening with desire. "I want to be with you."
Riveria took a deep breath, steadying herself before responding. "Bell Cranel... I want you too."
"Can I hold you?"
Riveria smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort wash over her as Bell wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and enveloping her in his embrace. She buried her face in his chest and sighed contentedly, feeling safe and secure in his arms.
They stood there for what seemed like an eternity, basking in the closeness of their bodies and the warmth of their love for one another.
Finally, Bell spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've missed you so much, Riveria."
"I've missed you too," Riveria replied softly. "I'm never leaving you again."
Bell tightened his arms around her, a silent promise to keep her safe and close forever.
They remained there, in the cavern, for a long time, lost in each other's embrace. Their breaths mingled as they shared a long kiss.
Riveria pulled away, running her finger affectionately along the bridge of Bell's nose.
"I think I should get dressed," Riveria murmured. "I wouldn't want anyone to walk in on us."
"Y-yeah," Bell replied sheepishly. "I think that would be for the best."
Riveria grinned and leaned in to give him one last lingering kiss before pulling away and reaching for her clothing.
But then, Riveria staggered, her legs still weak from the ordeal. Bell reached out to steady her, but he was a moment too late. She tumbled backwards, her underwear-clad buttocks landing squarely on Bell's face.
Bell froze as Riveria's backside was plastered on his face, unable to comprehend what was happening. It was warm and soft against his skin, and he felt his cheeks growing hotter by the second. He let out a muffled groan as Riveria shifted her weight, causing his nose to press against her bottom. The scent of her arousal filled his nostrils, making his heart race and his mind reel.
Bell lay frozen, not sure whether he should try to move or stay still. His whole body was on fire, and his blood pounded in his ears as he struggled to make sense of the situation. His breathing quickened as Riveria's weight shifted once more, pushing her backside further against his face. The sensations were overwhelming, and Bell felt as if he were drowning in an ocean of pleasure and desire.
"S-sorry!" Riveria gasped, her voice an octave higher than normal. She scrambled off him in embarrassment, her face a deep shade of crimson. "Are you all right?"
Bell sat up slowly, his face flushed and his breathing ragged. "Y-yes," he managed to reply. "Are you?"
Riveria nodded wordlessly, biting her lip and staring at the ground. Bell could see that she was just as flustered as he was, but he couldn't help but chuckle. "That's not something to laugh about, Bell Cranel!" Riveria protested. "I just exposed myself to you and practically suffocated you with my buttocks!"
Bell only laughed harder, his cheeks hurting from the wide smile that was plastered on his face. "I'm sorry," he said between chuckles.
"I bet you liked that, didn't you?" Riveria demanded, her voice rising. "You liked having my butt pressed against your face! You liked being smothered by my underwear-clad rear end!"
Bell's laughter died in his throat as he caught Riveria's gaze.
"It was very... nice," Bell admitted sheepishly, his cheeks flushing even more.
"Stop that! You're making it worse!" Riveria shot back, covering her face with her hands and turning away from Bell.
Bell stopped laughing, realizing how embarrassed Riveria was feeling. He got to his feet and took a step toward her. "Riveria," he began, reaching out to place his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry if I've made you feel uncomfortable."
Riveria's shoulders trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away from Bell's touch. Then, she began to giggle hysterically. She turned to look at Bell, her eyes shining with mirth.
"What's so funny?" Bell asked, a puzzled smile forming on his lips.
"You are!" Riveria exclaimed, still laughing uncontrollably. "You're so earnest and sweet that I can't even stay mad at you!"
Bell was taken aback by Riveria's sudden change in mood. She was no longer embarrassed or angry; instead, she seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.
"Bell Cranel. What have you done with clothes?" Riveria asked suddenly, glancing around the cavern for her discarded garments. "I permit you to gaze upon my half-naked form, but only you alone as my husband."
Bell blinked, unsure of how to respond to Riveria's sudden possessiveness. "Uh... I'm sorry, but I don't know where your clothes went," he said honestly.
"What do you when you don't know?" Riveria retorted playfully, wrapping her arms around Bell's neck and pulling him closer to her body. "Find them," she commanded in a husky tone.
"Uh... that's the thing... your clothes were soaking wet after you were thawed from Lefiya's ice spell, so they had to be washed and dried."
"What!?" Riveria's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Bell in disbelief. "So I have to walk out of here half naked? In front of everyone?"
"No! No, I'm sure they're almost dry by now," Bell assured her, his voice wavering slightly.
"I know where I can get some clothing," Riveria declared. "Your trousers. Give them to me."
"Um..." Bell hesitated, unsure if Riveria was being serious.
Riveria narrowed her eyes and gave him a playful tug at the waistband of his pants. "Don't make me ask twice."
Bell stared at Riveria in disbelief. He could hardly believe what he was hearing, but Riveria's expression told him she was not joking.
"Bell Cranel, by your wife's order, you must surrender your pants to me at once. I need them more than you do. I am an elf and must protect my modesty at any cost. You, on the other hand, are a human with no modesty. As my husband, you must sacrifice your pants for the sake of your wife's humility."
Bell's face turned beet red at Riveria's insinuation. He shook his head vehemently, refusing to remove his pants.
"Uh... I'd rather not... if that's okay with..."
Riveria raised an eyebrow and folded her arms across her chest in disapproval.
"You dare defy a High Elf's commands? Have you no shame, Bell Cranel? Are you not ashamed to deny your wife's request? Are you not ashamed to disrespect a woman's dignity?"
Bell hung his head in shame and lowered his voice. "I'm sorry, Riveria, but I can't."
Riveria was incredulous at Bell's stubborn refusal to comply with her demands.
"Why not?" she demanded.
"Because... because..." Bell stammered, struggling to find the words.
"Spit it out!" Riveria barked impatiently. "Do you want me to walk out of here half naked in front of everyone?"
Bell gulped and raised his head to meet Riveria's gaze. His eyes were filled with determination as he looked directly into hers. "Yes," he replied firmly.
Riveria blinked, taken aback by Bell's response.
"Then I have no choice. I must take your pants by force!" Riveria declared as she lunged forward and tackled Bell to the ground. They landed in a tangle of limbs and clothes as Riveria grappled with Bell's pants, trying to remove them from his body.
The scene was akin to something out of a comedy or a romance novel as Riveria wrestled with Bell's pants while he attempted to keep them on, the two of them rolling around on the ground like children. The sound of fabric tearing filled the cavern as Bell fought to preserve his modesty and Riveria struggled to divest him of his trousers.
And then, without warning, Ais entered the cavern holding a bundle of freshly washed clothes for Riveria. She stood in shock as the scene unfolded before her. Riveria and Bell were tussling on the floor, with Bell trying to keep his pants on and Riveria trying to remove them.
The elf's legs were bare, her slender thighs pressed against Bell's hips, and Ais could see the flash of her white underwear as she straddled Bell.
"I command you as your wife to strip the pants from your body so that I may wear them," Riveria declared. She had a firm grip on Bell's waistband and was attempting to pull them down while he squirmed beneath her, his hands clutching at the fabric in a desperate attempt to save his modesty.
Ais stood rooted to the spot, unable to tear her eyes away from the sight before her: Riveria's hair cascading down her back in a mess of green waves and her cheeks flushed pink with exertion as she attempted to disrobe Bell whilst she was half naked.
Ais felt a sudden, powerful emotion rising up within her that she couldn't quite identify. Was it anger? Jealousy? Desire?
She remained motionless, transfixed by the sight before her. The cave echoed with the sounds of their struggle as they wrestled for dominance.
Ais' heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of the situation. She had been looking for Bell, wanting to talk to him about Riveria's condition. But she had never expected to find him like this, in such a compromising position with Riveria.
The air in the room seemed to thicken, the tension between the three of them palpable.
"Oh. A-Ais?! It's not what it looks like!" Riveria managed to stammer out between gasps of breath.
The words hung in the air, the meaning behind them clear.
Bell and Riveria had been caught in an intimate moment, and Ais had seen everything.
The realization struck Riveria like a blow to the chest. She sat there on top of Bell, staring at Ais with wide eyes and a racing heart. The truth was out in the open now, there was no going back.
Ais didn't say a word; she only looked at Bell and Riveria with a blank expression on her face before turning and leaving the cavern in a hurry.
The silence seemed to stretch on forever as Bell and Riveria stared at each other.
"Bell Cranel," Riveria said softly, breaking the silence between them. "I sincerely apologise. I don't know what came over me, but I shouldn't have behaved in such a way."
"It's okay," Bell replied. "I keep seeing you in your underwear. But not on purpose! I swear!"
Riveria stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Oh, Bell Cranel," she chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "Only you could make such a ridiculous comment in a situation like this."
Bell gave her a sheepish smile, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry."
"No, no need to apologize," Riveria assured him, giving him a reassuring smile. "I appreciate your honesty, and your sense of humor."
The two of them lapsed into silence once more, neither of them sure of what to say next.
Finally, Bell spoke up, his voice hesitant and uncertain. "Riveria, I... I just want to say that... I'm really glad you're okay."
Riveria looked at him with surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah," Bell continued, a small smile spreading across his face. "I was so worried about you... I couldn't stand the thought of losing you."
Riveria felt her heart swell at Bell's words. She had always known that Bell cared for her, but hearing him say it so openly and sincerely was more than she could have ever imagined.
"I feel the same way, Bell Cranel," Riveria confessed, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."
Bell gazed at Riveria with admiration and affection in his eyes.
They both stood up slowly, still a bit shaken by what had just happened. Riveria began to gather the clothing Ais had brought her, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Amid entered the cavern with a purposeful stride, her expression as stern as ever. "I've been informed by Ais that Riveria is awake," she announced, her voice carrying a no-nonsense tone.
Riveria, who had just managed to get to her feet after the earlier debacle with Bell, turned to face Amid. "I'm fine," she insisted, though her voice wavered slightly.
Amid crossed her arms and fixed Riveria with a piercing gaze. "You are not well," she said firmly. "You need to return to bed and get some rest."
Riveria opened her mouth to protest, but before she could utter a word, her legs gave out beneath her. She swayed on the spot for a moment before collapsing.
Bell moved faster than he thought possible, catching Riveria in his arms just before she hit the ground. He cradled her gently, his heart pounding with worry.
Amid stepped forward and placed a hand on Riveria's forehead, her expression softening slightly. "She'll be fine," Amid assured Bell, her voice calm and steady. "She just needs rest."
Bell nodded, relief washing over him as he looked down at Riveria's peaceful face. He lifted her carefully and began carrying her back towards the bed.
Amid walked beside him, offering quiet words of encouragement. "She's been through a lot," she said softly. "Her body needs time to heal."
Bell laid Riveria down on the bed gently, tucking the blankets around her. He couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards her, a fierce determination to ensure she recovered fully.
Amid watched him with an approving nod. "You're doing well," she said simply. "Just let her rest now."
Bell nodded again, his eyes never leaving Riveria's face as he sat down beside the bed. He reached out and took her hand in his own, feeling the warmth of her skin against his.
Amid turned to leave but paused at the entrance of the cavern. "I'll check on her later," she said over her shoulder before stepping out into the hallway.
Bell sat quietly by Riveria's side, his thoughts racing as he watched over her. Amid's words echoed in his mind, giving him hope that Riveria would recover soon.
He knew they still had a long journey ahead of them and many challenges to face, but for now, all that mattered was that Riveria was safe and on the path to recovery.
Riveria stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to the soft light of the cavern. As her vision cleared, she saw familiar faces surrounding her. Bell sat beside her, his hand still holding hers gently. Amid stood a few steps away, watching with a calm, reassuring presence. Ais knelt close to Riveria, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"You're awake," Bell murmured with a sigh of relief.
Riveria blinked slowly, still struggling to focus. She raised her free hand to her face and rubbed her eyes before looking up at the group gathered around her.
"I am," she replied, her voice hoarse from sleep. She glanced from one face to the next, taking in their expressions of concern and affection. "Did I fall asleep?"
"For a little while," Bell replied softly.
Ais took Riveria's other hand in her own, trying to fight back the tears. "Thank god," she whispered, unable to hold them back any longer. "I was so worried about you."
Riveria smiled weakly, the events of the day finally catching up to her. "I'm sorry," she said.
Ais threw her arms around the High Elf.
Riveria returned the embrace weakly, feeling the warmth of Ais's concern envelop her. "Ais," she murmured, her voice hoarse but filled with affection. "I'm here. It's all right."
Ais pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face lit with relief and joy. "I thought we lost you," she admitted, her voice trembling.
Before Riveria could respond, Finn stepped forward, his expression a mix of relief and stern concern. "Good to see you, old friend," Riveria greeted him with a small smile.
"You had me worried there," Finn replied, his eyes softening as he looked down at her.
Riveria chuckled weakly. "It seems I've caused quite a stir," she said lightly, trying to ease the tension in the room.
"You always do," Finn said with a gentle smile. "But we're just glad you're safe now."
"Heh, you're always the one who has me worried," Riveria responded, her voice growing stronger as she smiled up at the prum. "I should be the one keeping an eye on you."
Finn chuckled and shook his head. "You're my vice-captain," he replied with a wry smile. "I'll never forgive myself if something happens to you."
"Such is our bond," Riveria replied with a smile.
"Indeed." Finn agreed, his smile broadening as he placed a hand on Riveria's shoulder and squeezed it gently. "Rest now," he instructed her, his tone gentle yet firm.
"You're one to talk!" Riveria retorted playfully. "You're always overworking, yet you expect me to rest?"
Finn let out a sheepish chuckle. "A fair point," he conceded.
Tiona and Tione hovered nearby, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and concern for their beloved comrade. "So happy you're okay," Tiona murmured, unable to contain her emotions any longer as she wrapped her arms around Riveria and hugged her tightly.
Riveria let out a gasp as Tiona squeezed the air from her lungs, but she quickly returned the embrace warmly.
"I won't be okay for long if you squeeze me that tightly, you silly girl!" Riveria joked good-naturedly, but she couldn't help but smile at the Amazonian sisters' affectionate display.
"Sorry!" Tiona replied quickly as she released Riveria, a sheepish grin on her face.
"It's okay," Riveria assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "I'm happy to see you too."
Lefiya stood at the edge of the group, wringing her hands nervously but smiling brightly at seeing Riveria awake.
Amid moved closer to check on Riveria's condition once more, ensuring that everything was as it should be. "Rest is still important," Amid advised firmly. "You need time to heal completely."
Riveria nodded in agreement but couldn't help feeling comforted by the presence of her friends and familia around her. The bond they shared was stronger than any magic or force in the dungeon.
Bell remained silent but vigilant by Riveria's side, his guilt easing slightly now that she was awake and surrounded by those who cared for her deeply.
"Riveria... why were you trying to take Bell's pants off?" Ais asked as she approached Riveria cautiously, her eyes shining with curiosity and confusion.
The whole room fell silent, the air thick with tension as everyone's eyes turned toward Riveria for an explanation.
"Alright Ais, there's no need to bring that up now." Riveria said defensively. Riveria's cheeks flushed as she silently cursed Ais for bringing up such an embarrassing subject in front of everyone. She could feel the eyes of her friends and familia burning into her, and she knew that even if she were to deny the accusation, it would do nothing to change their opinion of her.
"But you were saying you needed Bell's pants because yours were wet from Lefiya's ice spell... does that mean you're not wearing any right now?"
"Ais...! Shut up, will you?!" Riveria exclaimed, her cheeks turning an ever deeper shade of crimson at the accusation. "You're being incredibly rude!"
Ais blinked in surprise at Riveria's sudden outburst, unsure of what she had done wrong.
Tiona suddenly lifted up Riveria's blanket and peeked inside.
"Nope! She's not wearing any!" Tiona exclaimed. "She is wearing cute white undies though."
Riveria's eyes widened in shock at Tiona's intrusion, and she quickly pulled the covers up to her neck and glared at the Amazonian sisters accusingly. "What are you doing? Don't invade my privacy like that!" she snapped.
"Sorry," Tiona apologized sheepishly as she dropped the blanket back down, not wanting to upset Riveria further.
"Tiona-san! T-That's very disrespectful!" Lefiya cried out indignantly as she rushed over to cover Riveria more thoroughly with the blanket. "You shouldn't be looking at things like that!"
"I was just checking if she was wearing any pants!" Tiona exclaimed defensively, shooting Riveria a helpless look. "I had to know!"
"And you..." Lefiya turned to Bell. "Did you see anything? If so, you're dead!"
Bell's face turned bright red at Lefiya's outburst, and he immediately looked away from Riveria as if to avoid temptation.
Riveria sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on. "Please don't start arguing in my sickbed," she pleaded wearily.
"Everyone, can you please leave us? I'd like to talk to Riveria in private." Finn spoke up as he stepped forward and gestured for the others to exit the cavern.
As the others filed out of the room, Lefiya shot one last glare at Bell before hurrying after the others.
Once alone, Finn sat down beside Riveria on the bed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "How are you feeling?" he asked gently.
"I'm fine," Riveria replied quickly, brushing off his concern.
"I just wanted to say... congratulations..."
"For what?"
"For your marriage to Bell Cranel."
"!"
Riveria blushed and looked away in embarrassment, avoiding Finn's gaze.
"You know that I care deeply about you, and I want you to be happy," Finn continued, his voice earnest and sincere.
"H-How did you know about that?" Riveria stammered.
Finn chuckled and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small pouch. He opened it and tipped its contents into Riveria's hand. "I found this in the entrance hall."
Riveria looked down at the golden ring in the shape of the sun in her palm and blushed again, remembering how Bell had given it to her back at Luminastra. It was unmistakably Solaranarae.
"Bell Cranel wears a matching ring on his ring finger, except in the moon's shape. It's a wedding ring forged by the Vespyad spirits, no doubt about it." Finn continued with a gentle smile. "I know you love him."
Riveria's mind raced as she tried to process what Finn was saying. "How... How did you know?"
"Riveria," Finn said softly as he looked into her eyes, "I've known you for a long time, and I know how much you care about Bell Cranel. It's obvious from the way you look at him and speak of him that you're in love."
Riveria was stunned into silence. She had never thought of herself as someone who could easily be read, but Finn seemed to know exactly how she felt.
"I don't deny it. But Finn, please don't tell anyone about this... especially the other elves..." Riveria murmured, her eyes downcast. She knew there would be consequences if it got out that the High Elf princess married a mere human.
"Your secret is safe with me," Finn reassured her with a smile, squeezing her shoulder gently. "But I must admit, I am surprised by your choice."
"Surprised?" Riveria frowned, not understanding what Finn meant.
"Bell Cranel is a wonderful young man, and he cares for you very deeply," Finn explained gently, "but he is still a human. I fear that you may live to regret your choice someday."
Riveria shook her head vehemently in response, her expression one of fierce determination. "I will not," she declared firmly, her voice steady and unwavering. "Aina also married a human. It brought her immense happiness and two wonderful daughters. I'm simply following in her footsteps."
Finn laughed softly and patted Riveria on the back, clearly amused by her stubbornness. "Well, then I am happy for you," he said with a smile. "And I'm sure Aina would be too."
Riveria couldn't help but smile back at him as she pictured Aina's face in her mind's eye. "I think so too."
"You know," Finn added, "if you really want to make Bell Cranel your husband legally, I have some connections. It's not easy but I know some people who can make it happen."
Riveria's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't considered that option, but now that Finn had mentioned it, she realized that she wanted nothing more than to make Bell Cranel her husband in every sense of the word.
"Can you... Can you really do that?" Riveria asked hopefully, her heart pounding with excitement at the prospect.
"Yes," Finn replied with a confident nod. "I wouldn't joke about something like this. But first, we've got a war to win."
"Of course," Riveria agreed, her mind racing with possibilities. She could barely contain her excitement at the thought of marrying Bell officially and making their relationship known to the world. "Thank you, Finn. You are a true friend."
Finn smiled warmly and rose to his feet, giving Riveria another reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself," he said before heading to the exit of the cavern.
"By the way, where is that piece of garbage dwarf?" Riveria called after Finn's retreating form. "I'm going to give him a piece of my mind."
Gareth let out a weary sigh as he made his way to Riveria's bedside. He had heard about Riveria's awakening and was eager to see his old friend and teammate. As he entered the cavern, he found her sitting up in bed, looking healthier than ever.
"Look who it is!" Riveria exclaimed as soon as she spotted him, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"How are you feeling?" Gareth asked as he sat down beside her bed, a concerned expression on his face. "You gave us quite a scare."
"I'm fine," Riveria replied quickly. She glanced up at him, noting his disheveled appearance and the dark circles under his eyes. "You, on the other hand, look terrible. As usual."
"Quiet, you haughty elf!" Gareth retorted playfully. "If you weren't bedridden, I'd smack you upside the head for that remark."
Riveria laughed softly and shook her head in amusement. She knew that Gareth was only teasing her, and she was grateful for his company and support. "I missed you, you grumpy old dwarf," she said fondly.
"Missed you too," Gareth replied gruffly, his tone betraying his true feelings. He cleared his throat and looked away, clearly embarrassed by his admission.
Riveria smiled warmly at him, a twinkle in her eyes. "I'm glad you're here, Gareth," she said, reaching out to take his hand in her own.
Gareth nodded, a slight flush on his cheeks as he squeezed her hand gently. "Always here for you," he replied quietly.
Riveria's gaze softened as she held Gareth's hand. Their friendship, forged in the fires of countless battles, had seen them through the darkest of times. She could see the worry etched on his face, the lines deepening with every passing moment.
"Thank you, Gareth," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gareth grunted in response, his rough exterior hiding the depth of his concern. "Don't mention it," he muttered, squeezing her hand one last time before releasing it. He stood up and gave her a reassuring nod. "You just focus on getting better."
As Gareth moved to leave, Riveria's eyes met Bell's once more. The young adventurer's determination and guilt were evident in his expression. She knew he blamed himself for her condition, despite her sacrifice being her own choice.
"Bell," Riveria called out gently, beckoning him closer.
Bell approached hesitantly, his red eyes filled with uncertainty. He knelt beside her bed, his hands clasped together tightly.
"You mustn't blame yourself for what happened," Riveria said firmly. "I chose to use the Light Bond Shield to protect you. It was my decision."
"But—" Bell began, only to be cut off by Riveria's raised hand.
"No buts," she insisted. "We all make sacrifices for those we care about. You would have done the same for any of us."
Bell nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure your sacrifice wasn't in vain," he vowed, his voice filled with conviction.
Riveria smiled warmly at him. "That's all I ask," she replied softly.
Ais watched the exchange with a mixture of pride and relief. She knew how much Bell looked up to Riveria and how deeply he cared for her well-being. Seeing them come to an understanding lifted a weight off her shoulders.
Finn re-entered the cavern, his usual confident demeanor back in place. "We should let Riveria rest now," he announced gently but firmly. "She needs time to recover fully."
The group nodded in agreement and began to file out of the room, each offering Riveria their own words of encouragement and support as they left.
As the last of her companions exited the cavern, Riveria lay back against her pillows with a contented sigh. She knew that with friends like these by her side, there was nothing they couldn't overcome together.
The chapter closed with a sense of unity and hope restored among the members of Loki Familia as they prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.