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Hello again to the few remaining readers of this fanfic. I apologize for the delay, but I was simply too busy with exams to write (plus I kind of lost my writing spirit, seeing it more as a chore than something I'd do for fun), so I really can't say much more. Thanks to everyone who stayed, like Apollo_3139 and Rayx2108.
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The streets of Orario were quiet at night, the lanterns dimly lighting the way as Bell, Welf, and Hestia made their way back to the church. The bustle of the city slowly faded away, leaving only the sound of their footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night.
Welf walked with his hands in his pockets, smiling as if what had just happened was just a joke.
"Well, that was quite a bit. I didn't think we'd end up fighting, but… who would have thought? Bell, you're becoming quite the tavern veteran," he commented with a soft laugh.
Hestia snorted and crossed her arms, clearly annoyed by the situation. "It's not that big a deal! I can't even believe it's gotten to that point! That pallum disrespected me, and they wouldn't let me exact divine justice."
Bell didn't say anything at first. He walked with his gaze forward, silent, his hands clasped behind his head. He tried to maintain a smile, but his smile was disjointed..
Welf, noticing the difference in his expression, glanced at him. "Hey… what's up? Are you still thinking about the fight?"
Bell looked down, sighing. "It's just… I'm tired of ending up in trouble. I mean, I know this was just a simple fight, flying fists and broken stools… but I don't want to be in the middle of dangerous things again. Not after what happened in Rivira."
Welf blinked, then nodded slowly, instantly understanding. "The incident that led to the Denatus being assembled?"
Bell nodded, his tone more subdued. "Yeah. I was there. It was all… too much. I saw people dead, ripped apart by one of the monsters. Ever since then, I don't know… anything out of the ordinary makes me tense."
Hestia looked at him, her annoyance instantly dissipating. "Bell…"
He interrupted her with a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Don't get me wrong, I know today wasn't anything serious. But... it makes me nervous to think about what will happen the next time things escalate."
Welf was silent for a few seconds, then let out a light laugh. "You have a right to be tired, Bell. But you're not alone. If anything more serious happens, if you let me know, I'll be there. And your goddess too, of course."
Hestia nodded vigorously. "Of course! Even though you sometimes get me into trouble… I don't plan on leaving you alone with it."
Bell gave them a warm look. "Thank you… really."
The walk continued, somewhat more easily. Welf, his sense of humor intact, was quick to crack a joke about the Hostess of Fertility's "nice" waitress. Hestia let out an annoyed groan, crossing her arms.
"Don't even start with that! Next time, I'll be the one throwing punches."
The group was already close to the abandoned district when a serious voice, sharp as a steel blade, broke the night air.
"Bell Cranel."
Bell stopped dead in his tracks.
Hestia and Welf turned around quickly, and Bell felt a slight chill. It wasn't fear... but that pang of nerves that comes when you know someone important is looking for you for something serious.
Walking firmly behind them were Ais Wallenstein—her expression neutral, though her golden eyes shone with barely concealed curiosity—and Riveria Ljos Alf, whose commanding gaze seemed capable of making anyone flinch just by existing.
"Huh? What are you Loki Familia adventurers doing calling Bell?" Welf muttered, raising an eyebrow while keeping his voice low.
Bell gulped, forcing a smile as he waved nervously.
"G-Good evening, Miss Riveria… Miss Ais."
Ais raised a hand in a slight, casual gesture, while Riveria didn't respond to the greeting. She just walked toward them with the same determination, stopping less than a meter from Bell.
"You owe me an explanation."
Bell opened his mouth in surprise, but it was Hestia who crossed her arms and stepped forward.
"Excuse me? Who do you think you are, demanding things from Bell as if it were your responsibility?"
Bell looked at her gratefully, as he always did when Hestia came to his defense without a second thought. Although… this time he knew it wasn't that simple.
Riveria looked at her calmly, but firmly.
"This is between him and me, Hestia-sama."
"And everything that has to do with Bell also has to do with me!" Hestia retorted resolutely. "So say it, and say it clearly."
Riveria let out a soft sigh, holding it in. This wasn't the time to argue with a goddess, no matter how stubborn she was.
She turned to Bell.
"In Rivira, that creature… that dragon. It obeyed your words. Not like a tamed beast, not like those of the Ganesha Familia, who are under binding spells. That dragon acted of its own free will. It chose to. And you, Bell Cranel, it chose to obey."
Bell didn't respond immediately. Welf looked at him sideways with a frown, clearly processing this information.
Riveria continued.
"There are no records of anything like this. Not with a dragon that retains its free will. And one that obeys."
Riveria then paused slightly, before blurting out the words Bell feared she would say.
"We need to understand if it poses a risk. To you. To others. To Orario." Bell looked up sharply. His fists clenched.
"He's not a risk!"
His voice was louder than he had planned, enough to make even Ais blink.
"He's not a monster, nor a tool. He's my friend."
Riveria didn't flinch. In fact, something in her expression softened slightly, but her tone remained firm.
"I don't want to sound ungrateful. After all, he was the one who protected me in Rivira. But if it's as you say… is there any way to prove it? To prove he's not dangerous… without risking lives?"
Bell opened his mouth… and said nothing.
Not because I didn't want to answer, but because I didn't know how.
Because I couldn't say, "Hey, I can call him right here and now and order him not to attack you, believe me."
Mainly because an adventurer's instinct was to kill monsters.
I was afraid something would happen to Yharon.
The silence was brief but heavy.
Finally, Riveria nodded gravely.
"That's what I was afraid of. If you change your mind… and decide to tell, we'll meet. There's still time."
Ais hadn't said anything until then. She just watched. But before leaving, she looked at Bell again. This time, her eyes seemed to say: Excuse me, but I'm worried too.
The two women turned and walked away, leaving the trio in the shadows.
Welf, after a few seconds, spoke with a sigh, crossing his arms.
"…A dragon, huh?"
Bell looked away, uncomfortable. Beside him, Hestia also sighed, though not in surprise. Just resignation.
"And to think things would get so complicated…"
There was no judgment in her voice, just a mix of fatigue and concern that Bell recognized well.
Welf stretched a little, as if shaking off the weight of the night.
"Well… I think this is the time for me to take my leave," he said with a faint smile. "You two clearly have things to discuss… and I've already heard more than I should've."
Bell raised his head, somewhat embarrassed. "Welf…"
"Relax, I'm not going to say anything about that dragon. I'm not a gossip… and, well, I don't want to end up scorched either."
He winked at him amused, and Bell laughed softly for the first time in several minutes.
"Thank you."
Welf was already turning when he stopped to throw one last sentence over his shoulder.
"See you soon. But next time without any fights, okay?" "I'll try," Bell replied with a tired smile.
And with that, Welf walked away through the silent streets of Orario.
Bell and Hestia stood there for a few more seconds, in the darkness.
"Let's go home," Hestia murmured.
And Bell followed her, silently.
…
The dawn light filtered softly through the broken stained-glass windows of the old church, casting the interior in a warm, tranquil glow. Bell and Hestia shared a modest breakfast at the wooden table.
Bell stirred the contents of his cup without looking at Hestia. His expression was somber, thoughtful.
"Do you think Miss Riveria will come back for me?" he murmured.
Hestia watched him silently for a few seconds, before leaning her elbows on the table and clasping her hands under her chin.
"I'm sure you will," she admitted bluntly. "That elf doesn'tlook like the type to give up easily."
Bell sighed, discouraged.
"I don't mind talking to her, I just... I don't want this to escalate. I don't want to get anyone in trouble."
Hestia raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you're still tense from last night?"
Bell nodded slowly, then ran a hand through his white hair. "I don't want them to start asking questions about Yharon. Not if it puts anyone in danger."
Hestia gave a slight nasal sigh, with a half smile.
"Bell, calm down. No one can pressure you into this. Yharon's information is classified. Literally no one outside the Guild can even confirm it."
Hestia gave a slight pause as if remembering something unpleasant, before continuing.
"As much as it pains me to say it, that woman knows how to pull strings. If she was the one who sorted out everything related to that dragon, then neither Loki nor anyone in the Ganesha family can snoop around without getting into trouble with the
Guild."
Bell remained silent, but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly. Hestia noticed, and added in a softer voice:
"As long as you don't walk Yharon around Orario during rush hour, no one should suspect anything." Bell gave a small laugh, faint but genuine.
Then Hestia changed her tone, frowning as she placed a hand on her hip.
"And speaking of suspicions… how rude was that elf. Did you see how she didn't even greet you? She came in talking as if she were presiding over a trial."
Bell scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Well, I guess she was worried…"
"She'll be worried about what I'm going to do to her," Hestia replied with a snort. "If she was that worried, she would have asked politely, not made a scene in front of Welf."
Bell didn't respond, but he smiled. That direct way of speaking was typically Hestia. Comforting, even.
She leaned back, crossing her arms with a long sigh.
"What's done is done," he murmured.
Silence settled between them again for a few moments, comfortable this time.
Bell, still somewhat regretful, looked up at her. "Thank you, Goddess."
She winked at him, raising her teacup as if toasting.
"That's what I'm here for."
Suddenly a sharp knock sounded at the church door.
Hestia stood up without much haste, one eyebrow raised. "Who's here this early…?"
Bell looked up from his cup, attentive. It wasn't common to receive unexpected visitors at church.
Hestia opened the door… and blinked in surprise at the sight of two young women standing right in front of her.
One of them, with red hair, was dressed in white with gold trim and had an impatient expression on her face. The other, with long blue hair and nervous eyes, remained half hidden behind her companion, holding a folder in both hands like a shield.
"Hestia Familia?" the redhead asked in a firm voice.
"Yeah… and you are?" Hestia said, raising an eyebrow.
"Daphne Lauros. This is Cassandra. We come on behalf of Lord Apollo," she said quickly, wasting no time. She then handed her an envelope sealed with purple wax and the Apollo Family solar emblem. "You are cordially invited to the next banquet…"
"Banquet..?" Hestia murmured, still not taking the envelope.
"Of course. Lord Apollo insists," Daphne said, and although she was smiling, her tone was more of an order than an invitation.
Cassandra nodded shyly, without saying a word.
Before Hestia could process the situation, they both gave a slight bow and quickly withdrew, their cloaks fluttering in the morning breeze.
"…What the heck was that?" Hestia muttered, her hand still outstretched, the envelope dangling from her fingers.
She slowly closed the door again, her expression growing irritated. Bell looked at her with some unease.
"Who was it, goddess?"
"A pair of messengers," he muttered, throwing the envelope on the table as if it were burning him. "An invitation from Apollo. Apparently, it's for his banquet."
"Banquet?" Bell asked, tilting his head. "That's… a good thing, isn't it?" Hestia let out a long, tired sigh and slumped back into her seat. "Depends on who it's for," Hestia snorted, her eyes narrowed. "When we lived in heaven, Apollo was… a creep. He didn't even pretend to have class. Everyone knew all he wanted was to get me in his bed."
Bell choked on his tea.
"W-what?"
"Yes, yes, laugh," she said bitterly, raising her eyebrow. "And the worst part is, he didn't even hide it. Everyone knew what he was up to."
Bell gaped, not knowing how to react.
"He was like a gooey, ridiculous bug. A stalker in a golden robe," Hestia muttered, wrinkling her nose. "You know what the worst part is? He had fans! Some of them thought he was 'romantic.' I just wanted to set him on fire."
"That sounds… awkward," Bell muttered with a grimace.
"Awkward is an understatement," Hestia grunted, tossing the envelope into the air and letting it fall onto the table. "And now, magically, he's inviting me to a banquet just as you're becoming famous. Tsk."
Bell looked down. "Well… maybe it's just a coincidence. Or maybe he's just trying to be nice…"
Hestia looked at him so quickly that Bell straightened up instantly.
"…Yeah, forget what I said," he corrected himself, raising his hands.
"Good idea," Hestia replied, leaning back with a snort. "Damn, I haven't even opened the letter and I already want to punch something."
Hestia let out a long sigh and stared at the envelope without touching it.
"So… we're not going?" Bell asked with some hope.
"Let's go," she replied tersely.
"Huh? But didn't you just say that—?"
"That's exactly why," she interrupted, turning to him with a serious expression. "I know Apollo. If you say 'no,' he'll try to turn it into a 'yes.' He's the kind who understands 'I'm not interested' as 'keep on insisting until you convince me.'"
Bell swallowed, imagining the worst.
"And believe me, I don't want that lunatic knocking on the church door every morning, sending choir members with bouquets of roses… again."
"W-what?"
"Long story," Hestia growled with a shudder. "The point is, we're going. We'll smile at him, have a drink, and when he asks us what we thought of his wonderful event, we'll tell him straight."
Bell nodded slowly.
"And what are we going to tell him… exactly?"
"I don't want anything to do with him," she muttered, crossing her arms. "He can keep his parties, his mansion, and his cloying perfume to himself. And if he looks at you with that cheap-stage-star grin again, I'll shove a bottle of wine up his nose."
Bell blinked. "That… was very specific."
"I'm rehearsing," she replied with a grim smile.
Bell settled back in his seat, sighing. "It's going to be a long night, isn't it?"
Hestia glanced at him. "Get ready, Bell. Because if that idiot tries anything weird, I won't stop this time."
Bell tried to remain optimistic. He wanted to think that maybe Apollo really just wanted to make a friendly gesture, a recognition party like the ones other gods threw to celebrate other people's achievements.
"Maybe… it's just a normal banquet. No ulterior motives," he muttered to himself, trying to convince himself.
And in that instant, like a divine and cruel response to her innocence, her special ability—the divine blessing of the context—activated a small, cold[No]before their eyes. Floating with total indifference to their hopes.
A drop of sweat ran down his temple.
"…Great." he thought with resignation.
With that simple and forceful warning, all his goodwill evaporated.
"Well, then we'll have to keep our eyes open," he murmured softly. "Watch over Hestia-sama… and myself, just in case."
The goddess glanced at him, not noticing the invisible screen in front of her favorite child.
"Did you say something?"
Bell forced a smile. "Nothing, nothing. Just thinking… we should dress up for the banquet."
Hestia frowned. "Don't tell me you're trying to impress someone."
"N-no! Just… out of respect for the host. You know, manners."
She watched him for a few more seconds before nodding with a snort.
"Sounds good to me. Although if I were you, we'd go ahead as we are, just to ruin the aesthetics."
Bell had no doubt: that night was going to be anything but relaxing.
Time passed, and dusk was beginning to creep through the church's stained-glass windows, dyeing the interior with a golden light that seemed to soften everything it touched. Bell stood in front of the mirror, clumsily adjusting the collar of his suit.
He looked strange in it, as if he were imitating someone he wasn't. The dark jacket fit him well, with a sober cut and simple details, but inside everything felt awkward, as if each strand of fabric were a small responsibility he couldn't quite understand.
"Is this what elegence is supposed to feel like?" he muttered to himself, grimacing.
"You look very nice," commented a soft voice from the spear leaning against the wall.
Bell turned slightly towards her, and although he couldn't see Artemis's face, he could feel her presence in that peculiar form that had already become familiar to him. "Thank you, Artemis. But… this time I won't be able to take you with me."
There was a brief, almost melancholic silence.
"I imagined as much," the goddess replied from the spear, her voice calm, but with an unmistakable hint of sadness. "A spear at a banquet wouldn't go unnoticed. And even though I know there are reasons why you can't take me… I would have liked to be by your side."
Bell lowered his gaze slightly, guilty.
"I know. I would have liked to too. But I promise to tell you everything when I get back. Even the boring details."
Artemis laughed very softly.
"You better. I won't let any goddess take advantage of my absence."
Before she could respond, the door to the room creaked, and Hestia entered.
She was wearing the same dress she had worn at the Ganesha festival. The blue ribbon around her waist accentuated her figure, and her black hair fell loose over her shoulders. There was something about her bearing that, despite her height and surroundings, radiated dignity and strength. As if she knew she had to enter a battlefield and was preparing for it with grace.
"Well?" she asked, spinning around with a smile. "Don't I look divine?"
Bell nodded, blushing.
"You are…"
"I know that," she replied, haughty and happy. Then she looked him up and down. "You're not too shabby yourself, fancy bunny."
Bell scratched the back of his neck, uncomfortable in the suit.
"I'm not used to it…"
"You will be," Hestia said, picking up a small bag with her family seal. "Tonight we need to set the record straight. Apollo is an idiot, but he doesn't give up easily. The best thing to do is go out there, stand up to him, and make it clear we're not interested in playing his games." Bell nodded slowly.
"Do you think he'll do something?"
"Knowing him… yes. But that doesn't mean he has permission."
Before leaving, Bell took one last look at the spear.
Artemis murmured:
"Take care. Both of you."
"Always," he replied, with a slight smile.
And with that, Bell offered his arm to Hestia, still uncomfortable but more determined. She took it with a resolute smile, and together they crossed the threshold of the old church as the last rays of the sun died on the horizon.
Apollo's mansion was already buzzing with the elegant murmur of conversation and quiet laughter when Bell and Hestia crossed its doors. A crimson carpet guided guests through a grand foyer lit by magical lamps, and several groups had already formed along the main hall: gods with their trusted adventurers, all dressed in their finest.
Hestia seemed perfectly in her element. As soon as she spotted a tall, blue-haired figure in the crowd, she gently tugged Bell and walked over to him with a radiant smile.
"Miach~" she greeted cheerfully, while opening her arms.
The god of medicine, dressed in an elegant and refined suit, responded with a gentle smile and a brotherly hug.
"Hestia. I'm glad you came."
At her side, Naaza—wearing a flowing red dress that highlighted her figure and made her look elegantly restrained—bowed respectfully.
Bell, staying a few steps back so as not to interrupt, met her gaze. The chienthrope held his gaze for a moment… and then looked away, uncomfortable. The mark of the old incident, the one with the diluted potion, was still noticeable. Bell didn't judge her, but the memory hung between them like a shadow neither had quite dispelled.
Trying to lighten the mood, Bell forced a friendly smile.
"You look very good tonight, Naaza."
She blinked, surprised by the compliment. Then her ears twitched slightly as she adjusted the hem of her dress.
"You too, Cranel. Quite… different from how I remember you."
There was a moment of awkward silence. Not hostile, but tense. As if they both wanted to say more, but didn't know where to start.
Then Miach, with his serenity, broke the pause naturally.
"It's nice to see you again, Bell-kun. It seems you've been… quite busy lately."
Bell scratched the back of his neck, laughing somewhat shyly.
"I guess so…"
"The name 'Bell Cranel' has been in more than one conversation these days. Exploits on the eighteenth floor, rumors in Rivira, and more than one curious god. Even I've heard things." Miach smiled gently, though his eyes shone with genuine interest.
Bell swallowed, trying to maintain his composure.
"Not everything is as impressive as it sounds…"
Hestia, still arm in arm with him, puffed out her cheeks with pride. "Modest as ever! But it's true, Bell has earned his place."
Naaza nodded slowly, looking at him out of the corner of her eye.
"It seems so."
His tone sounded more genuine. Less tense. As if, slowly, the discomfort was dissipating.
Before Bell could reply further, a familiar, shrill voice cut through the air like an arrow.
" Look who decided to dress like a adult!"
Loki appeared among the crowd with her trademark casual gait, dressed in a form-fitting scarlet suit that contrasted starkly with the more sober attire of the rest of the audience. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, and a half-smile graced her face as she made her way directly towards Hestia.
At her side walked Ais Wallenstein, wrapped in a long, pale green dress that complemented her golden eyes and distant expression. The design was simple yet elegant, with a thin silver belt that outlined her figure without impeding her mobility.
Loki didn't even pause before speaking.
"Hestia, my dear, did you come to ruin Apollo's night or just to steal his attention with that cleavage?"
"What did you say, you worm in a suit?!" Hestia responded immediately, stiffening. "What are you doing here, getting mixed up in everything like always?"
"I was invited, obviously! How could Apollo throw a party without the most charming of goddesses?"
"Charming? Since when?" Hestia growled, moving a little closer while Loki laughed without losing his composure.
As the two of them engaged in a hushed argument (although the tone grew louder by the second), Ais stopped beside Bell. He blinked, surprised by how close he was to her. The sword princess kept her face serene, as usual, but her gaze was direct and a little softer than usual.
"Bell…" she said in a low voice.
He became somewhat nervous. "Ah… yes, Ais-san."
"About yesterday," he began, his tone calm. "Riveria was… too direct."
Bell tilted his head, still confused. Ais continued, not looking at him directly this time.
"I should have intervened. I'm sorry."
The young man was silent for a second. He hadn't expected an apology, much less from Ais. It wasn't his fault, and yet here she was, taking responsibility for her partner. He felt something in his chest loosen a little.
"Thank you, Ais-san," he finally replied with a small smile. "But don't worry, I'm not angry."
She nodded. It was just a small gesture, but in her language, it was significant. Then her eyes dropped to his suit.
"It suits you."
Bell blushed immediately, not knowing if that counted as a casual compliment or something more serious coming from her.
"Ah… thank you… you too, I mean, the dress, it looks… very pretty on you…"
Ais simply nodded again. And although her expression didn't change, a slight tilt to her lips resembled an almost imperceptible smile.
The moment was interrupted by a shout from a few meters away:
"You and your cheap talk aren't going to intimidate me, you walking flea!"
"I love that you keep calling me cute things, Hestia-chan!"
Bell let out a small laugh, as if he was breathing again after the previous tension. Ais stayed by his side for a moment longer, saying nothing, before returning to Loki just as the goddess verbally dragged Hestia across the hall with half a glass of wine in her hand.
The banquet had barely begun… and it already promised to be a classy disaster.
But instantly the air changed. As if someone had blown out a giant candle in the middle of the room.
Conversations faded into a collective whisper, laughter stopped as if someone had ordered silence, and all eyes—of gods and mortals alike—turned to the main entrance of the hall.
Bell, puzzled, looked up… and his stomach did a little flip.
Freya had arrived.
She wore a dark dress with silver highlights that drifted like moonlight over her figure. Every step she took seemed designed to capture the world's attention, with a grace that left no room for error: she was a goddess in every sense of the word. At her side, Ottar escorted her with a stony expression, like a living wall in formal attire. The poor jacket barely concealed the volume of his muscles, and his mere presence kept the curious at bay.
Freya scanned the room, not taking much notice of the faces turning toward her… until her eyes fell on Bell.
And they shone.
As if suddenly there was no one else in the room.
Bell tensed, swallowing. Beside him, Hestia fell silent, her brows furrowing instantly.
Freya began to walk, each step a soft echo on the marble floor. Ottar followed close behind, silent as a giant shadow. The crowd parted before them, some out of respect, others out of fear. Everything in Freya's expression said she had a single goal.
Loki, noticing her proximity, raised his hand with an amused smile.
"Freyaaa~ What is the goddess of beauty doing in this nest of vipers? Did you come to flirt with—?" Loki's smile faded as Freya walked past her without even turning her head.
Literally. She ignored her.
"…What…?" Loki muttered, standing still, her hand in the air, mouth agape.
But it wasn't just the snub that stunned her. It was what came next.
Freya stopped right in front of Bell.
So close that even Hestia had to take a step to the side, as if the very pressure of his aura displaced her.
"Bell…" Freya said, her voice soft, reverent, almost as if she hadn't said her name, but a prayer.
Bell's eyes widened. He didn't know whether to bow, speak, or run away.
The goddess looked at him with a gleam in her eyes that was more than admiration. There was something sincere, almost warm about them… though no less overwhelming for that. Ottar, standing firmly behind her, barely blinked.
"It's a pleasure to see you again…" Freya said with a smile that made several nearby adventurers and gods shudder.
Bell stammered a little, with an attempt at a smile.
"T-the pleasure is mine, Freya-sama."
Loki, still frozen behind, muttered to herself in disbelief.
"Of all the mortals at this damn banquet… she comes straight for that weird kid?"
Hestia had her fists clenched and her eyes half-closed, clearly holding back.
"This is going to be long party…" she muttered under her breath.
And Bell, in the middle of everyone, deeply wished he had never left home that day.