The bar is like it always is. I don't expect anything different, and yet it almost feels different as raucous adventurers boast of their victories, and some people, here, are alone in the quiet of their thoughts. Perhaps, this is not a normal day for an adventurer to step in, and yet they quiet when I walk in with Loki, and then begin to whisper amongst themselves as they always do when I show up.

I walk up to one of the tables with the most people; Bell's sitting there in a nice suit with a bowtie, that somehow reminds me that his colors are both pale and invigorating, and it's not hard to wonder why people refer to him as a rabbit, as the white brings the rabbit-like colors into stark focus.

His eyes grow wide, just to see Loki there, and I know that I should explain something, say anything, but Loki is always quicker to react.

"I couldn't let my Sword Princess come alone, now could I?" She bristles to see Hestia, though she expected her, and I finally look over at the other person at Bell's table. It's his supporter, little Lili, I believe. She's dressed in a purple dress that must be new, even as she ducks her head and looks over at Bell. Somehow, though she knew I would come, she seems unsure of how to speak to me for a moment, unsure of where she sits.

"You could of." Hestia grumbles, though she tries to smile at me a beat later. It's forced, and I don't doubt that she doesn't mean it.

"Hi." Bell mutters, as if somehow the room is too much for him, but he motions to the extra seat at the table, the one just between Hestia and Lili. Loki moves to grab herself a chair, not caring if it's a little work, or that she's one of two people here in a suit. She's uninterested in looking like everyone else would assume her to be.

"Hi." I repeat, and sit down, though Loki motions for me to move closer to Hestia, so that she can move her chair beside Lili.

"If you don't mind," Loki starts, "I want into your deal, but not to be with Bell, but to be with Aiz. She's rightfully my child, and I refuse to simply give her away the way that I thought I would."

I don't know why I'm surprised; of course, Loki would not want to see me leave into such an unusual arrangement, without taking part.

"I mind." Hestia answers, but Bell just frowns, thinking for another moment.

"I don't see why not, if-if Aiz, is okay with it, that is." He stammers, and I imagine that something like relief probably floats through him too. I won't have to leave this arrangement before I even really begin. I'm still not sure what to think of it, but somehow, I know that Bell probably has the final say on this, as far as letting me stay, regardless of the price. Maybe my confusion might last a little longer than I'd like.