Before we begin!

Hello everyone. Happy Los- I mean Lon- I mean Lovers Day! Valentines! This story is posted in its honor!

So this is the new project I mentioned before. If you're new, welcome! A word of caution, however, is that I recommend you do go watch the Danmachi anime before reading this. I am writing as if you already know a good sum of the lore behind it. Most of this is based on the Light Novels not introduced (yet) by the anime. Those parts will be explained as best I can as the story progresses. So if you are confused, I apologize but ask you to be patient.

On another note, I wonder how a certain elitist forum rips this one apart. I'm actually looking forward to it.

For those who are following my schedule, my other works are still in progress. I just had to post this one for today.

ON WITH THE SHOW!

He sat there in the small office of a modest god, waiting patiently as he sipped at the tea offered to him. While his tongue tried to discern the particular blend, his critical mind was trying to examine the mess and clutter of the office itself. Papers were stacked in piles, ledgers were either out of order or scattered throughout the room, and graphs and important notes were pinned and in full display for him to see. He learned more than he should from a first glance as soon as they let him in. The longer he stayed in here, the more he learned of their dealings even when his eyes stared straight ahead.

The tea was oolong, he finally realized. Imported all the way from the Far East. And it wasn't prepared properly, which was why it took him longer than usual to identify it. The ones who made it probably never had an authentic oolong brew. They wouldn't have to. All they did was import the blend and distribute it throughout various shops and cafés throughout Orario.

He took one last sip before letting the porcelain rest in his hands at his lap. He took just enough to show he was enjoying it while he waited. It wouldn't do well to be rude and refuse their offering.

The door opened and a dashingly good looking man with olive skin entered. He was of slim build, a handsome face with chiseled features with a trimmed beard, and curly auburn locks. The presence the man radiated demanded full respect.

"God Aequitas," he stood and greeted the divine being formally. He moved the tea to his offhand while extending out his other. He gave his best smile, "Thank you for meeting with me under short notice. I hope this isn't an inconvenience."

"My children tell me a Level Four Adventurer wishes to join my familia," the man was straight to the point. He stepped up and grasped the extended hand. "It raises my curiosity… as well as my suspicions, Mister…?"

As they shook, the back of his mind registered their grip. How much strength did he put in? How many shakes? How hard was each shake? How long did this last? Where was he looking while they shook? What was his stance? All of these questions and more flooded through him. It told him what sort of person Aequitas was in this single second.

"Cranel," he said, keeping up his polite smile as he broke the bond. "Bell Cranel."

The god nodded once while his eyes flicked over his shoulder. "And this…?"

They weren't the only ones in the tight office. A young woman covered in a coat and hood kept silent against the wall. Nothing but the lower half of her face, her hands, and a few strands of golden hair could be seen. She watched them both with bated breath. Her hands clenched together at her front in an attempt to hide her anxiety.

"A friend," Bell stated in a firm tone, yet with his polite smile.

"A friend…" the man repeated with his eyes returning to Bell.

"She's one of the reasons why I wished to meet with you personally instead of a representative of your familia," Bell explained. "If you will hear me out, I have a proposal that might benefit the both of us."

There was a short pause, no briefer than a single breath of air, before Aequitas spoke, "Very well. I will hear what you have to say."

He circled around the desk to reach his chair. Bell didn't sit back down until the man did. The god cupped his hands together over the table as he sat straight. His eyes bore into his with a hard stare, a judgmental stare. It was the look of a master merchant— one who had to weight and judge all angles involved in a business. It always started with the human factor.

Bell continued to smile, meeting his gaze, unfazed.

"There aren't very many Level Four Adventurers in Orario," the man began. "Less than three hundred, if I'm not mistaken. Yet you are not one I am familiar with."

There were three hundred and seven, actually. And Bell had memorized the names of all of them… as well as all forty-two Level Fives and eighteen Level Sixes. At least… those were the ones registered by the Guild. Of course, he didn't think to interrupt a god while they were talking. The man had more to say.

"You weren't kicked out of your familia," he went on. "The Guild would have posted a notice on the boards. Your name would have reached the walls of the city and back before whoever posted it returned to their desk. I would have heard your name. Aside from that, you're not a drifter from of one of the more notorious familia out there.

"I must assume you came from a lesser familia that recently collapsed, a familia with questionable moral standards, or were formerly a hermit that came out of hiding. You understand your appearance raises these suspicions, yes?"

"I understand completely," Bell returned with another polite smile. This one was a little more modest. He didn't want the man to think he was full of himself or deranged. "Your concerns are also part of the reason why I wished to speak to you. In private."

Aequitas didn't hide the frown.

"What if I were to propose to you a promise?" Bell started off. "I give you my word my affairs have been put in order. I only bring myself and my friend to the table. Everything we were before will always remain outside."

"Hmm. So that's it," the man grumbled with understanding. Rather, it was an assumption the god mistook as an understanding. "You want me to not pry into your past?"

"I'm saying I only wish to offer you my services in exchange for the benefits of being within a familia," Bell returned. "Who I and my friend were before walking through your doors are of no relevance to your current business. What is relevant is what I can offer you in exchange."

"Having a Level Four would lift the reputation of my familia exponentially," the man admitted. His eyes never softened, however. "Yet, I have no need for one. My familia deals in the trade of general goods. We have no need to venture into the Dungeon. If I were to accept you into my familia, you would be wasted as an overqualified security guard."

"Actually," Bell cut in when he found an opening, "I didn't come here to be muscle, though I won't deny being able to lift some of the heavier inventory or deal with a thief. I'm fully aware of what it is you and your familia do. My talents lie more so on finances."

"…Finances," Aequitas' brows furrowed.

"I'm very good with calculations," Bell explained with a delighted tone. "I can read and write Kione, Elvish, Dwarven, as well as the more exotic languages found in the Rub'al Khali and the Far East. I am also capable of multitasking on several projects at once. And, if need be, I've been told I'm good at recruitment."

Aequitas listened intently and didn't say anything for a long moment. His face had hardened to stone. He spoke slowly and steadily, "And what exactly was it that you did to qualify you with this position, Mister Cranel?"

"I was a broker of therapeutic paramour services," he replied readily.

Aequitas said nothing, yet a spark of confusion was seen in his eyes.

Bell explained, smoothly and quickly as though he hadn't noticed the god's confusion and was just continuing on with his statement, "My previous job required I meet and greet with clientele, judge what it was they desired from first impressions alone, and deliver exactly that to them. I was in charge of keeping track of multiple exchanges, profits, losses, insurances, expenses, and, I believe most importantly, customer satisfaction and return rate. To put it simply, I was nothing more than the department manager. I don't think it's any different from what you do, is it, Lord Aequitas?"

More silence. Aequitas' look was no longer judging. It was more… patient. As if he were anticipating something.

Ah. So that's it. Bell understood and didn't change the way he was going to address the man. He would continue with this… charade to the very end.

There was a knock on the door.

Aequitas' eyes flicked up and a brow was raised in mock surprise. "Enter," he said aloud.

"Excuse me," said a female lycanthrope as she stepped through the door. "Master Aequitas, your two o'clock is here for you."

"I see," the god stated as he pulled out a pocket watch from his breast pocket and checked the time. He tucked it away immediately. "They're here earlier than expected. Mister Cranel, I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut this meeting short. To be blunt, I believe your talents would be wasted here. You are overqualified and we have no positions available to suit you. I'm sorry."

He wasn't. Funny thing about the gods: just because they can tell when a mortal was lying they thought they could lie better. In actuality, it made them worse. Bell didn't point that out.

"I understand," he said in a polite tone as he rose out of his seat. He bowed to the god still sitting before him, "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. To do this much was enough. Excuse us."

He grabbed his own coat resting on the chair's back and the jeweled cane resting at his side before stepping towards the door. He dipped his head at the lycanthrope and moved throughout the hustle and bustle of the open warehouse. Members of Aequitas Familia were running around, grabbing inventory off of shelves and piling them into crates to fulfill orders.

While the god's office was cluttered and cramped, his work environment was organized for maximum efficiency.

Bell threw over his cloak and drew the hood before stepping out of the warehouse and into the open street. He was in Orario's warehouse district, a particular area within the city that neighbored Main Street and the docks. It wasn't as crowded as the markets, but there was enough traffic with workers and wagons coming and going.

A small hand slid into his. He held onto it as he led them both further on.

"Bell…?" her voice was saddened, burdened as if she was at fault. "That's the third one today. Seventh this week. Why do they keep kicking us out?"

Technically, only one familia had literally kicked them out. But there was no disproving her words. Aequitas Familia was but one family he had met with and there were a few more left on that mental list of his. All others before had kindly turned them down and asked politely to leave, made up some excuse to get them to leave such as Aequitas, or outright rejected them rudely and/or threateningly.

"It's because they're afraid," he answered honestly. "They're worried we'll bring trouble into their familia. They know nothing about us and I can't trust them enough to reveal the truth. Some had recognized me or figured it out. Those were the violent ones."

Both hands squeezed onto his. She pulled, forcing him to stop and turn around to face her.

A pair of emerald eyes peeked through the shadow of her hood, "Bell… I'm fine wherever we go. I only want to stay with you. You don't have to keep doing all this for me."

He could get lost in those eyes. He had several times before. No matter how much time passed, he held a weakness for them. They never ceased to take his breath away.

He brought her in close, receiving a girlish squeak of surprise as he wrapped one arm behind her back. His other hand continued to hold onto hers. He brought it up so that he could feel it against his cheek.

His smile was genuine. He didn't need to fake it like the countless others before. It was loving… and sad. "I know. But I can't protect you by myself. It's too dangerous for us to be by ourselves. Some of the others have been swept up while I wasn't looking. We need a familia. We need the Guild's protection. At least… until I know for sure everyone else is safe. Once I know they are taken care of, you and I can run away and live our lives in peace."

Her face was bright red. The fox ears hidden under the hood made the fabric flutter with how they twitched. "B-Bell… I don't mind if you take other girls but… please think about me more often than them."

He laughed lightly as he brought his face close to hers. Their noses touched. "You're the only girl I ever think about, Haruhime."

"Uwah…" she cried in embarrassment. Her face got even brighter and she couldn't bear to look at him this closely. But with the way her tail made the bottom of her cloak flap around told him how happy she was.

"HEY!" someone shouted.

They broke apart quickly. Haruhime did so out of embarrassment. Bell turned sharply and narrowed his eyes at a dwarf.

"Move it!" the dwarf barked. He carried a large bundle of plywood over his shoulder. "Yur blockin' the damn road! This ain't a place for lovebirds!"

"Sorry! Sorry!" he said hurriedly. Haruhime hid her face behind his back. Together, they moved aside to make room for the dwarf to pass through.

The dwarf grumbled a few things about Bell and Haruhime as he moved. He blinked, flicked his attention back at Bell, and eyed the cane in his grip. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of that before looking up at Bell. "Y-You? Ain't ya—"

Bell stared at the dwarf's face, trying to recall where he had seen it before. Just as the dwarf had recognized him, Bell should be able to do the same. A mental list of candidates came to mind based on previous records, conversations, and observations. It took him no more than a blink to remember who exactly this man was.

"Bjorn," Bell spoke calmly. He did not smile for the dwarf. "I would appreciate it if you forgot I was here."

Red eyes bore down onto black like an axe ready to fall before a beheading.

"A-Aye, sir," the dwarf's complexion paled considerably as cold sweat drenched his shirt. He said nothing else as he walked stiffly away. It wasn't until he was a few meders away did the dwarf hasten his steps.

Bell tucked the cane through his belt under his coat. It would make him look like he was carrying a sword instead of the noteworthy and iconic accessory his former goddess gifted. It wasn't the first time someone had recognized him because of it. So far, they were people of no threat to him. The dwarf was just an old client who frequented his former place of employment on the rare occasion. He made furniture for a living, had a mean thirst for red ale, and denied the soft spot in his heart for his prum wife. He was but one of the countless others in the working class.

Bell feared running into someone who would be more than he could handle.

He needed to find a familia. Fast. There was only so much he could do on his own to ensure Haruhime's protection. He needed the Guild regulations and insurances.

He took Haruhime's hand and headed towards the next familia base.

0-0-0

Sundown.

He kept his face neutral in front of Haruhime while they walked down Northwest Main Street. His eyes loomed around the stalls that sold jewelry, pointless yet colorful knickknacks and toys, and foodstuffs. His expression was amused and only his expression.

He was watching each and every single person they brushed by. He recognized a few of them and disregarded them as harmless. He made sure to keep tabs on those who made eye contact with him who he didn't recognize.

So far, nobody was following them.

"How many more do we have?" Haruhime asked at his side. She held his hand as the street was bustling with people. Right now was the time where adventurers would be coming out of the Dungeon. Main Street was packed to the brim with workers getting off of their daytime job and the nightlife was coming alive. It was the time when all of Orario was at its busiest.

He had wanted to be done before sundown. No, he should have been back at the inn by sundown before the traffic got this cluttered. They were exposed like this. The likelihood of being spotted was at its most dangerous peak.

Haruhime was also hungry. She stared at her feet to hide the blush from a growling stomach. They'd be eating in their room at this time.

He pulled her to the side and out of the traffic. They stopped in front of a food stand that served potato puffs. The working staff consisted of a mature cat-person and… a goddess? This one he didn't recognize. There were hundreds of deities unknown to him. It also wasn't so irregular to see one of them being a part of the working class despite their divinity.

"Two please," he called out and placed a few coins on the counter. "One salted and the other with red bean paste."

"Coming right up!" the goddess was working hard on the fryer. Her back was turned to them but she stuck up her thumb and kept working thereafter.

He spoke softly to Haruhime at his side, "I had wanted to at least get to the Thoth Familia before the day ends. I'll have to save it for another time."

"The Thoth Familia?" Haruhime tilted her head and looked up at him through her bangs.

"They're a very quiet and… reserved familia," he paused to consider if there was a better word to describe them. Antisocial came to mind. "They spend most of their time collecting books for their library and don't like to share with anyone outside of their familia."

"Do you think they'll accept someone like… us?" she asked with a hopeful tone. "I can't read anything aside from my native language and Common."

"I'm hoping their god will let you stay on board as a maid. I planned on bartering with him for my linguistic skills. Though… it's a bit of a stretch. The tombs they need translating are probably from dead languages."

"Languages that aren't spoken today," she muttered. In other words, they weren't in his particular skillset.

He said nothing else. He let the conversation naturally die out from there. His eyes were locked on the goddess finishing their snack. She had been listening in on their conversation.

"Here you are!" the goddess sang cheerily as she handed him two wrapped potato puffs. She lingered at the counter and made eye contact with him. Her hands folded behind her back and she leaned forward. "Say… are you two maybe looking for a familia to join?"

He was confused by her tact. She wasn't particularly innocent but neither was she cunning. The way she folded her arms and leaned over gave him a bountiful view of her cleavage. For such a small goddess that hardly came up to his chest, she had the breasts of some of the best he used to work with. And yet, she wasn't wielding them like a weapon.

Not that it would have worked on him. It was just the lack of intent that confused him.

"We're currently browsing our options," Bell admitted as he watched her carefully. He offered a kind and polite smile, however.

"Then how about joining my familia?" the goddess blurted out with excitement. Too much excitement. It bordered on desperation. No, it might actually be desperation.

Haruhime looked up at him while she nibbled on her treat. He made sure to keep his eyes locked on this goddess at all times.

"It couldn't hurt to consider it," he offered. "Tell me a bit about your familia, Goddess…?"

"Hestia," the goddess answered, lifting her head and planting her fists on her hips. "I am the Goddess Hestia."

Hestia. It wasn't a name he was familiar with. It must have been a very small familia that hadn't done anything remarkable in Orario to reach his ears. It probably consisted of a group of Level One Adventurers who struggled to make ends meet. One so small even their patron deity had to work a daytime job.

"It's very nice to meet you, Goddess Hestia," Bell continued to smile as he tipped his head in a polite greeting. He gestured at himself and the one halfway done with her snack. "I'm Bell and this is Haruhime. Can you tell us a little more about your familia?"

Haruhime, who was startled at the introduction, pulled her snack away from her lips (there was a cute smudge of bean paste on her chin), and she bowed before the goddess.

"Oh, yes, nice to meet you too," Hestia returned the bow with one of her own. She seemed… nervous. Her smile was crooked, strained in an effort to keep it straight. "Eh… my familia is a pretty small one. Modest, really."

"How small are we talking?" Bell pressed.

"Very small," she answered quickly.

"Then we're talking about at least ten members?" he inquired.

"T-That many is considered small?!" Hestia gasped. Only then did she freeze as she realized the words she let slip through her mouth.

He blinked. Not even ten members? "Five then?"

"Hestia Familia is a very exclusive club," she avoided the question… as well as meeting his eyes.

He shared a glance with Haruhime. Her eyes were more concerned for the goddess' wellbeing as a patron than their own. She didn't say anything and chose to let him do all the talking.

"Okay…" he returned to the goddess. "What type of familia is it?"

"A small one," she repeated.

His own smile was starting to strain, "What I mean is… what is it registered under in the Guild? Is it a Dungeon exploring familia or a commercial familia? What does your familia do?"

"Hey, Hestia!" barked the other worker at the stall. "If all you're gonna do is stand there and chat with customers, then go home already."

"C-Can't you see I'm in the middle of something?!" Hestia blurted back to her coworker.

This was getting nowhere. The goddess Hestia was avoiding his questions for a reason. Based on the way he studied her body and facial language, she was too embarrassed to give him a clear answer. Her reasons were her own. But if she wanted him to be in her familia, she would need to be honest with him.

No, he relented, this wasn't fair. He was doing much the same with all the other familias they've met with thus far. Hers wouldn't be treated any differently and he wouldn't change this method until he knew he could trust her.

Unfortunately, she wasn't painting the most ideal of pictures for him. She was ashamed of her group. And if a goddess was embarrassed about the children they watched over, what did that say about how the familia itself was structured?

"Sorry," Bell called out to the animal person with a smile and a wave of his hand. "We'll be out of your way. Have a pleasant evening, Goddess Hestia."

"W-Wait!" Hestia looked on the verge of leaping over the counter to grab him. Instead, she sprawled herself across the counter and tried to grab onto his coat. He pushed Haruhime away as they took a quick step back. "It's not as bad as you think! I'm a lovable goddess who's responsible! I got this job and everything!"

"Sorry about this," the other worker said as she grabbed Hestia's collar and pulled her back. "Please do not think her behavior reflects off of the Jyaga Maru Kun franchise."

"I think nothing of it," Bell assured as he gave a friendly wave.

"Thank you for the snacks," Haruhime smiled brightly as she latched onto Bell's arm. The two of them walked down the road.

"Please!" they heard Hestia cry out. "I live all by myself! I just want anybody to join my familia! No one wants to make a familia with a no-name goddess!"

Bell's smile dropped as he pressed forward. Haruhime had sensed the shift within him and looked at him. A dull ache throbbed in his chest at the goddess' words. An old memory played on the surface of his mind; something he had forgotten about so long ago but had been the very root of his being.

He would have been a completely different person if someone like Hestia had accepted him all those years ago. But then… he would have never come across Haruhime. Nor would he have made the bonds with those he loved and cherished.

Still…

He stopped walking.

"If things don't work out," he said as he craned his neck around to peer over his shoulder, "we might be back tomorrow. That's the best I can promise you, goddess."

He saw a flicker of hope in the little goddess' eyes. It was a hope that had never been offered to him. It was truly something marvelous to see. It compelled her to stop her crying, stand up straight, and regain her dignity as a divine being.

"I'll hold you to it!" he heard Hestia shout back.

He disregarded the goddess as he surveyed his surroundings. This little hitch in the road had garnished a few looks from the passerby. Some were dismissing Hestia as though her actions were commonplace in this district.

There were others who were watching him carefully. He recognized some of them.

They belonged to familias he wanted nothing to do with. The sort that lived lives he had been trying to break free from for Haruhime's sake. They saw he noticed them and quickly faded away into the crowds and alleyways, off to report their findings to their captains and patron deities.

"What is it?" Haruhime asked, immediately picking up the way he was looking at these people. The grip on his arm tightened.

There was no point in trying to assure her. Nor would he lie to her. They were in this together and trying to dissuade her would only create more obstacles down the road.

"Someone spotted us," he told her in a low voice. "Returning to the inn will only endanger those staying there. We may have to try to seek refuge in Thoth Familia after all."

"…And what if they refuse us?" her voice was small but firm with understanding of the situation. "Bell, what about that tavern? Couldn't they…?"

"I won't drag Mia or Lyu or any of those girls into this," he shook his head lightly. "Not after everything they've done for us. If Thoth will not grant us sanctuary, I will protect you, Haruhime. Just as I did before. I intend to keep that promise no matter what."

"I know you will."

Her voice was so full of faith it had to be the truth. Of course it was the truth. He swore he would protect her and had given up so much already to do so. He would continue this path to the very end. But just hearing her say those words reaffirmed his vows. He will protect her. It was a divine law of itself.

Together, arms linked among another, they wove through the crowds and headed towards their destination. This was to be their last hope before night fell upon them and the real monsters came out.

0-0-0

They had been denied.

He didn't try to hide his frustrations as he held Haruhime's hand and sped through the streets to reach the nearest inn. He had to assume the one they had been staying at prior was compromised. Thoth had accepted their appointment, delayed the meeting for almost an hour, and then pestered them with unnecessary questions. It took Bell too long to figure out the god was stalling for time— he had foolishly confused it for the god's eccentrics. It was only then did he press for an answer.

Thoth avoided giving an answer and continued to ramble on. Bell didn't need anything further to know the god wasn't going to allow them into his ranks. He had been keeping them there for some reason. Bell didn't want to find out and left in a hurry.

The nightlights were lit as dusk had concluded some time ago. They were in the upper districts of Orario where the residents lived a comfortable and secure life. No house was smaller than a two-story and most communities were sealed away from other communities with gates and walls. It was away from the shops and, thus, away from the noisy Adventurers.

Thus, the nearest inn was several blocks away.

Heading straight back into the heart of the city was the same as jumping straight into a trap. If Thoth had been stalling then there were people waiting for them ahead. Instead, he pulled Haruhime down a few side streets in an attempt to go around. They would have to go the long way if they were to get to the nearest inn.

The street they were taking was narrow enough for one cart to pass through. It was made out of compressed gravel with tall brick walls lining both sides. There were no obstacles in their path for any ambushers to hide from.

Yet, when they were a few meders away from the end, someone stepped around the corner and blocked their path. It was a man with a red coat and a flamberge strapped on his back. His posture was impatient as if he had been waiting too long for this exact moment. And it was probably true.

Bell's eyes immediately spotted the sun and arrow pin on the man's coat. He belonged to Apollo Familia. The very last familia Bell wanted to deal with.

He couldn't leave. He heard the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching from the other side. Four other members of Apollo Familia were approaching— three melee fighters and a mage in the back. They stopped five meders away; far enough to be intimidating but not oppressive.

"Master Cranel," the young man in the red coat greeted with a sneer.

"Hyakinthos," Bell returned the greeting with a curt one of his own. He kept his body turned to the side while looking directly at the captain of the Apollo Familia. He made sure Haruhime stayed behind him and he didn't reach for his cane else provoke them.

Hyakinthos Clio, a Level Three Adventurer, kept his hands at his side as he eyed Bell. His eyes were full of boredom, displeasure, and… jealousy. His eyes strayed from Bell over to Haruhime. Despite being hidden behind Bell with most of her features concealed with her coat and hood, Hyakinthos recognized her without a problem.

Bell tensed and readied himself to fight.

"You're a difficult man to get ahold of, Master Cranel," Hyakinthos met Bell's gaze, unfazed by the silent warning. "Lord Apollo wishes to have a word with you."

"I'm going to have to respectfully decline his invitation," Bell returned without any earnest charm. "I have important business to attend to. If he wishes to talk, he is going to have to wait until I have an appointment available."

"Yes, so I can see," Hyakinthos drawled as he eyed Haruhime once more. Bell slid forward to block his sight and the young man had an unamused expression. "I strongly suggest you come with us now, Master Cranel. For your own sake as well as your friend's."

"Is that a threat, Hyakinthos?" Bell asked with a plastic smile.

"Not at all," Hyakinthos matched his smile with one of his own. "My god is a very compassionate one. He worries for you. You see, something managed to make its way to his ears. Really dreadful news. Treasonous and heretical, you might say."

Hyakinthos tilted his head to peek at Haruhime. Bell felt ice clutch around his heart.

"He knows about your goddess," Hyakinthos said when their eyes met once again.

It was his worst fear become real. He could no longer see the man before him as his mind raced for possibilities. Should he fight? Should he kill them all? No, not if Apollo knew this secret. And if Apollo knew, who else did?

His hand was clutched around the shaft of his cane, the gem glowing a dull red. The grip was so tight his knuckles were turning white. The Adventurers around him had a hand on their own weapons and ready to draw, including Hyakinthos. The moment he pulled out his cane from his belt would the fight start.

Haruhime was shaking behind him. She was breathing hard. She was beyond terrified. Not out of the tense situation, no. She was breaking down because of Hyakinthos' words.

It was for her sake did he pry his hand off of the cane. He moved slowly, showing he wasn't going to engage them. Their postures steadily relaxed as he drew his hand away but they didn't keep their hands off their weapons. He didn't turn away from them, but he moved partially to face Haruhime.

He took both her hands and held them tight against his. Their eyes met. Hers were frightened and begging at him… begging for him. He didn't waver. He told her everything was going to be alright. He would take care of everything. He will protect her. Not a word was shared and yet they understood each other's intent in a single second.

Haruhime calmed down. Not fully but just enough to regain her bearings. Her lower lip continued to quiver in fear but now her eyes blazed with determination. She will stand by his side regardless of the outcome.

He turned back to Hyakinthos. The Adventurer was staring at Haruhime with unrestrained scorn. He had a personal vendetta against her, and Bell could make an educated guess as to why.

"What is it that Apollo wants with me?" Bell asked, his voice more level this time.

"I think we both know the answer to that," Hyakinthos sneered.

Bell was silent as he looked away from Hyakinthos. His brows furrowed as a sickening feeling made his stomach churl. He looked back at the young man, "If we go with you, do I have your word Haruhime will be kept safe? Would you swear it by Apollo's name?"

"Bell…" Haurhime's voice was a soft whisper. "Don't. You don't have to do this."

"That is for Lord Apollo to decide," Hyakinthos huffed as he crossed his arms. He had finally released his weapon. "If you request it from him, I've no doubt he will listen. But you of all people must know such favors aren't without costs."

Bell had a bitter smile as he stepped away from Haruhime. "You're right. If it's for her, I'm willing to pay any price."

Hyakinthos smiled. A victorious smile. An arrogant smile.

"Even if it means having you as my enemy," Bell continued with his charming smile. And then, "Firebolt!"

He threw his hand forward, palm facing Hyakinthos. At his command, a wicked projectile of fire and magic jetted out of his hand and flew hungrily at the Adventurer. The young man had a split second to react; and he could only put up his arms and try to jerk his body away. The firebolt was too fast and struck him before he could dodge.

A loud bang shook the night upon collision. Heated wind blasted their faces as smoke kicked up. He didn't wait around to see how well Hyakinthos took it. The man would survive, at least.

Bell turned around as the other Adventurers were left in a startled daze. He had only a second before they recovered. Both he and they drew their weapons— two swords, a pair of daggers, a magic wand, and his cane.

His Dexterity and Agility stats transcended theirs. He recognized them as some of the best of Apollo Familia's best but they weren't important enough for him to remember by name. They were Level Twos at best.

While they were halfway done drawing their weapons, he was already pointing his at them. The gem at the tip blazed angrily.

"Firebolt!" he incanted and drew his power into the cane.

All of My Love responded to his will. The gem flashed red and white and the spell flared from the center. His firebolt spell was amplified and altered by the magical properties of the cane and gem. Four firebolts spread out in equal power and velocity as the one he shot at Hyakinthos.

They didn't have a chance to react. Their eyes widened before his spell crashed into them. Four individual shockwaves shook the street and cracked the walls. Only two of his firebolts had landed on the Adventurers while the other two had strayed but detonated nearby. However, it was enough to handle them.

"CRANEL!" Hyakinthos shouted in outrage. His coat was in ruins and the arm he used to block the firebolt was blackened and hanging uselessly at his side. He charged forward, maddened with pain and using it as an excuse to come after Bell. He intended to kill as he used his off hand to swing his flamberge around.

Haruhime shrieked and moved away while Bell rushed forward. He blocked with All of My Love, pushed the flamberge to the side, and used the chance to bring the brunt of his cane across Hyakinthos' face. The gem smacked across his jaw hard enough to send him reeling and losing his balance.

"Haruhime!" Bell turned to her. "Run! I'll cover you!"

She believed in him. She asked no questions and didn't hesitate. She listened to him and began to run towards the end Hyakinthos had been blocking. Bell made sure to use himself as a shield when she went around. Hyakinthos tried to get back up and lunge at her, but Bell smacked him again with All of My Love. The man fumbled and fell to one knee. His sword clattered against the ground.

Haruhime slipped behind the corner. She screamed… and was quickly cut off.

His heart froze as his head snapped back at her direction. Without a further thought he chased after her. His Agility stat had him reaching the end in a single bound and his Dexterity let him make the turn without losing speed. All of My Love was raised as a dagger slid into his grip from within his sleeve.

He stopped. Haruhime was being held by another Adventurer of the Apollo Familia. His hand covered her mouth while a sword rested under her chin. If it were just him then Bell wouldn't have a problem. But he was hiding behind two more Adventurers.

Noise reached his ears. He craned his neck around. Coming from the other side of the crossroad was another group of Adventurers. They had closed off every corner of the road.

"Did you really think it would be that easy?" snarled Hyakinthos as he dragged his feet from around the corner to glare at Bell. His flamberge was leaving a trail in the road where he dragged it. Blood dripped down his cheek and mouth from where Bell struck him. "All of this could have been avoided if you came with us peacefully. Lord Apollo isn't going to like this at all. You've hurt his precious children."

Bell could have dealt with this by himself even if everyone present was a Level Two Adventurer. Landing the first blow on Hyakinthos gave him a huge advantage. He could have slipped out of this with maybe a scratch or two. But with Haruhime as a hostage? That changed everything.

He didn't know if he could win without getting her killed.

There was a time when no one would cross him. Getting a look from him was more than enough to ward off anyone from hurting the people he cared about. But now…?

He hadn't felt this powerless since…

"Nobody has to die today, Hyakinthos," Bell said in an even voice. "Let Haruhime go and I will throw down my weapons. I will go with you. But if you don't…"

Hyakinthos snorted, "Nobody's going to die today. Unfortunately that also means you and your whore friend—"

Hyakinthos was on the floor once again as Bell whacked him across the temple with All of My Love. The action forced everyone around him to take a quick step forward but halt themselves when no fight was breaking out. The one holding Haruhime drew the blade a little closer but didn't draw blood. Bell twirled his cane around and let the tip rest at his feet. He kept his palm around the gem.

Hyakinthos was grunting in pain and anger as he kept both hands on the floor to steady himself. He collapsed again when his scorched arm couldn't support his weight. He struggled to get back onto his feet. When he did, he glared absolute hatred at Bell.

"You should choose your words wisely, Hyakinthos," Bell said in a deceptively calm voice. He leaned forward on his cane. "I'm not as patient with that word as I once was. Disrespect Haruhime again and I will kill you."

The Adventurer across of him continued to seethe in hatred. But despite holding all the cards and Bell's one true weakness, Hyakinthos held as much fear for his life as any other selfish person. No, that wasn't quite right. Hyakinthos feared losing his life not for his own sake, but because he feared to upset his patron deity.

"She comes," Hyakinthos hissed. "Those were Lord Apollo's orders. We won't kill her, Cranel. But she doesn't need her fingers and toes. She doesn't need her tongue or her eyes."

"You would ruin her," Bell kept his voice calm, though a hellfire was raging within him. He needed to keep calm and control the conversation. "Apollo would be upset if her beauty is tarnished in any way. You know how he is."

"My god only wants you," the man snapped back, disgust warping his face at the admittance. "He knows the girl comes with you but does not care for her individually. Lord Apollo doesn't need to see her at all."

Bell couldn't say anything. Hyakinthos smirked at his darkened expression.

The dagger was dropped. All of My Love was tossed at Hyakinthos, who let it hit his chest and fall to the ground. His smirk grew as he kicked the cane away. With a nudge of his head, two Adventurers stepped up with rope. Bell let them tie them behind his back.

It was only then did the Adventurer keeping Haruhime lower his blade. He didn't release his grip, however.

It didn't matter. As soon as she sword was dropped did a figure land on top of him from a nearby rooftop. Haruhime stumbled forward as the man was crushed by the pair of feet slamming down onto his shoulders.

An Amazoness with an overbearing podao sword and an even greater murderous look in her eyes smiled grimly at everyone. Before anyone could realize what was happening, she moved. With speed as fast as the wind, strength capable of shaking the ground, and a howl of a frenzied beast, she swept through their ranks as easily as harvesting wheat. The sword, just as large as she was tall, blew back several Adventurers in a single swing. She continued to move before anyone could put up any resistance. And by the time they could, none could stop her.

Despite her savagery, not a single person was being killed. A few broken bones and concussions but not a single death. She held back this much.

"What the?!" Hyakinthos was the first to react. Widened eyes, a few words, and a single step back in alarm was the best he could do.

Bell spun and brought a series of kicks at the Adventurers who were tasked with escorting him away. They went down before they knew what was happening.

"C-Cranel!" Hyakinthos shouted and raised his sword. He charged at Bell, swinging wide.

Bell kicked the weapon out of his grip before it could reach him. The flamberge spun through the air and almost decapitated an Apollo Adventurer hadn't the Amazoness downed him a second before. Hyakinthos stumbled at the sudden loss of balance and Bell kicked at the back of his knee to drive him to the ground.

Haruhime finished the job by smacking the back of his head with the flat of the blade that had kept her prisoner. Hyakinthos was out. She huffed at him.

Bell inhaled, released a low grunt, and tore his arms free from the ropes. By the time he picked up his dagger, the fight was over.

"Phew!" the Amazoness hefted her weapon onto her shoulder and eyed her work with a professional eye. "You really know make makes a girl moist, don'tcha, Bunny Boy?"

"Bunny Boy?" he questioned as he climbed over a few Adventurers to retrieve All of My Love. "You haven't called me that since the first time we met."

"And you were just as helpless back then as you were just now," she didn't hold back. He tried to not wince. He failed. "Honestly. What would you have done if I hadn't been looking for you?"

He smiled for her with a hint of laugher in his voice, "I knew you were there shortly after Hyakinthos cornered us. I knew you were waiting for the perfect time to jump in. You're not very good at hiding, you know."

She glared at him with a flat look, "Yeah… well… good enough to fool these fuckboys. You're welcome, by the way."

Any further banter was put on hold by the sound of sniffling. They both turned around. Haruhime's face was reddening and eyes glazing over with tears. Streaks were starting to fall down her cheeks as she stared at the Amazoness.

"Hey there, Haruhime," she smiled at the closest thing to a sister she had. "It's good to see you again. I'm glad you're doing fine."

"Aisha!" something broke within Haruhime. She ran forward, hopping over unconscious bodies, and leapt the last meder at the Amazoness.

And she dropped her weapon to embrace the renart with both arms and a few tears of her own.

0-0-0

"I leave your side for a few weeks and this is what happens?" Aisha said after downing her ale in one swing. She then stole Bell's. He pretended he let her.

"Everything just happened so fast," Bell argued. "Everything was fine for the past few weeks. I made sure to find places for everyone else before worrying about Haruhime and myself. I heard nothing about Apollo Familia since the incident. They came without warning."

She gave short chuckle, downed his drink, and then let out a loud belch that got a few cheers from the patrons. "If I had a valis for every time that's happened to me. Jokes aside, I'm still waiting on that 'thank you'."

"You already know I appreciate what you've done," he said with a serious face. "No words can ever tell you how I feel. And you know I would do the same for you, Aisha."

He caught her for the briefest of instances. He saw her cheeks redden and that moment of stillness. It was shut down by the primal hunger rising out of her. Her smile was predatory as she leaned forward on the table.

"Well," she purred. "They say actions speak louder than words, Bell. Why don't you show me how appreciative you really are?"

"Hng."

Both their heads turned to the one sitting between them. Haruhime kept her eyes closed as she sipped on her ale. Well, she was pretending to anyways. She was using the mug as an excuse to hide her reddening face.

She also had her tail wrapped around Bell's leg as soon as Aisha said those words.

"Maybe some other time," Aisha turned back to Bell. "I'm willing to wait until the two of you are done with your honeymoon."

Haruhime sputtered into her drink, splashing ale all over her face and onto her cloak.

They had managed to make their way to the heart of the city without any more instances. An Amazoness carrying a massive weapon would ward off anyone, anyways. Instead of locating to one of the more respectable taverns, Aisha had taken them a hole in the wall. The floors creaked when walked on, the tables and chairs were wobbly, and the ale tasted like piss. The dwellers were also of questionable morality but kept to themselves.

Everyone had exchanged looks with everyone who came and went. There was a universal unspoken rule in a place like this: mind your own damn business. Everyone's faces were remembered. Therefore, if someone squealed after business was discussed here, it wouldn't be hard to narrow down the suspects.

No one bothered them. Not even to harass the beautiful Aisha and Haruhime. Some had because they recognized him. The rest didn't seem to care or were intimidated.

"You said you were looking for us," Bell returned to the topic at hand. "Does that mean you found homes for everyone else?"

"Not everyone," she admitted grimly. "Some of them got swept up before I could reach them. Manage to pick up a few strays before it was too late. The rest went their own way."

"What about you?" he asked next.

"What about me?" she quirked a brow and flagged for another round.

"Have you found a familia?" he pressed.

She didn't seem too happy with the question. She studied him before answering. "I was thinking about joining Hermes Familia. Got an offer from the man himself. I figured it'll help me keep an ear to the ground on the chance a certain rock makes its way into the city."

Under the table, Haruhime's tail tightened around his leg.

A server came in a greasy apron and a wooden tray of the yellowish liquid. He slammed them down, Bell raised a few copper pieces from his sleeve, and the man took them without a word. Bell made sure to keep his out of Aisha's reach this time.

"That's a good idea," he said.

"You think so?" Aisha said, studying him further.

"Yes," he returned plainly. He didn't know what she was looking for. "Hermes Familia has permission to leave the city to deliver mail across the continent. They have information only the most powerful wield. If we're going to protect Haruhime, having their network of scouts would be extraordinary."

She didn't like his answer for whatever reason. "Why don't you come with me, then? You're still looking for a familia, aren't you?"

"I've already spoken to Hermes," he replied. He couldn't hold back the bitter taste in his mouth. He respected Hermes immensely but… "I already called in all my favors from him. He had no reason to take us in."

Aisha frowned, not at Bell this time. "When was this?"

"Two weeks ago."

"Two weeks…? And that asshole had the gall to approach me just this week?"

"He should have. I'm the one who recommended you to him."

She glowered at him, "So… you already knew Hermes tried to recruit me."

"I didn't know," he shrugged. "I only assumed he did. I'm asking if you accepted—"

She kicked him under the table. Though it was something light, Aisha was an Amazoness. Light to them was him breaking a sweat. He needed a moment to push the pain to the back of his mind. Even then, he couldn't hold back the noise escaping from his throat. Some of the patrons had seen and laughed at him.

"Does that mean you didn't accept?" Haruhime asked, paying more attention to Aisha instead of him.

"I told him I needed to think about it," Aisha told her while continuing to glower at him. She picked up her ale and grumbled into it. "I said I needed to weigh out my options."

"Unless you got accepted into Freya or Loki Familia, what's better than Hermes Familia?" Bell asked while raising his knee to his chest so he could rub at his shin. "Ganesha Familia? Aisha, please tell me Ganesha didn't offer you something."

Aisha's eyes narrowed as she put her mug down. She stared at Bell long and hard for a long moment. She sighed, drank more ale, and slammed the mug down again. "Forget about my situation. It's you we need to talk about. It's the reason why I was running around the entire city for the past couple of days."

Bell sat straight as he lowered his leg. She had his full attention.

"It's Apollo," she began. "He's put a bounty out for you. He's keeping it very hush right now. But I got some info out of a guy who knows what's going on. Cost me some really bad sex. I mean, the guy was done in five seconds flat."

She'd normally boast about this. The fact she wasn't told him it was really bad sex. So bad she couldn't take any pride in her own charms.

"What do they want with Bell?" Haruhime asked in a low voice. Her ears fell flat on her head.

"They want him," Aisha answered bluntly. "At least Apollo does. He knows you're running around without a familia to back you up. He's throwing a lot of money and favors around for any information on you. That's all I know. I tried to find you to warn you. Good thing I did too."

He cupped his hands together. He didn't say anything for a few seconds. Both girls were waiting on him, being able to read his mood so easily.

"Aisha," his voice was hard when he looked at her. "He knows."

She didn't need any elaboration. She blanched, eyes flicking between he and Haruhime before landing on his.

"Fuck," her eloquence was better than his. Outrage swept through her next. She kept her voice low but it was full of damnation. "How? How could a prick like that know about that? The only ones who know about it are… Bell, someone ratted us out."

He had thought about it. It made his heart sink. "I don't know, Aisha. I don't believe they did. I trust each and every one of them."

"Really?" she scoffed. "All of them?"

"Maybe not as much as I trust you or Haruhime," he admitted but shook his head. "But I trust them one way or another. I believe none of them would run off and tell Apollo."

"They could have been threatened."

"By Apollo?"

Aisha considered it, growled, and drank the rest of her ale. She slammed the mug down hard enough to rattle the table. "Fuck if I know then! Maybe Apollo is just a middleman? Maybe someone bigger is threatening them? Bell, are you even sure Apollo knows?"

"Hyakinthos used the words 'treasonous' and 'heretical'," was his reply.

She swore again, at least a little quieter.

"What can we do?" Haruhime asked. "W-What if… What if he tells the Guild?"

"He might if he doesn't get me," Bell shrugged.

"Now hold on," Aisha leaned forward and jabbed a finger into the table. Into, not onto. She pulled her finger out and flicked away some sawdust. "Why hasn't he told the Guild? It's a serious offense if he's withholding information like this. He'd be in too much trouble. He can't do shit."

"He can easily say some new evidence showed up from his own private investigation," Bell countered. The girls fell quiet after that. "But… the real question is how does he know? If someone told him then he might not have any actual evidence. But if he found something we overlooked…"

"You think he might be bluffing?" Aisha leaned further into the table, her eyes filled with hope this time.

"One way or another, he knows," Bell explained. "There's nothing we can do about that. I'm saying we don't have the full story. We need more information. The only way to get that is if I go to Apollo himself—"

"No," both girls shot that idea down.

"Or," he put emphasis on the word, "we stall him and look into it ourselves. We know everyone who was there in that room. I only need time."

"And how are you going to get that?" Aisha asked with a snort. "Apollo isn't exactly known for his patience. He already sent a mob your way."

"That's the thing," Bell gave her a pointed look. "He wants me. He's not willing to go to the Guild yet because then he'll lose his chance at having me. Today was sloppy because he thought I was an easy target. He'll try something nastier next time. I need to show him I am available but still out of his reach."

"You mean play with him?" Haruhime asked. "Like a jar of candy on the top shelf?"

"Exactly," he smiled, partially in humor for her analogy. "The Guild only requires you pay the families of any civilians harmed by an Adventurer. Even if they kill me, the Guild would only make them pay a fee. However… if they were to try the same tactics on another familia…"

"The fees are depended on what the other familia says," Aisha continued. "And if provoked further, both can settle the matter once and for all with a War Game."

Haruhime leapt in with eagerness, "Then we find a familia big enough to beat Apollo Familia at a War Game! He can't have Bell after that! And Bell will have more than enough time to solve this mystery!"

"And there lies the biggest problem," Aisha sighed as she leaned her cheek into her palm. "No one's going to accept a child with seriously huge baggage like that. I wouldn't be surprised if Hermes turned you down because he knew about this."

"I wouldn't either, nor would I blame him," Bell shrugged and sipped on his ale. "Even if we do find a big enough familia, they'll more than likely turn on us and offer me to Apollo."

"So then…" Haruhime slumped in her seat. "What do we do? A small familia is going to be intimidated by someone like Apollo Familia. Bell can't fight a whole familia by himself."

Aisha didn't say anything, but her eyes flashed with something.

"All the familias least likely to turn on us have already rejected us," Bell continued from Haruhime's words. "We've been searching all over. I'm running out of options. We'd need a familia big enough to put up some sort of fight but not too big where I can't defend myself should they turn on me. We'd need—"

"A familia so desperate and stupid they'd accept anyone in a heartbeat with no questions asked," Aisha spoke up. "It's perfect!"

Bell looked at her, dumbfounded for a split second. "That wasn't what I was going to say at all. And that sounds like a terrible idea. I can't work with that!"

"Yes you can and you will!" Aisha jabbed a finger his way. "You just said you're running out of options. No respectable familia is going to let you in. Even the bad ones are going to shut you out. Bell, even without Apollo you're a glowing sign of trouble. You're a Level Four, dragging some girl around, and demanding no questions be asked. If that doesn't ring alarms, then I don't know what does.

"But if you approach the really terrible familias, they'll let you in and praise you. I'm talking about they'll gain something even if Apollo shows up and burns down everything they own. That kind of terrible. They'll do everything they can just to keep you."

"If Apollo comes and do just that, how am I supposed to keep Haruhime safe?!" he blurted out.

"By being a man and taking charge!" she slammed her fist down. The table almost shattered but one plank fell off. The barkeep didn't seem to care. "Build those no-name little shits from the ground-up. Recruit some newbies that're looking for a place or just buy some off of other familias! Look at you. You used to be nothing. You used to be nobody. You used to be one of those people I'm asking you to join. So by the time Apollo starts harassing your house, kick his ass!"

"Do you have any idea how long that will take?" he said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Years, Aisha. It took me years to reach where I'm at now. Eight, in fact. I'm twenty-two now. I don't have that much time to deal with Apollo with that method. I'd be lucky if he doesn't issue a War Game challenge to whatever familia I join within the month."

"Then you'll have a month to build your army," she countered.

"You expect me to create a top-notch familia in a month?!"

"Apollo is D-rank," Aisha snickered. "He's barely above the bottom of the barrel. If there's anyone who can create something that outshines him in a month, it's you. After all, you are the Rabisu."

Silence filled the tavern. Heads turned to their table. Those that recognized him before were reminded of something they preferred to have forgotten. Some of those raised their mugs or nodded. Other averted their eyes. Those that didn't recognized him knew of the name and were looking at him in a new light, examining him, judging him. Two separate patrons left— one finished his drink before hurrying away while the other simply left.

"You do realize I also have to find Apollo's source of information, right?" Bell ignored the tavern's reaction to his Adventurer's title.

As easily as that, the tavern went back to its usual business.

"Do I need to repeat myself?" Aisha countered with a raised brow of challenge.

Bell stared at his drink. He played with the rim and balanced the mug on its edge. He knew he could do both. Apollo had an edge against him right now but he and his familia weren't all that impressive. He could get a low-rank familia into shape within a month. Not physically— he wasn't a miracle worker. But finances, resources, alliances; those were weapons and sometimes stronger than the best Adventurers.

What annoyed him wasn't the work he would have to put in. Nor the days without sleep ahead of him. What annoyed him was…

"Whoever I pick is going to get dragged down with us if I fail," his eyes and tone were sharp when they met Aisha. "Even if I don't, they'll still be dragged through hell because of me. They're going to suffer, maybe even more than us."

"Is that a problem?" Aisha asked.

"I don't do that anymore."

A smile filled Aisha. It was one of relief and the rarest affection of warmth he had seen from her, "Then I know you'll find a way around it."

That night, while Aisha and Haruhime slept in the upstairs bed of the dingy tavern, Bell sat on the floor in the corner. He watched them toss in their sleep and only stop moving once their arms were around another. Haruhime loved to be held and Aisha was a cuddler. They'd both be angry at him if he told them this.

He looked out the window, staring up at the waning moon. He wouldn't sleep when there was too much for him to think about. Plans needed to be drafted. He didn't have the luxury of time to allow him to sleep. He needed to act fast before Apollo tried something again.

As he stared out the window and gazed upon the heavens, one particular star twinkled. A red star.

He knew one such goddess was gazing down at him.

0-0-0

Hestia hated mornings. They were slow and boring. If no one was going to stop at their stand then she should be allowed to sleep in to be better ready for the lunch rush. But… she needed the hours. She had already cleared today's inventory with the suppliers and prepped the fryers. Now all she had to do was wait. And not doze off.

"Hey, Hestia," her coworker for today nudged at her with his elbow. He was a young mortal child barely into his teens. This was his first job as much as it was hers.

"Mrgh, five more minutes," she grumbled and yawned.

"Did you hear we have a new boss?" he went on.

She cracked open an eye, "Like a new manager? I thought Mayuri just got promoted."

"No," he shook his head. "Way higher than that. I heard someone offered the old man on top some serious dough. Forked over the entire business and retired elsewhere."

"Is this going to affect our pay at all?" both eyes were open this time.

"I hope not," he shared her worries. "I think it's too soon to tell. I mean, I don't even know if it's true or not. It's just a rumor I heard yesterday."

"Then it's probably just a rumor," she yawned and shut her eyes once more. There were a good number of people coming and going through the street but no one was stopping at their stand. "Besides, it's not like we can do anything about it. We're at the bottom of the food chain."

"I guess…" he said and went into blissful silence.

It was when she began to doze off (with her head bobbling in a poor attempt to keep herself upright) did she begin to hear things.

"Meat! Fresh meat! Cut from the finest— H-Huh?! Is that…?!"

"I can trade you both of these together for 360 valis. They're 200 separaaaaaa…!"

"Hi, can I have one of your… Hello? What are you staring at— O-Oh."

"Mama? Why are you smiling at that man for?"

"N-Nothing dear. Let's hurry along."

"By the gods. It's Master Cranel."

"R-Rabisu?!"

"Show some respect, man!"

Hestia personally didn't care enough to open her eyes. It was probably one of those notorious Adventurers that did something impressive for the week. There'd be a new one next week and this guy would be forgotten. The Sword Princess popped up once in a while but even her popularity wasn't enough to keep herself in the spotlight for too long. Things like this happened all the time on Main Street.

"H-Hestia," her coworker nudged at her a little harder.

"Huh? Wha?" she spazzed and swiveled her head around. None of the equipment was on fire so there wasn't an emergency. She looked at her partner for the day and he pointed at the counter.

All the sleep washed out of Hestia instantly. They had customers; a pair, in fact. One was a renart in a shrine maiden's dress with golden hair and emerald eyes. She had a soft expression as she smiled warmly and friendly at them.

The one beside her was a tall young man a full head and chest taller than Hestia. He had white hair, a fair complexion, and ruby eyes. His smile was charming, and not in the creepy way! Hestia was reminded more of the Prince Charming from her novels rather than a womanizing creep like Hermes.

Most importantly, this guy was loaded. He wore a three-piece white suit completely spotless and without wrinkles. To compliment his eyes, he wore a bright red ascot around his neck and tucked into the vest. Hestia wouldn't be able to buy a single piece of fabric after saving for months. He had a gold cane tucked under his arm with… was that a ruby? A magic ruby?! He had one of those sitting at the top of the cane. Last— which was rather silly to her but, hey, the guy could pull it off— was a white pointed hat with two red feathers sticking out of both sides. She was given the strangest impression a humanoid almiraj was standing before her.

"Good morning," the young man greeted. "Can I get two treats? One with red bean paste and the other salted."

"S-Sure," Hestia gave a wooden nod. She snapped out of her stupor after she kept standing there, gawking at him. "Yes! Coming right up!"

She began to work like never before. Why? Because if she did a great job and wowed him with her potato frying skills, then maybe he'd leave her with a hefty tip. Like, maybe, pay with a solid gold coin, her saying she can't break something that large, and he saying it's okay for her to keep the change. It would make her week. Opportunities like this don't come every day!

"Hello… Yul, right? You've grown a lot since last I've seen you. How's your mother?"

"She's doing fine, uncle. She talked about you not too long ago. Said she wants you to visit more often. Personally I'd rather you stay away."

"You don't have to worry. I don't do house visits anymore."

"Be nice to the customer," Hestia hissed at her coworker as she came with the potato puffs piping hot. "Especially if he's your uncle."

"He's not…" the boy began but cut himself off. He shook his head and went to stand off to the side.

"Here you are~" Hestia sang as she handed the treats over. "That'll be 100 valis, please."

The young man pulled a silver coin out of seemingly nowhere. Probably from within his sleeve. Hestia had seen the trick a few times from others. He placed it personally into her hand and gave her a wink. The message was received and she pocketed the coin in her apron.

"…You don't recognize me, do you?" he asked as their eyes lingered on another a bit longer. The renart at his side began to nibble on her treat while he kept his in a loose grip.

Hestia tilted her head and tapped a finger under her chin. She tilted her head the other way, trying to change the angle to get a better look at him. He waited patiently for her.

It donned on her suddenly. "You're the guy from the other day!"

His laughter was light, "Yes. Hello again Goddess Hestia. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise."

"No, it's fine," she looked away to try and hide her sulking. "That was three days ago. You probably found a good familia since you didn't come back."

"Actually…" the renart spoke up. "We haven't found anything yet."

"You what?!" Hestia's head snapped around. Her eyes searched through theirs. "T-Then. D-D-Does this mean… by you being here…?!"

"We'd like to borrow a moment of your time," the young man spoke next. "If it's no trouble to you."

"Um," her coworker interjected. She shot him a dirty glare, to which he ignored. "We're currently working. If you want to talk to Hestia you're going to have to come back during her lunch break."

"I think she can be excused for a short amount of time," the man returned with a simple smile. "I'll allow it."

"You'll… allow it?"

"Sure. I'm the new owner of the Jyaga Maru Kun franchise. I was wondering if the Goddess Hestia would like to be the patron deity for the business. A mascot of sorts."

Hestia sucked in all the air her little lungs could allow. To prove his credentials, he pulled out a piece of rolled parchment from inside his coat. He undid the seal, exposed the contents full of fancy words and a few signatures. He did all of this while continuing to keep that smile on her.

Like any other rational person, Hestia fainted.

She sat up quickly in a cold sweat. Her coworker was kneeling beside her. She rubbed her head, "Ugh. Yul. What happened? All I remember was…"

She blinked and looked further up. A young couple were peering over the counter, staring down at her full of concern. It took her a moment to put everything back together inside her mind.

"It… wasn't a dream," she whispered.

"Goddess Hestia," the renart leaned further in, "are you alright?"

"It wasn't a dream!" Hestia shouted and jumped to her feet. She went straight to the counter and stood on her tippy toes. "Y-You're being serious about this? This isn't a prank? Loki didn't put you up to this, did she?!"

Though the renart stepped back because Hestia was invading her personal space, the young man didn't back down. He was uncomfortable with the sudden closeness but kept his eyes locked on hers.

"I would like to discuss the finer details with you in private. Do you have a moment to spare?"

"Yes!" she said with stars twinkling in her eyes and her heart doing backflips. She leapt away from the counter, tossed her apron perfectly onto the hanging rack (she'll never perform such a feat ever again), and leapt over the counter instead of going around. "I know a place we can use that's nearby. Just follow me!"

She turned and began to walk up the street with a spring in her step. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. Her new boss wanted her to be the representative of the crummy potato puff franchise? Who was she to question it? There was a saying about a gift horse.

She only turned around once to make sure this wasn't a dream. They were following her. The renart walk behind but very close to the young man. He kept his eyes on Hestia. Their eyes met and he gave her a reassuring smile.

She beamed and leapt once into the air in joy.

"Hey mister!" she said as she led them into a bookstore around the corner.

"Oh, good morning Hestia," the middle-aged owner was pushing a cart and putting new inventory onto the shelf. Though his sign said 'CLOSED' he always left the door unlocked. "What can I do for…!"

He was startled as her company followed shortly after. Probably because they were a pair in some pretty swanky clothes. Not a lot of rich folk come around here through Adventurer's Way.

"Do you mind if I use the upstairs room for a bit?" Hestia asked earnestly. "I'll probably only need an hour at most."

The shopkeeper grew flustered when his eyes flicked back to the couple. He went back to Hestia, "My word. Hestia, my place is not an inn. I let you use upstairs to read books, not for such crude acts of debauchery."

Hestia gasped as the indication.

"It's not like that, Trevor," the young man stepped up to assure him. He removed his hat and tucked it alongside his cane. "I'm here on business. Strict business."

"Oh," Hestia looked between them. "You two know each other?"

The book seller grew even more flustered.

"Not on a personal level, no," the young man answered with a disarming smile. "We've done business before."

"I see, I see," Hestia nodded in understanding. She turned back to the old man, "So, can I use the room upstairs?"

He coughed, "I suppose if Master Cranel says so. By all means, Hestia. Would you like for me to bring up some tea, sir?"

Master Cranel. Sir. Hoo-boy, this guy must be loaded in the big bucks if someone as stiff as the book seller was being all formal. He even offered to make tea. Hestia never got that.

"I wouldn't want to trouble you," Master Cranel replied with the same smile he wore throughout the morning. "We'll be out of your hair before you know it. Please don't mind us."

With that out of the way, Hestia led them upstairs and into the small room used as the shopkeeper's living quarters. There was a single bed, a table with a single chair, and a kitchenette. It was a small apartment used to serve a single person. Hestia used it all the time to lie on the bed and read the books downstairs.

The renart was offered the chair while the young man gestured for Hestia to take the edge of the bed. He stood at the center of the room with his cane resting between his feet and both hands over the gem. His hat hung on a coat hanger by the door.

"I haven't introduced myself," he began with a slightly embarrassed laugh. "I am Bell Cranel. And this…"

"Haruhime, right?" Hestia remembered that much at least.

"Haruhime Sanjouno," the renart gave a bow at the hip from where she sat. It was so proper and delicately done Hestia felt the need to bow back in reply.

"So…" Hestia began. She drummed her hands on her lap while trying to figure out how to approach the subject. "You want me as the face of the potato puff industry? Why?"

"That's the million valis question, isn't it?" Bell's smile turned a little bitter. He adjusted his balance on his cane while looking away from her. "I remember a boy who had lost everything. He was born in a village so small it didn't have a name. His only family was his grandfather and in the time he was barely becoming a man, the old man died. The boy had nothing except a dream. He wanted to become the greatest hero the world has ever seen."

His eyes met Hestia, "With nothing but the clothes on his back and what little his grandfather left him, he ventured to Orario. He went from familia to familia, yet no one would take him in. No one. They said he was too weak. They said he was too poor. They said he would only drag them down and he would be dead within the first week in the Dungeon. He was left outside to starve and wander through the streets.

"I wish someone could have saved him before it was too late."

"What happened to him?" Hestia couldn't help but ask.

Bell was quiet before… "The wrong people took advantage of his desperation. They put him through hard labor. They abused him, beat him, drugged him, and coursed him into making them money by any means necessary. They assaulted his mind and body and made him do the same to new recruits. Before I knew it, that boy was more monster than man.

"I see that boy in you, Goddess," he said, making her skin crawl. He shook his head and offered another smile to comfort her, "Not the monster he became. I see the boy when he first arrived in Orario. There is hope and light in you still. I doubt it will be snuffed out and I know you will never fall into the same path as he did. But I won't deny you remind me of him. And I wish to help you the same way I wanted that boy to be helped."

Her hands clutched against the hem of her dress. He wasn't trying to recruit her for her. He had a guilty conscious and was trying to redeem himself. She felt guilt of her own for wanting to take advantage of this man.

"Tell me something… Bell?" she asked, more for permission to use his given name. He nodded. "Bell, I'm sure you have your circumstances for not helping that boy yourself. You don't seem like a bad person. And I can tell! But to suddenly buy the business I work for and ask for me to support you? It's so sudden! What exactly did you do before all of this?"

He tapped a finger on the cane. He hesitated in his answer. "I was a broker of therapeutic paramour services. Now, I'm just trying to start fresh."

Hestia went still.

She understood every word— reading a ton of books will do wonders to broaden her vocabulary. She was able to decipher each of those words and get the meaning behind them. She understood what he was saying and why he was using those words specifically. Therefore…

"You… You're from the Ishtar Familia," she breathed out.

Haruhime tensed and looked at Bell with deep worry in her face. Bell never looked away from Hestia. His only reaction to the deduction was to give a slow blink.

Everything made sense suddenly. From the guy's clothes, to his choice of words, to the way the book seller addressed him. And he was good looking. Very good looking. There was no doubt the guy was trained to use his looks as a weapon.

There was that. And there was also the story about the boy he just told.

Hestia began to cry.

It wasn't guilt Bell was doing this for. He was that boy. He was the one who wanted to be saved and didn't want the same fate to fall onto Hestia. He was doing this out of pure selflessness.

After realizing this, she began to ball.

"O-Of course you can join my familia!" she cried. "You poor thing! I'll do anything! Anything! Please join my familia! I promise to do my absolute best to support you!"

It was Haruhime who rose out of her seat to comfort the goddess. It should have been the other way around but the renart had the soothing voice and a warm embrace. Hestia cried into her chest and held her tight. The poor things. The amount of things they must have gone through. And all they wanted was a fresh start. A clean slate!

Hestia will give them that new life!

"I…" Bell began with a perplexed expression. His voice died out. His face softened. A much gentler smile graced him. "Thank you Hestia. We will be in your care."

She cried a little more into Haruhime before pulling herself away. She looked at the two children with a smile of her own. "Right, from this point on you two are going to be members of Hestia Familia. Whatever you were before doesn't matter to me. So long as you promise to be good and do good, I will do whatever it is you need of me. Now then, shirts off! I need to inscribe my falna onto you!"

Haruhime went first while Bell politely turned away as she undressed. Hestia had her lie on the bed with her back exposed. Haruhime didn't react to Hestia's gaze but kept giving Bell sideways glances. The falna ritual had already been branded onto her back.

Hestia pricked her finger with a hairpin and let a drop of her blood fall onto Haruhime's back. The hieroglyphs marking her status lit up and began to realign. Hardly anything changed from the previous settings. But she was now Hestia's.

As such, Hestia was now able to read the hieroglyphs. Haruhime's stats were extremely low-tier. She probably never had to fight a day in her life and became an Adventurer for formality's sake. But Haruhime had one single skill.

Hestia craned her head around to look at Bell. He was watching her. Carefully. He knew she had just seen Haruhime's skill. He was waiting to see what she was going to do about it.

She wasn't going to do anything about it. Hestia was going to keep her promise. She wouldn't ask questions until they were ready. She finished with Haruhime's hieroglyphs and let them settle onto her back. Haruhime got up with her back to Bell and began to put her clothes back on.

"Next!" Hestia said as she slapped on the bed a few times.

She had never seen someone undress so quickly and so neatly before in her life. He was wearing four layers of clothes— his coat, the vest, his shirt, and an undershirt— and had been able to slip out of them with utmost ease. He spread himself down onto the cushions, revealing his back to her. His very broad and muscular back.

Haruhime, meanwhile, faced one corner of the room, had her head bowed, and face covered with her hands. Her skin was glowing red as she made sure to not look at Bell in any way.

Hestia repeated the same process with Bell. The same happened with him; his hieroglyphs lit up and moved around, rearranging themselves and updating his status. His stats were far more impressive than Haruhime's. And his skills made her eyes widen. He didn't just know magic. He also had two personal skills that would make any other god water in the mouth.

"Wow," Hestia breathed with awe. "I mean… wow. I never would have guessed you were a Level Five!"

Bell craned his neck to look at her through the corner of his eye. "What did you just say?"

"I said you were a Level Five Adventurer," Hestia said. "I assumed you were a Level Two. Three at best. That's really impressive, Bell!"

He looked away, staring into the headboard as he thought to himself. He said in a low voice, more amazed with himself, "I'm… Level Five."

She didn't know what it meant. But who cares?! She had swooped up two of the first members of her familia. Honestly, she would have been celebrating just to have someone like Haruhime. But to have a Level Five Adventurer who had some deep pockets in the moolah?! She couldn't have asked for anything better.

She swore she was going to do everything in her power to keep them. They were putting their trust in her when they could have gone to anyone else. Who was crazy enough to not want such an impressive figure in their familia? They were all crazy for not snatching these two up when they had the chance!

She was going to keep them. No matter what came across her path.

0-0-0

Several years ago…

This was it. Bell was allowed into the city without a fuss. The guards didn't give him a second glance when he walked past them. He set foot into the Dungeon City of Orario. It was here where he was going to make his fame and fortune. One day they will make a storybook out of the legend of Bell Cranel.

"Grandpa, I made it," he said with a broad smile. He adjusted the strap of his backpack as he looked around the hustling and bustling of the city environment. There were so many people. This street alone had more people roaming around than his entire village combined.

There was so much to explore! So much to do!

But first, he needed to find a familia. Which one should he choose? There were so many! Maybe he should put in a request for the bigger familias like Ganesha? Maybe apply for the upcoming ones like Freya or Loki? Or the rising stars like Astraea Familia?

He couldn't decide. He was jumping around in place. He couldn't contain his excitement.

He took off, heading in a random direction without knowing where to go. He was diving head first into the city without a care in the world.

One day, the people will talk about him. They will whisper his name with awe and respect. They will glorify him in legend. They will want to be him.

It was a shame when that day came, it won't be in the guise of a hero.

The people will know him as a villain.