WARNING: For Mature audiences only.
Bell Cranel, now a grown man, found himself at the center of attention. Aisha, Tiona, Cassandra, Daphne, Lili, and Haruhime all seemed to have their eyes on him, their flirtatious gazes as clear as day. He felt a strange mix of embarrassment and amusement, unsure of how to navigate this new dynamic.
He had always been on the receiving end of these girls' affections, but now their eyes glinted with a sense of ownership as they looked upon him, as if he had become the object of their desire. It was quite an odd feeling.
Bell smiled awkwardly to himself and broke the silence: "...H-hey, everyone."
"Eek!"
"Oh dear, Bell. Why don't you try saying hi like a normal person?"
"A-aah, sorry, I'm just a little nervous...I guess."
Lili scolded him with a blush on her cheeks. Daphne made fun of him while pulling at the corners of her mouth in a devilish grin.
The others were surprised by their unexpectedly casual conversation.
"Master Bell, is Lili not the only one you have this kind of relationship with?"
"...Has he already played with you, Lili? Was Master Bell your first? You've had him inside you already?!"
"Guys, no! Everything you're saying is wrong!"
Aisha, the Amazonian beauty, was the most forward, her teasing words laced with a playful challenge. She shot him an "I can't wait for my turn" kind of look that made Bell's cheeks flush. Haruhime, on the other hand, was jumping to all kinds of conclusions, her face completely red.
Aisha laughed and reassured the fox girl.
"Haruhime, this is Bell Cranel we're talking about. He was still a blushing, innocent boy not so long ago. But who knows what might happen now that he's been around so many girls? Well, I certainly can't wait to find out."
"Eeeep! M-Miss Aisha, please do not say such things with that face...! Master Bell is going to have... have the life sucked out of him!"
"Oh my. And here I thought you didn't have it in you. Perhaps you'll show us what you've got later, eh, Bell Cranel?"
"A-ah..."
Tiona, on the other hand, was subtler, her glances stealing his breath away.
Her smile was always so innocent—but her eyes were gleaming with an emotion he had never seen before. He was rooted to the spot by the mischievous energy radiating from her direction.
"Hee-hee! It looks like Argonaut-kun's learned a lot while he's been away."
"...T-Tiona..."
"Come on, don't get all shy on me, now! I'm the kind of girl who loves to run wild, so don't disappoint me, okay?"
"U-um..."
"Argonaut-kun's already proved to me just how strong you've become. I'm looking forward to the next time we cross swords!"
"Gaah..."
Bell had completely forgotten just how forward and open she could be. Tiona's smile was completely genuine, but a bit more animalistic than he remembered. She looked ready to pounce at any moment.
With no way to respond, Bell's face turned the color of a tomato.
Cassandra's prophetic riddles took on a flirtatious tone, while Daphne's usual aloofness was replaced with a soft warmth.
"I will forgive you no matter how many times you step on me, so please enjoy my body as much as you'd like."
"Eeh?!"
"D-Daphne, what are you talking about?!"
Bell was taken aback by Daphne's sudden confession.
Lili rushed to her side and punched her in the shoulder, her cheeks turning redder by the moment.
Cassandra smiled at him. "...Hey, Bell?"
"Y-yes...?"
"You're looking great."
"...Thanks."
"Haaah. So Bell Cranel is having these kinds of adventures with not only Lili but Miss Cassandra as well? He's even gotten Miss Daphne wrapped around his finger...You are a brave new man."
"Aisha, do you have to keep saying that...?"
"Heh-heh, it's fun."
Just as Bell was trying to find the right words, a familiar voice cut through the air. "What is the meaning of this?" Ryuu Lion, her voice sharp as a blade, stood at the edge of the camp, her disapproval clear.
Aisha spoke up with a forced laugh. "Hee-hee, why if it isn't high-strung elf. Didn't see you there."
"Silence. Why are all of you surrounding him? Explain yourselves."
Aisha, never one to back down, faced Ryuu head-on.
The two groups faced off, one standing behind Bell and the other with Ryuu at their center.
Aisha introduced Bell with a wave of her arm. "It is our duty as the Rabbit Foot's loyal vassals to welcome him back after his long absence. Isn't that right, Lili?"
"I-indeed! For it is my desire to welcome Master Bell back with an embrace from head to toe!"
"Master Cranel, please allow my body to receive your wrath whenever and however you'd like!"
"H-hmm, if Master Bell would find pleasure in me, then I would be more than happy to join."
"...Have you all lost your minds?"
All four girls stood tall beside him.
Ryuu's eyes flashed, her hands clenching into fists. "I will not stand by and watch as you all fawn over him like some love-struck fools!" she declared, her voice echoing through the camp.
Aisha's response was immediate, her own temper flaring. "Who are you calling fools, fool? Come off it. If you're going to start something, let's settle it the way Amazons do!" she shot back, stepping forward. The air crackled with tension, the two women on the brink of a physical altercation.
"Bring it on, brute! I'll turn you into a pretty little doll!"
"Uwaah...Miss Aisha and Miss Ryuu are so scary...!" Haruhime's quiet whimper brought the mood crashing down.
The first to break the standoff was Tiona. "Ooo, I can't take it anymore! You're all going to break the mood, so pipe down, will you?! They just got here and you're already fighting...Gah!"
Lefiya arrived, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. "Bell Cranel, you philanderer!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. The accusation hung in the air, a stark contrast to the flirtatious atmosphere from moments before.
"LiLefiya-san?" Bell turned to face his accuser.
"Hee-hee, this is quite the dilemma for you." Daphne chuckled softly as the elf approached.
"I will hear what you have to say for yourself, Bell Cranel!"
"B-But I didn't do anything!"
"Riveria-sama and Ais-san have both taken a liking to you. You must've done something to them!"
"Haaaah?"
"That's a high-handed thing to say. Look, Bell Cranel. Little miss elf here seems to think that you've seduced the Sword Princess and Nine Hell. Hah! That's adorable."
Lefiya's accusations were met with ridicule from Aisha and Tiona. The elf glared at them, not appreciating the laughter.
Bell could only stare, his mind racing as he tried to find a way to defuse the situation. He had never intended for things to escalate like this, and he certainly didn't want to cause a rift between his friends. But as he looked around, he couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement at the absurdity of it all. This was certainly not how he had imagined his return to be.
The air was thick with tension, the girls' flirtatious banter replaced by a palpable fear. Riveria, his mentor and the object of his affections, had appeared out of nowhere, her eyes blazing with a dangerous mix of jealousy and anger.
"I am not amused. Shame on all of you!" she barked, scolding the other women.
There was a palpable silence as everyone cowered in the face of Riveria's wrath.
"If you all think I've gotten soft, you're sorely, sorely mistaken," Riveria warned, her voice laced with a deadly seriousness that sent shivers down their spines. The girls, who had been so bold and brash just moments ago, were now terrified, their eyes wide with fear.
All except for Aisha, who stood her ground, her arm wrapped protectively around Bell.
Tiona looked at Riveria sheepishly, and spoke up, "Oh, h-hey there R-Riveria, w-what brings you here?"
"...To apologize."
"Eh?"
"I apologize for not keeping a closer eye on things."
The Amazon's face crumbled as soon as Riveria's voice reached her ears.
Aisha couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh.
Riveria's gaze shifted to Aisha, her eyes narrowing as she took in the Amazonian's defiant stance. "Let me borrow your man for a bit, old woman," Aisha said, her voice filled with a bravado that belied the fear in her eyes.
Bell felt a surge of panic as Riveria's gaze darkened, her lips moving in a silent chant. He knew that look, that chant. It was the precursor to her Wynn Fimbulvetr spell, a spell that could bring even the strongest of foes to their knees.
Bell raised his hands and shouted, "W-wait! Wait! Please don't hurt anyone!"
"Quiet, Bell Cranel. It's because of you that things have gotten so out of hand."
The girls began to panic, their fear palpable as they huddled together, their eyes fixed on Riveria. Bell could feel the tension in the air, the weight of Riveria's gaze as it bore down on them.
Desperate to defuse the situation, Bell looked at Riveria, his eyes pleading. "Riveria, please," he begged, his voice filled with a mix of fear and pleading. "Forgive them. They didn't mean any harm."
"How can you ask this of me after the way they've been parading you around like some kind of trophy? I am not the type to forgive so easily," she responded sharply.
Bell took a deep breath and met Riveria's gaze. "Please, Riveria, for me? I...I can't bear to see them hurt."
His voice was calm, but determined. He wasn't sure if this was going to work, but he had to try.
"Very well," Riveria relented, her voice barely above a whisper. She let out a sigh of defeat and glanced at Aisha.
"That goes for you as well, Aisha Belka. I will overlook your behavior this time. However, if you insist on flaunting him about like a prize, then I will not be so lenient," she warned.
Aisha responded with a haughty smirk. "Bah, I'd like to see you try."
"Don't push your luck, you brute." Riveria's eyes narrowed once again in warning before she turned back to Bell.
"As for you, Bell Cranel, there is something that I must ask you. Privately."
She didn't wait for Bell's response, instead grabbing him by the arm and pulling him away from the group.
Bell, a man in his own right, could not muster the willpower to resist a direct command from the elf.
"U-um, Riveria-you-know-what-I-mean-san...where are we going?"
"Somewhere we can be alone."
"A-alone?!"
"That's right, Bell Cranel. You've had quite the busy day, haven't you? Getting frisky with all these women. I'm going to need you to answer for your actions."
"Hyaah."
Riveria's voice was laced with an emotion he couldn't quite place, sending a shiver down Bell's spine. The two walked side by side, the others watching intently as they disappeared into the camp.
"Now, Bell Cranel, I sincerely hope you're not being unfaithful to me. In fact, I'd hope you'd deny it vehemently. In detail," said Riveria with a hint of playfulness in her tone.
"Of course not, Riveria-san!"
"Answer me honestly, Bell Cranel: do you have eyes only for me?"
"Y-yes, I swear!"
Riveria was hitting him with question after question, each one more direct than the last.
"Am I not enough for you? Do you truly desire me, or am I just another woman on your list of conquests?"
"Riveria-san, you're special to me...! I treasure you above all others!" Bell couldn't stop the words from coming out of his mouth, his face flushed red with embarrassment.
"Then prove it to me, Bell Cranel. Show me how much I mean to you," Riveria said in a sultry tone as she brought her face close to his.
Her cheeks were flushed with a beautiful shade of scarlet, her eyes filled with lust and desire. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her breasts pressed against his chest.
Bell could feel his heart racing as he lost himself in her emerald eyes. "Riveria-san..." he murmured softly, overcome with emotion.
"Bell Cranel..." Riveria responded, her voice filled with passion. "I have preserved my chaste for a century, and now the time has come for me to renounce it. You're a very lucky man."
She leaned in closer, her breath hot on his ear as she whispered, "Take me. I am yours."
"Riveria-san...!"
"Bell. I love you, and I don't give a damn about what the other elves think."
The words fell from her lips like a prayer, a declaration of her undying affection. Bell's heart swelled with joy as he gazed into her eyes.
"I...I love you too, Riveria!" he replied without hesitation.
Riveria let out a sigh of contentment as she pressed her body against his. "I'm so happy, Bell." She rested her head on his shoulder, her breathing deep and steady as if she was trying to savor every moment. "I've never experienced anything like this before. I've been so alone for all these decades."
"Riveria-san..."
"Please...just hold me."
Bell wrapped his arms around Riveria and held her close, basking in the warmth of her body. He closed his eyes, losing himself in the moment.
The two remained in a warm embrace, lost in their own world as the camp bustled with activity around them.
Loki's sigh echoed through the empty halls of Twilight Manor, her impatience growing with each passing moment. She collapsed onto the plush sofa in the parlor, her limbs splayed out in a display of sheer boredom. "What could possibly be taking them so long?" she grumbled, her frustration mounting as she struggled to find a way to entertain herself.
Suddenly, a wave of dread washed over her, and she bolted upright, her eyes wide with horror. "No, it can't be... Riveria! She's... she's lost her innocence!" The realization sent Loki into a frenzy, and she leaped to her feet, her heart pounding with fear and anger.
Without a moment's hesitation, she dashed out of the manor and into the dark streets of Orario, her heart heavy with despair. The first light of dawn was beginning to break through the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the deserted streets.
"That damned shrimp's kid!" Loki screamed, her voice echoing through the empty streets. "He's going to steal my Riveria away from me!" Her words were laced with a mixture of rage and sadness, and she wiped away a tear as she continued her frantic search.
"I have to find him," she sobbed, her voice trembling with determination. "I have to save Riveria before it's too late!" And with that, the trickster goddess disappeared into the shadows, her mind focused on one thing and one thing only: saving her beloved follower from the clutches of the one she called the shrimp's kid.
"BEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLL! Where are you!? I miss you so much!" Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth, cried out into the darkening night as she wandered through the streets of Orario, her heart heavy with worry. She had asked around about Bell earlier that afternoon, and everyone had told her the same thing - that he was out saving the world, fighting evil on the front lines, saving lives.
"Please wait for him to come back, Hestia," they had said. And so she had returned home and waited, but as the hours dragged on and the sun went down, she couldn't wait any longer. She set out into the night, determined to find him.
But as she walked, a sudden, unpleasant sensation took hold of her. "My... my Bell-kun is being defiled! I know it!" she thought, her heart racing with fear and anger. Was it a mother's intuition, or just a coincidence? She couldn't be sure.
"It's not Wallenstein, it's that High Elf, isn't it? Is she trying to steal my Bell-kun!?" Hestia's blood began to boil with rage, her anger spurring her onward. "I'll save you, Bell-kun! I won't let her take you away from me!" she declared loudly, her voice echoing through the empty streets as she sprinted off into the night.
"I can't believe it! Bell-kun is picking up High Elf girls in a Dungeon!" she thought, her mind racing with jealousy and fear. She had to find him, had to save him from the clutches of that haughty High Elf. She wouldn't rest until she had brought him back safely to her side. And with that, the Goddess of the Hearth disappeared into the shadows, her mind focused on one thing and one thing only - saving her beloved follower from the clutches of a prideful elf.
"Haaah... Haaah..." Loki's voice faded into the distance as she ran through the empty streets, her desperation growing with each step. "I have to find the boy! I have to save Riveria!" The thought repeated itself in her mind like a mantra, driving her forward through the darkness.
But as she turned a corner, she suddenly skidded to a halt. Standing before her was none other than Hestia. The two goddesses stared at each other for a long moment, their eyes filled with disbelief and confusion.
Loki was the first to speak, her voice breaking the silence. "Shrimp..." she muttered, her eyes narrowing in anger. "Yer kid is seducin' my Riveria! He's defilin' her as we speak!"
"Well, you've got that wrong!" Hestia shot back, her own anger rising to match Loki's. "It's that high-elf lady who's trying to steal my Bell-kun!"
Loki's face contorted with rage as she clenched her fists at her sides. "Ya can't prove it!" she retorted, her voice trembling with emotion. "Riveria has been pure and chaste for a century! Only I should be allowed to defile the lovely Nine Hell!"
"Liar!" Hestia roared, her own emotions reaching a fever pitch. "Bell-kun is innocent! He wouldn't dare lay a finger on some prudish, stuffy elf who's been untouched for so long cos she's so nasty!"
"How dare ya talk about Riveria like that! She's pure and unspoiled, a maiden's dream! Even I'm not worthy of defilin' her!" Loki screamed, her fury intensifying by the second. "Ya have no idea how lucky I am to have someone as noble and virtuous as my kid!"
Hestia glared at Loki with a mix of jealousy and envy. "How can you talk about someone so filthy and vile who doesn't even care about my Bell-kun! My Bell-kun is the best! He's strong and pure and everything that elf isn't!" she shouted, her voice dripping with malice.
Loki couldn't hold back any longer; she lunged at Hestia with all her might. "I'm gonna beat yer ass for talkin' about Riveria like that!"
"Bring it, you damned pancake chest!" Hestia screamed in return, her fists raised in defense.
"Come at me, you titanic titty monster!" Loki bellowed as she threw a wild punch at Hestia's face. The two goddesses were at each other's throats in an instant, their hair flying in the air as they exchanged a flurry of blows.
The two goddesses grappled with each other in the empty street, their screams and cries echoing through the night. It was a pitiful display. People were walking past, laughing.
The two goddesses didn't care; they were too consumed by their own rage to notice. They had lost themselves in their anger and hatred, oblivious to the outside world. It was an ugly sight to behold, one that would have surely broken the hearts of their followers had they seen it.
"Stop it! Both of you!" a voice rang out, clear and commanding. Hestia turned her head sharply to see a figure stepping into the fray—a young woman with silver hair and eyes like ice. It was Eirlys, Bell and Riveria's daughter from the future.
Hestia's eyes widened as she recognized Eirlys. "E-Eirlys?" she stammered, her anger momentarily giving way to confusion.
Loki paused mid-swing, her fist still clenched. "Who the hell are ya?" she demanded, glaring at the newcomer.
Eirlys met their gaze without fear or hesitation. "I am Eirlys Ljos Alf-Cranel, the half-elf queen" she replied coolly, her voice calm and even. "I am the fruit of the union between Bell Cranel and Riveria Ljos Alf, and I will not allow you two to fight in my presence."
"Stop yer bullin'!" Loki yelled. "If yer really Riveria and that kid's daughter, then my tits are bigger than that shrimp's!"
Hestia's rage quickly returned and she pointed an accusatory finger at Eirlys. "You're no queen! You're just some bastard child Bell-kun's had on the side!"
Eirlys frowned at them, unimpressed. "Have either of you truly lost your minds? This is unbecoming of goddesses. Your quarrel is pointless and petty." She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing with determination. "This isn't helping anyone, least of all Bell Cranel"
Hestia blinked, her anger melting away as she looked at Eirlys with a mixture of relief and bewilderment. "But... Bell-kun... he's..." She trailed off, unsure of what to say.
Loki scoffed and turned her head away, trying to hide the tears that were starting to well up in her eyes. "Yeah... what that shrimp said."
"B-Bell-kun...he...he's in danger!" Hestia continued, her voice rising with urgency. "That high elf...she's going to steal him away from me! I know it!"
Loki glanced over at Hestia, a look of shock on her face. "Riveria's not the issue here! It's that damn kid of yers tryin' to get into my Riveria's pants!"
Eirlys sighed and shook her head. "Are you two really so blind that you cannot see the truth? It's not about who is defiling whom; it's about the bonds that have been forged between them. You two are both obsessed with your own selfish desires and completely oblivious to what lies beneath the surface." She fixed them both with an icy glare, her eyes blazing with power and authority. "Open your eyes, or I will force them open."
Hestia and Loki stared at each other in stunned silence. Slowly, the realization of Eirlys' words dawned on them, and they lowered their heads in shame. "I...I'm sorry," Hestia whispered.
"Me too," Loki murmured, her voice barely audible.
The two goddesses turned to face Eirlys once more, their eyes filled with remorse. Eirlys nodded and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "You understand now, do you not? There is nothing to be gained from this senseless quarreling."
Loki's eyes narrowed, but something in Eirlys's words seemed to strike a chord with her. She let out a huff and lowered her fists. "Fine," she muttered begrudgingly. "But only 'cos ya asked so nicely."
Hestia glanced at Loki, then at Eirlys, then back at Loki again. "I suppose there's no point in trying to convince you otherwise," she sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
Loki crossed her arms over her chest and looked away, grumbling under her breath but not offering any further resistance.
Eirlys nodded at him before turning back to the goddesses. "Now, both of you need to calm down and think about what's truly important," she said firmly. "Bell and Riveria need your support, not your fighting."
"...I know," Hestia said, looking at the ground. "I'm just...scared."
Loki gave her a wry smile and shook her head. "Heh...so am I, shrimp."
Eirlys watched as Hestia and Loki began to reconcile, a small smile playing on her lips. It seemed that they had finally seen the light. "Good," she murmured to herself.
"Heh, now that I think about it, yer probs bein' conceived right about now," Loki chuckled.
"!" Hestia's eyes widened in shock and she whirled around to face Eirlys. "What?! You can't be serious!" she gasped.
Loki's grin widened as she looked at Hestia. "What can I say? That's how it goes. Looks like the apple didn't fall too far from the tree, eh?"
Eirlys let out a soft laugh and shook her head.
"...Can you tell us a little bit more about the future?" Hestia asked sheepishly. "What's it like?"
Loki looked at Eirlys expectantly.
Eirlys paused for a moment before nodding.
Bell woke up feeling strange, as though he had had a vivid dream that he couldn't quite remember. He stretched and yawned, trying to shake the sleepiness from his body.
As he groggily sat up, he caught a glimpse of the woman sleeping next to him under the sheets. His heart skipped a beat as he realized who it was: Riveria Ljos Alf, the high elf whom he had come to love.
He also realised he had something in his hand: something soft and made of cotton, a thin piece of fabric. He unfolded the cloth and then froze once he realized what it was: Riveria's panties.
Bell let out a strangled gasp as he dropped the panties like a hot potato, his face flushed red with embarrassment. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of what had happened.
Bell looked over at Riveria once more; her long, green hair cascaded over her shoulders, her naked body covered in sweat as she slept peacefully. She stirred slightly in her sleep, but she didn't wake.
Bell looked down at his bare body, his cheeks growing hot as he realized that he was as naked as the day he was born. He tried to remember what had happened the night before, but his memories were fuzzy, as though he had been in a trance the whole time.
"Did we..." he thought, his mind reeling at the possibility. He remembered being pulled away by Riveria after the argument with the others, and then...nothing.
As he tried to piece together what had happened, he heard a soft moan coming from beneath the sheets. Riveria slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him with a sleepy smile. "Good morning, Bell," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Did you sleep well?"
Bell swallowed hard as he stared down at her. He couldn't believe that she was lying in bed with him, and he suddenly felt his heart race even faster. "Y-yeah, I slept great," he replied nervously. "Um...did we...?"
Riveria tilted her head in confusion for a moment before realization dawned on her face. Her cheeks flushed a bright shade of red as she nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. "We did," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Nearly a century of chaste, and I threw it all away in the blink of an eye. I'm a disgrace."
Bell felt his face turn red, and he averted his gaze in embarrassment. "I...I'm so sorry, Riveria," he mumbled, his voice shaking with emotion. "I'm sorry that I took advantage of you like that."
Riveria let out a soft laugh and gently placed her hand on Bell's cheek. "Don't be silly, Bell," she murmured as she gazed into his eyes. "I won't deny that I greatly desired this. I was more than willing to throw away my purity for you."
Bell swallowed hard and looked down at his hands. He knew that Riveria meant every word she said, and it filled him with both happiness and guilt.
"Uh... what will the other elves think? I defiled their princess... Their princess! They'll want me dead. How am I supposed to face them now?" he thought, panic creeping into his voice.
Riveria stroked his hair gently and smiled reassuringly at him. "It's alright, Bell," she said softly. "They don't need to know, and even if they did, I don't care."
Bell looked at her with wide eyes. "R-really?"
"Really. I'm my own woman, Bell Cranel." Riveria placed a kiss on his forehead, then on his lips, a loving smile on her face. "And I choose you. Only you."
Bell could only stare at her in awe. He had never felt so loved, so cherished, by anyone in his life. A feeling of happiness washed over him, and he felt like he could spend eternity in Riveria's arms.
"Even if the whole world were against us, I would face them down. For you."
"Riveria..." Bell murmured as he held her tightly in his arms.
"I renounce the purity of the elves; it means nothing to me now."
Bell gazed into Riveria's emerald eyes and saw nothing but love and devotion reflecting back at him. "I'm so lucky to have you," he whispered as he pulled her closer and kissed her deeply.
"I can never replace your mother, but I can be your wife. And marrying you was the best thing that ever happened to me."
Riveria's eyes glazed over with tears of joy, and she pressed her forehead against his own. "You make me so happy, Bell," she whispered softly, her voice quivering with emotion.
Bell wrapped his arms around her tightly, pressing his face against hers, running his fingers down her jade hair.
The two of them held each other close, their bodies intertwined as they basked in the warmth of their love and affection. It was as if the whole world had stopped to witness their union, and they felt like they could stay this way forever.
Riveria rubbed her hand across Bell's now rather toned chest and ran her finger down his abs, which were as hard as steel. "...You have an amazing body," she said softly as she traced his muscles with her finger. "I love it."
Bell's cheeks turned pink with embarrassment and he let out a soft laugh. "Well, I had to get strong enough to protect you," he replied as he stroked her cheek.
"It should be I protecting you."
"Maybe, but that's not how I see it, Riveria-san," he said with a smile as he looked into her emerald eyes. "I will always protect beauty. You have the body of a goddess. Your skin is as smooth as a newborn baby's."
"Bell..."
Bell could see the love and desire in Riveria's eyes, and he couldn't help but feel the same way. He gently kissed her forehead as he held her in his arms.
"I don't want this to end..." Riveria whispered as she placed her hand on his chest and began rubbing it sensually. "I want to spend eternity with you, Bell Cranel."
"Me too...I want to spend forever with you, Riveria-san," Bell replied as he kissed her passionately. "I think I might be the luckiest man in the world."
"And I'm the luckiest woman."
The two of them spent the rest of the morning enjoying each other's company, lost in a world of their own making. They had never felt such happiness, such pure bliss, and they couldn't imagine life without each other.
Finn stood watch outside of Bell and Riveria's tent, his arms crossed and his eyes scanning the surrounding area. He was determined to make sure that nobody disturbed them, even if it meant standing there all day.
"You've done it now, Bell Cranel," Finn said softly to himself as he shook his head in disbelief. "You've really done it this time."
Finn let out a sigh as he thought back to the events of the previous night. He had watched the whole thing unfold from afar, and he couldn't believe his eyes. "Riveria Ljos Alf, the untouchable Princess, the one-hundred-year-old virgin maiden, has been deflowered," he mused with a wry smile. "You've done it again, Bell Cranel."
Finn let out a soft chuckle and shook his head in disbelief. "She is literally old enough to be his great-grandmother, and yet, she is madly in love with him," he thought. "And he loves her just as much. It's truly amazing."
Bell lay inside the tent, still naked and entwined with Riveria under the covers, his face flushed as he listened to Finn's words. "I can't believe he's right outside...Does he know what we just did?!" Bell thought, his face turning even redder.
"I sure do!" Finn called out, answering Bell's internal question with a loud laugh. "Congratulations, Bell Cranel! You are now the man who has defiled Riveria Ljos Alf! You have accomplished something that no other man has been able to do in her entire lifetime!"
Bell buried his face in his hands and let out a muffled groan of embarrassment. He couldn't believe that Finn knew exactly what had just transpired between him and Riveria, and he wasn't sure how to react.
"Finn... Y-You weren't watching, were you?" Riveria asked as she peeked her head out from under the covers, her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.
Finn let out a laugh and shook his head. "Don't worry, Riveria, I did not watch you consummate your relationship with Bell Cranel," he replied as he gave her a reassuring smile. "However, I have no doubt that you will want to do it again in the very near future!"
Riveria buried her face in her hands and groaned in embarrassment as Finn's words sunk in.
"And with luck, your love will bear fruit!" Finn declared, his eyes filled with amusement as he thought about Eirlys coming into existence.
Bell couldn't take it anymore. He jumped out of bed, his face a bright shade of crimson, and wrapped the blanket around himself to hide his naked body from Finn's view. "P-Please, stop," he pleaded as he looked at Finn with wide eyes. "It's not funny..."
"Oh yes it is!" Finn countered as he let out another boisterous laugh. "Now get dressed, you two. Bell Cranel, give Riveria's underpants back to her."
"O-okay," Bell stammered as he reached for the pair of panties lying on the ground next to the bed and handed them to Riveria. Riveria's face was almost as red as his own as she pulled the undergarments up underneath the covers, trying to preserve her modesty.
Finn's grin only grew wider as he watched the two of them squirm in embarrassment. "By the way, Bell Cranel," he said as he placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Good work."
Bell could only stare at Finn in stunned silence as the captain winked at him and walked away with a smile on his face.
"What just happened?" Bell asked himself as he looked at Riveria with a bewildered expression on his face.
Riveria let out a sigh and shook her head. "Never mind him; just get dressed," she said as she began to put on her clothes.
Bell did as he was told, unable to shake the feeling that he had just been given an unexpected stamp of approval by one of the most respected adventurers in Orario.
As the couple emerged from the tent, they were greeted by Aisha Belka. Her coppery skin and rich black hair were complemented by her proud Amazonian features, making her stand out from the crowd.
"Well, well, well, where have you been? Shagging?" Aisha teased, grinning at the two of them. "You certainly look like you've just been ridden hard and put away wet."
Bell and Riveria blushed furiously at Aisha's words, their cheeks flushing a bright shade of scarlet.
"A-Aisha-san..." Bell stammered, unable to meet her gaze.
"You sicken me, Amazon." Riveria scolded Aisha sharply.
"Sickeningly adorable! Just look at you two; you're glowing with happiness," Aisha retorted as she circled them, taking in their appearances with a playful smirk on her face.
"!"
"So, Bell Cranel, when's it my turn? We can do it right here and now!" Aisha wrapped her arm around Bell's shoulder and pulled him close, her voice husky with lust and desire. She pressed her body against his, her ample bosom resting on his chest, as she gazed at him with bedroom eyes.
Riveria immediately stepped forward and shoved Aisha away from Bell, her eyes blazing with jealousy. "Lay a finger on him, and I'll make you wish you were never born."
Aisha let out a laugh and waved her hand dismissively at Riveria. "Come now, you stodgy elf. You can't keep Bell Cranel all to yourself. Surely you can share him with the rest of us?" she asked, her voice filled with amusement.
Riveria's eyes narrowed as she glared at Aisha with a look that could kill. "There is nothing going on between me and Bell Cranel. I am simply upholding proper moral standards by ensuring that no more immoral activities transpire. Understand?" she countered icily.
"You shagged him good and proper, didn't you? Everyone in the camp heard you," Aisha quipped.
Riveria's cheeks flushed bright red at Aisha's words, but she managed to maintain her composure as she continued to glare at the Amazon.
"You probably burst after your lifetime of chaste, didn't you?" Aisha teased with a wink.
Riveria's ears turned pink with embarrassment as she struggled to come up with a response. "A-absolutely not! That's preposterous!"
"And you, of all people, got to screw him before me. Damn, I'm jealous." Aisha grinned slyly at Riveria, who was visibly fuming.
"No, I did not!" Riveria hissed through gritted teeth as she clenched her fists tightly at her sides.
"It felt really good!" Bell exclaimed without thinking, then suddenly covering his mouth as he realized what he had said.
"See, I knew it! You shagged her good! Good job!" Aisha congratulated him with a clap on the back, causing Riveria to turn even redder with rage.
"Uh, A-Aisha," Bell whimpered. "Can you keep this a secret? If this gets out, then the other elves would string me up. Please..."
Aisha put a finger to her lips and nodded in understanding. "Of course, I'll keep quiet," she reassured him as she winked at Riveria. "I wouldn't dream of betraying your trust like that."
"Thank you," Bell said with relief.
"Just answer me one thing: does he have a big di-"
"Forgive me, Finn. I am about to incinerate this entire camp and everyone in it. Including myself," Riveria declared bluntly as she clenched her fists even tighter and closed her eyes in an attempt to calm herself down.
"You haven't changed a bit," Finn stated as he approached the group with a knowing smile on his face. "In any case, the two of you should get something to eat."
Riveria was startled by Finn's sudden appearance, but she nodded in agreement. "Yes, of course," she said as she glanced at Bell. "Let us go, Bell Cranel."
Before Riveria could take a step, Aisha grabbed Bell by the arm and whispered in his ear. "If you ever want to try some real fun, come see me." She giggled softly as she released him from her grasp.
Bell looked at Aisha in confusion and embarrassment before Riveria grabbed his arm and practically dragged him away.
Bell Cranel and Riveria Ljos Alf awkwardly made their way to the dining area, both of their faces still flushed with embarrassment from their earlier encounter with Aisha and Finn. As they approached the table where the other girls were seated, Bell couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him.
Ais Wallenstein, Lefiya Viridis, Tiona Hiryute, and Tione Hiryute all looked up at the couple as they took their seats, their eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of suspicion. Bell could feel their gazes boring into him, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he tried to avoid making eye contact with any of them.
Lefiya was the first to speak, her voice filled with concern as she looked at Riveria. "Riveria-sama, are you alright? You look a little flushed."
Riveria cleared her throat and nodded, her voice steady as she replied, "I'm fine, Lefiya. Just a little tired from the day's events."
Ais tilted her head to the side, her golden eyes studying Bell intently. "Bell, you seem different. Did something happen?"
Bell nearly choked on his food at Ais's question, his face turning an even deeper shade of red as he struggled to come up with a response. "N-no, nothing happened!" he stammered, his voice cracking slightly. "Just a long day, that's all!"
Tiona and Tione exchanged glances, their eyes narrowing slightly as they looked between Bell and Riveria. "Are you sure nothing happened?" Tiona asked, her voice filled with suspicion. "You two seem awfully close all of a sudden."
Riveria let out a sigh and shook her head, her voice firm as she replied, "Nothing happened, Tiona. Bell Cranel and I were simply discussing strategy for the upcoming battle."
Bell nodded vigorously in agreement, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to keep his composure. He knew that the girls were too innocent to know what had really transpired between him and Riveria, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they knew something was up.
As the meal progressed, the conversation shifted to other topics, but Bell couldn't help but feel like he was being watched. Every time he glanced up from his plate, he caught one of the girls staring at him with a curious expression on their face. It was as if they were trying to figure out what had happened between him and Riveria, but couldn't quite put their finger on it.
Bell let out a sigh of relief as the meal finally came to an end, grateful for the opportunity to escape the scrutiny of the other girls. As he and Riveria made their way back to their tent, he couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt wash over him. He knew that he would have to face the consequences of his actions eventually, but for now, he was content to simply bask in the afterglow of his newfound love with Riveria.
Finn's voice rang out over the camp, drawing everyone's attention. Bell watched as the adventurers assembled, forming a semi-circle around Finn. The tension in the air was palpable; everyone knew the importance of this mission.
"Alright, everyone," Finn began, his tone authoritative yet calm. "We've got three shards of the Eye to retrieve, and we'll be tackling them simultaneously. This will be a coordinated effort. We can't afford any mistakes."
Bell felt Riveria's presence beside him, a comforting anchor in the sea of uncertainty. He glanced at her, and she offered him a small nod of encouragement. It bolstered his resolve.
"Group one will be led by Riveria," Finn continued, pointing to the swordswoman who stood with her arms crossed, her expression serious. "Riveria, you'll take Bell and Ais with you."
Bell felt a surge of mixed emotions—excitement to fight alongside Ais and Riveria but also the weight of responsibility pressing on his shoulders.
"Group two," Finn went on, "will be led by Gareth. Tiona and Asfi will join you."
As Finn rattled off the teams, Bell found himself feeling more and more anxious about his role in the mission. He was thankful for Riveria and Ais fighting alongside him, but he couldn't help but worry about their safety as well as his own. He had no doubts about Ais's abilities; she was an incredible fighter and one of the strongest adventurers in Orario.
"Finally, group three will be under my command," Finn said, his gaze sweeping over the remaining adventurers. "Tione, Liliruca Arde and Welf Crozzo, and will come with me."
As Finn finished speaking, Bell let out a sigh of relief. He knew that he would be safe with Riveria and Ais by his side, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy about his role in the mission. After all, this was no ordinary excursion; they were preparing to embark on a battle that could determine the fate of the entire world.
Finn surveyed the gathered adventurers before speaking again. "Remember: this is a coordinated effort. You will not leave your assigned groups, and you will work together to achieve the objective. Is that clear?"
Bell swallowed hard and nodded, his pulse quickening as the gravity of the situation began to sink in.
Tione was ecstatic to be in the same group as Finn.
"Captain, nothing can come between us! We'll make love all night long, and I will have your babies!" she screeched enthusiastically, earning a chorus of laughter from the assembled adventurers.
"Let's keep our priorities straight here, Tione," Finn remarked dryly as he shook his head in amusement. "Now then, it's time to move out."
Riveria let out a sigh of exasperation at Tione's antics before turning to Bell and offering him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Bell Cranel," she said gently as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "We will be victorious in this fight; I'm sure of it."
Bell returned her smile with one of his own and nodded, the determination in his eyes mirroring hers. "Yes," he agreed, his voice filled with conviction.
Lili looked determined despite her small stature, while Welf cracked his knuckles in anticipation.
"We'll converge back here once we've secured all three shards," Finn instructed. "Communication is key. Stay alert and look out for each other."
Bell could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he nodded along with everyone else. This was it—the moment they had been preparing for.
"Any questions?" Finn asked, his eyes scanning the crowd.
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Bell spoke up. "What do we do if we encounter Medusa's forces?"
Finn's gaze met Bell's directly. "Engage if necessary but prioritize retrieving the shards above all else. We can't afford to lose focus."
With that final piece of advice, Finn dismissed them to prepare for their respective tasks. Bell turned to Ais and Lefiya.
"Ready?" Ais asked him, her eyes shining with determination.
Bell nodded firmly. "Ready."
Ais extended her hand toward him, and he accepted it without hesitation.
Bell and the others headed out into the depths of the tainted Dungeon, the air thick with anticipation as they prepared themselves for what lay ahead.