While Hestia and Arue were getting sorted downstairs, Bell was sitting in one of the pews pondering something.
What he was wondering about currently is when he summoned Arue. At the moment of her summon he could have sworn he heard a melodious voice say something in his ears.
"Tier 4 summon complete"
It nearly made him jump sky high in the air were it not for Arue's arrival bringing him back into focus.
He had summoned a 'Tier 4' summon apparently. Without really meaning to. When he first started the summon, all he could think of was this.
'I want the best I can get'
Now, he admits, it sounded kinda selfish. But he was just so curious.
Which may have had a great hand in what he is about to do…again.
Bell got up from the pew and made his way to where he first summoned Arue. Where he first used magic. His magic.
Bell was all giddy inside at the thought of it. He actually used magic! For real, like in the stories.
And he summoned a person…a living, breathing, person.
That boggled his mind even more. He had never heard of such power or abilities, or even read them in the stories he and his grandpa used to read.
In those stories, it was usually a familiar or a spirit to help the heroes on some quest and sometimes it was just to answer a difficult question they were having problems with.
A question Bell was asking himself now. Should he maybe…use the spell again.
A part of his brain knew that was probably a bad idea. They had just summoned someone just under an hour ago and now he was thinking about doing it again. The thought made him feel selfish but another thought also came forth.
'I could get more help for my Goddess!"
It's no surprise at all, to know that the Hestia familia wasn't in the best condition. A better description would be it was struggling. With Bell as the sole adventurer in the familia, it was his duty to go forth into the dungeon, slay monsters, and bring back magic stones to be traded in for valis.
And of course to explore the dungeon but that was a no brainer as well.
All by himself. Alone.
Meanwhile, his Goddess was working multiple jobs at food stands and shops to supplement their income as well as pay off some debts she owes to a friend of hers.
Bell honestly, just wanted the absolute best he could give to his Goddess. For taking him in and giving him a home, he would forever be grateful.
And he wanted to give something back to show his thanks.
Some time ago he bought some ribbons for her hair and his Goddess was ecstatic for the gift. Hugging him for nearly an hour as thanks.
It was a bit rough for him when she made sure to put her 'full' chest into the hug.
Now though, he could do more than just give her a gift. He could help the familia grow, if by a little and his grandpa did always say a little went a long way…before meandering into something called a 'man's romance'.
But he was getting off track.
Bell looked right at where he summoned Arue. He raised an arm toward the area and repeated the words to call forth his magic.
"By my voice hear.
My words come.
Answer my call and come forth."
Again a large glowing flower made of magic appears again, getting steadily brighter.
Bell heard the voice again.
'Tier 1 summon complete.'
The flower bloomed again in a flash of light. Briefly obscuring his vision again.
When he tried to open them again, he found he couldn't. His eyes felt so heavy. His arms lost their strength and his legs felt like jelly.
He briefly heard a voice. It sounded concerned. After that, Bell experienced unconsciousness.
After using such potent magic, Bell experienced Mind Down for the first time.
Arue and Hestia were pulling at each other's cheeks on the bed. Arue was on her back while Hestia loomed over her.
They each had each other at a stalemate. Both of their hands on one another's cheeks with tears in their eyes but a determined gaze to them.
Hestia was not gonna let this over dramatic hussy draw her bell into temptation. The new skill of his was already proving troubling, the accompanying skill on Arue only compounded things and made Hestia go into full 'preserve chastity' mode.
Arue thought what she said was hilarious. The actions of the Goddess only made her more amused. This Goddess was so easy to tease it seemed. Now though, her cheeks we're getting numb. This went from playful to painful in just a short time. But would she apologize?
No.
"Gib up!" The Goddess above Arue said, "your teeks aren't nooking too guud." She finished, words distorted by her stretched cheeks.
"Neber!" Arue exclaimed, her pride aflame and words just as messy, "I'm nod gunna abologize for a joke!"
"Wor you joking?"
"…Maybe."
Hestia gave another yell before pulling harder. Arue doing just the same then.
They both felt the magic in the air then. Coming over them like the wind.
They stopped what they were doing and turned their heads to the door. Where they saw a brief flash of light in the gaps of it.
Hestia and Arue looked back at each other before letting each other go and rushing upstairs.
Bell was in a dreamless state. He felt as if his body and mind were completely drained of energy. Even trying to open his eyes was too much.
Instead, Bell rested. He slept dreamlessly, not even having the strength to dream.
He did not know for how long he rested. He was too tired to worry about that honestly.
He was just tired…so so tired.
A sound eventually stirred him to consciousness. A chirping sound that he could barely make out but could be recognized if he was paying attention enough.
' Birds,' he thought.
He blearily opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling of his and Hestia's living quarters. He was on the bed, given its softness, the pillow his head lay on, and the blanket pulled up to his chest.
He turned his gaze to the basement window and saw that the orange light of the evening was being replaced with the bright yellow light of morning.
'I must have collapsed after that last summon,' Bell thought, 'guess I used too much magic.'
Which, now that Bell thought about it, he got lucky overall with just passing out.
He recalled that his status for magic was a big fat zero. He was pushing his luck the first time, never mind the second.
Bell exhaled a sigh, he really needed to think things more carefully. No matter how exciting or tempting they may be.
'But I can cast magic,' he thought again with a smile. His excitement at the fact still tickled him silly for it.
Bell still had a smile on his face as he got up. Or tried to in any case. He found a weight on his chest and stomach that wasn't the blanket but was quite warm and soft.
He lifted the cover off him to see his Goddess laying on him. Her chest pressing just below his own, giving reason to the softness he was feeling.
Bell nearly screamed, his Goddess did it again! This wasn't the first or even the third time this has happened but it didn't cease in making him blush up a storm or, in some cases, scream in embarrassed panic.
He tried to move himself out from under his Goddess, only to find out that it was much more difficult with her legs entangled with his.
"Goddess please!" Bell whispered, slowly untangling his lags with hers and moving upward on the bed.
"Mmmmm…Bell," Hestia murmured and as if fate was plotting against him, Hestia moved herself further up on his chest.
Now Bell felt his Goddess's soft breasts in greater detail. Plump, soft, and firm as they glided up to him.
Bell was near hyperventilating as his Goddess moved further up him before eventually stopping with her head by his neck. Her soft breathing tickling his skin.
Soon though, Hestia eventually ended her head on the pillow. After which, she flopped her body to the side in a less than divine display for a Goddess.
Bell briefly watched as her chest moved about in the action. Then shook his head as if riding himself of his thoughts, before pulling the blanket off himself and over his Goddess. Who snuggled even further into the bed. Muttering Bell's name with a dopey smile.
"And so the rabbit escaped the clutches of the busty predator. Escaping a fate many would want but never have. But how long can he escape before he is…eaten good and proper," a familiar voice said just above a whisper, careful not to wake the Goddess up.
Bell turned to the voice and saw Arue on the couch in her pink clothes with her cloak absent. She was sitting on the couch with a pillow near where she sat at the end and a blanket bundled on the other side. Her feet were propped up on the table and Bell could just nearly see…
Bell, once again, rid his mind of temptation filled thoughts and stood from the bed. Time to get to business.
"What happened?" He asked, gradually approaching her. Making sure to come at an angle so not to see up her skirt.
Arue smiled when she saw Bell walk toward her. She wasn't surprised given his other reactions since he summoned her.
'He's so unused to women. Not surprising but could dampen a few things in the future. Especially if he keeps summoning more help,'
Arue's thoughts were one of worry at first before they began drifting to her more honest thoughts.
'But he's just so much fun to tease! His reactions are straight out of the stories I've read.'
Arue was still herself even in this world. Finding entertainment in the people around her and a new story to bring to her mind.
Maybe Bell will get used to the company he's gonna have. If so, it's gonna take a good deal of time for him to get used to it.
Or maybe not. Arue could tell there was more to her summoner that she hasn't seen yet. Maybe she will, in the dungeon.
Bell finally got himself seated in a chair nearby, looking at Arue while he waited for an answer.
"You did something reckless," Arue started, her smile replaced with a frown, "You decided to use magic again, forgetting that it was still your first time with it."
She closed her eye and rubbed at her eyepatch, "After Hestia blessed me," she was gonna leave out the little battle she and the Goddess ended up in, "she and I felt the magic in the air before seeing a light beyond the door. We rushed up and found you collapsed with your new summoned ally fretting over you."
She turned and gave Bell a look, "Quite the first impression to give to a new Familia member."
Bell could only lower his head in embarrassment and shame.
"Sorry," he began, "I was just so excited about getting magic and…and I was happy that I had a way to get more members in our family."
Arue raised a brow, "Family? Not 'familia'?"
Bell blushed and looked away even further, "it's just been me and my Goddess so far," he started, ignoring the question,"between me going into the dungeon and Hestia working her part time jobs. We haven't been able to recruit anyone to our Familia," he gave a long sigh, "not that anyone wants to join a brand new Familia like ours."
Arue stared at Bell a moment longer, reassessing him. He didn't summon again simply on just a wimsey. He summoned again to make his familia bigger. To help it and to help his Goddess.
This boy was way too sweet for the world. Maybe even too sweet for her stories.
All the pity there. He would have made a saucy protagonist. A hit with female readers looking to quench their thirst with such a young innocent soul.
Ah well, there's still time for him to grow.
"But what about who I summoned?" Bell asked, looking around, " I don't see anyone else here."
Arue nodded, "She's still here. She's just taking a shower right now."
Bell listened then and could hear the water running in the bathroom.
Arue rose from the couch then and went to pick up her cloak that she had on a rack on the wall next to Hestia's uniforms she wore for her jobs.
With a rather dramatic flourish, Arue put her cloak on with a final clipping at her breasts, turned back to Bell and said, "She was concerned about her impression on you and decided to take a shower a short while ago," she pointed at the doorway that led to the bathroom, "perhaps your deviancy corrupted her somehow and she needs to wash the dredges of it from her soul!" she ended with a stylish poke in Bell's direction, who was feeling put off guard by the sudden dramatic change.
"Wait! What!" Bell exclaimed.
"To think such a new maiden brought forth into this world, must be summoned by such a lustful demon. Truly! How long will it be before your mere thoughts start corrupting me as well? Must I bathe to rid myself of your dirty imaginations upon my body?"
"It's not like that! My thoughts aren't like that!"
"Impossible I say the proof is already…evident," Arue was on a bombastic roll before something caught her gaze and drew her momentum down.
Bell blinked at her, wondering where all her energy went. He was so flustered from here to high heaven that he didn't know how to react to the next tease, besides screaming his denial again of course.
But something drew Arue to a halt on her next words and she was staring at something towards the…restroom.
As Bell turned to gaze at what had paused Arue, he now understood exactly why she was caught so wrong footed.
A young woman stood in the doorway of the entrance to the bathroom. She looked to be around Bell's age if not a year older at most. With short dark purple hair that framed a young, cute face with light purple eyes.
She possessed a blessed figure as well. Big breasts, curved hips, and a generous bottom.
Bell knew this because he saw all of it. All of her.
Naked.
The girl stared at Bell and Bell stared at her with his face growing embarrassed and horrified at the same time.
"…"
"…!"
"…"
"…!!"
She looked away and covered herself with her hands and arms, "As I thought," she said in a soft voice, "I'm not quite there yet."
"I-I-I'm so sorry!!!" Bell shouted out loud, kneeling on the ground with his head flat towards it. Keeping his eyes closed as tight as possible.
"Wa-huh? What's the noise? What time is-huh!!" Hestia's voice suddenly arrived but Bell wouldn't dare to look at anything right now.
"My my…the story ideas I have right now, a little saucy perhaps but guaranteed to grab a reader by the-"
"Rejected!!!" Hestia cut Arue's words off before they went further, "I'll have none of that! And you put some clothes on!"
"Wait…let me try again. I can be braver." The new girl's voice was still soft but with conviction.
"No! You're brave enough and bold enough! My child and I can see that! Now put some clothes on, you nudist!"
"I am not a nudist…I haven't reached that level of bravery yet."
"So you planned to be a…"
The whole scenario was getting crazier and crazier. His Goddess was yelling at the new girl for her perverted showing. Arue was just watching and taking mental notes for later. While Bell still bowed low.
Things kept getting crazier and crazier and no matter how hard he tried, he could still see the nude figure of the girl in perfect detail. He was embarrassed and deep, deep, deep down…thankful.
After that whole debacle was over and done and all three of her children were sitting before her. Well. Two were sitting on the couch while her Bell was sitting in a chair to the side.
The Goddess coughed to get everyone's attention. The two before her already had their eyes on her. Bell had to look up then, he was still embarrassed, the precious boy.
"Now that everything has calmed down," she gestured to the new girl, to Bell, "Bell. I would like to introduce you to our new member. One you were so kind enough to 'invite'." she said 'invite' with a clear smile that was not a smile. It scared Bell.
"Please introduce yourself," Hestia nodded to the girl. Who rose up to face Bell. Fully clothed, thankfully, in a school uniform of some kind.
"It is nice to meet you. My name is Hana Sunomiya and I am here to aid my summoner in any way possible. I just ask for one favor in return."
She then bows fully to Bell and asks, "let me see and experience eccentric things in this world!"
Bell was caught off guard, 'Eccentric? What?'
Hana rose up from her bow, "Let me explain. In my world, things like dungeons, dragons, elves, dwarfs and many other things were just something out of imagination and put into story books. Here though, they're real," she had a fire in her eyes and raised a fist, "already knowing some things about this world from my summoning has only increased my passion to experience them more. My creative soul is a-light to see them with my own eyes."
Bell was flummoxed. There wasn't a dungeon in her world? Dwarfs and elves were just in storybooks?
He didn't think of it earlier because of his excitement with his magic, but now that he does think about it. He may be summoning people from worlds where his was something out of a story.
But that also means he could be summoning people from worlds like the ones he read in books. Which brought his excitement back in full. What manner of figures could he bring forth from his stories? Mighty knights. Mysterious spell casters. Dashing rouges. So many possibilities!
Bell allowed his excitement to fuel his features and smiled at Hana, "I'll do my best!" he exclaimed.
The girl, Hana, smiled in thanks, still carrying a determined expression on her face.
Arue found it cute. Both her summoner and the new arrival are off to a good start with each other.
Hestia too found it cute…but there were more immediate matters to attend to.
She clapped her hands to get everyone's attention, "Alright, back on point," she began, "Hana is a new member to our familia and has already received my blessings. I explained what I could to her while you were passed out," she turned a look to Bell, "Which brings us to another matter. Bell!"
Bell stood ramrod straight before his Goddess as if she were a drill instructor.
"You did something incredibly reckless yesterday," Hestia went on, "I get that your new magic is exciting but you need to remember something," she walked up to him and leaned forward, focusing on him more. Which Bell would have found intimidating were it not for her chest bouncing when she did it.
He couldn't catch a break today…not that he deserved one.
Hestia continued, "Your last update showed you have a zero in terms of magic. You don't have the strength yet to perform magic like that all willy-nilly."
Her words reached their destination and Bell understood. He jumped ahead when he should have walked. Using magic like that with a zero in stats. That was already a recipe for disaster.
He got lucky passing out. If he pushed it even further, who knows what could have happened.
He may not be standing here if that's the case.
Hestia saw understanding and shame on Bell's face. It didn't please her to do this but it had to be done. Her child was sweet but impulsive at times.
She still remembers when he killed his first goblin. The event made her smile that day.
"Just promise me Bell," Hestia said, "promise me you won't use that spell haphazardly like that again. I don't want to lose you so soon."
Bell felt the shame again. He shouldn't make his Goddess worried like that. He didn't mean to but that is hardly an excuse now.
"I'm sorry," he said in a soft voice l, it was all he could say.
Hestia put both her hands on Bell's cheeks softly. Gaining his attention. Any embarrassment Bell had was taken out of him from the look in his Goddess's eyes. They were eyes that held forgiveness and the kindness that brought Bell into the Hestia familia.
"It's okay," she said, "Just be careful, okay?"
Bell could only nod. He was nearly in tears at his Goddess's kindness.
The two were so wrapped up in their moment that they forgot one thing.
"My. With my red eye, do I spot something more inspirational for story craft? Could this be where the embrace and passion soon begin?
"Such devotion! Truly eccentric! Please continue!"
That they were not the only ones in the building.
Bell gave a sharp squeak before jumping back, not unlike a startled rabbit.
Hestia was left slightly fuming. 'Another opportunity, lost.'
She gathered her composure before turning to her new children. "Alright then," she began, "continuing on, Arue and Hana need to register at the guild now. Bell, I want you to take them there and show them around. They are experiencing our world for the first time and they need a guide. Can you do this for me?"
Bell rose out of his flustered state and gave a resolute nod, "Yes Goddess!" he said.
"Can you help them wherever it's needed?"
"Yes Goddess!"
"Can you help them if they enter the dungeon?"
"Yes Goddess!"
"Can you promise not to give into any wiles they throw at you?"
"Yes Godd-huh!!"
"Answer the question! Don't hesitate!"
Arue saw that this was just gonna postpone things even further and elected to do something about it.
It was then she stood up, walked over to Bell, and looped her arm around his.
"Now. Now. That's enough for now I think. Hana and I are eager to see this world of yours with our own eyes and can barely wait any longer."
Hana, who was watching everything unfold with a blank expression, felt her excitement stir at the Crimson Demon's words.
It was no surprise that she went to Bell's other side and looped her arm in with his as well.
"Yes! Let us be off. There is much to do and see," determination really burned in her eyes now.
Why did she decide to copy Arue at that moment?…it seemed like the most eccentric thing to do.
With both his arms held, Bell was led along to the Church's exit. Flanked side by side with his new Familia members.
Who's breasts he could feel squishing into his arms tightly.
The sensation nearly made him pass out. His new members were very…gifted.
"Wait! Wait! Wait!" the Goddess's voice reached them, drawing them to a stop, "Do you remember what I told you two?"
Arue sighed and nodded with Hana just nodding once in reply.
"Yes, yes. We'll keep a lid tight on our status, as by your request," Arue replied in a manner sounding as if she went through this topic over and over again against her will, much to her annoyance.
"Good," Hestia nodded, "Some aren't quite ready to hear about your…skills just yet." For a moment, it looked like she briefly looked at Bell. As if trying to be subtle.
Arue knew better and recalled the talk she, Hana, and Hestia had while Bell was unconscious.
Hestia raised the paper from Hana's naked back. On the paper were the contents of Hana's status and abilities.
Hana Sunomiya
S: 29
E: 18
D: 31
A: 20
M: 7
Skills:
Adaptive Space: User gains temporary increase in strength and dexterity based upon short distance perimeter with opponents.
Passion Recipient: Status can be increased to a degree by intimacy with the summoner. Full copulation results in better increases. Results to status vary upon intent and focus.
Numbers were very decent for a beginner adventurer and, like Arue, Hana was blessed with a skill right off the bat. Two skills actually.
With one being the same as Arue.
"This is crazy," Hestia groaned in frustration, "I heard of adventurers getting the same skill as others every now and again but I think this is more detailed than chanced."
She handed the stat sheet to Hana who was just finishing putting back on her clothes.
Hestia decided not to comment again on Bell summoning another well endowed girl into being. Some things were just gonna have to wait.
'My chest is still the best though,' the Goddess thought…rather childishly.
Hana stared at the status on the paper and her cheeks started to glow a bit red when they reached the expected skill set.
"That is," Hana began, "a very unique skill to have."
She sounded unsure but not disgusted, surprisingly.
Hestia nodded, "Arue said something similar. Now that we see it on you, I can only guess it's because of Bell's new magic," she frowned deeply then, "and that new magic came from one of the most perverted Gods in Heaven."
Hestia leaned back on the bed she was on with Hana, staring at the ceiling in exasperation. Her thoughts directed at the 'perverted' God in Heaven.
'What are you up to? And why did it have to be my Bell?
Her thoughts were broken by a polite cough from Hana, who still held the sheet of paper in her hands. "If I may,Goddess?" she asked, "At the very least, it seems more optional as a skill."
Hestia thought about that. She was correct, the skill didn't seem to compel them to be intimate with Bell but it was still a potent motivator to say the least.
It was also possible that there was more to the skill that she was not seeing.
'Just what exactly did you do to my Bell, Eros, and why him?'
"Goddess?"
Hana's voice broke the Goddess out of her thoughts again. She really needed to get back on track.
Looking at Hana, Hestia said, "Like I said earlier, Arue also has that skill. Since it's on you as well, it's safe to say that anyone Bell summons will also have that skill as well."
"A fair assumption to be sure," a familiar voice replied, Hestia and Hana both looked at Arue, who was seemingly getting ready to sleep on the couch. She had removed her cloak and placed it on the rack by the stairs. She was now only in her pink clothes and was setting up the extra blanket and pillow Hestia and Bell had around.
Not looking up from her task of getting ready to sleep, Arue continued, "the summoning that called us forth is unique to say the least, there are bound to be caveats here and there that can't be explained." she patted the pillow on the couch and stood up, seemingly satisfied with her work.
She turned to face the two again, "The skill Hana and I share is nonetheless a boon though," her gaze then went to her summoner, who lay on the Bed in a deep, deep sleep, "helps that the summoner is a cutie."
"No!" Hestia exclaimed, jumping out of the bed to stand protectively in front of the bed, "No! Denied! Negative! I'm not going to let you sink your fangs into Bell!"
Arue sighed and looked at the Goddess before her, "I'm not talking about going all the way like the skill said. Remember what it said before, 'Status can be increased to a degree by intimacy with the summoner', it doesn't necessarily mean going all the way," she paused, thinking, "a greater degree of choice for a lust God to be sure."
Hestia grumbled and was forced to admit, "Yeah, that's true."
She then thought for a moment, before realizing something and acting quickly, "Arue, Hana! Let me check your status again."
Arue looked surprised at the Goddess's change in demeanor, like she just realized a mistake. She would have asked more but the little Goddess of the Hearth's expression left her no room to complain. Hana too saw the sudden change and proceeded to show her back to the Goddess as well.
Another moment later and Hestia was holding two new pieces of paper with an air of relief, "that was a close one." she sighed.
Arue and Hana got to look at the new status sheets in her hands and saw that the skill they both shared was no longer a part of the results.
"Lady Hestia?" Hana asked, leaving the unspoken question obvious.
"In the morning, you two will take these status to the guild when you register," Hestia said, " I took that skill off the sheets because a skill like that could raise some questions. Not to mention how rare a status boosting skill is in the first place."
Arue heard the Goddess's explanation and nodded, "I see. Keeps unwanted attention off us from powers that would take advantage of us and keep our origins a secret overall."
Hana was quick on the uptake as well, "Hiding the fact we're summons and Bell's new ability."
Hestia nodded again, "If anyone found out about Bell's new magic, it could bring the attention of more power hungry Gods and Goddesses, something that our Familia is not prepared for."
Arue and Hana nodded. It was sound logic to be sure. They knew of the attitudes and desires of some Gods from what little information they received upon their summoning. A power hungry
God or Goddess would definitely capitalize or intimidate the Hestia Familia if given the chance. A beginner Familia like theirs would hardly stand a chance.
"Now that that's settled," Hestia said before getting up and moving to Bell, "it's time to sleep." She then proceeded to lift the covers off Bell slightly, bent down, and move under them, giving the two an unknowing flash of her panties doing so.
After some squirming under the covers, Hestia found a comfortable spot and proceeded to rest, nearly squealing in joy when she felt Bell's hand on her back.
Arue and Hana looked at them on the bed for a moment before turning to each other, "A thirsty virgin God. Never read that in a story," said Arue.
Hana only nodded, before adding, "She's eccentric though," she smiled then, "there's a beauty in that."
Arue shrugged and proceeded to go to the couch where she set up her own sleeping arrangements. She paused then and looked back at Hana, "By the way," she began, "did you decide where you are going to sleep."
Hana thought for a moment and looked around, she was caught up with her summoner passing out and this new world that she neglected where she would sleep tonight.
She could sleep on the floor or the table by the couch if it could hold her weight. It was a difficult decision but she was not adverse to it. She was a Sunomiya, they endured for their creativity and passion, this would be no differ-
"You can sleep next to me if you would like?"
Hana turned her attention to Arue, who was on the couch with the blanket raised over her in invitation. There was enough space for two people to sleep on the couch.
"You don't mind?" Hana felt compelled to ask.
"Not at all," Arue said with a gentle smile, " I used to have sleepovers with classmates in my world. I'm not unfamiliar with cuddling in a bed or a couch in this case."
Hana thought for a moment before deciding, it was bold of her but most of all…
It was eccentric!
Hana removed her school uniform and left herself in her underwear before going to the couch. Arue didn't raise any objections and waited patiently.
Hana went under the covers and after looking at Arue's smiling face, she decided to turn and face away from her on the couch.
'Still not brave enough!' she thought.
Arue lowered the covers over them and quickly they began to rest.
After the first birds started to sing, Hana woke to take a shower.
Few minutes later, Bell would wake and start an eccentric morning.
Bell Cranell was in an interesting spot right now. After leaving their home, Bell found himself giving a brief tour of Orario while escorting his new Familia members to the Guild to get registered as adventurers.
It was quite entertaining to see some of their expressions as they passed homes, restaurants, stalls, stores, street performers and more.
After entering the street proper, the girls let go of his arms, to his embarrassing relief, and started to take in the sights, sounds and smells around them.
Arue kept a polite smile and visage on while she gazed at everything around her. Her intention was to seem impressed but not excited but Bell saw how she looked at everything with focus. Especially in regards to some of the buildings that towered over them.
Comparing it to the village she was from, it practically dwarfed it on every level. It could be a bit overstimulating for anyone else in the Crimson Demon village. Luckily she was well versed in an ingenious poker face that got her through in life.
Hana, by contrast, was initially trying to keep a calm visage as well. That only lasted ten seconds.
When Hana saw an elf, she was shocked by their mystic features and beauty. When she saw a dwarf, she was shocked by the height but amazed by the wall of muscle they seemed to be. It almost became an issue when she saw the animal-people.
She nearly ran to see a legitimate cat girl, chienthrope, and sheep girl sitting at a cafe having drinks.
Bell stopped her by her collar and dragged her back on path. Where Hana took in more and more sights with undisguised amazement. Her thoughts on the stories she read paled in comparison to the reality before her.
Everything and everyone before her eyes were beautiful and amazing, and most of all, eccentric!
Bell watched them take in everything with a small smile, remembering when he walked these streets as a fresh faced wannabe adventurer from a tiny village. It was very hard for him at first and now he gets to do something no one but his Goddess was able to do.
He gets to help those in need for their adventure.
As they near the Guild, with Arue and Hana both gaping at the size and architecture of the building, Bell couldn't help but feel giddy about another thing.
He no longer was adventuring alone.
Inside the guild, there is a half-elf that could be described as professionally beautiful. Her hair a sweet brown color and eyes a rich green already made her a sight to see at first glance. Her uniform marking her as a Guild employee seemed to enhance a generous figure that added to her beauty.
This person's name is Eina Tulle. Advisor to adventurers and dutiful overall guild member.
She took her tasks seriously and did them with a professional accuracy that barely anyone could approach.
Despite her work acumen making her seemingly come off as coldly professional at times. She was in fact a very caring professional in her field. Always encouraging those she was assigned to to ask questions when they wanted to and give advice when she could give it.
Bell was very lucky to have her as his advisor and always counted on the info she could provide for him.
Bell walked up to the counter where she was, "Miss Eina," he began, "good morning!"
Eina raised her head from her look to see Bell's smiling face. She smiled as well, welcoming the interaction, "Good morning Bell! Are you feeling alright after yesterday?"
The incident with the minotaur was still fresh in the minds of those in the Guild and any adventurer who saw him run into the Guild covered in blood.
It was a sight none of them will ever forget not because it was horrifying, because it was. It was because it was hilarious.
Though any laughing would be silenced by glare from Eina.
"I'm fine. Thanks for asking," replied Bell, "I've also got some good news!" The excitement in his voice was telling. Eina was momentarily taken aback by it.
Bell gestured behind him at two girls, both close to him in age, one with purple hair and wearing a school uniform and another with dark hair, a red eye, wearing a pink uniform and gray cloak, as well as wearing an eyepatch of some kind.
They were also very blessed in their figures from what Eina could tell and at such a young age.
"These are Arue and Hana and they're new members of the Hestia Familia." Bell's voice absolutely showed his joy.
Eina could definitely pick up on his excitement and with good reason. Bell was the first member of the Hestia Familia, more to it he was technically its founder as its first member and its captain by default.
But it must have been so lonely for him and his Goddess back home. Now though it seems, things have changed.
Their names declared, both new members introduced themselves.
"Yes! My name is Arue! The most voluptuous of the Crimson Demons and future author!" She finished with an exaggerated pose that made her chest bounce.
Eina needed a moment to process that, "The most…voluptuous? Crimson Demons?"
"And I am Hana Sunomiya," the other girl said with a polite bow, "I am here to experience eccentric things." The last thing said was spoken softly but carried a burning passion.
Eccentric things? What does that all entail?' These new members were already throwing Eina for a loop.
Bell for his part went from excited to sheepish after his new Familia members introductions. Especially in a public place like the Guild.
There were already eyes on them, wondering what they just heard.
Bell had to think quickly.
"Umm Miss Eina," he began, "Is there any place we could-"
"Follow me to a private room. We can work on the paperwork there." Eina's quick response cut off Bell's question.
"Thank you very much." Bell said, embarrassed and grateful.
After some time and explaining as well as some necessary paperwork. Arue and Hana were almost officially registered adventurers.
Though Eina was curious about something when they filled out their registration papers. Their previous residence was left blank. Which altogether wasn't uncommon.
Many adventures leave that part blank due to some…sordid history or something similar and many leave it blank because some literally came from nowhere or had nowhere to go back to.
It made Eina curious for a moment but it wasn't worth pursuing right now. It was optional for a reason, like many things on the form.
Even the 'name' was optional. Which Arue picked up on and tried to write down her whole apparent 'title' as her name.
Bell and Eina both jumped in and stopped her before she got started. They also had to stop Hana from doing something 'eccentric' with her name.
These two were already a handful and Eina could not help but sympathize with Bell a bit. On the other hand though, she was also happy for him in finding new members to help him in his adventures.
He had another responsibility now though and it was time to mention it.
"Bell," Eina said, voice suddenly firm and demanding attention. It brought the response needed, because Bell suddenly became ramrod straight on the couch across from her.
"I know you probably know this but I feel it must be said," she continued, "You now have new Familia members to your ranks and you, as the most senior member, could be considered their captain."
Eina let the words sink in, this was information that if Bell hadn't thought about already, be needed to now.
She went on, "They are also your new party members. They have virtually no knowledge of the dungeon, outside of what we discuss in here and discussing and experiencing are different things," she leveled a more fierce look at Bell, "as I'm sure you know from yesterday."
Bell nodded, his face stern. He was focused on the words and meanings that Eina was conveying to him.
"They are your responsibility, Bell. In more than just adventuring. They are part of your Familia and you need to watch after them. Do you think you can do that?"
Bell didn't need to think about it for a second. He had time to think on his way to the guild and the more he thought about it. The stronger his conviction became.
"Yes!" he exclaimed, "I'll take that responsibility on, for myself, my Familia, and my Goddess." His eyes were focused when he said that, his voice strong and unwavering.
Eina was honestly taken quite aback by it and given how Arue and Hana leaned back from him in surprise, their own eyes wide, so were they.
Bell meant it, Eina could clearly see that.
To think just yesterday he was asking about the Sword Princess while covered head to toe in blood. What a sudden change.
Then again, many adventurers aren't the same after some trips into the dungeon. Even someone as green as Bell was bound to change a little.
"My, our captain is bold to be sure," Arue suddenly said with a smile, sitting on the couch and leaning on Bell's arm. Bell suddenly lost his serious demeanor and replaced it with the typical flushed expression Eina knew him plenty for.
"He is not just bold," Hana suddenly said, appearing from the other side of the couch and leaning close to his face in focus. Inadvertently pushing her own sizable chest into his other arm, though she seemed oblivious to it , "He is positively eccentric too."
Bell found himself caught off guard and blushing up a storm at his two new companion's actions.
Eina was blushing too at the apparent boldness of the two but she focused on Bell more than anything and still saw the blushing nervousness that put a smile on her face whenever he visited.
He hadn't changed all that much it seemed. It honestly relieved her a bit.
Now though it was time to move onto a different matter, a final matter.
Eina cleared her throat to begin and drew back the attention of those before her.
"Well now all that is needed is a status sheet from you both, for our own records," she began, "and after that we can discuss some beginner equipment provided by the Guild," she smiled with a tilt of her head then, "for a reasonable fee of course."
Bell then remembered something important then and there. That both his new Familia members didn't have any money for equipment and as he felt Arue and Hana lean into him more, he realized that he was going to have to step up here.
Bell's first day as a leader of a new party and official captain of his Familia, was gonna be financially painful at first.
He could only give a slight whimper when he handed the valis over. 'Reasonable?' It wasn't reasonable when he got his equipment!
So far, today was quite the start for the Hestia Familia.