Author's Notes: Chapter edited and corrected by Scott Fellman.
Miach PoV.
"So, what do you think of her?" I asked after seeing my new daughter leaving the pharmacy and heading for the dungeon.
"Isn't it a little late to worry?" Naaza asked dryly, I smiled at her calmly.
"Still, you can have an opinion about it," I chirped with a shrug.
"She's strange," Naaza said with a shrug. "She's hiding a lot." She hummed lightly. "But she keeps her word," she added, bouncing the bag full of Valis that Bellatrix had left.
Just as Naaza had said, she kept her end of the bargain. She was able to sell most of the cores and some drops to the guild without any difficulty, thanks to her shapeshifting ability.
That ability was quite convenient. I know of some abilities that allow a person's appearance to be slightly altered, but how can she change so completely? I can only think of a few gods capable of doing that.
Truly, one should never underestimate the ability and talent of mortals.
"Oh, definitely." I agreed cheerfully. "She was sincere, but there were probably half-truths in all of that and a lot more to her," I said simply.
"So why accept it?" Naaza asked, raising an eyebrow at me. I shrugged and smiled broadly at her.
"Why are you worried?" I said honestly, I could see Naaza wrinkle her nose cutely before sighing tiredly.
"Of course I do." Naaza said tiredly, I laughed lightly.
"Don't worry, she definitely doesn't mean to hurt us." I said happily, Naaza snorted.
"That's good, because it would have been impossible for me to stop her." Naaza said, with almost self-loathing. I hummed softly.
"Yeah… you'd definitely have a hard time. Being able to climb up and down 17 floors in less than a day while killing so many monsters? I'd definitely put her at level 4 or even level 5." I agreed. Naaza grimaced.
"I really never thought someone without a Falna could be so strong." Naaza said, sounding almost impressed. I nodded.
"Is it that impressive?" I asked cheerfully. "It's entirely possible! The Falna only reveals a person's potential. The gods can't place anything that doesn't already exist; it's merely a shortcut. She must have worked hard to achieve that strength without a Falna." I pointed.
"And that's not scary at all," Naaza said sarcastically.
"It is!" I chirped. Naaza looked at me dryly. I shrugged and smiled. "But we can aim it at our enemies!" I added cheerfully. Naaza snorted.
"You have no enemies, you barely have any that you dislike, even Dian Cecht and his family, you couldn't hurt them." Naaza replied, and I pouted.
"But I can still have fun when she makes fun of others like the Loki Familia." I pointed out. Naaza let out a small laugh.
"That was good," Naaza said happily, and I laughed with her.
"Oh! And you know what I heard while I was out shopping this morning? " I asked excitedly. Naaza rolled her eyes.
"You mean while you were flirting." Naaza said coldly. I smiled at her awkwardly.
"Anyway! Word has gotten around that Bellatrix is a High Dark Elf!" I said excitedly. Naaza's eyes widened slightly.
"Wait, really?" Naaza asked incredulously, and I nodded repeatedly.
"Oh yeah! Everyone's been asking me about, and I quote, 'the High Dark Elf you have as a child.'" I said playfully. Naaza snorted.
"I mean, I can see it, her attitude, her clothes, and her mannerisms, she's definitely noble, even though she herself admitted it. Then what she did with Bete, and then Riveria's accusations, anyone would jump to that conclusion." Naaza said with an amused smile before stopping to think. "What if it's true?" Naaza asked, confused.
"That Bellatrix is a High Dark Elf?" I asked, confused, and Naaza nodded.
"I mean… if it looks like a Jack Bird, walks like a Jack Bird, and sounds like a Jack Bird … then it's a freaking Jack Bird." Naaza said slowly. "Besides, when Riveria called her an Elf, she never contradicted her. It was as easy as saying, 'I'm not an Elf' or 'I'm human,' and you and Loki would know the truth right away." Naaza added, and I opened my mouth before closing it.
"Bellatrix is a High Dark Elf?" I muttered in disbelief, but… Bellatrix herself had said it! There were only so many coincidences until something fit completely, and Bellatrix fit with everything they knew about Elves!
Clothes that covered their bodies, excellent in magic without a Falna, they hated or despised other races and being touched. They were impeccable in their manners, even while we were eating. Their way of speaking was perfect, everything fit!
Besides, she said she came to explore the Dungeon and have fun. Some people spend a lifetime descending into the dungeon without reaching any significant depth. Even Bella, with her huge head start, might take years to descend to a level she'd be satisfied with.
To the Elves, a few years were nothing; after all, Riveria was almost 100 years old and still as young as ever. That would also explain her strength; if she had decades or centuries to train, her strength wouldn't be unusual.
"That's… fantastic." I said happily, my eyes shining with excitement.
"You seem a little too excited about it." Naaza snorted, and I laughed lightly.
"Don't you? It's such a mystery surrounding Bellatrix! It's exciting trying to figure it out." I said excitedly. Naaza snorted.
"Just don't overdo it," Naaza snorted amusedly.
"I won't!" I said with a smile before coming to a stop. "Wait! Wasn't there a forest where elves cared more about acquiring knowledge! " I said as I snapped my fingers. Naaza hummed lightly.
"Mmm, yeah... I think I remember something like that, almost certainly they said that in their Great Sacred Tree, there was a great library." Naaza said while frowning.
"That one! I think it was called Shinis Forest? Yanette?
"Yenite?" Naaza interrupted me, my eyes widening slightly.
"That's it, Yenite Forest! Those Elves are full of thirst for Knowledge! Bellatrix practically joined our Family for the knowledge of potions for her wife! It all makes sense." I said happily, Naaza hummed.
"Well, it remains to be seen whether she's a dark elf or not. I'm no expert on elves to really know the difference. I'm not even sure if there are dark elves in Yenite Forest. Besides, Bellatrix doesn't seem really interested in knowledge; she only seeks it out for her wife." Naaza said with a shrug.
"Me neither!" I said honestly with a smile. "It's possible that Bellatrix is from another forest and her wife took her as a consort! Or Bellatrix is simply special and more interested in fighting than knowledge. All excellent possibilities, but we don't have to solve the whole mystery right now!" I chirped.
"So, no going directly to ask her?" Naaza asked dryly.
"No, no, no, of course not! If Bellatrix is hiding, it's her decision and we'll respect it." I said with a frown. Naaza simply nodded, then smiled slightly. "But... trying to uncover the mystery between us is still exciting." I said with a knowing smile.
Naaza shook her head as she began to pull out a stack of papers.
"Well, as exciting as that revelation was, I have potions to brew and things to write down. Bellatrix wanted a list of the monster drops we need, and then I'll be writing up the potion recipes. " Naaza said simply, I looked at her, slightly surprised.
"So, will you give them to her?" I asked with a knowing smile. Naaza shrugged.
"Yes, she is indeed from the Yenite Forest; it is much more likely that she simply wants to know and accumulate knowledge, or simply use it within the Forest; in no case is she a bother to us."
"Besides, she kept her end of the bargain, or is keeping it, so I don't see why I shouldn't do the same."
"And if they wanted money, after seeing what Bellatrix's wife can do, they definitely don't want to sell them."
Potions are unimportant; if you can create something like her storage bag or her camping tent, you wouldn't need the potions." Naaza said easily, and I grimaced, just because.
"I mean, that's the biggest thing, but there were things inside that tent that could also be very valuable, like those miniature portraits that moved, I'm sure many would pay a fortune for them." I said simply, Naaza nodded.
"Yes, so I'm not worried," Naaza said simply. "Are you preparing for Ganesha's feast?" Naaza asked. I looked at her in confusion.
"The banquet? You know I'm not attending, we have things to do." I quickly pointed out before Naaza pointed at the small bag filled with Valis once again.
"You weren't going because we needed the money, and someone has to make the deliveries, but we don't have to worry about money anymore. You can take the night off." Naaza pointed out. I opened my mouth before closing it. She... was right. Naaza looked at me amusedly, and I smiled slightly.
"Wow, my big child is forcing me to take a break." I laughed lightly, Naaza smiled softly.
"You've already done so much. You can go and enjoy the feast. The pharmacy will be fine for a few hours," Naaza said, shrugging her shoulders and trying to appear nonchalant. I laughed softly.
"Thanks, Naaza, I will. It will be good to see a couple of friends. I haven't seen Hephaestus in a while." I said happily, Naaza smiled brightly at me.
"Have fun," Naaza said with a smile.
"I will!" I said happily. "Is my suit packed?" I asked as I ran to my room.
"It's saved! If it's no good, take some of the money Bellatrix brought! Since we can't spend it all directly on potion resources, we can waste some for ourselves! " Naaza said simply.
"I'll see!" I said happily.
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"So that's the entrance to the 'I am Ganesha' banquet." I muttered with a trembling smile as I looked at the large Ganesha statue with the entrance ticket casually placed in Ganesha's crotch. I didn't remember it being here, but all the gods headed to that place.
I could only sigh as I started walking. I looked around at the entire banquet setup, greeted a few gods here and there, listened to Ganesha's speech, and finally found one of my targets.
"Hephaestus!" I greeted cheerfully as I approached. Hephaestus turned and seemed to do a double-take as she looked at me in surprise.
"Miach, although it is a pleasure to see you, it is equally strange to see you attending this banquet. I thought you were very busy." Hephaestus said with a smile. I just laughed lightly as I nodded.
"I did, but my oldest daughter insisted I take the night off, so here I am." I said with a soft smile, thinking of Naaza.
"Eldest daughter, huh… does that mean you really took a second child?" Hephaestus asked curiously.
"Ah, rumors travel fast," I said excitedly.
"It's Orario, rumors move faster than a high-level Adventurer." Hephaestus said dryly. I laughed happily, because yes.
"You're right," I said playfully. "But yes, someone joined our family yesterday!" I confirmed with a smile.
"I'm happy for you, Miach, congratulations." Hephaestus said with a smile.
"Thank you!" I said happily.
"So, it's also true that she-wait, is that Hestia?" Hephaestus asked in surprise as she pointed to one of the tables. I turned around, and my eyes widened slightly.
"Wow, Hestia is here too." I said in surprise.
"If you were a surprise, then this is a miracle," Hephaestus said in surprise. "But… seeing as she's practically eating her weight, it's possible she just came to eat," Hephaestus said dryly. I laughed lightly.
"Don't be so hard on her; it's hard to raise a small family." I chirped. Hephaestus snorted.
"Don't even think about it, she's stuck to me like a leech ever since she descended on Orario," Hephaestus said dryly. My eyes sparkled with amusement.
"You love it." I said playfully, and Hephaestus clicked her tongue, looking away.
"Let's go say hi to her." Hephaestus said, changing the subject and walking in Hestia's direction. I just laughed and followed Hephaestus. "Hestia! It's been a while, I'm glad you're okay." Hephaestus greeted her once she came closer.
"Hephaestus!" Hestia said happily as she turned around. "I knew you'd be here! So I was right to come here! " Hestia said happily. Hephaestus's expression immediately changed.
"I'll be clear, I won't lend you a single Vali," Hephaestus said dryly.
"W-how rude of you! What kind of goddess do you think I am! " Hephaestus didn't even answer. She just raised an eyebrow. Hestia blushed slightly. "That's a thing of the past!" Hestia complained. I just laughed in amusement.
"Hello Hestia, I see you're still as cheerful as ever." I said playfully as I approached.
"Ah! Miach!" Hestia said in surprise. "You're here too!" Hestia said happily. I nodded.
"I thought I'd take a break and attend," I said honestly. Hestia smiled widely.
"Fufu, it seems you guys are still as close as ever." A voice said behind us. I turned around and met Freya's gaze.
I had to do a double-take. Did she... look tired? It was barely noticeable, and I doubted any of her sycophants would notice, but... her eyes seemed strained, exhausted, and they darted around as if searching for something in the shadows. She was a little paler than usual.
Wow, something was bothering her?
"Tell me Miach… about your new daughter-" Freya began before stopping. I looked at her curiously; apparently, she had also heard the rumors.
"Oi! Hephaestus! Freya! Miach! Brat! " Loki's voice interrupted us as she shouted from afar. We all turned around. I smiled slightly, knowing exactly what would happen, and I could see Hephaestus sigh tiredly beside me.
"You! Your children were bullying my adorable Bell-kun! They tried to kill him" Hestia exploded, sounding furious.
"Ha!? My children would never do something like that! Don't believe those silly rumors! It's all Miach and his daughter's fault! " Loki retorted as she pointed her finger at me, and I puffed out my chest.
"Isn't my daughter adorable?" I asked cheerfully. Loki gritted her teeth.
"She accuses all my children of murder, or incompetence! All of Orario is talking about it! " Loki complained, I just laughed lightly.
"Yes, I already said it, my daughter is adorable!" I said happily, I could see Loki's eye twitch.
"So... are those rumors true?" Hephaestus asked, her gaze tense as she stared at Loki.
"No! Of course not! I would never order the death of the child of the big tits! " Loki replied indignantly.
"What did you call me, flat-chested!?" Hestia snapped, Loki shuddered. "Besides, my own Bell-kun told me everything! Your son was making fun of mine after yours made that mistake with the minotaur, and Bell-kun almost died! "
"You bit— " Loki paused before taking a deep breath and clicking her tongue. "Don't worry, Bete's already been punished for that, but there really wasn't any murder attempt," Loki said, crossing her arms before glaring at me. "It's all your child's fault," Loki snapped.
"Don't worry, everything she said was false, and she knew it," I said nonchalantly.
"Wait, what?" Loki, Hestia, and Hephaestus repeated in unison, sounding confused. I smiled slightly.
"Yes, my daughter made it all up; she wanted to have some fun," I said honestly. The three goddesses stared, open-mouthed.
"That little-" Loki growled before stopping and clicking her tongue. "Yes, well, she's made several enemies within my family, especially Bete's hatred. I've taken care of that, but I can't promise nothing will happen in the dungeons," Loki said tensely.
"Tch, so you really can't control your children, huh? " Hestia mocked contemptuously. Loki glared at her.
"Not when someone insulted and humiliated the entire family." Loki replied through gritted teeth. Loki looked at me once more. "Be grateful I warned you." I just smiled.
"Don't worry. Bellatrix, my daughter, is more than capable of protecting herself. Still, thanks for the warning," I said, sounding nonchalant. That was bad. I knew intellectually that Bete should be on the same level as Bellatrix, so there wouldn't be any problem escaping if something happened, but I couldn't help but worry about my new daughter.
"Tch, I'm sure all this is because I terminated the contract with your family, right? " Loki mocked, I smiled wide and innocently.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," I chirped. All the goddesses stared at me blankly, and I just kept smiling.
This was so much fun; I really need to attend more banquets.