"The moment I laid eyes on Haruhime-dono, I wanted to protect her like a ninja."
Mikoto recalled the fox girl, a hint of nostalgia crossing her face. Snow-white skin, sun-like golden hair. Even as a child, Mikoto could tell at a glance that Haruhime-dono was different from them—a noble figure who seemed to have stepped out of a fairy tale.
That endearing fox girl was now holding a storybook with grace. She seemed to have just finished reading, reluctantly closing the book before gazing up at the sky. To avoid detection, Mikoto stopped peering. The last image that lingered in her mind was Haruhime's lonely, solitary expression.
Mikoto returned to the shrine and urgently addressed Takemikazuchi, "I want to help that noble lady."
Takemikazuchi looked at Mikoto's eager face and responded with a smile, "That child is confined to the mansion every day; it's only natural she feels lonely. Very well, it's decided—you'll go and sneak her out!"
The god devised an operation plan for the children and thoughtfully added his Falna. With their physical abilities enhanced, Mikoto and Chigusa easily scaled the walls and brought Haruhime out.
"That kidnapping-like scheme was pretty ridiculous, wasn't it? Back then, I thought that was how I could repay Haruhime-dono."
Though childish, Mikoto's lips curved upward involuntarily as she remembered.
"You were lucky. If it had been anyone else, you would've been caught on the spot."
Bell murmured softly.
Beyond the [Falna], their success also had a lot to do with Haruhime's nature. The fox girl's innate innocence and kindness, preserved since childhood, remained undimmed. Upon spotting the intruders, her first reaction wasn't panic or summoning guards; instead, she maintained a respectful distance and inquired about their purpose.
After Mikoto explained that they wanted to take her out to play, Haruhime didn't suspect them in the slightest. She sat in the basket they had prepared, using ropes to climb over the high wall.
After laughing and playing freely on the grasslands, Haruhime experienced a joy she had never known before. And so, Haruhime and the others became friends, sharing this secret.
Mikoto repeatedly scaled the estate walls, taking Haruhime out to play. When Haruhime was surrounded by curious children and didn't know how to handle the boys, Mikoto would step in. While teaching the boys a lesson with her learned martial arts, she would accompany the fox girl like a ninja.
When Haruhime tried to help at the shrine but ended up messing up the chores, her tail drooping as she sighed in frustration, Mikoto would thoughtfully make amends, comforting her naive friend.
When Haruhime tumbled to the ground while playing with the children, her eyes brimming with tears, Mikoto would rush forward, check for injuries, and tend to Haruhime's scrapes.
Even after their secret escapes from the estate were discovered, Mikoto continued these actions. Dodging guards, she would take Haruhime away to laugh and play together. It was childish whimsy, yet a promise both treasured deeply.
"Once, I exchanged blows with the guards, took Haruhime-dono's hand, and fled into the fields."
Mikoto blinked, her violet-blue eyes gazing skyward. "At that moment, Haruhime-dono said to me... 'You seem like a hero from a story...'"
"In that moment, I felt I had found my purpose. No matter what, I must protect Haruhime-dono."
Mikoto bowed her head, a look of melancholy settling over her. Within that sorrowful expression, the memory seemed to draw to a close.
"By the time we heard the news, Haruhime-dono had already been estranged from her family..."
No farewell. No embrace. Haruhime simply vanished without a trace.
"I've made inquiries many times myself, never expecting Haruhime-dono to be sold into a brothel in Orario..."
Mikoto's gaze fell to the floor, motionless for a long while.
Bell took up the thread of the conversation, speaking calmly, "Thank you for telling me about the past. Regarding Haruhime-san's chastity, there's no need to worry for now. The real problem is a certain "disaster" happening in a month."
Bell had already explained the entire situation to Mikoto. On the appointed day, something detrimental to Haruhime would undoubtedly occur. Judging by Aisha's attitude, it was highly likely to threaten Haruhime's life.
"But... if we can't buy her freedom, what should we do?"
Mikoto frowned, asking with concern. Haruhime wore a specific collar and was under the close supervision of the Isthar familia. Mikoto truly had no idea how to save her.
"Actually, I've already made arrangements with Aisha-san. I plan to rescue Haruhime-san next month."
Bell slowly revealed his plan. "I intend to engage the Isthar familia in a War Game."
"..."
Mikoto's heart seemed to stop for a moment. In Orario, the Isthar familia ranked among the most formidable forces. Its members were predominantly Amazoness, with many combat prostitutes holding Lv.3 or higher, including an Lv.5 Adventurer known as [Androctonus].
Mikoto was first stunned, then suddenly realized the immense weight this youth had been carrying on his shoulders. She had known nothing at the time, arrogantly berating him—how utterly foolish!
"Bell-dono, please allow me to lend my strength!"
Mikoto lifted her head, meeting the youth's crimson eyes. This wasn't just for Haruhime—it was also to atone for her own mistakes.
"Mikoto-san, this matter will escalate to involve the familias. Can you really drag Takemikazuchi-sama and Chigusa-san into this?"
Bell struck directly at her vulnerability.
"But... Bell-dono, aren't you in the same position...?"
A troubled expression crossed Mikoto's face. Both were bound by their own ties; they had to consider everything carefully before acting.
"Yes, that's precisely why I haven't told anyone else."
Bell was biding his time, currently in a phase of dormancy.
"I don't understand, Bell-dono. Why are you so certain of victory? Aren't you afraid of failure?"
The thought of involving Takemikazuchi and Chigusa made Mikoto instantly hesitant. The power of the Isthar familia was overwhelming, and the disparity in strength was despairingly vast. Mikoto truly couldn't fathom why the boy remained so optimistic.
"Of course I worry. It's precisely because I fear losing that I give it my all."
Bell looked at the bewildered black-haired girl and added, "Mikoto-san, when you went to the mansion and secretly brought Haruhime-san out, didn't you consider that you might bring immense trouble upon the shrine?"
"...."
Mikoto had certainly considered it. Haruhime's father had sent a great deal of grain. If they angered him, not only would Haruhime be punished, but the shrine itself could be implicated. A minor incident meant everyone would go hungry; a major one might even see Haruhime's father use his position to torment Takemikazuchi.
But why had she been so certain of victory back then? Mikoto blinked, and Haruhime's words echoed in her mind once more. Perhaps this was what it meant to be a [Hero]. As long as one moves forward, fateful encounters and bonds accumulate. A true hero does not let them become shackles but transforms them into fuel for progress. The youth had grasped this truth from the very beginning.
"Bell-dono, I understand your resolve."
Mikoto paused briefly, lowering her head. "I know this is difficult, but Bell-dono is exceptionally wise. Is there any way I might contribute my strength? I beg you."
"Actually, that's precisely what I wanted to discuss. It seems our luck holds, as Takemikazuchi-sama has just returned."
Bell greeted the god and relayed the matter concerning Haruhime.
Takemikazuchi furrowed his brow and inquired, "I'm certainly willing to assist, but in a War Game, typically only two familias can participate..."
To oppose the Isthar familia, a War Game was the fairest method available. They controlled nearly half of the Pleasure District's revenue. The wealth they'd accumulated—if used to hire mercenaries—could create a force beyond imagination.
Takemikazuchi Familia grasped the gravity of the situation. Even an all-knowing god had no solution.
Bell took a deep breath and spoke, "Yes, so Takemikazuchi-sama, please entrust Mikoto-san to me."
"....?!"
"Pfft....."
Mikoto froze in place. Takemikazuchi spat out the tea he'd been about to drink.
Faced with the youth's astonishing declaration, the previously somber atmosphere instantly turned tense.
"Entrust her to you...?" Takemikazuchi asked, puzzled.
"Literally. I wish for you to allow Mikoto-san to join the Hestia familia."
Bell explained.
"..."
Mikoto, who had been utterly flustered, regained some composure. Had she not been stunned beyond words, she would have fled the scene already.
When Mikoto realized she had misunderstood the boy's words as a marriage proposal, her face flushed crimson as she listened silently to the exchange between the boy and the god.
"I am both a god and a father. To ask me to entrust Mikoto to you—you've got some nerve, kid."
Takemikazuchi deliberately adopted a threatening expression.
"There are many reasons. First, regarding Haruhime-san—I believe Mikoto-san's gravity magic would be exceptionally useful for restraint. It would certainly prove valuable."
Bell stated plainly.
"So you're only interested in my child's abilities?"
Takemikazuchi pressed relentlessly.
"Mikoto-san's strength is only part of it. She genuinely wishes to aid Haruhime-san. This way, she avoids involvement with the Takemikazuchi Familia while allowing Mikoto-san to fight without reservation."
Bell remained unshaken by the god's imposing presence, articulating his reasoning with clear logic.
"But if Mikoto joins the Hestia familia, what about Chigusa and the others?"
Takemikazuchi struck at the core of the matter. Mikoto, who prioritized her companions, would undoubtedly worry about Chigusa and the others.
"That's the most important reason. I saw Chigusa-san and the others in battle. To be honest, even if Mikoto-san wasn't involved at the time, their teamwork was incredibly smooth. What truly impacted the Takemikazuchi Familia was their impatience."
Bell recalled his experience in the dungeon and added, "It was probably because of the shrine's financial problems. They were too focused on money and couldn't adjust their pace."
"...."
Takemikazuchi immediately thought of the letter he had received earlier.
The number of orphans at the shrine had increased again, and so had their expenses.
He had only mentioned it casually after drinking, never expecting his Familia members to take it so seriously.
Looking at Mikoto, who sat silently with her head down, Takemikazuchi realized he had completely overlooked this detail.
Mikoto and the others must have pushed themselves too hard, taking on extra burdens.
"I will warn Chigusa and the others. Bell Cranel, thank you for the reminder."
Takemikazuchi bowed solemnly, his expression more serious than before.
"It's the least I could do. While Mikoto-san and I traveled, Chigusa-san and the others were still exploring the dungeon, right? Takemikazuchi-sama, you should know if they can handle things on their own."
Bell returned to the main topic.
The dungeon formation of the Takemikazuchi Familia operated with Ouka at its core.
Even without Mikoto, as long as they adjusted their pace and advanced steadily, they would be able to make progress without issue.
"You're right. There's no need to worry about those kids."
Takemikazuchi cracked his knuckles, his tone shifting. "Bell Cranel, here's one final test. Step outside and spar with me."
"If I hurt you..."
Bell hesitated in his response.
"Are you already confident you'll win before we've even started?" Takemikazuchi chuckled softly. "It's just bare-handed sparring—a light touch, nothing more."
At the god's invitation, Bell stepped out of the room to engage in the match.
Without Takemikazuchi using his divine power, Bell easily won the sparring match.
"I didn't expect you to be so skilled... Looks like you've been training hard since childhood."
Takemikazuchi said with a smile.
"No, it's because Takemikazuchi-sama was holding back, knowing my level, right?"
Bell muttered under his breath.
He had expected a tough fight, but it turned out to be just a formality.
"I didn't expect you to see through it, hahaha. I've agreed to the [Conversion], but you still need to ask Mikoto what she thinks."
Takemikazuchi thought for a moment and came to a decision.
Mikoto was stubborn. Rather than letting her get caught up in Haruhime's issue here and potentially cause trouble, it would be better to entrust the task to the wise youth.
His Familia Goddess was Hestia, and Bell Cranel's character was reliable. Takemikazuchi couldn't find a reason to refuse.
"But would Mikoto-san be willing?"
Bell turned to the dark-haired girl who had been listening quietly.
"Bell-dono, I..."
Mikoto's words trailed off, but she was interrupted by Bell.
"The rewards from exploration could multiply many times over."
"I..."
"The mansion is being renovated—you could have your own private bath!"
"Ugh... Bell-dono! I was already going to agree! Please don't tempt me like that!"
Mikoto blushed and raised her voice.
Amidst the laughter of the god and the youth, the decision was finalized.
[Absolute Shadow] Yamato・Mikoto — Joins Hestia's Familia.
—- —- —-
Yamato・Mikoto
Lv.2
Strength: H175
Endurance: H145
Dexterity: G224
Agility: G210
Magic: I95
Abnormal Resistance: I
Magic: [Futsunomitama]
Gravity Magic.
Creates a gravitational barrier in a designated area.
Skills: [Yatanokurogarasu]
Detects enemy presence within effect range; cannot be hidden.
Monster-specific; affects previously encountered monsters.
Can be activated freely.
[Yatanoshirogarasu]
Detects Familia presence within effect range.
Only affects those who share the same Falna.
Can be activated freely.