The sun shone brightly. Adventurers chatted and laughed along the streets. After surviving the dungeon uprising, everyone now wore a look of resilience and determination.
At first, there was much debate over the crescent moon and the bow. But once the gods joined in, the conversation turned to the goddess Artemis, and the stories and mysteries surrounding her. Who exactly was the hero called [Orion]? How had he defied the divine will? What methods had he used to achieve such an unprecedented miracle? Even a week later, people continued to talk about it with enthusiasm.
"It must be the power of love!"
"A union between mortal and divine—how beautiful."
"I'd love to meet this Orion. He must be a really handsome man."
"..."
Bell listened to the passersby's chatter, saying nothing. Since Mikoto had to pack her things and deal with her familia transition, Bell had said his goodbyes to the Takemikazuchi Familia and was preparing to head to the Guild to report in.
"Bell...?"
A clear voice called out from across the street.
"Eina-san, it's been a while."
Bell stepped forward, smiling as he greeted her.
"Hmph... What do you mean 'it's been a while'? You just vanished from Orario without a word—do you have any idea how worried I was?!"
Eina crossed her arms, adopting a lecturing stance. She knew Bell was always caught up in various matters, but disappearing without saying a word was simply unforgivable.
"Sorry, I was in such a rush back then that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. By the way, Eina-san, you look lovely today."
Bell looked into her eyes and complimented her.
Eina wasn't wearing her usual Guild uniform; instead, she wore a white dress that exuded both intelligence and vitality.
"Honestly, even compliments won't earn your forgiveness."
After a moment of thought, Eina suddenly clapped her hands as though a great idea had come to her.
"Bell, as punishment, you're going to have dinner with me."
"I'd be happy to, but Eina-san, you must have plans with others, right?"
Bell rarely saw Eina outside of work, and the way she was dressed now looked just like preparations for a date.
"It's fine, that person won't mind!"
Eina sounded like she was trying to convince Bell, but also psyching herself up. She firmly decided the matter, then led Bell to a somewhat secluded shop.
"This place is pretty empty, Eina-san. Did someone trick you?"
Bell looked around. The shop was far from the main road and didn't seem like an ideal spot for a date.
"Of course not! That person prefers quieter places, and besides, this place guarantees both atmosphere and great food."
Eina replied, defending her choice.
The two of them soon arrived at their destination.
"Eina, this is..."
Appearing in her field of vision was Riveria, her expression dignified. Unlike the meticulously prepared Eina, she wore her everyday clothes, seemingly treating this as just an ordinary meal.
Riveria saw Bell, and a trace of surprise crossed her brows.
"My apologies, Riveria-sama. I forgot my money and thought Bell could cover it for me, so I brought him along to eat."
Eina delivered the prearranged excuse.
".....What a clumsy lie."
Riveria murmured softly. She had seen right through the half-elf girl's scheme.
"I'm sorry... um..."
Eina flustered, lowering her head.
Having the elf princess and a human share the same table was indeed a breach of etiquette. As she stood frozen, not knowing what to do, Riveria glanced at the young man waiting silently for the outcome and smiled gently.
"Bringing a male companion to dine without prior notice—if it weren't Bell Cranel, I might have simply left."
Eina blinked, paused for a moment, then lifted her head happily.
"So you agree!"
"There's no need to be so formal. Bell Cranel, you too—consider this a gathering among friends."
Riveria nodded lightly, gesturing for the youth to take his seat.
"Yes, Riveria-san."
After the two had seated themselves, Bell naturally took the seat beside the elf princess.
"...."
Eina's gaze shifted between the two, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Strange.
Are these two really that close?
For Riveria-sama to call him a friend...
Is "san" even the proper term for royalty?
And why did he sit on Riveria-sama's side...
Questions churned within her, the exquisite cuisine utterly failing to quell the turmoil in her heart.
"Um... what exactly is the relationship between Riveria-sama and Bell...?"
Eina finally voiced her query.
"Our previous journey involved the Spirit Land, so I didn't share the details with you then. I received immense kindness from him at that time."
Recalling the incident with the Sacred Tree, Riveria's dignified demeanor softened slightly.
"Riveria-san, I too owe you much. You've helped me countless times."
Bell responded.
From the mercenary battle to the Viola attack, Riveria had always assisted him without expecting anything in return.
"...."
Eina stared blankly at the two.
The delicacies on the plate seemed to have lost their aroma.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she saw a hint of the respectful intimacy between a married couple in their interaction.
To dispel this thought, Eina quickly changed the subject.
"Um, Bell, after this journey, has there been any change in your abilities?"
Riveria frowned slightly.
"If necessary, I can step aside for now."
"It's fine. I actually have something I wanted to ask Riveria-san myself."
Bell smiled softly in response.
"And you too, Eina-san. You've been bearing the Guild's pressure to conceal my skills from me. I'm truly, deeply grateful."
"This... this is just what I should do."
Eina shyly flicked a strand of her brown hair.
Regarding Bell's Skills and Status, Eina was obligated to regularly monitor and report detailed data to the Guild. Yet not only did she refrain from pressing him about the concealed information, she even shielded Bell from the Guild's scrutiny.
Riveria observed the girl before her.
The once-young child had blossomed into a graceful young woman, her face now radiating a hint of springtime charm.
Riveria's lips curved into a satisfied smile as she asked softly, "Bell Cranel, what is it you wish to ask?"
"My question concerns the new development ability..."
Before Bell could finish, Eina's eyes widened in astonishment. Leaning forward, she lowered her voice as much as possible. "Development ability?! Bell, have you... leveled up again?! It's only been a little over a month?!"
Riveria was also engulfed by shock, frozen in place for a moment. Regaining her composure, she spoke gently, "Bell Cranel, I suppose it's best for me to step aside on this matter."
For adventurers, Development Ability was also crucial. Riveria believed that, as someone from another familia, she shouldn't pry into the youth's private affairs.
As she rose to leave, Bell spoke up. "No need to avoid it. I trust you, Riveria-san."
"....."
Scarlet and emerald eyes met. Passion and trust mingled in the silence.
After a moment, Riveria smiled faintly and slowly sat back down beside the youth.