Before a vast mansion with a spacious courtyard, Bell and Lefiya slowly approached.
"Hmm… why did I have to come with you…"
Lefiya held her wand tightly, her heart a swirl of mixed feelings.
"Because Lefiya-san is a member of Loki Familia. Riveria and the others are worried Apollo Familia might just seize me outright, so they specifically sent you along."
Bell analyzed the situation.
They were on their way to the stronghold of Apollo Familia. Lefiya's presence was a form of insurance to prevent the other side from making any sudden moves.
"Are we really going to challenge them to a War Game…?"
A faint tremor still lingered in Lefiya's chest. She didn't know much about Apollo Familia, but as a major familia, they could at least take down a Monster Rex (Goliath) on their own.
In contrast, Hestia Familia had only Bell—and he had just reached Lv.2. No matter how she thought about it, it felt like throwing an egg at a boulder.
"Well, we talked about this before. Combat strength can be negotiated."
From what Bell understood, War Games were rare festivities to the gods. There was plenty of room for maneuver when it came to determining the forces involved. This visit was precisely for that reason.
"Even if you can get help… aren't you being too hasty at just Lv.2?"
Lefiya couldn't suppress her worry. To the gods, a War Game might be just another game, but to those of the lower world, it was a harsh battlefield.
If Bell lost, he would fall into the hands of Apollo Familia.
Hestia and Bell had walked together from the days when he was known as the Weakest Adventurer. There was no way either of them could accept such a fate. Lefiya didn't even want to imagine what kind of tragedy would follow a loss.
"There's no time to waste. Riveria-san said Apollo Familia has already targeted you. If we let this drag on, things could become even more dangerous."
Bell replied softly.
Since they failed to provoke him, Apollo Familia had turned their attention to the people around him. Aside from Hestia, any girl connected to Bell could become a target.
If one of them were kidnapped, the situation would spiral out of control and leave the victim with lasting trauma.
And Bell had a promise with Aisha. To rescue Haruhime and fight the Isthar Familia before the appointed day, he first needed to test the waters with a War Game. Because of this, Bell chose to act early.
"But…"
Lefiya knew Bell cared deeply about the girls' safety, but he should care about his own well-being too. After all, if anything happened to him, she would also feel… heartbroken…
No—Lefiya's face flared scarlet. Why was she worrying about this human?
Hmm…
She shook her head fiercely, forcing the thought away.
"Lefiya-san, we're only delivering the declaration of war. There's still time before anything starts."
Bell reassured the flustered golden-haired elf.
The specifics of the War Game would be decided during the Denatus. He could use the time to train both body and mind.
"Mm… I understand…"
Her worry and surprise eased slightly, replaced by a rising tide of shyness. She stole a glance at the boy beside her, and her cheeks burned even hotter.
"Um… Bell Cranel… just now… did you… touch…"
Lefiya stammered, her voice shrinking to a whisper.
"Touch what?"
Bell asked, genuinely confused.
"My… that…"
Lefiya's entire face turned red, unable to put it into words.
When she had gone after Bell barehanded, demanding details about the Pleasure District incident, she had felt a strange sensation in her chest. In her anger at the time, she hadn't thought much of it.
But the more she recalled it, the more embarrassment flooded through her like a broken dam.
Under Bell's gaze, Lefiya turned crimson.
The next moment, a sweet voice chimed in beside them.
"I did it~"
"Laurier-san..."
Lefiya's eyes widened in surprise. So she had activated her invisibility and had been watching over Bell.
"Sorry, seeing you two being all lovey-dovey, I just couldn't resist playing a prank."
Laurier said with a mischievous smile.
While she and Airmid were breaking up the scuffle, she had taken the opportunity to quietly touch Lefiya's chest. Beyond simple jealousy, Laurier was genuinely curious—why, as fellow Elves, Lefiya's development had progressed so quickly.
"Laurier-san… I know already… please don't say anything more…"
Lefiya had grown used to terms like "lovey-dovey" and flirtatious banter. After all, her current status with the boy was that of lovers who had shared a honeymoon. But becoming used to such words and being able to accept them were very different things.
Pressing her lips together, Lefiya lowered her head, hiding her burning cheeks.
"The Apollo Familia has arrived… I'll wait for you outside."
Fading from sight, Laurier spoke softly before vanishing completely.
"Pull yourself together… pull yourself together…"
Lefiya drew in a deep breath, whispering to herself.
Bell glanced at the adorable girl whose emotions were written plainly across her face. He smiled softly and took a step forward.
Above the large mansion hung a banner marked with a bow, arrow, and sun.
"Bell Cranel!!"
The moment they approached the entrance, a group of adventurers rushed out. All of them wore the emblem of Apollo Familia.
"You stole our wallet, and now you dare show your face—hm? Thousand Elf?!"
The Pallum who had picked a fight before was about to explode, but when he saw Lefiya, his confidence instantly collapsed.
"I want to speak with your Familia God."
Bell cut straight to the point.
"You've got guts. As if Apollo would meet someone like you!"
"Enough."
"Apollo-sama?!"
Before the Pallum could finish, the god himself stepped out with Hyakinthos beside him. A laurel wreath sat on his head, and an unsettling gleam flickered in his eyes.
"Bell, did you sense my love and come here just for me? Come in."
Apollo spoke with a radiant smile.
Bell remembered what Laurier had told him—Apollo's information was extremely unique. Scandals about him were endless. Though he wasn't an adventurer, people had given him the title Phallus (Sad Love).
Whether man or woman, anyone Apollo fell in love with, he would stop at nothing to obtain. He was a god unlike any other.
"No. I came to warn you—do not lay a hand on my lovers."
Bell's voice was cold.
"That's not so certain. Before the sun's great love, everything else fades."
Apollo did not shrink back from the boy's threat.
"Do you really believe your love brings happiness to everyone in Apollo Familia?"
Bell pierced straight into the suffering hidden behind Apollo's so-called love.
"Of course."
Apollo didn't show the slightest sign of remorse.
"I see. Then let's have a War Game."
Bell stared at him, his gaze sharp with challenge.
"Let's see whose side is right—my love, or the tragic love you've collected."