As the group returned, the Tower of Babel was bathed in the soft glow of twilight.
"Bell-dono's charged magic, glowing with white light, was truly impressive," Mikoto said, resting on Bell's back. Her mind raced as she recalled the brilliant flame-thunder that had taken down the Infant Dragon with a single strike.
"I almost thought it was over, but then, with just one blow, it was all finished. Bell-dono, no wonder your companions trust you so much," Ouka spoke in awe.
"Just like a hero…" Chigusa added, sharing her own thoughts.
"I'm just glad you're all safe…" Bell smiled softly.
On this journey, he had heard similar words more times than he could count. The Takemikazuchi Familia treated him like a fan idol, praising him without reserve for everything he did. Defeating monsters, guiding them, distributing food… Mikoto and the others continued to look at him with admiration.
"Not only did you save us, Bell-dono, but you also shared your food and potions. We will never forget your kindness," Mikoto wrapped her arms around Bell's shoulders, speaking earnestly. The young man had handled all the complicated tasks in the Dungeon on his own.
For Mikoto, even aside from the life-saving debt, she admired him and wished she could be like him—someone who could shoulder the weight of the familia.
"Um… isn't this posture a bit awkward for expressing your thanks?" Chigusa looked at her friend, unable to hold back her question.
"..." Mikoto blinked.
Since the fourteenth floor of the Dungeon, she had been resting on Bell's back. She didn't mind the brush of her chest against him, nor the way her thigh was lifted. Mikoto had a remarkable ability to learn. She had been observing Bell closely, studying how he managed all the Dungeon's challenges, which is why she hadn't noticed the physical contact. Gradually, she had become accustomed to this comfortable state.
But now, with Chigusa pointing it out, a hot wave of embarrassment surged up her cheeks.
"My apologies, Bell-dono!" Mikoto hurriedly pulled away from Bell's back. She quickly performed a proper bow and added, "I will forever remember your life-saving kindness. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to command me! I will visit another day. Please excuse me now!"
Mikoto concealed her face, her eyes darting away. Her long, dark hair cascaded down, and the side ponytail she had tied up now hung limply to one side, betraying her flustered state.
Before Bell could respond to her thanks, Mikoto turned around in a hurry and fled.
"...What's wrong with her?" Ouka asked, confused.
"Well... we'll find a day to express our gratitude," Chigusa said with a smile. She bowed along with the others, her gaze lingering on Mikoto's retreating form.
Mikoto walked back to the familia, her face still faintly flushed by the twilight.
…
The horror of the tragedy faded with time.
Two days later, Mikoto arrived at Hestia's residence as promised.
"Mikoto-san, are you alone?"
Bell looked at her and asked.
Mikoto wore a violet combat outfit with a distinctly samurai-inspired style. With the bloodstains gone, her beautiful features were fully revealed. Mikoto had jet-black hair and gem-like violet-blue eyes. Beneath her exquisite features lay a delicate and supple body.
"Chigusa and the others said it was urgent, so they sent me alone. I hope you'll forgive this."
Mikoto remained entirely unaware that her friends' urgency was merely a lie. Her back was straight, radiating an air of stern dignity.
"Please come in."
Bell accepted the token of gratitude offered by Mikoto. It contained potions and several combat items, appearing quite practical.
Just as the two were conversing pleasantly, Hestia appeared, pouting.
"Be-ell—"
The goddess's gaze seemed to say, How dare you even target the child of the Takemikazuchi family! Unforgivable!
"The Goddess-sama has invited us to dine out. Would you like to join us?"
Bell inquired.
Over the past two days, he had clearly sensed that Hestia had relaxed her demands. As long as they avoided overt displays of affection like hugging in public, the goddess turned a blind eye to Bell and Airmid's intimate gestures. Bell suspected Hestia had learned of his past experiences, which explained her newfound tolerance.
"Hmph... Of course I'll go!"
Hestia approached with fierce determination. "Besides, this kid probably wants to do something strange too, right?"
"..."
Mikoto froze for a second. Seeing Bell's slightly helpless smile, she finally grasped the meaning behind the goddess's words.
"Goddess Hestia, I absolutely have no improper intentions. Such... filthy things... how could I possibly..."
Mikoto's solemn composure ultimately succumbed to embarrassment, her voice dwindling.
"What?! Are you calling my Bell filthy?!"
Hestia instantly forgot her own position and snapped back.
"No! I wasn't referring to Bell!-dono"
Mikoto hurriedly defended herself.
"Then tell me, what do you think of my Bell?"
Hestia seized on her weakness and pressed relentlessly.
"Um... I am deeply grateful to Bell-dono and hold a certain fondness for him... To be honest, I hope Bell-dono becomes my master!"
Mikoto wasn't good at lying. Under Hestia's relentless questioning, she spoke her true thoughts.
"...Master?"
Hestia, hearing this unexpected answer, was momentarily at a loss.
"That's right. I wish to shoulder the responsibility for my Familia, just like you, Bell-dono."
Mikoto slowly recounted her past.
Mikoto, Chigusa, and the others were all from the Far East. They lost their parents at a young age and were raised by Takemikazuchi. The shrine's finances were perpetually in the red. As the number of orphans grew, their economic situation reached its breaking point. That was why Mikoto, Chigusa, and the others had crossed the ocean. They came to Orario to earn money, sending their earnings back to the shrine. Takemikazuchi had always worked part-time for this very reason. Mikoto wished to repay this debt of nurturing, which was why she had asked the young man to teach her about the matters of the underground city.
"I see..."
Bell listened silently to everything. The black-haired girl before him was so upright it was moving.
After a moment's thought, Bell spoke. "I won't be your master, Mikoto-san. But I can teach you what I know as a friend."
"..."
Mikoto's frown eased into a gentle smile. "Yes, thank you so much!"
"That's not how you treat a friend, is it?"
Bell didn't want her to feel too constrained. Meeting such an upright and kind-hearted girl was already a joy in itself.
"Hmm... Shall we go out for a meal together, Bell-dono?" Mikoto offered.
"Wait! How could you just leave without me?!"
Hestia quickly caught up.
After everyone enjoyed the delicious meal, the moon had risen. The night danced beneath the shimmering glow of Magic Stone lamps. A small square at the street corner bustled with people.
"Is there anyone who can pull this legendary Holy Lance?!"
Hermes bellowed from the makeshift stage. Before him, a long spear stood embedded in a crystal. The spear's body reflected the moonlight, appearing eerily cold.