"Hm? What did you just say?"
Finn rarely raised his voice like that.
He had never expected the boy to say something as strange as "I want Riveria."
"Sorry, I misspoke. I didn't explain myself clearly."
Bell apologized softly.
To explain his request, he first had to talk about the benefits of joining the expedition. To be honest, even if Finn had not invited him, Bell had already planned to volunteer to join Loki Familia's expedition party.
There were several reasons.
First, the time left to save Haruhime had already been cut down to just over twenty days. If Bell wanted to improve his abilities quickly, taking risks was an essential part of the process. Going on an expedition with Finn and the others would let him gain [Experience Points] while reducing his own risk as much as possible.
Second, Bell's knowledge of the Dungeon only extended as far as the Deep Floors. During the expedition, just like before, he would be able to gather information firsthand about floor layouts, monster traits, and other details. That would become a crucial aid in his future explorations.
Lastly, Bell stood in the open, while the red-haired woman and the evil god behind the disaster remained hidden in the dark. Since Loki Familia had taken the initiative to create an opportunity for Bell to uncover the truth about the enemy, he naturally had no intention of letting such a rare chance slip by.
Taking all of that into account, Bell had long since decided to join the expedition. After all, this was a request for him alone, and it would not put Mikoto or the others in danger.
The reason Bell made his request, however, had to do with a promise.
"More specifically, I want Riveria-san to accompany me at some point in the future to search for the [Spring of Life]."
Bell explained.
As the strongest mage in the city, Riveria's movements were heavily restricted. Bell hoped Loki Familia could promise to allow that journey. With Finn and the others helping, even if Riveria and Bell quietly slipped out of Orario, it would not cause any problems.
"The [Spring of Life]? The legendary spring said to cure any illness?"
Finn asked doubtfully.
As far as he knew, Riveria had once searched for that spring to cure a friend's illness, only for the attempt to end without results.
Just like the [Spirit Land], that place likely did exist somewhere in the world. But Finn had his doubts about whether the spring's effects could truly surpass the fruit of the Sacred Tree.
"Mm."
Bell heard the doubt in Finn's voice and continued explaining. "Of course, the effects of a spring like that may very well be exaggerated. Besides curing Riveria-san's friend, I have another reason for searching for the [Spring of Life]. I can't reveal the details for now."
This matter was tied to the promise Bell had made with his grandfather.
As he had said before, when Bell learned about the Dungeon, the information he received only went as far as the Deep Floors.
Either his grandfather and the others did not have information on the floors beyond that, or they had their own considerations. Perhaps they were worried certain information would bring Bell danger, or perhaps they simply wanted to leave the boy with an unknown trial.
His grandfather had never given him an answer, but he had left behind a promise.
"Bell, go to Orario and seek an encounter. Remember, before you join a familia, you must see the Dungeon with your own eyes."
After leaving that note behind, his grandfather disappeared.
Careful by nature, Bell had never seen his grandfather's final moments, so he remained doubtful about his supposed death. Even so, he had still come to the Labyrinth City according to their promise.
Besides the Dungeon, the promise had a continuation.
"Bell, if one day you obtain the divine medicine capable of curing all diseases and poisons, go search for the Spring of Life. The answer you seek is there."
At first, Bell had been completely baffled by that promise.
The spring itself was supposed to symbolize healing. Why did he have to obtain the divine medicine first?
Would that not be putting the cart before the horse?
And what was the vague answer his grandfather had mentioned?
Why did even Bell himself not know that he was seeking the answer to something?
With those questions in mind, Bell had never dwelled too much on the later part of the promise.
After undergoing the baptism of the [Sacred Flame], Bell gradually realized that his memories had gaps in them.
Although he did not know the specific details, there was always a silent passion driving him onward. That burning emotion told him that he had to fulfill this promise no matter what.
For that reason, Bell had asked the God Miach for details.
"Divine medicine? Yes, it does exist."
Bell had once stepped in to save Naaza during the kidnapping incident, and Miach had a good relationship with Hestia Familia.
The male god did not hesitate at all and revealed to Bell information known only to the God of Medicine.
Just as the Goddess of Beauty had [Charm], the Goddess of Purity had [Purification], and Soma had [Divine Wine], Miach also possessed the authority of [Pharmacy].
The reason he had never used that authority was very simple.
He lacked the materials. That was all.
"To make the divine medicine you mentioned, the [Higanbana] is required. Unfortunately, that flower only grows beside the River Styx, a place between life and death. Without using Divine Power, only the [God of Death] can reach that domain."
Miach patiently explained everything.
The Higanbana absorbed the essence of life and death, which was why it could be used in medicine to heal everything.
For people of the Lower World, obtaining such a material was absolutely impossible. At least throughout the long course of history, the Higanbana had never once appeared in the Lower World.
Bell's conversation with Miach had ended there.
Although the male god had said the chances of obtaining the material were practically zero, Bell still remembered the Higanbana's traits and made his request to Finn.
Riveria was widely traveled and knowledgeable. She would surely be able to help him find the Spring of Life.
"Bell Cranel, Riveria herself already wants to search for that spring. For us, this is no more than a small favor."
Finn agreed to the boy's request without hesitation.
If anything, Bell had always been extremely lucky. If he traveled with her, Riveria should be the one pleased by it.
Their private conversation ended there.
In the end, the one who had occupied the topic most was Riveria, who was not even present.
Finn gazed at the rising mist and felt a little moved. He wondered how Riveria would react if she learned of the boy's feelings.
Of course, the boy had revealed his thoughts out of trust, so Finn had no intention of telling anyone what they had discussed in private.
...
Bell finished dressing in the changing room and slowly walked toward the outside of the bathhouse.
Unexpectedly, a girl was waiting in the hallway.
"Um... y-you finally came out."
Lefiya held both hands behind her back, her tone somewhat bashful.
"Lefiya-san? Did you wait here specially for me? Is something wrong?"
Bell asked in confusion.
The men's and women's bathhouses in Loki Familia were quite far apart. The fact that Lefiya had managed to overcome her shyness and wait here clearly meant she had been worried Bell would leave directly after coming out of the bathhouse.
The night had grown deep.
Magic Stone lamps hung along the inner side of the hallway, reflecting the faint blush on the girl's face.
Lefiya stretched out her hand and said shakily, "H-here, take these strands of my hair!"