Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

"Lady Lily..."

Lily, who was crying incessantly like a child, suddenly hugged Haruhime beside her.

Because Lily miraculously regressed into a toddler, the two seemed to have reversed their positions. The usually sensible Lily was being comforted by Haruhime, whom she often scolded and lectured.

Despite feeling a sorrow akin to that of a withered tree in winter, with all its leaves and flowers gone, the fox-woman stroked the hair of the little man who had buried his face in her arms, just as she would a younger sister.

"Although I knew this day would eventually come... I never expected my opponent to be that elf."

After Ming also helped to calm Lily down from her whimpering sobs, Welf scratched his head and muttered something.

"Is Lady Hestia alright?"

"How could nothing happen? My beloved Bell-kun has been taken away! If it weren't for my supporter, I'd be rolling around in anger right now!"

Seeing Welf's gaze, Hestia puffed out her cheeks and angrily slapped her legs while sitting on the bed. Although it was a disastrous scene that almost exposed her underwear and made her breasts bounce wildly, Welf could only smile wryly at the sight that had nothing to do with sexiness.　

Hestia's unspoken thought was that she was able to calm down because Lily was there. Not long after, she wore an expression as if she had seen something distant.

"To be honest... I might have been more shocked. Bell actually gave up on his dreams."

"Lord Hestia..."

"Because Bell has been working so hard for Warren. I've been watching him all along... It would be fine if Bell himself got dumped, but to choose someone else in the process of pursuing him is really hard to imagine."

I hope Bell will continue to pursue Ais.

Perhaps this is what a corner of the goddess's heart is thinking. That's why she's so angry and jealous, even thinking that if the two of them got together, she would do everything in her power to stop it… Yet, she watches over the boy's story. As the goddess who has etched that special [heartfelt longing] onto him.

【Aspiration】 is indeed not an invincible 'skill'.

If Bell believes he has "betrayed his aspirations," even just once, his effectiveness will be immediately lost.

This may be similar to how elves cannot tolerate anything impure or impure.

In any case, Bell and Ryu should be considered "similar people".

"I also need some time to sort out my feelings... but as the child's god, I still want to say 'we can't give up'."

As she spoke, Hestia gave a wry smile.

"To be able to steal Bell's heart, what an amazing elf, that child."

"Miss Ryu!"

At the agreed-upon location, "Amor Square," beautiful blonde hair swayed in the breeze.

Wearing the top and skirt she bought with Seele, Ryu turned around and looked at Bell running towards her.

"Excuse me, have you been waiting long?"

"No, I just arrived too."

After exchanging a few words, the two, having gotten a little more used to each other, started walking together.

Bell and Liu would regularly create time for the two of them to be alone like this.

It's what we call a date.

Both Bell and Ryu, whose initial feelings for each other were extremely strong, were very reluctant to call each other "lovers," but they both chose to create such time that belonged only to the two of them.

Or rather, the two are using this time to confirm their 'special bond'.

Bell can easily adjust her schedule, but it's much harder for Ryu, who works at the "Abundant Mistress," a shopkeeper in Orario's notoriously demanding, labor-intensive workplace.

Basically, Belle has to accommodate her schedule.

With the full support of Seele and Lunova, who were supporting their relationship—and even Anya and Chloe, who found it amusing but also wanted to slack off, were forced to share the work—Ryu finally got Mia's permission to squeeze out time with Bell.

People belonging to different "familias" become lovers, or even more so, form a partnership contract, which can easily lead to problems. However, Ryu's identity is ultimately just that of a tavern employee.

Hestia said this, thus granting permission for the two to associate with each other.

"Then, I told you about Miss Ryu, and for some reason, Miss Eina became distant..."

"...Bell, it's best not to make our relationship too public. No, although we shouldn't hide it in the first place, but... Also, when you're with me, please don't mention other women's names."

"Oh? Oh, I'm sorry!"

Two people with destructive views on love clumsily and slowly bridge the gap between them.

Now, their sense of shame has faded to the point that they can occasionally hold hands and take a walk. That being said, it's always Ryu who can't resist the flutter in her heart and wants to hold hands, while the shy Bell remains unenthusiastic even after a long time. "If that's the case, then the races are reversed!" Faced with the older elf's angry, flushed face, the boy lowered his head without any backbone.

Bell and Ryu's dates usually involve long walks.

Rather than enjoying fine food and black tea in an elegant little shop, Ryu prefers to stroll along the peaceful streets, gazing at the sights. It's as if she's guarding the 'fruits of justice' left behind by the [Astria Familia].

Bell didn't complain at all; instead, he happily accompanied her. Under the beautiful blue sky, the time spent strolling with Ryu felt incredibly slow, more peaceful and healing than anything else. Just seeing her occasional smile made Bell happy, and he loved this time very much.　

"Bell... um... I... I have something to tell you."

On a certain high platform.

Ryu spoke as she gazed at the street scene from a place resembling a small hill that she and Alisha had once visited. Her voice was very tense.

Bell turned to look at the side in disbelief; the usually composed elf was now behaving very suspiciously.

"...Miss Ryu, it's alright. Let's calm down a bit before we talk. I'm not going anywhere."

After several exchanges, Bell gradually learned about Ryu's situation.

At this moment, Ryu was desperately battling her tension. So Bell gave her a reassuring smile.

Just like Ryu did to herself in the "Deep Layer," she tightly wrapped her little finger with her index finger and thumb.

Kongse's eyes widened.

Her cheeks immediately flushed a light pink.

Liu adjusted her breathing and waited for a long time before speaking the following words.

"I hope you can... go and see my Goddess, Lady Astraea."　

Bel and Ryu, having pleaded with the Hestia Familia to submit to the Abundant Mistress—after a brief argument but finally obtaining permission—left the city after going through the guild's complicated and lengthy procedures.

Ryu, who continued to correspond with Astraea after she left the city, learned of her address from the messenger, Hermes Familia—and then traveled to the sword-making city of Zoringen, located far to the east of Orario.

"What brings you to our base—wait, a blue-eyed, golden-haired elf? No, no way!?"　

"【blast】!?"

Based on the intelligence, I visited the place where Astraea was located, where there was a new [Astraea Familia], which are Ryu's 'rear-ups'.

The new Familia that Astraea welcomed after leaving Orario changed their expressions as soon as they saw Ryu.

"What does this elf who abandoned Lady Astrea want now—be a man!!"

"How dare she act like a senior in front of me! Whoa ...

"This girl is a 'real-life' person! She's the chosen woman the gods spoke of!!"

"What kind of germaphobic, pure and chaste fairy is this?! She's a super lewd fairy with a lewd mind!!"

"The 'Swift Wind,' who abandoned Lady Astrea, has appeared with a man!? I'm actually going to forge a weapon for such a woman...!? — Destroy, destroy, destroy you!!"

"Stop, stop!?! This is really bad, stop Cecil!!"

like this.

Feeling uneasy about the impending separation, Ryu let Bell hold her hand to calm her down. Even though it was Ryu herself, the sight of their hands clasped together elicited groans and cries of agony from her juniors, causing her to hastily release her grip. Her face flushed red. However, it was too late. Seeing her frenzied female members in a state of near-madness, Bell let out a bloodcurdling scream: "Eek! E ...

After finally getting through the conflict with the girls, it was already past sunset when he was able to reunite with the goddess.

"Oh dear, oh dear... Oh dear, oh dear! So, Ryu, is that how it is?"

"Yes, yes... Lady Astraea's guess was correct..."

Astraea, her long walnut-colored hair swaying, smiled as if she knew everything the moment she saw Ryu and Bell. Ryu blushed at that moment.

Incidentally, upon seeing Astraea's alluring breasts and captivating beauty, Bell's face flushed red, and then, "Gah!?", she was tightly gripped by Ryu's side.

"I'm so glad you came all this way to report to me. But, hmm... Ryu coming to me like this means your journey is over, right?"　

"...Yes. The long-stalled 'journey of justice' has finally come to an end. I have also found my own answer. Toalia and the others, Seele and the others...and his blessing."

Astraea was very pleased to welcome Ryu, who had come to see her on her own initiative.

Ryu also introduced Bell to her.

Upon hearing his name, Astraea sincerely expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Bell. For being the guiding star for Ryu."

"Speaking of which, Hestia's child is with Ryu... Could this also be ordained by the stars?"

"Ah, um, Lady Astraea? I know it's a bit inappropriate for me to say this, but is it really okay for you to accept me so easily...? It feels like you even held a banquet specifically for me..."

"It's alright. I can tell at a glance that you're a simple child, and besides, you're a boy who's been taken into Hestia's familia. You're sure to be a good match for Ryu."

"A good, a good match..."

"So, when are you getting engaged? Are you planning to have a wedding?"

"Pfft!?"

"Ah, Lady Astraea!? What are you saying!?"

"Hehe... Sorry. It's been so long since I last met Ryu, and in this way, I think I got a little carried away. So I wanted to do a prank like Alicia and the others."

"That shameless elf who abandoned Lady Astraea, how despicable... and she even brought a man with her, how even more despicable... But I've never seen Lady Astraea look so happy before... Waaah...!"

Astraea held a small banquet in the not-so-spacious mess hall of the base.

Faced with her ever-smiling face, Bell and Ryu were busy blushing and coughing incessantly, while the blacksmith girl and the other members stared at the scene with resentment, creating a chaotic atmosphere.

Later, although a disturbance—or rather, two disturbances—occurred between Ryu and the new [Astria Familia], she still managed to gain their approval peacefully and, after some time, slowly reached Lv.6 through Astraia's guidance. Bell, whose Lv. was easily surpassed, was stunned like a rabbit thrown into a sea of ​​stars.

Afterwards, Ryu received a new weapon, "Alvis Eustia," from Cecil, a junior blacksmith, and reluctantly left Astraea and the others with Bell, promising to meet again.　

"Miss Ryu, aren't we going back to Orario?"

"Even though the order is reversed... there's still one place I want to go..."

As the two strolled along the leisurely streets, Bell asked Ryu about her destination being in the opposite direction from the labyrinth city, and Ryu immediately became suspicious.

"What embarrassing thing has happened again?" Bell couldn't help but think, gazing at the elf ears with their tips dyed red.

A gust of wind blew by unexpectedly, lifting Liu's long hair.

Her hair, which had already reached her back, was swaying gently along with the hair accessory Bell had given her.

Even as she held her hair down, Belle was still captivated by the dazzling, shimmering gold, and at that moment, she suddenly made up her mind.

"Um, Ms. Ryu, although it might be a bit late to say this now..."

"What is it, Bell?"

"Why did you dye your hair back to its original color?"

Shortly after returning to the surface from the "deep layer", Ryu dyed her hair back to its original color.

Although Seele had explained that Ryu's light green hair was dyed, Bell hadn't yet asked how her mindset had changed after all the events that had transpired.

After Bell finished asking his question, Ryu staggered due to his sudden attack, looking even more suspicious.

After her face flushed red, she kept looking left and right, and then spoke in a voice that was almost completely silent.

"Because you said you liked... blond hair..."

At this moment, Ryu was so adorable that Bell almost fainted.

Continuing their peaceful journey, which they couldn't experience in Orario, Bell and Ryu finally arrived there.

It was a deep, secluded forest.

Moonlight spills across the white sea of ​​flowers and the tranquil, mysterious forest.

Not only were there no signs of humans, but there were also inexplicably no signs of monsters.

This place felt like a flower forest where fairies could rest their wings. Belle had that feeling.

"Miss Ryu, where is this...?"

"This place is well-known among our fellow countrymen as the former fairy land. Although the Great Tree disappeared due to a certain event, its fragments returned to the earth and are now expanding the fairy garden. I also visited it ten years ago on my way to Orario..."

Nothing has changed since then. Ryu squinted at the pale and white paradise and whispered this.

It was already late at night. Under the protection of the bright moon and stars, Bell, guided by Ryu, ventured deeper into the forest.

Walking along the carpet of flowers, you soon come to a clear spring that, although called a lake, is rather small but still quite spacious.