Inside the Apollo corner.

"Well done Lourous you showed that Blue haired bitch who's boss!"

Lourous strolled proudly through the crowd as all the Apollo familia gathered around him. Trying to shake his hand or pat him on the back.

He smiled smugly. "Please, please thank me later specifically when we are dining on her body hahaha!"

The crowd ever seemed to cheer louder or join in with his laughter as he took a seat. Putting up his feet staring into the corner, where a certain captain sat glaring.

"Has anyone told you you're a disgusting pig!"

"What's wrong Captainnnn? Did somebody step on your foot? Call you names?"

Everyone went dead quiet as the two men glared at one another.

Hyakinthos just spat on the floor. "Careful asshole, I don't know what Lord Apollo sees in you but I won't tolerate your attitude!"

Lourous just waved his comment aside. "Hmmm, maybe you're right... Maybe I am a selfish, cruel, twisted man. But guess what? I won Captain or should I say soon to be vice-captain!"

Hyakinthos rose to his feet. "The fuck you just say!"

Lourous just laughed. "Oooo Scary! What are you gonna do, fight me? Haha guess what you're not gonna get any special treatment now! Apollo knows about your little schemes behind his back!"

"What schemes!?" He took a step forward fist clenched, watching with hatred in his eyes as the man just turned away staring at a nearby wall. Taunting him.

"Getting Cassandra to throw the match. Ring any Bells? That's right, I overheard your little conversation!"

Hyakinthos took a step back, it was brief but everyone in the room was now looking at him.

"Hmm? Hit the nail on the head, did I?"

"If it had been up to you we'd have lost this wargame! But luckily I saw the bigger picture."

Now Lourous got to his feet staring down his captain with a smug grin.

"I was the one to suggest the line-up! I only wanted to break that bitch in front of that little bastard's eyes. To make him suffer! But I used that. I'm the one that suggested the plan to Apollo to get the boy disqualified. AND IT WORKED!"

He raised his arms and turned to the others.

"I secured us a certain win. Not a partial not a potential A win! The win!"

"Be glad our God is merciful! If it was up to me I'd have thrown your ass out of this familia!"

Hyakinthos grit his teeth as anger flared in his eyes, his brow frowning hard. Quicker than most of the Familia could see, he quick stepped forwards, his fist raising in a flash before it slammed into Lourous's jaw.

Lourous had anticipated the attack from his captain and despite being slower than him, saw the angle the fist flew at him, he twisted in the same direction lessening the blow, still, the power of a level three was enough to knock him for six. He didn't pass out from the blow, but spun on his feet, staggered for a few seconds, before shaking his head a few times, then spitting out a tooth, leaving a splash of blood down his chin.

"At least the kid knocked me down."

He spat some blood defiantly, before wiping his chin.

"ENOUGH!"

The two both turned to the side to see Apollo standing arms crossed glaring at them both.

"We've won! Hestia is beaten and her children are ripe for the taking. I don't care what happened leading up to it!"

He turned to Hyakinthos "Though your actions as a captain were unforgivable! When we return to the mansion we'll be having a serious talk!"

Lourous snickered under his breath before the god turned to him. "The same goes for you! I specifically told you to hold back! That little bit of theatre is gonna haunt this familia for a generation"

"But lord Apollo I needed to..."

Apollo glared at him "What to piss off the boy? You did that the moment he saw you enter the arena! All you did was make us seem like brutes!"

"Lord Apollo, please come to the guild office at once. I repeat, could Lord Apollo please come to the guild office!"

The announcement faded away and the god just smiled. "Haha time to finally put that girl in her place."

He turned to the two in front of him.

"Hyakinthos, go take a walk and cool your head! That's an order!"

He just nodded, turning to the door. Yet all he could hear was the snickering coming from Lourous.

"Hehe yeah run along like a good little pup."

He clenched his fist and he opened the door. Before carefully closing it behind him. Taking a short walk and stopping. His face finally showing all his rage and he swung at the wall causing it to crack and break leaving his fist imprinted into the stone.

"Just you wait... We'll see who gets the last laugh!"

...

Tears stung his eyes as he carried her limp body out of the arena. All sound drowned out by some white nose in his mind, he could feel Riveria and someone else, following behind him. After a few moments, he'd approached the exit and a member of Dian Chect Familia was waiting for him, opening the doors and leading him quickly to the medical area.

A few doors inside and he found himself in a large room filled with medical beds, Airmid was waiting inside.

The moment she saw Artemis's limp body in Bell's arms she gasped. Being the professional she was she could see just how close to death Artemis was. Touch and go... She had to work fast if she was going to save this soul.

"On the bed now!" She snapped. "But gently!"

Immediately grabbing a pair of surgical gloves, she quickly cleaned her hands, before approaching her patient.

Very gently Bell rested Artemis down on the bed, treating her like a fragile broken thing in his arms.

"Nine Hells and Thousand Elf right?" Airmid asked, glancing at the two elves who had entered the room with Bell.

The pair nodded, green and orange hair bouncing along with their long ears.

"You both know healing magic?"

Again the same pair nodded.

"Start chanting," Airmid said, almost dispassionately as she turned her attention back to her patient.

Bell watched as Airmid gently prodded and poked, taking out various devices he didn't recognise as she worked on her patient.

He gently held Artemis's hand which hung limply back in his.

Airmid quickly began to wrap Artemis up in a series of braces as two magic circles began to fill the room.

The two elves stood quietly to one side, gently chanting, their eyes closed as they concentrated on their magic.

"Ready." Riveria said after a moment, holding her spell, not speaking the keyword until Airmid was ready.

Lefiya took much longer, but in many ways was working far harder than Riveria was.

Not only could she cast a spell once and store it, she could cast any elf spell she knew. This included all three levels of Riveria's healing magic.

As Airmid gently braced Artemis for the massive amount of magic healing she was about to receive, she gently applied potions to the surface of her skin, reliving the bruising and cuts where she could.

Lefiya chanted and chanted, she had to chant three times to store the first spell, twice for her second.

Bell watched Artemis closely, but now and then, his eyes fell to the forest fairy that was chanting so hard, sweat dripped from her brow from the effort she was undertaking.

Finally she nodded at Airmid as she was close to completing her final spell. Airmid started her own chant, an area of effect healing spell, which was very powerful and had a shorter chant compared to the two elves.

At last the three released their spells at the same time and three effects of healing magic cascaded down on the barely breathing blue haired girl.

Bright light shone from Artemis's body, so bright that Bell had to turn his head away and cover his eyes with his other hand.

But a moment later, he heard her take a sharp breath and he turned around with a gasp.

Lefiya chanted the final keyword to her second spell and green healing light once again cast down on the body of the sleeping goddess, though now she no longer held an expression of pain, her face looked peaceful. Her bruises had vanished and apart from a good wash, she looked healthy as ever.

As the colour returned to her face, Bell breathed a sigh of relief.

'Good... She's starting to recover...'

Bell's eyes slowly crept up to see the faces of the two healing her. It wasn't much better than it had been before. Riviera still looked worried while Lefiya just held a determined stare as she continued chanting. With little else to do, he returned to her face and slowly prayed that she'd make a full recovery.

....

Royman stood sweating heavily in his office, surrounded by gods and goddesses screaming at him. He wiped his brow with a handkerchief, adjusting his glasses as he nervously glanced around the room.

'I hate this job! Why did I ever agree to take it! This wargame is a disaster! These fucking gods are still arguing! Half of Orario is gonna be up in arms if they don't come to some sort of agreement and that bitch Freya isn't helping!'

"I refuse to accept the decision! Bell had every right to step in and stop that fight!" Hestia shouted out loud, her twin tails flailing in her fury, one hand on her hip, the other pointing right in the fat elf's face.

Hermes nodded looking to the other gods in the room.

"I agree the match should have been stopped long into it. I did warn you Royman!"

The fat elf coward into his chair and looked away.

"I-I had no authority to stop that match and you knew it..."

Freya remained sitting in her chair silently observing the room. Apollo remained smug as he always did but that wasn't gonna help him in this situation at hand.

'I don't care for this petty squabble but...'

Freya sighed heavily, grabbing everyone's attention.

"In that case, the decision to call this wargame does not fall to the guild... Ever take responsibility for the match or don't but don't try to have your say in the affairs of gods!"

Royman gulped as he felt the cold glare of Freya over him. She had remained neutral the entire time but the moment he opened his mouth she took a bite out of him...

"I wasn't trying to undermine the gods' authority... But it's clear this was never going to end peacefully... If I hadn't stepped in and stopped then..."

Freya got to her feet. "Then my familia would have stepped in and dealt with it! As they would have done if you hadn't stuck your fat nose into it!"

He stopped before saying anything else. Quietly nodding his head and remaining quiet for the rest of the conversation.

"Hestia! Your boy broke the rules, it's as simple as that! If you will not accept the decision then it will be WAR!"

The other gods scoffed at him, especially Freya who glared at him.

"Given everything that has happened. Surely it's fair to say that the wargame isn't over. One match still remains and I see no reason to break tradition!"

She glared at both him and Royman.

"You both go on about the rules and laws! Well the wargame is the law of heaven. Either finish it or call it off but do not presume to declare an unclear winner!"

Apollo spat to the side.

"No!"

Freya turned to face him her arms crossed as she meet his eyes,

"NO? You were always one of the most arrogant of the gods but do you honestly think anyone would allow you to honour this as a win?"

He laughed.

"Ha I don't need them to honour it, the terms are binding between me and Hestia, the others are merely witnesses to that fact!"

"Such matters don't solely fall to just one god! If that were the case I'd have simply made Orario my own by now/"

Freya smiled as he stood with a frown; she didn't normally flex her power but it was working to prove her point. The wargames were there to hold them in check. Any god could challenge another but the rest had to see to it that it was fair...

"Soo what will it be Apollo? Do you wish to face the others and have them vote? Or do you want to overturn your decision and have the last fight continue?"

Apollo closed his eyes and lowered his head. He began to grit his teeth but stopped and smiled.

Before long he looked up with a smug grin and laugh.

"Hmmm, It just dawned on me, Freya... You've had quite the say on this little wargame, haven't you? I mean it was you that challenged me in negotiations... And now you have some keen interest to see the next match go ahead, strange is it not? Perhaps there's a reason?"

He narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Something or maybe someone?"

Freya matched his look. Though hers was telling him to back down. Yet he didn't instead holding fast. She wanted to clench her fist but knew it was too much of a giveaway...

"I merely wish to see this wargame held to the proper standard. If you intend to ruin it because of a stupid decision then be my guest! But don't think such actions will go unnoticed."

She smiled and returned to her chair.

"I believe the saying goes all's fair in love and war... As a goddess of both I know when they need to be implemented!"

She took a seat, her eyes focusing on everyone in the room but most importantly at the Loli goddess standing stern.

"Hestia, did your child act of his own accord?"

Her question caused Hestia to turn her head. As much as she wanted to tell Bell to step in she couldn't bring herself to do it. Her fist clench she nodded.

"Bell's actions were his own..."

Whispers started to spread around the room as many gods started to wonder if this really was a matter of the gods. Even Freya sighed as she looked at Royman.

"I hold true to my original comment, The guild has no reason to get involved in the private matters of the gods. But seeing as this matter is between adventures and not the gods then we have no reason to debate it further."

Hestia looked depressed as her head dropped. She wasn't gonna be able to change the result no matter how hard she wanted to. She did all she could. Turning she stormed out the room defeated.

"Sore loser. If that's the case, may I assume the decision still stands!"

Apollo turned to the head of the guild who remained quiet. All the gods were looking at him now and it was clear that whatever decision he had made before was to avoid conflict. But making the wrong decision now could actually start a war.

"I have to think... For now I ask you to wait patiently. Please request Riviera. I need to have a conversation with her."

Eina nodded as she also quickly left the room. The many gods disappeared. Apollo however waited till the end continuing to glare at Freya. She met his glare with one of her own. The two didn't say anything as she left the room. However, Apollo followed her and when they were out listening distance from the others Freya turned to him.

"Care to explain your actions in there Freya?"

The goddess of beauty just smiled. But kept her back to him the snobbish god had already lost to a battle of words she wasn't about to give him the time of day.

"Whatever do you mean?"

The god of the sun clenched his fist taking a step forward.

"You know exactly what I mean. You're trying to protect Hestia!"

Freya shook her head, turning her head just enough to see him.

"More accusations, is that all you can do Apollo I assure you I have no intention of interfering in the affairs of Hestia. Now run along and go bother the others..."

She turned her back to him and took a few steps forward.

"One more question, Freya, feel free to keep walking if you want? Tell me what's your opinion of Bell Cranel?"

Freya suddenly came to a stop. It was such a random question for him to ask and yet something felt off about it.

Apollo watched as the goddess of beauty, a woman who was feared and always had an answer for everything stopped and thought for a moment. He smiled to himself as he thought he found the missing link. He however waited for her response before making that assumption.

It took her a moment to realise she hadn't responded and so she turned to face him.

"What an odd question. Why would you assume I have any opinion on any of Hestia's children?"

Apollo burst out laughing.

"Such a typical response from you. Yet it took you longer than normal to say it. I think you have an interest in that boy and that's why you're getting involved."

Freya took a step forward; she needed to nip this bug before he started to ask too many questions.

"Even if I did, I don't need to explain my actions to you. This is your last warning Apollo if you push me any further, then your next wargame will be with my familia and no amount of cheating will save you."

Apollo didn't seem threatened in the slightest instead chuckling to himself.

"Ohh but that was always your plan from the start wasn't it Freya? Don't worry, by the time I'm finished with the boy, you won't even want him!"

A perverted grin appeared on his face for a moment before he turned and walked away, not letting another word be said until he was about to turn a corner.

"Be seeing you soon, Freya.."

As he turned the corner Freya clenched her fist. "Just try it! Lay a finger on my Bell and I'll gut your entire familia!"

...

It had been a long hour for Bell. While he was allowed to sit by her side over the course of her treatment it was nothing but torture. Her body time and time again failed to stabilise properly, Amid, Lefiya and Riveria were all put to the test as every second she could go critical again.

Though after a nail biting last few minutes they all breathed a sigh of relief as her wounds started to slowly heal and her body stavliesed. Bell's fear turned to joy and gratitude as he broke down into tears.

"Thank you... Thank you all..." he managed to get the words out before his voice was overcome with emotion. The three women all let out a small smile and nodded.

Riveria stepped forward..

"Bell while her body has stabilized I must inform you there's no easy fix to this. Even adventures with falna have an upper limit to what their body's can take. Especially lower level ones..."

He reached out and cupped Art's hand as he nodded to show his understanding to the situation. The elf continued.

"In any case what she needs right now is rest. Her body is going to be recovering for a week or two... Lefiya and I can speed the process up but it would mean you having to leave her in our care."

The tears didn't stop running down his face but he nodded all the same.

"I understand... Please do whatever you can for her..."

The smaller and younger elf felt her heart twitch at the sight. While she was never a fan of Bell she couldn't deny he had a big heart. But what surprised her the most was his relationship with this girl...

'C-could she be the one...'

She looked to Riveria with a glint in her eyes and a small smile on her face.

"Lefiya, will you join me outside for a minute please?"

The young elf nodded but she wondered what her mentor wanted. She followed behind her, closing the door.

"What is it?"

Riveria sighed.

"Her injuries are far worse than I'm letting on... externally she's fine internally she's going to be recovering for weeks if not months...that's not including the psychological damage she'll have to endure in truth... I don't think it's a good idea to try and move her from Bell's side."

Lefiya looked confused.

"B-but you just asked for permission to do just that... Why the sudden change?"

Riviera shook her head.

"I'm not saying we won't help. What I'm saying is she needs a face she can trust. If she woke up in our care as she is she'd panic, making things worse."

Riviera leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

"I wasn't lying when I said her injuries could be healed in a few days. But her psychological damage is gonna affect her much more."

Lefiya held her hand to her chest looking to the floor.

"B-but she seemed like such a strong woman...S-surely she could get over one little loss?"

"If only it was that simple..." She looked around, nobody was in the hallway and the door was firmly closed and soundproof. So Bell wouldn't hear their conversation.

"What do you mean?"

Riviera lowered her head.

"From what Loki told me about the goddess Artemis... She was as stubborn as she was kind. Caring, brave and bold ... In truth, nothing could really phase that woman... Except..."

The small elf looked up. "Except?"

"Except if you hurt her pride and her ideals... The goddess of chastity has stood unmoved for eternity and yet she randomly decided to fall in love with a random adventurer from Orario."

"It should be no surprise that she doesn't have her ideals to fall back on now.. Which only left her pride..."

She ran her hand over her eyes. It had been a long day and she was growing tired but that did little to stop her talking.

"From what I read from the incident report... Whatever happened between Artemis and that man made her determined to fight till the end... Even when death was a possibility. You want my opinion? I think Apollo planned this from the start..."

Lefiya gasped

"B-but surely they wouldn't stoop so low... B-but it does all line up s-shouldn't the guild be informed about this?!"

Riviera sighed. "It wouldn't matter... Apollo lines the guild pockets with funding. He has enough sway with the guild to have them turn a blind eye."

The elf girl threw her arms to her side... "B-but that's not fair!"

"Lefiya... All's fair in love and war... In this case, both played a part in Hestia familia downfall Apollo was just playing with a rigged deck..."

"S-so that's it then? After all that they're just gonna lose!"

RIveria shook her head. "No... The match should have been stopped by an official the moment Artemis started losing. The guild is responsible for its lack of action and they will be held accountable if they hold their decision!"

She stood up and grabbed her staff.

"I think I need to have a chat with that fat worthless excuse for an elf!"

"Ohhh Feisty... I haven't seen you this riled up in years Nine Hell"

Riveria's eyes went wide as she stood frozen in place.

"T-that voice... N-no it can't be, you should be..."

A figure stepped forward with a large grin on his face.

"Dead? Come now Riveria surely you know me better than that?"

Riviera noticeably took a sudden shocked step back, something even Lefiya never had seen before.

"Ughh how could I forget, you just refuse to die!"

Lefiya was surprised to see her mentor's range of emotions. It was kind of a shock for the girl.

But her curiosity soon turned to the man before them.

"R-Riveria, who is this man?"

The green-haired elf merely took a step in front of the girl as his eyes turned to her.

"If it's a fight you're looking for then..."

He just simply laughed at her.

"Hot-headed as ever I thought you'd relax after a few years but it seems I was wrong?"

Riviera took a fighting stance. "Just what the hell are you doing here Reaper!?"

Lefiya looked confused, 'Reaper?'

"Ughh it's been a long time since anyone called me that... Relax Riveria I'm not looking for a fight."

She glared at him, examining him close. He was unarmed that much as clear but she still refused to drop her stance.

"R-Riveria?"

The green haired elf knew the young one needed an explanation.

"Lefiya, there are certain things you won't have heard about the Zeus and Hera familia's. Besides their captains three individuals stood out. The first was Zard, a monster of a man who defeated the behemoth, The second was Alfia, a woman with more magical prowess than even myself and a knack for being a master at most forms of combat..."

"T-the ones that attacked Orario years ago?"

Riviera nodded.

"Yes, the very same. They were the vanguard of the old generation... But there was another who stood behind them."

Lefiya turned her head back to the man who was smiling.

"The reaper of the Zeus familia, Regis."

Regis sighed. "A bit over the top don't you think Riveria? Surely you can paint me in a somewhat better light than that?"

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't blast you into hell?"

He sighed "I'm unarmed, my former familia was disbanded and I've long since given up being Zeus's personal hit man!"

"If this is about our past then..."

She glared at him.

"Don't you dare bring that up! What is it that you want anyway?"

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'm here to see the young Cranel?"

Riviera looked a little surprised for a second.

"What could you possibly want with him?"

Regis turned his attention to Lefiya before looking at Riveria with a knowing glance.

"Lefiya go wait inside with Bell for a minute..."

Lefiya took a step forward. "But Riveria I..."

She was cut off.

"That's an Order!"

The young elf gulped before turning and heading back into the room making sure to close the door completely.

"She's gone now, tell me what's your interest in him?"

Regis kept a stoic face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small rusted silver pendant. Riviera took a moment before recognising it.

"That's...Meteria's!?"

He nodded. "Yes, in truth I'm merely here to return this to her son."

Riviera looked confused "Son? Wait, you don't mean to say?!"

Her eyes went wide from surprise as she looked back to the door.

"Bell Cranel is her son? W-wait that means he's the nephew of Alfia!"

He nodded.

Riviera 'I-If that's true then..."

"Yes, now if you excuse me I..."

She held out her staff stopping him.

"You take another step near that door and I'll blow you to bits!"

He stopped inches from her face.

"Don't get in my way Riviera... I meant it when I said I wasn't looking for a fight. But interfere in my business and you'll regret it!"

Riviera stood firm. "Why the hell would she entrust it to someone like you?"

He sighed. "That's...Personal... Whatever the case, I mean the boy, no harm I simply want to talk with him."

Riviera looked to the door again.

"You should know better than anyone else Riviera, he needs to see himself in a better light if he's going to stay level headed."

"I....Ugh I always hated it when you're right?!"

He smiled. "Go speak with Royman... If he's gonna listen to anyone's advice it's probably yours..."

He smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "You get him to overturn his decision and I'll calm down Bell. With a bit of look, we can avoid a small war breaking out!"

Riveria placed her hand over her face and sighed "I never thought I'd be in agreement with you...fine but my assistant stays. Someone needs to keep a close eye on the girl in case of an emergency!"

"Fine."

Riviera nodded and turned to the door. Holding the handle and slowly opening it.

"Bell... You have a visitor... Lefiya I'll be gone for a bit, keep a close eye on things for me okay?"

The elf nodded. "Y-yes I will do my best"

Bell didn't turn his head or even acknowledge her comment. He just remained silent watching the sleeping form of Artemis.

Her breathing was shallow and slow, but steady and slowly growing deeper.

Riviera sighed and turned, taking one last glare at the man before she allowed him to enter.

Regis took a step forward, the atmosphere in the room was clear to see as he noticed the boy sitting at the bedside.

"Bell Cranel?"

Bell didn't even so much as twitch his head in response. His silent stare was even starting to affect the elf behind him who merely shivered a little.

"W-We haven't met but..."

Bell finally turned his head and glared at the man as he took a step forward.

"Who are you and what do you want!?"

His voice was angry and direct, it was clear he wasn't his normal self. The coldness became more apparent and Lefiya took a step back.

'H-he was never like this before...'

Regis raised his hand and took a step back.

"I don't mean to give you any trouble. Forgive me, I know this is a difficult time for you."

Bell merely growled under his breath.

"Then what do you want?! Can't you see I'm not in the mood for..."

He stopped himself, his voice filling the room and the hallway outside. He lowered his head and turned back to Artemis.

"I just want to be left alone..."

Regis rubbed the back of his head. Looking to the elf girl in the corner and nodding acknowledging her presence.

"I understand your frustrations Bell..."

Bell grunted.

"No... you don't!"

Lefiya looked at the young man with sad eyes. Her heart went out to him at this time but she still couldn't believe his change in personality.

Regis sighed heavily before leaning against the door frame.

"You're beating yourself up for not stepping in sooner, you're upset you failed your friends and goddess but most of all you broke your promise to protect her."

Bell opened his mouth to say something but quickly shut it.

"See... Now that I've proven the point..." he smiled and entered the room placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Nobody can blame you for what you did, Bell. Your actions saved that girl from a near-death situation. The gods know that, the people know that...".

Bell shook his head. "my Familia will hate me..."

Lefiya stepped forward. "Idiot! Are you even listening to yourself! Your Familia is far to kind and caring no way would they hate you!"

The man nodded. "She's right. Had they hated you they'd be here now complaining and blaming you... instead, they're fighting"

Bell lifted his head a little.

"Fighting to get the decision overturned, fighting to rally the crowds to your side. Even if you walk out of this room a loser you'll still walk out a hero."

"A hero! A hero wouldn't have stood by and watched! A hero would have acted on their gut feeling, A hero...!"

Regis took a step forward and stood above him.

"A hero would honour the decisions of others! That girl went in to that fight knowing what she was up against. She chose not to forfeit because she wanted to prove herself!"

He sighed and eased off..

"Whatever your currently thinking about yourself. Don't! Whether or not you believe what you did was right doesn't matter. When she wakes up she's gonna look to you to give her strength."

He smiled. "So be her strength!"

"Forget what others say about you, forget trying to make everyone happy. The world will just eat you up and spit you back out. Be the hero to the one you care about most. Everything else doesn't matter."

He turned and headed for the door before turning his head. "This world has had its fill of heroes Bell..."

He looked at them both. "If you're prepared to walk that path... Then be prepared for people to hate you. Trying to please everyone will only lead to more sadness..."

Bell turned his head away.

"You're really not good at cheering people up are you..."

"Haha, blame my upbringing... Old perverts don't make for great teachers.."

Bell let out a small smile before it quickly faded. "No... they don't..."

He rubbed the back of his head. "You want my opinion Bell? Relax... Your goddess seems like the stubborn type and is probably talking the ears off the other gods!"

He looked at Lefiya and smiled. "Plus Riveria is on the guilds case... That elfs as stubborn as they come she won't take no for an answer."

He rubbed the back of his head. "Hey, when you next see her tell her I've still got to buy her an apology drink..."

He turned to the door and was about to walk out until Lefiya spoke up.

"I... I'm sorry but what happened between you and my mentor?"

He burst out laughing rubbing the back of his head nervously. "Ohh we used to date, till I dumped her... ughh best not mention that part though..."

He closed the door laughing as Lefiya's jaw hit the floor...

'I can't wait to tell this to Tiona!'.

...

"Ughh..."

He sighed, rubbing his beard as he looked back at the closed door. Before pulling out the small pendent from his pocket.

"Well, Meteria... I kept my promise the rest is up to him..."

'Though that black smudge is a worry... I thought Freya was overreacting but...'

'It grew with his anger... But it didn't disappear completely... Whatever it is... it's not part of his soul!'

'Best I deal with it soon before it becomes a problem...'

....

"Ugh for the love of the gods Riveria why the Hell can't you drop it already!"

Riviera slammed her hands down on the desk.

"A Goddess nearly died! Your lack of caution or thought risked the lives of others!"

Royman grunted. "She's as much a goddess now as me or you. Her rights as one were thrown away by the others. Like it, or not she's just another adventurer now."

Riviera glared at him. "She still has importance. I don't care what reasoning you had, that match should have been stopped. No ifs, no buts. Yet it took a member of their familia to step in and risk all-out war while your fat ass just sat back and watched!"

Royman felt himself being pushed back. "What do you want me to do. The gods couldn't even come to an agreement on the matter. As it stands until proof is found that Lord Apollo did cheat the ceremony will go ahead...

"You have the chance to undo a terrible decision... Instead, you hide away in this office not taking responsibility for your actions!"

"I" He stopped as the tall green elf glared down at him.

"You weren't the one trying to save a girl's life downstairs because a match had been lost. You weren't the one that had to explain to a poor boy that he nearly risked his familia's future for nothing!"

Royman got to his feet. "I believe the saying all's fair in love and war Riveria... Yes, we should have consulted you, Yes someone should have stepped in. That's a failure on the guild and will be investigated. But it isn't going to appease the gods..."

Riviera sighed... "In that case, I'd like to be given immediate care of Artemis..."

Royman raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

She shook her head. "Because she's still in a critical condition. I refuse to hand her over in her current condition to the brutes that did this to her!"

Royman shook his head. "No... Neither you nor I can make that call. At the end of this day she will be handed over to Apollo. Then it will be his decision."

Riviera looked down, a disheartened look on her face. "Thank you for your time... I'll see myself out."

She walked over to the door, stopping for a moment.

'Did I do everything I could? Is there nothing I can do for them now?'

It was then as she reached for the handle the door slowly opened and another elf stepped through.

"Hmmm Eina what is it?"

The fat elf asked as he turned his chair to the side.

"W-well it's..."

"Out of the way!"

Riviera gasped a second. "Why are you here?"

"That's my business! I overheard your little conversation. You want proof Apollo cheated... I can give it to you!"

Riveria's mouth was still on the floor as she turned to Royman. Who was just as surprised as her.

"This is... Fine... I won't ask your reason... Now tell me everything."

...

Authors notes.

Apologies for the time it took to get this chapter out. I won't lie I was in a bit of a hard place when it came to this chapter. It was hard to envision what I had planned and In the end, I bit the bullet and accepted it wasn't going to be perfect. But now that it's done with I can move onto the better parts and In a more timely fashion. I look forward to hearing from you all and your thoughts on the chapter. Hope you're all staying safe and see you all next chapter.

Thanks for reading.

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