Despite the stares Bell and his party were receiving, they made it to the guild without any issues. Koukin let go of Bell's arm when they came in sight of the building, much to his relief.
And hidden disappointment.
When they entered the building, they lined themselves up at the exchange counter to drop off their magic stones and rare drops. Being told to wait while they calculated their earnings.
So they did and managed to flag down Eina and give a brief report.
"There weren't any problems on the fourth floor?" she asked with some concern, she couldn't fault them going down that far, given their party size, they shouldn't have had much trouble at all.
But it was the dungeon and anything could happen down there. Plus she was Bell's advisor and now seemingly the advisor of his familia now.
She had to get a meeting with Roman about that, maybe get a raise as well. But knowing that elf, unlikely.
"None whatsoever," Koukin answered from the couch in front of her, legs crossed and a professional air about her, "In fact it was almost too easy, our numbers not withstanding, myself and a few others found the opposition lacking to our expectations," she turned her head to Takeru, who elected to stand rather then sit, "some more so than others."
Takeru didn't reply at first, seemingly picking what the right words to use, "The foes we faced required minimal effort to take down. If I were completely honest, I feel I could spend a day or two cutting down those monsters and not even feel winded."
Her words stunned Eina a bit. A fresh level one adventurer not even bothered with monsters on the fourth floor? That was a surprise to say the least and Eina couldn't bring herself to doubt Takeru's words. Given how blunt and honest they felt.
If she was honest, Eina could swear that Takeru was disappointed that she didn't get a decent challenge in the dungeon.
Eina had a feeling she was the warrior-spirit type of adventurer. Someone who could be given the best treasures the dungeon could offer and push it aside for the sake of martial pursuit.
It definitely seemed that way when she registered, upon completing the application, Takeru jumped at the chance to inquire about the monsters she could be facing in the dungeon. Eina kept it minimal, only telling her about the monsters she could find on the first five floors. Even then she only told her that much because she assumed Takeru would stick with the party.
Had she told her about the creatures on the lower floors, she may have dashed down further to test her skills.
Thankfully it seemed Takeru had her mind on something else. Namely the sword she was issued to her. Eina could tell she wasn't satisfied with it and although Eina wasn't an appraiser of any means in terms of weapons or equipment, she could tell that the sword couldn't handle much more of Takeru's use of it.
Hopefully their rewards gained would be satisfactory enough for her to get a better weapon and additional gear. All the better if they earned enough collectively to get themselves better equipment.
Eina glanced back to the front desk and spotted her friend, Misha, fumbling about with several things at once. She knew now was a good time to return to work. She stood up and with a quick polite bow and well wishes, she returned to her duties. Leaving the Hestia familia to their devices.
Takeru decided to start a new discussion, "After our earnings are given, I would like to obtain a better blade." She wanted to cut straight to the point and deal with the subject that bothers her the most.
Koukin added on to a subject she had forgotten as well, "I'd imagine some clothes as well," she looked down at her own wears and gave a small sigh, she knew she had to change her wardrobe somewhat but still, she liked what she wore. Maybe they could find something similar.
"If you're looking for some stores to shop at. Hana and myself know of a few." Arue added.
"Excellent," replied Koukin, who turned her attention to Bell, "would you like to accompany us Bell? I imagine you could use some new equipment yourself, correct?"
Bell was about to reply before he remembered something. They were going shopping, for equipment yes obviously, but also clothes.
Women's clothes.
He swore he could hear his grandpa right now, bestowing wisdom from beyond the grave.
'Bell, you are given a rare opportunity before you.'
'What is it grandpa?!'
'To go on a grand adventure unlike any other!'
'Tell me!'
'A chance to observe the women's changing room!'
'…huh?'
'The ladies going behind the curtain, putting on clothes, emerging just for you to see!'
'…huh?!'
'You'll give them your thoughts! Tell them how beautiful they are, even if it looks bad.'
'That's dishonest!'
'That's part of the strategy! As you butter them up with sweet words and compliments. Eventually they'll ask your opinion on something else they wanted to try on.'
'What?'
'Underwear of course! You'll get to see and comment on their underwear! Just think, you could talk them down to go skimpier and skimpier. See more of them! See the promise land before your eyes! Embrace the opportunity!'
'...'
While Bell was receiving wisdom from his long gone guardian, his familia faced another issue.
Namely the fact that their captain hadn't responded or moved for about twenty seconds.
They were beginning to grow very concerned and were just about to do something to get his attention but before they could, Bell stood up ramrod straight, giving everyone a startled jump.
"I'm sorry, but I have to decline!" he exclaimed before giving a deep bow, "I am grateful for the offer, however!"
Bell's response took his party back a bit, it was very dramatic for an otherwise yes or no question.
But as some in the familia already know, Bell could be a very…dramatic individual.
It was part of his charm in a way. Brave and bold in the dungeon, shy and modest on the surface.
Koukin eventually responded to Bell's answer, "Very well. You could give just a simple 'no' next time however, I certainly wouldn't take offense."
Bell blushed and looked down at his feet, his embarrassed features plain for them to see.
Chitoge observed him and was reminded of a shy rabbit she knew once in her old world. Only she's certain that the rabbit wasn't so easily flustered like Bell. In fact, she's certain it was far more aggressive than what Bell could be.
It made her want to pat his head. She fought the urge.
Eventually they were called back to the exchange counter to receive their rewards.
Needless to say, the familia didn't have to work much about their finances for a while.
Earning nearly eighty thousand valis, would make any hard day in the dungeon worthwhile.
After some discussion, it was decided that Bell would take most of the winnings home and add them to the familia's finances.
The girls would take their portion and go out to get equipment and clothes for Chitoge, Takeru, and Koukin.
The plan settled, they went their separate ways. Bell had to stop himself from skipping on his way home. He could not wait to tell his Goddess the good news.
Hestia wasn't just happy about the news Bell brought.
She was overjoyed.
She made this known by running up to Bell, arms spread, and jumped up to seemingly hug his head.
Bell once again found himself at the mercy of his Goddess's chest. His face being firmly pressed against the softness threatening to embrace his vision.
After a few more happy shouts of joy, Hestia finally let her first child go from the soft prison she embraced him in.
"I'm so happy Bell," she said, "Our familia is coming along nicely," she beamed up at him, her smile contagious, "you don't have to work so hard and you have a party to back you up in the dungeon."
As Hestia had good things to say to Bell, Bell in turn had good things to say to Hestia.
"And you don't have to work so hard either, Goddess," he said with a smile, "you don't have to keep going to those part time jobs all the time."
Hestia smiled at her child, touched by his concern, "Thanks Bell but I actually like some of the jobs I work at. I mean, the potato puff stand would crumble without me."
The owner of the stand was an elderly one and was always compassionate to Hestia for her hard work. Even if Hestia's familia did financially well, she couldn't see herself leaving the owner by herself with the stand.
Bell was touched by his Goddess's kindness, once again glad to be her first child in the familia.
Bell finally noticed something about his Goddess that he should have noticed sooner in hindsight. Hestia wasn't dressed in her usual garments, she instead wore a dress.
It wasn't a fancy dress by any means, it looked more like something she'd wear for a casual gathering.
"Goddess, are you going somewhere?" Bell asked.
Hestia nodded and gave a twirl before replying, "Yep! Ganesha is throwing a party and all the Gods and Goddesses are invited," she put her hands on her hips and puffed her chest up.
Bell tried to ignore the bounce on her chest from that action. Key word 'tried.'
Ignoring that though, a party of Gods and Goddesses? That had to be a grand thing to witness, especially with how many deities are in Orario.
Bell was happy that his Goddess will be among them, he felt she deserved it after her own hard work.
"I hope you enjoy yourself, Goddess. You deserve it!" Bell said to her with a smile, his happiness for her plain to see.
Hestia smiled in return, "Thanks Bell," she said, "I promise to do my best," she paused and just now recalled something, "Oh before I go, do you want me to fix you anything before I leave."
She didn't want to leave her children hungry while she ate at a banquet.
Bell shook his head, "No, that's alright. We still have food here we can make."
It was nice to have a healthily stacked pantry and refrigerator of food now. Eating potato puffs everyday could only go on so long.
He then remembered he still had Syr's lunch he made for him, he should probably have that less it go to waste
Hestia nodded, satisfied with the answer, "In that case, I still have to finish getting ready and you," she pointed at Bell's breastplate with one hand and used the other to pinch her nose with a teasing smile, "need to shower after a day in the dungeon, can't have our new renovated home smell like sweat and blood now can we?"
Bell could not argue with that and agreed with his Goddess.
Hestia went back upstairs to her room to finish getting ready for the party. Bell followed her upstairs and went into his room to gather clothes for after his shower.
Having more rooms now was definitely a bonus but going all the way down to the basement, where the restroom and shower were, could get tiresome after a while.
Maybe next time they garner enough funds, they could negotiate a restroom renovation.
Only, Bell knows that Goibniu may not be so merciful with a discount this time around.
The women of the Hestia familia were fairing pretty well in Orario's shopping district.
They were currently exploring the wears and wardrobes of the city and were fairly surprised by the variety of styles they were witnessing.
Fanciful to practical, exotic to modern, there were many styles and fashions to choose from. In addition, there prices were malleable per shop. To the wealthy to the poor, someone could find something for anyone.
Chitoge had the eye of fashion, amongst the party. Seeing all the designs and styles excited her greatly, she practically had to get pulled away from one elven store that housed very intricate and wistful wardrobes.But paying the amount for such wears could impact their equipment plans.
Eventually, Chitoge found a store that possessed clothing she was more familiar with. She thought it almost funny how a store like this would have similar clothes to her world back home.
Or the original Chitoge's home.
This summoning thing was still confusing at times.
Takeru wasn't as artfully inclined as Chitoge and got most of her wardrobe from a store that possessed clothing that catered to eastern tastes.
She was pleasantly surprised to find pants that were nearly a mirror to her own.
She recalled an old friend calling her pants 'puffy and practical' and Takeru could not argue with that. Her puffy pants saved her from a misaimed arrow or sword strike quite a few times.
Koukin had the hardest time finding a wardrobe that suited her tastes. She had found some clothes to buy but they weren't anything special, bought for necessity then anything else. It wasn't until they caught the eye of a shopkeeper in passing that they were invited, though you could argue they were dragged into the shopkeeper's store.
An amazoness store.
Koukin looked around the store and while many would have thought it strange to see such minimal clothing, Koukin couldn't help but enjoy what she was seeing. There were of course wears that were practically bikinis, some could even just be called thin strips of cloth, but there were also some clothing that was more modest, at least to an amazon.
Koukin elected to try the latter ones on first, the shopkeeper and manager as they found out was happy to oblige and even offered them a great discount on her wares if she could study Koukin's current wardrobe. She was fascinated by the style and wanted to potentially put something new in her store. Koukin told her she could, with the condition she returns it when she is finished.
And that they discuss potential royalties with her clothes being used for potential designs.
With that done, Koukin went to the changing area and disappeared behind the curtains with some clothes in her hands, the manager waiting just outside with a giddy expression, waiting for the offered clothing of Koukin.
The remaining members of Hestia familia found themselves waiting in the amazon store, not really a problem considering they've already done it at a few other ones already.
But this was the first store that had more…risqué inventory.
"This place is certainly something," Chitoge said holding a less than modest top set, it was apparently 'standard wear' for most amazons, "I can't really picture myself walking around with this on as casual clothes," she finished with a blush, this thing was basically a bikini.
Takeru was staring at a table of pants that seemed to be designed to fit skin tight, though the inner thighs of them were left bare, "Amazons are a warrior race after all," she said, "if their focus is more on strength and agility, than it makes sense why they'd prefer minimal clothing."
Less cloth, more strength and movement. Pretty strong logic. She even knew of a few in her old world who subscribed to such beliefs.
"Hmmm, I guess so," Chitoge said, unconvinced but accepting of the logic.
Arue and Hana were staring at a few displays of amazon wear near them. Arue wasn't interested in buying any but still admired the style of them.
Hana was staring at a set of clothes intently, as if debating a critical decision, before giving a sad sigh and turning away.
Still not 'that' brave just yet.
They were broken from their focus by a sudden exclamation.
"Come on! This is the best place to buy new clothes!"
Coming through the entrance was a pair of girls, two amazons, one with short dark hair and a lithe figure and another with long dark hair with a curvaceous figure. Behind them was a honey-brown haired elf and a blonde haired woman following close by.
The two following the amazons gave blushes when staring at the clothes around them. With the elf practically glowing cherry red at the sights.
"Tiona! This place is hardly appropriate to get new clothes for Ais!" Exclaimed the elf.
The amazon, Tiona, gave a casual wave at the elf, not bothered at all by the criticism, "It's fine Lefiya, I get my clothes here all the time and I'm dressed okay," she went over to a shelf that had various pareo skirts similar to the one she wore, "See! Wouldn't Ais look good in one of these?"
The elf paused in thought as if considering, before shaking her head and expressing her disagreement via gesticulation.
They were a loud bunch to be sure and the Hestia familia members did their level best to ignore them.
But it was a store and only so big that eventually interactions unfolded.
Chitoge was studying a section that possessed possibly the most modest pieces in the store, though that wasn't saying much, when she noticed someone approaching.
The blonde haired girl, Ais. If Chitoge could recall, or even bothered to care if she were honest.
The girl was looking at the clothing but looked like she didn't know what she wanted and was giving concentrated 'hums' all the while.
Chitoge was getting gradually annoyed and after a while decided to do something about that. Not anything violent or aggressive mind you, she wasn't going to start a fight in a store. Instead she looked the girl over, took in her appearance, nodded when she was finished before turning her attention back to the clothes. She found what she was looking for and held it up to Ais who looked at it and her quizzically.
"Here's a good start for ya," Chitoge said abruptly, drawing a startled jump from Ais, "you want something that goes well with your best features, from what I see, that's your hair and eyes. Look for lights that go well with them or abrupt darks if you're looking to contrast and want to stand out."
Her duty done, Chitoge placed the clothing in Ais's hands and went back to looking at the apparel hoping to find something she liked.
"Thank you,"
Chitoge paused and looked over at Ais, who held the light clothing she gave her with a small smile.
She sincerely appreciated Chitoge's advice.
The sheer sincerity that Chitoge faced just then took her aback. She found herself struggling to reply to such honest words from such a person.
"N-no problem," she eventually said, looking away and twirling a strand of her hair, "you looked like you were having a hard time and I just felt like helping," she gave a brief huff before finishing, "it's not a big deal."
Ais didn't add or say anymore and simply went to rejoin her friends.
She happened to come at an awkward time.
"My name is Arue! Most Voluptuous amongst the Crimson Demons!"
A very awkward time.
Lefiya and Tiona were staring dumbstruck at Arue. What kind of person introduced themselves like that? Especially after they introduced themselves so politely.
Tiona felt personally attacked by the title 'Most Voluptuous.' But couldn't argue against it, not when the proof was staring at her in the face.
Arue's robes were supposed to be modest but even still, the size of her chest was noticeable.
Hana, by Arue's side, gave a modest bow and introduced herself in turn, "Greeting. My name Is Hana Sunomiya, it's nice to meet you."
At least she gave a normal introduction.
Lefiya thought it was time to move things along and did so accordingly, "Well it's nice to meet you both as well. I see you're shopping here as well and wondered if there was anything more…'modest' could be found here."
Arue gave the elf a playful smile, amused by the question, "An amazon store doesn't really prioritize modesty in its clothing. It's more 'function over form' as the saying goes."
Tiona nodded happily, agreeing with the statement, "Yep! I told Lefiya that before we got here," she paused, thinking of something, "though I didn't use so many words."
Arue gave a slight giggle at Tiona's honest statement. It was adorable and she found herself liking this person all the more.
Hana noticed Ais then and what she was holding, "It seems your friend found something anyways."
Lefiya and Tiona turned to Ais and saw what she was carrying. It was a nice set of white clothes that were definitely the most modest items Lefiya had seen in here so far, though the shorts could be longer.
Tiona looked at the clothes in awe, amazed that this place had something like this, "Wow! Ais, those look very nice," she said, "where did you get them?"
Ais blankly pointed to where Chitoge was at, "The nice girl showed me and gave me advice on what to look for."
Chitoge chose then to look up, and saw Ais pointing at her, their eyes met and Ais smiled and gave her a polite wave. Chitoge blushed at the attention and even more so when Tiona gave an enthusiastic one of her own. She quickly turned away and pretended they weren't there.
Tiona gave a curious hum, "She's a shy one."
Arue gave a giggle at that, "Fufu. On occasion. When she's in the dungeon, she's practically a raging gorilla."
"Ohhh!" Tiona sounded happy, "You're adventures too! So are we!"
Arue was getting swept up in this girl's enthusiasm, she didn't know many people this joyful and was having a time of it talking to her.
"Yes," Arue started, "Hana and myself arrived in the city not so long ago and were fortunate enough to find a Goddess to take us in and bless us."
Hana nodded in agreement, "It was very fortuitous."
Tiona smiled, happy for their luck, "That's great! I hope you enjoy being adventurers. It can be rough but if you have guts and determination, you can take on anything the dungeon throws at you!"
A fist not so lightly bonked her on the head at that, "You also should have some brains to help you as well. Like this one seems to forget all the time."
The voice and fist came from the other amazon, who looked at the other one exasperatingly.
"Geez Tiona. We're here to shop, not bother others with idle chit chat," she looked up at Arue and Hana with an apologetic smile, "Hi, names Tione. This one's sister," she pointed to Tiona, who was clutching her head at the hit, "sorry to cut your conversation short but we have a schedule to keep and still have some other shops to visit before days end," she looked at her other friends and saw Ais holding a set of clothes in her hand, "Nice Ais. That'll look great on you."
Ais smiled and was more and more confident with her choice now but just to make sure…
"I would like to try it on," she said, "just to be sure."
No one had any objections, in fact the elf looked rapturous at the thought of seeing her in those clothes.
'A perverted elf? Now that's rare."
Arue was smart enough not to voice that aloud but still didn't hide her smirk at the thought.
Hana stared at the group as they went to the changing rooms, her heart felt conflicted. It was torn between embarrassment at the thought of wearing such things and admiration to the one who was willing to wear such a thing modest though it was by amazon standards.
She looks back at the clothes she was looking at, they were far more bold, her heart beating like a drum but her mind made up.
She quickly grabbed a clothing set she was interested in and moved to the changing rooms.
Arue saw this and couldn't help but smile, this was turning into an exciting day.
At the end of the store, Takeru viewed the scenes before her blankly.
This was turning into a strange day to be sure.
At the changing rooms, things finally came to a head.
Stepping out of the changing room she was in, Koukin came out wearing what should have been a modest set of clothes for an amazon to wear.
It didn't account for Koukin's figure.
She wore a pareo skirt that was cut on both sides to show the sides of her thighs. In addition to a top that seemed to be only secured at the neck and arms, leaving the back bear and the front looking like loose cloth.
On the average person it would hide a chest rather well and comfortably.
On Koukin however, it only covered most of the top of her chest, still leaving half of her chest exposed.
The Loki familia familia stared at her, at a loss for words.
Koukin paid them no mind, looking at her clothes with an analytical eye.
"The skirts' good but the top leaves much to be desired," she said with a click of her tongue, "It doesn't even cover the full chest. Was this really the biggest they had?"
She finally noticed that she had an audience and found herself staring at them. Not wanting to be rude she gave a slight bow and apologized if she bothered them by exiting abruptly.
That slight bow was enough to break the Loki familia members, the valley they saw she possessed was great indeed.
Tiona coughed blood abruptly and fell back, seemingly passed out, mumbling something repeatedly like 'They can get that big? They can get that big?'
Tione finally felt subconscious for her own chest size for the first time in her life. A feeling she wasn't accustomed to. She found her own hands guiding themselves to her chest, patting them and wondering the woman's sizes.
Lefiya and Ais both were staring agape at Koukin, never seeing someone with a figure like hers, other than on a Goddess.
Ais finally broke out of her shock before looking down at the clothes she had in her hands.
She looked back to Koukin, then down, then up.
"I think this would fit me fine after all."
The whole time this was going on, the manager and owner of the store was sitting behind the counter with a dopey smile on her face.
Best workday ever!
It wasn't until mid-evening that the Hestia familia members made it back home. It was a good day of shopping for them.
Not just for clothes, but equipment as well.
Takeru, Koukin, and Chitoge all bought weapons that better suited their tastes and technique.
They made sure to thank the Loki family girls for telling them about a good store that had appropriate gear for starting adventures.
After they recovered of course.
Going up an Elevator in Babel was a fresh experience to some of them.
Chitoge had to try her best not to laugh at Takeru's startled cry of shock when the elevator moved.
She nearly lost it when Koukin openly cried in alarm.
Arue held her neutral expression the whole time the elevator moved, much to everyone's shock.
Chitoge made a mental note never to gamble against Arue. A poker face that good is to be feared.
But finally they were done and still possessed a healthy amount left to add to the familia coffers.
All in all it was a good day.
They entered their home ready to end the day on a good note.
Bell's passed out body and foaming mouth quickly squashed that thought from existence.
If one were to ask what Bell Cranell had done when he got home. He would have said these things in order.
"I greeted my Goddess and told her about the good work we did in the dungeon. I took a shower.I told my Goddess to have a good time at the party and watched her leave. I decided to eat the lunch Syr made for me…I can't remember what happened after that."
Which was why when he woke up in his bed, he was immediately confused. How did he get here?
"Finally, you're awake."
The voice came from his side and Bell turned to see Koukin. Sitting in a chair by his bedside, wearing an expression of relief.
"You had us worried for a while there," she said, "Takeru thought you were poisoned and scouted the building, looking for any assassins. She seemed a little too familiar with similar events."
Bell made it a priority to reassure Takeru on his condition later. He didn't mean to worry them so.
Koukin continued, "Hana, Arue, and myself already had a good guess on what happened. Given the evidence on the table, or the floor as it were."
Koukin didn't need to be a genius strategist to work out that the food Bell got was less than edible. Upon looking at the remaining evidence in the lunchbox he received, she found inside it an attempt at a meat bun, only the hodgepodge of ingredients she could see inside the meal deterred her from recognizing it as food.
And her captain still ate more than one bite of it, he ate at least half of it if she wasn't wrong.
His survival instincts needed work, that was obvious.
She let him know as such, and Bell at least had the decency to look sheepish, rubbing the back of his head with a self-deprecating laugh.
"Well regardless, we luckily had an antidote on hand, not a strong one, but one well enough to fix a bad case of food poisoning."
Bell nodded and thanked her before asking something, "What happened to the rest of the food?"
Koukin pushed her glasses up, causing them to gleam, "I had Arue and Chitoge dispose of the material." she said.
Earlier
"Ready?" Chitoge asked, holding what was left of Bell's food in a bundle of cloth.
Arue held a hand up to the air, her gaze focused.
"Pull!"
Chitoge tossed the material up as high as she could, before it could reach the apex of its height, a shout rang out.
" Fireball! "
A ball of flames as big as a man, shot out and engulfed the food.
What was left could neary be called ashes as it fell to the ground.
Chitoge and Arue stared at the smoking remnants, making sure its poisoned existence was extinguished once and for all.
When only a smoke stain remained of the 'food,' they knew they succeeded.
Without looking at each other they raised their hands…
*clap*
and high-fived each other.
Mission accomplished!
Bell sweatdropped at the methods used while he was comatosed.
A bit dramatic, if he was honest but results were results.
He had to come up with a story to tell Syr tomorrow. She was without a doubt going to ask him what he thought of the food and his answer needed to be good.
"Bell."
He was broken out of his thoughts by Koukin. Who was now looking at him with a stern expression.
Bell felt her gaze upon him and he immediately stood up from where he lay and met Koukin's gaze.
It wasn't a challenging one, it was a concerned gaze asking if 'everything is alright.' Koukin liked the response but now wasn't the time for sentiment.
Now to address the problem.
"Bell," she said, "I wish to discuss something with you. About the familia."
Bell paid attention. Was there something wrong?
"I trust, if my guess is right, that you have little to no experience in leading, correct?"
Bell nodded in confirmation, no point in trying to lie. It was the truth, painful as it was to admit.
Koukin nodded, her gaze softening somewhat at the answer and the plain face honesty that came with it.
He was probably the most honest person she had met, in this life or her other one.
That wasn't necessarily a good thing though nor was it a bad thing.
Time to cut to the matter at hand, no more holding back.
"In my own experience, a lack of leadership can lead to ill results," she began, "it can lead to indecision, doubts amongst squads, hasty reactions, infighting, and even decimation."
Bell heard her words and felt each one like a cold knife was being stabbed into him.
"A leader's duty isn't just to be a symbol," Koukin continued, "nor is it to dictate everything within his or his followers' power. It is to inspire them in moments of dread, decide when decisions seem impossible, help when they are needed, and strike down foes who threaten them."
Koukin paused and closed her eyes, remembering the person she followed, what she believed in and what she fought for.
"A leader must be great to those who trust them," she went on, "must inspire more to follow him. Must know when to offer a hand in friendship and when to cut the throat of enemies before him."
Koukin opened her eyes and stared at Bell, her focus unwavering, "I have served beside such leaders and despite their doubts and flaws. Despite the struggles they faced. They stood tall and inspired their followers to be better than they imagined, all the way to their ends."
Bell was enraptured with her words, where once he was intimidated and a little scared, now he was getting excited. Was Koukin going to teach him to be like them? Was he going to be taught on how to lead?
"With that said, I would like to teach you how to lead."
She was going to teach him!
"But I can't teach you to be like that."
Dreams crushed!
Koukin stared at Bell's expression with slight pity but with a little mirth.
"For starters, what I told you was based on my past experience with those I followed and I can tell that you don't exactly fit that kind of mold.
Bell slumped a bit in his bed, the reality taking the wind out of his sails.
"For starters, I doubt you would cut down nearly every foe to the familia, your nature is too gentle."
Bell slumped further.
"You're not an expert strategist by any means, in fact the thought of strategy seems entirely new to you."
Even further he slumped.
"But at the very least," Koukin said, giving Bell a small smile, "you're inspiring."
Bell looked at her, now removed from his slumping. Inspiring? Him?
Bell thought he could be some of the things Koukin said, only for her to coldly give him the facts of life.
But inspiring? Bell just didn't see how.
"I spoke to Arue and Hana," Koukin said, "they told me of your late night journey into the dungeon. With no armor or potions at your side. Just a knife and the clothes on your back."
Bell felt subconscious at being told of his latest exploit. It was still a foolish action on his part and not one he'd make again if it makes his familia worried for him or even risk it in any way.
"I dare say I was inspired as well."
Bell looked at her with wide eyes. Really?
Koukin gave a laugh at Bell's expression, "Don't get me wrong. What you did was reckless beyond reason. If it were anyone else, they would have died doing what you did."
Bell had no argument to that, he was lucky he didn't die.
"But what you did had an effect on them," she went on, "It made them want to push themselves to do better, not just for themselves, for the familia and," she pointed at him, right in his chest, "for you, their captain, their leader."
Koukin now had a wider smile, "and that is something I can work with. I can't turn you into one of the great leaders I served, but I can help you become your own kind of leader."
Bell was speechless, he didn't know what to say.
"So Bell Cranell, would you like me to help you become a leader of your own design?" she moved her hand that was at his chest down and open. An offer of a handshake.
Bell stared at the offered hand, his heart thumping in his chest and his mind racing.
He thought of his time within the Hestia familia so far, being welcomed by his Goddess, going into the dungeon and facing the foes within, gaining a strange magic, meeting Arue and Hana, forming a party with them, facing the monsters together now, summoning Chitoge, Koukin, and Takeru, growing more and more as a family and finally seeing it all before his eyes and realizing how important it was to him.
He wanted to protect it, he wanted it to last. It was no longer a case of wanting to lead the familia. Bell had to lead the familia, to have it grow and stand proud on its own. So that they can stand proud in it.
Bell shook the hand offered, his mind made up, "Teach me." He said.
Koukin smiled, proud of her summoner's determination. He had a long way to go and she knew she had her work cut out for her. But he was willing to admit what he lacked and was willing to work to gain it.
Already improving.
Now for a different matter she had to address.
"I'm glad you're willing to work towards being a leader but there was something else I noticed that needs to be said."
Bell was going to ask what, until Koukin made her move.
The hand he was shaking let go of his and pushed against his chest, sending him backwards into his bed with his head hitting his pillow with a soft *puff.*
He then felt someone getting in his bed and leaning over him. Bell looked up and saw who it was.
Koukin was staring down at Bell with a mischievous and sensual gaze. She was leaning over Bell on all fours and her chest just nearly touching his.
Bell found his gaze drift down slightly, to catch a glimpse of the vast cleavage her unique clothing provided before quickly bringing his gaze up to Koukin's eyes.
Red met emerald in a sudden stare down, one Bell had no chance at winning.
"Something I noticed is that you don't seem too comfortable around women," she said, "or rather, you have very little experience with them, correct?"
Bell couldn't bring himself to say anything in reply, it was another truth.
But, did it have to be pointed out now?!
Koukin's smile widened a bit, "Your silence is telling," she said, "I shouldn't have to tell you that a lack of experience like that could become a hindrance, given the familia's composition."
Bell would have liked to say something to that but he was suffering from a stimulation overload. Her words did ring true though. If he couldn't handle talking to women or being in the same building as them without worry, how was the familia going to take off?
Not with a sheepish captain, that's for sure.
"In addition to your leadership training," Koukin went on, "I'll teach you how to be much less flustered around women. After all,"
She lowered herself a bit, her large soft chest finally touching his.
The sensation floored Bell, who could now feel their wonderful shape with great detail. Their softness, their shape, the buds beyond the clothing he could barely feel from her clothes.
This was getting intense.
"It is for the good of the familia."
As she ended her words, Bell now recognized that her face was getting closer and closer to his face, so close that he could now feel her breath on himself.
As she got closer, Bell's nerves finally gave in and he closed his eyes. Waiting for what happens next.
In a split second, he felt the softness on his chest was gone and he didn't feel Koukin's breath on his face any longer.
He opened his eyes and saw Koukin by his door, about to open it.
A question was in his lips but before he could ask, Koukin spoke up, "That's enough for now," she glanced back at him with a devil-may-care smile, "We have a lot to work on so there is no need to rush things. We'll start with some lessons tomorrow, until then get a good night's rest."
With that said Koukin left, closing the door behind her, leaving Bell by himself.
Bell stared at the door to his room, his mind in flux before finally giving a deep sigh and laying back on his bed.
Many people in Bell's position would have been angry, confused, and definitely frustrated, but Bell didn't feel any of that. Except perhaps confusion but that was a given after what happened..
He let his thoughts drift about, imagining himself becoming a leader he could be proud of. When sleep finally took him, he had one train of thought go through his mind.
Despite the abruptness of Koukin's actions, Bell felt confident she wouldn't have gone too far. What she did was to make a point that Bell had ignored up until now, something he had to take care of.
Thankfully he had someone to help him take care of it.
As he finished his thought, he smiled in realization.
'It's nice to have a familia that cares that much.'
Bell settled in for a good night's rest, ready to face tomorrow and whatever it brought.
He was unprepared for the next day and what it brought.