My feet softly touched the ground of an alley. Despite what I expected, there was no off putting stench. Were even the alleys this well maintained? 

Orario was a splendid city bustling with life. Medieval style buildings that reached many floors, inns and merchant shops dotting the streets below, and pedestrians all busily going about their daily lives. From what I could discern as I walked down the street, the majority of the races occupying the city were either humans, elves, or some sort of animal/human mix. 

My blissful state of peace came to an abrupt and undesirable stop. I had been on a roll, happily walking around the city and taking in the sights, but the moment had been ripped clean in two when I felt someone’s intent stare at me.

I closed my eyes for a moment before glaring at the offender. Curious black eyes stared back. Then, as if ashamed of what he had done, the human looked away and continued walking down the road. I gave him a stiff upper lip, before letting out a defeated sigh. I was wearing yet another one of my favourite outfits, something the creator had gifted to me. A black uniform, with white highlights decorating the edges, alongside a skirt just dangling past my knees. I thought it was cute, but the outfit just didn’t seem to fit in with what the locals wore.

I hid my hands in my sleeves, bunching up wool nervously. There was a burning malevolent feeling in my heart like I had accidentally wandered into somewhere I wasn’t supposed to go. I wouldn’t admit it, but master was basically my only friend and source of social interaction. I tried to look more confident then I felt, but I couldn’t help but feel very small and alone. 

Although it was stressful just walking down the streets of Orario, there was something else that was bothering me far more. According to Ouranos, gods weren’t allowed to use their divine powers or anything. So I was effectively forced to live like a mortal for the time being.

There was no use worrying for now. At least I had devised a plan.

Hmm? Don’t get me wrong. It wasn't anything clever. I just hoped to encounter another god and beg them to take me in. I had no qualms with shamelessly leeching off someone else’s hard work in order to survive. At least this way I wouldn’t have to worry about my living situation.

...

I stared at the Tower of Babel in front of me. As the name implied, it was a large tower stretching to the heavens, built to contain the monsters below. It was at the center of Orario, giving quite a strong impression as it loomed over the the residents of the city, a permanent reminder of the deities who now resided with them.

Walking inside, the building opened up to a large public space filled with residents waiting in line for the many over the counter trading desks. I felt perfectly giddy walking towards one of the receptionists. I had never experienced something like this before, but that was okay, wasn’t it? I would finally get something other than the peace and quiet I was always used to in heaven.

“Excuse me, would you mind stating your intentions here?” Came a strict and businesslike voice.

I froze on the spot, going rigid all over. I slowly focused my eyes on the receptionist, who was looking at me impatiently. I had only just noticed the pointed ears at the side of her head. 

“U-um, I’m just here to request a meeting with Ouranos-” I tried confidently, but I could hear the tremors in my voice. I was always so nervous when it came to talking with strangers. 

“Miiiiisssssss Einaaaa!!!!” A surprisingly cute voice startled me out of my thoughts. 

“Bell!” The receptionist elf in front of me visibly brightened, looking past me to wave at the newcomer rushing into the building. I turn around in order to sneak a peek at him.

Red eyes, pale skin, and a surprisingly childlike face. Oh no. I begin to feel a little bit more alert. Was that Zeus’ grandson I had heard so much about? I blink slowly as I continue to stare at him, realization burning through my veins. His features were soft, much softer than Zeus, but the resemblance was still there.

I blink as he comes closer. He’s covered in blood.

...

Eina, the elf, had long since finished scolding Bell for his unhygienic appearance and forced him into one of the private guild rooms. I was currently seated in the waiting area, thinking carefully. Even though I was supposed to be resting, I could feel my mind racing a million miles an hour. The more my mind wanders, the more I remember that I really, really needed to find somewhere to stay.

Zeus had always been one of my favorite gods, always looking out for me and giving me a shoulder to lean on. It was time to repay the favour by helping him in his time of weakness, or rather, his grandson. Maybe I could give him one of my stronger blessings? Besides, If I went with Bell, I could leech of him for the time being I’d perhaps suggest I was his long lost sister. We certainly had a similar hair colour...

Unfortunately, my alertness also made the boredom of waiting so much more unpleasant. I wiggle around in the chair, hoping to find a more comfortable position. It’s not very pleasant, but it’s better than nothing.

The elf receptionist is now helping out another adventurer in that semi-polite, courtly way of hers. I drown her out - it’s only making me more impatient. 

What if he doesn’t come out at all? What if he already left? Instead of waiting for him to come back, I could just go to him. It’s bold of me to think of doing something like this, but I’m past caring. 

“Where are you going?” 

I ignore the words of the receptionist and run for the guild’s private rooms. I  close my eyes, desperately sensing for Bell’s aura as If I were a dog following the scent of its owner. It pulls me towards a room barred by a thick, heavy looking door, firmly shut.

I beeline towards it quickly as I am able, because rapidly approaching footsteps tells me the receptionist isn’t too far behind. My mind flits to my earlier awkward meeting with the receptionist. I’m pretty sure getting caught is something I would very much like to avoid.

I scramble inside the room, albeit barely, and close the door behind me. It isn't very spacious, but there’s plenty of room to move around. 

“Eh?” My head whips around at the sound of Bell’s voice, and I find him standing just next to me, seemingly in the middle of changing.

I hadn’t anticipated to get as close as I had. His eyes were bewitching, a nice color of red, while his lips were open in a cute expression of surprise. 

It was a different type of cute from my own; if I seemed like a mischievous sort, Bell had more of a gentle and tranquil look to him. His short, silvery locks framed his face perfectly, accenting his handsome features and bringing out the color of his eyes.

He had probably been about to pull his pants down in order to shower, because they were halfway past his thighs. He froze his movements probably because of my sudden intrusion, leaving very little to imagination.

“..........”

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For several seconds, we stared at each other. 

This is totally wrong, you know? I didn’t expect to catch him at this moment. How was I supposed to get out of this situation? 

I could feel pressure rushing towards my face and ears. Something was leaking out of my nose. Was that blood? 

“Nooooooooooooooo!”

Alongside an ear piercing scream, I receive a slap directly to my face and collapse right on the spot.

...

I grumpily sat on a bench outside the tower, still stinging from how I was treated. Eina had roughly dragged me outside, threatening to have me fined for trespassing. I let out a defeated sigh. It was getting really late outside. The sky was orange with the setting of the sun, the harsh rumble of the crowd slowly giving way to the muted conversations of people enjoying their evening outside.

I let out a defeated sign. My cheek was still stinging from the earlier slap and I wanted to disappear into the hole I came from. It wasn’t anything to do with Orario, of course. I just wasn’t much for the field and relied on Erebus completely for my accommodations back home. I wasn’t meant for this, yet I was here and completely alone.

A flash of white suddenly passed by me. Was Bell’s meeting with the elf finally over? Reacting in an instant, I rose and quietly trailed behind him, careful not to be too conspicuous. I hesitantly touch my cheek, dreading the moment I would have to reveal myself as that weird girl who peeked on him right before the shower.

Bell finally left the crowded main path, hurriedly dashing through a smaller back road and finally entering a section of the city that seemed as if a dragon had torn through it. The buildings were more rundown, some of them collapsed entirely, with moss growing through the shattered windows. He finally stopped outside what looked to be an abandoned church, which looked just as shabby as the buildings around it. At least this one was still standing properly…

Bell made his way inside, disappearing behind an altar at the back of the church. Waiting till he was gone, I timidly walked in. It felt weird following someone home like this. I hid my hands inside my sleeves, feeling incredibly anxious.

I made my way to the altar, turning the corner to enter what seemed to be a storage room. 

A floorboard creaked under my feet, making a harsh sound easily discernible from the silence of the church. A bead of sweat rolled down my head. He definitely would have heard that one…

…

Fried potatoes are much more appealing than one would think. Large cream filled potatoes that were deep fried and served with an incredibly tasty seasoning. This was definitely horrible for you, but I didn’t care. My eyes glittered as I found a whole new world - fried potato snacks. I could almost forget the awkward stares of Bell and the goddess Hestia who were still in the room with me.

Bell’s warily sneaking a few peeks at me, no doubt remembering the shower incident earlier today. At least Hestia had convinced him I was just another friendly god. I’m pretty cute and non-threatening, after all!

"Myu-" Hestia looked at me questioningly. "Why did you decide to descend now? Didn’t Erebus always keep you at home?"

I glance at her, my checks still puffed out and filled with potato. Hestia had been one of my favourite goddesses. And then there was the matter of bringing me food. I would return this favour somehow.

“Uh - I just wanted to come down for fun. M-master told me how everyone always loved Orario.” It wasn’t that I didn’t trust them, but...

Hestia pulled a face. It seemed like she didn’t buy my story, but thankfully didn’t press further.

“So, Bell’s part of your familia?” I mumbled between bites, eager to divert the conversation towards more comfortable territory.

“Yeah!” Hestia replied. “It was a perfect match. He had already been rejected so many times by other gods.” She smiled, a faraway look in her eyes.

While being fed, I had almost forgotten my purpose of coming here. Perhaps I could just ask her if I could stay the night, and not bother with the formalities.

“Sooo, can I stay here the time being?”

“No. Can’t you just book a room in an inn?”

“But I don’t have any money yet!” I whined, crawling behind Bell in order to escape Hestia’s line of sight. I couldn’t help but my nose close to his hair. He smelled kind of nice; like road dust and clean sweat...

“Are you sniffing him?” Hestia looked disgusted. “Didn’t think I would notice, huh?” 

I wanted to strangle Hestia for calling me out like that. I could feel heat rising to my ears. 

“Shut up!” I mumbled angrily, turning around to scold her, but I suddenly realized the position I was in. I had no money or home for the time being, so I was completely reliant on Hestia. 

Angering my possible benefactor would be a bad idea. Instead, I decided to abruptly change the topic.

“I just came down to the lower realm today. Please, let me stay with you?” I pleaded, looking at her desperately.

Maybe my actions earlier today were a bit too much. I’m sorry, but please let me apologize. I looked at her with a gaze filled with these thoughts…

“...Ok.” She averted his eyes with a troubled expression.

...

I sprawled over Bell, casually rolling back and forth on the couch in an attempt to find a more comfortable position. 

It was now early morning. I took advantage of Bell’s obliviousness to cuddle with him last night, but to be truthful, I didn’t really need to sleep. With nothing to occupy myself with, I decided on preparing breakfast.

I turned towards the pantry, which was barely hanging together. There were only a few plates and … some fried potato puffs?

...

“... What the heck are you doing?” Bell’s tired voice resounded as he slowly roused from slumber, blinking his eyes sleepily.

I looked up from the plate of fried snacks. “Never had something so… addicting before.” I spoke between mouthfuls.

His brows crinkled. “But those were Hestia’s snacks...” 

“I-” I tried to explain myself, but it seems like Bell wasn’t finished.

“It’s fine. I’ll just buy some more after coming home from the dungeon.”

I perked up a little. Dungeon diving already? Maybe I could tag along and see what the excitement was all about.

...

“-and so you trade the monster crystals for valis.”

I was currently listening to Eina, who was giving a lecture on the basics of dungeon exploring. Upon defeating a monster, you received a magic stone, and loot drops if lucky. These could be exchanged at the guild for valis, the currency of this world. According to Eina, a magic stone dropped by a goblin was worth 1200 valis. Since a meal cost around 50 valis, these magic stones were quite valuable. 

Usually, an adventurer travelled with others to collect magic stones and drop items. But since it could get quite hectic inside and because the stones were so valuable, it was worth it to hire at least one supporter to accompany you inside the dungeon. It was a perfect role for me to fill, at least for now.

“Bell, I’ve decided.”

“Eh?”

“I’ll be your supporter in the dungeon!” I announced proudly with a smile. “I’m perfect for the role!”

Hearing this, Eina butted in. 

“Aren’t you being a bit too hasty? The dungeon is filled with monsters who wouldn’t hesitate to kill you. A good supporter would come prepared and ready for what the dungeon might throw at them.” She eyed my clothes distastefully, evidently not keen on me being with Bell. “Not to mention, you’re not even equipped properly to support others properly. I’m banning you from the dungeon until then.”

...

The meeting with Eina was over. As we walk outside the tower, I promptly grab Bell’s hand and drag him into a shady alley.

“Uhh.. where are we going?”

“To the dungeon. Watch this.” With that, I turned to the wall… abracadabra~! The space in front of me rippled, revealing a portal leading straight to the dungeon entrance.

Startled, Bell backed away. I couldn’t blame him for being cautious, but he just had to trust me. I pulling him with me, I jumped straight into the portal,

“What was that?...” 

We had landed straight in the middle of the first floor of the dungeon. Getting up and dusting himself off, Bell squinted his eyes at me suspiciously. 

“Ah… this… um.” Oh crap. Did Ouranos even allow gods to do this?  Wait... were those goblins being birthed out of the dungeon walls? A perfect distraction!

It seemed Bell noticed too. Getting into a defensive position in front of me, he faced the crowd of eight goblins slowly walking towards us, holding his ground in order to prevent them from reaching me.

...

The dungeon was seemingly alive, spawning kobolds and goblins at regular intervals. It reminded me of a giant maze, full of dead ends, intersections, and forks. 

I acted like a true supporter for Bell. While he dispatched the monsters with a short dagger, I would watch from a safe distance, helping him only when needed. I didn’t want to leech him of any experience. From what I learned, adventurers gained experience from killing monsters, gaining stat boosts and possibly even a level up.

“... All right.” Bell panted as he plunges his dagger into the last goblin, finally finished dispatching a group of eight monsters. 

I run up to the dead goblin, collecting the magic stones as the bodies crumble into dust. These stones can be used for many things, such as being able to provide a steady source of energy for lamps, stoves, and refrigerators. As they could be sold to the guild, these stones were the main source of income for adventurers like Bell. 

The weaker the monster was, the smaller the magic stone. Stronger monsters appeared in the lower floors of the dungeon, and dropped much more valuable stones and loot. Though the goblins were the weakest, they tended to stick together in groups and could overwhelm even veterans with their sheer numbers. Now that I think about it...

“Are you really just a normal level one adventurer?” Bell had no trouble taking out dozens of monsters with relative ease. As far as I knew, adventurers usually traveled in small groups, but today I didn’t need to step in to help at all. His fierce look while fighting didn’t match his face and gentle personality at all, not to mention the small traces of divine power I sensed inside his body, which flared brightly while he was fighting.

“Yeah.” He replied, evidently happy at the implied praise. Though this couldn’t hide the more serious look on his face. “Myu, we should head up and call it a day. The dungeon seems to be way more active than normal.”

That’s right. We had been down here for quite a while. “Fuahhh~.” I stretched, glad to be leaving. “Good work for today, Bell!”

“Same to you.”  He replied while smiling sheepishly.

Hehehe… That response really sent my heart racing. The image of him, holding his hand out, with a smile just meant for me…

I take a deep breath and slap my cheeks.

“Are you ok?” Bell asked worriedly. “You’re really flushed. Do you have a fever or something?” He put his palm on my forehead.

“Eh?”

“You’re really hot. You really are burning up inside.”  

“Ah, n-no, I’m fine, you’re just... ” I trail off, mumbling the last few words.  

“What are you mumbling about? Let’s go home.”  

...Bell really is dense. Well, if he’s like this to everyone, it’s fine, I guess.