A few days passed since Lili's attempt at treachery and the sabotaging of her abuser's plan. In that time, Takeru and the others had turned in Kanu and his co-conspirators into the guild. Where they told Eina what happened alongside other Guild employees.
The sudden news surprised them at first but like the professionals they are, they swiftly went about investigating the men. They learned about what familias they were associated with, reports matching their deeds, eyewitness accounts that described them almost to a t, and looked up their past criminal history to find out they did something similar to a great many victims on the surface before Ganesha familia put an end to it.
Though that didn't stop them from bringing their ill deeds into the dungeon.
What's more is that Kanu shouldn't even be in the dungeon, having received a house arrest order from the Guild due to a pending investigation.
One that was familiar to what Lili went through.
Something that the Soma familia captain was meant to enforce. Bringing a new level of scrutiny upon the Soma familia as a whole, forcing the captain into damage control, for all the good it did.
The God Soma, gave no sign nor interest of the proceedings around him. Focused solely on the task that made him and his familia famous, or infamous, as this situation unfolded.
Lili, thankfully, didn't find herself on the wrong end of investigation. She was interviewed by Guild staff and was determined to be less an accomplice and more a victim. Still responsible for stealing other adventurers equipment, yes, but a tragic victim in a long series of coordinated events by those of her familia.
She had to relinquish her stolen supplies, which was unfortunate, but it was better than potential punishment. She thankfully had the key to her lockbox returned as well as the arm mounted crossbow and magic stones she obtained that day in the dungeon.
All in all, Lili got off easy. Bruised, cut, and sore here and there, yes, but overall ok.
Though given where she was now, that may not be the case for much longer.
"So, Miss supporter," Hestia began in front of her, "I've just been told the craziest story involving you and my precious first child," she drummed her fingers on the couch arm where she sat, her look one of a Goddess about to render judgment upon a foolish mortal who slighted her, "can't say I enjoyed hearing it."
Lili was kneeling on the carpet in the first floor lounge of the Hestia familia home. She was looking down on the floor, her face showing nervousness and worry and equal measure.
Some time after the incident, Lili found herself called to the Hestia familia home, via Ibuki appearing outside her home. Who told her that their Goddess wanted to talk with her.
Lili should have known it was going to be a talk like this and frankly it was one that she deserved and needed to happen. She wasn't arrogant enough to believe she could escape a Goddess's judgment, not after harming her first child.
Around her were the other members of the Hestia familia. Either sitting or standing while they surrounded her. Bell sat beside his Goddess, his face showing worry for Lili's sake, much to the pallum's subtle joy. Behind the couch and both Bell and Hestia, was Koukin, whose face was a mask of neutrality, giving no hints on what the vice-captain was thinking or feeling at this moment.
Many others had their expressions similarly shared with Koukin, which just made this whole experience even more awkward and admittedly unsettling for the little pallum.
At least Bell was doing his best to smile at her in reassurance.
"Well?" Hestia asked, "What do you have to say Miss supporter?"
"Lili has no excuse," she began, "It's true. Lili did betray Master Bell and left him for dead," again, a solid pang of guilt ran through her at that admission, but she knew she had to be truthful with her, with all of them, "Lili can't apologize enough. There is no apology strong enough to excuse what Lili did."
"At least you're honest," Hestia said, having sensed no falsehoods in her words, the comment felt bitterly ironic to Lili though.
Hestia gave a deep sigh and leaned on the arm of the couch, propping her head on her palm, her gaze never leaving Lili. She looked every bit like a divine figure would look in ancient times and Lili could keenly feel her judgment as if it were a physical force upon her.
"I'll be honest in turn, I don't like you Miss Supporter," Hestia delivered frankly, drawing a gaze from Bell at her words, "You risked the life of my first child and could have potentially risked the lives of my other children as well."
Koukin pushed up her glasses in dismissal of the idea. She had seen through far more elaborate and covert schemes during her time in her previous life. Lili's little scheme may have been effective on a typical standard adventurer, but not on one of the greatest strategists in all the Three Kingdoms.
Now wasn't the time to brag about that though.
Lili didn't have anything to say about that, simply taking whatever grievances the Goddess had to say to her. She frankly deserved worse than this.
Hestia sighed, now wanting to cut to the chase, "So Miss supporter. What are you going to do now?"
The question stumped Lili briefly before she answered, her resolve set, "Lili wants…Lili wants to keep supporting Master Bell and the others," she looked the Goddess in the eye, unblinking, "Lili knows that she doesn't deserve to, not after what she did, but still," she looked around her then, "Lilli wants to make up for what she did, for what she did to Master Bell and the others," her gaze became more focused, more reinforced, "Lili wants to prove worthy of Master Bell's trust and the trust of the others."
Hestia stared at Lili, giving nothing away at what thoughts were running through her mind. Until finally coming to a decision.
"If you really are that repentant," she began, "then far be it from me to deny a child their atonement," she looked over at Bell, giving him a smile, "Besides, Bell was very adamant I forgive you for what you did. He was nearly falling over himself for your sake."
Bell glowed red in the face at his Goddess's words, "Goddess, please!" he exclaimed in embarrassment.
Lili smiled and looked down at the words of Hestia, trying to hide her blush. Bell was really one of a kind if he could forgive her so readily.
"However," Hestia suddenly said, drawing Lili's attention back on her, "that's not to say there isn't going to be a punishment for what you did," she stood from the couch and crossed her arms, looking like a God about to deliver judgment upon a poor fool, "you may have dodged the Guild, but that doesn't mean you're free from repercussions," she leaned down towards Lili with a smile, though Lili had difficulty looking the short Goddess in the eye when her sizable chest was a dangling distraction, "in fact, I already thought of the perfect punishment for you. With the help of Hana and Elbia of course."
After some initial discussion prior to Lili arriving, Hana and Elbia both had an idea they wanted to try and they would need Lili's help to make it happen.
After explaining further, Hestia was well and truly on board with the idea.
A suitable punishment indeed.
"You can change your appearance, right?" the hearth Goddess asked.
Lili nodded and replied, "Yes. It's a magic Lili uses to hide her identity. It's how Lili was able to fool so many adventurers," she cocked her head at the odd questioning, "Why?" she asked.
Hestia gave Lili a smile that sent a chill up her spine.
"That's what I thought. Tell me, supporter. Have you ever thought of putting your magic to work in a…artistic sense?"
Lili did not like where this was going.
Hestia wiped her hands as she stared at the basement door, where Lili found herself dragged off to by Hana and Elbia, who were both anxious to get started on their new 'project'.
A project that was going to go a lot smoother with Lili by their side to help them out. Granted, the least Hana and Elbia could have done was to tell Lili what they wanted her help with, instead of picking the surprised supporter up and carrying her away downstairs, ignoring the Pallum's loud questions all the while.
Then again, it wouldn't be as much of a punishment if she knew what was going to happen.
Hestia clapped her hands, garnering attention back to her and closing the matter all together. It was time to move on to different things.
"So," she began, "Outside of our two artistic members and what they have going on today, what's everyone's plans for today?"
Everyone else was briefly surprised by the sudden question but they recovered quickly.
"I am going to work on my magical ability today," Takeru readily answered, "I plan to get some health potions first and foremost though, since my magic has some-," she held out her hand, closing and opening it as if to test it still works properly, "drastic side effects."
Hestia nodded but gave her purple haired warrior a worried look, "Okay, just be careful though, alright?"
Takeru nodded, "I'll certainly try my best Lady Hestia," she gave her a small smile in reassurance, "I refuse to let myself fall to my own abilities. I like to think I have a better degree of caution than that."
Hestia nodded, glad for the answer. She turned her gaze to the others.
"Kallen, Ibuki, and I were gonna go shopping for some new clothes," Chitoge suddenly announced, "We realized together that all we have to wear is dungeon diving gear," she pulled on her own clothing for emphasis, "We got next to no casual wear, 'cept our pajamas."
Kallen nodded along with her, "Yeah, these are good for kicking monster ass but we gotta wear something to help us relax when we're not fighting for a living."
Ibuki nodded along, "I wasn't too fond of wearing my ninja gear in my old world all the time," she shivered at recalling the hours upon hours she was required to wear it for her training, "I'd like to go about my off days with more…style and comfort."
Hestia didn't blame them for that and wished them their best for their shopping trip. She turned her attention to Arue, wondering what her sole mage child was going to do today.
Arue caught her gaze and smiled, "Since this is a day of respite, I shall be enjoying myself with a trip to the library. Seeing the great works of others across the lands."
"Huh," Hestia said in surprise, "I'm shocked you gave me an answer without posing or pontificating."
Arue gave a laugh and waved the Goddess off, "Even I can act more…modest on occasion, Goddess."
Hestia gave her a deadpan look, "Had to find a different word than 'normal', didn't you?"
Arue looked away with a smile, choosing not to answer.
"I believe I'll work with Takeru on increasing my effectiveness with magic as well," Koukin said, looking at her fellow familia member, "provided she has no objection that is."
Takeru shook her head, having none. She recognized that both she and Koukin had much to improve on in terms of their magical ability. With her, it was limiting the damage to herself so she could fight further with it. With Koukin, it was a matter of increasing her mind so she could cast her magic without the heavy risk of passing out.
Hestia turned to stare at the final, but first, member of the familia, waiting for Bell's answer.
Bell Cranel rubbed the back of his head at Hestia's focused stare, nervous about what to say. Until eventually he said the first thing that came to mind.
"I guess I'll go into the dungeon today," he answered.
Hestia stared at him, followed by Koukin, followed by Takeru, followed by Arue, and finally followed by Kallen, Chitoge, and Ibuki.
Bell felt their stares and the hidden judgment within them.
He gave a light chuckle of embarrassment.
"…Chitoge, do you and the others mind if Bell came along with you?" Hestia asked, not breaking her stare at Bell.
"No," Chitoge replied in turn, "We'd be more than happy to welcome our captain to our shopping trip."
"Huh?" Bell asked, surprised, "G-Goddess, what's wrong with me going into the dungeon today?"
"After everything that happened and your last status update, I deemed it prudent that you, Bell Cranel," Hestia took a breath and exclaimed, "That you need a break from the dungeon!"
Bell yelped and jumped back from where he sat and tumbled over the couch, landing with a thud. A short moment later, he peeked his head out with a nervous shake.
Hestia sighed and emphasized as she said, "Bell, you need a break. You've done great in the dungeon and you've done well as a captain. Take the day and treat yourself. If not for yourself," she looked at him with pleading eyes, slightly watering, "then for me, please."
Bell stared at his Goddess, looking into her soft eyes, seeing her quivering lip. He just couldn't say no when she was like that.
"Okay Goddess," Bell said, defeated, "I'll take the day off from the dungeon."
Hestia immediately switched back to her normal demeanor, her eyes looking as if the thought of tears never touched them, and smiling in victory.
Bell had the distinct impression he had lost a battle somehow.
Kallen saw the move Hestia played against her captain and smiled, "You gotta know when you're getting played captain," she said, "you'd think after being around so many women, you'd know when we're trying to pull one over on you."
Bell was aghast at the revelation and turned to Hestia, "Goddess!" he exclaimed, "You tricked me?!"
Hestia only nodded, completely unashamed, "Yep. Cause I know it was the only way to get you to go along with this."
Bell wanted to say more, but found himself gasping in surprise when he felt arms encircle around each of his. He looked to his left and his right to see Ibuki and Chitoge had both his arms locked with theirs and each of them having mischievous expressions on their features.
Bell had fallen into a trap that he couldn't escape.
"Come on, captain," Chitoge said, walking ahead to the door, "we got to get you some better clothes than those bland ones you wear everyday outside the dungeon."
Ibuki nodded, matching her pace, "Yep yep," she started, "can't have your subordinates out-styling you, can we?"
Kallen got up from the couch and moved along just behind them, "Don't worry Bell," she said, "we'll make sure to pick out some good wears for you…after we pick ours out first."
Bell tried to say something but found himself lost for words. With little reason to object, he just went along with it, giving his Goddess and remaining familia members a wave before the door closed behind him.
Hestia kept her eyes on the door for a moment longer before giving a loud exhale and flopping back onto the couch.
After the situation with Lili, the aftermath, and Bell's status update for the tasks, Hestia felt the exhaustion of being a familia Goddess all too well.
"Did I hear right?" Koukin asked, "Bell completed his tasks?"
Hestia nodded, looking over at her vice-captain, "Yep, and then some."
She recalled the task listing and the notes of completion. They were just past the completion date but luckily he was able to complete two out of three tasks easily enough.
Tasks 2/3 completed:
Reward, One tier1 summon
Reward, One tier2 summon
Bonus Tasks:
Kill 50 killer ants- One tier2 summon
Kill 5 Orks- One tier2 summon
Kill 10 Orks-One tier3 summon
Summon limit: Tier 1-Tier 2
Blessed Summons available: 12
Tier1- 5 summons
Tier2- 6 summons
Tier3- 1 summons
"Bell didn't kill jackbird so the tasks weren't totally complete," Hestia explained, having told Koukin and Takeru about what she found on Bell's status, "but that was to be expected, you'd have to camp out inside the dungeon for weeks just for a decent chance at that thing, right?"
Koukin nodded, "Even still," she began, "the bonus task completion makes up for it and then some," she gave a look around herself taking in the building she lived in before asking a question, "Have you ever gone to ask lord Goibniu for more renovations to our living situation?"
Hestia saw where this was going and gave a nod before replying, "Yeah, I did, and his mercy is absolutely spent. We got lucky. He renovated this place cheap the first time. He's not going to show me pity or mercy this time," she looked around herself as well, "especially since he and his familia don't have time to do any construction work."
Takeru, hearing this, asked, "Their attention is focused elsewhere? On what?"
Hestia gave a deep hiss as she uttered the name, "Loki," she said, "her familia is getting ready for their next big expedition and any supporting familia they can call upon to help them is answering," she clicked her tongue, "tsk, even Hephaestus is lending her her children's talents."
Takeru and Koukin both knew of their Goddess's dislike for Loki. Given she rambled on here and there when the mention of her came up. They both had known people in their previous worlds who acted similar to Hestia, so this gave them some experience in dealing with such a thing.
Namely, changing the subject immediately before a tantrum happened.
"At the very least," interrupted Koukin, "you received a quote from Goibniu on potential costs?"
At that, Hestia's aggression deflated, replaced with exhaustion again. Only tired in a different sense this time.
"Yeah, I got a quote but the price isn't very good," she gave a look towards Koukin, "at minimum we're looking at close to five hundred thousand valis for renovations and expansions."
Koukin gaped at her, "Five hundred thousand at minimum?" she asked, "That's a bit much, isn't it? For an expansion?"
Hestia nodded her agreement, "I told him just as much. Then he started explaining. We've used as much space as we could in this building and this plot of land. If we want to add-on, we have to expand out from the building and foundation," she gestured to the window, seeing the ruins of previous buildings that once stood alongside this one a long time ago, "you just have to look outside to see why that would be so costly."
Now it made sense. The reason for the high price for renovations was the area itself. Hestia was lucky to have had the church to live in for so long, especially given it was really the only habitable building in the area. If they wanted to add more space, they would have to clear up the ruined buildings surrounding them. No small feat and definitely not a small fee for it to be done. Which really left one option available.
"Then what about finding a bigger place for our familia?" Koukin asked with genuine curiosity.
If they could no longer build their home up further without outrageous cost, then that left them with the option of finding a different place to live.
Which wasn't as easy as it sounds as it turns out.
Hestia shook her head and the question, "Not much better I'm afraid," she said, "the places that are available are not too much bigger than what our current home is, not to mention, the biggest ones meant for growing familias are in the millions of valis in terms of cost."
Hestia was aware that, thanks to Bell's summon magic, she had a familia that earned a good deal from adventuring in the dungeon now but that didn't automatically mean she was loaded all the sudden. Better off, yes, but not loaded. Hestia had expenses to focus on enough with their current members. From getting food for such a familia, to maintaining their equipment, or restocking on their potions, Hestia saw that whatever they earned from the dungeon would diminish a good deal once all the factors were considered and though their coffers had grown well, it wasn't enough to get them a new place.
Not to mention, her outstanding debt to Hephaestus. That would definitely slow them down in finding a new place.
Koukin sighed, then found her way to the couch before leaning back on it. This situation was not ideal for their circumstances.
While true they weren't in a rush to get a new home, Hestia and Koukin both knew they needed to summon more allies to their side. With the deities of Orario looking around for whatever spooked Ouranos and him looking up in heaven for whoever dropped a blessing on the mortal realm, it was honestly only a matter of time before eyes turned to the Hestia familia and questions were raised on the unique cast and characters they possessed.
Koukin firmly believed in order to prepare for that day, they would need more allies at their side to brace for any possible probes or, Hestia hoped not, attacks from more driven Gods and Goddesses in an attempt to get Bell for themselves and the summoning magic attached to him. A scenario that boded unwell for the Hestia familia to say the least.
"No matter," Koukin suddenly said, she took in a deep sigh and continued, "let's not dwell on what we can't do, but rather what we can do. At least that way we can put our energies and frustration into something viable," she moved to stand, "and right now, training for an ill-eventuality, is probably the best course to take at this moment, as much as I hate to say it."
Takeru walked up beside her, a small smile on her face, "Well said. It's senseless to worry too long on topics that haven't even come to pass yet. Right now we prepare not just for that scenario, but for all threats we may face," Takeru tapped the side of her sword, "I didn't come to lead armies in my old world by simply worrying about hypotheticals and neither should you as well."
Koukin found heart in Takeru's words and gave her a smile in thanks.
Takeru, her piece said, made her way to the door. Ready to redouble her efforts in mastering her potent magic. Koukin trails behind her, ready to do similar.
Koukin paused just near the door before turning around to stare at Hestia, a question on her lips, "Lady Hestia," she said, "by any chance, have you thought about what to say to Bell in regards to all of our shared skill?"
Hestia blinked at her once before bursting out in a fierce blush. No…no she hadn't and her expression was enough to exasperate Koukin, who did not feel she had the energy to scold the shortstack Goddess.
Though that didn't stop her from saying a few words regardless, "Then I would at least advise you to take the time to think about what to say, if you can recall the previous time we talked about it."
With that said, Koukin followed Takeru out and closed the door behind her, the sound feeling like thunder in the now silent home.
Well…almost silent.
Arue gave a cough and gathered Hestia's attention to herself, "Well now," she began, "I had no idea about a potential plan to tell Bell about our shared gift," her expression held a look of sympathy as she looked at the Goddess, "are you alright, Lady Hestia?"
The Goddess of the hearth didn't answer at first, merely sighing aloud and leaning further back on the couch, "Not really," she answered, "Koukin and I talked about it a while ago but I never put any foot traffic into finding a way to tell Bell."
"Wouldn't it just be easier to tell Bell in the most honest way possible?" Arue asked, "I've known him well enough to know he appreciates honesty and an over complicated explanation might just go over his head."
"I want to tell him honestly," emphasized Hestia, "it's just that-," she gave a long groan of frustration, "this is completely out of my field. I have no idea where to start with an explanation that would be best for Bell would help him be more…more…"
"Receptive to the idea of laying with us?" Finished Arue for the Goddess, "I admit, it sounds like a difficult task," she smiled at the Goddess, in comfort rather than jest, "and one that you could use some help on."
Hestia looked at Arue, immediately picking up what she was offering, "You would help me work on a way to explain it to Bell?" she asked, "Why?"
Arue just smiled at her, "Besides the chance of sleeping with our cute and brave, rabbit of a captain?" she smiled wide when she hear Hestia growling cutely at her words, "Because I genuinely believe he has a right to know and I have a feeling that we may have to rely on that skill sooner than we think," her expression turned serious and Hestia was caught off guard by this change, "we've done our best so far in keeping our origins secret, but I fear what could happen to us if we are ill prepared for an unexpected reveal."
Arue gave a deep sigh as she thought further on it, "Despite our strength already," she started, heavily, "I'm under no illusions that we can defend ourselves from a more hearty familia, should battle be made," she brought a hand to her face and rubbed at her eyepatch in a nervous gesture, "despite our otherworldly origins, no one in this familia could hold a candle to a good many of the adventures in this city."
Hestia was stuck silent by Arue's words and she found herself agreeing with them. She was reminded of other familias inside the city that could easily take her down should they wished.
Loki, Freya, and Ganesha just to name a few. Each one more than capable of being rid of Hestia familia should they wish. Ganesha could overwhelm her with numbers alone. Loki had executives that could cut her children down with strategic cunning and raw strength.
Freya wouldn't even need to bother with strategy, her familia was strong enough to shatter hers like fragile glass.
Which made the shared skill all the more viable in the long run, it would grant her children a boost in growth that would aid them going forward. She knew above all else though, however she decided to explain things to her Bell, she would make one thing plain and clear.
That no one was to abuse the skill. Neither they nor Bell.
She did have to put her foot down as a virgin Goddess somewhere.
"Arue," Hestia suddenly said, "do you think, before you go to the library," she squirmed uncomfortably, "you and I could work on an explanation to tell Bell?"
Arue was surprised by the offer, given how she and Hestia often were at each other's cheeks, quite literally, often due to Arue's teasing. Now though, Arue could tell that this was a critical time for Hestia and she needed the support.
"Goddess," Arue said with a smile, "I think I could postpone my library trip for another day. I'll be glad to help you."
Hestia gave her a smile and a genuine thanks.
Bell was gradually getting better and better around women. Having a familia full of them certainly helped with that. Sure he gets flustered when looking at some of them on occasion, or when they get a bit too close to him, or if they outright tackle him and start hugging him out of nowhere.
'Miss Elbia really is affectionate,' he thought with a smile , 'her and Ibuki.'
Now though, he was putting his best effort forth not to be a blushing mess at what he was a part of.
"Bell," Chitoge came out of the changing room, wearing a light blue skirt and red top, she gave a spin, making her long hair fly around her, "What do you think? I thought the colors went well together but I can always do with a second opinion."
Bell looked at her, at her clothing and her hair and found them complimented each other very well. He told her as such, making her smile in thanks.
When Bell was dragged into this little shopping trip, he had the impression that he would bear witness to more risqué clothing than this. Now he felt silly and realized his grandpa had more influence on him than he otherwise wanted to admit.
All in all, he was enjoying himself quite a bit with the others. They had gone to a few stores already and already they and himself had expanded their wardrobe considerably. Well…more so them, than Bell. He never saw the point of having so many types of clothes when all you really needed was enough to last you a week or two before having to wash them.
Even still, he was happy his familia members were having a good time.
"Hey Bell," Kallen's voice broke his thoughts and Bell looked to see what she came out wearing.
'She looks like a secret agent!' Bell exclaimed in his mind.
Kallen came out dressed in black shorts and black leggings that left a modest amount of toned thigh visible and a black long sleeved jacket with light gray trim. Add in the black shoes she was wearing to finish it, and Kallen looked like the picture perfect spy character Bell had read in his books.
"What do you think?" Kallen asked with a smile, "This is actually something I've been wanting to recreate from my old world," she looked down at her arms, admiring the wardrobe, "not perfect but it's the best I could do. What do you think?"
Bell thought for a moment before giving an answer, "You look very powerful, Kallen."
He immediately regretted the answer, he should have picked something more flattering but Kallen gave a huff of satisfaction and smiled at his words.
"Perfect," she said, "that's what I'm going for."
Bell was immediately grateful he picked the right words to say.
The sound of another changing room door opened up and Ibuki came out.
"What the hell?!" Kallen exclaimed.
"M-m-miss Ibuki! Isn't that a little too much?!" Bell asked, his self control gone and his face lighting up in a fierce blush.
Ibuki came out wearing something neither Bell or Kallen would expect anyone to wear as casual clothes.
Given she was wearing a schoolgirl uniform, complete with short skirt and leggings that showed off her toned and powerful legs and a shirt that left a few buttons at the bottom unbuttoned so her toned midriff was visible.
"What?" Ibuki asked, doing a sudden cute pose, "This little thing reminded me of my school years. I had to try it on to see if it still works for me," she did another pose, leaning down, hands on knees and giving Bell doe eyes, "What do you think, Bell? Don't I look good in this?"
Bell was trying to find his voice but it was quite difficult when he was staring down the generous cleavage that Ibuki was showing him and given the sharp look in her eye, she knew exactly what she was doing.
But before Bell could offer the inevitable compliment he was to give, a new voice made its presence known.
By coughing from behind him and getting everyone's attention.
Ibuki immediately stood up with a nervous look on her face and one mirrored by Kallen. Bell turned around to see who it was and was soon looking at the stern elderly features of the shop owner.
"If you can't behave yourself," she said, "please leave my store."
Bell, Ibuki, and Kallen stood in a line before her and bowed their heads in apology.
"We're very sorry for the disturbance!" they all said.
The shop owner gave a snort before sternly warning them again and returning back to her tasks.
Chitoge popped her head out of the changing room she was in and gave the three a stern glare of her own.
"Guess our shopping here needs to be done much sooner than later, huh?" she said with a tone that made the three feel more awkward, Ibuki more so given the wardrobe she had on.
Bell hoped that the others were having a better time than they were and hopefully one less embarrassing.
Lili had never felt more embarrassed in her entire life!
Her 'punishment', according to Hestia, was to aid Hana and Elbia with their artistic tasks. She had thought, initially, she would just aid them with their supplies and equipment for their studio. Then Hestia asked her about her transformation magic.
Lili now knew the scope of her 'punishment' in greater detail now.
"Please raise your head slightly, Miss Arde," Hana said from behind her easel and large drawing paper, "I would like the light to catch some of those wonderful features of yours."
Lili was currently sporting her chienthrope ears and tail and doing a sitting pose on a raised platform of some kind that was big enough for her to lay on. She was currently being used as a model for Hana and Elbia to sketch and draw. All told, it wasn't too bad of a punishment if it was just that.
But Hana and Elbia had different ideas on what kind of model they wanted her to be, especially when her transformations and wardrobe came into play.
One moment, she was sporting bunny ears and a cotton tail, wearing a slim one piece suit that left little to the imagination. Next she was sporting cat ears and a tail, dressed as a house maid, that didn't have a back to the outfit! Now she was in her usual and common chienthrope form wearing long strands of cloth around her chest, waist and legs.
She was at least glad they let her keep her underwear on, so long as it was covered by the cloth.
"Are you two just about done?" Lili asked, her frustration bleeding into her words, "LiliI can't keep doing this stuff forever you know. Lili's body has its limits."
After so many poses, Lili felt her muscles and joints ache something fierce and was looking forward to a long shower and a longer sleep at the end of all this.
Hana gave a soft hum at Lilli's words, "Eventually. I feel we are almost done Miss Arde, so you shouldn't worry for much longer," she gave a deep hum in thought as she continued to draw, "though I wish we could finish this in a more eccentric way."
Elbia raised her head at those words and regarded Hana curiously, "You don't think this hasn't been exciting enough?" she gestured at the rolled up pieces of paper that contained their previous drawings of Lili, "I think we've been blessed with good content, wouldn't you say?"
"Lili is Lili! Not 'content'!" came the irate voice of Lili, who still held her pose, despite her anger
Hana gave a sigh, still frustrated that she felt something was missing, before suddenly having an idea. She waved Elbia over, who stopped her drawing and walked over to Hana who whispered into her ear.
Elbia listened, her features becoming curious, then they were overtaken by a sudden flush of her cheeks, then they calmed before she seemed to contemplate what was told to her, then she smiled and her large tail gently swayed back and forth in apparent excitement.
Lili did not like that. Something was about to happen and Lili wasn't in the mood for surprises.
Elbia turned to Lili, while Hana walked away to the bathroom area, "You can relax Miss Arde. You just have to pose one last time and you're done."
"And what pose will Lili be doing next?" the pallum asked with suspicion, "Lili didn't like how you two whispered some scheme at Lili's expense. What are you two planning now?"
Elbia went back to her own easel and prepared a new page to work on, "Something wonderful," she said, "a grand finale illustrating a study in contrast of two beauties close together in near embrace," her tail wagged harder, "the idea was so spontaneous and ingenious. We were using you as a study piece, now we can put all that studying into one wonderful art piece."
Lili raised a brow at the werewolf, "And how exactly are you going to do that?"
"By setting her pencil to paper. As do all artists wishing to create."
Lili turned to where Hana's voice came from and her jaw dropped.
Hana came walking out of the restroom area no longer fully clothed. She now wore the cloth wrappings that Lili similarly wore only Lili could tell there was a big difference in how they chose to wear them.
Namely, Hana didn't wear underwear under hers.
The cloth straps still hid the important details, just barely, and clung to her tightly, leaving practically nothing to the imagination.
It was perhaps the craziest thing Lili has seen all day.
For Elbia however, it was the most exciting thing she'd seen all day and it was only getting better and better.
Hana approached the stage Lili was on and was soon crawling on it towards her. Lili herself was stock still in shock at what was happening right now. She eventually found herself laying back on the stage when Hana was leaning above her on all fours, her hands by Lili's sides and her legs beside Lili's own.
Lili has felt small before, she's a pallum so it wasn't anything new, but at that moment, being so close to Hana, Lili felt herself being smaller in a great many ways.
'They're nearly touching my chest,' Lili thought, glancing down at Hana's large chest just inches from her own, the wrappings around it showing gaps of soft flesh behind them, igniting Lili's embarrassment again and causing her to look up.
Right into the purple eyes of Hana Sunomiya. Who was looking down at her with a neutral expression. A great contrast to Lili's nervous features.
"Hold that expression," Hana said, before looking to the side, "Elbia, I believe that this would work nicely. Don't you?"
The werewolf girl nodded, her enthusiasm palpable, "Absolutely!" she exclaimed, "The contrast in figures, the lighting, the composition, the passion in your forms," she ran back to her drawing pad and began to sketch, excited to illustrate such a sight before her.
Lili still found her gaze locked with that of Hana, who still stared down at her, her passive expression unchanging. She didn't know how long she stared into her eyes, as this whole experience was making her sense of time go haywire, but she eventually found her gaze drifting to Hana's shoulder, where she spotted a length of cloth moving ever so slightly on its own.
Her gaze followed the path of the cloth and she came to realization then and there.
'The wraps aren't holding around her giant chest!'
Lili could only watch as the wraps slowly got looser and looser and Hana's chest got closer and closer to her own with the slack.
Lili wanted to say something, to warn Hana about what is to happen.
But that girl was practically staring into Lili's soul and she couldn't break out of the gaze she found herself trapped in.
'Why did Lili have to be trapped with a weird one!'
Soon, just as the wrap was about to reach a point and completely unfurl itself around Hana's chest and 'crush' Lili, Elbia's voice broke through the air.
"Done! Hana, come see!"
Hana extracted herself above Lili with amazing haste and rushed over to Elbia, a fire of excitement in her eyes. She seemed to finally realize the losness of the wrapped around her and reached around to tighten them around herself.
It was haphazard and though tightened, the gaps of flesh between the wraps now bulged out slightly more and erotically at that, with only the important bits still being covered.
Even if by so little.
"Hmmm, wonderful," Hana mused, looking at Elbia's work, "you've captured the image perfectly and added the necessary flare with your style," she turned to the werewolf, giving her a smile and a thumbs up, "mission accomplished!"
Elbia wagged her tail all the more at the praise she received, glad her work came out so well. She flicked her ears up in thought suddenly and her tail slowly stopped wagging as she pondered something.
She snapped her fingers in realization and said, "Now let's try one with me and Lili can be the one over me this time," her eyes sparkled as the image came to mind, "she can still be in her chienthrope form and we could create something of a contrast between a werewolf," she twitched her ears and flicked her tail, "and a chienthrope," she gestured to Lili, only to suddenly blink in shock.
Lili wasn't on the stage anymore.
A sound towards the stairs brought their attention, seeing Lili just finishing putting her clothes on.
She's fast,' Elbia and Hana thought.
"No more!" Lili exclaimed, shimming her skirt back up her buttocks, "Lilis' been punished enough! No more perverted drawings!"
With that said, Lili opened the door and ran out as fast as she could, passing by a surprised Hestia and Arue.
They heard the door upstairs open and slam shut, signifying Lili's departure.
Elbia pouted and thumped her tail down, "Geez," she said, "we were just finding our best muse to."
Hana gave her a pat on the back, "Now now," she started, "no great artist hasn't gone through making masterpieces without a little struggle," she pumped her fist, "this is just another obstacle for us to overcome…though," she trailed off, looking at where Lili ran off, "I believe it better we don't let our muse overtake our kindness," she nodded to herself, crossing her arms under her breasts, "next time we have Lili over, let's try to go about this more modestly," she uncrossed her arms with a satisfied air about her.
That last gesture was enough for the cloth wrapping and it soon loosened up and the strips fell to the ground at Hana's feet, leaving her as naked as she was born.
Hana gave no reaction to this and neither did Elbia.
This wasn't the first time Hana had been naked down here, and for that matter, neither was it Elbia 's.
Since the two had been collaborating and practicing art together, they both had found something in common with each other.
Neither minded nudity for the sake of art, especially theirs.
Though when Hestia discovered this some time ago, she was adamant they at least lock the door when they, in her own words, 'lost any sense of decency.'
They both didn't see what the problem was but they acquiesced all the same.
Hana stretched then, loosening the tension in her body and making parts of her shake and jiggle enticingly, "if that's it for now, I'm going to take a shower and return upstairs," she looked upstairs at the door, "do you mind getting the door? I don't want to upset Hestia."
"Sure," Elbia said and went to do just that. When she was upstairs, she turned back to Hana, "Let me know when you're done, I want to take one too."
She had worked up a good sweat with all the drawings she did today, which just told her she worked hard with her art today.
Hana nodded and replied, "Will do. I'll come get you when I'm finished."
Elbia smiled and went upstairs, closing the door behind her.
Hana walked to the shower to freshen her body after such a productive session.
She hoped Bell and the others were having a productive day as well.
Some time had passed since Bell and the others went shopping and all in all it had been a fun and exciting time.
Chitoge had nearly wanted to spend the rest of the day inside an elf clothing store, completely enraptured by the unique and stylized taste of the elves.
Kallen had herself fitted for a kimono she had her eyes on in a far eastern store they passed. She looked positively overjoyed at the variety of clothing, mentioning something about her old world and the styles that were lost there after a tragic event..
Ibuki was absolutely overjoyed when she saw a swimsuit shop that contained all manner of swimwear. She spent a good chunk of time trying on different swimsuits and bikinis, trying to find the best one for her. Bell was outside the store while this happened. He could barely keep a straight face when they were trying on normal clothing, forget swimsuits. But she found what she wanted and was happy as a clam for her choice. Though, she did lament that she could have used a 'man's' opinion when trying them on, giving Bell a side glance and wiggling her eyebrows at him, making him blush at the clear message.
Good thing Kallen and Chitoge had second opinions on that, even if they actually debated about it.
Throughout it all, Bell could honestly say, regardless of the teasing he got here and there, he was honestly enjoying himself.
As they made their way home, Bell remembered something important.
After the incident with Lili and her abusers, Eina stressed to him about receiving a full report from himself about the whole thing. Takeru and the others reported the incident well enough but she wanted Bell's account as well, saying it was for the sake of transparency.
Bell though, dense as he could be, knew that Eina just wanted to check and see he wasn't too hurt about the whole thing. Which, in truth, he wasn't.
He had saved Lili and helped bring some criminals to justice. He was honestly proud of himself. A rare feeling for him to be sure.
Still, Bell thought it best to at least talk to Eina just so he could relieve her worries.
He said something similar to his little group he was with, who didn't have a problem with him going to see the Guild advisor. Provided he still keeps true to his word and does not go into the dungeon today. Which he said he won't, with a tone of displeasure.
The others just stared at him, wondering if there was a medical condition for wanting to go into the dungeon all the time, it wasn't healthy.
"Well Bell," Kallen said, taking his own shopping bag with his new clothes in it, "we'll see you back home. Don't be gone for long or Hestia won't let us hear the end of it."
Chitoge nodded alongside her, "You know how she can be, Bell," she fixed her blue eyes on him, "please don't have us deal with that."
Bell chuckled at their reactions but couldn't find fault with them, knowing full well how Hestia could be at times.
"I promise," he said, before turning around to walk to his destination.
Only to suddenly have Ibuki suddenly leap at him from behind and give him a big hug.
"Thanks for coming shopping with us, Bell," the ninja said, leaning over Bell's shoulder to look at him closely. She smiled when she saw his reddened expression, "we really had a good time. Thank you," she finished.
Bell did his level best not to dissolve into a blushing mess and replied, "No problem Miss Ibuki," he said with a strained smile, "I had fun too and thanks to you all, I have some better clothes to wear now."
Ibuki's smile widened at the thanks and she unwrapped her arms around her captain before patting his back, "No problem, Bell," she said, "anytime you need some fashion tips, just come to us."
She heard a loud cough behind her, loud and aggressive.
"Just come to Chitoge," the ninja amended, "she's got an eye for fashion and style."
Bell nodded and with a final wave, he made his way to the guild while his familia members returned home with their new clothing.
Some time down the road they were surprised to see a red face Lili dash pass them all the sudden. Running faster than anyone would've given her credit for.
Something must've happened at the Hestia home,
As always.