Chapter 44. Bunny Ears
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Hermes is a god who is extremely carefree, or perhaps... extremely casual.
When he arrives, it's as if no one notices, and when he leaves, it's the same—his companions don't even realize right away that the person who was joking around with them has suddenly disappeared. Asfi, who had been venting her frustrations to Cyd, dashed out, her face full of exasperation.
Serving the gods will inevitably drive one crazy, because you can never predict what decision these beings, who have lived for an unknown amount of time, will make in the next second. Is that decision well thought out, or just a whim? Serving someone like Hermes, who is second only to Loki in mischief... Asfi has her work cut out for her.
"Bell, do you know what we're going to do next?" Cyd snapped his fingers.
"Training!" Ais squeezed in front of Bell.
"No, we're going to buy clothes," Cyd said, his face darkening. "The god's banquet is tomorrow. Although the Hestia Familia is notoriously shabby, we at least need to put on a decent appearance."
Bell, the sole member of the "notoriously shabby" Familia, clutched his chest and squatted down.
Seeing Ais's cheeks puff up visibly, Cyd sighed and patted her head. "After the god's banquet, I'll train with you."
Ais's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing how you look at the god's banquet tomorrow," Cyd said with a light laugh. "Let's head back."
As if she had suddenly remembered something, Ais blushed, shook her head forcefully, and then darted into the crowd as if fleeing.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back," Ryuu patted Cyd's back. "I've already stayed past the time I asked Mia Mama for leave."
"Ryuu, if..."
"I refuse," Ryuu cut off Cyd before he could even finish his sentence.
"I haven't said anything yet," Cyd's face darkened.
"If you plan to have my bounty rescinded at the god's banquet, I must decline," Ryuu said as she turned and walked towards the Hostess of Fertility. "It's a punishment for the crimes I committed in the past, which I deserve."
"Sigh... you looked so cute back then," Cyd scratched his face. "You even agreed that you could be vulnerable in front of me."
Ryuu stopped in her tracks. Just when Cyd thought she was going to turn around and give him a heavy punch, she sprinted away at full speed...
"That reaction was kind of cute too," Cyd chuckled, hands in his pockets.
At this moment, Cyd didn't notice the look of admiration in Bell's eyes as he gazed at him from the ground.
As expected of his teacher! In just two minutes, he made two icy beauties blush and run away.
This must be the charm of a hero!
Teacher, please teach me how to easily make girls blush like a hero!
"Bell, it looks like it's just the two of us left," Cyd said as he turned to Bell. "We need to find some proper attire for the god's banquet—uh... what's with that expression?"
"No, I just think it's great that you're my teacher," Bell stood up, his eyes glowing red.
"Uh... okay," Cyd took a step back, feeling a bit uneasy under Bell's gaze. "Bell, do you know where we can buy clothes?"
"Buy... clothes?" Bell tilted his head in confusion. "Why do we need to buy clothes, Teacher?"
"A man is judged by his clothes, just like a tree by its bark," Cyd said, slinging an arm over Bell's shoulder and pointing towards the sky. "Every man needs at least one battle outfit. Even if it just gathers dust most of the time, when you step onto the battlefield of a banquet, it's necessary to don it."
"Though I don't really understand, that sounds impressive. So... what kind of clothes do you think would suit me, Teacher?" Bell asked eagerly.
Cyd's straight finger bent slightly.
He had never actually bought a so-called battle outfit himself...
"A bunny... bunny girl outfit? Wait! Bell, I was just joking! Don't look like you're about to hang yourself!"
Cyd grabbed Bell and shook him vigorously.
But on second thought... that might not be a bad idea!
"Teacher, please don't joke like that! My heart is fragile!"
"But... have you ever considered trying on bunny ears?"
"Teacher!!!"
In the end, Bell decided to find someone reliable who wouldn't toy with him.
"Please, I'm begging you!" Bell bowed deeply to Eina, who was off-duty and dressed in casual clothes. "Because there's really no one else I can turn to!"
"Is it that serious?" Eina was startled and instinctively looked at Cyd, who stood behind Bell with a deep, contemplative gaze. "Your teacher can't help you?"
Everyone in Orario now knew that Bell, the Hero's Apprentice who had reached Level 2 in just a month, was taught by the Pure White Hero that the Apollo Familia constantly sang praises of. If even he couldn't solve the problem...
Wow, his expression is so serious!
This is an illusion! This man is currently thinking of how to rope Eina into helping him convince Bell to wear bunny ears.
"Teacher... is the last person I can ask," Bell said, covering his face.
Cyd's position in Bell's heart was so high that even when he was teased, he would foolishly follow Cyd around. Normally, this wouldn't matter, but if he were tricked into wearing a bunny girl outfit... he really wouldn't be able to live with himself!
"I... I'll do my best," Eina said tentatively, making a cheering gesture.
This kid...
I should be able to bring her on board.
Cyd stroked his chin, a slight smile on his lips.
Eina swallowed nervously.
Why do the Pure White Hero's eyes look even deeper?
Is it really that serious?
"So, it's about picking out clothes!" Eina sighed deeply, holding her forehead. "Why didn't you just say so! I thought you were planning to rob Hephaestus Familia's shop or something."
"I'm sorry!" Bell poked his head out from behind the curtain of the changing room.
"No, actually, I wouldn't mind that," Eina scratched her face. "Bell, you've been too focused on the Dungeon and training. It's time to do something appropriate for your age."
"Where's the teacher?" Bell began to look around.
"He seemed to have gone off to find something," Eina said, her hands on her hips, slightly annoyed. "Bell, are you listening to me?"
"Yes!" Bell jumped in surprise, raising his voice in guilt.
"Well... as your advisor, this might be a bit overstepping, as it should be something your teacher or your god tells you," Eina sighed.
"It's okay, whether it's me or Lady Hestia, we'd be happy to have someone else looking out for Bell," Cyd said, walking up to Eina with his hands behind his back.
"Teacher... what are you holding?" Bell squinted his eyes.
"Nothing," Cyd blinked innocently.
"It's already exposed!" Bell pointed vigorously at the bunny ear decorations sticking out from behind Cyd.
"This is!" Eina's eyes widened.
"I think Bell would look particularly good in this," now that he was caught, Cyd didn't bother hiding it and pulled out the bunny ear decoration.
Eina looked at the treasure in Cyd's hand and fell silent. Countless scenes flashed through her mind.
"Miss Eina?" Bell shrank back.
Why does it feel like Eina's expression is wavering?
"I think this would suit you, Bell!" Eina said, giving a thumbs up while covering her nose.
"Miss Eina!!!" Bell exclaimed.