Bell and Eina wandered around the shops for a while, reviewing the different armors on display. Bell was looking for something that would be effective, but also suited his needs in terms of mobility and fighting style. Eventually, he came across a piece of armor that caught his eye.
— "Look at this, Eina. This armor looks perfect." Bell said, examining the armor with interest.
The piece was lightweight but sturdy, with elegant finishes and a silver hue that recalled his old gear. Bell read the tag attached to the armor and noted an intriguing detail.
— "Welf Crozzo? That name rings a bell..." he murmured, thinking.
Eina, still attentive, approached to inspect for herself.
— "crozzo are great creators of armor and magical weapons. Their pieces are of quality, but often rare. That said, this one seems to fit your fighting style."
Convinced, Bell headed to the cash register to settle the payment. While he was chatting with the salesman, Eina, browsing the accessories nearby, found a small shield, designed to be worn as an arm guard.
She smiled softly, imagining it perfectly matching the armor Bell had just chosen. Without hesitation, she took it and joined Bell at the checkout, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
As they left the shop, Eina seemed in excellent spirits. She walked alongside Bell, but was getting slightly closer to him every few moments. Every now and then, her hand would brush against his clothes, as if she were subconsciously seeking closer contact.
Bell, focused on his new equipment, barely noticed her gestures, although he sometimes felt his heart racing.
— "You really are amazing, Bell. Few adventurers of your level are as determined to equip themselves well." Eina said with a smile.
Bell looked away, blushing slightly at the compliment.
— "I just want to be prepared for whatever the dungeon can throw at me."
Suddenly, Eina held out the shield she had chosen.
— "Here. Consider it a gift from me. I think this little shield might be useful to you."
Bell blinked, surprised.
— "A gift? But... I can't accept that, Eina. You've already done so much for me."
Eina shook her head insistently, her smile widening.
— "Take it. It's my way of telling you that I believe in you. Besides, it's just a small gesture."
Bell took the shield, touched by its generosity. He slipped the strap around his arm and tested its fit.
— "Thank you, Eina. I will wear it with pride."
Not far away, hidden behind a stand, Samira, Lena, and Aisha continued to observe them with particular attention.
— "Look at that, she's offering him a shield now. It's almost like she's making a statement to him." Samira whispered, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Lena nodded enthusiastically.
— "Do you think she has designs on him? They seem very close."
Aisha, meanwhile, remained silent, her gaze fixed on Bell and Eina. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly when Eina brushed Bell's clothes again, an unreadable expression on her face.
— "Stop your useless comments." she finally growled, looking away.
But despite her irritated tone, she couldn't help but continue to monitor their every move, a strange mixture of curiosity and frustration in her heart.
After leaving the shop, Bell and Eina continued to chat as they walked through the city. Bell never noticed the three Amazons following them from afar, their intentions varied and their thoughts far less innocent than they would have admitted.
For Bell, the day marked another step forward in her preparation for the challenges ahead. But for Eina, and perhaps others, it was also a moment of bonding that would not go unnoticed.
Chapter 29: An Unexpected Encounter
After their walk and shopping, Bell accompanied Eina to the guild headquarters. They exchanged a few words before parting ways, with Eina insistently reminding him to rest.
As Bell walked away, he felt a strange sense of presence behind him. He glanced around discreetly, but saw no one. He shrugged, putting it down to his fatigue, and continued on his way.
Back in the Pleasure District, Bell couldn't help but think about what he had experienced during the day. He clutched the small shield Eina had given him, thinking about the genuine warmth in her gesture. However, his thoughts were quickly interrupted when he passed Aisha in front of the entrance to their residence.
Aisha stood there with her arms crossed, looking puzzled.
— "So, did you have a good day with your lovely receptionist?" she asked with a mocking smile.
Bell, taken aback, blushed slightly but tried to keep his cool.
— "She just helped me buy some armor and gave me a shield. Nothing more."
Aisha walked over, her smile widening.
— "Nothing more, huh? Still, you seemed to enjoy her company. Maybe she interests you?"
Bell sighed, avoiding her gaze. He knew Aisha enjoyed teasing him, but he could also sense a hint of genuine curiosity in her words.
— "Don't be ridiculous, Aisha. I have more important things to think about."
Aisha raised an eyebrow, but before she could answer, Phryne stepped out of the shadows.
— "Oh, but look at that! The little hero of the night comes back after frolicking. Maybe you should have invited Eina to share your room?" she snickered.
Bell frowned, his tone turning serious.
— "Enough, Phryne. What I do in my free time is none of your business."
The tension rose slightly, but Aisha placed a hand on Bell's shoulder, guiding him inside before things escalated.
Later that evening, as Bell was resting in his room, he was awakened by muffled voices outside. He opened the door to find Aisha and Phryne arguing heatedly.
— "There is no question of imposing anything on him!" Aisha exclaimed, her eyes blazing with anger.
— "Oh, don't be so protective, Aisha. We both know he won't be here forever. Might as well enjoy him while he's still ours." Phryne replied with a venomous smile.
Bell cleared his throat, getting their attention.
— "What's going on here?" he asked calmly, though he could feel the tension in the air.
Phryne walked away, but not before giving Aisha one last look.
— "Nothing that concerns you... for now, little hero."
Once alone with Bell, Aisha sighed deeply.
— "Don't pay attention to her. She likes to play with people's nerves."
Bell nodded, but he couldn't ignore Aisha's troubled look.
Before going to bed, Bell thought about everything that had happened in the last few days. Between Eina's curious glances, Aisha's protective gestures, and Freya's mysterious intentions, he felt like his life was becoming more and more complicated.
He hugged the lightning pendant to himself.
"No matter what lies ahead, I won't back down." he whispered before closing his eyes, falling asleep with renewed determination.
To be continued