Yet, Some Things Never Change. (13.2)

…

"The Loki Familia isn't going to be involved in this." I started with the most pertinent, but unsaid question. No point in dancing around the subject. Looking around the table, I was pleased to see that no one was surprised about that fact. Well, Hestia seemed slightly perturbed, but she stayed silent. I was tempted to ask them why they weren't surprised, but I wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page before I tried to pound some knowledge into Cranel's head. "If they get involved, there's a high chance that this will turn into chaotic mess. Too many valuable people would be on the line if the Loki Familia decided to help us. Ganesha, Freya, and every god with even the slightest chance at winning will throw in their lot trying to win it all."

"Gods are the sort to do that." Hestia gave a slight sigh as she agreed. I made sure to keep my eyes on her face. Given the fact Oppai-Loli was blatantly a fanservice character… that was easier said than done. Oi, oi, oi! Don't cross your arms! Arde's about to combust with jealousy and she doesn't even like Cranel! Please be more mindful of your assets, Hestia-sama. "Hephaestus said that she's willing to lend us Crozzo-kun's help, along with his swords, but we'll be outnumbered since Apollo's Familia is so large…"

"We're not as outnumbered as you think, Hestia-sama." I calmly interjected after she trailed off. Heh, I was taking sound cues now. Truly, I have attained the status of a 'Major Supporting Character.' Maybe I have a fanclub now? Is Totsuka cheering for me-. Wait! Focus! "Erisuis and Nelly, two of my other students, should be capable of helping us." I explained. "Nelly says Hermes-sama is still away and has left his Familia to their own devices. I've yet to speak with Miach-sama, but given your friendship with him…"

"Both our friendships with him, Hikigaya-sensei." Hestia gave a swift nod with her correction. For a moment I was confused by the goddess's words, however I soon remembered she first heard of me through Miach. I had saved Erisuis and trained her after she had lost her arm. I'd considered that particular debt paid, but if they didn't… well, I wasn't going to say no to their help. "I'm sure that Miach will be more than happy to help." Her lips curled downward. Worry. "What about you, Hikigaya-sensei? Shouldn't I speak with your goddess about your participation?"

"I'd rather not involve my Kami-sama with Orario Hestia-sama." I simply, bluntly lied as I shook my head. "Honestly, I've half a mind to stop meeting with her entirely and just keep going to Orimoto for Rank Ups." Hestia seemed ready to say something about my plan, but I held up my hand. Given her focus on Family and how far she was willing to go for Bell, I was sure she didn't approve my plan to distance myself from my 'Kami-sama.' "I'm not saying that I will, Hestia-sama, but Orario has been absurdly dangerous the past few weeks. I just don't want to see my Kami-sama hurt."

"We're supposed to protect our children…" Hestia gave a sigh and shook her head. I could tell that the goddess wasn't pleased by my response, but wasn't willing to pursue it any further. Still, she offered me a grateful smile. "You have my thanks for staying at my Bell-kun's side despite the current dangers, Hikigaya-sensei." She gave me a small, but proper bow. "I know that he attracts a lot of trouble, however… please, continue to take care of my Familia."

"…" I gave a nod in return, keeping silent. Hestia truly still believed that I was doing my best to keep Cranel safe. I had nearly gotten him killed-. I took a measured breathe and forced myself to focus on other matters. There was no time for regret and guilt now. Later, perhaps, but now I had to make sure that everyone present was on the same page. That meant not being defeated by myself. I'd overcome that once before, in more terrible circumstances, so there's no way I was going to allow it to occur now. "It's no problem, Hestia-sama, despite Cranel's ability to attract trouble." I gave a nod and a small chuckle, forcing myself to focus on something else. "Whether that trouble be in the form of damsels or monsters, he's more than promising enough for me to continue teaching."

"Eh!? Why are you saying that like I'm somehow doing it on purpose!?" Ah, I've successfully activated the comedy tag of this particular genre. Or, since this was Cranel being flustered, was it actually the cute tag? Anyway, even as my white-haired student suddenly turned scarlet and gave several denials, Arde, Hestia, and Mikoto were already chuckling. The mood became unsuitable for the thoughts I didn't want to confront. I had to laugh myself. "You all agree with him?!"

"Of course I do." Arde rolled her eyes and sighed. My Pallum student gave me a slight nod and a smile when ours met. I was reminded of the odds we had faced, and how completely possible it was for her to not be present, and found myself happier knowing she was still here, still able to antagonize and help Cranel along, but also being safe and unharmed. "Nothing this crazy every happened while I was Sensei's student."

"I must agree, Bell." Mikoto, surprisingly, spoke up. Oh ho, a new challenger appears. There was tender, but mischievous smile on her face. I noticed Hestia scowl slightly. I'm afraid that you have more competition now, Oppai-Loli-sama. "My first venture with you into the Dungeon was very… eventful." A coy, measured laugh came from the swordswoman's mouth. Gloved fingers touched the parted lips slightly. I noticed Cranel's flush deepen. Critical hit. "You're quite exciting to be around, Bell. I must say that I'm quite excited to continue working with you."

Watching them interact, for a moment, I was content.

…

"Sensei, are you sure that you should be fighting already?" Cranel's question was surprising. Turning to my white-haired student, I found him not meeting my gaze. We've walked the path from the Abandoned Church to the Hostess of Fertility dozens of times. Typically, I explained to him what we were doing in the Dungeon on our way to pick up his lunch from Syr, but he rarely spoke. "You just woke up today and you're going to fight in a War Game at the end of the week? Isn't that dangerous?"

"Going into the Dungeon every day is dangerous, Brat." I shook my head. Cranel's face contorted for a moment, but I sighed and shook my head before he opened his mouth again. He seems to have gained one of my 108 Skills: Detecting Purposeful Changes in Topic. I've taught my scarlet-eyed student too well. I sure hoped he didn't plan on challenging me one day. With all my skills and his cuteness, I stood no chance against him. "Cranel." Using his name quickly got him to turn fully towards me. "Part of the reason why everyone's taken such an interest in you is because of how well I've taught you. This War Game? It's not wholly because of just your own work. Part of it is my fault as well."

"That doesn't mean you have to fight, Sensei." Cranel shook his head. A sigh escaped my human student's lips. He fretted with his gloved hands idly before scratching at his cheek. I paid closer attention to him. It seemed that I hadn't fully gotten through to him. I supposed that I should be flattered that the protagonist of this LN thought so highly of me. Somehow, that thought didn't please me as much as I believed it would. "If I'd listened to you about staying incosp- inco… unnoticed, then Apollo-sama wouldn't have noticed me."

"Inconspicuous, Brat." I provided him with the word he was looking for. I realized that I was slipping back to old habits. Once more, I was trying to place people into small, clear boxes. I should've learned my lesson already with Lyon. Bell Cranel was worried about me. I shouldn't make a joke of it. Did it fit his character to care for people who were wounded? Yes, but that didn't mean that I should treat his worry like it was something he should've given me at the start. People who did that were just complete scum. I shook my head as I focused back on my conversation with Cranel. "No one with a pair of eyes could deny everything you've done, Cranel. This was bound to happen sooner or later. The fact that I'm heading into the fight missing an arm and just getting up from a coma are just additional disadvantages." I made sure that he was listening. "I told your Kami-sama that I'll teach you, that I would see you succeed in the Dungeon, and in my mind that includes keeping you out of the hands of some perverted, old geezer."

"Indeed, I believe that Hikigaya wants you all to himself, Cranel-kun." Shit. Lyon was here. Dammit, that elf is too quiet! Even walking at my side, it was easy for me to forget that she was present! Turning to glare at her, I was less than pleased to find a smug smirk on her face. A series of small chuckles escaped her mouth. They were too measured, too controlled, to be considered the final world. Shit, my abrupt reaction has led me straight into a trap. "Oh my, such a quick reaction. How suspicious of you, Hikigaya-kun."

I was about to reply, but I suddenly felt the lengths of two, slender legs settle on my shoulders. My body went rigid as I noticed a length of cloth settle over my shoulder. I nearly snapped my neck as I turned my features to face completely forward. Even then, my efforts to not let my eyes drift failed me. I was all too aware of the warm form against the back of my head that took my hat as her own. Why now Hiryute!? No! Not why! What! What's with this development!?

"That's right, Rabbit-kun!" Tiona spoke with unreserved cheer. However, I was able to read the situation very well. The knowledge unveiled to me forced a chill went down my spine. In the corner of my eye I saw Lyon's smirk increase in smugness. That verification, that symbol of the coming of the end, symbolized my complete and utter loss. No. No! NO! They're working together! You can't expect any man to be capable of fighting against this! Zaimokuza you bastard, there's no way in hell this sort of thing can actually happen! "Don't worry though, we'll protect you from Hikigaya-kun's terrible, hidden nature!" Stop it! Stop wiggling- distracting me! " Since you've already got a Sensei and lots of Senpais! We'll be your Onee-sans! You can count on us to keep your Sensei in line!"

"O-okay! T-that's great! Onee-san!" E-et t-tu Cranel!? Why are you beaming and smiling at me!? Help me! Don't act as though you're seeing your dreams have come true right before you, dammit! Where the hell is the denseness and innocence that a Harem Protagonist like you should have!? Save me from this hell-. Lyon, why are you holding onto my arm!? Hiryute must've spoken to her while they waited for me to leave the Church! I'd made a grievous tactical error! "Thank you very, much Onee-sans! Do a good job, please!"

Seriously, how the hell did this go from Cranel being concerned about me fighting so soon after recovering to me being harassed by Hiryute and Lyon!?

Dammit, I even heard Arde chuckling behind me!