Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 958 958: Bringing Artemis home

It was an ordinary morning, or so Bell thought.

Donning Eiji's armor and gauntlets, he felt a surge of confidence to once again delve into the dungeon.

After bidding farewell to his goddess, Hestia, whose demeanor had noticeably cooled since her return from the Seiya Familia's abode, Bell offered a wry smile.

A pang of unhappiness struck him, yet he pressed on with his intended journey to the Tower of Babel.

He wasn't venturing alone; Lili and Welf were accompanying him, having affirmed their commitment to continue as a party.

However, on their path, fate intervened in the form of the very woman who occupied his affections!

Bell's heart fluttered with nervousness, and he managed a stammered greeting, "H-Hey, Ais-san!"

The instant the words left his lips, regret washed over him.

Why, oh why, did he stutter!?

Lili and Welf halted their steps, their leader's peculiar behavior causing them to pause. Lili, in particular, felt a surge of annoyance and cast a jealous glance at the strikingly beautiful blonde woman before them.

Her envy stemmed not only from Bell's obvious infatuation but also from the fact that Ais possessed a figure superior to her own.

"Umm?" Ais, engaged in savoring a bag of Jagamarukun—a popular potato snack in Orario she had just purchased—paused her stride towards her familia's residence.

A man, whose features were somewhat familiar, had addressed her. Truthfully, she couldn't quite recall his name.

She offered a simple nod and a placid, "Hey."

"!!!"

Bell's spirits soared at receiving a greeting from the woman he admired. His cheeks flushed as he ventured, "Ais-san, where are you headed? Weren't you planning on visiting the dungeon?"

His voice quivered, a testament to his inability to maintain composure when speaking with Ais.

Welf massaged his temple, internally lamenting, *Calm down, Bell! When you speak to your crush, you must display your manliness!*

These were his thoughts, yet he remained oblivious to the fact that the woman he himself desired, Hephaestus, had recently consummated her relationship with another man.

He had been delaying his encounter with her, caught in a loop of contemplating how best to confess his feelings.

"Returning to the familia's house. And no, I have no plans to go to the dungeon today," Ais replied, a slight frown creasing her brow.

Given the current state of her relationship with Bell, she felt no obligation to disclose the recent training she had undertaken at the Seiya Familia.

Indeed, she was planning another visit to the Seiya Familia's residence today.

"O-Oh! Unfortunately, our group was intending to head to the dungeon. If you're amenable to going, perhaps we could journey together?" Bell inquired shyly.

He harbored a faint hope that Ais might reconsider and choose to accompany them, even joining their party.

However, his aspirations were destined for disappointment.

"Good luck,"

Ais uttered these words before continuing on her way, past them.

From beginning to end, she made no mention of Bell or his companions by name.

Bell, blissfully unaware that the woman he adored didn't even recall his name, was already overjoyed by the mere exchange of a few words.

"Bell-sama, you utter fool!"

"Ehhh!? Lili, why are you calling me a fool!?"

"I simply felt like it!"

"...?"

A bewildered Bell cast a fleeting glance back at Ais's receding figure in the distance before urging his companions onward.

Lili pouted, a sense of disappointment clouding her expression. She wondered if Bell was truly oblivious to her burgeoning feelings?

Could the words spoken through Eiji's inner voice hold any truth? That Bell's heart belonged solely to Ais, and for her sake, he would spurn any other woman, even the divine beauty Freya herself?

Such thoughts instilled a profound sense of inadequacy in Lili, leaving her feeling hopeless. While her affection for Bell remained, her desire to be clingy diminished significantly, replaced by a languid indifference.

Had Eiji been privy to these developments, he likely would have remained impassive, patiently awaiting the narrative arc he envisioned.

Lili wasn't unattractive, nor was she exceptionally beautiful. She simply hadn't captured his attention.

Yet, he wouldn't dismiss her if she were to betray Bell for his own benefit. Ahem!

Speaking of the awaited developments, they were finally unfolding.

On the first floor of the Tower of Babel.

Just as Bell and his party completed their dungeon registration and concluded a brief conversation with the receptionist, Eina, a masculine voice cut through the air.

Unlike in the original narrative, Eina's interaction with Bell maintained a professional distance, devoid of any excessive familiarity.

"White-haired man, a moment of your time!"

The resonant voice reached their ears, and Bell instinctively knew it was directed at him.

He turned, his gaze falling upon a strikingly handsome man with golden hair, radiating an aura akin to a condensed sun. The sight took him by surprise.

Bell couldn't fathom why, but his heart, which had remained remarkably calm even when encountering Ais, now thrummed with an unfamiliar intensity!

He could distinctly hear his own heartbeat, a realization that filled him with a sense of dread.

What is happening!?

Why do I feel such revulsion! Yet, it's strangely difficult to truly hate this person. In fact... I find myself quite drawn to him.

"Greetings. I am Apollo, the Sun God. By your appearance, you must be the celebrated rookie of late, Bell Cranel, am I correct?"

Apollo approached, a retinue of his familia members trailing behind him. A smile graced his lips, and his gaze upon Bell was peculiar.

Bell instinctively recoiled a step, offering a nod. "It is I... Apollo-sama."

"Bell-kun, you have captured my attention."

"?!!"

What was the meaning behind Bell catching Apollo's attention?

Despite Bell's inherently good nature, Apollo's words stirred an urge in him to deliver a punch. Yet, he managed to restrain himself, forcing a smile. The surrounding adventurers, who now regarded him with a sense of pity, offered no solace, only deepening his confusion.

What is happening!?

"Bell-kun, how would you like to join my familia?" Apollo inquired, placing a hand upon Bell's shoulder.

Bell gasped, a wave of revulsion washing over him. He yearned to shrug off the hand before responding, yet his body betrayed him. His cheeks flushed crimson, a sight that caused Lili to widen her eyes in disbelief.

It was understandable for him to be outmatched by Ais, but to react this way...!

How could Bell react so intensely because of Apollo!?

Bell's image within Lili's heart crumbled. Her affection for him waned, replaced by a feeling of mild disgust.

"I-I am sorry! Apollo-sama, I am already a member of the Hestia Familia. I have no intention of transferring to another familia."

Bell attempted to politely refuse Apollo's proposition.

A frown creased Apollo's brow. Upon first encountering Bell, he had felt an immediate attraction, a desire to possess him.

There was no way he would relent simply because of a refusal!

'Bell-kun, you shall be mine!'

...

"Hahaha!" Eiji erupted into laughter.

He had just returned to Orario, and he was not alone. Accompanying him were Artemis and her familia members.

Artemis regarded the man who had shared her bed the previous night with a puzzled expression. "Eiji, what are you laughing about?"

Not long before, after sharing breakfast, Eiji had invited her and her familia to travel to Orario with him.

Artemis had agreed, citing the need for her familia to restock their supplies. And so, here they were.

"Oh, nothing. I was just suddenly contemplating how a hero might not necessarily end up with a beautiful woman. Perhaps... he might find his match with another man."

"???" Not only Artemis, but Lante and the other women were bewildered.

Eiji omitted the specifics, deeming the thought too unsettling and concerned that P-san might also be sensitive to such matters.

However, if one were to inquire how he knew of Bell's recent encounter, the answer was simple: a shared glance with one of the shadow warriors he had concealed within Lili's shadow.

[The romantic saga between the protagonist and Apollo has just commenced! Ais is suffering somewhat, but it is acceptable... I shall assume the role of your hero!]

Eiji wishes to be her hero?

Ais was uncertain why he would suddenly declare this, but she was undeniably pleased.

[As a side note, I have vanquished Antares and liberated Artemis from her predetermined tragic destiny. The conclusion has been altered.]

[She and her familia members have now arrived in Orario. Rather than arranging lodgings at an inn, it would be more fitting to invite them to reside at my familia's domicile.]

[Sooner or later, we are destined to become family. It is only natural.]

No, it is not natural!

Artemis wished to voice her objection but realized she was incapable of uttering anything that might reveal to Eiji that she could perceive his inner thoughts.

"Eiji-sama, Artemis-sama, you two could perhaps take a leisurely stroll together. My companions and I will secure an inn and attend to our shopping needs," Rethusa suggested.

But Eiji quickly intervened. "Regarding the inn, why not consider my familia's residence as your temporary abode? We have numerous unoccupied chambers."

"Eiji, that would be far too much trouble for you. We—" Artemis began to decline, not out of any dislike for Eiji, but rather an earnest desire not to impose upon him and a sense of embarrassment at residing with him.

Eiji cast a glance at Lante.

Lante, understanding his unspoken cue, interjected, cutting off her goddess's words. "Thank you, Eiji-sama! That is exceedingly kind of you! It will save us the considerable expense of a rather pricey inn. Thus, we shall proceed with our shopping! Ladies, let us depart!"

"OOOHHHH!"

As if acting in concert, Rethusa and the others promptly departed from their goddess's side.

"Hey, do not just abandon your goddesses! I... I have not even consented yet!" Artemis called out, but her familia members did not look back.

She intended to pursue them, but her hand was suddenly grasped by someone. Her face immediately flushed, and she looked at the man beside her in confusion.

"E-Eiji, release my hand."

"Artemis, I have determined my desire from you. You mentioned you were indebted to me and would fulfill any request. Therefore..."

"You, you, in this particular circumstance... What is it you wish for?" Artemis's voice trembled with nervousness, yet she ceased her struggles, making no move to retract her hand from Eiji's grasp.

Her cheeks began to bloom with a rosy hue.

Eiji smiled and declared, "This is a simple request for you. Let us embark on a date before reuniting with your familia members."

"A date!? Did you just say 'date'!? I, I..." Artemis stammered, utterly taken aback and unsure of how to respond.

Should she decline his invitation?

However, Eiji's request wasn't entirely unreasonable, and she did find herself growing fond of him, especially with the lingering possibility that he might indeed be her Orion.

"A-Alright."

The blue-haired goddess shyly gave her consent.

"Great! But before we go... Just to be absolutely clear, I can still make another request later, right?" Eiji shamelessly inquired.

"You...! Eiji, don't push your luck!"

"So, it's fine as long as it's not pushing my luck, correct?"

"...Do as you please."

Artemis felt a sense of helplessness wash over her. Whether it was out of a sense of obligation or her burgeoning feelings for him, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.

Eiji beamed with happiness. Without any hesitation, he took Artemis's hand and they walked together. He led her to popular eateries, including Jagamarukun, and purchased several outfits for her, particularly some alluring evening dresses.

Initially, Artemis felt hesitant to accept the revealing attire, sensing her virginity was at risk. Yet, Eiji skillfully navigated her reluctance, leaving her unable to refuse.

He explained, "You'll be staying at my familia's residence for a while. Having more nightgowns is certainly a good thing. You can also consider this my personal request – one you cannot refuse."

Coercion!

This was blatant coercion!

Artemis found herself laughing and crying internally. She had no choice but to agree. Despite her inner turmoil, she found herself enjoying the so-called date. It was as if her body no longer answered to her own will.

Eiji was relentless... he guided her through various places, and she remained unable to refuse his whims.

"At first, I thought my eyes were deceiving me... But I never expected it to be you, Artemis! It's been a long time. One of the renowned Virgin Goddesses of the heavens, and you appear to be out on a date~ I'm sure many of the male gods will be utterly surprised, and some will surely have their hearts broken."

As if by fate, just as they were about to leave the shopping district, they encountered Loki, accompanied by three of her familia members: Ais, Riveria, and Lefiya.

The women expressed surprise at seeing Eiji, but Artemis was unfamiliar to them until Loki mentioned her identity.

"Loki!? You... Hmph! What business do you have with me dating? It's none of your concern!" Artemis hadn't anticipated her date with Eiji being brought up so publicly.

Naturally, she knew of Loki, being a goddess herself. Their relationship was neither friendly nor hostile.

However, setting that aside, Eiji was surprised by the previously shy Artemis's direct denial of their relationship status.

Just as he expected. It was all thanks to his charm.

[You mean your harem aura, host?]

"...." Eiji.

He offered greetings to Ais, Riveria, and Lefiya, engaging them in conversation while the two goddesses confronted each other.

"Huh? It truly is none of my business. I merely wished to tease you, and it so happens I have dealings with the god you're accompanying."

Loki gestured towards Eiji, who was currently charming her familia members.

"Ais, Riveria, and Lefiya. Perfect timing! Today, I'm planning to host a small gathering to celebrate Artemis's arrival. Would you all care to join us at my familia's residence? I've prepared a feast of delicious dishes myself."

"I'll be there."

"If Ais is going, then I will too!"

"Eiji-sama, we were actually planning to visit your familia's home..."

"Is that so, Riveria? That's wonderful. By the way, you look exceptionally lovely today as well."

"Eiji-sama, please don't tease me!"

Riveria's face flushed with a blush.

Loki's lips twitched. A wave of jealousy washed over her, and she felt an urge to scold Eiji.

But Artemis, raising an eyebrow, interjected, "What sort of business do you have with Eiji?"

Unconsciously, she adopted the demeanor of a girlfriend inquiring about another woman's interest in her man.

Loki bristled at Artemis's tone. She slightly widened her eyes and smirked, "What do you suppose? What kind of business would a god as extraordinarily handsome as him and I have?"

Artemis was momentarily stunned. Then, her gaze flickered down to Loki's chest, and she offered a mocking smile. "Oh, I understand now."

"Hey, where are you looking!? Artemis, are you looking down on me? Just like Hestia, you Virgin Goddesses are quite irritating."

Veins pulsed on Loki's forehead as she clenched her teeth, pointing an accusatory finger at Artemis's nose.

Artemis crossed her arms beneath her generous bosom. Being taller than Loki, she looked down upon the boisterous goddess.

Loki's anger flared even further.

Before the two goddesses could erupt into a public argument, Eiji naturally placed an arm around Artemis's slender shoulders. "Alright, let's all head to my familia's residence together. But first, we should inform Artemis's familia members."

Does he really need to touch me when he says that?

Artemis felt a flush of embarrassment but maintained her composure in front of Loki.

Loki marveled at how Eiji managed to elicit such behavior from a goddess famously averse to men. Internally, she was astonished.

This man is incredibly dangerous.

She absolutely must protect Ais-chan, Lefiya-chan, and Riveria from him!

...

At the Seiya Familia's residence.

The entourage led by Eiji finally reached their destination. As the members of the Artemis Familia marveled at the surroundings, Loki, in particular, felt a pang of envy that Eiji had managed to establish this place as his familia's home.

"Eiji-sama, welcome back," Artoria greeted them warmly.

Beside her, Haruhime chimed in, "Eiji-sama, you returned later than you said you would yesterday."

The blonde fox offered a smile, though a hint of dissatisfaction was evident that her husband had been away longer than anticipated.

Eiji cleared his throat, feigning a cough. "Ahem! Artoria, Haruhime. My apologies, my return was delayed as I was camping with Artemis and her familia members after rescuing them from an ancient monster."

"An ancient monster? That sounds like a formidable foe," Loki inquired with keen interest.

However, the three members of her familia were already aware that Eiji had undertaken this journey specifically to avert a tragic fate for Artemis, one that mirrored the original narrative. Unlike Loki, they possessed the ability to perceive his inner voice.

Even so, Ais felt a desire to comprehend the true strength of Antares.

"To me, that creature was little more than a colossal scorpion. It would likely require a coordinated effort from a group of level 6 and 7 adventurers to subdue it."

"In other words, that monster's might is comparable to a high-level floor boss! Before you and your familia arrived in Orario, only my familia and the Freya Familia possessed the strength to overcome such a foe," Loki deduced, processing Eiji's statement.

And this man had seemingly vanquished such a powerful entity single-handedly?

Eiji reveled in the admiring gazes cast upon him by Ais and the other captivating women present.

"Wait, aren't you a god!? You shouldn't be able to wield your divine power in..." Loki's sentence trailed off, unfinished.

He cut her short, "That is of little consequence. For the moment, please escort them inside. Artoria, instruct Medusa to prepare sleeping quarters for Artemis and her familia members."

Upon hearing her man's orders, delivered with a tone implying excitement, Artoria's expression shifted into something resembling a popular meme emoticon.

In the span of a single day, Eiji had not only brought home one goddess but also returned with her familia members, a group composed entirely of women.