Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 961 961: Bell's change, and a bad day for Welf

While Loki and his group were still enjoying their stay at the Seiya Familia residence, expressing their gratitude to Eiji for his gifts, news began to ripple through Orario.

Word spread rapidly about the Apollo Familia issuing a challenge to the Hestia Familia for a 'War Game'!

Recall that War Games are official clashes between Familiae, sanctioned by the Gods themselves. They often entail grave consequences, such as the dissolution of a Familia or the forfeiture of its members.

In this particular instance, the stakes were exceptionally high, with Apollo explicitly demanding the surrender of Bell Cranel, a member of the Hestia Familia.

The root of this conflict stemmed from Bell's outright refusal to join the Apollo Familia earlier that very morning. Apollo, unwilling to accept such a dismissal, promptly declared his intention to challenge Hestia to a War Game.

Upon hearing this, Bell's complexion turned ashen. Hestia, upon receiving the news, was naturally incensed.

An altercation ensued between her and Apollo on the first floor of the Babel Tower. Ultimately, under the perceived threats from the Apollo Familia, Hestia found herself compelled to accept the terms of the War Game.

"I am so sorry, Kami-sama! This is entirely my fault. If I hadn't drawn the attention of Apollo-sama, I wouldn't have caused you any trouble," Bell lamented, kneeling in the Hestia Familia's common room. The planned dungeon exploration with his party was consequently canceled.

Lili and Welf were present, observing Bell with a sense of pity.

Alternatively, they were beginning to ponder if he was some kind of magnet for misfortune?

Hestia rubbed her temples, a slight headache forming. Unlike in the original narrative where she would have immediately urged Bell to rise, a flicker of irritation now colored her demeanor towards him.

She stood, her foot tapping rhythmically against the floor.

"Bell-kun, rather than offering apologies, you should focus on bolstering your stats and even advancing your level. We still have three days to prepare before the War Game commences."

Three days, to an ordinary adventurer, was a meager allowance of time. Yet, Hestia recalled Bell's unique skill, Liaris Freeze. If he could utilize this preparation period effectively, it would at least grant him a marginal increase in strength.

Still, confronting the Apollo Familia with only two members, neither of whom were even first-class adventurers, remained an overwhelmingly daunting prospect.

Incidentally, besides Bell, Lili had also officially become a member of the Hestia Familia. She had, as per the original storyline, departed from the Soma Familia.

"I understand, Kami-sama! Within three days, I will enhance my power to the absolute limit!" Bell declared, lifting his head, a resolute gleam in his eyes.

In truth, his unique skill instilled within him a considerable degree of confidence.

"You are not alone, Bell-sama. Lili will assist you!"

"I won't stand idly by when a friend is in need!"

Lili and Welf chimed in support.

"Lili, Welf... Thank you!" Bell looked at the duo, a profound sense of gratitude welling up within his heart.

Setting Welf aside for a moment, he had harbored the impression that Lili somewhat resented him following the morning's events. He had even perceived a hint of disgust in her gaze when she regarded him.

However, that perception now seemed to be merely his own interpretation.

Lili still held affection for him as a 'friend', didn't she?

Were Lili privy to Bell's internal musings, she would likely not engage in an argument. In the past, her feelings for him were romantic. But now... perhaps maintaining a platonic friendship would be the more appropriate path.

She found herself unable to harbor romantic feelings for someone who reciprocated romantic affection towards another man. The mere contemplation of such a scenario sent a shiver down Lili's spine.

"Before you both depart, I shall update your status first," Hestia stated with a serious expression directed at Bell and Lili.

As for Welf? He was affiliated with the Hephaestus Familia.

Bell and Lili, naturally, did not decline the status update. Welf, with astute foresight, remarked, "I believe I must also return to my Familia for the time being."

Internally, he had already reached a pivotal decision.

Consequently, a meeting with Hephaestus was imperative!

(Author: Jie jie jie...)

Shortly after Welf's departure from the Hestia Familia's abode, Hestia found herself taken aback by an unforeseen development.

Her gaze lingered on Bell's status sheet, her hands trembling ever so slightly.

How could she not be astonished?

"Kami-sama, what is amiss? Have my fundamental attributes seen another significant increase!? Just how many points did I gain?" Bell inquired with palpable excitement.

He assumed his goddess was merely astonished by the substantial augmentation of his stats.

Lili, filled with curiosity, patiently awaited Hestia's pronouncement.

"This... This is unbelievable! Bell-kun, your basic attributes have surged by an astonishing 442 points. But that's not the most perplexing aspect!"

"...?" Bell appeared bewildered.

442 points? That was a phenomenal gain, especially considering his previous venture into the dungeon, which lasted merely a few days.

Truly, a testament to his own capabilities!

But what could possibly be the issue?

Why did his goddess regard him with such an unusual expression?

Hestia responded with a hint of awkwardness, "Bell-kun, your unique skill – Liaris Freese – has undergone a subtle alteration."

"My unique skill has changed slightly!? What has changed, Kami-sama?"

"Hestia-sama, is this detrimental to Bell-sama?"

Not only Bell, but Lili too began to feel a sense of unease.

To be candid, Hestia found herself undecided on whether to disclose the full extent of the situation to Bell. She herself was thoroughly perplexed.

It was perfectly understandable for Bell to admire a woman as beautiful as Ais Wallenstein. However, the current development...!

"Bell-kun, your unique skill, Liaris Freese, used to accelerate your status growth drastically as long as the feelings you had for pursuing Ais Wallenstein were strong. That was then, and now—I'm not sure if there's anything wrong, but the person you're chasing has turned into..."

Hestia hesitantly spoke the name of a god, "Apollo."

"Ehh?" Bell froze, a massive question mark appearing above his head.

"Huh!!? Bell-sama, you... So it's true then? You're in love with Apollo-sama!?" Lili recoiled slightly, creating a bit of distance between herself and Bell.

"Eehhhhh!!!? Lili, what absurd nonsense are you spouting!? I... there's no way I'd do that! I simply like Ais-san!" Bell exclaimed, his face etched with panic.

He darted a glance at his goddess, but she too had stepped back, seemingly unwilling to be too close to him. "Ka-Kami-sama?! There must be some mistake! You have to believe me."

"Um... Haha, you're right. There might very well be a mistake. In that case, let's try checking your status again," Hestia said with a laugh, desperately hoping for a mistake to be found.

However, mere seconds later.

She roughly tossed the status sheet she held directly at Bell's face, exclaiming, "There's absolutely no mistake! Bell-kun, you are the one who is wrong! There is something fundamentally wrong with you!"

"Ehhhhhh!!? This... This..."

Once more, Bell let out a cry befitting a protagonist experiencing a major setback. He stared at his own status sheet, his eyes filled with utter disbelief.

He reread the description for 'Liaris Freese' numerous times, yet still could not find Ais' name. Instead, Apollo's name was inscribed there so clearly that his entire body began to tremble.

What was wrong with him!?

There was absolutely no way he harbored such feelings for Apollo!

*Thud*

Bell dropped to his knees, his hands pressed against the floor. He cried without tears, a dry, hollow laugh escaping his lips.

Both Hestia and Lili felt a pang of pity for him. However, this quickly turned to disgust as they realized that despite Bell's vehement denials, he had likely been utterly captivated by Apollo from the moment they met.

In his heart, Ais now ranked even lower than Apollo.

Lili, who had witnessed the morning's events, felt 99% certain that Bell had indeed fallen under Apollo's spell. After all, she had seen him blush furiously when he first laid eyes on Apollo.

Bell-sama, I never expected this from you...!

"No way, no way... Haha, this is probably just a temporary thing, isn't it? Kami-sama?" Bell lifted his head, seeking reassurance from his goddess.

He desperately wanted her to comfort him.

But Hestia could only offer a noncommittal, "Maybe?"

"*Hiks!* Why? Why did my unique skill turn into this!?"

Bell dissolved into sobs, his hands pounding against the floor.

He desperately tried to understand how such a thing could have possibly happened. He had to admit that when he first encountered Apollo, he had indeed found him incredibly handsome, and it had made his heart race.

Bell's face grew ashen; the memory made him feel as if he had lost his sanity. There was unequivocally something wrong with him!

"Bell-kun, I understand you're incredibly upset about what happened to your unique skill. However, don't forget, you still possess your other unique skill—Arganout!"

"With that skill, you can still achieve a slightly faster rate of improvement if you choose not to utilize Liaris Freese. We only have three days remaining before the War Game commences."

Hestia felt a sudden sadness, not over Bell becoming romantically entangled with another man – she no longer harbored the romantic feelings for him she once had, likely due to Eiji and observations made while staying at his familia's residence.

But, could this be the end for her familia?

"Kami-sama, I..." Bell felt utterly discouraged by the situation with Liaris Freese. The thought of pursuing Apollo every time he fought in the dungeon filled him with profound reluctance.

He felt utterly disgusted with himself.

And he even began to fear that he genuinely harbored such feelings for Apollo. In essence, it felt like he was walking a tightrope, with the constant risk of falling and potentially admitting a liking for men.

Disgusting! Utterly disgusting!

So terrifying!

Bell clutched himself, attempting to focus his thoughts on Ais... but Apollo's face kept intruding into his mind.

He felt an overwhelming urge to smash his head against the nearest wall at that very moment!

"Bell-sama, I have an idea!" Lili suddenly announced.

"An idea? What kind of idea do you have, Lili?" Hope flickered in Bell's heart.

Perhaps Lili truly possessed a solution to his predicament.

However, his hopes were soon dashed, and he wished he could unhear the words that followed.

"You simply need to feign pursuing Apollo in your heart! By doing so, Liaris Freese can still be utilized! At the very least, for now—because let's be honest... Our chances of victory against the Apollo Familia, which boasts numerous first-class adventurers, are incredibly slim. Bell-sama needs to grow stronger as swiftly as possible!"

Lili's intention was not to ensnare Bell; she was not inherently malicious. However, in her capacity as a supporter and strategist for the Hestia Familia, she was merely offering an objective assessment.

Both Bell and Hestia were left speechless.

To deliberately deceive one's own unique skill?

This was arguably one of the most outlandish suggestions they had ever encountered.

However, Hestia found the idea acceptable and stated, "Bell-kun, Lili's suggestion is indeed good and worth considering."

"...!" Bell

Lili and Kami-sama... Aren't you two concerned that I might actually fall into a perilous situation?

He genuinely felt like weeping.

Yet, Lili's reasoning held merit. The issue with Apollo was also his own doing; he couldn't comprehend why he attracted such intense attention from the opposing party.

To secure victory in the upcoming War Game, he absolutely had to pursue greater strength, even if it meant taking significant risks!

Bell clenched his fists, biting his lip, and reluctantly uttered, "Alright, I'll do it..."

"Yay! Bell-sama, I'm certain you can achieve it!"

"Bell-kun, give it your all!"

"....."

The encouraging words from the two women did little to lift Bell's spirits.

A twitch played on his lips, but as the protagonist he was, he forced a smile and nodded his assent.

He resolved to grow stronger, even if it meant a potential sacrifice of himself in the pursuit.

As Bell and Lili departed to fetch Welf before heading to the dungeon, Eiji's inner monologue suddenly resounded, leaving Hestia momentarily stunned.

[I've been informed that Apollo Familia has issued a challenge to Hestia Familia for a War Game.]

[Oh my, it seems this is finally coming to pass. Not only did Bell manage to capture the attention of a Goddess as beautiful as Freya, but he's also drawn the covetous gaze of Apollo.]

[Hestia must be facing considerable difficulties. If she desires, I could offer my assistance. However, direct intervention concerning Bell is off-limits...]

[I dislike speaking ill of others behind their backs. Yet, in the original narrative, Bell's affections weren't solely directed towards Ais. Ahem! While not explicitly detailed, Bell's reaction upon his initial encounter with Apollo was peculiar.]

"Peculiar? What was peculiar about it!?"

Grateful for Eiji's willingness to help, Hestia felt a surge of emotion. What astonished her more, however, was the revelation that the conflict between her Familia and Apollo's also mirrored events in the original story.

[I posit that the reason he rebuffs the beautiful women surrounding him, focusing exclusively on his pursuit of Ais... might stem from an aversion to women altogether. Perhaps he... Ugh, I'd rather not dwell on the specifics.]

[That's utterly repugnant!]

"!?" Hestia.

She, along with the other women present, grasped the implication of his unspoken thoughts. In essence, Bell might be homosexual!

"It makes perfect sense now... No wonder Bell-kun remained indifferent to my charms in the past."

"That's because he's actually...!"

Hestia placed her trust in Eiji's words, delivered as they were through his inner voice. Coupled with her established positive disposition towards him, her belief was unwavering. Her countenance grew grim, and she let out a sigh.

Bell was a member of her Familia. Despite feeling a sense of revulsion due to this revelation, she would not bring herself to hate him.

Nevertheless, the possibility of nurturing romantic feelings for him again was definitively extinguished.

...

Concurrently.

At the headquarters of the Hephaestus Familia.

"Hephaestus-sama, I love you! I recognize that confessing this after my prolonged absence from your Familia might seem inappropriate... However, I feel compelled to express the sentiments I've harbored for a considerable time. If it were possible, I wish to become your lover."

Welf stood tall, openly declaring his love for his Goddess. His voice carried clearly, audible to all present, including Tsubaki.

Not only Hephaestus, but everyone else was naturally taken aback!

"Welf, you... Have you lost your mind? I'm sorry, but that simply cannot happen." Hephaestus's beautiful face contorted into an expression of awkwardness, her features now even more radiant than before, as one of her eyes had been miraculously healed.

This remarkable recovery was precisely the catalyst for Welf's sudden confession. Having not seen his Goddess in quite some time, her current beauty was particularly striking.

Despite Welf's heartfelt plea, Hephaestus unequivocally rejected his proposal, notably without exhibiting the blushing reaction depicted in the original storyline.

"Wh-Why? Is it merely because I am human?" Welf, utterly unprepared for his Goddess's swift and resolute rejection, felt a pang of sorrow, questioning if his race and finite lifespan were the sole reasons.

Hephaestus responded, "It is not due to that reason. Welf, I already possess a lover."

She refrained from adding that, in comparison to her current partner, Welf was vastly inferior.

"Y-You already have a lover!? Who is it? How is it that I've never heard of this!?" Welf stammered, his expression hardening with disbelief.

Hephaestus suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.

What made him assume he would be privy to the latest updates concerning her when he was so preoccupied with Hestia Familia?

This man's confidence was truly astounding.

"You must have heard of his name. He is the God of the Seiya Familia, Eiji Seiya. He is also the one responsible for healing my eyes."

"Eiji Seiya? I do recall hearing a God by that name... And he healed your eyes, Hephaestus-sama!? I see."

More accurately, Welf vividly recalled Eiji's appearance within the dungeon, a memory that stirred feelings of inadequacy and jealousy towards him.

Knowing he was the one who restored Hephaestus's sight, he understood the reason why he could be her lover.

"Is that all you have to say?" Hephaestus inquired.

She made no move to reprimand Welf, as he frequently engaged in playful banter with the other members of the Hestia Familia.

"I... There's one more thing. Actually, I've come to ask if I could transfer to the Hestia Familia. I wish to aid Bell in the upcoming War Game against the Apollo Familia!" Welf secretly hoped to witness a flicker of reluctance on his goddess's face, yearning for her anger, which would signify...

Her deep affection for him, and perhaps, a lingering possibility?

"Oh? Considering your close bond with Bell Cranel... that is not entirely unexpected. I shall approve your transfer to the Hestia Familia, Welf."

"However, keep this in mind: once you depart... you will be unable to return and plead for reentry into my familia."

Hephaestus delivered this statement with an air of detachment.

Welf felt a shiver run down his spine, realizing all the scenarios he had meticulously planned before his arrival had crumbled to dust.

Hephaestus's reaction was far more severe than he had anticipated!

His affections were, it seemed, truly unreturned. Welf fought back tears, nodding in resignation. "I shall remember that, Hephaestus-sama."

"Good," Hephaestus replied.

Following the official removal of Welf from her familia roster and her consent for him to join the Hestia Familia.

She promptly instructed him to leave her office, as she still had pressing matters to attend to. Welf managed a wry smile, complying with her command.

However, just as he reached the exit, the door swung open, revealing a man with striking white hair whom Welf recognized standing before him.

"Hephaestus? Are you occupied? It appears I've arrived at an inconvenient moment," Eiji remarked, stifling laughter behind his smile.

He certainly did not mention that he had observed and overheard the conversation between Hephaestus and Welf through the discreet surveillance of his shadow warriors.

And as anticipated from Hephaestus.

She had not failed to impress him!

Diverging from the original narrative, she had rebuffed Welf's unspoken plea and made him feel utterly supplanted by mentioning her existing lover.

Her lover, in fact, was him, Eiji Seiya.

[Yare-yare. I was missing Hephaestus, but I didn't expect to encounter a red-haired man like Welf.]

[Judging by his gaze, he seems to be harboring jealousy and a degree of hostility towards me.]

[This is rather amusing.]

While Welf possessed red hair, that aside—Hephaestus was pleased to hear that Eiji had been thinking of her and had visited so soon.

Upon seeing his charming smile, she blushed and hastily stated, "No, you've arrived at the perfect time. I was just about to take a break, Eiji."

!?

But I recall you mentioning you still had work to finish.

Yet now? You wish to rest?

Welf clenched his fists tightly, forcing a smile reminiscent of Bell's. It was evident that Hephaestus had set aside her duties solely for Eiji's presence.

She had even offered him such a radiant smile and a blush, all because of that man.

Welf's heart ached with a bitterness that rivaled the pain of an NTR protagonist.

"Welf, why are you still lingering here? Make haste and depart," Hephaestus commanded, her voice laced with impatience.

Her eagerness to be alone with her beloved was palpable.

"O-Oh, my apologies." Welf quickly exited Hephaestus's office, departing from the Hephaestus Familia headquarters with his head bowed.

He wished to avoid revealing the anguished expression on his face, which threatened to betray his tears.

However, Tsubaki witnessed his departure and couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Pfft! Hahaha! Poor fellow... Unfortunately, it's far too late for him. Hephaestus-sama's heart has already been claimed by another."