Riveria, the Evergreen Mother

The expedition to slay Medusa had been formally announced, but little progress has been made in regards to its preparation. Turmoil was flowing into Orario, as Medusa's agents tried to sow chaos and sabotage the expedition. The parasite that had been planted inside Hestia was also still out there. There were also whispers of corruption in the Guild and the malign influence of a certain new god.

The leader of the upcoming expedition was also troubled. Riveria could not stop thinking about Bell. She had always been fascinated by him, but had never been obsessed with him before. The more time she spent with him, the deeper their bond grew. She then realized just how little she knew about Bell and his history.

She was determined to uncover the secrets of his past. She began by paying a visit to the daughter of her former chamberlain, who was also Bell's current Guild advisor, Eina.

"Eina, do you have a moment? I would like to speak with you."

"Riveria... Okay, sure. Please wait for me outside of the office."

"...Excuse me."

Riveria waited for Eina, until she was invited into the office. They took their seats in her private room in the back of the Guild branch. They both began to sip from a hot cup of tea on a saucer.

"What did you want to talk about, Riveria?"

"About the young adventurer you're responsible for: Bell Cranel."

Eina's expression changed ever so slightly the moment he was mentioned.

"Bell...? What about him?"

"I would like to know more about him. Where he is from, what his upbringing was like, everything, especially before he arrived in this city. I'd like to know about his family as well."

"Um... Why are you interested in Bell...?"

"That is not information I'm obligated to share."

"...Fine. You're being suspicious."

It was rare for Eina to speak that way to her friends.

"You're quite interested in the boy yourself, are you not, Eina?"

"...Y-you can tell?!"

Eina had lost her temper. Riveria raised an eyebrow as the half-elf in front of her turned a light shade of pink and hid her face behind the documents in her hand.

"I'd like to know what it was about him that captured your interest."

"H-how could I not be interested in someone like him?! He's just too abnormal! Even among the adventurers in the city, there's no one who makes you want to know more like he does!"

"I agree. He is not like other people."

Bell's kind, honest personality, his earnest effort, and his disarming innocence had made quite an impression on Riveria.

"If you're after him, then I won't give up on him!"

"Calm yourself, Eina. I'm not after him."

Riveria gently laughed off Eina's accusation and watched her close friend seethe with jealousy.

"W-well, Riveria? Why are you interested in him?"

"I'm sure you've heard. He carries a mighty burden. The fate of the entire world will soon rest on his shoulders."

"Riveria, I must warn you that it isn't safe around the Guild anymore. I'm sure we've been infiltrated by Medusa's spies."

A dubious, unheard of god and his familia had appeared out of nowhere and was gradually taking over the Guild. A god who calls himself Kleptos. Riveria felt certain that that was not his real name.

"I'm well aware of the situation, which makes this all the more important." Riveria assured her. "Time is not on our side, Eina. If I am going to protect Bell Cranel, I must learn everything I can about him before his adversaries do."

Riveria explained everything to her friend in detail.

Eina shifted her glasses and pondered the elf's words for a moment.

"You've been rather concerned with Bell's safety lately. It's a complete turnaround from what I'm used to seeing from you. Almost as if you were his mother or something."

Eina tried to provoke Riveria by smiling and pushing her glasses up against the frame.

"If that was a joke, it was not very funny."

"Sorry, sorry."

Riveria refused to return Eina's smile. Eina composed herself and crossed her legs.

"So, tell me what you know about him. Leave nothing out, even if it seems trivial."

"Very well. Although the information you seek is not easy to come by."

Eina stood up and grabbed several files from the bookcase behind her desk. Riveria opened them, her long fingers turning the pages. She could tell immediately that Bell's history had been thoroughly investigated, his background researched.

"He was born in a village far from here in the northwest of the continent."

"I knew that."

"His grandfather raised him."

Riveria's body moved on its own when she heard the word grandfather.

"You mean to tell me that his parents...?"

"Yes. They passed away shortly after he was born."

"Is anything known about his parents?"

"Very little is known about them. They remain shrouded in mystery. There's nothing unusual about that. Adventurers from small towns and villages often start completely anonymous lives in this city."

Eina gave her a sharp look over the rim of her glasses. Riveria looked away from the light-green eyes of her friend. She was silent for a moment before shifting her focus back to the file.

"What happened to his grandfather?"

"Presumed dead. The details we have on Bell's past is sketchy at best. But for now, his grandfather is the only relative he ever mentions."

Eina recommended that Riveria should talk to the owner of the Hostess of Fertility, as the staff there knew him well. That was Riveria's next destination.

The jade-haired elf slipped inside the busy tavern, making her way to a gray-haired dwarven woman wiping down the bar.

"Mia Grand, correct? I need to ask you about one of your patrons. A boy named Bell Cranel."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "Aye, I know the lad. He's a good kid. Always polite, helps out when he can. But I don't make a habit of gossiping about my customers." She fixed Riveria with a stern look. "Even to a high-class lady like yourself."

Riveria sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Please. It's important. I'm not asking for idle gossip. I'm trying to understand who he really is."

The dwarven woman studied her for a long moment before relenting. "Fine. I'll tell you what I know. But it ain't much." She spoke of Bell's earnest nature, his drive to become a hero. But there was nothing to explain his impossible growth or the mysteries that seemed to surround him.

Riveria's next stop was the Hestia Familia's home, Hearthstone Manor. She knocked on the door, which was answered by a young man with fiery red hair. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Bell Cranel. Is he here?"

The boy shook his head. "Sorry, Miss Elf, but he ain't. He left about an hour ago." Riveria thanked him and turned to leave, but the boy's voice stopped her. "Can I ask you something, Miss Elf?"

She nodded and the boy continued. "Bell...he's doing well, isn't he? He hasn't gotten himself into trouble?" Riveria could hear the genuine concern in his voice, and it warmed her heart to know that Bell had people who truly cared for him.

"It's not so much him getting himself into trouble," she said. "But that trouble always seems to find him. Please be assured that I will do everything in my power to protect him."

The boy looked relieved.

"May I ask a question of my own?" said Riveria. "Do you know where Bell Cranel came from? Before he joined your familia?"

The boy's relief turned to confusion, and he scratched his head. "Eh? No, I don't know much about him. The goddess might know, though."

"I see. Thank you for your time." Riveria made her way back into the street, thinking over what she'd learned so far. Neither the dwarven woman nor the Hestia Familia had anything of interest to add.

Riveria continued her inquiry, asking around among Bell's other friends and acquaintances. Piece by piece a picture began to form, but it was still maddeningly incomplete. Riveria tapped a finger against her lips, with one eye closed, deep in thought as she walked the darkening streets. There was one commonality, one name that kept coming up no matter who she asked.

Hermes. The messenger god seemed to be the key. In every incident with Bell Cranel, Hermes always seemed to be involved. But why? And what was his connection to the boy? Riveria had to know. And that meant finding Hermes.

One way or another, she would get some answers from the elusive deity.

Riveria set her jaw, resolving to pay the divine trickster a visit.

It was a few days after her talk with the elven maid when Riveria finally found Hermes. The messenger god was in one of his favorite haunts. A pub in the Pleasure Quarter, in the heart of the city's red-light district.

The young, lethargic bartender didn't look up as Riveria strode into the establishment. "You. Messenger god. I need to speak with you." Her voice was low, her eyes dangerous as she glared at Hermes.

The deity looked up, raising an eyebrow at her tone. "Riveria? Whatever is the matter, my dear elf? You seem upset." Riveria's hand clenched into a fist.

"Don't play coy with me, you utter, utter clown of a god. I know you're involved with Bell Cranel."

The god held up his hands in mock surrender, a sly grin playing across his lips. "My dearest Riveria, whatever do you mean? Bell is just a simple adventurer, nothing more."

"Enough games," Riveria snapped, her patience wearing thin. "Do not try me. You know far more than you're letting on. Who is he really? Where is his family? I know you have all the answers."

Hermes' smile faded, replaced by an uncharacteristically serious expression. "Bell has no family. At least, none that he knows of."

The elf's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said. The boy is an orphan, raised by his grandfather in a remote village. That's all there is to it."

Riveria could sense there was more to the story. "That can't be the whole truth. What are you not telling me?"

Hermes sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You're not going to let this go, are you? Very well." He took a sip of his drink before continuing. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and cryptic. "Have you ever noticed the familial resemblance?"

Riveria blinked, taken aback. "What resemblance? To whom?"

"To an old friend of yours from the Great Feud."

"You're speaking in riddles," Riveria said impatiently.

Hermes smirked, as if he'd made a joke only he understood.

"That's all I can say. Draw your own conclusions, Riveria. But be careful. Some truths are better left buried."

With that cryptic statement, Hermes turned to leave. But before he could disappear into the shadows, Riveria called out to him once more.

"Hermes, wait." The god paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Why are you telling me this? Why now?"

A knowing smirk played across Hermes' lips. "Because, my dear Riveria, I think you're the only one who can unravel this mystery. And because..." He trailed off, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"You really do care for him, don't you?"

Riveria felt her cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and indignation rising in her chest. "I... I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, trying to regain her composure. "My interest in Bell Cranel is purely academic. Nothing more."

Hermes chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course. Whatever you say." He gave her a knowing wink. "But remember, Riveria, the heart wants what it wants. The way you've been digging into his past. That's not just idle curiosity. Nor is it a bad thing. I think you too look good together, personally. By the way, I know about your little kiss. It made Loki awfully jealous."

The elf opened her mouth to protest, but the words died on her lips. Was Hermes right? Did her interest in Bell go beyond simple fascination with his abilities? She thought back to the way her heart seemed to flutter when he smiled at her. The way she found herself thinking about him even when she should be focusing on her duties.

No. No, it couldn't be. She was Riveria Ljos Alf, the stoic and aloof mage of Loki Familia. She didn't have time for such frivolous emotions. And yet...

Hermes' voice cut through her thoughts. "Don't overthink it, Riveria. Just follow your heart. It'll be yours, and everyone else's, salvation." With that, he melted into the shadows, leaving the elf alone with her swirling thoughts and conflicted feelings.

Riveria stood there for a long moment, trying to make sense of it all. Hermes' words echoed in her mind, taunting her with the possibility of something she'd never dared to consider. Could she really be falling for Bell Cranel? And if so, what did that mean for her quest to uncover his secrets?

She shook her head, pushing the thought aside. No, she couldn't afford to be distracted by such things. She had a mission, a purpose. She would find out the truth about Bell, no matter the cost. Even if it meant confronting the growing feelings she couldn't quite seem to shake.

Riveria's mind whirled, trying to piece together the clues. A resemblance to someone... someone connected to Bell's true identity. But who? She wracked her brain, thinking back to all the faces she'd seen during the Great Feud.

And then it hit her, a memory surfacing from years ago. A woman with silver hair and mismatched eyes, her features so similar to Bell's it was uncanny.

Alfia. The name whispered through Riveria's mind, sending a chill down her spine. Could it be? Could Bell really be connected to the infamous mage of the Hera Familia?

Riveria stood frozen, her mind reeling with the implications. If Bell was truly related to Alfia, then Hermes was hiding more than just his past. He was hiding his very identity itself. And if that was the case, then what other secrets was he keeping?

Riveria shook herself, pushing aside her racing thoughts. She couldn't jump to conclusions, not without more evidence. She needed to dig deeper, to uncover the truth behind Bell's origins.

The elf turned on her heel and strode out of the pub, her face set with grim determination. She would find answers, no matter what it took. She had to know the truth about the boy who had stolen her heart. She pored over old records, spoke with those who had known the enigmatic mage,. Slowly, a picture began to emerge.

Alfia had a sister, a woman named Meteria who had disappeared around the time of Bell's birth. Could she be the key? Had she somehow survived, hidden away with her child?

***

As Finn finished instructing Bell on how to properly organize an expedition, the boy turned to him curiously. "Sir Finn, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, Bell Cranel. What's on your mind?"

Bell hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "What do you think about Riveria? I mean, like, what do you think about me and her?"

Finn raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking me for romantic advice? I must say, I'm surprised. You don't seem the type."

Bell's face flushed red in embarrassment. "Sorry, sir."

Finn smiled, waving away Bell's apology. "No need to apologize. I was merely teasing."

"Well, um... It's just... Riveria. I don't understand why she kept her distance from me for so long. Did I do something wrong?" Bell shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"You might just be overthinking it," Finn reassured him. "Riveria is a complex woman and is fiercely independent. She may not be as open as you would like."

Bell frowned, trying to understand. "So, you think she's complicated?"

"Yes, that's one way to put it." Finn reached over and clapped Bell on the shoulder. "Give her time and space. She'll come around. You represent change, Bell Cranel. And for someone like Riveria, who's clung to the familiar for so long, that can be terrifying."

The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "Change? What do you mean?"

Finn's expression turned thoughtful, his gaze distant. "Riveria has always been a creature of habit. She finds comfort in the predictable, in the known. But you... you're something new, something unexpected. And that scares her."

Bell considered the captain's words, weighing them against his own experience with the reserved elf. He'd always sensed a tension between them, a barely contained electricity that seemed to crackle whenever they were near each other.

"I never meant to scare her," he said softly, his heart aching for Riveria's pain.

"I know you didn't." Finn offered him a reassuring smile. "But trust me, Bell Cranel. You are good for her. You'll bring something new and fresh into her life. Something she desperately needs."

Bell returned the smile, feeling bolstered by Finn's confidence in him. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."

Bell nodded slowly, absorbing Finn's words. "Thank you, Sir Finn. I'll keep that in mind."

Finn then sighed, his expression turning serious. "But you have to understand, Bell Cranel, that Riveria is a high-ranking member of Loki Familia. Her actions reflect not just on herself, but on all of us. And Aiz..." He trailed off, seeming to search for the right words.

"Aiz is like a daughter to Riveria. She's taken the girl under her wing, mentored her, watched her grow. If Riveria were to pursue a relationship with you, it could create tension between her and Aiz. So, please don't judge her too harshly."

jBell's eyes widened in surprise. He had never considered how his interactions with Riveria might affect her relationship with Aiz. The thought made his heart ache with guilt.

"I never meant to cause any trouble," he said softly, his gaze downcast.

Finn gave him a reassuring smile. "I know, Bell. And I'm sure Riveria knows that too. But she's always been cautious, always put her familia first. It's one of the reasons she's not the captain, despite her power and intelligence."

The boy looked up, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Riveria is a brilliant strategist and an incredibly skilled mage," Finn explained, pride evident in his voice. "But she lacks the people skills necessary to lead a familia. She's too reserved, too guarded. If it weren't for that, she would undoubtedly be the captain instead of me."

Bell nodded, understanding dawning on his face. Riveria's aloofness, her reluctance to open up, suddenly made more sense in light of Finn's words.

"I never realized," he murmured, his heart swelling with a newfound appreciation for the elven mage's struggles.

Finn clapped him on the shoulder, his smile warm and encouraging. "Just give her time, Bell Cranel. Riveria may be slow to trust, but once she does, she's fiercely loyal."

Bell listened intently as Finn continued, a glimmer of hope sparking in his chest.

"You know, Bell, I've noticed a change in Riveria lately," the Pallum captain mused, a smile tugging at his lips. "Ever since she started spending time with you, she's been... different."

The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "Different how?"

Finn chuckled, shaking his head in wonder. "Happier, for one. I've never seen her smile so much. And she's been more open, more willing to share her thoughts and feelings."

Bell felt a warmth spreading through his chest, a sense of pride and joy at the thought that he could have such an impact on Riveria.

"Really?" he asked, his voice soft with disbelief.

Finn nodded, his expression turning serious. "Riveria has always been guarded, Bell. She's kept her emotions locked away, hidden behind a wall of ice. But with you... it's like that wall is starting to melt."

The boy's heart raced at the thought, his mind whirling with the implications of Finn's words.

"I had no idea," he murmured, his gaze distant as he tried to process this new information.

Finn smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. "I'm not surprised. Riveria is a master at hiding her feelings. But I've known her for a long time, Bell. I can see the changes in her, even if she tries to deny them."

Bell's brow furrowed in thought, a question forming on his lips. "But why me? What is it about me that's making her change?"

The Pallum captain shrugged, his expression turning contemplative. "Who can say? Maybe it's your innocence, your purity of heart. Maybe it's your determination, your willingness to fight for what you believe in. Or maybe..." He trailed off, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Maybe it's just your boyish charm."

Bell blushed, ducking his head in embarrassment. But he couldn't deny the thrill that ran through him at the thought that he could have such an effect on someone as powerful and respected as Riveria.

"I don't know about that," he mumbled, his cheeks burning.

Finn laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Don't sell yourself short, Bell. You have a way of bringing out the best in people. And Riveria... well, she's lucky to have you in her life. I may be mistaken, but she may well have already fallen for you."

Bell's jaw dropped, his eyes widening in shock. "W-what?" he stammered, his heart racing at the mere thought of Riveria harboring such feelings for him.

Finn's expression turned serious, his voice low and earnest. "I've known Riveria for a long time, Bell. I've seen her face countless battles, overcome insurmountable odds. But I've never seen her like this."

The Pallum captain leaned in closer, his gaze intense. "Riveria is a woman who never lets her guard down, who never allows herself to be vulnerable. But with you... it's different."

Bell swallowed hard, his mind reeling with the implications of Finn's words. "I don't... I don't understand," he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Finn smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. "Riveria is like the desert, Bell. Vast, beautiful, and seemingly untouchable. It hardly ever rains there. But when it rains in the desert... it's a torrent."

The boy's heart pounded in his chest, his palms growing damp with sweat. "Sir Finn..." he began, his voice shaking with anticipation and excitement.

But Finn held up a hand, silencing him. "Bell Cranel, Riveria Ljos Alf has never opened herself up to anyone before you, with perhaps for the exception of Aina and Aiz. She cares for you deeply and would do anything to protect you."

Bell's breath caught in his throat as Finn's words sank in. He cared for Riveria, too, but had never imagined that she might feel the same way about him.

"I've never seen her act this way before. I think... I think she may be falling in love with you, Bell Cranel. The way she talks about you, the way she acts around you... it's like nothing I've ever witnessed."

"I—" Bell croaked out, his voice faltering as he struggled to find the words to express his feelings. "I care about her too, sir."

Finn smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement and understanding.

"But what... what do I do?" he asked, his voice small and uncertain.

Finn's smile turned sympathetic, his hand coming to rest on Bell's shoulder. "That's up to you, Bell. But know this: Riveria is a woman who doesn't give her heart easily. If she's falling for you... it's because she sees something special in you."

Bell's chest tightened, his eyes stinging with the threat of tears. He had never felt so overwhelmed, so utterly lost in the face of such a revelation.

"What if I mess it up?" he whispered, his voice trembling with fear and doubt. "What if I do something stupid and ruin everything?"

Finn chuckled, his hand squeezing Bell's shoulder reassuringly. "Bell Cranel, you're a good person with a good heart. Don't overthink it. Just be yourself and everything will work out in the end."

"You really think so?"

"That's the thing about love... it has a way of finding us when we least expect it."

Bell's mind reeled at the revelation, his heart pounding in his chest. The thought of Riveria harboring feelings for him was overwhelming, almost too much to bear.

Finn's expression softened, his voice gentle as he continued. "I know it's a lot to take in, Bell. But there's something else you should know."

The boy looked up, his eyes wide with curiosity and trepidation. "What is it?"

The Pallum captain sighed, his gaze distant as he spoke. "High elves like Riveria... they have a different perspective on love and relationships than humans do."

Bell frowned, trying to understand. "What do you mean?"

Finn's smile turned wistful, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "High elves live for centuries, Bell. Their lifespans are vastly longer than those of humans. And because of that... they often find themselves falling in love with people who are much younger than they are."

The boy's jaw dropped, his mind struggling to wrap around the concept. "You mean... it's normal for high elves to marry humans who are far younger than them?"

Finn nodded, his expression serious. "It's not unusual at all. In fact, it's quite common. High elves know that they will outlive their human partners by hundreds of years. But they also know that the time they have together is precious, no matter how brief."

Bell's heart ached at the thought, his eyes stinging with the threat of tears. The idea of loving someone, knowing that you would have to watch them grow old and die while you remained young and vibrant... it was a pain he couldn't even begin to imagine.

"That's... that's so sad," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Finn's hand came to rest on his shoulder, his touch a comforting presence. "It is. But it's also beautiful, in a way. High elves cherish every moment they have with their loved ones, knowing that each day is a gift."

Bell nodded slowly, his mind whirling with the implications of Finn's words. If Riveria truly did have feelings for him... if she was willing to open her heart to him, despite the vast difference in their lifespans...

"I don't know if I'm strong enough for that," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Finn smiled, his eyes shining with understanding. "No one is, Bell. But that's the thing about love... it gives us the strength to face even the most daunting challenges."

Bell's heart clenched at the thought, his eyes widening with a newfound understanding. "You mean... Riveria might have avoided falling in love with humans because she knows she'll outlive them?"

Finn nodded, his expression somber. "It's a painful reality that many high elves face. They know that any relationship with a human will inevitably end in heartbreak, with them having to say goodbye long before they're ready."

The boy's chest tightened, his breath catching in his throat. The thought of Riveria enduring such pain, of her closing herself off to love out of fear of loss... it was almost too much to bear.

"But that's... that's not fair," he managed, his voice thick with emotion. "Everyone deserves to be loved, no matter how long they have."

Finn's smile turned wistful, his gaze distant. "You're right, Bell. But it's not always that simple. For someone like Riveria, who has seen countless friends and loved ones pass away... the thought of opening her heart again can be terrifying."

Bell's mind raced, trying to imagine the depth of Riveria's pain. How many times had she watched someone she cared for wither and die, knowing that she would have to carry on without them? How many goodbyes had she been forced to say, each one chipping away at her heart until it was encased in an impenetrable wall of ice?

"I can't even imagine," he whispered, his eyes stinging with the threat of tears. "To have to go through that, over and over again..."

Finn nodded, his expression sympathetic. "It's a burden that no one should have to bear. But it's one that many high elves carry, often in silence."

The Pallum captain's words hung heavy in the air, the weight of their implications settling like a lead weight in Bell's chest. He had always known that Riveria was guarded, that she kept her emotions tightly locked away. But now, he was beginning to understand why.

"Do you think... do you think that's why she's been so distant with me?" he asked, his voice small and uncertain.

Finn sighed, his gaze thoughtful. "It's possible. Riveria has always been cautious when it comes to matters of the heart. She may be afraid of getting too close, of allowing herself to feel something that she knows will only end in pain."

Bell's heart ached at the thought, a fierce protectiveness rising up within him. He wanted to take Riveria in his arms, to hold her close and promise her that she would never have to face that pain alone. He wanted to show her that love was worth the risk, that the joy of being together far outweighed the sorrow of eventual separation.

***

Riveria stood at the edge of the training grounds, her eyes fixed on the horizon as the sun began to set. The day had been long and grueling, filled with endless drills and strategy sessions as Loki Familia prepared for their inevitable confrontation with Medusa.

But Riveria's mind was far from the task at hand, her thoughts consumed by the young adventurer who had captured her heart. Bell Cranel had awoken something within her, a deep and abiding longing for something more than the cold loneliness of slow ageing.

"The Evergreen Mother," a voice called out from behind her, startling her from her thoughts.

Riveria turned to see Finn approaching, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "That's what they're calling you now, you know."

Riveria raised an eyebrow, her expression one of mild amusement. "Evergreen Mother? I don't follow."

Finn chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Honestly, Riveria. Are you really that oblivious?"

"It appears so," Riveria said dryly, crossing her arms over her chest. "So tell me, then. What exactly is the meaning of this moniker?"

"It's fitting, don't you think? The antithesis to Medusa, the Dark Mother."

A sense of realization dawned on Riveria as she recalled the folklore of her people. The Evergreen Mother was a figure from elven legend, a mother who embodied the eternal cycle of nature — constant but always changing.

Finn's smile turned knowing as he continued. "You are the mother to us all, Riveria. A nurturing presence who guides us, protects us, and gives us strength."

Riveria shook her head, trying to brush off the compliment.

"I don't know if I'm worthy of such a title," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Pallum captain's hand came to rest on her shoulder, his touch a comforting presence. "You are, Riveria. And more besides." His gaze turned serious, his expression solemn as he continued. "We wouldn't be here without you."

Riveria felt a surge of emotion well up within her, threatening to overwhelm her.

"It's up to the Evergreen Mother to stop the Dark Mother. Sounds like an old fairy tale, doesn't it?"

"I won't let her win," she said, her voice steady and strong. "I will stop her, no matter what."

Finn's smile widened, his eyes shining with pride. "I know you will. You're the Evergreen Mother, after all. And you have another very important duty ahead of you."

"What is it?" Riveria asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You have to confess your feelings to Bell Cranel."

Riveria's eyes widened, a flush creeping across her cheeks as she tried to stammer out a response. "W-what? Confess my feelings? Why?"

"Because you love him, don't you?" Finn asked gently.

Riveria swallowed hard, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of her jumbled emotions. "I... I don't know. It's too soon to tell."

Finn chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Come on, Riveria. You can't deny it. It's written all over your face."

Riveria ducked her head, hiding her burning face in her hands. "I... I suppose it is."

Finn placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze reassuring. "It's okay, Riveria. Love is nothing to be ashamed of."

Riveria drew in a shuddering breath, trying to regain her composure.

"Let's get some rest," she said, turning back towards the city. "We have a long journey ahead of us."

***

As the expedition loomed on the horizon, Riveria found herself seeking out Bell more and more. She couldn't explain it, but she felt a connection to him that she hadn't felt with anyone else. She felt safe with him, vulnerable, and it scared her.

She'd never let herself be vulnerable with anyone before. She'd always kept her emotions in check, always been in control. But with Bell...

And then, suddenly...

"Oof!" Bell grunted as Riveria collided with him, sending them both stumbling.

Riveria's eyes widened in shock and embarrassment as the realization of whom she had collided with sank in. "B-Bell!" she stammered, her normally pale complexion rapidly turning a deep shade of crimson. She hastily took a step back, trying to regain her composure. "I'm terribly sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going. Please forgive my clumsiness," she apologized profusely, uncharacteristically flustered by the unexpected encounter with the white-haired boy. "It's not like I was stalking you or anything!!!!"

Bell smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's no problem, Riveria-sama," he assured her. "I'm not hurt or anything. Besides, it's kind of nice running into you like this." he said earnestly, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment at having literally run into the esteemed vice-captain of the Loki Familia.

Riveria couldn't help but return his smile, her heart skipping a beat at the boy's endearing sincerity. "It is... nice," she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I find myself thinking about you quite often these days." The words left her mouth before she could stop them, and she immediately clapped a hand over her mouth in mortification at having revealed so much of her feelings so quickly. "Ugh! What am I saying? Forget I said that."

Bell's eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks turning even redder as he struggled to form a coherent response. "Um... o-okay..." he stuttered, his voice uncertain and a little bewildered. Riveria shook her head, letting out a frustrated sigh.

"Bell Cranel," she began, steeling herself to address the reason for her frequent thoughts about him. "There is something I need to tell you."

Bell swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Riveria's face. "Yes?" he prompted, his voice trembling slightly with nervous anticipation.

"I..." Riveria hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest as she gathered her courage.

An awkward silence fell between them, neither quite sure what to say. Riveria's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to find the right words.

"Bell, I—" she began, but her voice faltered as she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching from the other end of the street.

Aiz Wallenstein strode towards them, her expression curious as she took in the scene before her.

Panic seized Riveria as she realized how compromising their position must look. Without thinking, she grabbed Bell by the shoulders and shoved him beneath her cloak, pressing his face against her ample bosom.

Bell let out a muffled squeak of surprise, his body going rigid as he found himself enveloped in the warmth and softness of Riveria's bosom.

"Riveria?" Aiz called out as she drew near, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Have you seen Bell? I was hoping to train with him today."

Riveria swallowed hard, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plausible lie. "N-no, I haven't seen him," she stammered, her voice strained. "I've been so busy with preparations for the expedition, I haven't had time to keep track of anyone's whereabouts."

Aiz nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I see. Well, if you do see him, could you let him know I'm looking for him?"

"Of course," Riveria said, forcing a smile. "I'll be sure to pass along the message."

Aiz smiled, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Riveria. I appreciate it."

With that, she turned and strode away, leaving Riveria alone with the squirming boy hidden beneath her cloak.

As soon as Aiz was out of sight, Riveria released Bell from her cloak, her face burning with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Bell," she stammered, unable to meet his gaze. "I don't know what came over me. I just panicked when I saw Aiz coming."

Bell stumbled back, his face a deep shade of crimson as he tried to catch his breath. "I-it's okay, Lady Riveria," he managed, his voice shaky. "I understand. You were just trying to protect me."

Riveria nodded, her heart still racing in her chest. "Yes, that's right. I didn't want Aiz to see us together like that. It might have given her the wrong idea."

Bell's eyes widened, a flicker of hope sparking in their depths. "The wrong idea? What do you mean?"

Riveria swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. "I mean... I wouldn't want her to think that there was something going on between us. Something... inappropriate."

Bell's face fell, his shoulders slumping in disappointment. "Oh. Right. Of course not."

Riveria's heart clenched at the sight of his crestfallen expression. She wanted nothing more than to take him in her arms and tell him how she really felt, to confess the depth of her feelings for him. But the words stuck in her throat, held back by the fear and uncertainty that had plagued her for so long.

"Bell, I..." she began, but her voice trailed off, the words dying on her lips. "Aaaaaggghhh!!!! What is wrong with me?! This is all your fault!!!! You're making act all strange!!!!!"

Bell stared at Riveria, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern. "M-m-my fault? I don't understand."

Riveria sighed heavily, shaking her head in frustration. "You... you're just too damn cute!!!! Oh, there I go again!!!! Don't tell anyone about this! I'll deny it!"

Bell blinked in bewilderment, clearly at a loss for words. Riveria cursed herself inwardly for her lack of composure, but she couldn't seem to help herself. And just like that, she made a hasty retreat, completely red-faced and a flustered mess.

Leaving the confused white-haired boy in her wake, Riveria stormed back to the manor in a frenzied state, drawing even more curious looks from her comrades as she passed by them in the streets. As soon as she was back in her room, she slammed the door shut and slumped against it, burying her face in her hands.

"Ugh! Why am I acting like this?!" she lamented aloud to no one in particular. "This is ridiculous! I'm never this clumsy around men! And yet with Bell Cranel... Ugh! It's not fair! He's driving me insane with his ridiculously adorable smile and his infuriatingly charming innocence!"

She let out another groan of frustration before taking a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. After a few moments, she finally managed to compose herself enough to get some actual work done on the preparations for the expedition.