The sound of the girls laughing and fooling around spread across the grass, drawing everyone's attention to Alicia, who had completely lost control of herself.
Riveria took the chance to let out a long breath and settle her tangled thoughts.
She slowly stepped forward and said, "Alicia, that's enough. Stop messing around and start the mock battle."
"Ugh… I know…"
Alicia put away her wand and backed off, her face bright red.
Though she was drowning in embarrassment, she still had enough sense not to draw the small straight sword at her waist.
"Riveria-sama, are we really going to fight a mock battle against Bell Cranel? With this lineup, the fight will be over in an instant."
Anakitty crossed her arms and calmly sized up the young man.
Since coming to Orario, Bell had met plenty of Cat People.
There was [Vana Freya] Allen, who wielded a silver spear; [Black Cat] Chloe, who kept a whole stash of poisoned weapons hidden away; and Anya, whose alias he had not known at the time.
Bell held no prejudice against their race, but frankly speaking, this Catgirl was the most emotionally stable one he had met so far.
Anakitty's beauty was similar to Chloe's, yet also different.
She had black ears and a black tail, shoulder-length hair of the same color, and a graceful face that seemed to carry the intelligence and composure of someone born to high standing.
Anakitty was clever. Among the second-tier Adventurers in Loki Familia, aside from Lefiya, she was the one who understood the young man best. Alicia often asked Anakitty for information about him, which only proved that intelligence further.
Even though they did not know each other personally, Anakitty had learned about many of the young man's exploits in her own way. And precisely because of that, she had concluded that once the mock battle began, Bell would be defeated almost immediately.
"I didn't expect you to say something so bold."
Riveria responded in a teasing tone.
Many of Bell's battles had never spread beyond those involved. Take the skirmish at the Pantry and the Black Goliath, for example. Apart from Riveria and a few others, the rest of Loki Familia did not know the details.
Even someone as sharp as Anakitty had a certain misunderstanding of Bell's combat ability.
Riveria had proposed the mock battle partly to clear up that misunderstanding and help the young man build a better reputation, and partly because of her own private romantic motives.
Bell's growth was astonishingly fast. Compared to monsters in the Dungeon, Riveria felt far more at ease letting Alicia and the others serve as his opponents and become his [Excelia].
"I'm simply stating the facts. The Little Rookie may have performed quite well in the War Game, but he only reached Level 3 a few days ago, didn't he?"
Anakitty calmly laid out the truth.
Although she was part of Loki Familia's reserve force, her strength as a Level 4 was beyond question. In the past, whenever Finn and the others explored new floors, command of the temporary base's defenses had been entrusted entirely to Anakitty.
Whether in combat coordination or tactical command, if Anakitty was given a properly equipped team, the boy would have no way to fight back.
"Hehe, Aki, it seems you're quite certain you won't lose."
Riveria used the Catgirl's nickname.
Her calm, even voice seemed to carry a faint trace of anger.
"…"
Bell stood silently to the side, waiting for the conversation to come to an end.
He had updated his weapons and equipment today. A mock battle against the top-class Loki Familia was perfect for getting his feel for combat back and adjusting to his new gear.
This was Riveria's gift. As the one receiving her help, Bell had no intention of interfering too much. All he needed to do was accept her kindness honestly.
A cold breeze brushed past, and invisible sparks seemed to flare around the Cat People girl.
"Riveria-sama, forgive me for being blunt, but since you are asking us to fight a mock battle against Bell Cranel, I imagine you hold a certain fondness for him. In battle, however, it will be difficult for us to hold back."
Anakitty's attitude was still quite respectful.
She was not looking down on the boy or saying this out of malice. On the contrary, Anakitty respected Bell greatly.
In Loki Familia, where talent was everywhere, she was considered one of the more experienced members. Yet that naturally gifted blond girl had raced ahead of Anakitty at an unimaginable speed.
And now, the young man had even earned the nickname of the world's fastest rabbit.
Anakitty had taken the bait for two reasons. On one hand, she saw through the obvious provocation, yet still bit down out of trust and loyalty. On the other, she simply could not believe that Bell Cranel, only Level 3, could possibly defeat her, someone tempered by countless battles.
Her pride as an Adventurer was swelling with boundless fighting spirit.
"You're saying more and more interesting things."
Riveria's words seemed to gather frost.
Anakitty had actually dared to point out to Riveria's face that she was fond of the young man, and knowing that, had still made such a bold claim.
She probably did not know that this so-called fondness was pure, unmistakable love.
Although Riveria had deliberately guided the situation in this direction, she had no intention of letting it slide when her [beloved] was being underestimated.
"That is the truth. Leaving Line and Elfy aside, Alicia and I alone are enough to secure victory."
Anakitty refused to yield.
"Wait. What do you mean, leaving me aside? You're definitely looking down on me, aren't you?"
Elfy caught the key point at once. She raised her wand and declared loudly, "My fire Magic is really strong. Roasting one rabbit would be easy!"
Her confident words burst between them like flames.
"I see. I understand what you're all thinking now. With me here, none of you need to worry about going too far."
Riveria replied softly.
Since the goal was to give the young man [Excelia], a simple game of pretend would be useless.
Besides, she had missed the sight of the boy defeating a Floor Boss on his own.
Bell had clearly changed his equipment. His weapon was longer, the style of his light armor had changed, and there was a red scarf around his neck.
If she could watch the boy fight here, Riveria would be the first to witness all of it, the first woman to see Bell Cranel set out on his new path.
Riveria's lips curved faintly as she fanned the flames further. "Aki, since you're so confident, how about making a bet with me?"
"Hmm… I don't mind, as long as the stakes are equal."
After a moment of thought, Anakitty accepted the proposal.
"Let me think. If Bell Cranel loses, then I'll… serve tea and water for all of you?"
Riveria could not come up with a good wager on the spot.
"Are you trying to make Alicia stab him in the back?"
Anakitty sighed lightly and replied, "If he loses, you treat us to a big meal."
"Fine. But if he wins, you have to let the boy call you Aki. Alicia and Elfy too. Let Bell Cranel drop the -san suffix and call you by your nicknames."
Riveria spoke calmly.
"It's not exactly equal, but fine. We won't lose anyway."
Anakitty answered on behalf of the others.
She glanced at the boy and drew her one-handed sword. In the sunlight, her beautiful black tail swayed gently.