Caught:

  It had been two months since Ais first met Bell. Normally, she was able to sneak away when the adults were busy with some other tasks. However, as she returned to Twilight Manor, she found Riveria standing on the steps of the main hall, her gaze piercing as she waited for her charge’s arrival.

  The quest Ais and Bell selected today took longer than expected. This delay caused them to return well past what was normal. As such Ais’s absence drew Riveria's attention. As she was being glared at by Riviera, Ais felt her heart race as she approached the stern elf, bracing herself for a lecture and potential punishment.

  “Well, Ais. Do you care to explain where you have been?” Riveria asked sternly, her eyes fixed on Ais who now stood frozen at the entrance of the mansion.

  Ais hesitated for a moment before responding, “I was in the Dungeon.”

  Riveria's glare intensified and her eyebrows twitched as she grabbed Ais by the arm, dragging her into one of the spare rooms in the mansion. After finding a suitable room, Riveria began her lecture.

  “Ais, you know better than to venture into the Dungeon alone. It's dangerous.” Her voice was sharp and filled with concern.

  “But I wasn't...” Ais started to explain, but Mini-Ais, quickly clamped a hand over her mouth and shakes her head frantically, recalling Alfia's warning about keeping her training secret.

  “You weren't what?” Riveria pressed, cornering Ais against the wall and glaring down at her.

  Ais shrank back, remembering Alfia's words about the interference of other familia members. “Nothing,” she responded meekly.

  “I see. Very Well” Riveria nodded. As she began her lecture, while thinking:

  Is it possible that Ais went into the Dungeon with someone else?

  If so, who could it be?

  I would definitely know if it was someone from our familia.

  But if it is someone outside of our familia, who could it be?

  Ais does not have any close relationships within or outside of our familia

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  I'll have to investigate this further later on.

  Ais always seems to leave well before breakfast.

  I'll follow her tomorrow to gather more information.

  Once I have a better understanding of the situation, I can come up with a plan.

  Next Morning:

  Ais felt a sense of unease as she left Twilight Manor, her steps quickened and heart raced as she wandered the bustling streets of Orario. Her senses were on high alert, constantly looking over her shoulder for any signs of danger. While she could not see anyone, Ais couldn't shake the feeling that someone was following her.

  Sure enough, trailing behind her at a safe distance was Riveria, her eyes trained on Ais's every move. Riveria had a sinking feeling in her stomach, as she watched as Ais move through the crowded streets.

  As Ais reached her destination, a chill ran down Riveria's spine. She watched from the shadows as Bell and Alfia opened the gate for Ais. The sight of the trio together sent a shock through Riveria's body. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped in disbelief. Riveria's mind whirled with questions, each one fighting for her attention.

  HOWW!!

  How does Ais even know about them?

  Why?

  What could possibly convince Alfia to accept Ais?

  How long has this alliance been going on?

  But then, it struck her:

  If Ais accepted Bell, then perhaps she had found someone to help her overcome her desire for revenge.

  I have to make sure this works.

  I am so worried about Ais. Her having a friend is a wonderful.

  And Bell…if their friendship can make up for even a fraction of the pain and suffering, he has had to endured, it will be worth it.

  Riveria quickly thinks of who else could accompany the duo into the Dungeon. It had to be someone close in experience level but not connected to their past.

  Aki. Yes, she would be perfect. Not only would it give Ais another friend, but Aki is completely unrelated to their past. Surely Bell would accept her too, since he seems to have accepted Ais.

  With a determined nod, Riveria turns and heads back towards Twilight Manor, to talk to Aki about her request.

  " It's settled then. We can meet Ais and Bell there," she says to herself with a small smile.

  Preparing to set a plan in motion, Riveria couldn't help but feel hopeful that this unexpected turn of events could lead to something truly positive for all of them.

  At Midnight Garden:

  Alfia let out a frustrated huff, her brow twitching in annoyance. "So that nagging granny elf finally figured it out and followed blondie," she muttered. "So much for keeping it a secret." Her eyes narrowed as she watched the retreating figure of Riveria.

  "I can't say I expected it to stay secret forever," Alfia said with resignation. "I suppose she will try to approach them in the Dungeon. It's up to Bell to decide what to do about her." With a dismissive wave of her hand, Alfia turned her back on Riveria, her mind already shifting to the task at hand.

  The training session for Ais and Bell was far more intense than usual, it was as if Alfia was channeling her frustration into their regimen. Her movements were swift and precise, her expression determined as she pushed them beyond their limits. Every strike seemed to carry an extra weight than their previous sessions. The intensity of the training was severe enough that they went through double the number of potions when compared to previous trainings.