Sword Astraea

Another recruit

Bell sat in his office filling out tax forms and other sorts of paperwork. This was one of the downsides of being a captain.

Paperwork.

Bell's office had a red carpet with two bookshelves behind him and two chairs in front of his desk. Off to his left was a couch pressed against the wall, and it was the same on the right.

A small coffee table sat in the middle of the two couches where drinks and or papers could be placed.

It was a nice and quiet place where Bell could seclude himself to after dungeon diving for the day. There was still the paperwork, however.

"I hate taxes." Bell thought as he placed another form in the completion file.

A knock on his door grabbed his attention. It was soft and gentle, so Bell deduced that the person was in no rush.

"Come in." He said.

The door opened, and Astraea walked in with a smile on her face. She closed the door behind her and sat down across from Bell.

"So, how are you liking the office?" She asked.

Bell placed his pencil down and leaned back in his chair.

"I'm liking it, feels nice and homie in here. More like another room than an office." He answered.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it. How goes the dreaded paperwork?" She teased.

"I'm about to burn it. I mean, seriously, why is there so many taxes? Oh, and don't even get me started on incident reports."

"Seems like you're filling into the role quite nicely." Astraea teased.

Bell rolled his eyes. "So what is it I can help you with?"

"Well, I just wanted to tell you your little callout on the guild worked. Ouranus has agreed to meet with me."

Bell quirked an eyebrow and nodded. "That's good, we're one step closer to getting rid of Ryu's bounty. Do you think he'll listen to your plea?"

Astraea shook her head. "I'm not sure. He seemed to not want to talk with me when I requested a meeting. Whether it was him or the guild, I'm not sure."

"Hmm, do you think I'll have to bust out the I have information you don't card?" Bell asked.

"I don't know, Bell. Let me talk with him first. Maybe there's still some goodwill from before I left and Ryu went on her rampage."

Bell frowned. "Alright, try your best, and if it fails, let me know. I'll try and figure something out."

"You know, it's kind of admirable you're willing to go against the gods to help Ryu. Something you want to tell me, Bell?"

Bell chuckled. "What, I can't help a familia member?"

"You can, but I just didn't expect you to go this far for her."

"She's my friend. Of course, I'd go this far for her. Besides, it also makes sense logic-wise to clear the name of our only level four."

"Another fair point."

"So when do you meet with him?" Bell asked.

"Next week, so I have that long to prepare a case for Ryu."

"Well, good luck. I know you'll do well."

Astraea smiled as she stood up. "Thanks, Bell, I'll get out of your hair and let you finish your work."

"If you smell smoke. Don't pay attention to it."

Astraea giggled as she left the office. Leaving Bell to lean back in his chair and close his eyes. He let out a sigh as he looked at the ceiling.