The latest episode of Danmachi Season 5, Desires (Bell Cranel), finally acknowledged Bell Cranel and Ais Wallenstein's unique chemistry. Although Ais couldn't identify Bell in the episode, she wondered if she had trained with him before. Despite being under Freya's charm, the Sword Princess could tap into her lingering feelings for the boy.
It wouldn't have been possible if she didn't have strong feelings for Bell Cranel. Notably, Fujino Omori's light novel series has strongly suggested from the onset that Bell's main love interest is Ais. While the anime explained the same through Bell's perspective, it never probed Ais's feelings.
However, the latest Danmachi Season 5 episode has finally proved that Bell Cranel's love isn't one-sided. Undoubtedly, it's a love letter for the fans who ship Bell with Ais Wallenstein.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Danmachi Season 5 and the previous seasons.
Danmachi Season 5 strongly suggests Ais Wallenstein's intense feelings for Bell Cranel in Episode 8
The latest episode of Danmachi Season 5 marked a definite turnaround in the narrative, with Bell Cranel regaining the belief in himself. He finally realized the memories he shared with the Hestia Familia, Syr, and his love interest, Ais Wallenstein, were neither a figment of his imagination nor a work of curse.
Rather, he believed he truly lived those moments. However, it wasn't possible without one person: Ais Wallenstein. While searching for Syr in the Hostess of Fertility Tavern, Bell Cranel met Mama Mia, who cryptically advised him to stand his ground and keep believing in himself.
Bell, who was on the verge of giving up and embracing his new life at the Freya Familia, took Mama Mia's words by heart. With renewed hope, he realized what he must do. Bell ran as fast as he could and reached Loki Familia's mansion to meet Ais.
Bell asked Ais whether she remembered him. The Sword Princess was about to leave, but suddenly she took Bell's hand and asked if he would like to train with her. Although she couldn't completely identify Bell, she could recall her training sessions with him and the lap pillows she had given him.
She also faintly recalled the promise she made to Bell after the Xenos arc's events, about helping him get stronger and learn from the experience. Ais's words in Danmachi Season 5 touched Bell's heart. He was so happy that he dropped to his knees and his eyes eyes welled up in tears. Bell Cranel was glad that Ais was the person he admired the most.
It's remarkable how Ais Wallenstein was able to recall such memories while being under Freya's charm. It wouldn't have been possible if she didn't have any feelings for Bell. Although Freya altered Bell's identity from Ais's mind, the Goddess couldn't erase the combat experiences she shared with the boy.
Ais developed a special feeling for Bell during those training sessions. Besides teaching Bell the art of combat, she learned more about herself during those moments. Gradually, Bell became an important person to her. Notably, the anime has from time to time proved how special Bell is to Ais.
That said, while the anime adaptation hinted at from time to time how special Bell was to Ais, it never fully focused on Ais's perspective. In the previous season, fans learned how Ryu truly felt about Bell. It was the basis for many fans to ship Bell with Ryu. However, Fujino Omori, the original author of the light novel narratively made it clear that Bell's actual love interest is Ais.
However, the anime never did justice to the Ais and Bell's chemistry because it only described Bell's side of the story. The anime adaptation never explored Ais's feelings properly through internal monologues. However, Ais's monologue in the latest episode of Danmachi Season 5 has finally ended the wait. Although it's not a direct confession, it proves how she truly feels about Bell.
Conclusion
Despite being Bell Cranel's main love interest, Ais Wallenstein never had got the proper spotlight to reveal her actual feelings. However, Danmachi Season 5 has truly helped progress their relationship. Bell was glad he met Ais, the person he admires the most. It remains to be seen how Fujino Omori further sets up Ais and Bell's relationship in the story.
Also read:
- Danmachi season 5 complete release schedule
- What is Liaris Freese? Bell Cranel's unique skill in Danmachi, explained
- Why does Freya like Bell Cranel so much in Danmachi? Explained