While I'm not too happy it went in that direction, but thanks to that the plot is moving.
Spoiler:
Thanks to his training, Bell is now able to handle girls better.
Thanks to Welf, he manned up and was able to reject Syr.
Now that Freya was rejected as Syr, as well as the "contract" being violated, she doesn't have a reason to use the persona and probably won't go back to the tavern.
With Syr out of the equation, Ryuu will be more willing to join the Hestia familia to help Bell. Even more so considering Freya is going on the offensive, so Ryuu will be needed.
Didn't read Familia Chronicle yet, so dunno if it was already said, but it was nice to know that Ryuu is one of Freya's favourites. Her being important to Syr made her important to her. I wonder if it means the same for the children of the orphanage?
And finally, the reason of the rejection, Aiz. Seeing Bell flirting with Syr made her jealous and she's wondering what is this feeling. Finally, the romance side is moving a little.
Oomori said he wanted to release vol 17 at the same time with 16, but couldn't. Just after that he said to wait a little for next volume. But he always says that, so let's hope it won't take another year, as next volume will probably be action packed.