Their footsteps echoed softly on the streets gradually moving away from the commotion location. Bell, who walked stumbling with his shoulder supported by Hestia, turned toward Charlie with eyes full of gratitude.
"Charlie-san... thank you so much. If you hadn't come earlier."
Hestia nodded firmly, looking at Charlie with a gleam of appreciation. "Bell's right, Charlie. You were amazing earlier. As this child's Goddess, I'm truly indebted to you. Someday, I promise I'll repay this kindness!"
Charlie only smiled faintly, shaking his head humbly. "Don't think about it. I just did what I thought was right. However..."
"Most likely Apollo Familia won't stop here. They'll pay a fine to the Guild for the commotion they caused today. But for a Familia as large as Apollo Familia, paying an amount of money to settle problems like this isn't difficult. That's not a permanent solution. Apollo still wants Bell. And he'll try again, maybe with a more cunning way."
Hearing Charlie's analysis, the atmosphere instantly became gloomy. Bell lowered his head, realizing how fragile their position was, while Hestia fell silent with lips pressed tight.
Kei walked silently at Charlie's side, just listening in silence. She knew this was an internal problem between Familias too sensitive to be interfered with by an outsider like her.
Walking in suffocating silence, Hestia's eyes suddenly narrowed. Her mind that had been chaotic had now settled. She stopped stepping and moved in front of Bell, forcing the boy to look directly into her eyes.
"Bell, please listen."
"Because Apollo is serious about this, there's no future for us in Orario if things stay like this. We only have two choices: stay here and fight in a battle we can't possibly win, or... run away from Orario."
Bell gasped, an expression of surprise clearly displayed on his face. Hestia didn't give him time to argue.
"I'm willing to go anywhere as long as you're with me. It doesn't matter if we have to be chased and live on the run. I'll follow you until they give up."
Hestia's determination was so real. She was ready to leave her friends and peaceful days in Orario to protect her Familia's only member.
(Leaving Orario with the goddess and living somewhere far away...?) Kei was amazed inwardly.
It reminded her of the romantic stories she read in childhood—a pair of lovers who ran away from the kingdom, starting a new life in a distant place. But this was real, happening before her.
Charlie: "😐"
His expression didn't change. As an outsider, he didn't interfere in Hestia Familia's internal affairs. Whatever their decision, he would support it. Besides, he wasn't Bell's guardian. Helping him today was already enough kindness.
*THUMP-THUMP-THUMP!*
Hestia held her chest, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart as she waited for Bell's response. This was a deciding moment. Everything depended on the young man's answer in front of her.
Actually, running away might be the only real choice for Bell and Hestia.
The same thing happened to other Familias that appeared at the end of the great battle. Like Zeus Familia and Hera Familia leaving Orario was the only way to survive.
Bell thought about it.
Just the two of them. He and Hestia. Exploring the world's wonders together.
Images began forming in his mind. Listening to the wind blow through lush forest leaves. Sitting on a hill under a cloudless blue sky, watching the sun set on the western horizon. Feeling the salty sea breeze on his face while exploring an unfamiliar port city.
Hestia would wear a simple one-piece dress and a fancy hat slightly too big, smiling at him while carrying souvenirs. Bell would carry their shopping bags, heavy but pleasant. They would walk on cobblestone streets in a new city, locals greeting them kindly.
Maybe they would open a small shop.
Maybe they would live peacefully.
That thought was so warm and inviting. A new future, without the shadow of fear.
But...!
Images of the people he met in Orario suddenly appeared in his mind. The laughter of friends, the smiles of girls he knew, and all the memories as an adventurer he had just built.
All his days as an adventurer, all the chances to meet new people, all the adventures he hadn't experienced yet. Bell remembered it all.
Then, a new image took over his heart.
The beginning of everything. When he first set foot in Orario, when he first saw her—
A scantily clad elf showing off her beautiful thighs. Shoulder-length green hair, sharp yet captivating sky-blue eyes, a strong aura radiating from her every movement.
His heart couldn't leave that!
"..."
Hestia's expression gradually changed. Her smile disappeared, her face that was previously full of hope became flat, as if she could read what Bell was thinking.
Her lips tensed. Without saying a word, she reached out and grabbed both of Bell's surprised hands.
"Bell, do you love me?" Hestia asked suddenly.
"Hah?!" Bell jerked in shock, his face heating instantly.
"This is important." Hestia gripped his hands tighter.
A bright pink blush spread beneath her eyes, she continued speaking with a trembling voice.
"If you say you love me, I'm ready to do anything! Other small emotions mean nothing, I can fight, I can do whatever you ask!"
She squeezed Bell's hands harder, as if afraid he would slip away.
"I love you so much, Bell! You're so sweet, I can't hold it. I want to live with you forever, always be by your side... I don't want anyone else to have you. Only me."
"What do you think of me?"
Then she asked her question again. Now blushing widely, Hestia once again locked eyes with Bell, her eyes staring sharply into Bell's red eyes. Her whole body trembled, waiting for an answer.
(Oh my! This is a confession! Moreover this isn't an ordinary confession! This is a confession from a true goddess!)
Kei covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes wide. The scene before her was so thrilling, more intense than any romantic drama she had ever watched. Her heart was pounding—even though this wasn't her own experience.
Beside her, Charlie observed with a wondering expression. He didn't expect Hestia to be so brave to directly declare her feelings to Bell like this. After all, he had only watched the first season of Danmachi before, so he didn't know the story's further development. This was beyond his knowledge.
(Unfortunately, Hestia must be disappointed. From my observation, Bell's feelings for Hestia aren't romantic love, but respect.) He thought inwardly with conviction.
Meanwhile, Bell's face had already turned bright red resembling a tomato. He didn't know what to answer, until finally he could only make excuses.
"I-I worship you..."
"That's not what I'm talking about!"
Bell's shoulders slumped. He felt the weight of Hestia's hopes, but also the confusion in his own heart.
"..."
From Bell's stammering answer and his avoiding gaze, Hestia knew. She knew Bell wasn't ready—or might never be able to—return her feelings in the same way. But more importantly, from that hesitation she also knew Bell refused to run away from Orario.
Hestia sighed deeply, releasing her grip from Bell's hands. For a moment, pain was clearly visible on her face, but was soon replaced by determination.
She turned to face Charlie.
"Charlie... can you accompany us a little longer? I'm going to do something very crazy, and I need someone like you to make sure Bell doesn't get hurt before I finish it." Her voice was firm, no longer the whiny tone as usual.
Charlie glanced at Kei briefly, then looked back at the small goddess. "I don't have other plans for the rest of the day. Besides, I'm also curious about the end of this drama. I'll come."
"Thank you."
Hestia nodded in relief. The small group started walking again—Bell still supported by Hestia, Kei following beside Charlie, and Charlie himself walking casually.
They walked in silence until finally arriving in front of a magnificent building with very luxurious architecture.
"Wait, isn't this..." Kei blinked, recognizing the place.
"The Banquet of the Gods venue last night..." Bell finished her sentence in a low voice.
A tall iron-barred gate painted black protected the entrance to a perfectly maintained garden. Bushes trimmed neatly, flowers blooming in various colors, and a fountain spouting clear water in the garden's center. A white stone building stood magnificently in the midst of it all, with towering pillars.
A large emblem hung on the gate—a golden bow and arrow crossing beneath the sunlight, Apollo Familia's symbol.
Hestia had brought them to Apollo Familia's headquarters!
Without hesitation, Hestia walked toward the gate.
"Hey! We're not here to take over, so stand aside!"
Several fully armed guards moved toward them with spears drawn. Their faces fierce, ready to fight. But when they met Charlie's cold gaze standing right behind Hestia, their courage shrank.
Without Charlie needing to raise his hand, the presence of his aura alone was enough to make that iron-barred gate feel like a toy.
Hestia brushed their spears aside and stepped inside arrogantly. Inside the garden, more Familia members stood in rows, showing an extraordinary military force demonstration.
Once again, Bell was shocked by Apollo Familia's military force demonstration. His eyes moved quickly counting—at least fifty adventurers, maybe more hiding inside the building.
But Kei remained calm. As long as Charlie was at her side, she wasn't afraid of even a hundred adventurers.
Many pairs of eyes watched the four of them—Hestia, Bell, Charlie, and Kei—walk through the garden's center toward the main door.
*CREAAAK!*
The magnificent front door opened wide.
Apollo appeared.
"Well, well, Hestia. What do you want to do coming all the way here like this?"
He walked down the front stairs of his residence, his perfectly polished teeth gleaming under the sunlight. His gaze sparkled seeing the three white-haired individuals—Charlie, Bell, and Kei.
But behind his smile, there was caution that couldn't be hidden.
Charlie was a Level 6 adventurer from Hera Familia, while Kei was an Astraea Familia member. No matter how arrogant Apollo was, he wasn't stupid. Provoking both those Familias would bring disaster he couldn't handle.
"Apollo!"
Hestia stepped forward, anger clearly radiating from her blue eyes. Her hands clenched at her sides.
Apollo managed to pass through his own adventurer forces, standing right in front of the group of four. Their distance was only a few meters.
The aura of pure hatred radiating from Hestia made Bell uneasy. He looked everywhere except at Apollo, cold sweat wetting his temples. Beside him, Kei observed with curiosity.
On the other side, the two gods locked gazes without blinking.
"...Hey, you."
Hestia suddenly pointed at one of Apollo Familia's members standing closest.
"Give me that glove."
"Eh... Um, sure."
Hestia's tone didn't allow for disagreement. The pointed adventurer was surprised, but quickly removed the glove from his right hand. He handed it over.
Hestia took that glove from his grasp.
*SLAP!*
With one clean movement, she slapped it to Apollo's cheek side.
Hestia used every muscle in her small body to deliver that blow. Her twin black ponytails flew in the air as her arm finally stopped.
Bell and Kei watched mesmerized. Bell's mouth opened, not believing what had just happened.
(I see. So that's her choice. My impression has improved slightly, Goddess Hestia.) Charlie watched calmly. His lips formed a faint smile almost invisible.
Despite the red mark on his cheek, Apollo's grin widened instead. Hestia took a deep breath, her lungs expanding, and she shouted with all her might.
"Fine! You want a War Game, you'll get it!"
Apollo's lip corners curved upward with a victorious expression.
"All divine witnesses know it will happen! Friends, here it is! WAR GAME!"
Instantly, as if the entire palace was a theater stage, the building's doors and windows opened simultaneously. The gods and goddesses who were previously hiding began appearing one by one.
"YEAAAAAAHHHHH!"
Not just from inside the building, gods began jumping from tree branches, emerging from behind bushes, and coming out from garden pavilions.
Bell, Kei, and all the alert Apollo Familia members didn't know how to react. They looked around with wide eyes as the previously quiet garden suddenly came alive with the gods' cheers.
Only Charlie remained calm. With his Six Eyes, he had long been aware of their presence. Dozens of gods and goddesses hiding in various corners, watching this conflict like watching a sports match.
"Settle this with the Guild!"
"Will need to open an emergency Denatus! Everyone's invited!"
"This is so fun—!"
"It's been a long time since a War Game!"
A whirlwind of excitement suddenly enveloped the gods starving for entertainment. Cheers, applause, and laughter filled the garden. For them, this wasn't a serious conflict—this was a spectacle, drama, the show they had been longing for.
Apollo looked at Hestia with a victorious smile.
"You just made the biggest mistake of your life, Hestia."
Hestia returned his gaze bravely. "We'll see about that."
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