"What type of Familia do you plan to choose?"
"In Orario, the most common are exploration-type Familias. There are also many crafting-type and commerce-type Familias. The classifications are listed here—Miss Elise and Lady Astraea can take a careful look."
The receptionist methodically introduced the various types of Familias, but Elise interrupted her.
"No need. We'll choose an exploration-type Familia. That was decided beforehand."
Astraea had already discussed this with Elise. As the goddess of justice, choosing something like crafting or agriculture was naturally out of the question.
The most suitable choice was an exploration-type Familia, just like Astraea Familia in the original story.
"I see. Then please remember, while exploration-type Familias receive many benefits and reduced taxes, in exchange, once members reach a certain level, they will be required to participate in expeditions."
"There are also occasional mandatory missions. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, we'll go with the exploration type."
At that moment, the Familia's future direction was set.
It was getting late, so after dinner, Elise and the others planned to return directly to their Familia.
However, before leaving the Guild, the receptionist gave Elise a book. It was said to be the story of Elise saving a kingdom and repelling monsters.
Although it was written fairly well, knowing that the protagonist was herself gave Elise a strange and subtle feeling.
She flipped through two pages and couldn't continue reading...
On the other hand, Astraea was thoroughly engrossed.
"This is your story, Elise," Astraea said, waving the book with a smile. "It's not a bad idea to keep a copy!"
"Hmm... maybe we should collect all of them?"
"Eh?"
"In the future, whenever anyone in my Familia has their story celebrated, I'll make sure to collect a copy!"
"Ah..." Elise felt a bit speechless.
Although it wasn't exactly a dark past, if you collect them like that, it still feels a little unsettling...
"Then it's settled!"
"It's already night, Elise. Let's go take a bath first!"
Astraea set the book aside, stood up, and stretched, her body's graceful curves fully on display.
"Lady Astraea, you go ahead. I have a special skill—my body won't get dirty even without bathing."
"What are you talking about?" Astraea pouted slightly. "Elise, bathing isn't just about cleaning your body. It's also a form of both physical and mental enjoyment!"
"I've already prepared to wash you myself!" Astraea held up a bath sponge she had bought outside, moving her hand up and down in a way that easily invited imagination.
"And since you're heading into the Dungeon tomorrow, I wanted to do something for you. I thought of this. Isn't that okay?"
"...Thank you, Lady Astraea."
Elise agreed, but...
As someone who had teased quite a few girls before, Elise knew very well—at a time like this, she absolutely must not show any embarrassment or timidity!
Once you do, you'll become the target of teasing in the future!
Blushing at the slightest thing or shyly covering yourself would only become ammunition for others' jokes later on.
Most importantly...
This was just a bath!
What's wrong with girls being a little closer?
Her movements had to remain natural, just like when she used to tease Laetitia!
Laetitia: ?
"I'll go prepare the bathwater first. Wait a bit and bring Est along," Astraea said.
...
"The water here is really nice!"
The large mound on the left bounced slightly.
"Right? I thought the water quality here was great from the start. Choosing this place was definitely the right decision!"
The large mound on the right also bounced slightly.
"..."
The flat middle remained completely still.
"Not happy!"
In the middle, Est poked half her head out of the water, blowing bubbles repeatedly.
She could feel a strong sense of malice!
Within any small group, there would always be a dominant side and a weaker side.
As the Familia's chief goddess, Astraea was obviously not the latter. Her maternal aura was too strong, and no one would dare do anything to a god.
Elise was also unlikely—she had always been the one teasing others and would never want to become the one being teased.
That left only one person.
The petite loli, Est, had clearly become the target of teasing for both Elise and Astraea.
"Est, what's wrong?"
Seeing such a small child with an unhappy expression, Astraea asked with concern.
But as she moved, a certain part of her swayed even more, making Est acutely aware of just how formidable this "enemy" was!
Unable to confront her directly, Est buried her face into the location of Elise's spirit crest, pressed right between the soft valley of her chest
This world was so cold—only the crest retained a trace of warmth!
Elise: ?
"It seems building a good relationship with Est will take time..."
Astraea looked helplessly at the white-haired girl clinging to Elise. She was still wary of her.
For now, Elise had no intention of doing anything unnecessary. In front of a god, she was still somewhat restrained.
Of course, that was only for now.
Once more members joined the Familia in the future, things might be different.
"Now it's time for me to fulfill my promise, Elise!"
Astraea picked up the bath sponge, applied some foam, and walked toward Elise.
Even through the mist, the goddess's flawless body could still be seen clearly.
"Lady Astraea, I'll leave it to you!"
After all, it was a goddess washing her—showing proper respect was necessary.
Elise sat on a chair by the edge of the bath, turning her back to Astraea as she waited for the goddess's service.
But there was no movement from behind her...
"Lady Astraea?"
Just as Elise was about to turn around, the goddess behind her finally made her move.
"Ah—!"
A startled cry escaped Elise's lips.
She felt two strange, soft things moving against her back...
That was definitely not the bath sponge!
Could it be... this was...?
Elise realized something and tried to react.
But slender arms wrapped around her shoulders from behind, holding her firmly in place, while Astraea's chest pressed fully against her back, squeezing slightly.
"As expected, if I want to see your shy side, I have to use special methods..."
The goddess's voice whispered by her ear, sounding rather satisfied.
"You've always acted so mature, Elise—it's hard to believe you're still just a teenager. I wanted to see a different side of you."
"It seems a sneak attack is the only way!"
The goddess of justice was still a god.
Though just, it didn't stop her from seeking a bit of fun.
What would a consistently mature child look like when showing a shy side?
With that thought, Astraea took action.
And it had to be said...
It was a great success!
Elise had indeed been caught off guard!