Before a colossal mansion, Bell gazed through the heavy gates at the spacious courtyard within.
"Goddess-sama, this is the place."
"Oh my! Starting today, this is our headquarters!"
Hestia gasped in astonishment.
With over a hundred members, Apollo Familia naturally required a vast base. Yet seeing it in person still left Hestia speechless.
This was a magnificent three-story mansion, encircled by tall iron railings. The front garden alone was filled with vibrant flowers and foliage, while towering green trees rustled in the breeze, seeming to beckon within the expansive grounds.
"It's worlds apart from the church basement," Bell murmured softly.
Hestia's clan's former stronghold had been reduced to ruins. The church itself was already half-destroyed, and after the Viola attack, only a few crumbling walls remained.
Setting aside the stronghold's decline, Bell had multiple lovers and had been sharing a room with the goddess all along. This arrangement was unsustainable—both for the pure-hearted Hestia and for the occasional jealous complaints from Syr and the others.
Bell had already been considering finding Hestia a new place to live. Then, as the victors of the War Games, Hestia's familia acquired all of Apollo Familia's possessions.
"Hehe, that's my Bell! From now on, this place is our home!"
Hestia beamed with joy, her twin ponytails bouncing excitedly.
The moment her words faded, Laurier pushed open the door.
"Which room will Bell choose? I want the one closest to you."
"Wh-what?!"
Hestia glared at the suddenly appearing blonde elf, her cheeks puffing out in indignation.
"The one closest to Bell should be me!"
Airmid, beaming, hooked her arm through the boy's.
"First come, first served."
Laurier chimed in with a light laugh.
"Wait! Don't just decide among yourselves?! This is [my and Bell's] home!" Hestia emphasized.
"That's true, but most familia allow their partners to live here, right?" Laurier countered.
"Exactly. A mansion this size won't be affected by one or two more people moving in."
Airmid softly agreed.
"Hmm..."
Hestia deflated like a popped balloon, utterly unable to rebut them. She glanced at the boy, who was now entangled in a discussion about room assignments with his two girlfriends.
"I don't care! This is my home with Bell! All of you, go back! Now!"
Hestia exercised her god-only right to throw a tantrum.
"You can't be so willful, Hestia-sama. If it were Astraea-sama, she'd surely smile and tolerate everyone."
Cecil carried her luggage and walked forward slowly.
"Huh?! Didn't you come here for Astraea? Why aren't you going back?!"
Hestia fired off her questions.
"Since I'm visiting Orario, I wanted to meet the blacksmith who signed an exclusive contract with Cranel-san."
Cecil answered truthfully.
"He's a child of Hephaestus. Are you curious about him?"
Hestia instantly forgot all about chasing those people away.
"No, of course not. I was just thinking—if he's a spineless fool, I'll take care of him and have Cranel-san sign a contract with me instead."
Cecil answered with a light chuckle.
"Hmm... That's actually the truth... 'Take care of him' means..."
Hestia stared at the blue-haired girl's smile and the massive iron hammer that had struck down countless foes, choosing not to press further.
"That's the situation. Though I'm not Cranel-san's lover, I've still troubled you."
Cecil picked up her luggage and walked deeper into the courtyard.
"Hmm..."
Hestia was truly at a loss.
Since Cecil had come all this way in Astraea's name to fight for the goddess and help Bell win the War Game, Hestia couldn't very well let her sleep on the streets.
If she tacitly allowed Cecil to stay, she couldn't continue being stubborn and refuse the other two girls who had offered their strength to the boy.
Hestia watched the girls swarming around Bell, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Just as she was about to step forward, two figures appeared behind her.
"Um... can we stay here too?" Cassandra asked timidly.
"You're... Apollo Familia?!" Hestia's eyes widened in surprise. "Did you forget something? Staying here? Of course not!"
Daphne sighed softly and moved closer. "Honestly, you shouldn't be saying things like 'stay here' in this place." She gently scolded her friend, then turned her gaze to Hestia and spoke respectfully.
"Hestia-sama, though it may sound incredibly bold, Cassandra and I request to join your familia."
"..." Hestia was so stunned she couldn't speak. This was the first time anyone had requested to join her familia since she descended to the lower realms. Seeing the goddess silent, Cassandra quickly added, "I... I and Daphne-chan are both sincere in our desire to assist Bell Cranel!"
"Yes, he shattered the prison binding us both. Beyond gratitude and loyalty, we have no ulterior motives," Daphne answered earnestly.
"I receive your intentions. As a goddess, I ask only that you answer one question." Hestia shed her previous mascot-like demeanor and spoke with profound authority. "Even if you face dire straits, even if terrifying enemies loom before you, even if you bear crushing debts—can you swear to never abandon Bell?"
"I promise." Cassandra and Daphne answered in unison.
Hestia gazed at the resolute pair and smiled softly. "No need for formalities. I accept you into my familia."
"That's... that's wonderful!" Cassandra exhaled deeply.
"That question just now felt a bit suspicious..." Daphne mused.
"Hey... that's disrespectful to Hestia-sama!" Cassandra quickly interjected.
Hestia, the subject of their discussion, wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and pretended nothing had happened. She dashed into the courtyard and shouted, "The room next to Bell's is mine! None of you are allowed to take it!"
…
Within Twilight Manor, Lefiya buried her face in her pillow. The Crystal Drop resting on the bedside table shimmered with a beautiful glow. Usually, just seeing it would quickly calm Lefiya's emotions, but now, the burning heat on her cheeks lingered stubbornly.
"Lefiya, I left your dinner at the door," Riveria spoke gently, like a mother concerned for her child. Turning, she noticed Loki's furious presence.
"Loki, what's wrong?"
"That shorty! She actually sent a letter inviting Lefiya to stay over!!" Loki knew this was meant to mock her, yet her face remained flushed with rage. "That goddess who never leaves her house—does she have any idea how I felt asking Lefiya for help?!"
Loki clutched the invitation from the Ganesha Familia. It was for a lavish banquet celebrating the War Game, where gods were permitted to bring one Familia member.
"Go get Ais! We're heading to the ball to demand justice!"