As the sun set, the distant clouds were bathed in a golden-red glow. Bell, dressed in a crisp tailcoat, gazed out the window.
"It suits you well, Bell."
Hestia spoke with a soft chuckle.
The two were on their way to the banquet. The Ganesha Familia had not only thoughtfully prepared luxurious gowns but also dispatched an exquisitely crafted, lavishly decorated carriage for their transportation. As the central figures of this banquet, Bell could not possibly decline such a gracious invitation. Spring breezes swept by, blossoms bloomed in abundance, and verdant trees dotted the landscape—the vibrant spring scenery outside the window constantly shifted.
"The Goddess-sama is the one who truly shines. You're already cute as usual, but in this gown, you're even more breathtaking."
Bell praised with a smile. Unlike her previous inexpensive attire, the goddess wore an expensive pale blue gown. Its skirt flowed in layered folds, clinging to her form in vibrant hues that accentuated her stunning figure.
"C-cute? It's not that exaggerated..."
Hestia chuckled awkwardly. She suddenly snapped back to reality. She had clearly been teasing Bell just now—how had the tables turned?
"Hmm... Is this how you usually charm those girls, Bell?"
"Not at all. Goddess-sama knows I'm not lying."
Bell answered truthfully.
"This isn't about lying... I really can't compete with you..."
Amid Hestia's grumbling, the two arrived at the venue. Bell opened the ornate carriage door and stepped out. Then, like a knight, he extended his hand to assist the goddess behind him.
Hestia glanced at the handsome men and beautiful women arm-in-arm across the open field, then looked at Bell's outstretched arm. She blinked, then whimsically slipped her arm through his.
"Goddess-sama..."
Bell felt the embrace that could hold the world, saying nothing more.
"The task of protecting the girl falls to you, Bell."
Hestia smiled softly. Perhaps swept up in the sweet atmosphere, a blush touched the goddess's cheeks.
"Leave it to me, beautiful Princess."
Bell linked arms with the goddess and led her forward.
"Prin... Princess?!"
Hestia flustered momentarily, yet did not release her left hand. The banquet's main venue remained beneath the colossal statue, but the gods and their lavishly attired Familia members moving together infused the atmosphere with joy and warmth. The hall was spacious and opulent, its ceiling adorned with crystal-studded Magic Stone lamps. Brilliant light illuminated the delicacies arranged upon the long tables.
"Thank you all for gathering here today. I am Ganesha!"
Upon a slightly elevated platform, a god wearing a massive elephant mask delivered a speech. The gods below the stage seemed accustomed to this, ignoring the boisterous proclamation as they conversed with their Familia members. Bell received no invitation to speak. The Ganesha Familia showed no favoritism toward the Hestia Familia; they celebrated the War Games themselves. This event infused the city with vitality and generated immense profits. Thus, the Ganesha Familia simply let Bell and his companions enjoy the feast.
But the gods, ever fond of commotion, wouldn't let this hot topic go.
"The Little Rookie's here!"
"Drag Ganesha down and let Bell Cranel take the stage!"
"Where's the Thousand Elf? I want to see them dance together tonight."
"That boy is... Up close, he truly is extraordinary..."
Amidst the heated discussion, a white-haired elf stood beside Dionysus.
"Aura, from what I've observed, that youth has a particular fondness for elves. Why not approach him and strike up a conversation?"
"Dionysus-sama... Why bring me to such an occasion?"
Aura had assumed this spot would belong to the mourning elf. Perhaps it was a delusion, but she sensed that after the War Game, Filvis' relationship with Familia God was quietly shifting. Something might happen. She couldn't tell if it would be good or bad...
Aura stood respectfully by the table, shaking off her ominous premonition. She watched the boy who was the center of attention, choosing not to dwell on it further.
"Bell! You were totally mesmerized by that white-haired elf just now, weren't you?!"
Hestia pouted in complaint.
"My apologies, Goddess-sama... I merely noticed an unusual gaze."
Bell answered truthfully.
Unlike the attention from the gods, this gaze carried a hint of malice. Though it lasted only a moment, when Bell turned back, he saw only the white-haired elf in her red-and-black gown. Out of courtesy, she offered a faint smile—clearly not the source of the ill will. Bell didn't dwell on it and averted his eyes.
At this grand banquet, a fleeting hint of malice was hardly surprising. After all, envious remarks from the male gods were commonplace.
"How did he manage to win the girl's heart?"
"Judging by the current situation, Hestia is about to fall too."
"Besides Astraea, he's even conquered the eternal mascot?"
"Those girls from the War Game are all adorable and powerful."
"So enviable!"
"Don't panic. Once the Little Rookie meets Artemis, he'll definitely get his comeuppance."
"Hey... Don't bring her up now. You're making me lose my appetite..."
"That's your own problem. I see you all the time in the Pleasure District. Being so fickle, you'll get punished sooner or later."
"If that's true, then you won't escape either."
"Hahaha..."
Amidst the icy stares of their Familia member, the gods' idle chatter ran wild.
Meanwhile, numerous goddesses gathered around Bell.
"Little Rookie, how about joining my familia?"
"No, staying with me is better."
"My girls are especially numerous!"
"My chest is bigger than hers!"
"I'll make sure you experience something absolutely divine!"
"Stop it, don't put your hands there..."
"You're the one who started this, you love-struck goddess!"
The goddesses surrounded Bell, groping him all over. Hestia was pushed aside, letting out a shriek.
"What... what are you all talking about?! Stay away from my Bell!!"
"Demeter, aren't you a commercial familia who sells vegetables? Why are you meddling?!"
"Wait! Where did you put your chest? Bell can't breathe!"
As thunderstorms raged in Hestia's heart, Freya walked over to her side. The goddess of beauty glanced at the boy being used as entertainment by the goddesses and spoke coldly.
"Even pranks should know their limits."
"Freya, I'm sorry... Hestia too, I'm truly sorry..."
Demeter offered a gentle apology.
"It was all so unusual, we got a bit carried away in the excitement..."
The other goddesses followed suit, turning to leave.
"Bell! Why didn't you dodge them?!"
Hestia grabbed the boy's arm and demanded.
"Because I might have hurt the goddesses."
Bell answered truthfully.
"And besides that?"
Hestia pressed.
"Well... they're all beautiful goddesses. Besides, they wouldn't do anything particularly outrageous. Might as well enjoy the view while I can?" Bell answered with a smile.
"…I knew it!! Bell is such a flirt!"
Hestia's complaint echoed through the hall.
Meanwhile, Freya, a faint smile on her lips, had already slipped away silently.