The moonlight was cold and clear. The campfire flickered out its last embers.
"Artemis."
Hestia called out to her dear friend.
"What is it? I wouldn't dream of ambushing him at night."
Artemis replied playfully.
"Sleep with me tonight, like we used to."
"You're hopeless."
Artemis accepted the invitation and stepped into the makeshift tent.
The night deepened, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.
"Hestia, you still sleep just like you used to."
Artemis smiled as she lifted the blanket, draping it over both of them.
"Mmm… You used to say I acted like a puppy, running around crying and laughing whenever I saw you," Hestia accused.
"That was the truth, wasn't it?"
"No, it wasn't…" Hestia blinked, looking at this familiar yet unfamiliar dear friend.
"Artemis, you've really changed a lot…"
"You have too. The old Hestia would never tolerate a harem, right?"
"Hm… Well… Bell is special."
"How spoiled. Can you tell me about your relationship?" Artemis' eyes shone brightly.
"..."
Hestia pondered for a moment before speaking.
"These are precious memories. Because it's you, Artemis, I'm telling you this."
By the bedside of the two goddesses, the boy's experiences unfolded slowly through their words, weaving into a thick heroic saga. Some parts were heard from Airmid, others interwoven with Hestia's reflections. Artemis alternated between excitement and sadness, murmuring the boy's name at times. As if experiencing it firsthand, she recorded these tales with lingering affection.
"Hestia, what do you think of that boy?"
Artemis had already understood. Why her dearest friend hadn't thrown a tantrum or protested against the boy's harem-like behavior.
"I'm not sure how I feel either… At least I like him. Seeing Bell safe and sound makes me happy, but watching him get cozy with other girls hurts."
"I want his dreams to come true, yet I wish he'd stay by my side instead of taking risks…"
"I know it's contradictory, but that's how I feel…"
"So, Bell is my treasure." Hestia whispered her heart's truth.
Artemis gently stroked the other's long black hair. From an observer's perspective, she finally realized what this fluttering in her own heart truly was. Love had already taken root, and affection had set sail.
After Hestia fell into a deep sleep, Artemis gazed at her adorable sleeping face and murmured an apology.
"Hestia… I'm sorry…"
The reason behind those words was known only to the moon.
…
The journey went smoothly. Yet, a layer of fog lingered in Bell's heart. Something felt off.
During dinner, everyone gathered around the table, and the steaming soup released its tempting aroma.
"This is wonderful! To eat a meal made by Bell-sama—Lili already feels this trip has been worth it!"
"You're exaggerating, Lilisqueak, but Bell's cooking really is exceptional," Welf added.
Starting with Lili and Welf, everyone began to praise the meal. But Artemis remained silent.
"Is something not to your liking?" Bell asked with concern.
"No... I'm just not very hungry," Artemis said with an awkward smile.
Bell could tell that the goddess wasn't very good at lying.
Before he could ask further, Hermes stepped in to smooth things over.
"Bell-kun, not every goddess is like Hestia—a glutton who drinks and eats like a pig, holed up at home all day."
"Hermes? What did you say?!" Hestia demanded angrily.
"I merely stated your conduct in Tenkai."
"Hmph... You've spoken the most unwise words! Feel the wrath of a goddess!"
Amidst the commotion, the reason Artemis hadn't eaten was left unresolved. Something felt off.
When encountering monsters, Artemis always stepped forward.
"Goddess-sama?!" Lili, serving as support, cried out in surprise.
In her gaze, Artemis gripped her slender sword and fought the wild monster with fierce resolve.
"Orion, you don't need to protect me. I'm not like Hestia and the others—I'm used to battle."
"This isn't like our usual hunts. Why are you charging ahead alone?"
Bell gazed into Artemis' eyes, seeking an answer. No matter how valiant a warrior might be, their fighting style never lies. Artemis was clearly charging forward without regard for her own safety.
Perhaps the question was too pointed, for Hermes reappeared.
"Bell-kun, that's just how the fighting faction rolls. Best not to pry too deeply—you might find an arrow flying straight for your head."
Under Hermes's cover, Artemis murmured an apology.
"Sorry, I'll be more careful."
Bell understood perfectly. Hidden behind that apology lay a heavier secret. He laughed with Artemis and marched forward with her. Sometimes like dutiful lovers, secretly holding hands while enduring the scolding and complaints of their guardian (Hestia). Other times like wild lovers, slaying monsters together, galloping side by side atop elven steeds. They were not lovers. Yet, bound by the spear's legacy, they tacitly engaged in all manner of intimate contact.
After defeating monsters, Artemis often deliberately feigned weakness, asking Bell to carry her. In the dead of night, she would send him suggestive glances, signaling for them to slip away and enjoy moments of solitude amidst different beautiful landscapes. Artemis was both an incomparably dignified and elegant goddess and the young maiden who opened Pandora's box.
Snuggling in sunlight. Dancing under moonlight.
Though clearly not lovers, they engaged in those yearning acts of affection straight out of fairy tales.
Amidst this fleeting bliss, their journey finally reached its end.
"Tomorrow we'll reach the Great Tree Sea... Others have cleared the path for us. We only need to enter the Elsos Ruins. Then, everything will be over..."
Artemis gazed at the starry sky, as if savoring these final moments of solitude. Throughout their journey, she had consistently evaded Bell's questions. Bell watched the goddess's smile, reaching out to touch the blue strands of hair caressed by moonlight. He had already guessed much. The root of the dissonance was the goddess's faintly sorrowful smile. It was love born of genuine affection. And the sorrow that would shatter everything.
Bell offered her an ardent gaze and spoke softly:
"Artemis, I like you."
"Please tell me—what truly lies at the end of this journey?"
"..."
Artemis paused for a moment. The fiery confession warmed her heart, yet pierced it with excruciating pain.
"It seems the time has come for honesty..."
Artemis lifted her head. A crystal-clear tear glistened in the moonlight and fell.
[Tragedy]'s prologue was thus unveiled.