Hestia Familia.
After finishing a day of work, the Pallum girl who had been out conducting research returned to the residence.
As soon as she walked into the courtyard, she saw a certain loli goddess walking toward her while carrying several bags.
"Oh~ You're back! Lili!"
Hestia waved at her in greeting.
"How was your day?"
"Everything went smoothly. Lili has already investigated all the popular eateries in the West Quarter."
"Huh? That fast!"
"Lili has transformation magic, so I can repeatedly change my appearance and ask people for information."
As Lili explained, she looked suspiciously at Hestia and sized her up.
"Goddess Hestia, where are you going?"
"To the Hephaestus Familia."
Hestia replied.
"Cain customized a weapon there."
"I won't explain the specific principles, but when Hephaestus forges the weapon, she needs me to help inscribe Divine Script nearby."
"A weapon inscribed with Divine Script?"
Lili revealed a surprised expression.
In all her years in Orario, this was the first time she had heard of a weapon that required Divine Script to be inscribed.
"As expected of Lord Cain. Even his custom weapons are different from ordinary ones."
"In short, that's the situation. I will be staying with the Hephaestus Familia for a few days."
Hestia waved goodbye to Lili.
"I'm leaving the Familia's affairs to you and Cain."
"If you need to update your blessing, you can come find me at the Hephaestus Familia."
"Understood."
Lili nodded.
As she watched the loli goddess walk away, she paused for a moment before a smile slowly spread across her lips.
If Hestia was leaving, that meant only she and Cain would remain in the Familia.
"Go for it, Lili!"
The Pallum girl clapped her cheeks to encourage herself.
This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Hestia, who usually stuck to Cain like glue, was gone. No one would stop her now.
After watching Hestia disappear from sight, Lili turned around and walked toward the nearby mansion. Her steps were noticeably quicker than usual.
Arriving on the second floor of the mansion, Lili impatiently knocked on the door.
"Lord Cain! Lili is back!"
"Welcome back, Lili."
Cain put down the recipe book in his hand.
"How was the investigation into the popular dining establishments in the West District?"
"All done!"
Lili removed the backpack from her back and took out a thick stack of documents, placing them on the table.
"Good work."
Cain picked up the documents and began examining them.
There were many things required to open a restaurant.
Restaurant layout and ingredient sourcing were only part of the preparation. The menu itself was also a key focus.
While introducing innovative dishes, he also needed to maintain balance by including several well known dishes.
This way, no matter what kind of customer arrived, there would always be something they could order.
"Lord Cain, let Lili prepare dinner tonight."
Just as Cain was concentrating on reviewing the documents, Lili spoke again.
"Lord Cain has been working very hard these past few days. Lili wants to help share some of your burden."
"Hmm? Sure."
Cain nodded casually.
Normally he was the one responsible for cooking.
Since Lili rarely offered to help, he might as well let her show off for once.
...
Two and a half hours later.
Sitting at the dining table in the mess hall, Cain fell into deep thought.
"Lili, did you make all of this?"
"Yes, I did."
Lili enthusiastically pushed the three dishes and one soup on the table toward Cain.
"Lord Cain, please eat."
Cain looked at the three dishes and one soup in front of him.
Goji Berry Stewed Mutton.
Stir Fried Shrimp with Chives.
Yam Stewed Oxtail.
Eucommia Kidney Flower Soup.
At first glance, the appearance of the dishes was perfect, and the aroma was also quite good.
To reach this level, Lili had clearly put in a great deal of effort.
But the problem was that no reasonable person would serve so many aphrodisiac dishes together in a single meal.
He secretly glanced at Lili before picking up his chopsticks and taking a bite.
"Lord Cain, how does it taste?"
"Not bad. You should eat too."
"Yes!"
Lili sat down beside Cain and pretended to pick up her chopsticks to take a bite.
But in reality, her eyes were fixed on Cain the entire time.
When she saw Cain finish all the food on the table, anticipation appeared in her expression.
Operation: Conquer Lord Cain, Phase One, complete success.
"Lord Cain, Lili is going to wash the dishes!"
"Go ahead."
Cain glanced at the Pallum girl who subconsciously headed toward the dormitory while carrying the plates.
Cain stood up and walked toward the first floor.
Due to limited funds and a small number of members, the Hestia Familia and the Soma Familia were currently living together in the same courtyard.
After arriving on the first floor, he quickly found Soma, who was brewing alcohol.
"Nighttime activities?"
Soma showed a confused expression.
"The Hestia Restaurant is about to open, and everyone will be busy then."
"Consider this a chance to relax before the busy period begins. Take the members of the Soma Familia out for a meal."
Cain took out a money pouch.
"This is the activity fund. If it isn't enough, come find me."
"Aren't you coming?"
"I haven't finished my work yet. Besides, if I go along, the members of the Soma Familia probably won't be able to celebrate properly."
This was a lie.
With his noble divine perception, Soma could see through Cain's lie at a glance.
The real reason Cain was not participating in the gathering was something else entirely.
After silently meeting the black haired youth's gaze for a few seconds, Soma accepted the money pouch.
"How long will the gathering last?"
"Until tomorrow morning."
Cain replied.
After sending Soma and the members of the Soma Familia away, Cain locked the courtyard gate.
After hanging up a sign that read [Those returning, please attend the gathering at 'The Hostess of Fertility'], Cain returned to his room to continue designing the menu.
...
Time passed, and night fell again in the blink of an eye.
In the hallway on the second floor, a small figure quietly approached Cain's room.
However, just as she was about to raise her hand to knock, Cain's voice sounded first.
"Come in. The door isn't locked."
"Pardon the intrusion."
Lili pushed the door open.
Compared to the clothes she wore at dinner earlier, she was now dressed in a loose nightgown and holding a pillow.
Seeing that Cain was still working, Lili hesitated before walking over.
"Lord Cain, there seems to be a small problem with Lili's room downstairs. Tonight, could I..."
"Lili, do you like me?"
"Eh?"
Lili froze on the spot.
"I'm not someone who enjoys playing ambiguous games, so I prefer to ask things clearly."
Looking at the girl who had frozen in place, Cain placed the recipe book down and asked again.
"Lili, do you like me?"
"...Yes. Lili likes Lord Cain."
Lili hesitated before gathering her courage and answering.
One month ago, Lili never imagined that she could live a normal life.
Her Familia companions looked down on her.
The adventurers she encountered also looked down on her.
She had been like a rat in the sewers, despised and rejected by everyone.
And in that cold world, Cain appeared.
He pretended to be a villain, claiming he wanted money, but he pulled her out of the mud and gave her warmth.
"Even if doing this makes Goddess Hestia dislike me, Lili still doesn't want to give up."
"Lord Cain, Lili..."
"Whoa!"
Lili suddenly cried out in surprise.
Looking at the black haired youth who suddenly walked over and lifted her up, Lili, who had finally gathered the courage to confess, immediately became flustered.
"L Lord Cain, what are you doing?"
"You've already said that much. Of course I have to respond."
Throwing Lili onto the bed, Cain reached for his collar, producing a soft rustling sound.
...
"Achoo!"
Inside the Hephaestus Familia, a loud sneeze echoed.
"Hestia, did you catch a cold?"
Hephaestus looked toward her friend.
Normally, gods with endless lifespans would never catch a cold.
But in order to better integrate into life in the lower world, the gods adjusted themselves after descending.
After adding the setting that allowed them to become sick, if a god did not rest properly, they could indeed catch a cold.
"I have special medicine prepared by the Dian Cecht Familia. Do you want some?"
"No need. I'm not sick."
Hestia rubbed the tip of her nose.
"It must be that Loki fellow talking bad about me again."
"You're completely shifting the blame, aren't you?"
Hephaestus complained while reaching forward and pushing open the door to the room ahead.
"We're here. This is the forging room."
"You sit over there for now. I'll call you when I need you."
"Okay."
Hestia found a nearby stool and sat down.
Watching Hephaestus begin working, her thoughts slowly drifted away.
At this moment, Cain and Lili should still be working hard.
T/N- bro finna be cracking miners now, author proly gonna say it's fantasy genre everything is possible here.
...
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GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.