A time of peace can over the Hestia familia, relatively speaking. After the events at monsterphilia, anything else could seem like a breath of much needed fresh air.
They were back home after staying the night at the pub. Before they left though, Bell made sure to give Syr back her wallet, she in turn gave Bell a quick but generous hug, thanking him for bringing it back to her.
Though the hug did not last very long with Hestia in the same room. She quickly broke them apart saying something on the lines of, "A simple thank you would suffice! Don't need you to get all clingy with my Bell!"
Syr wasn't put off by the short Goddess's behavior. In fact she smiled and called it cute that Bell had such a caring but aggressive Goddess by his side.
He thought best not to comment about that, lest he bring the short but fiery wrath of Hestia upon himself.
They said their goodbyes and returned home, where they told Arue and Hana what happened during their trip.
Arue was glad they were alive and well. Especially after such an encounter. She had neither the typical over dramatic posing she usually did when in discussion. She was honestly glad they were alright and she wouldn't diminish that with her usual shtick.
Tempting though it was.
Hana was equally glad and further asked for details of their encounters with the beasts they faced. At first it was described rather frankly in an emphasis to hurry to the end. Hana though, kept asking specifics during the length of the story, how many people were there? What monsters did you see? How tall were they? Did they have fangs? How sharp were they? How hard was it running in that maze-like street? What was the sensation he felt in finally slaying the silverback?
The barrage of questions were admittedly overwhelming for Bell and he only managed to answer a few of them before Hestia put her foot down and told her to leave the questions for another time. When they had the energy to answer them.
Which was fair. Even after a good night's rest, Bell and the rest still felt fatigued from their ventures yesterday.
Hana acquiesced with a pout, her curiosity still brimming but she knew that now wasn't exactly a good time for them to answer her questions.
Arue commented on how they should enjoy the rest of the day off to themselves. Something Chitoge readily agreed to.
Hestia too agreed and gave a firm declaration that today would be an off day from adventuring and training.
Bell wanted to argue about that but then felt the aches and pains he received yesterday still lingering somewhat.
It probably was best to recover a bit more.
Hestia received no complaints from the rest as well though Koukin had something else to add.
"If we cannot train our bodies, then at the very least let us train our minds," she further added that she still had yet to sit Bell down to have a tactics and strategy lesson.
Hestia thought for a moment before deciding it wouldn't do any harm in teaching. Just so long as there were no 'physical' lessons of any kind.
Koukin, with a professional air about her, told her there would be no physical lessons for Bell of any kind. Her focus was on his mind.
Hestia detected no lie with her words and with a sigh of her own she waved her agreement and walked up the stairs to pick out a good book to read in her room. Chitoge and Takeru returned to their rooms as well, ready to enjoy a good day off.
Arue also returned to her room, mentioning something about 'draft work' that needed done. Hana, surprisingly, went down to the basement. When asked, she said she set up her art supplies down there. There wasn't much room in her bedroom so she set up in the now spacious basement instead.
Bell was glad he wasn't just going to stand around all day. He hopes that Koukin's lessons would be informative and helpful for his journeys ahead.
Though if he were honest, the smile his would-be teacher had did not engender too much joy when he saw it closely.
He could tell she was going to enjoy this, perhaps too much.
Bell's learning started out surprisingly easy. Koukin had set up a basic chessboard in the lounge and invited Bell to play.
So they did and Bell lost terribly.
That wasn't the end of it though. They set up the board again and played. Bell lost again but a bit later this time.
So it repeated, again and again. With each game lasting longer than the last but with Bell losing each time. It frustrated him a good deal but he didn't raise a voice to complain. Mostly because he was missing something from what their playing was achieving. He had only known her a short time but Bell knew that Koukin didn't do things without good reason and he was certain she put a lesson in here somewhere.
He just had to find it, somewhere between all the losses he was experiencing.
The board was reset and a new game began. Koukin made her first move, as she has the previous times.
Bell then noticed something, something about her first move. It was the same piece she started with, in each and every one of their games.
He decided to experiment, and moved a piece of his own like he did during their last game. She in turn moved another piece, the same one she moved the last game.
And the other games before.
Bell moved a different piece this time and she moved her other pieces the same way she did the last few games.
Bell realized something about that. During each bout, he had changed his tactics constantly. Always trying something new, without considering what his opponent was doing.
Bell understood what the lesson was and he played differently this time.
As the game went on, Bell's theory was proven correct. Koukin was moving her pieces in the same order she had been during each match. Regardless of what Bell did with his and she had won every time.
Now though, Bell understood and adjusted his strategy against her plays. It was some time later and with a few more losses, but Bell was finally able to gain a slim win.
He moved a piece in place and said, "Checkmate," the word tasted sweet.
Koukin stared at the board, before smiling to Bell, "Indeed," she said, "congratulations."
Bell gave a smile of his own, a sense of pride filling his chest. After so many losses, one victory tasted so sweet.
"Do you understand the purpose of these little games?" she asked.
Bell nodded, "I was meant to focus on you in the game, not myself," he looked down at the board, considering, "After each loss, I was more focused on how I could play better that I didn't really focus on you and notice what you were obviously doing," he brought a hand to his chin in further thought, "you were making the same plays each match. If I wasn't so focused on myself and how I was failing, I would have noticed."
It seemed obvious in hindsight now and Bell admits to feeling like a fool, though that feeling wasn't new to him in the least and got him to chuckle a bit.
If you can't laugh at yourself, what can you laugh at?
"You are correct," Koukin said, "At the beginning I was determined to utilize the same movements and strategy in hopes you would pick up on it," she brought a hand up to push up on her glasses, "I confess, I didn't think it would take this long."
Bell was embarrassed at that, they had been playing for nearly an hour now.
"Nonetheless you got the lesson. Adjust your strategy to your opponent. If they play aggressively, use precision to cripple. If they play cautiously, surprise them and overwhelm them. If they play slowly, rush them and topple their power. These tactics don't just apply to the game. They can also apply somewhere else."
Bell knew the answer to the unasked question, "The dungeon," he said.
Koukin pointed at him, "Exactly, the games we played just now could equally apply to the many threats in the dungeon or the world for that matter. It all goes how you perceive and how you plan and how you act."
Her eyes suddenly turned fierce and Bell felt like he was on a knife's edge with that look, "and those decisions sometimes need to be made in critical moments. When time is not always on your side."
Bell gulped, she was right. His own journeys into the dungeon were full of unexpected happenings and sudden events. One minute he could be facing down a pack of kobolds only for another pack to spawn behind him. He could pick up a rare drop someone missed just to get jumped by a dungeon lizard.
He could turn around a corner and come face to face with a minotaur.
He shivered a bit, doing his best to hide it from Koukin; he still had nightmares about that event on occasion.
Koukin saw his trembling and nodded, believing he understood the gravity of the lesson.
"I think that this is a good stop for the day," she said, standing up from her seat, "it was meant to be a brief lesson in any case. To give you an idea of what you're in for," she flashed him a smile, "I assume you have a general idea what to expect from me, correct?"
Bell nodded, he did. Koukin believed in teaching with examples, subtle ones at that. Bell had to pay extra attention to her lessons to find the meaning of them but if this little lesson was anything to go by, it would certainly be interesting to figure out.
It would also be fun, he had to admit, the lesson was tough, but it was also fun to figure out.
Bell stood with her, a smile also on his features. One that welcomed the challenging lessons ahead.
For the following days the Hestia familia experienced a relatively peaceful time. Bell would wake up, train with Takeru, usually alongside Hana and Chitoge, eat breakfast, have a lesson with Koukin, and eventually they would venture down into the dungeon. Doing very well for themselves and for the familia.
Though that wasn't to say there hadn't been hiccups here and there. Especially for the sole resident male in the building. It was only a matter of time before some shenanigans were to be experienced.
Bell, after an exerting trip into the dungeon on a hot day, decided to take an early shower and went downstairs. Unaware of Hana, who decided not to go to the dungeon that day and chose to focus on her own artwork at home. This wouldn't be a problem normally, but of course, since this was Hana, normal was the farthest thing when involving her.
As Bell went down and entered the basement, he got a direct visual of Hana's little art studio, as well as the artist herself.
Standing in front of a large drawing pad with a charcoal art piece being worked on. Naked.
Bell saw Hana in all her glory. Young generous curves before his eyes. He only saw her from behind, as she was focused on her work and didn't seem to notice him.
He had a moment to realize that as he was looking at her from behind, he was also able to see what she was working on in front of her.
A self portrait of herself, one that seems to have herself luxuriating on a couch, also naked and well proportioned as she was in reality. Bell couldn't help but be impressed at her skills in the arts.
She had a gift to be sure, in more ways than one.
Bell, flustered as he was only gave a loud, "I'm sorry!" before dashing back upstairs. He was positive he could wait for as long as he could for his shower.
Hana briefly glanced behind her at where she thought she heard Bell's voice, only to find no one there. She shrugged and returned to her work. Her muse alight with inspiration and confidence. As she continued to work on her art, she noticed the charcoal marks on her hands and arms, a glance down herself showed she had charcoal marks across her body. From the collar of her neck to the backs of her calves, she had marks all over her.
She made a mental note to take a shower when she reached a good stopping point. Which would probably be soon given she could feel the charcoal marks under her breasts begin to itch.
A nuisance to be sure but worth it since analyzing herself gave her better grasp of proportions for her work.
Her muse sparked again and she continued for quite some time.
This would not be the last time for Bell to find himself in an awkward situation. Though the next one would have probably cost him his life if the fates hadn't had mercy on him.
During one early morning, Bell found himself blearily walking down the hallway to his room to rest after a journey into the dungeon that day.
Only to walk into a room that wasn't his upstairs.
He was suddenly aware of this when he saw Chitoge preparing to rest for the night.
She had selected a nightgown to wear and seemed to be about to put it on.
Which meant that Bell was staring at her in her underwear.
They stared at one another, absolutely speechless at what just happened.
Bell stared at her for a moment more, inadvertently taking in her appearance with her rose-red underwear highlighting her strong but well proportioned body.
Reality set itself on him again and Bell began to apologize before retreating.
"I'm sor-"
A raised hand from Chitoge cut him off. He was made stock-still by the sudden and firm gesture from her.
Wordlessly and with a neutral expression, Chitoge donned her nightwear. Smoothing it out when she was done.
She turned to Bell then and with the same neutral expression asked him a question.
"So. Left or right eye? Which one do you want me to hit first?"
Bell elected to run as fast as he could instead of answering, shouting apologies as he fled.
Chitoge dashed after him, determined to give her captain 'something' for his error.
Hestia thankfully stepped in and laid the matter to rest. Though gave Bell a chastisement for his peeping actions, accident though it was.
Chitoge seemed satisfied with the apparent lecture he received, having deemed it suitable enough. Though promising to not be as merciful if he did it again.
Bell could only lament his poor luck.
He lamented it further when he decided to read a book in the upstairs lounge one day. Arue was there as well, sitting on a pew, going over something she had written in her notebook.
He tripped and fell face first into her generous bosom. Electing a surprised yelp from her. It didn't help matters that she patted his head and told him, "There, there. If you wanted to be much closer to me, you could have just asked."
Bell apologized again and ran to his room. Leaving a thoroughly amused Arue behind.
Such events happened randomly and rarely though with no poor feelings lasting long from such occurrences.
It was just another time with the Hestia familia.
"Hmmm," mused Chitoge, walking beside Bell down the street, "aren't you just so happy right now," she said with a smile.
She and Bell were coming back from a shopping trip of theirs. One they shared with Bell's guild advisor.
Bell came to Eina one day asking if it would be alright for him and his familia to explore the deeper floors. Eina at first was outraged that he would even ask that, this soon into his adventurer career especially since he just got the green light not long ago to go to floor six.
Now he wanted to go down to floor ten at least, maybe more with his party involved.
Eina was suspicious and asked him if his status was high enough for him to go down to such levels. Bell had no issues with the question and showed her his status. Eina could read the runes on his back denoting his status, but when the numbers were involved. To her shock, she saw that Bell's status was actually higher than usual to get approval to go down to floor ten. He could go down to the twelfth floor if he wanted.
Eina thought it best he stick to floor ten for a time at least and only go further if he had his party with him. Which Bell readily agreed, good boy as he was.
Eina questioned his current choice of armor though, given it was the same guild armor he was issued with when he started out. Eina made a statement that it was time for an upgrade and offered to take Bell out to get some new armor for himself. Bell at first protested given the price of some of the armor he'd seen and was confident he could make his guild armor work for him for a bit longer.
Eina disagreed immediately and pointed out that his familia had gotten suitable equipment for themselves already, which weren't too expensive on top of that. Eina further probed Bell and found he's only seen the shops on the surface, not anywhere else.
She told him that she knew of some shops that could fit his needs no problem and offered again to take him.
Bell was still doubtful but Eina's confidence eventually warmed him to the idea. Though he did ask if he could bring Chitoge along if possible. His reasoning being her eye for quality in works. Eina saw no problem with it and agreed if she wanted to come.
When it came to asking Chitoge to come along, Bell was happy that she readily agreed to help him in picking out some new armor. She seemed to puff herself up a bit in pride when Bell commented on her sense of style in his request.
They all met up by the tower of Babel where Bell got to see Eina in her casual wear. He didn't ogle for too long thanks to Chitoge, who helpfully elbowed him in the ribs to get his mind on track. Granted she could have been more gentle about it.
They went up the tower and explored the shops on a few floors. Shops that had much more digestible prices compared to what was in Orario's market district.
Chitoge was puzzled by Bell's reaction and asked him why he didn't know about this. He replied with an honest question of how she already knew about this.
She told him that when she was with the other girls, shortly after becoming adventurers, were looking for new equipment, a blue haired girl with glasses mentioned this place when overhearing them talk, saying it was usually the first place to go for most beginner adventurers.
Bell felt a little foolish for not hearing about this area sooner. He could have had some newer equipment on himself at a decent price. Way better equipment than the sole piece of guild armor he was sporting.
Chitoge gave her captain a pat on his back and assured him that such experiences happened to her quite a few times as well. Eina too gave him some back pats in comfort and reassurance.
It made him feel a little better. Just a little.
They went to various and promising stores that could be best suited for Bell. Which turned out to be harder than expected.
They passed by stores that seemed promising but whose prices outweighed the expectations. Cheaper than in the city, yes, not that much cheaper though.
Some stores had armor sets that seemed to scream with unique style and flare. This immediately caught Chitoge's attention and she guided Bell inside to see. It wasn't long after that they realized that the armor looked good but that was just it. Since the shop they entered was more for armor to display in home rather than wear into battle.
Another store they passed immediately drew their attention for a completely unrelated reason. That reason being, seeing their own Goddess working at a Hephaestus store they had passed. Apparently it was one of Hestia's part time jobs she worked at today. Hestia had some questions on why Bell was going out with two girls today, but was reassured by Chitoge that they were just looking for some new armor for Bell and the other girl was his advisor.
Hestia was seemingly mollified by the answer and wished them luck before returning to work.
So they did and eventually found themselves in a rather drab shop but one that was well equipped at least.
Chitoge was at first skeptical, given the overall appearance of the place but was somewhat appeased when looking at the gear available. Most of the products seemed to be up to par with what she and the rest purchased for themselves not long ago.
Bell was walking up and down the isles when he spotted something towards the back that caught his attention. It was an armor set, light armor actually. White in color with red edged accents here and there. Bell didn't know why but he felt a pull to this armor, whether by its design or its price, he felt that this was it. Turning the chest piece over, he noticed the armor's name and the maker's initials on it.
Pyonkichi
Welf Crozzo
Whoever the smith was, they had talent in Bell's eyes.
Bell brought the armor up to the others and after a look from Chitoge and Eina, they agreed it was best suited for him.
After completing the purchase they concluded their shopping for today. Before Bell and Chitoge headed back home though, Eina surprised him with a gift, a green arm protector that Bell thought was amazing and nearly too good for someone like him. He thanked her genuinely and the half-elf blushed at his gratitude.
She told him to be careful when out in the dungeon and that she would be sad if anything were to happen to him. It was meant to sound platonic but it came out as more genuine and personal. Eina realized this and quickly made herself scarce, wishing them a good day as she left with a red face.
Bell and Chitoge wished her well as she went, wondering what could have made her act so weird all the sudden.
Bringing them to the present, here and now. Chitoge was endlessly amused by Bell's clear joy at having a new set of armor for himself. She had to admit, when Bell was like this, he could be adorable. Like an over enthusiastic rabbit.
Those eyes and hair of his make the comparison all the easier.
As they were walking down an alleyway that led to the street to get home, they found themselves witness to an event.
Namely someone running into them as they made a turn. They both looked and for a moment confused the person for a child, upon a second glance they realized it was a pallum on the ground where she fell.
"Where do you think you're going!"
A loud angry voice came down the other way of the alley, a man was running with his sword drawn and raised high.
Bell acted fast.
He drew his knife and stepped in front of the incoming attack and blocked it in a shower of sparks. The attack was strong but reckless and Bell had little issue in holding it back.
'Thank you Takeru," Bell thought, grateful for her training.
"Huh?" the man looked at Bell with a glare, "the hell you doing brat?" he asked.
"Stopping you," Bell said as if the answer was obvious, "you were about to hurt that girl right?"
The man broke away from Bell, sword still held at the ready but pointed at the fallen pallum, "this is between me and her, you ain't got no business butting in on it."
"What kinda business is it that makes you want to beat up on a defenseless girl?," Chitoge said, coming to stand beside Bell, "You think we're gonna stand here and let ya do that?" she cracked her knuckles in preparation, "That's not gonna happen. Right Bell?"
Bell was happy to have back up with him, especially since things looked like they were about to get violent.
"Yeah," he replied, "I don't know what's going on but it can't be worth hurting someone like this."
The man in front of them seethed, clearly frustrated. He pointed his sword at Bell and Chitoge, "You want to get in my way? You want to end up in pieces that badly?"
Bell didn't give a response to that, he simply got ready for whatever was to come. Chitoge had no problem with replying, "You want to end up with less teeth then when you came here with? If you do, then fine. Let's go bro," she got into a fighting stance. Unarmed as she was, Bell knew she was still fearsome with her fists alone.
The man looked ready to charge at them but before anyone could make the first strike. A new voice rang through the alleyway.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Standing atop stairs that led down to the alleyway they were on was an elf. One with pale green hair and a stern disposition, despite the waitress uniform she wore.
Bell recognized the uniform, it was the same one Syr and the other waitresses wore at the Hostess of Fertility.
"You shouldn't bear weapons within the city," she said in a stern tone, "have you any shame?"
"You just stay out of-"
"Silence."
The calm word of the elf did just that and the man suddenly felt a chill roll up his spine. It was spoken plainly but held a knife's edge to it. It was as much a warning as if it were an order.
The elf wasn't done though, "I don't want to have to get violent," she said in a calm tone that felt like it was brewing a storm, "I always end up going too far."
A shiver passed down the man's spine. He gave one last look at Bell and Chitoge before sheathing his sword with a click of his tongue and walking away, not turning his back the whole time.
When he was well out of sight, the elf, Ryuu, came and approached Bell, who gave a sigh of relief now that the tense moment was over with.
"Thanks miss Ryuu," Bell said in gratitude, "That was way too tense."
Chitoge gave a huff and crossed her arms, "Not like we needed the help," she said, "We could'a clobbered that guy."
"Maybe," Ryuu said, "but it's best to avoid a fight inside the city if possible. The guild has rules against adventurers fighting adventurers in the city without due cause."
Granted those rules were rarely enforced and adventurers rarely penalized, but they were still important rules.
Bell nodded, remembering something, "Yeah, Eina told me something about that a while ago," he looked down at his knife in his hands, "we really dodged a bullet there, didn't we?"
Ryuu gave a nod, "Yes, but I wouldn't worry much about it. I was the only witness to it and I doubt that man will go to the guild with anything to report."
Given he was the clear aggressor, that was obvious.
Something Ryuu said surprised Chitoge, "You were the only witness? But what about-" she turned to see the pallum, only to find the girl was gone. She looked around and further down the alley but could find no trace of her.
"She left?," Chitoge said bewildered, "Just like that? No thank yous' or anything? Not even telling us she's alright?"
"When I arrived, I only saw you and Cranell and that stranger you were facing," Ryuu said, "I didn't see anyone else."
Chitoge scratched her head, both in confusion and frustration. Wondering where that girl went and why would she run from them?
"Well at least she is well enough to get away," Bell said hopefully, "and we gave her enough time to leave, so that's good."
Bell, ever the optimist, saw the bright side where it could be seen.
"Nevertheless Mr Cranell," Ryuu suddenly said, "I would wish you to be more careful. Syr would be most sad if anything happened to you."
Bell had nothing to say to that, flattered as he was. With her piece said, Ryuu bade farewell to them and went on her way.
Bell and Chitoge went their own way back home as well. Having a neat story to tell their familia when they arrived.
Behind a wall, completely out of sight of the two. A short stranger smiled at her luck.
She found her new targets.
Their arrival back home was greeted warmly and with compliments to Bell's new armor.
"Glad you can finally say goodbye to cheap armor you had," Koukin said from the lounge, "It was only a matter of time but sooner is better than later for the lower floors we're to face."
Bell had to agree with her. His old armor lasted him well and true, and he admits he was still kinda attached to it but he knew pragmatically that it wasn't to last well in the deeper floors.
He even less so, were he to still wear it down there.
Bell then noticed something. Koukin was sitting not on a pew that was left over during the renovations, but an actual couch in the lounge. He further noticed another couch that was being occupied by Arue reading a book, with a big coffee table between them.
"Noticed, have you?" Koukin asked with a smile, "We decided, while you were out, to finally get some furniture for our renovated home," she gestured up, "the upstairs lounge is similarly provided," she pointed to the other side of the room, "we even have a proper dining room table and chairs in addition."
Bell looked and saw that it was indeed true. They no longer had to eat on uncomfortable pews and could sit at an actual dining room table now. This was great news and Bell was all the more happy for the day.
Though he couldn't help but ask, "This wasn't too expensive, was it?" he still couldn't help but be the concerned one of the familia, always worrying about everyone but himself.
Koukin gave a laugh and Arue gave one of her own as well, "You shouldn't worry about our familia finances for a good while Bell. We are in a good place right now, even after buying the furniture," she gave a coy look at Arue, "Especially when you have someone that has a golden tongue for a skill."
Arue smiled and did a pose where she sat, "The words of a Crimson Demon must be heeded no matter the reason. A discounted rate is but a taste of my almighty power over words."
Meaning she used her unique skill to talk down on the price of furniture. It must have been a sight to see Arue haggle over price.
Bell smiled at Arue's, once again, over dramatic performance. He gradually started to think of it as one of her best traits. Ridiculous as it was, it brought a smile out of him now and again.
The rest of the day passed without much incident. Hestia eventually returned home, they made dinner and sat at their new dining table, which Hestia was absolutely delighted to find out. Eventually, as they finished their meals, a question was asked.
"Bell," began Koukin, "do you have any plans of summoning more allies?"
Bell was caught off guard by the sudden question. Hestia's head shot up and looked between Bell and Koukin before settling on Bell. As did everyone's gazes.
Bell was uncomfortable with the attention he was suddenly receiving but thought best to give an answer, "Umm, I'm not sure," he began, "Do you think we should?" he looked around the table, "Do any of you think we should?"
Koukin was quick to answer, "I personally say we should. Your magic is unique and a very good boon for this familia. In addition, it never hurts to have more manpower in our corner," she looked around the table to see the gazes directed at her now, "Er, well…you know what I mean," she ended with a flush of embarrassment at her word choice.
"It is sound strategy," Takeru added, "It has been some time since myself and the others were brought forth. We should be safe from any scrutiny of curious eyes. Especially since it would be no surprise we obtained new recruits after our actions at monsterphilia."
Bell thought that was probably the best reason so far. After killing the silverback, he had gained a somewhat popular reputation for his exploits. It was minor all things considered but it was nice to be complimented on the streets whenever he went to the dungeon.
"You'll get no argument from me," added Chitoge, "More the merrier I say and we got to fill this place up at some point."
"Nor will you have any arguments from me," Arue said with a comforting smile, "I find the idea of meeting new people from distant lands and worlds is a reward in its own right."
"Absolutely," chimed in Hana, "I've heard tales of the worlds from our current company," she gave Bell an honest smile full of excitement, "I wouldn't be adverse to hearing more from potentially new allies."
Bell looked at his Goddess next, waiting for what she thought on the matter.
Hestia heard the reasoning of everyone in her familia. She still had reservations when Bell used the magic. Given who it was from. Still, she could no doubt deny the boon of having so many people in a familia could offer. Once upon a time she thought she'd never have a home like this, never have new furniture, her own room, and most of all her own familia besides Bell.
Despite everything, summoned or not, Hestia couldn't help but enjoy the company that has come to her home. The quirks of a few of them besides, they have both helped her and Bell in finally getting properly settled in Orario.
It would be wrong of her to stop that based on her own bias as a virgin Goddess as well. She didn't trust Eros or his gift but she trusted Bell with it. More so since he was never compelled to abuse it.
"If you want to Bell, we can," she said sincerely.
Bell nodded and said he would like to try tomorrow. No one had any objections and everyone got ready for bed.
Before they left, Hestia informed them that they should get their status checked with her tomorrow at some time, mentioning it had been a while since they updated.
Everyone agreed and set off to their rooms. Tomorrow was a big day with potentially new allies and a status check in addition to it.
A calm end for the Hestia familia.
It would not be so in the coming days.