Hestia returned in the evening.
She brought back good news: the expedition was set. In 20 days, the Loki Familia would embark on a new expedition, in cooperation with the Hestia Familia.
Indeed, it was a partnership, an equal relationship.
Despite the Hestia Familia having only Aston as its member, the Loki Familia still treated them as equals, transforming the invitation into a collaboration.
Although it was just a change in designation, the significance was profound.
This indicated that the Loki Familia recognized and placed the Hestia Familia on an equal footing.
It made sense, considering that even though other Familias were unaware, the members of the Loki Familia like Ais had worked with Aston twice and knew some of his secrets, including his terrifying growth rate.
Considering Aston's growth pace, it was only a matter of time before the Hestia Familia developed and expanded, especially with Aston's presence ensuring rapid growth.
In this context, extending goodwill seemed like a wise choice.
After all, there was no loss involved.
"Hey, Hestia, I forgot to mention something last night. There's another favor I need to ask of you," Aston said while finishing up the last dish for dinner in the kitchen.
"Go ahead, what is it?" Hestia, ready with knife and fork, eagerly awaiting the meal, responded immediately.
Aston didn't hesitate and shared everything about the 'Xenos', informing Hestia of the entire situation.
"Hmm, there are such creatures in the dungeon!" Hestia was surprised upon hearing his explanation.
"People in Orario already know about these people, and there's even a Familia that's been capturing them," Aston explained with a smile.
"A Familia capturing them?"
"Ah, that infamous Familia, right?"
"Hey, are you sure your skill can ensure that they are tamed and become members of the Hestia Familia? If so, I don't mind at all," Hestia asked for assurance.
For Hestia, if Aston could transform the Xenos into human form and tame them, she was entirely open to the idea.
Incorporating them into the Familia would significantly enhance its strength, and there would be no need for slow development.
"You agreed so easily, aren't you worried?" Aston was a bit surprised by Hestia's response and turned to ask her.
"That's why I'm asking you for a guarantee."
"If you can assure me, then it's okay," Hestia replied cheerfully.
In just a week, Hestia had developed a deep trust in Aston.
Aston was very decisive and steady, performing well in all aspects. Hestia found it impossible not to trust him. Whenever Aston proposed something, he always had absolute confidence in it. Just like with Loki before, Hestia couldn't believe Aston could succeed, but he did, and even healed Hephaestus's facial scar.
As long as Aston was confident, Hestia was willing to trust and let him act. Aston smiled confidently in response and continued with his cooking.
Hestia was very tolerant. Even when Bell was betrayed by the Takemikazuchi Familia, leading him into deeper floors of the dungeon, Hestia bore no grudge against them, partly out of respect for Takemikazuchi. This also showed her tolerance.
She had no prejudice against the Xenos either. The only reason she didn't want the dragon girl Wiene in their Familia was to avoid trouble. After all, Wiene, although sentient, was still a dungeon monster. If it were discovered that Hestia was involved with a monster and harboring one in her Familia, it would bring grave trouble, potentially dooming the entire Hestia Familia.
Hestia's Familia was not like the Ganesha Familia. Now, with Aston's ability to tame Xenos and transform them into humans, there was no worry about attracting trouble by harboring them. Moreover, incorporating the Xenos would significantly strengthen the Hestia Familia.
There was no risk and the promise of a substantial increase in strength. It was only natural for Hestia to agree easily.
Since Hestia agreed, Aston planned to approach the Xenos, making sure that Fels noticed. Once Fels knew of his contact with the heretics, he would surely approach Aston. However, the location of the Xenos was uncertain, as their dwellings in unexplored areas of the dungeon were temporary and could change at any time.
Aston considered informing Hestia about Uranus and Fels, but there was a risk of suspicion. Proactively seeking them out could alert Fels and Uranus.
Aston was troubled. Telling Hestia to go directly to Uranus might be the fastest way to contact the Xenos, but not doing so made encountering the Xenos difficult.
"What are you worried about?" Hestia asked, noticing Aston's furrowed brow as he brought out the dishes.
After some hesitation, Aston decided to tell Hestia about the issue and let her decide what to do next...
***
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