"Aston-san, please guide us!" Dressed in a short-sleeved, short kimono in pink with black stockings and high heels, Mikoto spoke to Aston with a reserved tone.
"Aston-sama, please guide us in the future." Next to Mikoto was Lily.
Clearly, in just one afternoon, Hestia had settled the matters for both of them.
"System, Mikoto has already joined, but you haven't issued a task that would allow her luck to merge with the luck I have, why?" Aston nodded to them, then walked over to the sofa, asking the system in his mind as he moved.
"It is possible. In fact, even if there wasn't a task issued previously, as long as you, the host, had Mikoto leave the Takemikazuchi Familia to become a member of the Hestia Familia, Lily's luck would also merge into you.
"However, considering the host's past life philosophy of 'better safe than sorry' and 'if it doesn't concern me, then it's none of my business,' the system was worried you might miss this opportunity for the protagonist's luck, so it specifically issued a task," the system replied.
"I see." Aston internally sighed.
Indeed, influenced by the cautious attitudes of his past life, he had developed such a personality.
Even after coming to this world, where he had the ability not to be afraid of consequences, his personality had not changed.
He had indeed been pondering whether or not to help Lily when he first encountered her.
If it weren't for the system's intervention, he might have decided to give up after some thought.
"System, in the future, if there's such a good opportunity, just tell me directly, don't hide or complicate it."
Aston was truly amused by the system.
Any good thing that he might encounter, the system would not mention.
Couldn't it inform him of potential good opportunities in advance and then let him trigger them?
"My apologies, but the host must explore on his own."
Clearly, the system rejected Aston's suggestion.
This made the corners of Aston's mouth twitch slightly.
Aston had come to understand the system's personality; he had no intention of bickering further with it.
After sitting down on the sofa, Aston gestured for the two to sit as well.
Mikoto, slightly reserved, and Lily, not usually one to hold back but somewhat constrained having just joined the Familia, sat opposite Aston.
"Looks like your conversion went smoothly," Aston said, looking at them both but first addressing Lily with a smile. "After all, the Hestia Familia is now renowned, and even Zanis dared not frown upon the Hestia Familia."
"Plus, with Aston-sama around, so…" Lily was visibly excited when talking about the conversion, her face full of smiles. However, her expression became subtly complex when mentioning Aston.
Clearly, the visit to the Soma Familia wasn't entirely smooth, encountering some troubles, but no one dared to refuse because of Aston's imposing presence.
"Good, let's work hard together in the Hestia Familia from now on."
"The Hestia Familia won't be like the Soma Familia; feel assured and grow without worries." Aston nodded slightly, encouragingly.
"Yes, Aston-sama, Lily will work hard and will not let down Aston-sama or Hestia-sama's expectations," Lily responded loudly, her voice full of vibrant energy, a far cry from the lifelessness Aston first encountered.
This gave Aston a sense of satisfaction, feeling the achievement of rescuing a young girl from the abyss, an experience he had never had before.
However, Aston didn't get carried away with this feeling of achievement. After offering a few words of encouragement, he turned his gaze to Mikoto.
"I'm curious, why did you agree to join Hestia Familia, and why would the Takemikazuchi God allow you to come here?" Aston leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands on the coffee table, looking at Mikoto with curiosity.
"This matter is somewhat impolite; I hope you won't take offense, Aston-san!" Mikoto didn't immediately answer but first apologized to Aston after a moment of hesitation.
"It's okay, I won't blame you. Go ahead," Aston nodded.
"Yes, Aston-san!"
"Currently, all of Orario is buzzing with rumors that the Hestia Familia has a method for adventurers to grow quickly. I was indeed very tempted by this method, but just being tempted was all, I wouldn't switch Familias over just this reason."
"However, after Hestia-sama visited and suggested that I join the Hestia Familia, Takemikazuchi-sama, after much consideration, actively persuaded me to join the Hestia Familia," Mikoto explained, detailing the circumstances that led to her decision.
"Takemikazuchi-sama said that a golden opportunity had arisen and he didn't want to hold me back, so he suggested that I join the Hestia Familia."
"Persuaded by Takemikazuchi-sama, I chose to join."
"Moreover, after joining the Hestia Familia, if I can grow quickly like the other members of the Familia, then I can also help the members of the Takemikazuchi Familia grow."
"I'm very sorry, Aston-san, my joining the Hestia Familia also had a purpose," Mikoto spoke with restraint, explaining the situation. Towards the end, she even stood up from the sofa, moved to the side, and deeply apologized to Aston.
In Mikoto's heart, she felt that her joining the Hestia Familia with such intentions was an unforgivable act.
"You're very honest."
"Don't worry, I don't mind you wanting to help the Takemikazuchi Familia, but please also treat the Hestia Familia as your own home, can you do that?" Aston said, somewhat surprised by Mikoto's forthrightness, then reassured her with a smile.
Aston didn't mind Mikoto's purpose; as long as she signed the Faction Card, she wouldn't act against the interests of the Hestia Familia.
Even if helping the Takemikazuchi Familia, it would be under circumstances that do not harm the interests of the Hestia Familia.
"Rest assured, Aston-san, now that I have joined the Hestia Familia, I will go through fire and water for the Familia," Mikoto, excited by Aston's generosity, quickly promised loudly.
"Alright, next, you two will sign the Faction Card."
"The Faction Card?"
"The ability to grow quickly."
***
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