I recline on the plush sofa in the living room of the Hestia Familia headquarters, feeling right at home. It's been a few days since we welcomed the Loki Familia and Hephaestus into our abode, and the place is bustling with activity.
Lunamon sits beside me, sipping a cup of tea, while the Minions scurry about, tidying up and preparing for our next guests. I can't help but smile at their infectious energy - they've truly become an integral part of our Familia.
Hestia breezes into the room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "David-kun! I have the most wonderful idea. Let's go explore Earth again!" She plops down next to me, practically bouncing in her seat.
I chuckle, already knowing I won't be able to resist her infectious enthusiasm. "Of course, Hestia. Where did you have in mind this time?"
"Hmm, I was thinking we could visit that fascinating place called a 'mall' again. I simply must try more of those delectable 'pretzels' you showed me last time!" She clasps her hands together, a dreamy look on her face.
I nod, already picturing Hestia's delight as she discovers new Earth delicacies. "Alright then, let's get going. Lunamon, would you like to join us?"
Lunamon perks up, her ears twitching. "Yes, I'd love to! I'm eager to learn more about Earth's wonders."
The three of us stand and make our way to the portal room, where I concentrate and open a shimmering gateway to a bustling shopping mall in Danville. Hestia practically skips through, her eyes wide with wonder, and Lunamon and I follow closely behind.
The familiar sights and sounds of the mall envelop us, and Hestia immediately darts off towards the food court, with Lunamon and I trailing behind. We find a pretzel stand, and Hestia's face lights up as she takes her first bite, letting out a delighted hum.
"Ooh, David-kun, this is simply divine! The salty, doughy texture is absolutely heavenly." She takes another enthusiastic bite, bits of pretzel clinging to her face.
I chuckle, handing her a napkin. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, Hestia. Shall we explore the rest of the mall?"
She nods eagerly, and we set off, Lunamon marveling at the various shops and displays. We wander through clothing stores, electronics shops, and even a toy store, where Hestia squeals with delight at the plush animals.
As Hestia and I stroll through the bustling mall, her eyes alight with wonder at every new discovery, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. It's moments like these that make me grateful for the unexpected path my life has taken.
We find a quiet spot to rest, and Hestia turns to me, her expression thoughtful. "David-kun, I've been meaning to ask - what are your plans for the future? I know we've accomplished so much already, but I can't help but wonder what else is in store for us."
I pause, considering her question. It's true that we've come a long way since I first stumbled into the world of Orario. We've defeated powerful foes, amassed a sizable fortune, and even recruited an army of loyal Minions to help run our headquarters.
"Well, Hestia, to be honest, I don't feel the need to push deeper into the Dungeon at the moment. We have a steady income from our adventures, and our headquarters is already a true home for our Familia." I gesture around us, taking in the bustling activity of the mall. "I think our focus should be on expanding our Familia and finding more members who can truly contribute to our strength."
Hestia nods, her brow furrowed in thought. "I see. That's a wise perspective, David-kun. The Minions have been a wonderful addition, but you're right - most of them are better suited for support roles rather than combat."
I reach out and give her hand a gentle squeeze. "Exactly. I want to find adventurers who can stand beside Lunamon and me in the Dungeon, people who can help us protect our home and our Familia."
Hestia's face lights up with a smile. "Well, then, I think I know just the place we should start our search. How about we head back to Orario and see if we can find any promising recruits at the Guild?"
A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as an idea takes shape in my mind. "You know, Hestia, I think you're onto something with finding new members for our Familia. But why limit ourselves to just Orario?"
Hestia's brow furrows in confusion. "What do you mean, David-kun?"
I lean forward, excitement bubbling within me. "Well, think about it - with my World Traveler ability, we have the opportunity to recruit adventurers from all sorts of different worlds. Imagine the kind of power we could amass if we had skilled fighters, mages, and specialists from across the multiverse!"
Hestia's eyes widen as she grasps the implications of my proposal. "David-kun, that's brilliant! Just think of all the possibilities. We could find the strongest, most capable adventurers to join our Familia."
I lean back on the plush bench, a contemplative expression on my face. "You know, Hestia, I was actually thinking about trying to find Bell Cranel and recruit him into our Familia."
Hestia's eyes widen, and she leans forward, clasping my hands excitedly. "Bell? Oh, David-kun, that's a wonderful idea! I remember him so well from watching the anime. He's such a kind-hearted, determined young man, and I know he'd be an incredible addition to our Familia."
I nod, feeling a surge of determination. "Exactly. I'm not sure when he'll be arriving in Orario, but I think it would be a great idea for you to try and find him. You two already have a connection, and who knows - maybe it's fate that you two should meet again."
I can't help but smile as Hestia's face lights up with a radiant grin. "Oh, David-kun, I love that idea!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious. "I'll start searching for him as soon as we get back to Orario. Just imagine, the three of us - you, me, and Bell - leading the Hestia Familia to greatness!" She squeezes my hands, her excitement palpable.
"But don't worry, David-kun!" Hestia adds, giving me a playful wink. "You will still be the number one in my heart!"
I chuckle, feeling a surge of fondness for this vibrant goddess. Hestia's unwavering support and belief in me has been a constant source of strength, and I'm thrilled at the prospect of recruiting Bell Cranel into our familia. With his incredible talent and our combined efforts, I have no doubt we can make the Hestia Familia a force to be reckoned with in Orario.
Reaching over, I give Hestia's hands a gentle squeeze. "I'm with you all the way, Hestia. Let's make this happen - together."
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