Rose excused herself from the room, leaving me alone with the goddess Hestia. The door closed quietly behind her, but the weight of the situation was not so subtle.
Not in a bad way, of course, but it felt like the air got a little heavier. In front of me stood the goddess Hestia, who, despite her small size, was unlike any human or other race that inhabited this world. And it wasn't just her divine aura that distracted me. To be honest, it was those impressive breasts under her white dress that caught my eye.
Hestia sat across from me, and as she settled into the chair, I couldn't help but look down. It was hard not to! They moved in such an agitated way, it was frustrating! It's not my fault, they're basically an eye magnet.
"Before you agree to join my Familia, I'd like to tell you my story."
"Oh, sure," I replied, quickly looking up and pretending to be completely focused on what she was saying. Sweat began to bead on my forehead. I didn't want to look like a pervert in front of a goddess, but those breasts made it challenging.
Hestia leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and interlacing her fingers under her chin. Please don't do that! Oh my goodness, they'll explode! Oh, no! The buttons are coming undone! Oh, you don't have one...
Her smile faded a bit, and her expression turned serious, something that seemed a bit odd for someone so small and adorable.
"My Familia... isn't what you might think. It's small. As a matter of fact, I don't have anyone else... It's just me. And, well, now you, if you decide to accept. I don't have the same level of wealth or influence as other, more powerful Familias. What I do have is a small church where I live and, to tell you the truth, it's not a major asset."
She let out a nervous chuckle. She fiddled with the ends of her hair between her fingers. It was clear she was concerned about how I would react. But she couldn't read my expression.
My face was more expressionless than that of a Buddha in deep meditation, but down below my Ru Yi Bang was as active as a drunken monkey at a party.
"If you join me... I don't promise it will be easy. Life will be hard, much harder than if you decide to join a richer or more influential Familia. And while I will do everything I can to help you... I simply cannot guarantee that you will have a comfortable life."
She looked truly discouraged, her shoulders slumped and her eyes fixed on the table. It was as if, despite her usual energy and enthusiasm, she couldn't help but feel a kind of insecurity about proposing something that would sound like a bad offer to anyone else. She was expecting me to say no.
But far from discouraging me, her words made me laugh a little. I couldn't help it. Her candor was refreshing. Most gods were always surrounded by an air of superiority or mystery, as if all their actions were part of some grand divine plan. But Hestia was honest and straightforward with me, without any gamesmanship or manipulation. And I evidently liked that.
"What's so funny?" Hestia asked with a small pout on her lips. She seemed to notice my smile.
"Sorry, I'm not laughing at you," I held up a hand to clear up any misunderstandings. "It's just that I like you being so direct. It's rare to find someone, God or not, who's so honest about what they really have to offer."
She blinked, as if my words had surprised her. Her sadness dissipated a little, and some light returned to her eyes.
"So... you don't mind that I'm poor?" She cocked her head innocently.
I shook my head.
"To be honest, I'm not looking for an easy life," I leaned my arms on the table and looked straight at her. "If I was, I wouldn't be here in Orario, sticking my neck out in the dungeon every day. And honestly, I don't need wealth or a Familia full of luxury. I just want a place where I can continue to do what I love without too many complications."
Hestia stared at me for a moment, as if trying to read my mind. Perhaps she was using her power like any other god to see if my answer was true or false. Then her lips curved into a small smile that lit up her entire face.
"You really don't mind? Even if I have nothing... Would you still be willing to join my Familia?"
"Yes, why not? Besides, everyone has to start somewhere, right? And if I can do it in the company of someone as pretty and honest as you, so much the better." I joked at the end.
Maybe it wasn't the most attractive offer, but in my mind it made it more authentic. Less adorned with empty promises. If I had to say who I would choose among all the gods, I would definitely point to this Loli and say, "This goddess."
Hestia watched me again for a moment with those big eyes. I wanted to decipher if she was being honest or just trying to be polite. Finally, a shy blush formed on her cheeks.
"You are different than I expected, Eithan. Most adventurers seek to join powerful Familias for profit, but you?"
Hestia pursed her trembling lips, and for a moment it seemed she was on the verge of tears. But instead of crying, a soft chuckle escaped her lips.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
She shook her head as she wiped a small tear from the corner of her eye. "I was just thinking how lucky I am to have met you. You're weird, but I like you."
She looked straight into my eyes, her smile widening and she looked almost as bright as a sun.
Ahh! my eyes!
"Hehe~ Then I'm in your care."
"And I'm in yours, Hestia."
We looked at each other for a second and then squeezed each other. Her hand was soft, small and warm, though maybe it was just the feeling it gave me to see her smile like that. It was like holding the sun in the palm of my hand.
We spent the next half hour talking about unimportant things. For the first time since I woke up in this world, I felt like I could relax and enjoy someone's company. As she laughed at my bad jokes, her twintails swayed and her huge breasts bobbed up and down.
I really wondered if they were heavy or annoying to her small body, but I didn't want to be rude by asking.
Then suddenly she said:
"Mmm.... Shall we go home?"
"What?"
Hestia stepped forward and gently took my hand. My eyes fell on our intertwined hands. She squeezed my hand tightly.
'That's lewd!'
"Let's go together," she said, looking straight into my eyes. Her shiny lips were slightly parted, and they looked so soft.
The moment she received her first Familia, it must have been a great joy for her. She was full of pride and joy and it felt so real. It was a feeling that could only be found in that kind of person, the one who was truly free, honest and kind. And this person, Hestia, was the most genuine of all.
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Dear Isis and Sister,
I remember telling you that my dream was to see my favorite characters in front of me, face to face. Well, that day has come and I still can't believe it. Today I finally met Hestia, the goddess I have seen through the screen. She asked me to join her Familia. And of course I accepted.
Hestia is different from what you would expect from a deity. She doesn't have wealth, influence, or a large Familia to offer, but what she does have is an honesty that is rarely found. As small and fragile as she may seem, her warmth and sincerity are more powerful than anything material. I felt good about choosing her Familia because I found something real in her. So, yes, Isis and sister, I have decided to stay with Hestia, and I believe that in the end this is the place where I will belong from now on.
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