"It's like a dream!"
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"I just don't know what to do, Miach!" Hestia lamented drunkenly, small tears streaming down her cheeks, glinting faintly under the dim bar light.
After storming out of the Church, her emotions in turmoil over what Bell-kun had done, she'd stumbled into the comforting presence of Miach in a small, dimly lit bar.
The quiet atmosphere buzzed with the occasional clink of glasses and murmured conversations, but Hestia's heartache dominated her thoughts as she drank away her worries.
By the time she was on her third glass, it was evident her small frame wasn't handling the alcohol well. Her cheeks were flushed, and her words slurred, emotions spilling out with every sip.
Miach, ever the patient and kind friend, sat across from her, offering a calm, steady presence. His gentle smile never faltered as he listened to her vent, his hands wrapped around his untouched drink.
"Hestia," he began softly, his voice steady and soothing, "you know we can't always expect mortals to do exactly as we say. They have free will. Sometimes their choices—no matter how reckless or misguided—are just a part of their journey."
Hestia groaned, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I know, Miach, I know…" she muttered, her words stumbling over each other as a hiccup escaped.
But knowing didn't make it easier. Bell-kun was her first child, and his recent actions worried her to no end.
"I just don't want him to get hurt," she whispered, her voice cracking.
Miach nodded sympathetically, letting her speak. "What did he do, anyway?" he asked after a moment, his curiosity piqued. It wasn't often he saw Hestia in such a state.
Hestia hesitated, her fingers tightening around the glass in her hands. She couldn't tell him the whole truth. It wasn't that she didn't trust Miach; it was just too dangerous to share something so critical in a public setting.
"I… I can't say exactly," she stammered, her voice wavering. "But it was bad. Stupid and reckless!"
Miach chuckled softly, his warm smile never leaving his face. "Hestia, it's alright. He's still new to adventuring. It's not uncommon for new adventurers to make mistakes, and as their gods, we can only guide them. Sometimes, they just need time to figure things out on their own."
'If only it were that simple,' Hestia thought bitterly.
But Miach's words did carry some wisdom.
"You're right…" she muttered, though her tone lacked conviction. She raised her glass again, taking a long sip, but it was clear she'd already had more than enough for one night.
Miach glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. "Hestia, it's getting late, and I think you've had your fill for tonight. Let me walk you home. You shouldn't be wandering the streets like this."
Hestia blinked at him, her foggy mind processing his words slowly. He was right—it was late. Bell-kun was probably worried about her by now.
"I'll manage," she slurred, wobbling slightly as she stood up from her seat. "Thanks, though, Miach!"
She gave him a clumsy wave goodbye and stumbled out of the bar, her footsteps uneven as she began the journey back to the Church. The cold night air hit her flushed cheeks, helping to clear her spinning thoughts.
As she walked, her mind churned over everything that had happened. Maybe she had been too harsh earlier. Bell had told the truth about using his skill in self-defense, after all.
Oh, Bell-kun, why couldn't you just be a fluffy, harmless, cute little rabbit? Life would be so much easier if you were.
With a sigh, Hestia pressed onward, her destination the only place she could call home: the abandoned church.
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The End
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Updated version: what changed? The entire chapter was shortened and it's original content would be used in later ones when I update them too.