The Loki Familia mansion, perched on a hill overlooking Orario, was bathed in the golden light of dusk. Inside, an unusual quiet reigned. Most of the members were either in the dungeon or scattered around town. In a luxurious bathroom, Aiz Wallenstein, the legendary sword, was immersed in a hot bath, wisps of steam rising around her.
Her long blond hair floated on the water, and her gaze was lost, fixed on a thought that refused to leave her. This adventurer.
She saw his young, frightened face again, his hand clenched around his dagger as he faced the Minotaur. She should have arrived in time, she should have prevented this fight. But she had failed.
— "Why was I so slow?" she muttered to herself, her calm tone tinged with slight frustration.
Her mind kept returning to the scene: the Minotaur, that terrified young man, and that woman. An adventurer Aiz didn't know, but whose strength had been undeniable.
She had saved him.
Aiz felt a strange discomfort invade her. She, one of the greatest adventurers of Orario, had not been able to protect this man, a clearly inexperienced novice. She submerged herself deeper into the water, her cheeks blushing slightly.
— "I have to talk to him... apologize to him."
---
Meanwhile, in the bustling alleys of Orario, Bell walked at a brisk pace. In truth, he still felt dizzy from the events of the day. He was alive, but that memory of the fight, of the paralyzing fear and the ferocious gaze of the Minotaur, kept haunting him.
As he approached the quieter neighborhoods near the house of the Familia Hestia, a soft, melodious voice called out to him.
— "Excuse me, you dropped this."
Bell turned around to see a young woman with silver hair and piercing gray eyes. She held a small monster crystal in her hand.
— "Oh! Thank you!" Bell replied, slightly embarrassed.
She handed him the crystal with a kind smile.
— "You look exhausted. My name is Syr Flova. I hope you don't mind me stopping you."
Bell shook his head quickly.
— "No, not at all. Thank you, Syr-san."
Syr tilted his head slightly, a curious expression on his face.
— "You're an adventurer, aren't you? It's not every day you come across an adventurer this young. I work at the Fertility Hostess, a tavern not far from here. Why don't you come over tonight? You look like you could use a good meal."
Bell hesitated for a moment, surprised by the invitation.
— "Uh… I…"
Syr laughed softly, amused by his embarrassment.
— "No pressure, of course. But the food is delicious, and it might cheer you up."
Bell nodded shyly.
— "I… I'll think about it. Thanks for the invitation."
She gave him one last smile before disappearing into the crowd. Bell stood there for a moment, thoughtful, before continuing on his way home.
---
The home of the Hestia Familia was an old church. As Bell pushed open the door, he was greeted by a cheerful and familiar voice.
— "Bell-kun! You're finally here!"
Hestia, his goddess, almost leapt towards him. She wore her usual attire, a simple yet elegant white dress, adorned with her distinctive blue ribbon. Her eyes shone with overflowing affection as she inspected him.
— "You're hurt! What happened?" she asked, approaching to examine his condition.
Bell looked down, ashamed.
— "I… I met a Minotaur in the dungeon."
Hestia's eyes widened in shock and anger.
— "A Minotaur?! But that's insane! What was such a dangerous monster doing on such a low floor? You could have died!"
Bell gave a nervous smile.
— "I know… But… someone saved me."
Hestia frowned, her worry turning to curiosity.
- "Someone ?"
Bell nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly.
— "An adventurer. She was incredibly strong… and beautiful too."
Hestia's face fell slightly, a mixture of annoyance and jealousy crossing her features.
— "A… woman, huh?"
Bell, unaware of his change in mood, continued.
— "Yes. I don't even know her name, but she killed the Minotaur in one hit. She also spoke to me… kindly."
Hestia crossed her arms, her pouting expression evident.
— "Humph. You shouldn't get distracted by every pretty girl that crosses your path, Bell-kun!"
Bell's eyes widened, surprised by her reaction.
— "That… that's not it!" he stammered, agitated.
Hestia stared at him for a moment before sighing, her expression softening.
— "I'm just glad you're alive, Bell. That's all that matters."
Bell felt a weight lift off his shoulders seeing her genuine smile.
— "Thank you, Hestia-sama. I'm sorry for worrying you."
As they settled down to discuss the day, Bell couldn't help but think back to the mysterious adventurer and Syr's invitation. Night was falling on Orario, and his heart, though tired, was full of new questions and a strange excitement.
The beginning will be a little difficult because I'm trying to keep it consistent to the source material if you're just looking for a h-fiction, sorry here I plan on character development.