Chapter 10: The Hostess of Fertility, Encountering the Loki Familia
When they left the weapon shop branch, Hestia's mood wasn't high, but she still forced a cheerful appearance, looking forward to the celebratory banquet.
The reason, naturally, was Hephaestus's explanation.
She didn't feel that the divine image she maintained in front of Liam had collapsed. Hephaestus also wanted Liam to know about her efforts.
As a goddess taking care of her dependant.
Hestia felt this was a very normal thing. She didn't ask for anything in return from Liam. If she truly had such thoughts.
Then…
Liam being able to use that weapon and return safely from the Dungeon was enough!
And Hephaestus's words just now had put pressure on Liam. To receive that resolute answer.
Hestia felt happy from the bottom of her heart.
But she was also worried that Liam, due to the pressure of debt, might put himself in a dangerous situation during his Dungeon adventures.
"Actually, Liam-kun, you don't need to worry about the debt."
"Why?"
"The reason is very simple. You go adventuring in the Dungeon, and I'm left alone in Orario. I have to find something to do, right?"
Feeling Liam's serious attitude at this moment, Hestia was truly anxious, analyzing in as relaxed a tone as possible.
"Working part-time won't be too boring either!"
"Lady Hestia, you've already taken enough care of me. Besides, I feel that appropriate pressure is the driving force to strive."
If even decided matters could be easily changed, then in the process of cultivating the way of the sword, if an easier path presented itself.
Would he still persist?
Liam only wanted to follow the decisions made in his heart, which was also the responsibility a normal person should have. He politely declined Hestia's suggestion.
"I know you're worried about my safety."
"But I still hope you can respect my choice. This isn't just about repaying the debt; it's about not wanting the decisions made in my heart to be shaken."
"If there really comes a day when I feel that cultivating the way of the sword is too arduous."
"Will I also choose to give up on this path?"
"."
Liam spoke in a relaxed tone, but Hestia could feel the weight it contained, so she had no intention of continuing to persuade him.
This was the path he had decided to walk.
Although she really wanted to say that "giving up appropriately" would be easier, she ultimately didn't say it, because in Liam.
She saw the light of a unique and proud soul.
Hestia found it truly hard to imagine what kind of environment would make Liam's personality so mature and steady.
"I don't know what to say to you, Liam-kun, but please remember, if you're really... tired, you can try relying on others."
"Like me!"
"Of course."
Not continuing to dwell on this topic, Liam pointed to West Main Street not far ahead, his smile relaxed as he changed the subject.
"Lady Hestia, so for dinner tonight, shall we go to The Hostess of Fertility? I hear the food there is very good."
"The Hostess of Fertility" was Orario's most famous restaurant. Before being kicked out, she had gone there with Hephaestus.
Hestia, of course, knew the food tasted very good.
It was just that the prices were somewhat expensive. Working full-time as a temp at the fried potato stall, the most she could afford there was a set meal.
Now, she didn't have any savings on her.
To avoid the embarrassment of not being able to pay the bill, she felt it was better to recommend other restaurants. "How about considering other restaurants?"
"It might be a bit late to go now; there might not be any seats."
"Of course not."
Placing the pouch full of Valis into Hestia's palm, Liam said with a smile, "Surely this much money isn't enough for a meal there!"
"."
Feeling the heavy weight, Hestia confirmed there were no passersby around before choosing to open the cloth money pouch.
The glittering gold Valis made her a little dazed.
A lot of money. A hint of uncertainty flashed in her eyes. Liam-kun had only gone on his first Dungeon adventure today, how could he have such a large harvest?
She opened the money pouch again and looked.
The amount was still the same. Hestia finally reacted; this nearly twenty thousand Valis was Liam's earnings from today's adventure!
"Liam-kun."
"How did you get all this money?"
"Secret."
He chose not to tell her about encountering the Minotaur; it would be very difficult to explain to Hestia later.
They continued along West Main Street.
Soon, "The Hostess of Fertility" restaurant appeared before Liam. Compared to the other buildings around, it was noticeably livelier.
Brightly lit.
The sounds of adventurers chatting could be heard from inside from time to time.
Even from a not-too-far distance, one could smell the aroma of food wafting through the air, constantly teasing Liam's taste buds.
The energy from the poor man's meal he had at noon had long been depleted.
He was already eager to have a hearty meal. He had just reached the entrance of "The Hostess of Fertility" restaurant and hadn't even entered yet.
The Loki Familia, having finished their celebratory banquet, was leaving, led by a red-haired girl with a single ponytail, squinting with a satisfied smile.
"Loki Familia."
Among them were many faces familiar to Liam: the dark-skinned Amazon sisters Tiona and Tione, the beastman youth Bete, and so on.
What truly concerned him...
Was Hestia and Loki. Their relationship wasn't particularly bad; it was just that their personalities completely clashed. Two powder kegs would explode upon meeting.
The facts didn't deviate from Liam's expectations.
Even Loki, slightly tipsy from drinking, noticed Hestia standing next to Liam and couldn't help but tease with narrowed eyes.
"Hestia?"
"Why are you here? I saw you working part-time just the day before yesterday. Are you planning to use a meal to trick an adventurer into becoming your dependant?"
"Aren't you afraid you can't pay the bill?"
"Where I eat is my freedom."
"It's not like someone can eat here every day, getting such ample nourishment, yet still looks no different from a boy, right?"
Facing Loki's ridicule, Hestia didn't feel that material hardship was something to be ashamed of. Instead, she counterattacked with a relaxed smile.
The effect was surprisingly good; her figure was always Loki's sore spot.
Holding a wine bottle, upon hearing these words, she wanted to rush over and argue with Hestia but was stopped by the Tiona sisters.
"Lady Loki, you're drunk."
Tiona persuaded with a troubled expression, "Let's go back first."
"No way, I must let this Hestia fellow know how formidable I am!!" Unable to break free, Loki could only shout loudly.
Then she was forcibly taken away by her Familia members.
Mainly, they felt that their goddess getting drunk outside and brawling with other gods was somewhat damaging to the Familia's reputation.
And having witnessed this farce firsthand, Ais Wallenstein still maintained a cold expression.
When she noticed Liam standing next to Hestia, she still had a relatively deep impression of this adventurer of the same age who had created his own sword style.
Out of politeness, she nodded slightly, her tone cool as she greeted him.
"Liam."
"Sorry to have disturbed you."
"Not at all."
Liam smiled and nodded, not minding the interlude. His gaze swept over the departing Loki Familia members, then he led Hestia into the restaurant.
They had just found a seat and hadn't even had a chance to order.
Unable to hide the curiosity deep in her heart, Hestia casually probed, "Liam-kun, you actually know Wallen-so-and-so-kun?"
(End of this chapter)