Hestia ran into the Loki Familia as they were leaving the armory. Though not in a good mood, she pretended to be excited about the celebration banquet.
Naturally, this was because of Hephaestus's explanation.
She didn't feel her goddess image had crumbled before Akihiro. Hephaestus also wanted Akihiro to recognize her efforts.
As a goddess, she cared for her followers.
Hestia saw this as normal. She expected nothing in return from Akihiro—if he truly understood...
It would be enough if Akihiro used this weapon and returned safely from the dungeon!
Hephaestus's earlier words had been meant to pressure Akihiro into giving a decisive response.
Hestia was genuinely happy.
But she also worried Akihiro might endanger himself in the dungeon due to debt pressure.
"Akihiro-kun, you really don't need to worry about the debt."
"Why?"
The reason was simple: while he adventured in the dungeon, she stayed alone in Orario and needed something to do.
Hestia sensed Akihiro's seriousness. She tried lightening the mood:
"It won't be boring if I work part-time!"
"Hestia-sama, you've cared for me well. I believe proper pressure motivates improvement."
Even firm decisions can waver when easier paths appear.
Would you keep persevering?
Akihiro simply wanted to honor the resolve in his heart—the responsibility any person should uphold—so he politely declined Hestia's offer.
"I know you're concerned for my safety."
"But I hope you'll respect my decision. It's not just about repaying debt, but not compromising my convictions."
"If someday the sword path feels too difficult..."
"Would I choose to abandon it too?"
Akihiro spoke calmly, but Hestia felt the weight behind his words and stopped insisting.
This was about choosing one's path.
Though she wanted to say "giving up is sometimes okay," she refrained because she understood Akihiro.
Seeing that solitary light in his soul...
Hestia struggled to imagine what experiences had forged such maturity and stability.
"I don't know what to say, Akihiro-kun. Just remember—if you're tired, you can lean on others."
"Like me!"
"Of course."
Akihiro changed subjects, pointing to West Street:
"Hestia-sama, how about dining at 'Hostess of Fertility' tonight? I hear their food is excellent."
It was Orario's most famous restaurant. Hestia had gone before with Hephaestus.
She knew it was delicious... but pricey.
With her potato stand wages, she could barely afford the daily special.
Now with no savings, to avoid embarrassment, she suggested:
"Maybe another restaurant?"
"At this hour, there won't be tables available."
"Of course there will."
Akihiro placed a money pouch in her hands:
"You can't spend all this on food!"
Feeling its heft, Hestia discreetly checked inside.
She was stunned by the gleaming gold.
A fortune!
How had he earned so much on his first dungeon run?
Counting confirmed nearly 20,000 valis.
"Akihiro-kun... how did you get this?"
"A secret."
He omitted the minotaur encounter—it would be hard to explain.
Arriving at West Street, the restaurant stood out among buildings, glowing and lively.
Food aromas tantalized his taste buds.
His meager lunch had long worn off.
Just as they entered, they bumped into the departing Loki Familia after their banquet.
A redhead in a ponytail, eyes narrowed with satisfaction, led the group.
Among members he recognized amazons Tiona and Tione, orc Bete, etc.
His real concern was Hestia and Loki. Though not enemies, their personalities clashed like gunpowder.
As expected, tipsy Loki sneered upon seeing Hestia:
"Hestia? Slumming it here? Saw you working that potato stand yesterday. Trying to bait adventurers with food to join your familia?"
"Not scared you can't pay the bill?"
"It's my freedom to dine where I choose."
Hestia counterattacked sweetly:
"At least I don't eat here daily yet still keep my figure, unlike some 'flat board'."
The jab worked—physique was always Loki's sore point.
Enraged, she tried arguing but the Diona sisters restrained her.
"Loki-sama, you're drunk. Let's go back."
"No! I must teach Hestia my might!"
She ended up dragged away by embarrassed familia members.
Aiz Wallenstein witnessed the scene impassively.
Noticing Akihiro beside Hestia, she showed interest in this same-aged adventurer who'd developed his own swordsmanship.
With a slight nod, she coolly greeted:
"Akihiro."
"Pardon the interruption."
"No problem."
Akihiro smiled, ignoring the incident.
After the Loki Familia left, he guided Hestia inside.
Once seated, before ordering, Hestia couldn't contain her curiosity:
"Akihiro-kun, do you really know Aiz-san?"