Lady Hestia. Miss Saori. Here are your drinks a frozen fragassa smoothie for my lady and a lemon cocktail made from dwarven sake which arrived today for Saori. Please, enjoy. Tasianna placed our drinks on the table placed between Saori and .
Standing there, she watched us in anticipation as we took our first sips. I dont know how it was for Saori, but the mont the cooling smoothie entered my mouth, the warmth of this sunny sumr day vanished imdiately for . The sweet and sour fragassa spurred my taste buds to celebrate from the invigorating taste.
Cheers! Saori and I softly touched our glasses together in jubilation from the taste. It is amazing, Tasianna!
Tasianna let out a sigh of relief before bowing and retreating into the RV. As she did so, we stayed sitting in our wooden sun loungers, enjoying our drinks and the sun as we relaxed here in House Helvass garden.
We deserve this, I said with closed eyes.
After yesterday? We sure do, Saori agreed with , taking another sip from her cocktail. Mhmm, arg, this stuff is strong. The stark quality difference between imported dwarven sake and the sake made in the lower city is quite obvious. Well, I think it is worth the money we spent.
Treat yourself, Saori. Our first actual political eting and we got out of it with what we wanted. Sure, we had the advantage for our own terms, but the relationship between Shaturein and Griffonpeak could have broken apart. They could have just continued working with a false smile, I comforted Saori, telling her the money we spent on sothing she liked was not a waste.
Thanks. I honestly do not rember when I last treated myself to sothing expensive. Maybe before my father died? Then again, most of them were decently priced and I just wanted them because I was a child.
Oh? I do wonder how you were as a kid, Saori. Less uptight maybe? I showed her a devilish smile, but Saori didnt look as amused.
If you want to be even stricter on our finances, I could, if you were trying to provoke here, Hestia. I quickly apologized to her. The last thing I needed was an even more rciless Saori. Haaaa, whatever. Speaking about our past, did your second personality appear again?
Mhmm, sadly, nope. I havent had a dream with her since I woke up after my coma, I told her. My party was aware of my dream and soul separation. Still pretty wild that was the reason for my [Parallel Thoughts] skill, right?
Yeah, I honestly was a bit worried about your ntal state. I thought you might have been bipolar or sothing.
Ehh, I beca a bit unhinged with my solitude in Belzac before you ca, so maybe I was. Still, multiple soul personality disorder, as I call it, isnt very normal, either. My parallel minds were questioning their existences, you know. Hahahaha!
Oi, shut up, Original Mind! We never said anything like that! Stop lying for a joke!
Sorry, sorry, #2. Ehehehe.
But there was a small truth behind it. My parallel minds and I did question how much my personality as Hestia differed from my previous self. I guess, quite a bit, since my other half didnt accept as her. She wasnt even willing to tell my original na. What a weird case of double persona, huh?
But, she did seem adamant to die. Have the last pieces of her inside forgotten, so there was nothing left of her. Sadly for her, I wasnt having any of her bullshit. Its obvious my past self couldnt handle all the stress to beco an idol. All those failed auditions, that promise to not cry, and also seeing our parents continued worry for us. I can still feel it.
I really should have just gone indie to build my brand. Make a video of myself, promote through social dia, and then collab with people in the future. I was so stuck on the proper way to beco an idol that I forgot about all the other options.
Im not sure if Papa ever tried to persuade to stop being an idol, maybe he did and I couldnt rember it. Still, just like how I had my first concert on a stage made from dirt, earth, and stone, I should have also just started from the bottom instead of dreaming to join so agency. I could have also just begun my career as a singer then transferred into becoming an idol.
Ahh, Im starting to regret all my dumb decisions. If I had been a bit more open-minded, I probably could have achieved sothing instead of turning into a depressed bitch. But, all of that is in the past now. My other halfs past. What is important now is my future in Peolynca, and to get her to accept our new chance in life.
Well be going now, Sensei! As I was daydreaming of my past, present, and future, Tamaes voice appeared, prompting to turn my head around. There, I saw her manning the RV with Grimnir, driving the carriage forward with Sarasa and Quatre.
Yes, good luck out there, Tamae! Saori wished her luck. Grimnir, do not forget about the correct location! If you make a mistake, I will have to pay a fine to the chef and rchant guilds!
Argh, I know, I know, Saori! Do you think of as an old geezer? Just cuz Im stuck in my smithy all the ti doesnt an I forgot where our usual spot is! I got it! Grimnir replied in exasperation. Lass, the next batch of [Room] runes are done. This afternoon, you gotta co back in and help with the next.
Goooot it. I showed him a peace sign. Tamae-chan, good luck out there! Tell Kazumi-chan and Kohaku-chan good luck from , too! You can rely on Tasianna to perform perfectly as the waitress!
Thank you! See you later! And with that, they left the noble district.
The one week of preparation to make the eting a success for us wasnt the only thing everybody did. While I had my hands full with Mother and the eting, Tamae continued getting everything ready to take over the restaurant. That ant adapting Saoris forr nu while keeping prices low enough for people to pay.
Not to say that was all she did. Our main goal with the restaurant was to get it ready for nobles and rich rchants. Lord Helvas was kind enough to help us hire the staff for it, with Josine and Svena personally overwatching the hiring process. They would train as waitresses and chefs under Tamaes command to serve our party and House Helvas Earthen dishes.
Today, Tamae wanted to re-debut the restaurant to our custors in the lower city. As such, Kazumi, Kohaku, and Tasianna were there to help her. Our restaurant helpers werent comfortable managing common people, as they were trained to serve nobles and influential personages. It wasnt a big deal. It ant we could keep the street restaurant more carefree and lax, perfect for the demographic in the lower city.
Concerning the others of our party, Tasianna had been keeping up with her alchemy training and has even asked Mother to train her in magic. You know, ice dragon and ice mage; a perfect fit if you ask . In other words, Ill be training with Tasianna once Mother believes its ti to train .
Nishio and Misaki went to the mages guilds and archery field, respectively, for training. The Misfits mbers werent lazy either, as Kyouya and Tatsuya went out to the dungeon, and Asaka and Haruka went out to explore the city, while Daichi, well, I dunno what he was doing. I thought of him as a bootlicker, but it doesnt seem like he particularly likes at all. Every ti I tried to speak with him, he made up an excuse to leave.
I could understand Asaka and Saori not getting along. They have a bad history together, but what did I do to Daichi? Considering we will be travelling to Estralia together, it doesnt seem like we will get along too well. Hopefully, it wont cause any problems.
Mhmmmm! I stood up from my lounger and stretched. Im going to give Ellaine a visit. Do you want to co too, Saori?
I am fine, Hestia. After all that politicking, I just want to turn into mush and pudding, she said before summoning Uno, Song, Shoyi, and Rajah. While her garms laid down on the grass to enjoy the sun, she placed Shoyi on her chest. Ahhh, everybody, lets enjoy our break for now~
Wow. Then again, shes been working for a whole month pretty much everyday. She deserves this.
With Rajah following , the both of us entered the Helvas mansion. Svena welcod us inside and took the smoothie glass I had from .
Rajah sure is very obedient. Even Saoris garms can be rough when they dislike doing sothing, Svena began small talk, complinting how much of a perfect virigress Rajah was.
Hmm, that is true. The garms usually fight amongst themselves when Saori hands them sothing good to eat. They will always fight for the best pieces.
The garms had a weird dynamic. They were extrely faithful and obedient towards Saori, while showing respect and interest towards the rest of us. They were good wolves, you can say. A bunch of good boys and girls The only problem was they were constantly fighting amongst themselves who was the best.
Like a bunch of siblings, neither could accept the other as the Beta, the secondary leader after Saori, who was their alpha. At first, I thought Uno was the Beta, but after I asked Saori about it, they thought of no one but themselves as the beta. To Saori, Uno was her beta due to how much more responsibilities he was willing to take, but the rest werent as receptive.
Outside of battle or washing them, I didnt spend as much ti with them as I wanted to. I should. They were part of the party. Just like Rajah and his family.
Rajah, when did you learn how to be like this? I asked my virigress, who seed to have learned so common tongue words.
[I. See Master speak with Saori. I copy. Goddess grant power. I believe. Good.]
From what I could clue together from his broken common, I understood that Rajah copied everything he could when he was still with in Belzac. Unlike his siblings who grew up as normal virigress, Rajah learned [Telepathy] after his first evolution, and used this chance to develop himself ntally.
Seeing as the entire virigress family received Aurenas protection after they went their ways, they pretty much abused the experience boost it gave to level up. It wasnt as powerful as mine with Kargryxmors blessing, but still good enough that they could level up faster. Rajah believed he should be acting more regal, like the heroine who saved his life back in the forest , in other words.
Was I really that regal back then? I guess I had my [Princess] title even back then, but I wasnt even trying to act at all pompous and shit. Well, whatever, it didnt matter too much. I was just happy to see Rajah developing himself.
However, there was still one question I hadnt asked him yet.
Why did you want to co back, Rajah?
When he left , Rajah chose his family over , and I was perfectly fine with it. If you have a family, you shouldnt abandon them so easily if you love them. I greatly admired Rajahs choice. I was a bit sad when we had to say goodbye, however, Rajahs happiness was more important.
Which is why I was surprised when he ca back with Tamae and the others. Why did he bring his family with him? What caused him to leave the forest?
[Ho. Changed. Gruu? Word, not know to say.] It was obvious now that I had to help him with his words. He hasnt mastered common yet.
Hey, good morning, my little aunt! As we were walking through the hallway, Yorshka appeared from a corner. Oh, and good morning to you, Svena and Rajah. Hope I wasnt disturbing anything.
Yorshka wasnt in her armor nor her casual clothing, but in a yukata with scales floating around it. Her silvery hair was tied into a bun, making her look like a stereotypical traditional Japanese housewife.
Due to the Revolution Queen, Japanese stuff had spread to Loatryx, so seeing a dragonewt in a kimono or yukata wasnt weird. It was just a bit surprising to see her having her yukata with her.
A yukata? I questioned.
Oh, oh right, I picked it up when I visited my husband and Priscilla in Firwood. I an, since its Earthen inspired and so on, I thought, why not, right? Lets fit in with you guys, haha, Yorshka released so of her silver powder to make it seem like she was glistening, reminding of what Mother said about dragonkins liking to show off their control of scales. Anyways, what are you up to? Visiting Ellaine?
I nodded to her question, but then figured I could probably ask Yorshka about Rajahs situation. She picked him up with his family. Maybe she knew why Rajah wanted to co with us. When I asked her about it, she picked Rajah up and asked him a question.
More monsters and competition, right? Rajah nodded in response. Yorshka placed him down and began explaining to . You know, I heard from Muraina you were one of the reasons for the recent large monster spawning recently. It even hit Cedaraille, so hunters have been working well.
My fight with Astalos the wyvern caused so serious problems after we defeated him. Mostly, we forgot to drain the mana from the area, resulting in a high concentration which caused a lot of monsters to spawn from it.
Yorshka rembered how I explained how we escaped the Belzac forest, about how Astalos was escorting us only for an entourage of grimgarians to ambush us. Astalos used the level six lightning spell [Ramuh] to destroy them, allowing us to escape in the chaos. Yorshka believed this was the reason for a general increase of monsters.
There have been no reports of an ecosystem-altering monster, but I do think the forest might be more populated. In any case, Rajah might have wanted to flee the area, and he might have thought staying with you would be better. He felt your [Hestias Retainer] on Tamae and the other kids, so he knew we knew you.
I picked up Rajah and gave him a large hug. Dont worry, once were back on the road, I promise well do so training, alright? Well get stronger together, Rajah!
[Rajah. Make Master happy!]
To rest, Yorshka told to not train in my week of preparation for the eting. Now that it was over, all I needed to do was to enjoy my break day and get back into it. I needed to get stronger. I would not allow another friend to die like Eshe. I will protect my happiness, and I will prevent that damn demonkins plans for endangering my enjoynt of life any further.
Yorshka then asked if I could open up a portal for her to visit Mother, knowing Tamae should have brought the RV down to the lower city by now. I did so and Yorshka was back in the subspace. With Rajah and Svena, I walked to Ellaines room.
Ah, Hestia, good morning! Ellaine greeted , standing up from her desk to embrace .
Once we let go of each other, I noticed her armor was placed on a mannequin right next to her closet. I couldnt detect any damage to it.
Oh, did Grimnir finish the repairs already? I wondered, to which Ellaine confird my question.
Yes, but it took quite a bit for him to do so. Its mostly because Francescas transformation caused so internal damage to it. Otherwise, the armor managed to protect her body from getting crushed from the ruins but not her head.
Ellaines armor was stolen from her by the Chezaic twins during her scuffle with Charleslyt. Francesca, the elder twin, wore it to taunt Ellaine and used it to fight against her. Ellaine managed to defeat them by causing the whole house she was trapped in to collapse, crushing everybody aside from her, Jonathan, and Alia.
The young lords and ladies who died on that day were all traitors, all willing to help Charleslyt in his pursuit to overthrow his father, so there was no reason to pity them. All of them even accepted the demon tonic Charleslyt gave them. Francesca and Iracela, the two twins, seemingly even attained a form similar to Ellaines demonic assimilation form, so they were already kind of a lost cause.
Thankfully, Ellaines armor survived all of that. Speaks of the quality of Grimnirs craft.
However, Master Grimnir decided he had to reforge it one day, seeing as how it was damaged from internal transformation. With my cooperation with Klea, that has to be solved. Ellaine shrugged, telling to sit down.
Josine, Ellaines maid, and Svena already knew about KleaHatma, as Ellaine decided it would be better to trust them with it, seeing as they were trusted attendants. Josine was Ellaines maid since childhood and Svena was slowly taking on more responsibilities due to her decision to continue serving . She was even the head waitress for our restaurant now due to her hard work.
Once we sat down, Josine and Svena went out to prepare tea for us, allowing us to talk freely with KleaHatma. KleaHatma.
[Mhmm, I had a feeling you wanted to talk with , dearie. So long since we last spoke, so you naturally would want more of ~]
However, contrary to KleaHatmas more carefree tone, Ellaine had a wry smile. She knew what was about to co. Hestia this is about my future with Klea, right? About what happened during the fight?
Yeah Im sorry. I just- When I heard from Saori how you looked in that demonic assimilation form, I felt a bit apprehensive of it. A bit scared. That you might be lost to us, and that KleaHatma is controlling you right now. Youve also changed a bit, Ellaine, I told her without holding back anything, and Ellaine nodded in acceptance.
I can understand what you an, Hestia. I guess with all these demonic monts we had in our adventure, its natural to be more wary with anything concerning demonkins or demons. However, from the looks of it, [OklLuthiers Power] seed to be a good backup plan against Klea possibly rebelling.
Ellaine had told that when she was decapitated by Charleslyt, she t a fignt of Aurena in [OkLuthiers Power] where she was lectured by her about KleaHatma. She was able to subjugate the demon if she wished, but Ellaine, out of the goodness of her heart, declined and decided to make this symbiosis work.
The issue was that this Aurena warned Ellaine to not be careless. KleaHatma might have found this gesture touching, but a demon of lust wouldnt idle for too long. One day, it might bite us in the butt. Prevention is the best cure, but I also respected Ellaines decision. I want to talk to her and get my own opinion on the situation.
I presu you understand what lust in the context of a demon of lust ans, right? The actual aning? Ellaine asked.
I nodded. Yes, lust doesnt just an sexual desires, but desires in general. A desire to find new experiences as the old ones die out. You quench your thirst in excess, before throwing things away like a broken toy in boredom. That is what I understood from my interactions with her. Am I right?
[Spot on, honey.] KleaHatma sent a thumbs up to telepathically. [Sexual pleasure is, of course, the most distinguishable desire attached to the definition of lust. Sexual strive is as natural to life as eating. However, I personally consider it primitive thinking. Lust is so much more. The strive for perfection, the desire to break free from monotony, the eagerness to change ones life. Just like Ellaine. Her lust for happiness is a good example, and can be used to explain so of the problems in her life. Not all, mind you.]
Even Brother had his phase where he was envious of my developnt. He wanted to train himself more, to the point we misinterpreted his wish to join Charleslyt. Nevertheless, his experience as an adventurer did bring us closer once again.
Isnt that just envy, though? I questioned, still confused on how these demons construe the seven deadly sins.
[Every emotion is affected by one or more sins, Hestia. Dont think of all of this so simply. Emotions are complex. Your wishes are difficult for others to completely understand. Your rage for sobody can trigger wrath, envy, and pride for example. Never think of us demons of sins as simple beings, Hestia, we will feast and trigger sins even by abusing the other emotions.]
Now that was sothing I could understand. Thinking of them as complicated as emotions might help create a better understanding of them. But that was why KleaHatma was making so damn nervous.
But, then, what is stopping you from betraying us one day, KleaHatma. Yes, you explained you are interested in Ellaine and us right now, but what about the future? I dont want you to harm Ellaine. I dont want to face another tragedy. I massaged my temples anxiously. I am thinking of taking your rings away if you cant persuade , Ellaine.
Urk. Ellaine clutched her hands together.
I dont want to impede your progress, but I also dont want to mourn for another friend like Eshe. Please, tell you can persuade , Ellaine.
Ellaine stayed silent for a mont, before answering with a wry smile on her face. All I can really tell you is to trust , Hestia. Just like before.
Ellaine. I scratched my head in exasperation.
[Well, that is the only answer she can give you, dear. The only proper answer without lying to you,] KleaHatma spoke to . [However, I can understand your feelings. Well, I literally can feel them, but that is beside the point. In any case, as a demon of lust, soone who has fully accepted the life of a hedonist, I am sothing like a wildcard. Aurena explained that to Ellaine in detail. I can change my opinions at any turn.]
Images of Ellaine speaking up for KleaHatma when she spoke to Aurenas fignt entered my mind. I could feel Ellaines and KleaHatmas feelings during this mont, all delivered to by the latter.
[Yes, I am grateful to Ellaine. Yes, I am currently enjoying my pseudo-life with all of you. Yes, learning so much about Earth and its culture tickles my lust for knowledge. Even your adventures intrigue .] But her cheery tone quickly changed. [But, I do admit I wish to have my body back. I am safer to you and Ellaine while inside these rings, but it also makes desire a new body. I can still lend Ellaine my powers through a demon contract, but it also opens up possible problems. Problems you are already thinking of, Hestia.]
Yes. You can betray us, I confronted her earnestness with my own. I know Aurena can stop you, but I dont think I want to rely on it perfectly. I think Aurena once said that gods arent omniscient, right? Well, that is why I have to be careful. Just like how she couldnt warn about Eshe in ti, I cant rely on her for everything.
Mother ntioned the Origin Gods will not allow the planet to be endangered by the demonkins and their Edjurl gods, but she didnt ntion our everyday life. The gods will not intervene if their blessed were to die. Eshes death is proof of that. As such, to ensure my own happiness, I needed to take things into my own hands.
[Hmm, that fire. A lust for happiness, just like Ellaines.]
Hestia, I understand your worry in all of this, but I also cannot just give up on this power. I dont think Klea is a good person, I can already imagine what she did when she first ca to Peolynca. But, I am still of the opinion that using her power to fight our enemies is the best way to use her. Fight fire with fire, Ellaine argued.
Then why did you not just subjugate her. Ta her. Break her. Do everything you can to suppress her urges? If you had done that, we could have one less random possibility. Didnt Aurena ntion that? I pointed out.
Because I do not believe that is what a knight should do, Hestia. And Ellaines answer was still out of the goodness of her heart. I personally do not believe that tornting an evildoer is true justice. I believe that is just a way to fulfill your sadistic side to attain closure. Charleslyt was a traitor, a traitor who deserved the highest punishnt available. However, once he had repaid his debt to the kingdom, he was given a quick and rciful death. There was no public fanfare. Nobody gloated at his deceased body. Afterward, his remains were handed to his brother, the current Duke Equevanna, to bury and mourn him in his way. To , that is justice.
She paused as she looked at her rings. Kleas debt to Peolynca is to aid us in the na of the Goddess. An enemy forced to work off her debt. To , this is the appropriate punishnt for Klea in our current age. What will happen afterward? I will not know, but that is for the future to decide.
[I am an archdemon in strength, Hestia. A demi-god, but I must still follow the rules given to by the Edjurl gods. Contracts are to be followed, I told her such. For that reason, Ellaine wanted to form a contract with to hold on a tighter leash, but, you know, dont make contracts willy-nilly with a demon. It wont end well, dear]
For that reason, KleaHatma didnt form a contract with Ellaine at the end. They were still going around in a symbiotic relationship without any real connection between each other aside from [OklLuthiers Power]. The demon ntioned she didnt want to abuse Ellaines goodwill and drag her into an unfavorable contract.
[If you cannot trust in , there are two paths forward for the both of us a contract which binds us in a mutual, but eventually parasitic, relationship, or we go down the subjugation route, dear. The latter option will have Ellaine dominate and suppress my free will, turning into just another source of power. A slave. You will need to prepare her, in this case. Help her beco strong enough to defeat my willpower, and then, you may do whatever you wish with .]
You make it sound like we are the bad guys in this, KleaHatma, I said, noting how she worded everything.
[Evil and good are subjective. If you ask , this is not evil, this is the natural course of life. I do want to keep my free will, but even I understand that I have lived for a very long ti already. A hedonist hates endings, but realistically, it cannot be warded off forever,] KleaHatma stayed real with . [However, if you want to keep under control through less bad guy tactics, just give enough stuff to enjoy. Endless streams of stimuli, so much that I cannot digest them before your Quest is over, and I will stay with you forever~ My little darlings~]
Oh, goodness gracious, I shook my head. You know, Ellaine, this is exactly like when we first t KleaHatma. Grrrr, it was so infuriating to listen to how much you wanted to use KleaHatma! Even now, you defend your right to use her! Fuck this!
I stood up and grabbed Ellaines arm, pulling her up.
H-Hestia, what is wrong?!
Fick dich! Und fick dich ins Knie, KleaHatma! Both of you are turning into that worrywart Saori! No, Saori has dialed her cautiousness down for us, I am turning into her previous self! All I want is just fewer risks! Less stress! Pulling Ellaine, I opened up the door, where I saw Josine and Svena pushing a tray table. Im sorry you two, but there will be no ti for tea. Please, get Ellaine ready for an outing.
Wait, what? Ellaine exclaid in surprise.
As I said, fick dich! But I took a deep breath. Ill trust you and KleaHatma, alright? Ill make sure to keep us on the good guy route for now, but the mont that bitch even shows a hint of betraying us, you will have to take responsibility, Ellaine! This is not a joke, alright?
Y-Yes! I understand, Hestia! I will not fail you!
This girl is so infuriating sotis! Now I understand what her mother thought of her rebelliousness!
After Josine and Svena helped Ellaine in walkable clothing, I grabbed Rajah and dashed outside. Locating Saori, I pulled her up from her lounger and told her we were going to the rchant district.
Were going shopping! Were spending ti together as party mbers! No more slacking off! I announced.
Wha-What?! Hold on, what is this for?! What exactly are we buying? Saori questioned in a fluster.
I dont know. I dont care. Were window shopping if we have to. Lets just go and enjoy ourselves, dammit!
Hahaha, Ellaine laughed nervously. I apologize for this, Saori. This is my fault.
What did you do to our Hestia, Ellaine?!
Friends were supposed to trust friends. KleaHatma was undoubtedly evil, but Ellaines justice wasnt to do evil for goods sake. Her moral compass was far whiter than mine, and that was sothing I could respect.
Still, there had to be sothing we could do to ensure KleaHatmas allegiance to us. Until then, we had to keep a lookout for it for Ellaines sake. She knew the risks and she still held onto it for the ability to keep Aurora strong. I will trust her. At the sa ti, she had a responsibility to find a way to make KleaHatma trustworthy.
But until then, I needed to get rid of this irritation. It was ti to bond.
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