— Do I look pretty like this? Does he like hair up or down? Maybe I should touch up my makeup? What if he… — Hestia began, her voice filled with anxiety as she adjusted the blue ribbon that highlighted her figure.
— Calm down, Hestia. This is just a recruitnt, not a blind date. — Hephaestus replied, arms crossed as she walked beside her friend. Her tone was practical, almost indifferent, but with a faint hint of concern behind it.
Hestia turned to her, puffing her cheeks like a pouting child.
— But this is the first child to show interest in since I arrived in Genkai! I can't let this chance slip by, Hephaestus. This is really important! — Her voice was almost a lant, reflecting the blend of hope and nervousness that clung to her.
Eina, walking ahead of the two, glanced over her shoulder with a reassuring smile.
— Lady Hestia, you're worrying too much. — Her voice was calm and professional, but carried a soft kindness, as if trying to ease the goddess's worries. — I t the young man today, and honestly, he doesn't seem like soone who cares about those things... And, if it helps, I must say you look very lovely in that dress.
Hestia stopped for a mont, placing her hands on her hips with a theatrical sigh.
— Really? — she asked, her tone shifting to sothing more playful, though it was clear she expected sincerity in the answer.
— Very much so. — Eina confird with a smile before adding: — Now, shall we go? We don't want to keep him waiting.
The three continued their path through the grand corridors of Babel Tower. The magnificent and imposing architecture was a constant reminder of the power and wealth flowing through the city. Yet, the presence of the three won drew as much attention as the tower itself. Passersby and adventurers cast curious and admiring glances, unable to ignore the unusual trio.
Leading the group was Eina Tulle, a receptionist of the Guild, known for her simple beauty and impeccable posture. Her uniform accentuated her elegant figure, but her presence was mostly marked by professionalism and kindness.
Behind her, Hephaestus walked with the confidence of soone used to being the center of attention. Her slightly tousled red hair contrasted with her masculine-styled clothing — fitted pants and a stylish blazer. The eyepatch covering one eye only added to her unique charm, giving her an air of strength and mystery.
Lastly ca Hestia, a petite goddess with a striking presence. Her dark hair was delicately tied, and the white dress she wore, adorned with the blue ribbon, emphasized her cute and graceful appearance. Despite her small stature, her generous physical attributes made her stand out wherever she went.
As they walked, Hephaestus gave Hestia a discreet glance, clearly concerned about her emotional state. She knew how desperate Hestia was to form a Familia and feared that, in her eagerness, the goddess might recruit soone unworthy just to fill the void she felt.
— You know, Hestia... — Hephaestus began, breaking the montary silence. — Just because soone showed interest doesn't an you have to accept them without question. Don't let the pressure blind you. You deserve a follower who truly trusts and respects you. That's not sothing to rush.
Hestia sighed, clutching the blue ribbon on her dress as if the weight of her friend's words were physically heavy.
— I know, Hephaestus. But… you don't know what it's like. Seeing all the other Familias grow, gaining followers, while I… fall behind. — There was a palpable sadness in her voice. — I don't want to be forgotten.
Eina, who had been quietly listening, turned and stopped for a mont, looking at Hestia with a gentle gaze.
— Lady Hestia, no one is going to forget you. — Her voice was firm yet full of compassion. — You have a lot to offer. You just need to give it ti.
Eina's words seed to touch Hestia, who looked away, clearly emotional but trying not to let it show too much.
— Maybe you're right... — she murmured, then raised her head and forced a smile. — But that doesn't an I won't give it my all today!
Hephaestus rolled her eyes with a small smile, while Eina simply nodded, satisfied with Hestia's renewed determination. They resud their path, now closer to the room where the boy awaited.
To Hestia, this mont felt like the beginning of sothing big. Perhaps, finally, the start of the Familia she longed for.
After a short walk, the three stopped before a simple yet sturdy door, the only thing separating Hestia from the child waiting for the interview. The air felt heavier now, thick with expectation.
Eina, ever professional, took position in front and placed a hand on the doorknob, turning to face Hestia.
— Are you ready, Lady Hestia? — Eina asked with an encouraging smile, her voice as calm as ever.
Hestia, however, seed on the verge of a breakdown.
— N-no, I… oh, I'm so nervous! What if he doesn't like ? What if I say sothing wrong? Or worse, what if he thinks I'm ridiculous?! — She started to hyperventilate, waving her hands frantically in an attempt to calm down.
Hephaestus sighed, crossing her arms as she watched her friend with a mix of exasperation and fondness.
— Hestia, deep breaths. Panicking now won't help. I've got a good feeling about today. — Her voice was firm but unusually gentle.
— But what if he—
— Quiet. — Hephaestus cut her off bluntly, her expression serious. — Just breathe in… and out. Co on. One, two...
Hestia blinked, surprised, but obeyed.
— Inhale… exhale… inhale… exhale… — she murmured, following the instructions. Gradually, her breathing slowed and her color returned.
Hephaestus tilted her head, assessing her.
— Feeling better now?
— Yes... — Hestia nodded shyly, though she still looked a bit unsure.
— Good. — Without another word, Hephaestus grabbed Hestia's hand and pulled her toward the door before she could hesitate again.
— Wait, not so fast! I'm not ready—! — Hestia protested, but her voice was cut off as the door creaked open.
The room beyond was simple, with a wooden table at the center and a young man seated, waiting. His curious, attentive gaze imdiately turned toward the entering trio, studying them with a serene expression.
Hestia froze — not from nerves, but sheer surprise at the sight before her.
He was a young elf, but sothing about his presence felt otherworldly. His golden, shimring hair caught and reflected the ambient light like pure gold, glowing softly with each movent. His equally golden eyes were hypnotic, shining like precious jewels, as if hiding a deep, indescribable secret.
Despite his nearly divine beauty, he wore simple, practical clothes typical of daily life in Orario: a beige shirt with a brown vest over it, linen pants, and worn but well-kept boots. Everything about him struck a balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary — as though he tried to blend in, but couldn't fully hide the glow that set him apart.
For a mont, Hestia forgot all her anxiety, lost in the sight before her.
— He's... beautiful... — she murmured without thinking, her voice so low only Hephaestus heard, which made the red-haired goddess smirk.
The boy, unaware of the impact he had, gave a polite nod, his bright green eyes patiently waiting for soone to speak.
Hestia, still a bit dazed, realized it was her cue. Feeling Hephaestus gently nudge her shoulder, she gathered herself, taking a deep breath.
'I have to bring him into my Familia no matter what!' — she decided firmly, her hands curling into determined fists.
Just like n are naturally drawn to beautiful won, a woman can also be captivated by a striking man — especially soone like this elf, whose divine appearance made Hestia's heart beat a little faster.
For months, she had dread of building her own Familia, of finding soone who would look at her with the sa affection and loyalty other gods received from their children. And now, in front of her, stood the chance she had been waiting for.
More than just a desire to form a Familia, sothing new stirred within her: the idea of having that young man by her side, seeing that charming face every day, was simply irresistible.
Her mind raced with thoughts and possibilities. 'No matter what it takes, if he's willing to join my Familia, I'll do everything I can to make it happen!'
She clutched the blue ribbon under her chest like a lucky charm and stepped forward, her eyes glowing with determination.
— T-thank you for coming. I'm the goddess Hestia, and I hope we can talk about the future of your… our… relationship! — she said with exaggerated energy, only to stutter at the end as she felt Hephaestus's curious stare on her back.
The elf raised an eyebrow, clearly confused by her choice of words, but kept his polite and respectful smile.
Hestia, however, was dying inside. Internally, her brain crashed.
'You idiot! What must he be thinking now?!' — she scread at herself while trying to keep composure. Her cheeks began to flush, but she forced herself not to show more nerves.
Hephaestus crossed her arms, trying not to laugh, while Eina watched silently, baffled by the direction things had taken.
To everyone's surprise, the boy tilted his head slightly, seeming to process Hestia's words, then scratched his neck with an awkward smile.
— (Sorry, I can't understand you.)
Silence fell over the room. What began as a nervous eting had now turned into sothing completely bewildering.
User Comments
0 comments from readers