Back at the Hestia Familia base. Our warm and recently renovated church.
I walked through the gates with Tia and was instantly bombarded by hugs.
"Mister Bell!" Emma clung to my shirt. "Are you okay?"
"Daddy!"
"Papa!"
Fina and Bella ran up too, hugging me next.
"Is everything okay, Mister Kranel?" Silva ran up next, her light pink hair shifting as she did.
I looked over and saw the rest of our new familia coming too. Iris, Oriana, Primo, and Karen.
I smiled and said, "I'm fine. Everything's fine, girls."
Tia nodded. "It'll be alright. But none of you are hurt, right?" She quickly went around to check everyone.
I laughed and said, "Like I said, Tia, everyone's fine. No need to play mother hen."
Tia huffed and said, "Well, I can't help but worry, you know?" She carefully patted Primo down and then started checking in on the other new members.
I smiled, especially at seeing everyone relax with Tia's presence.
At that time, I felt a tug on my shirt.
Bella looked up and said, "Papa. Are we going to go to war now?"
Bella's words were soft. But with them, everyone became quiet.
I patted her head and said, "You're smart just like your mother, aren't you, Bella?"
Bella ignored my words and simply said, "Are we?"
I stared at her and then slowly nodded. "We are."
At that time, Welf walked over from the back, holding Pyrrha in his arms. "What's this about a war, Bell?" He frowned. "No, what happened in the first place? I heard the explosion, but..."
"Well..." I looked at everyone and said, "I suppose this is a good time to start as any. As the Hestia Familia captain, it's time to talk about the future." I nodded and said, "Let's talk inside and we'll sort this out."
===
The main hall of the church. In the past, it was undoubtedly used for prayer, no doubt filled with rows of chairs for mass.
But right now, it had been converted into a meeting room, with a long table and various chairs.
I sat at the head, with Tia on my right, and both Bella and Fina on my left.
Welf was next to Tia, holding Pyrrha on his lap. Across from him was Ryuu and Artemis.
And then, seated across from each other after Artemis and Welf were Emma, Iris, Silva, Oriana, Primo, and Karen.
I looked at them all and said, "I'm sure you all heard the commotion from earlier. Although I managed to stop it in time, it's important to understand what happened."
Ryuu nodded and said, "I had heard someone shouting about Lord Apollo... but then there was just the sound of flames before they were forcibly suppressed. What happened, Bell?"
"Well." I hummed, wondering if I should sugarcoat it. But then I realized that everyone here, for better or worse, were far from naive... except for our baby girls, of course.
Hm. Okay, maybe a little sugarcoating.
"To put it lightly... some idiots took a Crozzo magic sword and thought that it'd be a good idea waving it around as a threat."
Welf slammed his fist on the table and said, "What? A Crozzo magic sword...?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Not yours though." I laughed. "It was such a shi-"
Tia cleared her throat.
"...Shoddy quality that it crumbled the moment I touched it."
Welf sighed. "Even so... to think that my family's ability was used against us..."
Pyrrha frowned. "Papa?"
Welf shook his head. "It's fine, Pyrrha." He smiled and patted Pyrrha's head. "We'll make sure our creations never do that."
At that time, Ryuu spoke up. "Wait. Then..." She narrowed her eyes. "Was this an attack on us?"
Pyrrha blinked and then nodded, looking determined. "Okay, Papa."
I sighed. "It was. And probably to take either Fina, Bella, or Pyrrha." I paused. "...Or maybe our newest members. From what I hear, Apollo is fond of beauty, and... well."
Our new familia members were young, but they were also undoubtedly beautiful. If not, they wouldn't have been targeted in the first place and ended up as Terry's 'toys.'
Tia's eyes narrowed. "That pervert never changed. Even in Heaven...!" For a split second, her black hair flashed red.
Fina's eyes widened and she quickly dashed over to hug Tia. "Mommy, no!"
Tia froze and then let out a long sigh. She smiled and hugged Fina back. "Thanks, Sweetie. And Mommy's okay."
'Good job, Fina!'
Our little princess was really an expert at mediating... Just like her mother.
But anyway...
I looked out at the rest of our familia.
The new girls were all quiet, lost in thought. No doubt due to the fact that they were still adjusting to their new home.
But Artemis looked like she had something to say. And when I caught her gaze, she spoke up.
"Bell. We will not let this go, will we?" Her green eyes sharpened and she said, "They attempted to harm our family. To take what is ours. We will not just let them be... will we?"
I let out a sharp grin. "Of course not. It seems like Orario has been underestimating our familia since we're new... so it's about time we show them what the Hestia familia can really do, isn't it?"
At that time, Iris hesitantly raised her hand. "Um... Mister Bell."
I nodded and said, "You don't need to raise your hand, Iris. But go ahead."
Iris nodded and said, "I don't want to overstep, but..." She hesitated and looked at the other girls. "Going to war with another Familia... I don't think we're prepared..."
"Oh." I smiled. "I completely agree."
Iris blinked. "Then...?"
"You aren't going to war." I looked at all the girls and said, "You're all still recovering and getting used to peace again. I wouldn't put this on any of you."
At that time, Welf paused and said, "Wait." He looked like he suddenly realized something and glanced over. "Bro... Why does it sound like you plan on doing this by yourself?"
"Because I am."
Silence fell over the room.
And then chaos unfolded.
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Tia.
"No, Daddy!" Fina.
"Papa, no! It's dangerous!" Bella.
"At least bring me as well, Bell. Do not be foolish." Ryuu.
"Yes. Allow me to help. Let me protect my family properly this time." Artemis.
"No way in hell, Bro! I mean, I know you're incredible, but this is against a whole familia!" Welf.
"Yes, Uncle Bell! This is dangerous!" Pyrrha.
I sighed and said, "I know it's dangerous. But. This is the best option." I looked at everyone and said, "You know it, right? Our strength as a familia is concentrated in three things right now. The first is me. The second is Ryuu. And the third is Welf and his ability as a blacksmith. But everyone else is vulnerable."
The new girls started to shift in place.
Primo lowered her head, looking guilty.
Oriana clenched her fists, looking upset.
Karen looked to the side, ashamed.
Silva pursed her lips.
Emma frowned.
And Iris sighed.
But it was true.
Out of everyone in our familia, our new girls were liabilities.
After all, while I might worry about Fina and Bella... I knew for a fact that they were pretty much untouchable.
But our new familia members didn't have the luxury of being half-goddess. And they'd already run into trouble before. So...
"That's why I'll be the distraction."
Tia blinked and said, "Distraction? What do you mean, Bell?"
I smiled. "Well..." I laughed and said, "Is it wrong to carry my family to greater heights?"