Hestia said this with a hint of sadness, her voice cracking.
She didn't understand her feelings. Though Arthas was her Familia member, they'd only known each other for four days.
Perhaps because she'd been alone for so long, Hestia, who needed no one, suddenly had someone who needed her, a family member she could rely on.
And in just four days, her family member was captivated by another woman… this was unbearable!
"It's normal for Arthas to like someone, but you and Riveria Ljos Alf are impossible. You're from different Familias; you can't be together. Loki, you should know this better than I do."
Hestia said this, and Loki paused, narrowing her eyes.
"That's true. I wouldn't let my Familia members date others. But if you join our Familia, there's no problem."
Loki said this meaningfully, then patted Arthas's shoulder as Hestia's eyes widened.
"What do you think? It's an invitation from the Goddess of the strongest Familia in Orario. Interested? Joining us makes things legitimate with Riveria Ljos Alf; you can even live together."
"Goddess-sama, please! You haven't considered my opinion! And this… poaching…"
Riveria Ljos Alf said helplessly. Recruiting talented young people wasn't unusual, but doing so in front of their Goddess was inappropriate. She knew Loki was just provoking Hestia.
Loki's plan was successful. Hestia, nervously clutching Arthas's hand, was afraid he'd leave her to join the Loki Familia.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't abandon Hestia. Hestia is my important family."
As Hestia panicked, Arthas's gentle voice calmed her. Feeling his hand on her head, she almost cried.
"That's right, Arthas wouldn't abandon me because of another girl. So, Loki, don't even think about it. Arthas isn't like those low-level adventurers!"
Hestia's anxiety was understandable. Adventurers abandoning their Gods to join other Familias existed. People sought better opportunities.
The Loki Familia, Orario's strongest, offered resources and guidance, alongside the Sword Princess and the Nine. They would eventually find partners; fellow Loki Familia members would be the only option.
The Hephaestus Familia, with its renowned craftsmanship, offered powerful weapons and equipment, crucial for survival in the Dungeon.
Compared to these powerful Familias, Hestia was a neglected Goddess, living in poverty. She'd been rejected for lacking fame. This explained her anxiety towards Loki's words.
"Don't stare at me like that. Do you think I'd poach him? I was just testing him."
Loki, uncomfortable under Hestia's gaze, looked away.
"But Hestia, you found a good one. If I'd found him first, my Familia would have a promising recruit, and Riveria Ljos Alf's future would be settled."
"Of course, my Familia is the best in Orario!"
Goddess-sama, stop joking. Let's get to the point.
Riveria Ljos Alf sighed, urging Loki to proceed.
Bete's frostbite was serious; delayed treatment could cause complications.
"Oh, right, I almost forgot. Hestia, your Familia attacked my member; you need to explain!"
Loki said suddenly, and Hestia stared at Arthas in surprise.
He was a Level 1 adventurer; how could he attack a Loki Familia elite?
"What happened? What did Arthas do?"
"Let me explain,"
Riveria Ljos Alf said, explaining the tavern incident to Hestia.
"Hmm… I think Arthas did well. That foul-mouthed guy deserved it. But your people aren't good either. A Level 5 acting so uncivilized, and unable to move after being hit by my Arthas."
"I'll punish Bete, but first, have your member remove the ice, or he won't last long. It's frost comparable to Freya's power. Even I was shocked."
"Even if it's frost, why did you come to us? And Freya's not in Orario anymore, right? Why are you looking at me like that? Don't tell me your member was frozen by my Arthas."
Hestia tilted her head, and Loki nodded.
"Yes, everything points to your Arthas."
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