Syr meets Hestia

Chapter 332 - Syr meets Hestia

"Freya's charm has no effect on Mahiro," Hestia declared, clinging tightly to his arm, a hint of guilt in her voice. "Without her biggest weapon, I'm not scared of her."

"I hope your confidence matches your bravado," Hephaestus said, rolling her eyes, sensing Hestia's underlying unease.

It was no secret: any child targeted by Freya was as good as gone. 

Her allure, backed by the might of Orario's top-tier Freya Familia, left other gods powerless.

They could only watch as their adventurers were swayed away.

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving you," Mahiro said, smiling as he patted Hestia's head, banishing her doubts. 

Her guilty look gave way to a triumphant grin.

Hestia tilted her head, basking in his reassurance, while Hephaestus and Demeter exchanged exasperated glances.

"Still, Hestia, stay vigilant. Freya doesn't give up easily," Demeter cautioned.

Hephaestus nodded. "By revealing Mahiro's status, you've stirred up trouble, but it's bought some time. Freya won't act recklessly while he's in the spotlight."

"How long she'll hold back is another question," she added.

Snatching talented members between Familia was common, often done through underhanded means. 

Freya typically relied on her charm to lure adventurers, but with that failing, she might resort to force. 

Mahiro's current prominence made overt moves risky for now.

"Have you met Freya before, Mahiro?" Hestia asked, curiosity piqued by Freya's earlier words and her unexpected aid at the Denatus.

"Yeah," Mahiro admitted with a nod. Not only had he met her, but their encounters predated Hestia's, with a few playful exchanges thrown in.

"No wonder!" Hestia frowned. "She's been scheming from the start."

"You won't have quiet days ahead," Hephaestus warned.

"As long as Mahiro's with me, I don't care," Hestia said, unfazed.

"Since so many want Mahiro, I could ease Freya's pressure," Demeter teased, winking at him.

"Count me in. One more won't hurt," Hephaestus added jokingly, glancing at Mahiro's free arms. 

She hesitated, her restraint winning out.

"You two traitors, keep your hands off Mahiro!" Hestia yelped, indignant.

The afternoon slipped by swiftly.

As the setting sun painted Orario's sky crimson, Hephaestus and Demeter departed, leaving Mahiro and Hestia to wander the city after evading the goddesses' pursuit. 

They headed toward their Familia's residence.

"Those gods haven't given up," Mahiro said, bemused.

Nearing their base, he spotted several goddesses lingering nearby, now joined by male gods.

Unable to find them earlier, they'd opted to stake out the area.

"They're relentless, still here after hours," Hestia said, exasperated.

Returning now would mean another divine ambush.

"Tired, Hestia?" Mahiro asked.

"Nope! I'm always energized with you," she replied, beaming. Carried most of the way, she'd barely expended effort.

"Let's keep strolling, then," Mahiro said, taking her hand and veering away.

The gods could wait.

Orario's night market, though less vibrant than modern cities, buzzed with life. 

Despite her divine status, Hestia retained her spark. 

With most gods abandoning their chase—save for the stubborn few at the residence—she relaxed, dragging Mahiro through the stalls with glee.

"We're back here?" Mahiro said, his mouth twitching as they stopped before a familiar tavern.

The Hostess of Fertility radiated warmth, its lively chatter and wine's aroma spilling out. 

Before he could turn away, a figure darted from the entrance, bypassing Hestia to seize Mahiro's arm. 

She gazed up at him, eyes brimming with longing. 

"Mahiro, I've missed you so much!"

"Long time no see, Syr," Mahiro said, smiling.

They'd met just that afternoon, but he kept that to himself. Syr's knack for flirtation was undeniable. 

Even knowing her true identity, her words and cute look stirred a flutter in his chest.

"Hey, what's this? Let go of Mahiro!" Hestia bristled, crossing her arms like a protective kitten.

"This must be Goddess Hestia, yes?" Syr said, still clutching Mahiro's arm, her tone courteous. 

"First meeting. I'm Syr, a worker at this tavern. Nice to meet you."

---

Read 20 Chapters In Advance:

patreon.com/heavenlydawn