Chapter 9: The Blue Ribbon Goddess

Kenji walked down the bustling streets of Orario, his mind focused.

His first objective was to join a Familia—not for loyalty, but for the Blessing of the Gods.

Without it, he couldn't level up—no matter how many monsters he killed.

As he neared the Adventurer's Guild, he overheard a voice.

A girl's voice.

"Damn it, Hephaestus! Kicking my friend out is one thing, but threatening to kick me out too?!"

"I need to find someone—anyone! If I don't get a Familia member soon, I'll be homeless!"

Kenji blinked.

A small figure walked toward him, looking around in a panic.

A petite girl, barely five feet tall, with black twin-tails tied by a blue ribbon.

Kenji's eyes widened slightly.

"Wait… isn't that—?"

---

Before Kenji could react—

BAM!

The girl slammed into him, bouncing backward and falling onto the pavement.

"Owwww!"

Kenji winced. "You okay?"

He offered his hand, pulling her up.

The girl rubbed her sore backside, pouting.

Then—her deep blue eyes locked onto him.

"You said you were heading to the Adventurer's Guild?"

Her demeanor instantly changed.

She grabbed his hands, her eyes shining with desperation.

"Are you new here? Are you looking for a Familia?!"

Kenji blinked. "Uh… yeah?"

Her entire face lit up.

"YES! YOU'RE A GIFT FROM THE HEAVENS!"

She took a deep breath—then suddenly bowed.

"Join my Familia!"

Kenji froze.

He stared at her.

The blue ribbon, the twin-tails, the childlike height—

Everything clicked.

"…Hestia?"

She perked up. "Oh! You know me?"

Kenji exhaled.

Of all the gods in Orario—he had stumbled right into her.

---

Kenji thought about it.

In this world, Familia were a big deal.

A strong Familia meant resources, protection, and allies.

A weak Familia meant… well, struggling just to survive.

Hestia's Familia was one of the weakest—or rather, it didn't even exist yet.

But—

She wasn't a bad choice.

Her Blessing would still let him level up. And unlike other gods, she wouldn't try to control him.

Kenji shrugged.

"Sure. I'll join."

---

Hestia froze.

Her eyes widened—her mouth slightly open.

"…Really?"

Kenji smirked. "Yeah. Why not?"

For a moment, she looked like she couldn't believe it.

Then—

"YESSSSS!"

She jumped in excitement, grabbing his hands again.

"You're my first child! I'm finally not alone!"

Kenji chuckled. "Nice to meet you, Lady Hestia."

She puffed out her cheeks. "No need for 'Lady'! You can just call me Hestia!"

She paused.

Then—her eyes gleamed mischievously.

"Actually… since you're my first Familia member… I'll give you a special privilege!"

Kenji raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

She pointed at him dramatically.

"You may call me… Hestia-sama!"

Kenji deadpanned.

"…I think I'll just stick to Hestia."

Hestia pouted.

"Tch. Worth a shot."

Then—she grabbed his wrist.

"Alright! No time to waste! Let's do the ritual!"

Before Kenji could respond—she yanked him forward.

"H-Hey! Slow down!"

"No! If I slow down, you might run away!"

Kenji sighed. "You think I'd ditch you already?"

Hestia narrowed her eyes. "You're suspiciously cooperative."

Kenji smirked. "Let's just say I have my reasons."

She huffed.

"Well, whatever! We're doing this now!"

Kenji let himself be dragged through the streets, already preparing himself for what was to come.

He was officially part of the Hestia Familia now.

And with that—his journey in Orario had truly begun.

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