Chapter 19: Date (1)

Hestia finally pulled away from Rein's embrace, though a hint of reluctance remained on her face. She cleared her throat, trying to mask her embarrassment, while her fingers fiddled with the ends of her hair.

Rein gave a slight smile, his eyes filled with teasing amusement.

"Hestia, how about we go on a date today?"

Hestia, who had just been trying to calm herself down, froze instantly. Her eyes widened, and her previously faint blush deepened into a bright red, like a ripe tomato.

"E-EHHH!? A-A DATE!?" She flinched, stepping back slightly in a panic. "W-Wait a minute! Are you serious!? R-Really!? A-Am I not dreaming!?"

Rein chuckled, enjoying her reaction.

"Of course. I want to spend time with you."

The heat on Hestia's face intensified. She tried to say something, but her tongue felt tied. Her hands fidgeted, twirling strands of her hair.

"I-I… umm… I-I…"

Rein leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a softer tone.

"So, what do you say?"

Hestia grew even more flustered, but before she could answer, Rein added casually—

"By the way, I also need to look for something."

Hestia, who had been drowning in embarrassment, immediately perked up. She tilted her head slightly, curiosity filling her gaze.

"Huh? Something? What kind of thing?"

Rein smirked mysteriously.

"You'll find out later."

"Ehhh? Why so secretive!?" Hestia pouted, puffing her cheeks like a child. "Ughhh, this is frustrating! Now I'm curious!"

Rein just chuckled, making Hestia even more exasperated.

"Well then, let's get ready."

Hestia crossed her arms, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Hmmm… fine!"

Without wasting time, she dashed toward the bathroom at full speed.

"I'm taking the bath first! Don't even think about going ahead of me!"

Rein could only chuckle as he watched her. After Hestia finished, it was his turn.

Once they were ready, Rein wore a white shirt with the top buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His black-and-purple hair was neatly slicked back, adding to his mature and captivating aura.

Meanwhile, Hestia looked different from usual. Her long black hair, which was always tied up, now flowed freely, giving her a softer and more elegant appearance. The simple white dress she wore enhanced her natural charm even more.

When Rein saw her, he raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on his lips.

"Hmm… not bad," he murmured, scanning her from head to toe.

Noticing his gaze, Hestia beamed with pride, placing her hands on her hips.

"Hehe~ I know! I look amazing, right!? Hurry up and say I'm beautiful! Say it, say it!!"

Rein chuckled, leaning in slightly.

"Always."

Hestia was caught off guard by Rein's words.

Her cheeks instantly burned red again, but she quickly turned away, huffing.

"Hmph! W-Well, of course! I am a Goddess, after all!"

Rein smiled before extending his hand.

"Alright then, shall we go, my Goddess?"

Hestia eagerly took his hand, and together, they stepped out of the church.

—

As they walked side by side, Hestia clung tightly to Rein's arm, her face glowing with happiness. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the evening city atmosphere, her eyes sparkling as the streetlights flickered to life.

Rein, who was currently fifteen years old and stood at around 175 cm, felt fairly confident about his physique. He was still growing, and in the future, it wouldn't be impossible for him to reach 180 cm or more.

However, one thing slightly bothered him… Hestia's height.

At only around 140 cm, walking beside her made her seem like a little sister clinging adorably to her older brother.

The problem was… she was his partner. If this were his previous life, the police might have already knocked on his door to throw him in jail.

Fortunately, Hestia was a legal loli—with thousands of years of age.

"Hmmm~ It's been so long since I last strolled around like this," Hestia mused, swinging Rein's arm happily.

Rein glanced at her, a small smile on his lips.

"You've been too busy working. Maybe you should go out more often and see the outside world."

Hestia huffed, turning to him with a look of protest.

"Hmph! I'm a Goddess, you know? I don't need to go out unless it's something important!"

Rein chuckled.

"And now? Would you say this is important?"

Hestia paused for a moment, then her smile widened with confidence.

"Of course! This is a date, right!?"

Rein looked at her with half-lidded eyes, as if not entirely convinced.

"Oh? I thought it was just a casual walk."

Hestia immediately froze, her face turning red in an instant.

"E-EH!? N-nngh! I-I mean… b-but… a-argh!" She bit her lip, her face growing even redder. "W-Well! It's a date! Period! And you're not allowed to argue!"

Rein simply chuckled, amused by how desperately Hestia tried to defend her claim.

Meanwhile, around them, people began whispering as they took notice of the peculiar couple.

—

"Oi, oi… who's that?" whispered a male adventurer clad in leather armor.

"No idea… but that guy looks cool. Look at his build—even though he's young, he's definitely a skilled adventurer," his friend, a mage wearing a cloak, replied.

"And the girl beside him… she's so tiny."

"Tiny? Don't you realize who she is?"

"Huh? Who?"

"Oh, for crying out loud! That's Goddess Hestia!"

"H-Huh!? A-Are you serious!?"

—

Meanwhile, on the other side, a group of female adventurers was whispering among themselves.

"Kyaaa! Who is that guy? He's so handsome!"

"Look at his outfit… simple but stylish!"

"He must be a high-ranking adventurer! His aura feels different!"

"But… who's the little girl beside him? His girlfriend?"

"Eh? No way, right? That's Goddess Hestia…"

"SERIOUSLY!?"

—

As the murmurs continued around them, Rein could only sigh inwardly. He didn't expect to attract this much attention.

He turned to Hestia, who was still clinging tightly to his arm, looking utterly satisfied.

"You do realize we're being watched, right?"

Hestia simply shrugged, looking unfazed.

"Let them watch! Let everyone know that I have an amazing partner!"

Rein rubbed his face, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"So… I'm your partner?"

Hestia stiffened instantly, her entire body going rigid.

"Eh!? I-I-I mean—"

Rein chuckled again, thoroughly enjoying how Hestia was at a complete loss for words.

Still flustered, Hestia gazed at him with affectionate eyes, holding onto his arm even tighter.

Around them, the whispers continued, but Rein chose to ignore them.