In a warehouse by one of Orario's gates, specifically the one which led to the fishing town of Melen, a senior guild employee and two representatives from the Tsugunai spent their time ensuring everything was present. There were a lot of resources, far more than normal, fortunately it was all just replacement magic stones, and other necessities for the Tsugunai to function properly.
"How does it look on your end?" The Guild worker spoke, feigning a polite tone despite his clear disdain for the Tsugunai's members. They were criminals after all, and they'd only caused more problems than solved while out on their journey for redemption.
"Everything is looking good so far. Though I haven't been told why there's no food. We can't do anything out there without it."
"About that, you weren't at the meeting were you, Van?" A very old man asked, it was noir. "We are supposed to be staying here in the city for a while. We're meant to train until the Tsugunai's upgrades are finished."
"Oh, in that case, fine. Perhaps…"
"I'm going to the Redlight District soon as we're done here. It's been too long." Noir laughed.
"Do what you want, Lady Freya is all I need."
The banter continued for a while longer as the two went through counting the materials. The guild worker heaved several internal sighs in his mind.
…
Hestia, laying on a couch in her familia home, having just finished a string of paper work renting out one her familia's many buildings to the Tsugunai familias for their own use.
"Goddess? Are you alright?" A worried woman asked, coming in to check on her.
"That was our best building! And they just got the guild to support having them housed there! It's not fair! I was looking forward to breaking in the new bath first!!!"
"And why does that matter?"
"Because we'd be able to label it as a goddess bath. And charge more."
"You do realize he would come pay us a visit if you did something stupid like that, right?"
"Like he has the time to bother with schemes like that. It's just a little extra money." Hestia huffed, and pouted.
"Is that so? Well then I must be imagining that I'm here to talk huh?" The familiarly terrifying, yet soothing manly voice spoke, claiming a seat across from where Hestia lay. "I was actually hoping you didn't give it away for peanuts." He said, picking up the contract, quickly scanning it with his eyes.
"Hah! See, he's on my side with this." Hestia said, snapping up right and stiffly straight.
"Yeah, at least you managed to get something out of it. Meteria's practically frothing at the mouth to kill those idiots herself. Knowing that those damned murders aren't going to have it easy in the city will surely bring her some comfort…"
"Be careful, I've heard a few stories about those deals you're making, she might very well ask you for a kid too."
Shurry shook his head softly. "It's not that she might, she already has. Alfia's actually starting to think about it too. This whole thing is getting out of hand… Anyway, that's enough about the complicated love life I have…. Is there anything you need from me?"
"Huh? Why ask this so suddenly?"
"Well, aside from giving them the best possible building, you managed to build it right where I can clobber them in the event they go rogue again. I figured you were wanting something from me. And if you just so happened to randomly choose which one, then count your lucky stars, because I'd still owe you either way."
"I see, but you shouldn't be worried about me. You've got a hell of a fight coming up… Actually, If you don't mind, could you tell me when you plan on fighting that thing?"
Shurry leaned forward, and made a motion for Hestia to lean closer, then he whispered the time frame. And he sat back.
"Any later than that and the seal will shatter. Any earlier than that, would just leave questions on what if we prepared more beforehand."
"You sure it's not so you can give the others more time before they arrive?"
"I'm sure. I don't want them helping in the fight. I am currently stronger than the dragon. However, it will still take me some time to actually put it in the ground. Surely a goddess is able to sense such things like that, right?" He said, with a small half-hearted smirk.
A maid came by and placed a cup of Orario's finest tea in front of Shurry, as well as Hestia. Then a small plate was placed for Shurry, a raw bloody steak, marinated in 30 different seasonings.
"Huh?"
"What, didn't you smell it?"
"I did, I'm just surprised, such hospitality."
"Well, I am the goddess of the Hearth. And you are the Hero of Orario. I'm also not so poor I can't afford to offer some hospitality."
"I appreciate it. This smells divine, as if it were ambrosia." He said, and then practically inhaled the steak, blood and all, the plate was clean as if it hadn't been used. "Delicious too." He laughed.
"There is something I'd like if at… nevermind, I'll ask it of you once you're done with the dragon. Stay focused on it."
"I will, that dragon has blood on its claws, blood that it must pay dearly for." Shurry left.
"Lady Hestia, how long until they're ready?"
"I wish I could tell you dear. I can't though. It's too much to think about dealing with now. Instead, continue to put your faith in his ability. He will surely destroy that detestable creature." Hestia explained with a calm demeanor.
…
And then it was 6 months later. Meteria sat her son Bell down with Meda, and discussed their plans. This was something they had to do. And it was something only they could do. And deciding to act on their plans, they left the manor. Meteria was a level 10, Bell a level 8, and Meda a level 9. Their hunt began.