"Here you go, Belle. Drink this."
Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, spoke in a worried tone as she handed a bottle of water to her fatigued child.
"Thank you very much, Goddess."
Belle said weakly, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.
She accepted the bottle with her hands and took slow, careful sips.
"Judas... are you alright?"
Ais asked from nearby.
Her usually calm tone carried a faint edge of concern as she turned her golden eyes toward the boy resting on the floor.
Judas lay there with one arm draped over his face, chest rising and falling slowly in rhythm with his breathing.
Hearing her voice, he exhaled softly before sitting up.
"I'm mostly fine," he said, brushing the dirt off his forearm.
"I should be the one asking you that question."
His gaze dropped to Ais's hands... it was wrapped in fresh bandages.
"Out of all of us... you were the one who sustained the most injuries. Every bone in your sword arm was shattered."
Ais blinked once and glanced at her hand.
"Don't worry," she said simply.
"Because of your healing magic, my arm feels fine now."
Then, with quiet determination, she flexed her fingers, opening and closing her palm.
It was then they heard the sound of footsteps approaching as Belle and Hestia made their way towards them.
"Judas, thanks for the heal."
"I think your healing magic is even better than the high-end potions that Mother brings."
Belle said with a small, grateful smile as she came closer.
It seemed like she had fully recovered.
"No problem."
Judas replied with a nod.
It was then that Belle shifted her gaze to the person beside Judas.
She hesitated for a brief moment... she wasn't as familiar with Ais as she was with Judas... but still gathered her courage to speak up.
"Hey... Miss Ais, you were amazing back there."
Belle stepped forward, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness.
"I can't believe a first-class adventurer like you joined our training session. It's such an honor!"
"Hm?"
Ais blinked, tilting her head slightly, her golden hair swaying as she processed Belle's words.
"Yeah, you too, you were amazing as well."
Her words came out softly.
"R-Really? Thank you, that means a lot!"
Belle's eyes brightened a little, a shy smile forming on her lips.
While the two were having their own conversation, Judas turned toward the twin-tailed, blue-ribbon-wearing goddess who was watching him closely... her eyes glinting like she was evaluating a rare gem.
They never explicitly said to keep it a secret, but there was a silent understanding between him, Alfia, and Hestia to never speak of what happened earlier.
No words.
No exchanged glances.
Just... silent agreement.
Some things were better left unspoken.
I mean... what was the point in telling Belle and Ais that Alfia died and then came back to life?
How were they even supposed to explain that?
'Oh yeah, Belle, your aunt's soul was already halfway into Heaven, but I ripped open the cycle of reincarnation, beat up an angel, argued with a god, and then dragged her back.'
Yeah, no.
That would go well.
Judas could already imagine Belle's face turning pale, then blue, then crying her eyes out while Ais stood beside her, blinking in silent confusion.
And even worse... Belle would worry.
She'd think Alfia was fragile, unstable, on the brink of death every second.
She didn't need that burden.
Not when she was starting to grow stronger.
Not when she was building her own path.
So Judas said nothing.
Hestia said nothing.
And Alfia... who normally disliked unnecessary talk anyway... remained quiet.
Some miracles were better hidden.
And Judas, felt completely fine with keeping it that way.
"Hello, I didn't introduce myself properly earlier but my name is Hestia, Belle's patron goddess. Nice to meet you."
She said with a warm smile as she extended her hand.
Seeing this, Judas accepted without hesitation, his grip firm yet polite.
"My name is Judas Spade. Nice to meet you as well, Goddess Hestia."
He replied with a courteous nod.
"Belle has told me a lot about you, you know."
"Which is why I came here personally... just so I could finally meet you."
Hestia said, tilting her head with a knowing look.
"Oh, she did?"
"I hope it wasn't anything bad."
Judas raised a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Hehe, don't worry."
"My sweet little Belle would be the last person to say anything bad about you."
Hestia giggled behind her hand.
"Really? I'm glad she has such a high opinion of me."
Judas said with a light-hearted smile.
'Now that I've actually spoken to him... I get what kind of person he is.'
Hestia thought, her sharp blue eyes glancing up and down, quietly assessing him.
Then she nodded to herself, hands on her hips.
"Hmm... to be honest, you're different from what I expected one of Loki's children to be."
"Oh?" Judas tilted his head slightly.
"Then what kind of image did you have of me before we met?"
"Well..." Hestia tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Maybe someone more cocky and arrogant... you know, like your flat-chested goddess."
Judas blinked, caught between amusement and disbelief.
"But I see now that her children are more reserved and humble than I expected."
"Unlike their shameless and obnoxious goddess."
Hestia continued proudly, before her tone turned teasing.
"I even heard rumors in heaven that she's actually a man disguising herself as a woman."
She leaned forward and whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear.
Judas pressed his lips together, trying hard not to laugh, while Ais... overhearing the exchange... froze mid-sentence as if unsure how to react.
'Loki... is a man?'
Ais blinked several times, her golden eyes filled with genuine confusion as she tried to process the shocking information she'd just heard.
After a brief pause, her expression hardened slightly.
'I should probably tell everyone.'
She thought, eyes narrowing with quiet determination.
"I see..."
"You certainly don't hold back, Goddess Hestia."
Judas finally said, suppressing a chuckle.
"Of course not!"
She declared proudly, puffing out her chest (as if to compensate for the very insult she just threw).
Then, suddenly, her tone shifted... her eyes gleaming mischievously as she pointed her finger straight at him.
"Well, enough about her! I have a proposition for you!"
Her voice rang across the area, catching everyone's attention.
Even Alfia, who would normally scold anyone for raising their voice, turned her gaze toward the little goddess with mild curiosity.
"Judas Spade!"
Hestia declared dramatically.
"Would you consider transferring to my familia?"
For a moment, silence blanketed the field.
Ais blinked. Belle's jaw dropped. Even Alfia paused mid-step, looking faintly amused.
Judas stared at the tiny goddess pointing at him like she was offering a divine contract rather than a spontaneous idea.
"...You're recruiting me?"
He asked slowly.
"Yes!"
"Strong, polite, reliable... exactly the kind of man my familia needs!"
Hestia said with full conviction, planting her fists on her hips.
"I bet Belle would be happy to have you with us."
She added with a grin as she grabbed Belle's right arm.
"G-Goddess! You can't just say that out loud!"
Belle's face instantly turned red.
"Oh, hush, Belle! A goddess must seize opportunities when they appear!"
Hestia shot back, still grinning.
"I appreciate the offer, Goddess Hestia... but I think Loki would hunt me down if I said yes."
Judas simply exhaled through his nose and smiled faintly.
"Bah! That woman can try!"
"It's not like she can beat me in a fight—"
Hestia huffed, crossing her arms.
"You guys really are a lively familia."
A small laugh escaped Judas, unable to help himself.
Hestia smiled brightly at that, clearly satisfied that she'd left a good impression... even if her recruitment attempt had failed spectacularly.
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