Several days had passed since the construction of the temples began.
The work progressed faster than I had anticipated.
This was thanks to the stockpiled materials, the available labor, and a city infrastructure that had already been meticulously organized.
"Your Majesty."
In the midst of my work, a retainer approached me with a report, bowing his head deeply.
"The first temple has been completed."
I stopped the hand that had been flipping through documents.
"...Which god is it for?"
"The goddess Hestia, Your Majesty."
"Any complaints?"
"None as yet."
"As yet..."
I murmured softly to myself.
When the gods are quiet, it usually means one of two things.
Either they are indifferent, or they are already watching.
"...I will go myself."
Upon hearing the report, I rose from my seat and headed toward the newly finished temple.
The temple had been built slightly away from the city center.
It was a location that avoided the bustle of the crowds while remaining easily accessible to anyone.
"...Not bad."
Arriving at the site, I took a moment to survey the surroundings.
The structure was modest, devoid of unnecessary ornamentation. At its center, a large hearth stood as the focal point of the space.
"All of you, withdraw."
At my command, the attendants who had accompanied me quietly filed out.
I was left alone within the silence of the temple.
Once I was certain of my solitude, I walked slowly toward the hearth.
The fire was out.
"...That is only natural, since the rites have not yet begun."
At that moment—
Whoosh!
"..!"
Without any warning, the hearth burst into flames.
I was momentarily startled, but I quickly regained my composure and gazed quietly into the fire.
"You aren't surprised."
A soft, unfamiliar voice drifted from behind me.
I slowly turned my head toward the sound.
There stood a woman.
She had long, golden hair that cascaded down to her waist and eyes that shimmered like molten gold.
An ancient yet cozy and warm aura radiated from her, filling the air. From this presence, I immediately realized the identity of the visitor.
"...Have you come in person?"
"This is the new temple you built for me, after all. I had intended to descend at some point, and it seems you arrived just in time."
"I see. It is an honor, Goddess Hestia."
I bowed respectfully, addressing the goddess of Olympus who had revealed herself before me.
"This temple... I was told you were the one who ordered its construction. Is that true?"
"Yes, it is."
I answered her calmly.
Hestia lowered her gaze for a moment as if contemplating my words, then looked back at me.
"May I ask your reason?"
"...For the sake of organization."
"Organization... may I ask for more detail?"
"Of course."
I replied with a smile.
"Until now, there has been no standard. Every god's demands were different, and the responses to them were inconsistent. I intend to bring order to that system."
"A human doing this? Are you not afraid of the gods?"
Hestia asked gently as I finished speaking.
"To be honest, few people are entirely without fear of the gods' wrath. However... the things I hold dear are more important to me than that fear, and so I made this decision. I apologize if this seems irreverent."
Hestia shook her head.
"Not at all. I cannot speak for the other gods, but I do not see it that way."
As she spoke, Hestia walked slowly toward the hearth.
She gazed quietly at the flickering flames.
"Until now... things have been a bit haphazard. Each god acting on their own whims, in their own way. And... I can feel how much you care for this country and its people, and how deeply you worry for them."
"...You could see that?"
"Yes."
Hestia nodded with a gentle smile.
"Therefore... I think this approach is not bad. However, could you promise me one thing?"
"What would that be?"
At the mention of a promise, I found myself slightly flustered, waiting for her response.
"Please let this remain a place for the people. Not a symbol of power or a display of vanity, but a place where they can truly find rest. Everywhere else is rushing so frantically that people are exhausted—except, perhaps, in your country."
The tension I had been carrying finally melted away.
Looking at the benevolent expression on Hestia's face, I smiled and answered.
"You needn't ask. That was my intention from the start. I have no desire to bring pain or misfortune to those who trust and follow me."
"I am glad to hear that."
Hestia replied with a warm, tender smile.
Watching her, I realized that Hecate and Thetis were right—Hestia was fundamentally different from the other gods of Olympus. In return, I offered her a genuine, unadorned smile of my own.