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The moonlight poured gently through the old stained-glass windows of the church, casting hues of blue and gold across the stone floor. The dinner had long since ended, but Hestia remained unusually fidgety, pacing lightly in front of the doorway with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Ethan, now resting on the worn couch with a cup of warm tea, raised an eyebrow. "You've been pacing for five minutes. Something on your mind?"
Hestia turned to him with a grin that practically sparkled. "Yes! I've decided we're going out."
He blinked. "Out? Where?"
"The Hostess of Fertility, of course! We haven't properly celebrated your level-up yet." She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. "You think I'd forget something that important? Hmph!"
Ethan chuckled, setting the cup down. "I didn't think you forgot. I just didn't think it was that big of a deal."
Hestia's eyes widened like he had just stabbed her pride. "Not that big of a deal?! you're my first famillia member So its a big deal for me!"
She stomped over and poked his chest.
"You. Are. Amazing. And we're going to celebrate it. No arguments."
From the corner, Lili watched, a small amused smile on her face. "Should I get ready too?"
"Of course you should!" Hestia said, spinning dramatically. "We're going to celebrate as a family!"
Ethan scratched the back of his neck. "Alright, alright. I'm in."
By the time they reached the bustling Hostess of Fertility, the tavern was alive with music and laughter. Adventurers from all walks of life filled the place—some boasting about recent dungeon runs, others drowning their frustrations in mead.
Ethan stepped inside, flanked by Hestia on one side and Lili on the other. The familiar scent of roasted meat, ale, and warmth greeted them.
As they entered, a few heads turned.
Whispers followed.
"That's the one…"
"He's Handsome..."
"How big is he down there?.."
"I wanna taste his thing..."
"The guy who took down a special Minotaur…"
"He's from Hestia Familia…"
"Why is did he join that famillia though..."
"Yeah he should join a bigger famillia..he will waste his potential if he continues to stay there..."
Ethan was about to beat up the guy who said that.
"Over here!" Hestia pulled them to a table near the corner. "This is where we sat last time!"
Ethan ignored the murmurs. He wasn't here to cause a scene. Ethan said to the guy "be careful talking somebody's back".
A waitress—silver-haired, with a calm but slightly teasing air—appeared at their table.
"Back again, Goddess?" Ryuu asked, her voice level but faintly amused.
Hestia grinned. "You remember me!"
"It's hard to forget someone who causes a scene with a loaf of bread," Ryuu replied smoothly.
Ethan laughed softly under his breath.
Ryuu's eyes flicked to Ethan, her expression relaxing just a little. "Congratulations on your level-up."
He nodded with gratitude. "Thank you."
They ordered food and drinks, and soon their table was filled with a modest feast—roasted lamb, stew, buttered rolls, and sweet wine. The warmth of the tavern, the food, and the company made the night feel... real.
Like they'd crossed some unseen milestone.
Lili was laughing more than usual, cheeks slightly red from a small glass of wine Hestia had insisted she try. Hestia herself was in full goddess mode—animated, loud, and proud, recounting Ethan's dungeon exploits to anyone within earshot.
"He faced off against a mutated Minotaur and won! And he was still Level One!"
Ethan just shook his head, smiling as he sipped his drink.
Later in the night, as the crowd thinned and the music slowed, Ethan stepped outside for some air. The sky was clear—stars painted across the darkness like distant embers.
Hestia soon joined him, holding her drink in one hand.
"You're really something, you know," she said softly, standing beside him.
He looked up at the stars. "Still got a long way to go."
"You'll get there," she said. "And I'll be right there beside you."
A silence passed between them, warm and calm.
"Thank you," Ethan said, voice low.
Hestia smiled and bumped her shoulder into his. "You earned this night. Tomorrow, you can go back to being the brooding adventurer. But tonight?"
She raised her cup.
"Tonight, we celebrate."
He raised his as well, a genuine smile crossing his lips.
"Cheers."
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