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When they left the weapon shop branch, Hestia's mood wasn't great, though she still forced herself to act excited for the celebration dinner.
The reason, of course, was Hephaestus's earlier words.
It wasn't that she felt her divine image in front of Liang Yue had collapsed—Hephaestus simply wanted him to understand her efforts.
As a goddess caring for her own child,
Hestia thought it was only natural. She had never expected Liang Yue to repay her; if she truly had such intentions, then…
His safe return from the Dungeon with that weapon would already be enough.
But Hephaestus's words had placed the burden on Liang Yue's shoulders, and hearing his firm, decisive answer…
Hestia couldn't help but feel genuinely happy.
At the same time, she also worried that Liang Yue, feeling pressured by the debt, might push himself into dangerous situations in the Dungeon.
"Actually, Liang Yue‑kun, you don't have to worry about the debt."
"Why not?"
"It's simple—while you're in the Dungeon, I'm here in Orario by myself. I have to find something to do, right?"
Sensing Liang Yue's earnest tone, Hestia grew flustered, trying to keep the mood light.
"Working part‑time won't be boring at all!"
"Hestia‑sama, you've already done enough for me. Besides, I think a little pressure is the best motivation to push forward."
If a decision could be easily swayed, then in the path of swordsmanship, when an easier route appeared,
Would he still persevere?
Liang Yue only wanted to follow the choices he made in his heart. It was, after all, a responsibility a normal person should bear. He gently turned down Hestia's suggestion.
"I know you're worried about my safety.
"But I still hope you can respect my choice. This isn't just about repaying a debt—it's about not letting my convictions waver.
"If the day ever comes when I feel sword training is too hard…
"Wouldn't I end up abandoning this path altogether?"
…
Though his tone was light, Hestia could feel the weight in his words, and she had no more will to persuade him.
This was a path he had decided to walk.
She wanted to say, "It's okay to give up sometimes—it'll be easier that way," but the words never left her lips.
Because in Liang Yue's eyes, she could see that unique, solitary light of the soul.
Hestia truly couldn't imagine what kind of life could make someone so young so mature and composed.
"I don't know what else to say to you, Liang Yue‑kun… but please remember, if you ever get tired… you can try relying on someone else."
"Like me!"
"Of course."
Not continuing the heavy topic, Liang Yue pointed ahead toward West Main Street and smoothly changed the subject with a smile.
"Hestia‑sama, how about we have dinner at the Hostess of Fertility tonight? I've heard the food there is really good."
The Hostess of Fertility was the most famous restaurant in Orario. Before being kicked out, she had gone there with Hephaestus a few times.
Hestia naturally knew the food was excellent.
It was just… a bit pricey.
Even working full shifts at the fried potato stall, she could only afford a set meal there at most.
And right now, she didn't have any savings at all.
To avoid the embarrassment of not being able to pay the bill, she felt she should suggest another place. "Maybe we should try a different restaurant?"
"If we go now, it might be too late—there might not be any seats."
"That's not an option."
Placing the heavy pouch of valis into Hestia's palm, Liang Yue grinned. "Don't tell me we can't even afford to eat with this much money?"
…
Feeling the weight in her hand, Hestia quickly checked that no one was watching before opening the cloth pouch.
The gleaming gold valis inside left her momentarily stunned.
That was… a lot of money.
Her eyes flickered with uncertainty. This was Liang Yue's very first Dungeon dive—how could he have made so much?
Opening the pouch again confirmed it—this was nearly 20,000 valis from his adventure today.
"Liang Yue‑kun… how did you get all this?"
"That's a secret."
He didn't want to explain about encountering the Minotaur—it would just be too hard to explain.
They continued along West Main Street.
Before long, the Hostess of Fertility came into view. Compared to the surrounding buildings, it was obviously more lively.
The lights blazed bright,
And the chatter of adventurers spilled out into the night.
Even from a distance, the aroma of food wafted through the air, teasing Liang Yue's appetite.
The meager set meal he'd had for lunch had long since been burned away by the day's exertion.
He couldn't wait to have a proper feast—but just as they reached the restaurant's entrance, before even stepping inside—
The Loki Familia, fresh from their own celebration, was coming out, led by a red‑haired, ponytailed woman with narrowed eyes and a satisfied smile.
The Loki Familia.
Among them were many familiar faces—Tiona and Tione, the Amazonian sisters with dark skin, the beastman Bete, and more.
But what really caught his attention…
Was that Hestia and Loki didn't exactly have a bad relationship, but their personalities clashed so badly that whenever they met, it was like tossing two barrels of gunpowder together.
And, just as Liang Yue expected—
Even slightly tipsy, Loki noticed Hestia standing beside him, and narrowed her eyes in mockery.
"Hestia?
"What are you doing here? Just the other day I saw you working—what, trying to sweet‑talk an adventurer over dinner to join your Familia?
"Aren't you afraid you won't be able to pay the bill?"
"Where I choose to eat is my own business."
"At least some people eat here every day and still look no different from a man in terms of—"
Hestia didn't consider her meager living conditions anything shameful, and she smiled lightly as she fired back.
The effect was remarkable—Loki's height, or rather, figure, was a sore spot.
Holding her bottle of alcohol, Loki immediately wanted to rush over and argue, but the Tiona sisters quickly restrained her.
"Loki‑sama, you're drunk."
Tiona, looking troubled, urged her, "Let's go back."
"No! I have to show that little brat Hestia who's boss!!" Loki shouted, but her Familia members dragged her away.
After all, a god brawling drunk in the streets with another god wasn't exactly great for the Familia's reputation.
Witnessing the commotion, Ais Wallenstein remained expressionless.
But when she noticed Liang Yue standing beside Hestia, she gave the same‑aged adventurer who had devised his own sword style a faint nod of greeting.
"Liang Yue.
"Sorry to disturb you."
"It's fine."
Liang Yue smiled, not taking the interruption to heart. His gaze swept over the retreating Loki Familia before he led Hestia inside.
They had just found a table and sat down, not yet ordering, when Hestia—unable to contain her curiosity—asked casually,
"Liang Yue‑kun, you actually know Wallen‑something‑kun?"
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