— (Sorry, I don't understand you.) — I said calmly, trying to convey at least a minimum of politeness, even with my imperfect pronunciation.
The silence that followed was almost palpable, filling the room like an unexpected wave. No one seemed to know how to react, which was understandable given the context.
Hestia, who just moments ago was bubbling with excitement at the prospect of gaining a new member for her familia, now looked like she'd been doused with cold water.
The shift in her expression was visible for a brief moment before she quickly tried to mask her disappointment.
But honestly, my mind wasn't exactly focused on her reaction. My attention was on the surreal sight before me: literally, two goddesses.
The anime definitely didn't do them justice. Maybe because now they were here — real — not just two-dimensional characters on a screen.
Comparing their appearance in the anime to reality was like comparing a wilted flower in autumn to a vibrant garden in full spring. The difference was overwhelming.
Hephaestus, for example, was the perfect archetype of a mature woman. Her aura radiated a confidence and allure that could only be described as MILF energy.
Yet, there was something more — something the anime failed to capture: the intense seriousness in her eyes. That contrast between the softness of her beauty and the firmness of her personality made it impossible to look away.
Hestia, on the other hand, was a spectacle in her own right. In the anime, she was "cute," with a borderline childish energy. But here… she was feminine. Not just in the physical sense, but in the charisma she radiated.
Her height, which in the anime might have made her seem more childish, in reality only made her more charming. It was as if her small stature accentuated the weight of her presence even more.
The dress she wore wasn't the one I expected. It wasn't the revealing outfit from the anime, but something much more sophisticated. A simple white dress that hugged her curves subtly and elegantly. The iconic blue ribbon was there, but it felt less flashy and more integrated into the outfit. Her hair, let down behind her back in soft waves, brought a gentleness that contrasted perfectly with the sparkle in her eyes.
And honestly, Hestia was so stunning that looking away from certain... specific areas was a monumental task for Luki. He tried to maintain composure, but his thoughts drifted, immersed in the beauty the goddess radiated.
'I'm a man of culture, but I have enough decency not to blatantly stare — focus.'
While Luki reflected on his luck — or fate, depending on how one looked at it — the three women were engaged in a serious conversation, unaware of the elf's internal struggle.
— And that's how everything happened. — Eina concluded her explanation, looking at Hestia and Hephaestus.
The two goddesses exchanged glances, a mix of confusion and concern evident on their faces. Neither of them had anticipated a situation like this.
— What do we do now? — Hestia asked, her voice betraying her nervousness.
— Not we. You. — Hephaestus replied, crossing her arms and shooting a direct look at her friend.
— But I can't even talk to him! How am I supposed to invite him into my familia? Hephaestus, you're stronger than me... Is your linguistic ability still active?
— Unfortunately, no. — Hephaestus sighed. — I let that skill be sealed the moment I learned Genkai's primary language.
The gods of Tenkai, though not omnipotent, possessed extraordinary gifts. One of these was the so-called "Linguistics" — a skill that allowed them to understand any language almost instantly. When they spoke, their words were shaped by their intentions, eliminating language barriers. However, upon descending to the mortal world, these skills were sealed — unless kept active through great effort, which neither Hephaestus nor Hestia had done.
Hestia sighed in frustration, while Hephaestus simply observed patiently, awaiting her friend's next emotional outburst.
— Lady Hestia, if I may... I think it would be fine for you to simply welcome him into your familia. — Eina suggested, her voice calm and professional.
— No way! — Hestia protested. — I might be desperate, but not that desperate. I would never do something like that out of pure selfishness.
Eina smiled gently, recognizing the sincerity in Hestia's response.
— I really admire your character, Lady Hestia. It's not every day we find someone with such integrity in Orario. But in this specific case, I think we can make an exception.
— And why is that? — Hestia asked, confused.
— When I was trying, with great difficulty, I might add, to help Luki choose a familia. He went straight to you.
— What? What do you mean?
— Exactly what I said. He didn't even glance at the other options. I tried introducing him to some of the more... let's say, popular familias, but he completely brushed them off. From the start, he was dead set on joining yours. — Eina said with an innocent smile, fully aware that lying to a god was impossible.
'But I'm not lying… just slightly twisting the truth, that's all!' she thought.
Hestia blinked, surprised, while Hephaestus raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
— So... he really chose me? — Hestia murmured to herself, her voice tinged with unmistakable joy.
— Yes. — Eina confirmed, her tone firm. — It seems he's already made up his mind.
A wave of emotion rushed through Hestia. A mix of relief, nervousness, and something else she couldn't quite name. She looked at Luki, still calm and seemingly unaware of the conversation, lost in his own thoughts.
— Well... — Hestia began, taking a deep breath. — Then I guess I'll trust in fate.
— Hold on! — Hephaestus interrupted, her voice full of skepticism. — Don't you think there's something strange about this whole thing? A young elf suddenly shows up in Orario, apparently not speaking our language, and is interested in joining your familia?
Hestia turned to her friend, confused, but Hephaestus continued:
— You've only been in Genkai a few months. Aside from your fame as one of the Three Virgin Goddesses, there's no reason for him to even know who you are, much less want to join your familia.
— Hephaestus... — Hestia tried to argue, but was cut off again.
— It's not about being paranoid, Hestia. You can't just accept a complete stranger into your familia, especially not as your first member! We don't even know what his intentions are!
Hestia crossed her arms, irritated.
— It doesn't matter.
— Hest—
— Hephaestus, trust me. I know he's trustworthy. — Hestia said firmly, her eyes locked with Hephaestus's.
The intensity of her words and the determined gleam in her gaze silenced the forge goddess for a moment. Hestia rarely showed such conviction, but when she did, it was impossible to ignore.
Hephaestus sighed, stepping back slightly.
— Hestia... you really think he's worth the risk?
— There's no risk. — she replied flatly.
Seeing the fire in her friend's eyes, Hephaestus had no choice but to yield. She knew Hestia well enough to recognize when her mind was made up.
— Fine. — she finally said, raising her hands in surrender. — Just know that if anything goes wrong, I'll be the first to say "I told you so."
Hestia gave a small victorious smile, laced with gratitude.
— Thank you, Hephaestus. I promise I won't let you down.
Taking a deep breath, Hestia gathered every ounce of confidence she had and walked toward Luki. Her steps were now firm and determined as she crossed the room.
Luki, still distracted, only noticed her approach when she stopped in front of him.
— Hello, my name is Hestia. — she said with a gentle smile, extending her hand in a universal gesture of greeting.
Luki blinked a few times, snapping out of his thoughts. He looked at the extended hand, and though he didn't understand the words she spoke, the gesture was clear.
— (Luki Bryan. Nice to meet you.) — he replied, rising from the couch and shaking her hand with respectful firmness.
Hestia nodded, realizing that even without clear verbal communication, a connection was beginning to form.
She looked at him, as if pondering her next words, then decided to follow her heart — even if he probably wouldn't understand a thing.
— I know you probably don't understand anything I'm saying, but I'll say it anyway... thank you. Thank you for wanting to be part of my familia. It means a lot to me.
Her voice was filled with emotion, and as she spoke, her eyes sparkled with sincerity.
— Since arriving in Genkai, I've seen my friends find happiness alongside their familias, building bonds that made them feel at home. I longed for that, but... I never had the chance.
She averted her gaze for a moment, her expression tinged with melancholy. But soon she looked back at him, with a small but resolute smile.
— I don't know why you chose me, especially considering I have nothing to offer... — She laughed nervously, then continued, her tone more serious. — But I promise I'll do my best to make this familia work.
She took a step forward, looking straight into Luki's eyes. Even if he couldn't understand her words, she hoped the sincerity of her feelings would come through.
— So... do you want to be part of my familia? — Hestia asked, extending her hand again, this time in a different way, as if expecting him to give her something.
Luki looked at her hand, clearly intrigued. Even though he didn't understand the words, the expression on Hestia's face — a mix of hope and determination — was easy to read. He knew it was important, even if he didn't quite know why.
He stayed silent for a moment. Then, to everyone's surprise, a big smile lit up his face, and he began taking off his shirt without warning.
— Wait, what are you doing?! — Hestia exclaimed, her eyes wide as a deep blush spread across her face.
Hephaestus and Eina exchanged looks of shock and confusion.
— Is he some kind of pervert? — Hephaestus muttered, frowning.
But before anyone could jump to conclusions, Luki turned his back to Hestia and sat on the floor naturally, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
He looked over his shoulder with a warm smile and patted his back lightly, indicating where he wanted her to act.
Hestia blinked, confused.
— (The Falna has to be placed on the back, right?) — Luki said, his tone casual and relaxed.
Though no one there understood his words, the gesture was clear enough to get the message across.
For a moment, silence reigned as Hestia processed what had just happened. Then, like a burst of emotion, she exploded.
— HE REALLY CHOSE ME! — she shouted, her voice filled with joy.
Unable to contain herself, she ran up and practically threw herself onto Luki's back, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug.
— I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! My first familia member! And he's so handsome! — she squealed as she nuzzled affectionately against his back, swaying side to side.
Luki, caught off guard, nearly lost his balance and had to place his hands on the floor to steady himself. He glanced over his shoulder, perplexed, while Hestia clung to him like a prized possession.
— (What's happening...?) — he murmured to himself, not understanding a word, though it was clear Hestia was extremely happy.
— Hestia, get a grip! — Hephaestus snapped, rubbing her temples. — You're going to scare the boy!
— Nonsense! He's MINE! My first follower! MY CHILD! My familia has begun, Hephaestus! — Hestia declared, full of emotion, clinging even tighter to Luki like a spoiled child.
Eina sighed, crossing her arms.
— Well... I guess there's no more doubt about what's going to happen now.
Hestia finally released Luki, wiping a dramatic tear of joy from her face. Then, she knelt behind him, taking the ceremonial dagger with reverence.
— Alright, Luki, I promise I'll be the best goddess you could've chosen! — she said, her smile brighter than ever.
Luki, still not understanding much, smiled back. Even without words, he could feel Hestia's sincerity — and that was enough.