Through the bustling streets of Orario, an unusual pair walked side by side, seemingly detached from the noise around them. They appeared immersed in their own world, indifferent to the curious glances they attracted.
The man was a young elf with a striking appearance. His golden hair shimmered under the sunlight, complementing his bright green eyes that sparkled like precious gems. He was tall and slender, but there was something in his confident posture that conveyed both strength and grace.
Beside him, firmly clutching the elf's left arm with almost childlike affection, was a young goddess. Petite and youthful in appearance, Hestia wore a radiant smile, and her dark hair fell in gentle waves. Though short in stature, she carried a remarkable presence, enhanced by physical features that did not go unnoticed.
Together, Luki and Hestia walked through the streets of Orario with a clear goal in mind: a new home.
After finally recruiting her first follower, Hestia had received unexpected news from Hephaestus, her longtime friend and host.
— Now that you have your own familia, Hestia, it's time you learned to stand on your own. You're officially kicked out of my house! — came Hephaestus' blunt, cold statement.
Hestia was momentarily stunned. The surprise quickly gave way to mild annoyance, but she didn't argue. After all, her friend was right. It wouldn't be appropriate—or dignified—for her to keep relying on another goddess to survive. She had her own familia now, even if it was small.
However, both Hestia and Luki now found themselves without a roof over their heads. Fortunately for them, Eina—always helpful—had mentioned an abandoned church that might serve as a shelter.
When they arrived, Luki, who until then had no idea where they were going, stopped and looked around. His eyes narrowed in recognition as he saw the church before him. The architecture, the worn bricks, the overgrown grass... it was all identical to the one Hestia and Bell had once used as their base.
Hestia, cheerful and excited, stopped in front of the church and turned to Luki with a wide smile, arms spread as if presenting a grand treasure.
— Luki-kun, from now on, this will be our new home! — she declared energetically, unaware of how confusing her words might be.
Luki frowned, clearly confused. He didn't fully understand her words, but her positive tone was unmistakable. He exaggerated his expression of doubt, tilting his head slightly to the side and pointing at the church.
— (…This? Home?) — he asked, then slowly repeated the word home, trying to see if she understood.
Hestia looked at him, trying to interpret his reaction. She didn't speak his language fluently, but her forced smile was her way of connecting, as always. Scratching the back of her neck, she replied in a softer tone, hoping to be understood.
— Well… we don't really have a choice now, do we? But it'll be fine. We just need a good cleaning, some repairs, and soon it'll be perfect! — she said confidently, even if Luki didn't fully grasp her meaning.
Luki watched her for a moment, still a bit unsure. But her soft gaze and determined tone calmed him somehow.
He didn't know exactly what she was trying to say, but the light in her eyes showed a conviction he could respect.
He sighed, resigned, and ran a hand through his golden hair, already accepting that, for now, this would be their new home. Deep down, though, he knew it wouldn't be easy living there.
Creak—
As they stepped into their home, the smell of mold and dust overwhelmed them. The place was in a terrible state. Cobwebs covered every corner, and a thick layer of dust blanketed the floor. The silence was broken only by the echo of Luki's footsteps on the wooden floor.
— Sigh (Cleaning this place is going to be a real pain… but I guess it's still livable.) — Luki muttered, scanning the house with a look that said he was trying to convince himself everything would work out.
Then he noticed some brooms and dusters leaning against a dusty corner, almost invisible beneath the grime. Without hesitation, he grabbed the tools and brought them to Hestia.
— (You take care of the cobwebs, I'll sweep the dust.) — Luki said, handing her a duster with a satisfied smile.
Hestia looked at him with a bright smile and sparkling eyes. Even though she didn't fully understand what he said, she felt grateful for the help.
— Let's get this all cleaned up in no time! — she said, convinced that, despite everything, they could turn this place into a real home.
She grabbed the duster with enthusiasm, determined not to disappoint her new familia, and got to work immediately.
The cleaning began. For hours, the two worked hard to bring some life back to the place. Luki swept the floor with vigor, clearing the dust with quick motions, while Hestia struggled a bit to remove the cobwebs.
Time passed faster than expected. Luki, even without words, seemed to be having fun in his own way. Hestia, with her contagious optimism, was more than willing to face the tough task ahead.
— Phew~ (finally done.) — Luki said, collapsing onto the couch with a relieved sigh. His body felt heavier now, exhausted from the long day's work.
'First day in another world, and the first thing I'm doing is cleaning a house. The Society of Isekaied Persons must be so disappointed.' he thought.
— I'm dead… — Hestia sat beside him, equally worn out, her shoulders slumping under the weight of the effort. Her usually sparkling eyes were now dimmed by fatigue. They both shared the same feeling: relief that it was over, and the sense that there was still much to be done.
They sat in silence for a moment, observing their surroundings. The house, once consumed by dust and abandonment, now felt different. The dust had been swept away, the cobwebs removed, and the place was cleaner, more breathable.
Luki's eyes drifted up to the ceiling. By some divine miracle, the roof was still intact. He wasn't sure how, but that meant leaky rain wouldn't be an issue—at least for now, they were safe.
The walls, though a bit weathered, also brought some relief. Made of stone, they stood firm and solid, despite having clearly endured many storms. They weren't anything to brag about, but they offered a sense of stability.
The windows, on the other hand, were a mess. Completely destroyed, they had been covered with makeshift sheets that now fluttered gently in the breeze coming through the open door.
Speaking of sheets, Luki and Hestia had been surprised to discover a bed hidden in the church's basement. And even more surprising—it was in perfect condition.
The bed was large, with a soft mattress and clean sheets that gave off a feeling of comfort completely out of place in such a worn-down location.
Still sitting on the couch, Luki suddenly felt something touch his shoulder.
Thump.
He turned his head slowly—only to see that Hestia had fallen asleep right beside him. Her small body was completely relaxed, and the expression on her face revealed the exhaustion from the long day.
Looking outside, Luki noticed the night had fully fallen. The dark sky, now dotted with tiny stars, marked the end of the day. It was time to rest, and he knew he couldn't leave Hestia there, asleep and uncomfortable.
— I'm sorry, my goddess. — Luki murmured softly.
He leaned forward and, with the utmost care, lifted Hestia into his arms, cradling her like a princess. Without making a sound, he headed down to the basement.
She instinctively nestled closer, her small arms wrapping around him unconsciously. Her face rested against his chest, lips slightly curved in a peaceful smile, as if this moment of comfort was all she had ever needed.
Walking slowly toward the bed, Luki made sure each step was silent. When he reached the mattress, he laid her down carefully, adjusting the sheets around her small body. But as he tried to get up, he felt a sudden tug pulling him back down.
— My Luki... my Luki... — Hestia mumbled in her sleep, her voice soft but firm, as she clung tightly to him, refusing to let go.
Luki tried, in vain, to wriggle free. His movements were cautious, trying not to wake her—but the strength in her arms, and more than that, the feel of her face pressed against his goddess's generous chest, made it nearly impossible.
'She's stronger than she looks…' he thought, trying to hide the mix of embarrassment and resignation rising within him.
After several failed attempts, he finally looked up. His gaze met Hestia's peaceful sleeping face, as if all the burdens of the world had vanished for a brief moment.
Luki sighed in defeat, letting his shoulders relax.
— I guess I'll just take the opportunity... — he murmured to himself, closing his eyes and inhaling the soft fragrance that seemed to naturally radiate from her. There was something calming in that scent, something that made him feel safe.
Gently, he pulled the blanket around them, shielding them from the night's chill, and wrapped his arms around her slim waist.
The warmth of their bodies brought an unexpected comfort, and he realized he hadn't felt this at ease in a long time.
— Good night, Hestia. — he whispered with a barely visible smile.
He rested his head in a more comfortable position—without realizing it, right between her ample breasts—and slowly, the day's fatigue washed over him like a quiet tide.
And so, in the stillness of that night, the two of them slept together for the first time, sharing a rare moment of peace amid the challenges of their new lives.