As days passed by, Shurry grew more accustomed to life within the city, and within the Hathor familia. After the first dungeon exploration he went on, he only went in on the rare occasion, his goal had been reached, to earn enough money to buy his parents parting gifts. Now though, he spent his time divided between accompanying Hathor all around the city, exploring the many business ventures the Hathor familia had.
Ranging from musical instruments, to clothes, to dungeon supplies, and even restaurants. Their familia was incredibly wealthy, in fact it was practically an unnecessary effort, clearing the dungeon floors. After all, running any of the businesses they had was basically a license to print money, especially the theaters, where they would put on plays for the public to come enjoy.
Hathor would also charge a progressive fee for entry, with a corresponding seat for that bracket. It may have seemed harsh, but, it did provide an incentive to many, while not barring the exchange of culture, an absolute requirement for the continued growth of culture interchange and development; all people in a society should be able to participate in the culture.
It had been a month since Shurry joined the Hathor familia, and while he wasn't fully accustomed to all of it yet, there was one thing he was very used to now, Hathor. It was one night, after a really long day…
Hathor laid in her bed, holding Shurry in a motherly embrace. "My bosom may be smaller than Idunn's, but this way I can keep you closer to my heart."
"Huh?" Shurry nuzzled in a little more, he'd had fits of tears every once in a while. A side effect that Idunn had warned her about beforehand, whenever they happened she'd hold him tighter, trying to convey her motherly feelings until he'd calm down. Shurry knew of this, and couldn't help but be thankful for it. "You've been really nice to me, even during my nightmares, Mommy Hathor." He said, slowly falling asleep.
"You said it, you really said it. Sleep well, my son." Hathor smiled, nearly coming to tears, and giving Shurry a kiss on the head. She watched him sleep for a while before she too eventually fell asleep.
…
The next morning was one of the days that the Hera familia came calling for Shurry. Well, it was through a guild messenger. They sat in the side room waiting for Shurry to awaken. This guildsman could not leave until he had secured the agreement, he feared for his job, and then life. "No one can escape their familia…"
"Oh, welcome to my home, guildsman. What do I owe the annoyance- I mean, pleasure of your arrival?" Lady Hathor asked, having a feeling of what it might be.
"I do beg your pardon, Lady Hathor, and I'm thankful for the hospitality. I come here on official orders from the guild, sort of… I'm here to deliver a special request to the one by the name of Shurry? It's from someone the guild can't easily refuse, I do hope you understand." He said, handing a sealed letter to Hathor.
Hathor took it, sat down, and motioned for Shurry to come sit on her lap, which he did, still holding his breakfast on a plate. Hathor opened the letter and read it. "Hmm, I see, so Zeus & Hera want to take him down on their next expedition, in the hopes it will provide them with more time to train the young twins in the Hera familia?" She said putting the letter down. "So what do you think, do you want to do it?"
"Will I get to keep the monster rex crystals?"
"I'm not sure, but we can ask them about that."
"Also, if they have any of them on the team, I need to meet them first… And that's scary…"
"It shouldn't be too bad, after all, it looks like Leon will be joining them, so you'll have a familiar friend down there with you."
"I do need to get stronger…" Shurry said and then made it look like he was thinking about it. "Luna, what do you think? Should I do it?"
"Yeah! Even if we only get a few magic stones, it's better than not getting any of them."
"I'll do it. With mommy's permission of course."
"I won't allow it unless they make it clear what their goal is. And slowly get those particular members registered. Your other skill might provide a huge benefit to them we've not yet seen."
"Then let's head over-"
"About that, a member from the Zeus familia is already waiting to escort you. His name is Zald, the Gluttony. And he's also level 7."
"They must be serious about this?"
"Very serious, as it seems like the School District's repairs will be finished in the next couple of months. This expedition is likely to help build up their resources before leaving on their journey again."
Hathor was instantly worried about what Shurry might do. She watched him, quivering, but his tail waved side to side like he was pondering something. "Do you still want to go?"
"I- I can still see mommy again when she comes back next time, right?" Shurry asked.
"Of course, I'd never bar you from seeing her. Not after how much of an effect she's had on your life. She's your mommy-"
"So are you." Shurry added. "Alright, Mommy, I'll go on the expedition! And earn a bunch of money! And get a whole lot stronger!"
The guildsman let out a deep sigh of relief. "Thanks kid, I was afraid that I'd be done for if you said no."
Hathor and Shurry paid the guildsman no more head, and left the room to see that Zald was indeed standing outside the gate, his expression went all confused the moment he laid eyes on Shurry. "Just what in the hell is that kid? Did empress and Maxim see this? Surely they would if they just looked for it." He murmured to himself.
"Hello, big sir, are you Zald, the Gluttony?" Shurry asked, stopping to look up, practically straining his neck in the process.
"Yes, that's me, I was ordered to ensure you arrive safely. Rest assured, we've already made preparations to accommodate your issue. Now come along, there's not a moment to lose." Hathor was about to go with them but Zald turned. "Apologies, Lady Hathor, but if you don't bring a guard with you, you won't have one for the return trip."
Hathor snapped her fingers, and a level 2 appeared, fully armed and ready for duty. "Thank you, for your concern, but as you can see, I'm worried for my son, and don't wish for that perv's influence to rub off on him.
"Hmm- Seems like we have some things in common, Lady Hathor." Zald smirked, and then they all made their way to the Zeus & Hera familia home.