After nearly two weeks of watching the surveillance feeds, Asfi had become thoroughly adept at handling the maps. She maintained precise monitoring over both the surface and the underground at all times.
"This is so boring."
Asfi's gaze flicked toward Hermes-sama, who was sprawled on a recliner, groaning in exasperation.
"Hermes-sama, surveillance work was never meant to be exciting."
"I thought Bell might've installed cameras in the bathroom too, but who knew he'd be so proper?"
As if everyone's like you!
Asfi silently grumbled to herself, holding back a sigh.
"At least Mr. Cranel isn't like you. Orario has plenty of beautiful women, but the goddess by his side is one who stands at the very top. Do you really think he needs anyone else?"
"You're wrong, Asfi!"
Hermes, who had been lying limp like a salted fish just moments ago, suddenly leapt up from the chair, radiating with exaggerated brilliance like some self-proclaimed saint.
"One's own woman and other women are two completely different things!"
Scumbag.
Asfi cursed inwardly, deeply condemning Hermes's shameless words.
"Hermes-sama, you might want to keep that kind of talk to yourself. If any goddess were to overhear you, she'd probably kill you on the spot."
Her voice carried open disdain, as if she were speaking not to her Familia God, but to some common philanderer she could find on the street.
Hermes, however, didn't seem the least bit bothered. He was long used to his Captain's sharp tongue. Exchanges like this were just part of their daily routine.
"You really don't understand, Asfi. A man must have a broad heart, and heroes are no exception. Heroes naturally attract the eyes of many women. In that kind of situation, can a hero just ignore those drawn to him?"
Asfi found herself once again in awe of Hermes-sama's absurd reasoning.
"I think that's just your idea of what makes a hero. Mr. Cranel doesn't seem like that kind of person."
Hermes, however, gave a sly grin.
"That's because Bell possesses an extraordinary level of self-restraint. Even though he goes out of his way to avoid getting close to women, many in Orario are still drawn to him. Some goddesses have even... changed because of him."
Asfi immediately understood who he meant.
"Daphne Lauros and Cassandra Ilion, formerly of Apollo Familia."
"Liliruca Arde, formerly of Soma Familia."
"And Sanjouno Haruhime and Aisha Belka, formerly of Ishtar Familia."
"Hermes-sama, those are the ones you're referring to, aren't they?"
Hermes nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased with his subordinate's accuracy.
"Exactly. That boy tries his hardest to avoid getting too close to any woman, yet he still manages to leave his mark."
Asfi frowned slightly, not entirely understanding.
"Hermes-sama, even if Mr. Cranel is reserved, does he really have to go to such extremes to avoid them?"
Hermes shook his head slowly.
"Asfi, that's where you're mistaken. The reason he keeps his distance from other women lies elsewhere."
Asfi furrowed her brow, mulling over his words. A faint suspicion began to take shape in her mind.
"Could it be because of the Goddess Hestia?"
"You've guessed correctly—it is indeed because of Hestia."
Hearing the answer from Hermes-sama, Asfi wasn't surprised. In all of Orario, the only one who could truly influence Bell was the Goddess Hestia.
Yet there was something in Hermes-sama's tone, as if he meant more than he was saying. He seemed to be deliberately holding back, waiting for her to ask.
Mild annoyance flickered in Asfi's mind, but curiosity quickly won out.
"So then, what exactly is the reason Mr. Cranel avoids contact with women?"
Hearing the mix of impatience and curiosity in his Captain's voice, Hermes stopped concealing the truth. But even so, recalling the reason brought an amused smile to his lips.
"It's actually a very simple reason—life span."
"Life span?"
"Don't you see? Just like how love between a god and a child of Genkai never ends well. The biggest obstacle lies in the fundamental difference between gods and mortals."
Seeing his Captain's confusion, Hermes made it even plainer.
Asfi's eyes widened in disbelief.
"That's the reason!?"
The explanation was so... simple?
Hermes watched her stunned expression for a moment, clearly entertained, before finally turning his gaze aside.
"Simple, isn't it?"
"But... why?"
"Don't understand? Well, that's only natural. You don't have that kind of ambition. But Bell does—he has that reckless ambition."
"...Ambition?"
"Yes. The nature of Bell and Hestia's relationship is already obvious. But that boy doesn't just want to be with Hestia for a few decades—he wants to be with her forever."
"!?"
Hermes's words sent a jolt through Asfi, leaving her completely stunned.
If that was true, then Mr. Cranel's decision to avoid other women made perfect sense.
And yet, the reason was still shocking.
"So... Mr. Cranel has placed himself on the same level as a god?"
Without question, such a notion in a city ruled by gods was outright heresy—an idea that would invite ridicule.
But Hermes showed no trace of mockery. His expression was filled only with deep admiration.
"That child is the destined 'Hero.' Just like the stories say, he is fated to carve a different history. And in the end, a true hero's path always allows him to be with the one he would give everything for."
"What Zeus and Hera once failed to accomplish—he will. That boy has already steeled himself for it."
"But now..."
"BOOM!!!!"
A deafening explosion tore through Orario, the shockwave shaking even the hidden chamber deep underground.
The two of them were thrown violently to the ground.
A piercing ringing filled their ears, leaving them momentarily unable to move.