In Hestia's small and cozy room, Luki was lying face down on the bed, arms relaxed, while the goddess sat delicately on his hips, updating his Falna with a focused expression.
— How do you want me to distribute them? — she asked, her fingers still glowing with divine energy as she worked.
— Points? — he mumbled, his face half-buried in the pillow.
— An incredible seventy this time, S-E-V-E-N-T-Y. Kobolds give a little more Excelia than goblins, you know?
Luki thought for a moment before answering in a slow, dragging voice:— Ten in strenGHT… tWENty in the oTHers…
Hestia smiled and shook her head.— So be it… Aaaaand… done! You can take a look now. — she said, handing him the sheet with his updated status.
He took the paper with one hand, barely moving, still enjoying the comfort of the bed. His body begged him to stay on that mattress.
Name: Luki Bryan
Level: 1
Attributes:
(STR): 50 I (+10) = 60 I
(END): 110 H (+20) = 130 H
(DEX): 71 I (+20) = 91 I
(AGI): 66 I (+20) = 86 I
(MAG): 0 I
Skills: None
Magic: None
— So? What do you think? — Hestia asked, lying down on his back, pressing her face next to his with a touch of affection.
— EnduRANce H… gOOd… get tired leSS… no arMor… enduRANce prioRIty. — Luki replied in pauses, still trying to gather his thoughts.
Hestia hugged his neck, squeezing him lightly with affection as she rubbed her cheek against his.— Exactly! As long as you don't have armor, I forbid you from having any stat higher than endurance! And even after that, endurance will still be the priority. That way, I feel safer knowing you'll come back to me in one piece.
— Yes, ma'am… — he replied without arguing, then continued. — AgilitY and deXTerity… nEEded… doDGe and attaCK… escape.
— That's right! Since you use slashing weapons like swords or your knife, agility and dexterity are more important than strength for now. And don't forget, in the worst-case scenario, you can just run away! Forget everything else, you're the most important thing to me. — she said, her cheeks lightly flushed and a silly smile lighting up her face.
Luki noticed her tone and looked away to the paper, trying to ignore what seemed like… some kind of confession?
'Was that a confession? No… I must've misunderstood, we only got to know each other for like... two weeks? I's to soon.' he thought.
Hestia tilted her head to get a better look at him.— But still, don't you think your strength is too low? I know the other stats are more necessary right now, but usually, strength is a priority for most adventurers.
Luki shook his head briefly.— UNNeceSSary… FiFty is enouGH… precise STRike… quiCK kill… siXTy now… guaRANtEEd… even for maNy monSTers.
Hestia smiled, satisfied with his answer.— So you can still kill a first floor monster with just one precise strike? That's great! At least that means none of them are an immediate threat.
— Dungeon… alWAYs Threat… as a wHole.
— Ah, I know! The Dungeon as a whole is more dangerous than any Goliath, but you get what I meant… at least partly, right? — she said with a small laugh, patting his back.
Luki mumbled something unintelligible, and before Hestia realized it, he had already fallen into a deep sleep, exhausted after the intense day in the Dungeon. His relaxed face, with calm, steady breathing, made it seem like he was at peace — something she rarely saw.
The goddess sighed, leaning slightly to observe the adventurer more closely.— Hey, Luki-kun, are you asleep?
No answer. She poked his shoulder lightly, but he didn't budge.— Come on, silly, you can't sleep with empty stomach. — she said, shaking her head.
Seeing she wouldn't succeed in waking him, Hestia gave a resigned sigh and carefully stood up, tucking the blanket over him to keep him comfortable.— Fine, I'll prepare something for you. That way, when you wake up, there'll be a warm meal waiting. — she whispered softly, almost as if justifying it to herself.
In the small kitchen, Hestia began opening cupboards in search of inspiration. She soon frowned at the same sight as always.— Potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes… oh look, more potatoes in the corner… — she murmured with a tired chuckle. — Now that I think about it, are we eating too many potatoes?
For a moment, she hesitated, resting her hands on the counter as she thought.— Nah, I'm a goddess, and Luki-kun is an elf. — she said, more to herself than to justify anything. — He's probably used to a vegetable-heavy diet, so I guess it's fine.
Determined, she gathered the needed ingredients.— I think I'll make… rustic potatoes! There's still garlic here, so that should work. — Her voice carried a cheerful, almost childlike tone as she imagined the delicious smell filling their little home.
She washed the potatoes carefully, cutting them into uneven pieces. She mixed simple but aromatic seasonings: salt, pepper, chopped garlic, and some dried herbs she found in the cupboard. Every movement was deliberate, as if cooking for Luki were a special ritual.
— I think I'll make them a bit crispier this time. He deserves something tasty after all he's been through today. — She said, opening the oven to place the baking tray inside.
While waiting, Hestia leaned against the counter, glancing toward the bedroom door.— He really needs to learn to take better care of himself. Always coming back exhausted… — She murmured, pressing her lips together. Then, almost reflexively, a small smile formed. — But I guess it's part of a goddess's job to take care of her family, right?
The scent of roasting potatoes began to spread, filling the air with an inviting aroma. She smiled, feeling accomplished at being able to do something so simple yet so meaningful for Luki.
— All done! Now I just need to wait for him to wake up… or maybe I should wake him with the smell of food. I bet he'll grumble, but he'll end up eating it all.
With a soft laugh, Hestia carefully set the table, placing the dish at the center. The comforting aroma filled the small space, and she could hardly wait to see Luki's expression when tasting the meal. After all, it was in these small gestures that she found joy — especially when it came to him.
But when she returned to the bedroom, the young elf was still fast asleep. He looked so exhausted that waking him would be a challenge.
— Lukiii, Luki-kuuun, wake up… — Hestia called in a warm, gentle voice as she approached the bed. — I made our dinner. It's warm…
Even as she tried to rouse him, the truth was that she wanted him to keep sleeping. There was something comforting about seeing him so relaxed, free from the worries that usually consumed him during his adventures.
— Come on, my Lukizinho. Your goddess made a meal with so much care… You wouldn't be cruel enough to let it get cold, would you? — she teased with a playful smile.
Still, Luki didn't move, his calm breathing revealing that he was far from the waking world. Hestia sighed, resigned, but couldn't bring herself to step away. Her gaze remained fixed on him.
As she watched, an overwhelming tenderness filled her chest. He looked so innocent, almost vulnerable, as if the weight of the world had vanished while he slept. That thought warmed her heart, but also stirred something else she couldn't quite define.
Suddenly, a strange warmth spread through her body. She tried to push away the thoughts forming in her mind, but her eyes stubbornly drifted to his lips. It was involuntary, almost as if drawn by a force beyond her control.
Feeling her face grow hot, Hestia looked away briefly, trying to regain her composure.— What am I doing? This is indecent… — she murmured, barely audible.
But even as she scolded herself, her attention returned to him. His lips were right there, so close, so inviting. It was impossible to ignore.'I'm his goddess… He should be happy with my affection, shouldn't he?' she thought, a weak justification that kept echoing in her mind.
Hestia shook her head, trying to fight off the growing internal conflict.'No, no! He's my child, my adventurer. This would be… taking advantage of him… i'm one of the Three Virgin Goddess, how can i do something like this...'
Despite her mental protests, her hands trembled slightly as she leaned in, irresistibly drawn toward him. The distance between them shrank until their faces were mere millimeters apart.
She could feel his steady, warm breath. Her heart pounded fast, as if it wanted to burst from her chest. A whirlwind of emotions raged in her mind. Guilt, desire, tenderness, and something she feared to even name.
— I'm sorry, my Luki… — she whispered so softly it was almost lost in the air. — Your goddess couldn't resist.
Finally, Hestia gave in. Her lips brushed his in a gentle kiss, and in that instant, a storm of emotions engulfed her. It was overwhelming: joy, serenity, and a comforting warmth blooming from deep within.
But just as quickly, she pulled away, breathless and confused. She stared at him intently to see if he was waking. Her heart raced, feeling almost as if she'd committed a forbidden act. When she saw he was still sleeping deeply, Hestia sighed in relief.
She leaned her back against the wall, one hand touching her lips as if to preserve the sensation.'It was… so good…' she thought, a faint blush spreading over her cheeks.
The memory of the light kiss lingered, and her thoughts began to spiral. Despite being a goddess, Hestia had never experienced something so intimate. She had always been known as one of the three virgin goddesses, a symbol of purity and devotion, but in that moment, her resolve felt more fragile than ever.
'That was… my first kiss?' she realized, surprised. Centuries of admirers, yet none had come close enough to stir such feelings in her heart.
As she sank deeper into thought, her gaze instinctively returned to Luki. Once again, her eyes were drawn to his lips, as if etched into her mind. The desire returned — stronger this time.
'One more couldn't hurt… right?' she reasoned, trying to justify the growing pull she felt.
Before she knew it, Hestia was leaning in again. Her fingers brushed along the side of his face, and this time, the kiss lasted longer. His lips were soft and warm, and Hestia felt a comfort unlike anything she had ever known. It was as if the weight of her immortality had been lifted, if only for a moment.
She knelt beside the bed, keeping her head close to his. Her eyes closed as she savored the moment. Each time their lips parted, she took a deep breath before leaning in again.
Kiss after kiss, she felt a mix of euphoria and guilt. But right then, nothing else mattered. She allowed herself to forget her status, her title, and everything except the warmth in her heart.
'Luki… my little adventurer… what's happening to me?' she wondered as her fingers stroked his hair gently.
Time seemed to stop. For Hestia, those kisses weren't just a physical act, they were the expression of a feeling she barely understood. Innocent, almost pure, yet deeply meaningful.
Finally, after one last kiss, she pulled back, sitting on the floor beside the bed. Her fingers touched her lips again as a shy, nervous smile crept onto her face.
— I'm sorry… but I couldn't help it…
She rested her head against the bed's edge, watching Luki sleep peacefully. Deep down, she knew something had changed.
Hestia was so absorbed in the moment that she didn't notice the slight furrow of Luki's brow, the faint tremor in his hands, or the barely audible murmur that escaped his lips.
Unknowingly, her gentle caresses were slowly pulling him out of his deep sleep.
When he let out a quiet groan and moved his head, Hestia froze, eyes wide. Panic quickly replaced the warmth in her chest, and before he could open his eyes or say anything, she hurriedly stood and rushed to the table.
Sitting in one of the chairs, Hestia lowered her head, her hands trembling slightly as they gripped her dress's skirt. Her face was as red as a tomato, her heart pounding wildly.
'Why did I run? I didn't do anything wrong… did I?' she thought, trying to make sense of the storm of emotions inside her.
Part of her wanted to believe it was just nerves, but another part knew she felt guilty. Yet deep down, there was a spark of happiness, as if she had done something she would treasure as a secret.
'I'm a goddess… so why do I feel like this? Why does it feel so wrong and yet so… good?'
While she battled her thoughts, Luki began to wake. He stretched, letting out a long yawn. His eyes, now more alert, caught the scent drifting from the other room. He smiled faintly and followed it, finding Hestia in the kitchen with a table set before her.
— Oh… you made… diNNer? — he asked, still sleepy, rubbing the back of his neck.
Hestia didn't answer immediately. She kept her head lowered, trying to hide the red still tinting her cheeks.
— Hestia-sama? Are you okaY?
— Y-yes! — she replied almost in a jump, trying to sound casual. — I just… was waiting for you to wake up. Now, come eat before it gets cold!
Luki smiled, sitting down at the table while Hestia forced herself to appear calm. Still, her heart kept racing, and her mind echoed with questions she couldn't answer.
'Why did I run like I was doing something wrong? Why do I feel this guilt… and at the same time, this happiness? What's happening to me?'
She took a deep breath and watched Luki start eating. His cheerful expression as he enjoyed the meal made her heart warm again. Maybe, for now, keeping that moment to herself would be enough.