In the end, Hestia still ended up bringing her three familia members into Alice's home, settling around the dining table.
Lili wore a deeply resentful expression as she looked at the five people gathered for the meal.
Seeing Lili like this, even Hestia couldn't help feeling a little awkward.
"Lili, is it really such a big deal that I had a little taste of something nice?" Hestia stared at her with a deadpan look.
"Hmph~ Anyway, Lili is just a little Pallum picked up by Lady Alice, a useless supporter good for nothing, too insignificant to have a say. How could I possibly compare to Lady Hestia, who has all sorts of dealings with Lady Alice?"
Lili turned her head away with a light 'hmph,' making her dissatisfaction with Hestia clear to Alice.
"Alice-chan…" Hestia turned to look at Alice.
Alice shrugged, holding a glass of water as she drank. It was almost mealtime—black tea could wait until after the meal.
"Sigh… Fine, I get it." Hestia reluctantly pulled out a small pouch of money and placed it in front of Lili. "Here, Lili. This covers the last couple of days, and some for the future too."
"Huh?" The pouch caught Lili by surprise, and she looked up at Hestia in astonishment.
"Did you really think I'd have the nerve to order whatever I wanted while freeloading without paying?"
"But isn't that exactly what you've been doing these past few days, Lady Hestia?" Lili eyed her suspiciously.
"Well…" Hestia's expression stiffened for a moment before she rolled her eyes. "I was a little short on funds before, and Bell's at that growing age—of course I had to provide for him! Now that I have the money, I'm handing it over. I'm not that shameless."
"Is that really so?" Lili continued to eye her doubtfully, though her mood had improved considerably. For the sake of the money, she decided to temporarily forgive Hestia's bold-faced behavior these past few days.
"Suit yourself." Hestia curled her lip at Lili's money-grubbing attitude. "And Alice-chan, besides paying for the last couple of days, there's something else I wanted to discuss with you."
"Hm?" Alice set down her glass and looked at Hestia curiously. "What is it?"
"Please let us keep having our meals here from now on! I'm begging you!" Hestia pressed her hands together pleadingly.
"Of course, we'll pay our share on time from now on, so please let us keep eating here!"
Bell hadn't grown strong enough yet, and earning money was still tough for him.
But now, with two new members in Hestia Familia—both Level 2 adventurers—money wasn't much of a concern anymore.
Still, the four of them were a bit cramped in that run-down little church.
So, after some discussion, Daphne and Cassandra would take Bell into the Dungeon, earning money while also giving him proper training.
Then they'd save up to buy a proper plot of land and establish a new home for Hestia Familia.
As Level 2 adventurers, Daphne and Cassandra were quite capable when it came to earning money, but buying land was still far off. A lot of their expenses went into food and equipment maintenance.
To keep themselves in top condition for dungeon diving, there were many areas where they couldn't afford to cut corners.
That's when Hestia thought of Alice. The food made by Alice's dolls tasted better than anything outside, and the portions were generous. Even if they paid for meals, feeding four people wouldn't cost much.
In the long run, it would save them a significant amount.
That was what Hestia wanted to discuss with Alice.
After hearing Hestia's explanation, Alice understood and smiled. "No problem at all. You're all welcome to eat here every day."
"Really!?" Hestia's face lit up with joy.
Though she had been sure Alice would agree, hearing it outright still came as a pleasant surprise.
"Yes, really. After all, I'd say we're friends by now, wouldn't you?" Alice replied with a gentle smile.
"Alice-chan! I love you the most!" Hestia cheered happily.
"My, my, I might just take you seriously, Hestia," Alice said, her tone playful yet meaningful.
"Huh?" Hestia froze for a moment. "What you said at the banquet… wasn't that just a deflection?"
"Of course not," Alice replied simply.
Just then, Shanghai and Hourai came flying over, carrying a specially prepared dinner for Alice. Alice's tastes were very mild, so the meal they brought looked quite different from the rest on the table.
It was mostly green, with two slices of smoked ham as the only sign of meat.
"I really do prefer women, no doubt about it. So, Hestia, you should be careful saying things like that around me. I might just take it to heart—especially since I do have some fondness for you."
Well, it's a bit less than what I feel for Loki, and a little less than for Ais and Lefiya too. Maybe just a tad more than Riveria.
Alice picked up the knife and fork brought by Shanghai and Hourai and began to eat. After seven days without a proper meal, she was genuinely hungry.
But even in her hunger, her movements remained graceful—just surprisingly quick.
After hearing Alice's words, Hestia stared intently at her, confirming she wasn't joking.
Then, Hestia spoke seriously, "Since you've said that, Alice-chan, I'll be more careful with my words from now on."
"But Alice, the aura you carry is very appealing to gods. If, during our time together, I ever find myself falling for you, I'll confess to you properly and pursue you with all sincerity!"
Hestia's tone was so solemn that even Alice was taken aback.
Though Alice was tempted to say she had only been joking, seeing Hestia's expression made her simply nod in response.
"I'll remember that."
"Alright then~ Enough serious talk! I'm starving! Let's eat!" Hestia cheered brightly.
Seeing this, Alice smiled faintly and shook her head.
"Oh, by the way, Alice-chan! Are you interested in blacksmithing too?" Hestia suddenly asked.
"Hm? I am, quite a bit," Alice replied, looking up. "And it's not just blacksmithing—alchemy, potion-making, all that fascinates me too."
"Then, do you want to visit Hephaestus Familia later? Hephaestus really wants to meet you."
Hestia said.
--+--
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