Hestia

Chapter 185 - Hestia

Falna

It is a miracle or grace bestowed by the gods upon the people of the lower world.

The details of Falna are considered a secret for adventurers. 

Aside from the god who grants it, one should keep this information as confidential as possible. 

Even members of the same Familia must maintain that secrecy.

However, Mahiro did not mind letting Eina watch as Hestia conferred her blessing.

Although an initial Falna contains no special abilities—only the most basic status—Mahiro's trusting attitude still touched Eina deeply.

"Thank you, Mahiro."

Eina showed a beautiful smile, even carrying a hint of warmth. 

"However, it would be better for me not to watch this sort of thing."

"After all, I'm a member of the Guild, and I can't set an example by breaking its rules."

Eina smiled and blinked, her affection for Mahiro growing even more.

"Alright."

Mahiro smiled.

"Well, Mahiro-kun, may I make a small request?" Hestia asked cautiously.

"Go ahead," Mahiro said without hesitation.

"Could you come with me to the place where I will grant you your Falna?"

Hestia asked.

"Where is that?"

"It's a bookstore on the corner of South Street," Hestia replied.

"What are you going to do there?" Mahiro asked, a bit puzzled, as South Street was quite a distance away.

"Actually, I haven't been in the lower world for long, so I'm currently staying temporarily at the home of a friend," Hestia explained without reservation. 

"Because I don't have a job or any members in my Familia yet, I have no personal funds to buy books."

"Thanks to the owner's permission, I can read books freely in the bookstore, which makes me very happy."

"That place has become my favorite spot since coming down."

"That's why I decided long ago that when I found my first Familia member, I would grant their Falna in that bookstore."

Mahiro listened quietly, remaining silent.

"Is that alright?" Hestia looked at him with pleading eyes, afraid he might refuse.

"Let's do as you say," Mahiro nodded.

"You're so kind, Mahiro-kun!" Hestia joyfully threw her arms around him once again.

"Then I'll head back to the Guild first," Eina said with a smile. 

"After you two finish, please return to the Guild to register the Familia's information."

"Thank you, Eina," Hestia said gratefully. 

"I'll definitely return these clothes to you."

"No need."

Eina smiled and waved her hand. "I actually bought that dress two years ago, and it doesn't fit me well anymore."

"It suits you just fine, Lady Hestia."

Eina glanced at the light-colored dress Hestia was wearing. 

It had once been her favorite, but she had outgrown it over the past two years. 

She couldn't help feeling a twinge of envy at how well it fit over Hestia's ample breast..

"By the way, Lady Hestia, you don't have any extra clothes besides the one you wore before, right?" Eina asked.

"Ah, no, I don't," Hestia admitted, embarrassed.

The blue-ribbon halter dress Hestia had worn was her only piece of clothing. 

In the mortal world, it was actually a divine garment. 

Without money, she hadn't acquired any new outfits.

"Then please take all the clothes you tried on before, Lady Hestia," Eina suggested.

"Eh?" Hestia hesitated, wanting to refuse.

"Lady Hestia, Mahiro didn't like your previous attire much."

"Now you don't have any spare clothes, which can be troublesome for a girl," Eina said with a smile. 

"Besides, those are just old clothes I can no longer wear. Please don't feel uncomfortable accepting them."

"No, no, thank you so much!" Hestia bowed gratefully.

Eina went back to the room, gathered the clothes, placed them in a bag, and handed them to Hestia.

After that, the three parted ways. 

Eina returned to the Guild, while Hestia and Mahiro made their way toward the bookstore.

"This is it!" Hestia excitedly pulled Mahiro along to the corner bookstore.

The bookstore didn't look very large, reminding Mahiro of the bookstores he used to frequent in his world. 

The first floor was packed with books. 

The shelves were full to bursting, and piles of books even covered parts of the floor.

"Hestia, here to read again?" the old man behind the counter asked kindly once he saw her. 

He was quite familiar with this cheerful goddess who frequently visited his shop.

"Yes, Grandpa, may I use the reading room on the second floor today?" Hestia asked, smiling brightly.

Grandpa? 

Mahiro suppressed a chuckle. 

Considering Hestia's true age, she could count the old man's years as just a fraction of her own. 

Nevertheless, he greeted the shopkeeper politely.

"No problem," the old shopkeeper nodded amiably.

With his permission, Hestia immediately took Mahiro by the hand and led him upstairs into a small room.

It was a cramped space. 

Bookshelves lined all four walls, filled to capacity, and more volumes were piled on the floor. 

There was a single chair in the center of the room, and nothing else.

"Finally, I have my first Familia member since coming down to the lower world!" 

Hestia exclaimed, full of happiness and excitement.

Familia member, huh?

Mahiro couldn't help smiling softly.

"Alright, Mahiro-kun, let's begin!" Hestia said enthusiastically.

"How do we start?" Mahiro asked.

Hestia walked over and patted the chair. 

"I will inscribe the sacred characters onto your body, using a drop of my blood as the medium."

"That will become your Falna."

Mahiro nodded. 

He took off his shirt, revealing his upper body. 

Then straddled the chair backwards, ready for Hestia to begin.

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