Chapter Fifteen

Muichiro entered the private meeting room within the Guild, his steps purposeful yet measured.

The room exuded an air of privacy and confidentiality, a suitable setting for a meeting with a god. Demeter, the goddess who had taken an interest in him, was already waiting there.

She sat elegantly at the head of a long table, her presence both serene and commanding. Her eyes, filled with a motherly warmth, met Muichiro's as he entered. He inclined his head in a respectful nod, acknowledging her presence.

"Welcome, Muichiro," Demeter greeted him with a soft smile. Her voice carried a soothing quality, like a gentle breeze on a warm day. "Please, have a seat."

Muichiro complied, taking a seat across from her. His gaze remained focused, his expression revealing nothing of the thoughts that churned within him.

"I've been keeping an eye on you," Demeter began, her gaze unwavering. "Your actions, your demeanour—it's clear that you are not an ordinary adventurer."

Muichiro listened attentively, his instincts telling him that this goddess's words carried weight.

"I have a proposition for you," Demeter continued, her tone measured yet earnest. "I believe that you possess a unique potential, one that can benefit both you and my familia. I offer you a place within the Demeter Familia."

Muichiro's eyes met hers, his curiosity piqued. Demeter's familia, known for their agricultural business, was distinct from the other familias he had encountered.

Though from the book he had been given by the Guild, the Demeter familia were quite important to the city of Orario.

"As a member of my familia, you will be granted my divine blessing," Demeter explained.

"You will also have the opportunity to cultivate your skills and explore the Dungeon under my guidance. I will not force you to participate in farming or anything of the sort if you do not wish to do so."

Muichiro's mind raced, considering the offer before him. Joining the Demeter Familia could provide him with a different perspective.

Demeter from her demeanour seemed like a kind goddess, or that's what all the characteristics he was seeing her display showed him.

And yet, he couldn't ignore the fact that this decision would shape his path in a significant way. But the offer wasn't a bad one, that was for sure.

"I appreciate your offer, Demeter-sama," Muichiro finally spoke, his voice steady. "However, I need more time to deliberate before making a decision of this magnitude."

Demeter's smile remained gentle, her understanding evident. "Take all the time you need, Muichiro. Your decision is an important one, and I respect your caution."

With their conversation concluded, Muichiro rose from his seat and offered a respectful bow. "Thank you for your consideration, Demeter-sama."

Muichiro thought that the meeting was over and done with, but he thought wrong as Demeter continued to speak.

"I sense a connection between you and the natural world," Demeter continued, her fingers lightly tracing the surface of the table. "Your affinity for the elements, the way you move—it's as if you and nature are in harmony."

Muichiro's curiosity deepened at her words. He paused, then decided to sit back down. No one had ever articulated his connection to nature so accurately before. It was as if Demeter had glimpsed a part of him that he had kept hidden even from himself.

Demeter's gaze held a knowing glint as she leaned slightly forward. "You remind me of someone I know and hold dear," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "A young girl who holds a similar affinity for the elements. She was like a wildflower, untamed yet radiant."

Muichiro's attention sharpened at the mention of the girl, his curiosity piqued. "Who was she?"

Demeter's lips curved into a soft smile, her gaze distant as if lost in memories. "A dear member of my familia. Her name is Persephone."

The name resonated within Muichiro, stirring something within him. Persephone—the name felt familiar yet distant, like a whisper carried by the wind.

"She was like you, with eyes that held a world of emotions yet to be discovered," Demeter continued. "She had a heart that connected deeply with nature, and her presence was a balm to those around her."

Muichiro's expression remained unchanged, but inside, a faint spark of something stirred within him.

Demeter's gaze returned to Muichiro, her eyes piercing as if searching for something within him. "Muichiro, I offer you a place within my familia not only because of your strength but also because I see in you a potential that I've not seen in anyone else in a long time."

Muichiro's gaze met Demeter's, and for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his eyes. Could he truly find something within himself that he hadn't known existed? Could he connect with the emotions Demeter spoke of?

Could he gain something he thought would never be, from the beginning of his birth right to the day of his death?

As if sensing his thoughts, Demeter's smile remained warm and reassuring. "Joining my familia is not just about strength, Muichiro. It's about growth, self-discovery, forging bonds with those around us, and making sure this city no matter the situation can keep on going."

Muichiro's mind was a whirlwind of contemplation. He had embarked on this journey seeking something he couldn't quite define, a sense of purpose that went beyond survival. Could joining Demeter's familia be the answer he had been seeking?

After a few moments of silence, Muichiro's gaze settled on Demeter once more. "I will accept your offer, Demeter-sama."

Demeter's smile widened, a genuine happiness lighting up her eyes. "I'm delighted to hear that, Muichiro."

With a calm yet resolute tone, Muichiro accepted Demeter's offer to join her familia.

The atmosphere seemed to shift in the room, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

But before he could rise from his seat, before the conversation could conclude in a traditional manner, something unexpected happened.

In a moment of unbridled emotion, Demeter couldn't contain herself any longer. Without warning, she lunged forward, her arms wrapping around Muichiro in a tight hug. Startled, Muichiro found himself enveloped by her embrace, his face pressed gently against her chest.

"I'm so glad you're joining my familia!" Demeter's voice held a mixture of genuine happiness and a touch of maternal affection. Her words were muffled by the proximity of their bodies, but her sentiment rang clear.

Muichiro's calm demeanour was momentarily disrupted by the unexpected gesture. His arms remained at his sides, unsure of how to respond.

This was an entirely new sensation for him, the closeness and the warmth of another person's embrace.

As Demeter held him, Muichiro's mind flitted back to memories of his caretaker. She had often expressed her affection through similar hugs whenever he did something she found endearing.

He had hugged Moon many times and of course, Moon in return had hugged him, but she didn't feel warm in the physical sense, so it was quite different, but also similar.

Especially the soft and warm sensation of having his face buried in the opposite sex's chest.

The sensation was oddly familiar, and while he had never been one to openly display emotions, he found himself not entirely adverse to this type of contact.

Demeter eventually released him from the embrace, her eyes sparkling with joy. Muichiro took a small step back, his expression unreadable as he processed the unexpected interaction.

"You're just too cute, Muichiro!" Demeter exclaimed, her excitement palpable. She seemed to momentarily forget her goddess status, her actions guided by pure affection.

Muichiro's lips quirked ever so slightly, a hint of a response that indicated he hadn't entirely disliked the encounter.

He may not have fully understood the sensation behind it, but the familiarity of the gesture held a certain comfort.

"Thank you for accepting, Muichiro," Demeter said, her tone returning to its gentle and composed state. "I believe this will be the start of something extraordinary."

"...I hope so too, Demeter-sama"

*Pout*

Demeter bloated her cheeks, and she said to Muichiro." I'll have none of that, from now on when it's just the two of us you can call me Ceres."

"..."

"Okay...Ceras" Muichiro said tilting his head, an action he's gotten used to doing when he's not quite sure of himself.

"Fufu~you really are the cutest Muichiro."

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'Demon, creepy little shit, waste of space, die fucker, scum, trash, coward, monster, cursed child, Wretch, scamp, loser, lowlife, vile, wicked, burden, worm, dimwit, good for nothing, evil incarnate...

I've been called many things...but cute?'

'Am I cute?'

.....