kazoku

Chapter Five: Kazoku

Bell was still on Goddess-ordered rest after their traumatic expedition to the lower floors. Physically they were all safe and healthy; even his mangled arm wasn't much worse for wear after their return from the deep levels. Lili, Welf, Mikoto, Haruhime, Daphne, Cassandra, Ouka, Chigusa, and even Aisha and Ryu had all come out of the experience blessedly lucky.

Still, true to his nature, as soon as he had healed up, he began to grow increasingly antsy. He didn't think anything of doing something that would worry his Familia, but he felt the urge to do something.

Light training held the feeling at bay, the exercise serving its purpose. He would've liked to have some sort of celebratory dinner considering the numerous close calls they had suffered, but due to the failure of their expedition, funds were more than tight. Lili made it crystal clear: no frivolous spending until they built up some vallis!

Which meant they would have to skimp for a few more days until their Dungeon Quarantine was complete. The others had been more or less occupied.

Welf was hard at work in the forge with some of the items they had managed to hold onto, including some of the Juggernaut's shell. Lili was handling the workload with the Guild, while Mikoto and Haruhime were taking care around the Manor, training, and enjoying numerous long baths in Mikoto's case.

Ryu had gone back to the Benevolent Mistress; apparently the other waitresses there had come to look for them as well, which was… heartwarming, even though he knew it was mostly for Ryu's sake.

Aisha had returned to work with her own Familia, but had made it clear she would go with them again, they just needed to ask.

For his own part, the harrowing experience had- if nothing else- produced results for his growth. His level 4 stats were already pushing the limits, which meant he was in a position to level up again, if he could manage a feat to do so. He sighed deeply, putting down the book he was reading.

That was another thing he was doing to make use of his time. While he would normally have preferred hero stories, lately he had taken to anything Eina could spare him of the Guild's records on the Dungeon, other adventures, and what documentation had been made publicly available.

Beyond the basic information about monsters, he was a little surprised at how much information was archived, and wondered at how many people knew of and took advantage of it… given some of what he found, he would say not many.

It was probably the most productive part of his forced time-off, but even so, there was a limit to how much he could take. So with a slight yawn, he cleared up his study materials and headed for the common area. Dinner wouldn't be for a little bit still, but he didn't want to stay cooped up in his room.

He entered to see Lili with her own stack of papers and materials around her with Hestia. Haruhime was also there keeping some tea ready for them, and she perked up when he came in.

Master Bell, good evening! Would you like some tea?

Oh! Sure, thank you Haruhime

You're welcome! she practically cheered, bringing him a steaming cup. He felt a smile rise easily to his face; Haruhime seemed to have that effect effortlessly. For a little while they just enjoyed the atmosphere, but before they would need to prepare for the evening meal, the musical chime announcing a visitor sounded out throughout the manor.

Ah! We have guests; should I see who it is and bring them here, Goddess Hestia?

If you would please, Haruhime Hestia spoke up, having pulled her attention from her work with Lili, secretly happy at having an excuse to put it off for a bit.

Bell looked on with interest as she left; after all, it wasn't as though they got visitors often. He was wondering who it might be: some of Lord Takemikazuchi, Lord Miach, or Lady Hephaistos' familia? Aisha might be visiting them, or someone else. Before he could too lost in thought, Haruhime returned.

Lady Hestia, we have two guests here to see you. Please make yourself comfortable she entered leading a man and woman who were eye-catching to say the least. Bell could tell from a glance: they were adventurers, and strong ones. He didn't recognize them, though, but noticed that they turned their attention to him first when they came inside.

It is very nice to meet you, Goddess Hestia, and your Familia. My name is Aedan ail DonhUid, and my title is Horus. This is Alfia Masalis, or Silence. We have come primarily to meet yourself and your captain, but we also wanted to express our interest in potentially joining your Familia the man- Aedan- stated with a bowed head at the end, surprising them. Ever since the failure of the recruiting event, they hadn't tried to grow their familia, and nobody had approached them on their own.

Is that true? Hestia had a slight sparkle in her eyes, but was looking slightly skeptically at the woman, who had not opened her eyes or spoke from their entrance, Haruhime, could you please go and get Welf and Mikoto? This is an important matter, and we all need to be present

Of course, Goddess

As she left, Hestia herself got up and made two cups of tea for their guests. The others will introduce themselves when they get here, but for now, I am the Goddess Hestia of home and hearth; it is good to meet you two children her words prompted Bell and Lili to speak up themselves.

Ah-I'm Bell Cranel, it's very nice to meet you!

This Lili is Liliruka Arde, pleased to meet you

Truly, the pleasure is ours. Your home is very comfortable, Lady Hestia

Thank you his Goddess replied with a bright smile, and here is everyone else! she cheered as Haruhime walked in with Welf and Mikoto in tow. Please introduce yourselves to our guests everyone; this is Aedan and Alfia she gestured to each in turn.

Oh, hey there; we weren't expecting guests. My name's Welf, nice to meet'cha!

Good evening to the both of you. My name is Yamato Mikoto Welf and Mikoto's introductions were at opposite ends of the spectrum, with Welf offering a casual wave while Mikoto clasped her hands at her waist and bowed her head. The two guests took this in stride though, simply nodding as everyone took their seats.

Now everyone, our guests are here to discuss converting to our Familia, so I wanted everyone to be here for this conversation. I would like to ask some questions if you two don't mind? Hestia asked, and continued when they shook their heads, First, I would like to know why you wish to join my Familia? You must be aware that I have a considerable debt Hestia started off, having decided to make that clear from the start; she realized that it was likely more that she had hidden the debt from her familia than the debt itself that sabotaged their recruiting before. It didn't help, of course; the lack of people who approached them to join attested to that.

We had learned of that before, though I'm not sure exactly how much of a debt it is… the man mused.

… It's, uh, 200 million vallis… Hestia mumbled, getting quieter as the statement crept by.

200 million? That is a fair bit

But! It is from an agreement strictly between myself and Hephaistos; she has arranged for me to pay it all back myself, so none of you children have to worry about it

That is admirable, Lady Hestia, but to be honest, I'm sure your Familia probably does still worry about it he had noticed how awkward and uncomfortable Bell had become when the subject was brought up. If it was a debt to Hephaistos, it was likely for some piece of equipment he used.

'Question is what the hell is it? That price tag is a greater amount than even some Durandal weapons; it doesn't exactly seem like he would use a full set of orichalcum armor, either…'

If you accept us, I can say that I would like to assist you in that burden; I'm sure that an up-and-coming familia has enough to handle in your tax burden and ongoing expenses. Besides, I have some wealth to spare from my recent mission, even setting aside my savings before that

That is very kind of you, kiddo, I approve of your character in that! Hestia gave him a thumbs-up.

As for why we want to join, well, my God left Orario sometime ago, and I elected to remain in the city; however, I feel that the time has come to move on. I can't even get my status updated now, you know? Enough time has passed for me to make the conversion, and I was given a recommendation to seek out your Familia

Really? Who told you to come to us; if you don't mind, can you also tell us who your previous god was? Hestia knew that based on the timeframe he wasn't a former Apollo member; she and Bell hadn't even been in Orario for a year.

The advisement came from Ouranos, and my previous God was Zeus the simple statement sent a jolt through Hestia, who shot a quick glance at Bell before refocusing on their guests. The boy had starry eyes, but nothing more. She would have to tread carefully with this. The only other person who reacted was Lili, who showed a much more muted interest than their captain.

I see… you have been without your Familia for quite a while, haven't you? She must have caught him slightly off-guard with that question, because she saw his eyes soften incredibly, as though he wasn't looking at her anymore but at a memory, Yes, Goddess; it has been a very long time…

Hm, what about you, Alfia; is your story the same as Aedan's? for the first time, the other guest opened her eyes and Bell was drawn in by them; they were differently colored: one an icy grey that fit her cool stare, and the other a deep emerald that was equally befitting her regal bearing.

Not completely, Goddess. While I wish to retire from adventuring, I would like to join your Familia, too. Similar to him, my Goddess- Hera- has been ousted from the city for a long time

'Another big name!?' Luckily, Hestia did not lose her cool, I see… Aedan, I assume you are an adventurer experienced in Dungeon exploration and wish to continue that in my Familia? he nodded and she continued, Alfia, you said you want to retire from the adventuring; what would you like to do as a member of the Familia?

I could assist in any busy work around the home and city, and can act as a skilled instructor in many subjects, including magic and combat. If need be, I can be a supporter in the Dungeon, as well

As she finished, Aedan added on, I should say that I can also act as a teacher, and have many times before. In Zeus' Familia as well as to his allies, I have taught many other adventurers

She nodded with a bright smile, That sounds pretty good to me! Can I ask what your levels are? Lili perked up at her question, likely knowing that the answer might affect their financial situation; it certainly would.

I would prefer to keep the details to myself unless we may join, but we are both first-class adventurers

His answer lit-up Hestia and the others with pleasant tension. On the one hand, a massive increase in their tax obligation- especially considering Bell was on the edge of being first-class, too- but on the other hand, they were level 5's or maybe even 6's that were offering their experience.

'I never thought helping out Ouranos and going through all the trouble with Fels and the Xenos would lead to something like this; it was already worth it to save them, but now it feels like that effort is really coming back around…' Bell wondered quietly.

I see… well, I have one last question! Hestia looked intensely at the two for a moment as she said in a dead serious tone, Neither of you are planning on taking my Bell away from us, right? her possessiveness coming out as she made sure Bell wasn't being poached; everything they had said was true up to now, but that didn't mean they weren't omitting anything.

Surprisingly, it was Alfia who spoke first, cocking an eyebrow, I'm not sure what you mean though she suspected she knew, given the pointed looks the Goddess and the pallum girl had been giving her, but I would never take Bell anywhere he didn't wish to go, or anywhere he did want to if it would be bad for him her answer seemed to placate them, and Aedan laughed as he gave his own.

I agree with Alfia; we want to join your Familia, not take any of them away with us, Goddess Hestia

Well, that's good enough for me. Now, anyone else can ask what questions you want. Try to keep in mind what is necessary to know before they join; we can speak anytime if they become a part of our Familia

Surprisingly enough, Welf was first, What equipment do you guys use? I'm Bell's personal smith and I'm here with everyone from Hephaistos Familia; I can't say I'll be makin' ya first-class equipment anytime soon, but I can maintain what you got, and make plenty of backup kit for ya to use

That won't be needed for me; if I go on expedition, my magic is enough Alfia said simply, so Aedan wanted to be more accommodating.

As for me, I'm well-versed in many sorts of gear: pole-arms, blades, maces, bows, axes, staves, anything you can think up I'll give a whirl. As for armor, much the same, though I have a preference for medium armor

Great, I got it!

Lili has a few questions. Miss Alfia, given our financial situation, you will likely join the support for at least a little while. Master Bell will have the final say, but if you do, you will be with Lili and Haruhime in support; can Lili ask about the nature of your magic and skills?

That is fair. My magic keeps the sound at bay, for myself, and allows me to cast destruction across wide areas. However, I lack stamina; the longer a fight drags, the less effective I would be if I am constantly using my power. If I use it sparingly, in a support role- for example- I should be capable to join you for as long as is needed

Understood. Mr. Aedan, can you tell me what your Dungeon range is, the greater between the two of you?

You're asking because of the tax issue? she nodded, You won't have to worry about that. Typically, Dungeon range tax evaluations are made on expeditions explicitly headed by the familia in question; it's true that individual range is sometimes considered for smaller familia, but Alfia and I are a special case from our last mission; the Guild- or at least Lord Ouranos- would not allow that burden to unfairly fall to you

Lili understands, but… can you still share you range?

I'm sorry, but if we join you, I will tell you all everything

That will be fine, then Lili sighed a bit, satisfied with his answer.

Haruhime gently voiced her own question next, Will the both of you be moving into the manor should you join? Do you have residence elsewhere and wish to remain there?

It would be more sensible to move in with the familia, if it is possible he answered as Alfia nodded along.

That should be no issue as long as Goddess Hestia agrees; I will prepare rooms for both of you The renard bowed her head and left after excusing herself; nobody mentioned that it had not been officially accepted that they would join, but given how things were going, she would be fine.

Mikoto had nothing to add, but Bell did have one concern, Um, I am the captain of Hestia Familia, but I'm not a first-class adventurer like you two; I am close, but I'm still a level 4 Aedan had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes at the boy's modesty, while Alfia grew a small smile, I hope it won't be an issue that I am less experienced compared to you both he finished off slightly awkwardly, scratching his cheek with a finger.

Bell Aedan started, while it is usually true that familia are led by the strongest and most experienced members, it isn't always the case. We may be more powerful, but I can promise you that we will follow your lead and do whatever we think is best for Hestia Familia. Besides, you are plenty strong from what I hear, and still growing like a weed he smiled.

I wish to pull back from adventuring, as I said, so I have only the desire to support you and everyone else. It wouldn't matter if you were a level 1; I will follow you Alfia's answer drew surprise from the others, and even a bit from her companion, who worried about her revealing more than he thought she would, but she stopped there.

Thank you two, then! Goddess, I would like to accept them both

Oh, when you say it so earnestly I can't say no to you, Bell; alright then! I will accept both of you children to convert to my Familia the statement drew a measure of cheer and merriment in the room, Well, why don't we get started, then? she asked, and Aedan nodded to Alfia.

Ladies first closing her eyes but keeping up her smile, she followed her new goddess to a private room to complete the process. After they left, Bell walked up to Aedan and held out his hand, which the man quickly took.

It's been a little crazy, but it is very good to meet you Mr. Aedan!

Likewise Bell, but please, just call me Aedan, or Horus is you prefer

Right, so um, Aedan… I was wondering

Mhmn?

Well, do you have any stories you don't mind sharing from being in Zeus Familia? I've always enjoyed old hero stories and lately I've been drawn to accounts of older adventurers, too his new captain's question sparked a knowing shine in his eye as Aedan answered.

I sure do, captain. Most of the best ones are probably of the Golden Generation, and of Zeus himself; I respect that God a lot, but he was a right old curmudgeon at the best of times they didn't get much farther as a shriek sounded out in the manor, clearly Hestia's own distressed wail.

LEVEL 8!?