Natsuki and Hestia

Adalwulf was staring at Natsuki without any reservation whatsoever. This didn't really make her uncomfortable, but she was awkward, as people in the Far East were a lot more reserved. Ad, noticing her feelings, decided to break the ice.

Adalwulf: So, what brings you to Orario, Natsuki?

Natsuki: E-Eh? Ah! I-I came here to become an Adventurer and find a Familia!

Adalwulf: That would mean we both came here for the same reason. Are you traveling by yourself?

Natsuki: I... I was traveling with f-friends... b-but...

Ad could feel her mood take a huge turn for the worse. He understood that her friends had perished during their travels and she was the only one who made it. Instead of asking and making things worse, he opted to pat her head softly, while trying his best to make her feel safe. Surprisingly, it seemed to work.

Natsuki: S-Sorry... I must look like a crybaby. Maybe I am not cut out at all to be an Adventurer...

Adalwulf: Don't ever say something like that, Natsuki. You should carry on and do your best to fulfill not only yours, but their dream too. That is the best way to respect their memory. Besides...

Even though Natsuki would never admit it, she found Ad to be strikingly handsome when comforting her. She also felt a strange sense of security, as if he was someone who would never allow any harm to come her way.

Natsuki: B-Besides... *sob* ...w-what?

Adalwulf: Besides, it would be a pity if I were to never again cross paths with a beauty such as yourself. I am willing to say I'd like you to join the same Familia I do. That way, we'd both be together.

Natsuki's face turned several degrees rosier. She couldn't take the Ad's teasing; she just wasn't used to it. But somewhere in her mind and heart, she had a favorable opinion of his proposal. After all, he was the only person who she knew in Orario, and he also brought her a feeling of comfort and safety. Two of the things she needed most.

*

After a few more minutes of talking and exchanging information about themselves, Natsuki and Ad noticed Misha coming from the back of the Guild and waving at them to follow her. They went after her and reached a room with two seats and a desk in front, behind which stood other three seats.

This was the room that recruiting Familia used to interview the Adventurers. According to the explanation Misha gave them, the first seat was for the Guild representative, which in this case was herself. The middle seat was for the God of the Familia, while the last one was for the Captain.

After receiving advice on what they should say and what shouldn't be said, Misha allowed the first Familia to enter. It turned out to be Ishtar, deadly enemy of Freya and one of the "bitch" Goddesses, as Ad had decided to call them. Still, he couldn't help one thing.

Adalwulf: My, oh my. What a beautiful Goddess am I seeing.

???: Watch your tongue, mongrel! You are talking to Ishtar-sama, the most beautiful of all Goddesses!

Ishtar: Now, now. Calm down, Tammuz. This child doesn't know me, he just arrived at Orario, right?

Tammuz: As you wish, Ishtar-sama.

Adalwulf: Well, I am sorry if I happened to sound disrespectful, Ishtar-sama~

Ad decided that adding a certain tone to his voice would be even more effective when trying to rile up Tammuz, and at the same time cater to Ishtar's weak spot for charming, handsome men. He somehow didn't really feel attracted to her. Perhaps it was the way she carried herself, the haughtiness oozing out of her pores.

Ishtar: I've decided. You can join my Familia, child.

Adalwulf: Oh, but I haven't even introduced myself, Ishtar-sama.

Ishtar: You're coming with me regardless, right?

This was the moment Ad had been waiting for. The perfect instance to launch his attack, and at the same time proving he wasn't someone she could toy with.

Adalwulf: Not really. I don't want to join a Goddess who only sees herself as Freya's shadow.

Tammuz: Now you've done it, I'll kill you!

Misha, who had been silent, thought it wise to talk for the first time. She had grown fond of Ad in the little time they had talked, and she didn't want him to have a negative image of the Guild.

Misha: Please remember you are in Guild's Headquarters. And you can't commit crimes in Orario. Unless you want to be chased by the Astrea Familia, that is.

Ishtar: *tch* Where did you hear about that?

Adalwulf: Oh, it was one of the first things I heard as soon as I entered the city, Ishtar-sama~ Perhaps a not so loyal child of yours~? Or a member of the Freya Familia~?

Ishtar decided to ignore him. She didn't want to deal with someone who seemed to be immune to her Charm, so she moved on to the other possible recruit. As soon as she saw her, she thought she would be perfect in her Familia's brothel services.

Ishtar: Then you, beautiful girl, would you like to join me?

Yet, once again, Ishtar's efforts were in vain. Natsuki seemed adamant on not joining her Familia, even after she used her Charm on her. Ishtar left the Pantheon's premises frustrated and angry, with Tammuz releasing a small amount of bloodlust towards Ad.

As to why Ishtar's Charm didn't work on Natsuki, the only thing Ad could think of was him transmiting his negative emotions towards the Goddess to her. He still didn't know why he felt and could, to a certain point, transmit emotions. But he was grateful, since it allowed him to save a beautiful girl from a dark future.

Their thoughts were interrupted when a midget of a Goddess entered by the door with a small smug on her face. Ad, who currently stood at 1.80 meters tall, thought he was around fourty centimeters taller than the Goddess. She had an ample bosom, that seemed to be barely kept inside her one-piece white dress. Black hair styled in twintails and her skin was as white as it could. What called Ad's attention the most were her striking, beautiful blue eyes, who seemed to be filled with nothing but love.

He could also feel her more than many. He could feel the boundless amount of love she carried, waiting to be given to someone. And he also felt the longing for a family. For someone to be with her. To lighten up her days. That was how Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth, Home and Family, made her appearance.

Adalwulf: I want to join you.