Alliance

After they had all calmed down from the stupid growth of Ad, Hestia asked what they should do in the next few days. Ad, in turn, asked how much money they got from the Killer Ants. The one who answered was Natsuki.

Natsuki: You killed a total of 195 Killer Ants, and got 51 Ant Jaws. The total you made is 103,215 Vallis.

Adalwulf: Hmm... with that amount we can avoid the Dungeon for a few days, even after repairing or updating our equipment.

Natsuki: I want to go in. I promised myself to get stronger, so the next time something happens, I can help.

Iman: I don't really care about going or not, as long as Darling is with me.

Ad decided that he would escord the two of them to the Dungeon in the next few days, allowing them to absorb some Excellia while he stood on the side, ready to intervene if it were needed. But currently, there were more pressing matters. Upgrading their gear and attending a meeting with the Astrea Familia.

*

After having breakfast, Ad took a set of regular clothes, as the ones he wore under his armour got torn, and waited until Hestia, Natsuki and Iman changed into their clothes too. Once they all were done, they parted towards the Astrea Familia's Headquarters.

During the time they walked through the streets, many Adventurers and regular people greeted them. It would seem that the Hestia Familia as a whole had become known to the public. Still, the biggest reaction came from those who knew of Ad's prowess.

???: Isn't that Adalwulf from the Hestia Familia?

???: Kyaa, he looks so handsome.

???: Look at him, surrounded by so many girls... he is a man!

The girls were looking at the other females who looked at Ad while releasing an Aura similar to that of a lioness protecting her cub. Though Ad could feel what it actually was. Jealousy and a hint of pride.

He, on the other hand, gave his best glare at any guy that felt lust towards the girls. He would not allow anyone who felt that way towards them to even look at them.

With a steady pace, they arrived at the entrance to the Astrea Familia's Headquarters. The building looked like the Pantheon, but it was fully white, as if it was carved from quarts in its entirety. Right above the entrance, the Astrea Familia's Emblem was protrayed.

At the entrance, two people Ad already knew were waiting. Now that they didn't have their helmets, he could see that the two girls he had met in the village were actually twins. It would seem that, as they already knew him, Astrea chose them to be their guides.

Alexio: Adawulf! Who would've thought that the kid we met back then would become the talk of Orario!

Amaro: Yeah! I had no idea you would be so strong in such a short time! You've not been in Orario for even a week!

Alexio/Amaro: You're awesome!

Ad laughed merrily when he heard what they were saying. He was extremely happy about them giving recognition to his growth. Not because they were beauties, but because they were the first Adventurers he saw in person, and the first example of what he aimed to be.

Adalwulf: Thank you, Alexio, Amaro. Now, could you beauties please explain what the purpose of this meeting is?

Alexio/Amaro: You're welcome!

Amaro: Unfortunately, we can't. Astrea-sama asked to be herself who discloses the reason for the meeting.

Adalwulf: Well, that is just too... ouch! Hestia-sama?

Hestia had pinched his waist hard. Even if she couldn't actually hurt him, it was more than enough to get a reaction from him.

Hestia: Stop being such a flirt!

Adalwulf: Sorry, sorry... it's in my nature to appreciate beauty when I see it.

Hestia: *sigh* ...What will I do with you...?

Natsuki: Anyway, can we get this over with already?

Iman: Yeah, yeah! I want to go and relax with Darling!

With the other members of the Hestia Familia nagging them to already take them to Astrea, Alexio and Amaro smiled wryly and simply signaled the Familia to follow them. Ad walked right behind them, with the rest following him.

Under the stares of some of the girls in the Familia, the group reached a door different from the others, which led to what looked like an office of sorts. The inside was neatly ordered and had an immaculate feel to it. The most impressive thing in the room was the Goddess that sat in a couch in front of a tea table.

Astrea was a slim woman, very young looking. She had long brown hair that reached her waist, bright blue eyes and a peaceful smile that transmitted warmth to others. Her body was covered by a white, tight fit dress that fell slightly from her shoulders.

She smiled at the group and asked them to take a seat in the couch right in front of her. Ad took the middle, with Natsuki and Iman on each side. To Astrea's surprise, Hestia sat on Ad's lap, with her legs dangling in the air. Still, the Goddess's surprise lasted for a few seconds, after which she smiled warmly.

Astrea: Welcome, everyone. I'm happy to see you've found a family, Hestia.

Hestia: Thank you, Astrea. It is good to see you doing fine after so long.

Noone was surprised by the exchange. After all, they knew that the two Goddesses belonged to the same pantheon in Heaven.

Adalwulf: It is a pleasure to meet you, Astrea-sama. Back in my village, Alexio and Amaro told me a lot about yourself.

Astrea: Well, I am glad you have such a good image of myself. And the pleasure is mine, Adalwulf.

Iman: Darling, don't try to hit on the Goddess!

Iman's comment provoked Ad to smile wryly, as he thought he hadn't done anything of the sort. The girls from both Familia just laughed softly, while the Goddesses smiled warmly at their children's interaction. Once they all calmed down, Astrea decided to talk about the reason why they were asked for a meeting.

Astrea: I called this meeting because I wanted to offer an Alliance to the Hestia Familia.

As soon as those words left her lips, Hestia turned serious Ad just looked pensive, as if thinking of the pros and cons of entering said Alliance.

Hestia: As much as I'd love to talk about this with you, I am not in charge of the Familia's dealings. Ad is the one who takes care of all those things.

Adalwulf was brought out of his thoughts by Hestia's words. He immedeately looked at her teasingly, and she felt like she shouldn't have spoken.

Adalwulf: Well, isn't that because you are too lazy to take part in this matters, Hestia-sama~?

The Goddess in question blushed slightly, calling him dummy while she hid her face in his chest. How dared he tease her in front of her fellow Goddess?

Ad, on the other hand, just smiled brightly seeing how his teasing worked. In front of others, he would surely try to give the best possible image of Hestia. But since Astrea already knew her beforehand, and he couldn't feel any negative emotions from her, he just went with it.

Astrea smiled warmly at Hestia, seeing her acting like a maiden in love. She was happy for her, having found those who cared for her the same way she cared for others. Still, there were more important things to discuss.

Adalwulf: What would this Alliance require from each party?

Astrea: We would ask your collaboration when we are in a time of need, and the same would be provided for you.

Adalwulf: That would mean that if we were being attacked, you would help, and vice versa?

Astrea: Exactly. As for how we both would know of such things, I have prepared this item, crafted by someone with the "Mistery" Development Skill.

Adalwulf instantly thought of the girl with glasses and sky-blue hair from the Hermes Familia, Asfi. He was sure she was the one who crafted the said item, since Astrea would want the best quality possible.

Adalwulf: I see. I must assume this sends a signal whenever the other party is in danger or in need of help, right?

Astrea: Not only do you seem to have a huge potential, but you also seem to be very smart. Indeed, that is how the item works.

Adalwulf: It is my honour to receive a compliment from such a graceful Goddess as yourself, Astrea-sama. On another note, I don't see anything to lose from this Alliance. It would be our pleasure to work with you from now on.

Alexio/Amaro: Yay! Now we are partners!

Everyone in the room laughed merrily at the twins excitement. Ad was happy that the Hestia Familia was receiving the recognition it deserved. He was happy that Hestia was now living a happy and carefree life. He felt glad that he was surrounded by so many pure girls. And above all, he was enjoying his second shot at life.