"Hey, I didn't expect Orsted, to have a childhood friend," Hestia said, clearly surprised.
Lili stared at Tifa with a wary expression, as if she saw her as a rival.
Tifa had been summoned by the system...
As a result, when Tifa explained her 'background,' Hestia believed it immediately.
So, when Hestia learned that Tifa had come to Orario specifically to look after Orsted and join his Familia, she was thrilled.
A mansion had already been purchased, and their assets had grown significantly, surpassing those of a small Familia and reaching the level of a mid-sized one.
Now, it was time to expand the Familia.
Hestia's next goal was to recruit reliable members.
With Tifa actively seeking to join, Hestia was overjoyed.
"Please guide me well in the future, Hestia-sama," Tifa said respectfully.
Coming from a world without gods, Tifa held a deep respect for deities now that she knew they truly existed.
This was also the attitude of most people in this world.
While it was common for gods to descend to the lower world, and some people treated them casually, such individuals were in the minority.
Most people revered the gods.
"Just call me Hestia. No need for formalities," Hestia said with a warm smile.
"Then… Hestia?" Tifa hesitated slightly, seeing Hestia's approachable demeanor.
She didn't feel the usual awe associated with gods.
"Yes, that's perfect. The Hestia Familia doesn't have complicated rules. Just be yourself," Hestia replied, nodding in approval.
"I'd love to grant you falna right now," Hestia continued, "but since we've just acquired our new home, I think it would be more meaningful to do it there."
"It'll be a special moment," Hestia added, her eyes shining with excitement as she envisioned the Familia's future growth.
Although Lili didn't like Tifa—seeing her as a sudden rival—she had to admit that Hestia's idea made sense.
Welcoming a new member there would indeed hold special meaning.
Tifa joining could be seen as the first step in Familia's expansion.
In comparison, Lili didn't count, as she had been traded before their new home.
'Damn it, I should've waited,' Lili thought, biting an imaginary handkerchief in frustration.
"I'll leave it to you, Hestia."
Orsted didn't join the conversation between Hestia and the others.
Instead, he was busy packing the few things they needed to take to the new mansion.
There wasn't much to pack—just some small, essential belongings.
Orsted finished in just a few minutes.
"Alright, we're all packed. Let's head to our new home."
"Let's go," Hestia agreed, nodding.
Lili and Tifa also nodded.
The four of them then left the church.
"I've lived here for almost a month. It's hard to say goodbye," Hestia murmured, looking back at the entrance to the church.
"You can always come back and visit if you miss it. It's not like it's going anywhere," Orsted said with a smile.
"Huh?"
"I won't miss such a shabby place," Hestia retorted, instantly snapping out of her nostalgic mood and striding away proudly.
"A shabby place?"
"I'll tell Hephaestus you called the place she gave you shabby," Orsted teased, following her.
"Go ahead. I'm not afraid." Hestia shot back.
"Well, you're not wrong," Orsted conceded, his tone faltering.
The two continued bickering as they walked.
Behind them, Tifa watched with a soft smile, then moved to catch up.
However, before she could take a step, Lili, who hadn't left yet, spoke up.
Lili glared at Tifa with clear hostility.
"I won't lose to you!"
With that, Lili hurried after Orsted and Hestia, her large backpack bouncing on her shoulders.
Tifa stood there for a moment, stunned.
After a few seconds, she chuckled softly.
"Orsted is still so popular with girls. Even I'm seen as a rival."
"But it seems I really am a rival…"
Tifa murmured to herself, then skipped after the group with a cheerful stride.
***
Their mansion was located near the Hephaestus Familia.
It took Orsted and the others about ten minutes to reach it.
Orsted didn't know much about mansions, but this one was stunning.
It has enough space to house hundreds of people.
It was perfect for a mid-sized Familia.
Hestia hadn't been involved in the selection process—Hephaestus had handled everything and ultimately chosen this property.
After arriving, Hestia eagerly took Tifa's hand and rushed to her room to grant her falna.
"See you later, Orsted," Tifa called out as Hestia dragged her away.
"See you later," Orsted replied.
"Orsted-sama is really popular with girls," Lili muttered, pouting.
Orsted smiled and ruffled her hair.
"Jealous?"
"No way!" Lili blushed and denied it immediately.
"I'm going to do some work," she said quickly, then ran off.
Watching Lili flee in embarrassment, Orsted shook his head slightly.
He wasn't oblivious to Lili's feelings for him.
However, after being single for decades, he wasn't sure how to handle the situation.
With a sigh, Orsted pushed the matter aside for now and began exploring their new home.
---
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