Danmachi SI-The Silence's Heir

Part 9

Chapter 9

GODDESS HESTIA

Hestia was rather nervous as she stood beside her newest child, who showed her their humble abode. Bell was both excited and jittery about the whole affair as well, as the taller boy looked over the decrepit old church building..

"You live here," he suddenly began chuckling, and she felt her cheeks flush, in embarrassment.

"I know it is not much but...."

"No. No, it's nothing like that," he said as he stepped forward, a smile on his lips as he entered the church.

"It's just that this brings back quite some memories," he added, making her frown.

"What do you mean?" both she and Bell followed after him, and as he opened the door, he turned back and answered.

"Because years ago, I lived here as well," and both her and Bell looked at each other.

"What!" she gasped, and he shrugged.

"Let's just say I made some rather big mistakes in the past," he said as he entered the church, and both of them followed afterward.

"You do not know it yet, but this church is very special in many ways," he said, and she frowned.

"How?" she asked, and at that, she noticed him glance at Bell before he suddenly shook his head.

"Well, that is a story for another time," and then they entered the room, and he sat down.

"First of we all need to discuss my role in the familia," and both she and Bell perked up at that.

"That is if you still want me, of course?" he turned towards her, and she nodded.

"Of course I do," she replied quickly, and he smiled.

"So be it, then. But I must warn you I am quite a trouble magnet and have drawn the ire of some rather dangerous entities within the city. Are you sure you want their eyes on you and your family members," he asked gravely, and she became quiet at that.

She did not care that much about herself. She could tackle them, but when it came to her precious.

"I will be fine," Bell answered.

"You need not worry about me, Goddess-sama," he said, and as she looked at his bright and confident face, her heart melted as she smiled.

"Bell-kun! So, it is decided then," and then the boy shrugged.

"Then so be it, I am a member of the Hestia familia then," and at that, she jumped from her seat.

"Yeah! I finally have myself a second child," and then she turned towards Bell-kun.

"Now, Bell-kun leaves the room while I update his status," she said, and Bell-kun nodded before he left them all alone.

"Before you do this, I want you to make a promise to me that you will not reveal my secrets to anyone else, not even Bell-kun," he said, and she nodded, though it was jarring that he wished it so. It was not out of the world.

"Of course," she agreed.

With that, the cloak fell away, revealing black armor with golden trim all around it. The cracks and missing pieces showed that it had gone without proper maintenance for years, and then, as he began to remove the pieces, she realized that this was orichalcum.

That this was high-level armor, more expensive than anything she had ever seen before.

"Despite my age and looks, I was a high-level adventurer for years, one who had also inherited much of my old famila's wealth. However, later on, most of it was confiscated by the guild. This armor was the last purchase I was able to make before things went completely haywire, but even in its current state, it is better than any mid-ranged armor anyone can buy," he explained, and she nodded.