Is it wrong to try to build a criminal Empire?

chapter 4

"I just don't know what to do, Miach!" Hestia cried, clearly drunk.

After storming out of the Church because Bell-kun was being a meanie, she had found herself meeting up with Miach in a small, dimly lit bar.

She was well into her third glass, and her small frame clearly wasn't handling it well. Miach, ever the patient friend, sat with her, offering a gentle smile as he listened to her vent. He didn't mind her cries, and he even tried to cheer her up with some friendly advice.

"Hestia, you know we can't always expect mortals to do exactly as we say," Miach said softly, his voice steady and calming. "They have free will. Sometimes, their nature pushes them to make choices we might not agree with, but that's part of life."

Hestia groaned, her frustration evident. It wasn't that she didn't know all this—it was just that Bell-kun was her first child, and she couldn't help but worry about him. Maybe she was overthinking everything, but she couldn't stop herself.

"I know, Miach, I know..." she muttered, a hiccup escaping between words.

"What did he do, anyway?" Miach asked, his curiosity piqued. He wasn't used to seeing Hestia like this.

Hestia hesitated. She couldn't just tell him the whole truth about Bell's skill. It wasn't that she didn't trust Miach—it was just too dangerous to reveal something like that in public. As Bell would say, that would be "highly foolish."

"I... I can't say exactly," she stammered. "But he did something bad and stupid!"

Miach chuckled, his smile warm and understanding. "It's alright, Hestia. Just give him some time and space. He's still new to adventuring, after all."

If only it were that simple, Hestia thought. But Miach's words did soothe her a little.

"You're right..." she muttered, taking another swig of her drink. But it was clear she'd already had enough for one night.

Miach, always the responsible one, glanced at the time and sighed. "It's getting late, Hestia. And I think you've had enough drinks for tonight. I'll walk you home if you need."

Hestia blinked. Bell-kun must be worried about her by now. Miach was right—it was late.

"I'll manage," she said, slurring her words but standing up, albeit a bit wobbly. "Thanks, though, Miach!"

With a clumsy wave goodbye, she stumbled out of the bar and began her journey back to the Church, her mind spinning with thoughts of Bell-kun and his meanie behavior.

Stepping inside the familiar building, she swayed on her feet. "Bell-kun~ I'm back!" she sang out, her voice laced with drunken cheer as she staggered toward the couch where he usually slept.

With a heavy thump, she collapsed onto it—right on top of him.

"Oof!" came the sound of Bell's voice from underneath her. She had landed her target perfectly.

"You damn brat! What are you doing? Get off me this instance!" Bell growled in annoyance, trying to free himself from under her.

"Stop being a meanie and treat your cute goddess with respect!" she demanded, though her words were slurred and barely coherent.

"Useless goddess..." Bell muttered. His voice was cold, but she barely noticed in her intoxicated state.

Before she could protest again, she felt herself being lifted off him and tossed onto the bed with little effort. She squeaked in surprise but was too drunk to properly react.

"Nooo~ Bell-kun, don't leave me alone!" she whined, her voice trailing off as sleep began to overtake her.

Within moments, Hestia had passed out, her breathing soft and steady as she lay sprawled across the bed.