Is it wrong to try to build a criminal Empire?

chapter 8

"In the end, we're all slaves to our bloodline."

---

Two weeks since joining hestia familia.

---

The faint glow of the updating ritual illuminated Hestia's surroundings, casting soft shadows across the dim room. She let a drop of her divine blood fall onto the bare back of her only child, watching as the Falna on his back began adjusting to showcase his current progress.

She frowned slightly as she pressed an empty sheet of paper to Bell's back, waiting for his status to update.

---

Bell Cranel: Level 1 Adventurer

Strength: 96 → 102 H
Endurance: 54 → 66 I
Dexterity: 65 → 75 I
Agility: 92 → 110 H
Magic: 65 → 70 I

Skills:
All For One, Feral Clarity

Magic:
Fireball

---

Hestia's fingers lingered on the sheet as she studied it, her lips pressing into a tighter line. It's slowing down... but it's still extraordinary growth.

This rate of improvement would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention to her small Familia, especially if anyone discovered his rather dangerous skill.

Her thoughts turned to his encounter with the Minotaurs. When Bell had returned that day, limping from a wound on his leg, she had nearly fainted from worry.

Yet, despite her concerns, he had brushed off the incident with casual ease, his focus entirely on updating his status.

When she finally gave in and updated his status, the results had left her stunned. The leap in his parameters was nothing short of amazing, far beyond what she had expected.

Alarmed, she had rushed to Hephaestus, hoping her friend could shed some light on the situation and provide reassurance that such growth was normal.

Hephaestus, however, had simply shrugged and replied, "It's probably normal."

It didn't help at all!

"Here you go, Bell-kun! Congratulations!" Hestia said brightly, masking her worry with a cheerful tone. "You've finally reached over 100 in two of your parameters!" Her eyes sparkled with pride as she handed him the updated sheet.

Despite her concerns, she couldn't help but feel proud of him. Her Bell-kun was working so hard to support their little Familia, and she wouldn't let her worries dampen her enthusiasm.

Although, she was a bit concerned about where he'd been getting all that money without venturing into the dungeon these past few days.

Perhaps he'd taken up a part-time job until he could afford new equipment? Maybe she should ask Hephaestus for a weapon for him!

No, that's stupid-there was no way she could afford anything made by Hephaestus.

Bell took the sheet from her hands, his expression turning serious and contemplative as he studied the numbers. Hestia couldn't help but smile to herself. He's just so cute when he gets that focused look on his face!

"Thank you," Bell said softly, folding the sheet. Without hesitation, he walked over to the hearth and threw the paper into the fire, watching it burn to ash.

Hestia's smile faltered slightly as he turned toward the staircase.

"I'll be late tonight." he said, his tone calm yet distant.

As as she watched him go, Hestia let out a small sigh, her hands resting on her lap.

"Oh, Bell-kun..." she murmured, tilting her head in mild exasperation.