Night gradually fell. At Hestia's request, Roland put on formal attire for the first time in ages, and the clothes instantly made him seem much more mature and composed.
The moment he entered the banquet hall, quite a few goddesses cast burning gazes his way.
-Only for Hestia beside him to glare each of them down.
Although Roland was her only Familia member, even without touching his own funds, a mere fraction of what he earned every day was enough to lift Hestia out of poverty.
As such, Hestia was also wearing a blue evening gown, looking prettier and more glamorous than usual.
They had only just entered and had yet to find anyone they knew to greet when an excited voice rang out.
"Sir Hero! We meet again!"
A white-haired boy, also dressed in formal attire but looking somewhat nervous thanks to his air of simple honesty, waved toward Roland with a delighted expression.
"Bell?"
Roland was a little surprised as well. Although the requirements for attending this God Meeting had been relaxed considerably, they were hardly letting just anyone in. At the very least, only Familia members affiliated with a deity qualified to enter.
Bell had still been an ordinary person two days ago. Had he found a deity willing to recruit him so quickly?
"Hey, Hestia."
Following behind Bell, a male deity approached, his coat hanging completely open and his collar loose, giving him a frivolous appearance.
"Hermes, when did you get back?"
Hestia looked at Hermes in some surprise. Although he was a deity whose home base was also in Orario, Hermes preferred traveling to staying in the city. He rarely remained anywhere for more than half a month, and his whereabouts were often uncertain.
"Well, it's a long story. In short, someone asked me a