Although gods possessed endless lifespans.
When they found themselves amid the bustle of the mortal world.
That sense of drifting with no one to rely on would still grow wild like weeds.
Especially when they saw all the other gods thriving, forging bonds of their own in the Lower World.
While she herself.
Had become a spectator who always lingered on the fringes.
That disparity.
Was the real reason she had been so angry today.
Not because she was hungry.
Nor because she had missed out on a feast.
But because she feared being forgotten.
Even gods feared being forgotten.
"So you want to recruit familia members?"
"No."
Hestia shook her head decisively.
Making Haimo roll his eyes.
"Recruiting familia members is too much trouble."
"I came to the Lower World to experience life!"
With that.
Hestia finished her last bite of fried potato balls.
She crumpled the paper bag into a ball and tossed it precisely into a trash can several meters away.
Clang.
A soft sound rang out.
"Your hand."
Haimo suddenly spoke.
"Huh?"
Hestia paused, then held out an empty hand.
There were still traces of grease and seasoning powder on it.
"What is it?"
"Open it."
"Oh..."
Hestia obediently opened her palm.
The next second.
The cool feel of metal settled into Hestia's palm.
"This is..."
Hestia lowered her head.
By the light of the streetlamp.
She made out the object.
A key.
Made of brass, with a simple pattern engraved on it.
It was hardly an exquisite piece of craftsmanship.
"Since you don't want to recruit familia members."
"Then just stay here with me."
Haimo turned his head.
He looked at Hestia, who was staring blankly at the key, lost in thought.
"Also."
"I'm not letting you eat and stay for free. We'll talk