Hestia paused.
The moment Hermes had asked that question, a few other people had leaned in to listen. Adventurers, some gods passing by...
Hestia could understand why. Her Bell was the talk of Orario right now.
And with how he had challenged Apollo so publicly to the War Game, everyone was curious.
Hestia smiled, though her blue eyes flickered with a faint crimson hue. "Why are you asking, Hermes? Betting on us?"
Hermes chuckled. "You could say that. But actually..." He dropped his facade, looking genuinely apologetic. "...Because of a misunderstanding, I caused you guys trouble last time. So, I was thinking of having Asfi make a magic item or two for him if you need it."
Hestia blinked. Then she relaxed. "Wow. You DO have a conscience."
Hermes laughed. "Yes, well." He took another bite from his jagamarukun and said, "Despite my look, I'm not a bad guy. I want the best for Orario, you know? And I've got a feeling our best bet is your Bell."
Hestia took a bite from her jagamarukun. After deliberately chewing on it, she said, "You know something."
"...I know a lot of things, Hestia." Hermes smiled.
Hestia's eyes flickered and she realized that Hermes had used a magic item. One that cut them off from the surroundings so they could talk in private. "...I knew it." Hestia stared into Hermes' orange eyes and said, "Whenever you show up, it isn't just a talk."
Hermes kept smiling and said, "Well. I'm just a messenger. And the message I have for you is simple." He finished his jagamarukun and said, "Orario needs a hero. Both as a pillar, and as a force. The dark times are definitely coming again, sooner rather than later. Considering Freya seems to be bowing out, but you're on the rise, I wanted to give you a headstart. There's still a bit of time... but a lot will happen quickly after your War Game."
"...I'll remember that, Hermes."
Hermes placed a glittering jewel on the countertop. One that looked like it had a... fetus inside?
Hestia paused to look at the jewel, confused. "What's that?"
"Something that your Bell might be able to use... or if not, that Crozzo should be able to get something out of it. We obtained it through a series of unfortunate events, but couldn't figure much out about it. Still." Hermes smiled. "Considering how ridiculous that little hero is, it might just become a trump card in his hands."
Hestia frowned and then carefully wrapped up the jewel in napkins. "...If this is cursed, Hermes..."
"It's not. While it's a bit stranged, it's definitely safe. Asfi confirmed it, and I had it checked a few different times to be sure." Hermes brushed off his hands. "I'll see you later then." He reached up to nod with his feathered cap and said, "Good luck with the War Game."
"Hm?" Hestia looked at Hermes. "You aren't coming to the Denatus?"
"Ouranus and I have some plans, so I'll be busy for some time. See you~!"
With a gust of wind and a leap, Hermes flew off into the distance. No doubt using more magic items to make a quick escape.
Hestia clicked her tongue. "That guy... Always bringing trouble."
Still, it WAS better forewarned than not. Though, the fact that Hermes was doing the warning meant it was something serious...
Hestia sighed and put on her business smile as a new customer approached.
'I'll think about it later after I talk it over with Bell.'
For now...
"Hello there!" Hestia waved and said, "What can I get for you?"
The customer, a purple-haired swordswoman with twin blades, paused and said, "Do you have any spicy jagamarukuns? Like, burn your tongue off?"
"E-Eh? No, but I can make you one? Since it'll be a custom order, it'll be a bit more expensive..."
"That's fine. It's been a while since I've had some." The swordswoman placed a stack of valis on the countertop. "You can keep the rest as a tip."
Hestia blinked. But then she smiled and said, "Alright! Coming right up then, Miss...?"
"Sophia."
"Coming right up, Miss Sophia!"
===
Bella was having fun. Although she wanted to play a bit with her big sister Fina, Mommy insisted on spending time with her today.
But Mommy wasn't Mommy right now. Instead, she was playing pretend! So Bella was having fun pretending not to know Mommy while playing with her.
"Miss Syr! It's dirty here- Whoopsie!" Bella 'accidentally' knocked over a mug filled with juice on a nearby table.
Miss 'Syr' paused in the middle of cleaning another table and then let out a tired smile. "Sweetie... I'm glad you're helping, but you could just sit still..."
"But I like helping!" Bella let out a perfectly innocent smile. And she deliberately ignored how Miss Ryuu's lips twitched, clearing holding back a laugh.
Bella also ignored how the nice cat lady with brown hair (Miss Anya?) was staring at her with wide eyes, flitting between Bella and 'Syr.'
At that time, Lili walked out from the backroom, easily carrying twelve trays of food balanced on her arms. "Huh. Lili never realized that her skill could be used like this."
Oriana walked out behind Lili, wearing the light green uniform of the Hostess of Fertility as well. Smoothing down her dress, she blushed and said, "Th-This is new for me... A-Are you sure this is fine, Miss Ryuu?"
Ryuu shifted her gaze to Oriana and nodded. "Customer service is a form of training as well. If you can tolerate drunkards and maintain your calm, you can surely do so in combat."
Lili set the trays down on a nearby table and said, "So that's why Lili is so calm in the Dungeon... compared to the Soma Familia meetings, it's nothing."
Ryuu paused. "I... would not put it that way. But... I suppose so."
Bella smiled, content to people watch as her Mommy and her aunties and big sisters interacted. 'This is definitely fun~!'
A bit of drama, a bit of exasperation, adapting to the situation as it unfolded...
Bella liked watching that sort of thing. It was MUCH more interesting than watching Pyrrha and Big Sis Fina play with fire and metals at least.
'Hm... I wonder what Papa's doing?'
Bella looked around the room.
Everyone looked busy helping the other customers... and Mommy was preoccupied with cleaning up more messes. So...
'Just a peek!'
Bella giggled and then stepped sideways, following the glowing black and white flame that belonged to her Papa.
Then she jumped onto his back. "Papa! I'm bored!"
"Gyah?! Bella!? I told you to stop doing that! And why are you here?! Your Mom's going to panic!"
Bella puffed her cheeks and rested her head on her Papa's shoulder. "I missed Papa! ...Hm?" She tilted her head when she noticed the pretty miss with long blue hair frozen in the middle of eating a forkful of pasta. "...Are you trying to steal Papa?"
"N-NO!" Cassandra immediately crossed her arms. "Definitely no! L-Look!" She quickly pointed to the poster on the wall.
Bella stared at it. Then when she read the message, she nodded. "Okay~! Mommy's scary, so if you try to steal Papa you'll be in biiiig trouble."
"Y-Yes! Understood!" Cassandra quickly nodded.
Bella giggled and then kissed her Papa on the cheek. "Love you, Papa! Bye bye~"
"Wait, Bella, you seriously-!"
Bella jumped off her Papa's back, following her Mommy's pretty flame. Then she hugged her from behind. "I'm back, Miss Syr~"
"BELLATRIX KRANEL! YOU-!" 'Syr' froze, quickly looking around the room. Then she cleared her throat and said, "E-Excuse me..." After that, she scooped Bella over her shoulder and ran into the back.
Bella giggled the entire way.
'Yep! Super fun~'