Journey to Planar World

Day 27.

That day began like any other in the Labyrinth City of Orario.

The sun rose, subtly signaling its arrival at the dawn of morning. It filled the twilight sky with various colors, blending into a bright blue. Gradually, the city's inhabitants began to start their day, just as the night dwellers were ending theirs. And some, well, some would say there isn't enough time to sleep.

On the busy street where people came and went, a man and a woman stood out more than other pedestrians.

Everyone passing by couldn't help but glance at them. There was only one reason: the appearance of the man and woman was simply extraordinary!

The young woman with pink hair possessed an unmatched beauty that transcended mortal women, and it was not an exaggeration to compare her to a goddess descending from heaven. Meanwhile, the white-haired man beside her was very handsome, though still within the mortal category.

The couple was none other than Charlie and Aishia.

Their destination was the residence of the Loki Familia, Twilight Manor.

Charlie's reason for going to Twilight Manor was to finalize a business deal he made with Finn during their encounter in the Dungeon.

"What's wrong, Aishia?"

His footsteps suddenly halted as Charlie noticed Aishia standing still, gazing in a certain direction.

Following her gaze, it turned out Aishia was looking at a food stall.

"Do you want to eat that?"

"I do, it smells delicious."

"Alright, let's buy some for you."

Still holding hands tightly, Charlie pulled Aishia toward the stall.

In fact, Spirits do not need to eat. However, Aishia always wanted to try living like a human, enjoying delicious food, bathing, and wearing beautiful dresses. Therefore, Charlie would fulfill all her wishes.

"Welcome, how many jagamarukun would you like... Ah, is that you?!"

"Good morning, Goddess Hestia."

Not only was Hestia surprised, but Charlie felt the same.

Hestia was wearing a work uniform and a head covering. Thus, Charlie could not recognize her immediately.

"Spirit... It seems the rumors are true."

Hestia's attention shifted to Aishia, who had already taken a jagamarukun for herself and was eating it. Like other gods, she recognized the beautiful woman in front of her as a Spirit at first glance.

In fact, the presence of Spirits in Orario had become common knowledge among the gods. This sparked a lot of speculation about whether the hero they awaited to save the world had finally appeared.

"It's hard to believe a playboy like you is a hero. I don't understand what this Spirit sees in you. The role of a hero suits Bell-kun much better."

After observing Aishia, Hestia shifted her gaze to Charlie and bluntly stated.

"Charlie is a good person." Aishia naturally sided with Charlie.

"A good person? Him? Let's meet Bell-kun, I'm sure you'll change your mind. Instead of making a contract with a playboy like him, Bell-kun is the best candidate!"

Knowing the importance of the Spirit's role in the hero's journey, Hestia tried to persuade Aishia to switch sides to Bell.

"Goddess Hestia, isn't your behavior quite rude? Trying to take Aishia from me? That's not a commendable act."

Finally, Charlie could no longer tolerate Hestia. Even so, his tone remained polite.

"Don't take offense, I'm just stating the truth. I think if this girl makes a contract with Bell-kun, it would be better. After all, Bell-kun is more suited to be a hero than you."

"All this time, Goddess Hestia has been calling me a playboy; that's just your bias against me. Besides, I've never toyed with any woman."

"But you have close relationships with many women! Should I name them one by one? The Sword Princess from Loki Familia, Aphrodite, and even Freya has shown interest in you."

Not sensing any lies from him meant that Charlie was telling the truth; he had never toyed with women. However, Hestia did not want to admit she was wrong. So she continued to argue.

She was very eager for Aishia to belong to Bell. In Hestia's view, Charlie was unworthy of being a hero.

"That's a silly reason. Honestly, I've never once considered myself a hero. But I disagree with you, Goddess Hestia. Is it strange for a hero to be close to so many women? It's natural for women to like heroes. Take the story of the hero Fulland, the Land of Water and Light, for example."

"The hero Fulland and the Water Spirit, Undine. After forming an alliance, they worked together to face many monsters emerging from the Dungeon. Although Fulland swore when he met Undine, he began to doubt whether to stay with Undine or go with his childhood friend, Saint Belinda, who always supported and loved him. In the end, Fulland chose Saint Belinda."

"Desperate because Fulland did not choose her, Undine sank into her sorrow and cried until her tears became a lake in the southwest of Orario. Heartbroken, she attempted to kill Fulland. However, she ultimately gave up and chose to save Fulland from a monster, losing her own life in the process. Grieving over Undine's death, Fulland embraced her corpse and mourned for her more than anyone else. He then built a church to honor Undine's sacrifice. Fulland suffered throughout his life because of that event."

"The conclusion of this story is that every hero is always favored by the opposite sex. However, most heroes' love lives end tragically because they only choose one partner."

Perhaps a bit angry because Hestia was openly trying to take Aishia, Charlie used the experiences of heroes from the past to refute her.

"The story of Fulland that I know is different from what you said."

Hestia remained skeptical. However, she did not sense any lies from the other party.

"That's surprising. After all, history is always written by the victors, and therefore, in the interest of the victors, many stories are altered, facts are covered up, and voices are silenced. But this is where we are needed, to listen to those who are forgotten, to question what has long been believed and considered true, and to keep asking in pursuit of the truth."

"The circulating stories about heroes have been modified to only show beautiful things. Goddess Hestia, don't forget, the Hera Familia once prospered for a thousand years! Of course, many manuscripts and books containing hidden facts that are not circulating in the market are stored in the treasury."

"Well, it's understandable that Goddess Hestia doesn't know about it. After all, your Familia is still relatively new; its foundation is very lacking." Charlie shrugged and put on a pitying expression.

Since the other party was the one who started the trouble, he didn't mind retaliating.

"GRRRR—"

Hestia gritted her teeth, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger; she had taken a hard hit.

"I will not leave Charlie no matter how good the man named Bell is. Even if Bell is a thousand times better than Charlie, I will not change my choice." Aishia finally spoke after their verbal confrontation ended.

"Hmph, even without a Spirit, Bell-kun will sooner or later become a true hero. I'm sure of it." Crossing her arms over her chest, Hestia spoke confidently.

"Here's the money; no need for change."

Not knowing the exact price of the jagamarukun Aishia had eaten, Charlie placed a bag of money down, and then the two left the stall.

After this brief interaction, his fondness for Hestia drastically decreased.

"I've failed... Bell-kun's development would be more extraordinary if he had that Spirit." Hestia sighed in disappointment.

Bell was the only member of her Familia. Of course, she wanted to give him the best.