Highschool DxD: I have a Dimensional Travel System

Chapter 198 - Hephaestus

Hephaestus wore a stern expression.

Hestia seemed almost apologetic as she fidgeted under Hephaestus's gaze.

When Hestia first descended to lower world, Hephaestus had kindly taken her in. 

At first, Hephaestus believed that Hestia just needed some time to adapt to life.

She expected that after a brief adjustment period, Hestia would become self-reliant and start forging her own path.

However, three months had passed, and instead of showing signs of independence, Hestia seemed to grow lazier. 

Frustrated by the results, Hephaestus resorted to threats and ultimatums, trying to push Hestia into living on her own. 

For the first two days, it seemed Hestia was making an effort. 

Though clearly struggling, she attempted recruiting members. 

Yet today, she returned halfway, and Hephaestus assumed the worst.

"Is that it? Only three days of effort?" Hephaestus thought to herself, her irritation mounting.

"Hephaestus, are you angry?" Hestia asked hesitantly, her usual cheerfulness dimmed by her friend's displeasure.

"..." 

Hephaestus sighed deeply. 

She truly didn't know how to deal with this carefree friend.

"Hestia, to be honest, I thought you'd be ambitious, form your own Familia, and quickly move out."

"But since you arrived, all you've done is hide in the room or go to the bookstore to read."

"I was hopeful these past two days, thinking you were finally turning a corner, but now this…"

Her voice turned sharper as she continued, "You have one more day. If you don't form a Familia or find a job, I'll have no choice but to kick you out."

This wasn't the first time Hephaestus had lectured Hestia with similar words. 

She knew Hestia needed a firm push to take things seriously. 

Kind words wouldn't work; only lecture and direct threats seemed to motivate this timid goddess.

"Lady Hephaestus, you've misunderstood Lady Hestia this time," a voice suddenly interjected.

Suddenly, Hephaestus turned to the doorway, where she saw a boy she hadn't noticed earlier. 

"And who might you be?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I'm the member of Hestia Familia," the boy replied with a polite smile. 

"Member of the Hestia Familia?" Hephaestus repeated. 

She turned to Hestia. "You've formed a Familia?"

Hestia pulled out a certificate from the guild. 

"That's right! I officially established my Familia."

Hephaestus examined the certificate closely, verifying its authenticity. 

Finally, her expression softened. "Well, congratulations, Hestia."

Hestia added with a smile.

"By the way, this is Mahiro."

"I've heard Lady Hestia mention your name before, Lady Hephaestus," Mahiro said warmly.

"Oh? She's been talking about me? Not complaining about how strict I am, I hope?" Hephaestus quipped.

"Lady Hestia is very grateful for your kindness. Though you've been strict, she knows you've always had her best interests at heart," Mahiro replied sincerely.

"Humph," Hephaestus snorted softly.

"By the way, now that you've established a Familia, do you have a residence?"

Mahiro hesitated. "Not yet. I've only just arrived in Orario, and I'm still unfamiliar with the city."

"I see," Hephaestus nodded. "Well, the two of you can stay here temporarily."

It was ironic how she had been ready to kick Hestia out just moments ago, but now she was offering her home. 

Hephaestus truly cared deeply for her Hestia.

"Thank you, but I'll pass," Mahiro said, shaking his head. "It's not right for me to live here."

"You're a stubborn one," Hephaestus observed. 

Well...

"Suit yourself."

"Mahiro, are you planning to keep staying at the Hostess of Fertility? But that's so expensive!" Hestia looked concerned. 

"At the start of a Familia, funds are critical. Saving on living costs could help us buy weapons and potions to make your dungeon explorations safer."

"It's fine," Mahiro reassured her. "In seven days, I should have enough to buy a mansion. Then we can live together."

Hephaestus raised an eyebrow. "Seven days? You sound confident, but mansions in Orario aren't cheap."

"How do you plan to gather so many Valis quickly?"

For a veteran adventurer, earning enough in seven days was plausible, but Mahiro had only just received his falna. 

Where did his confidence come from?

---

Author: Get an extra chapter for each 500 power stones donated 

Read 20 Chapters In Advance:

patreon.com/heavenlydawn