Bell Cranel, Why Did You Come To Me?

Chapter 6 - Bell Cranel, Why Did You Come To Me?

After leaving the guild, Bell carefully inquired about Hephaestus' shop from the surrounding vendors.

He was quite sure that Hestia, who was still lazy at this time, was definitely with Hephaestus, and his intention was to meet them directly.

Although he received some strange looks when he asked about Hephaestus' shop, Bell could feel that most of the looks seemed to say, "What are you thinking, poor guy?"

After all, Hephaestus is the goddess of smithing and has an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Therefore, even the cheapest weapons and equipment sold in Hephaestus' shop cost tens of millions of valis, making even the most advanced adventurers think twice before buying them.

For a newcomer to dream of purchasing something from such a store seemed absurd.

It's not that Bell wasn't aware of this, but he wasn't looking to buy weapons and equipment. He was there to find Hestia.

From the moment Hestia was not registered in the guild, Bell was sure that Hestia must be with Hephaestus. He needed to find a way to meet Hephaestus and hoped to connect with Hestia through her.

It turned out Bell's guess was correct, especially when he saw Hestia, with her black hair in twin ponytails and blue ribbon, standing in front of Hephaestus' shop. This was definitely the Hestia he was looking for.

"I found the most suitable goddess, Hestia, for me."

Bell adjusted his mood, then pushed the door open and entered the shop.

"Jingle!"

The crisp doorbell caught the attention of the two goddesses inside, and Bell knew he was now the center of attention, especially for Hephaestus.

Bell reined in his emotions and focused his attention fully on Hephaestus with respect.

"Hephaestus, my name is Bell Cranel. I'm an adventurer who just came to Orario. I just registered with the guild, and now I'm looking for a familia that will accept me."

He explained his situation simply, emphasizing that he was not yet affiliated with any familia. However, his words were directed not only to Hephaestus but also to Hestia.

Hephaestus calmed down, assessing the child in front of her. It was clear he had just arrived in Orario and had yet to find a suitable familia.

Unless a child had special talents, it was usually a delusion to think they could join a prominent familia.

"Bell Cranel, why did you come to me? Do you want to join my familia?"

"No. I know that all members of your familia are talented in smithing. While I would love to join, I lack talent in that area. Even if I hoped to, I'm not qualified to join."

This remark earned Hephaestus' recognition. She realized that the child in front of her was not someone who couldn't see his own limitations.

He knew his own shortcomings and didn't delude himself about joining a prestigious familia. Such self-awareness was undoubtedly correct. Focusing too much on joining a great familia could sometimes be detrimental, especially with the internal competition that requires genuine talent.

"So, why are you here then? If you're looking for a suitable familia, wouldn't it be better to ask at the guild?"

Approval did not mean she understood his approach.

Since he didn't intend to join the Hephaestus Familia, why did he come to her shop?

Bell replied seriously.

"It's like this, Hephaestus. I know my abilities are meager, and I'm not qualified to join a famous familia, so I hope to join one without many members, where the god's expectations won't be too high. Unfortunately, there are no such familias listed at the guild."

"I thought that as the goddess of smithing, you would have connections with many familias, so I was hoping you could help me find one."

Hearing this, Hestia's eyes lit up.

What a coincidence!

She had been thinking about how to start her familia life and never expected to find a potential member so quickly.

Of course, Hephaestus was not easily swayed. She did not fully trust the authenticity of his words.

Judging by the child's appearance, she knew he was a newcomer adventurer. But the question remained: why did he think she would help him with referrals?

Hephaestus asked curiously.

"What if I don't introduce you?"

"Then I hope that you, Hephaestus, will take me in. If I can't be a member, at least I can be a supporter. I know Orario is the center of the world, but I also know that without a place to stay, I will soon be devoured by this city."

Hephaestus frowned slightly. The child in front of her was no longer a simple rookie adventurer but someone who would make choices that were most beneficial for him.

This city could indeed devour people—not just the dungeon, but the city itself. New adventurers often arrived in Orario with their own ideals and beliefs, only to be swallowed by the city's harsh realities before they could realize their dreams.

Children of the Lower World couldn't lie to the gods, so Hephaestus believed his words were true.

Knowing the city's dangers yet still coming here, driven by persistence and belief, made Hephaestus somewhat curious.

"You know this city is dangerous, but you still came. Why?"

Bell understood that this was a test, so he answered seriously.

Maybe this was the hero's answer in the original anime, and now it was his answer.

Though Bell's reason might not be as noble, it was for himself.

"I want to gain strength."

The reason was simple and straightforward, but Hephaestus saw unspeakable sadness and determination in the child's eyes.

"Every child in the Lower World has their reasons. They're not like us; they're too vulnerable and too emotional."

Hephaestus wasn't ready to probe further. Having seen countless adventurers, she understood why this child chose Orario.

Such a young child coming to the city alone spoke volumes. Hephaestus was compassionate and not one of those gods who took pleasure in others' misfortune.

"It's just that introducing this child to that idiot Hestia might be the biggest irresponsibility towards him."

Hephaestus was a little worried about whether Hestia could become a qualified goddess.

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