AT THE SAME EVENING
VESTA
The tavern had quieted just enough for me to focus, though curious adventurers still lingered, eyes darting between me and Michael. He had just returned from the second floor, chest puffed with pride and barely a scratch on him, holding the loot he had gathered.
"Alright, Michael." I said, stepping closer behind him. "Time to see if your bravery matches your… enthusiasm."
He blinked.
"Uh… my Falna? My… status?"Michael asked.
I gave him a smirk, sliding a hand along his back. A faint golden warmth spread under my fingers.
"Stand still."I said.
Before anyone could blink, I drew out a glowing sheet of paper from his Falna, much like Hestia did with Bell in that one infamous guild scene. The paper floated gently above his back, shimmering like sunlight on calm water.
Lines of text and numbers appeared, elegantly arranged: Michael - Adventurer Status Paper.
Level: 2. Race: Human. Class: Swordsman. HP: 745 / 745. MP: 320 / 320. Strength: 48 (+3 from divine meal). Dexterity: 52 (+2). Endurance: 50 (+3). Agility: 47. Luck: 39
Special Skills:
Cleave: Standard slash attack
Defensive Stance: Reduces damage taken by 10%
Quick Recovery: Minor HP recovery after each battle (enhanced by Vesta's cooking)
Hearth's Blessing: Temporary vitality and endurance boost after consuming Vesta-prepared meals (+15%)
Michael's eyes went wide.
"Is… is that… all of it? My… stats?"He whispered.
"Yep." I said, proud, letting the golden glow linger.
"Everything you've earned, plus a little seasoning from yours truly. Consider it proof that eating well doesn't just fill your stomach, it saves your life."I explained.
The adventurers standing nearby whispered furiously.
"Wait, her cooking actually buffs stats?" One breathed.
"And her first Familia member is already Level 2 with enhanced regeneration?" Another said.
Michael's jaw dropped, pride surging as he studied the sheet.
"I… I can see it all? My… skills, my boosts… everything?"Michael asked.
I gave a small nod, tilting my head like a parent quietly admiring a child's progress.
"Everything. And if anyone else touches it, it'll vanish. Exclusive to my Familia."I said.
He glanced at me, awe clear in his expression.
"You… you really are a goddess."He said.
"Technically." I said dryly. "And technically you're lucky I'm a generous one.
Now memorize those stats, hero I don't want you running around thinking you're invincible."
Michael chuckled nervously, nodding.
"Yes, ma'am… Goddess of Cooking."Michael grinned.
I gave him a small pat on the head.
"Good. Now, go polish those weapons or stack some bowls. Your stats might look impressive, but they don't serve the stew."I said.
The paper slowly folded back into his Falna, the warm glow fading but leaving a faint shimmer that marked him as officially part of the Vesta Familia. Around us, murmurs of disbelief, awe, and admiration floated through the tavern. Even the most sceptical adventurers had to admit: primrose tavern wasn't just a place to eat. It was a divine hub, and Michael, my first official member, was living proof of that.
Training a mortal is supposed to be simple. Supposed to be. Michael was many things hard working, eager, surprisingly durable for a human with no sense of self-preservation, but simple was not one of them. I had him outside the Primrose Tavern before sunrise, the street still quiet, the lamps still glowing faintly. Mist curled along the stones as I crossed my arms, watching him stretch.
"Alright." I said, tapping a wooden staff against the ground. "Footwork first. You can't swing a sword if you plant your feet like a stunned ogre."
Michael grinned.
"Yes, Goddess. Anything for you."He said.
I narrowed my eyes.
"That sounded suspiciously flirty."I said.
"Just being honest." He said, stepping forward. "You look really pretty in the morning light-"
Whack. I flicked the staff lightly against his shoulder.
"Focus."I ordered.
He winced, rubbing the spot but smiling like an idiot.
"You're adorable when you pretend you're not flustered."Michael said.
"I am not flus-"I started.
I stopped. Heat crept up my neck. Great. Perfect. Exactly the thing I was trying to avoid.
"Again." I snapped. "Footwork. Now."
He obeyed sort of. His steps were smoother, quicker, more controlled. I adjusted his stance with a hand on his back. Every time I touched him, his heartbeat jumped. Loudly. Mortals really had no sense for subtlety.
"Good." I said, walking around him. "Now practice the downward arc-NOT-"
He swung too wide. Too hard. Nearly clipped a lamp post.
"MICHAEL!"I shouted.
He froze.
"…my bad?"He sighed.
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"This is why you train. This is why you cannot flirt while training."I said.
"But flirting with you gives me motivation." He said.
"Michael-"I began.
"I want to be strong enough to protect you someday."He said.
I blinked. Oh. Oh no. That line hit harder than it should have. Before I could stop it, warmth pooled in my chest.
"Idiot." I muttered. "I'm a goddess. I don't need protection."
"But I still want to." He said softly, eyes sincere.
Something in my stomach did a slow, traitorous roll.
I opened my mouth and a familiar, high pitched shriek cut through the street.
"HEEEEYYYY VESTAAAAA~!"I heard a voice.
Michael jolted. I sighed. Of course. Hestia ran down the street at full speed, Bell jogging behind her with the exhausted politeness of someone used to her chaos. Hestia skidded to a stop right in front of us, leaning forward, hands on her knees, grinning.
"Ohooooo~" She said, eyes sparkling wickedly. "Training your handsome first member up close, huh~?"
"Hestia." I deadpanned. "I am training. Not flirting."
"HE was flirting." Hestia pointed at Michael.
Michael raised both hands.
"Guilty."He said.
"And YOU." She pointed at me. "Were blushing."
"I WAS NOT-!"I began.
Hestia smirked like a fox discovering a chicken coop filled with snacks. Bell stepped up, bowing politely.
"Good morning, Lady Vesta. Michael."Bell said.
Michael waved and promptly collapsed to his knees, out of breath from training. He tipped sideways and landed directly against my legs, looking up at me with a flushed face.
"I… I might have… overtrained…"Michael sighed.
I stared down at him. Hestia gasped exaggeratedly.
"OH MY GOOOODS HE COLLAPSED RIGHT AT YOUR FEET, THAT'S BASICALLY A PROPOSAL!"Hestia said happily.
"Hestia, I swear to every divine flame-"I began.
"I KNEW IT!" She sang. "THE GODDESS OF COOKING HAS A LITTLE ROMANCE BREWING!"
Bell's eyes widened innocently.
"Is… is that how it works?"He asked.
"HUSH, BELL!"I said.
Michael, still sprawled at my feet, looked up at me with the stupidest, fondest grin imaginable.
"Goddess… I think I pushed a little too hard…"Michael sighed.
I crouched down, brushing dirt off his cheek before I even realized I was doing it.
"…idiot." I muttered softly. "Come inside. I'll make something to replenish you."
He smiled. Hestia squealed like a girl watching her favorite romance scene. Bell blinked.
"Oh. Oh… wow."He whispered and looked at Hestia 'almost' jealously.
And me? My cheeks? Absolutely, undeniably, betrayingly warm. Great. Just perfect. Exactly what I needed.