Hello, readers!

It's been a long time since the last update…

Thank you for sticking around.

The wait is over. A new chapter is now available!

I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 5

A good mug of beer might have been just what a goddess needed to vent. Or maybe not.

After all, there were still many things she couldn't control, and that made her quite anxious. Most of them, of course, had to do with Campanella… Oh, her little one. She really didn't know how to handle the situation. She was doing the best she could, but lately it felt like she was working even harder than she should.

There were also many things about the whole time travel situation that left her completely off balance. Were things supposed to unfold just like they had in the timeline she came from in order for everything to turn out right? She wasn't entirely sure. Actually, she couldn't be sure of anything. And the worst part was that Bell was so hard to read when it came to romance…

That boy was kind to everyone, and of course, that didn't mean he had to fall in love with just anyone. If anything, she felt the opposite—he cared too much about the kindness in his heart. What kind of woman would Campanella's mother have to be to deal with that? She couldn't be a bad person, obviously. After all, she'd raised such a sweet and gentle child. But Hestia didn't know her at all—and that was a genuine concern, especially if this woman had a hand in Campanella's birth.

—I can't believe it, Miach! Of all the times someone had to come near Bell, it had to be now?! —Hestia took a long sip from her glass, her cheeks already flushed red. What nonsense. She couldn't afford to let that pint-sized girl make a move on Bell right now. She had grown so attached to Campanella, and if something happened that could undo her existence in this world… she just wouldn't allow it! In fact, she couldn't understand how Bell could be so foolish as to even make that possibility real. That girl—Lili or whatever—there was no way she was the child's mother, right? You just had to look at her!

—Everyone ignored her existence from the moment we met, and now that we're caring for Campanella, this girl suddenly shows up? Who is she? Where did she even come from? If she thinks she can get close to Bell…

She's dead wrong!

—No one can "get" Bell, Hestia, —Miach replied, watching her with a mix of pity and resignation, though he couldn't help but sigh at the absurdity playing out before him.

—It's just a saying! Not literal! Can't you see I'm angry? Ugh, men… —And just like that, the number of empty glasses in front of them kept piling up, to the point where Miach had to stop her from drinking any more. Though truth be told, the damage was already done—Hestia was completely drunk.

Even so, her complaints would surely continue once she sobered up. They needed to focus on learning more about Campanella's mother, and on making sure that things unfolded the way they were supposed to. She wouldn't force Bell to fall in love with her, of course… but those feelings would develop naturally, right?

If a child had been born, then something must have happened between them.

Babies didn't just pop out of nowhere! Damn it.

That's what she believed… and so, the hours went by.

And now Hestia was somehow back at home, with a pounding headache that was absolutely destroying her.

—Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

—That idiot Miach! Why didn't he stop me while I was drinking nonstop? That's the whole reason I invited him! Although now that she thought about it… he kind of did, but way too late. By that point, she was sure she had downed an entire barrel of alcohol. What a disaster.

—Are you alright, Goddess? You seem strange, —Bell sat at the edge of the bed, clear concern in his eyes. Campanella shared the same look as she held a cup in her hands—a bit of tea she'd made with her father to help "with the problem."

Hestia felt like a complete fool, but… at least her kids were there, taking care of her. She really should stop making them worry like this. What kind of goddess was she?

—I'm fine. It's nothing, —she said, shaking her head as she sat up on the bed.

—Please drink this, Goddess. It will make you feel better, —the little girl approached Hestia and held the cup out to her. Hestia drank from it, gently patting her head as she smiled.

—Thank you for worrying about me, Campanella. It's delicious.

—I made it with Dad! —she answered, making Bell smile.

—Well, thank you both… I'm sorry I made you worry. But I'll be fine, really.

She didn't want them to worry. She wasn't supposed to. She was the goddess here, after all!

There were so many things they still had to figure out. Yes sir, a lot of things. And this whole mess was her fault for overdoing it with the alcohol. That stuff shouldn't be allowed to make you feel so light… like all your problems disappear. Even for just a moment.

What nonsense.

Bell, on the other hand, felt genuinely happy seeing the two getting along so well. And not just that—his goddess seemed to have truly accepted everything, in a good way. Who would've thought? For now, he figured he should just follow what his heart wanted in that moment.

—Goddess, I wanted to let you know that thanks to our efforts, we've earned a fair bit of money.

His voice was full of pride—and rightfully so. Campanella's support had been a massive help, and now that they had someone willing to work with them, it felt like better days were on the horizon.

—So… we want to treat you to a meal! We know how much you've done for us, and we understand that you feel responsible for everything, but we also want to show our appreciation.

It took Hestia a few seconds to process what was happening… until her mind finally cleared up enough to understand.

A gesture of gratitude! She didn't need anything like that—but it still made her incredibly happy. It showed how much they loved her, just as much as she loved them.

She jumped to her feet as if adrenaline had erased her hangover… well, not completely—her head was still throbbing. But she wouldn't mention that. She didn't want to ruin their outing today. No way!

—You two are absolutely precious! —she managed to wrap both of them into a big hug, planting kisses on their heads. Bell and Campanella both laughed. They'd made their goddess happy, and that alone was more than enough.

—Thank you so much for thinking of me. But… are you sure? You can't go around spending money recklessly!

—We have enough! —Campanella replied, shaking her head.

—I mean… we know saving money is important, but we can do this, right Dad? We've got plenty left over…

—Campanella's right. Nothing bad will happen if we celebrate just this once, right? We've worked really hard… and we've got enough.

Hestia felt a tightness in her chest hearing those words: having enough. When had she ever expected something like that in her life? After everything she had been through… her family truly was a blessing. She would protect them with all the power she had.

—Thank you, my sweethearts… you really do make me happy, —she said, trying to hold back tears, though the smile on her face was impossible to hide.

There was so much to do! If they were really going out today, she had to look her best—not like she did now, reeking of alcohol after drinking all night! Her face probably looked awful too. She didn't even want to look in the mirror. but all of that could be fixed.

—Anyway! An outing! Wow… these are the special moments we wait for, aren't they? We'll get to eat something delicious…

Just thinking about it made her mouth water—after all, moments like this didn't come often. Unfortunately. But maybe that's what made them even more special.

—First things first! I'm going to take a bath. I can't let people see me with my beloved family looking like this, absolutely not.

What a disaster it would be to run into someone she knew and have them see her looking like a mess when she was out with her family.

She wouldn't allow it! She wanted the world to see how well things were going for them at home—and to do that, she had to look her best too.

—I'm going to the baths! Oh, and Campanella—you're coming with me.

—Huh? —The little girl's face was filled with confusion as she pointed to herself with her tiny index finger. So adorable! Could she be any more precious?

—Of course, you! Girls should always try to look their best—though you always look beautiful anyway, —Hestia exclaimed as she lovingly brushed her hand through the girl's hair.

—But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of yourself, alright? Come with me.

—Thank you, my Goddess, —Campanella replied with a cheerful smile.

—Of course I'll go with you.

The baths were a truly beautiful place within Orario. It wasn't just where members of the Familias went to clean themselves—but also to forget their problems for a little while. That was the main reason Hestia loved going there.

Little Campanella didn't know what to expect, but her eyes widened in awe when she saw waterfalls cascading elegantly into the bath pools.

The place where she was born had nothing like this. While the purpose was the same, so many things had changed with time. She remembered her mother once describing something like this, but seeing it with her own eyes… was far more magical.

Hestia had tied her long hair into two side ribbons, and did something similar with the girl's hair—except she placed a towel headband across Campanella's forehead so she could see better and keep her hair out of the way. Campanella felt very comfortable, though she couldn't deny feeling a little intimidated seeing so many women there. Still, everyone seemed to be in their own world… so for now, she would simply do as her Goddess said.

—What do you think? It's beautiful, isn't it?

—Yes! The water looks so nice… —The girl looked at her reflection in the surface and couldn't help but smile. Truth be told, she really wanted to get in already, but she waited for instructions from the older woman, like the good girl she was.

—And it is! Come, let's go to this part—it's not too deep.

Hestia stepped into the water first to make sure it was safe. Once she was in, she gently lifted Campanella by the arms and helped place her into the water in the best way possible. A little splash escaped as she did so, but that only made Hestia giggle.

—Are you alright? Can you touch the bottom?

—Yes, my Goddess! You don't need to worry.

—Good.

Hestia laughed softly at the sight—Campanella was trying to "cover herself" with the water, which only made her look even more adorable. Despite everything, she was still a child, even if she felt the need to work. She always insisted she did it willingly, of course… but Hestia would rather give her a home where all she needed to do was play.

Still, with everything Campanella had lived through in her time… maybe she wouldn't even know how to live that way, even if she wanted to.

—So? How do you like the bath?

—It's… really nice. The water's so warm, it makes me feel relaxed…

You could even see it in her eyes—they were a bit more closed than usual, something even more noticeable with how big her eyes normally were. Hestia's heart melted again. Of course warm water would lull a child to sleep. Only adults could withstand this without drifting off.

—That makes me so happy! You deserve it for all your hard work. You really are an angel. But don't fall asleep, alright? It's dangerous to sleep in a place like this.

—I-I'm not sleepy, —Campanella replied, clearly embarrassed, trying to hide the obvious. Hestia chuckled, but just as she was about to say something else, someone appeared in front of them.

—Oh my, what do we have here? Hestia… and who's this little one?

—Demeter! Hmm… She's part of my Familia now.

Honestly, Hestia didn't feel like giving too many details—there were things she simply couldn't tell anyone. That explanation would have to do.

—Oh really? Why hadn't I heard about this? Things sure are changing… What's your name, little one?

The younger girl glanced up at her Goddess, silently asking if it was alright to answer. Hestia understood and gave a nod of encouragement. Campanella finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper:

—Good afternoon… My name is Campanella…

—Oh! And so polite, too. Are you really part of Hestia's Familia?

Hestia puffed out one cheek in mild annoyance—what exactly was that supposed to mean?

But Demeter just kept talking:

—Not only that, but you're small and absolutely adorable… what special eyes you have.

—Yes, yes. Don't stare too long or you might curse her or something, —Hestia shot back, trying to shield the girl—not very successfully.

—Oh, come on, don't be so cruel. Honestly, I never imagined I'd see you here with a child. And where's the man?

Hestia flushed, somewhere between embarrassed and indignant, which only fueled Demeter's teasing even more.

—Oh? Did I hit a nerve, perhaps?

—Of course not! Campanella is part of my Familia, and that's why I brought her here. I don't know why you're meddling in things that aren't your concern. I don't need anyone else for this—we're all doing perfectly fine, and we're going out to eat together this afternoon!

—Oh, so there is a boy, huh? Who would've thought?

Hestia felt her words were being completely twisted—and she didn't like it one bit!

She had come here to bathe and relax, but somehow things always ended up like this… She didn't know why she was still surprised. Still, it irritated her every single time.

—That's not what I'm saying—!

—Even so, I'm impressed by this little one, —Demeter visibly ignored Hestia's words, now focusing entirely on Campanella. She motioned for the other women in the bath to look over.

—She's so sweet. Truly adorable. Look at those cheeks!

And with that, she began to gently pinch Campanella's cheeks, making the girl blush immediately at the unexpected attention.

—Um… I-I…

—She's so cute!

—Absolutely precious!

—She looks like a little doll!

—Wouldn't you like to join my Familia? —one of them said.

—We eat well and could dress you like the little princess you are.

—Oh, I'd like to invite her to mine too, —Demeter added.

—I'm sure she could reach her full potential there—

—That's enough! —Hestia exclaimed, lifting Campanella up by the waist and hoisting her over her shoulder, leaving the little girl stunned once again.

—We're done here, Campanella. We're going home.

—Y-Yes! —the girl replied as the sounds of disappointed groans echoed through the baths.

—See you later!

A chorus of "Aww…" followed in unison. Even if Hestia was a bit harsh, the girl still waved goodbye while being carried like a sack of potatoes. Without a doubt, Campanella was a little treasure.

Which is exactly why… they weren't going to let her get away so easily.

—After them! —someone shouted just as Hestia exited the water, letting out a small squeal at the scene in front of her.

They had actually come out just to chase them?! They were crazy!

While all this happened, Bell had been waiting outside, unaware of what was going on inside the baths—until he heard someone shout his daughter's name.

What the heck is happening?

As he moved closer, he saw Hestia running with Campanella over her shoulder, clearly struggling to stay upright.

No way…

He ran toward them, trying to help. Hestia looked relieved to see him and quickly asked him to carry the girl, since she was running out of breath.

—What's going on? —he asked, both curious and concerned.

Hestia shook her head.

—Don't ask. All you need to know is—they're trying to steal Campanella!

—WHAT?! —That did not help calm him down. If anything, it made it worse.

Campanella still didn't quite understand what was going on, but considering the way she was being passed around, she just turned her head to look behind them and…

—To the right! A bunch of them are coming from the right!

—Excellent, Campanella! Keep calling it out! —Hestia said as she turned in the opposite direction, prompting Bell to follow immediately.

—Come back here!

—I want that girl in my Familia!

—She's gotta bring good luck!

—Someone that cute can't just walk around unnoticed!

Well… it seemed that day was going to be quite the long one.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of running (with Hestia lamenting every step, cursing the fact that all the energy she'd regained had been lost again thanks to those persistent women), they turned a corner and climbed several staircases.

At the top, a door opened, and Hestia told Bell to rest a bit while he gently set Campanella down… and then collapsed himself, right there on the floor.

It wasn't that Campanella was heavy, but running with her on his back for so long… well…

At least he could say it had served as training.

—Dad, are you okay? —she asked, concern in both her voice and her eyes. Bell didn't want her to hold on to that worry, so he nodded as energetically as he could.

—I'm fine, don't worry, alright? Whew… That felt like a marathon, haha.

—I'm glad! —Campanella got down to his level and hugged him. Bell blushed a little, but then returned the hug. His little girl was so sweet—and not just in how she looked, but in how she was.

Hestia had gone to check the stairs and was relieved to find that no one was chasing them anymore. Thank goodness! She had seriously started to think they might not escape. When she came back up, she shut the door and found herself looking at the heartwarming scene unfolding before her—Bell and Campanella in a hug.

—Alright! We lost them—Aw, you two are so cute! I want in too!

She rushed toward them to join the hug. Campanella struggled a bit to reach both of them—her little arms were still too short—but she did her best to include everyone. Being with her family like this made her feel safe and truly happy.

That's when they noticed their surroundings. They'd somehow ended up at the top of a bell tower. Bell couldn't believe how high up they were. No wonder he was so exhausted. But he didn't care. Everything was fine now, and he hoped it would stay that way.

Campanella ran toward one of the railings, prompting Bell and Hestia to react quickly, afraid she might hurt herself. But she simply held onto it and started to marvel at the view: from up there, she could see nearly the entire town. People looked tiny from that perspective—going about their daily lives. And somehow, it all looked… magical.

The three of them watched as the sunlight slowly shifted toward orange, beginning to sink behind the mountains, painting the sky with brilliant shades of yellow and blue.

It was peaceful. Beautiful. Comforting.

Campanella didn't want to leave. She felt so at peace, so full of joy, especially as the breeze played with her hair.

—Wow… It's so beautiful.

—It really is! —Hestia's twin tails danced in the wind, and she was completely enchanted by the view.

—I've never been up here before… Honestly, I didn't even know you could come up.

—Me neither, —Bell admitted, just as fascinated.

—Everything looks amazing—from the sky to the city.

—Let's come back here again someday! —Campanella said, clasping her hands together, eyes sparkling with excitement. They both laughed at her innocence, but honestly, they completely agreed.

—Alright, I promise we'll come back, —Bell said as he gently patted her head. It was something he felt sure he could keep.

—Not going to the dungeon today? —Syr asked curiously, and Bell shook his head.

—No, I've got some time off… What do you do on your days off, Syr?

—Hmm, I don't know… maybe read?

—Reading, huh… All the books his Goddess read were pretty complicated. Bell figured he might skip that plan and maybe spend the day with Campanella.

She probably wanted to play, right?

He felt like he hadn't let her be a child as much as he should.

But then he spotted something on the shelf behind Syr.

—"Modern Magic Even a Goblin Can Understand" —it looked like a book.

—Oh, does it interest you? A customer left it here, but never came back for it. You can borrow it if you'd like.

—Really? —Bell asked, taking the book.

—Of course! Just return it when you're done.

With that, Bell headed home. Campanella was still out with Hestia, so he wouldn't see her for a while…

Maybe he could check out the book and see if it had anything interesting in it?

Most of the time, it was Campanella who taught him new things—even though he was the older one. And not just that—he was her father!

So… maybe he could learn something to show her for once.

And oh, did the book have things to teach him… somehow.

It was about magic, after all. He was sure there had to be something in there that could help him understand it better. So, grabbing a small stool, he eagerly sat down and began his "studies."

—Alright, hmm… "There are two types of magic: the kind some races are born with, and Falna—granted by the gods as a blessing. The second one is a form of self-expression.

What are you interested in? What do you love? What do you hate? What do you desire?

What do you regret? What do you respect? What is it that you long for?

The trigger is always within you… What does magic mean to you?"

And just like that, a conversation began inside his mind—a reflection of his own thoughts.

Versions of himself appeared, circling around him like shadows, each questioning his desires and intentions. It was a level of introspection he'd never truly experienced before.

—A powerful weapon… that doesn't suit someone like me.

—But her… she's so strong, so fast, and powerful.

—Even though she's smaller than me… I want to be on her level. I want to help her with anything she needs.

—I want to be able to protect her. I don't want anything to ever hurt her. I want to be strong enough to walk beside her.

—If possible… I want to be a hero. Like in the fairy tales I used to read as a kid. One that even he could be proud of… and so could my little girl.

—Wow… how childish.

—I'm sorry, you're right… But that's just how I feel. It's my true feeling.

—Bell? Bell? —A voice was calling him, but… whose?

—Dad? —And now a second, even sweeter voice joined in, hmm…

Bell took a moment to fully wake up and realize what was going on. When he finally opened his eyes, the book he had been reading was on the floor.

Did he fall asleep while reading? That seemed most likely.

—They're back…

—And you look like you fell asleep, —Hestia said with a teasing tone.

—Don't tell me you were reading and just passed out?

—Yeah… that's exactly what happened. I didn't even notice when.

As he answered, Campanella picked up the book from the floor and let out a small gasp.

—A grimorio! —she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

It had been a while since she'd seen one—since before arriving here, actually. And it wasn't surprising; the Hestia Familia wasn't exactly known for being large or powerful at the moment. Having access to one of those books was often a sign of power, even beyond wealth.

—Huh? —Bell didn't understand what she meant.

Hestia did, but even she remained silent for a moment, just as surprised.

Where had he gotten something like that? It wasn't the kind of thing you just picked up in the Dungeon… at least not on purpose.

—What is it?

—Oh… —Campanella brought her finger to her lips, thinking of how to explain.

Even she didn't know how to put it into technical terms—but her father wasn't really a "grown-up" in that sense, and definitely not a mage. So maybe it was okay to explain it her way.

—It's a very valuable book. It holds secrets many mages dream of—power, enchantments, magical knowledge.

—Some are ancient, and some are just extremely expensive. Mom and my Goddess told me one of them could be worth as much—or more—than a huge house!

Bell's eyes widened. That valuable? Why would Syr just give it to him, then?

Maybe she didn't know either…

—I would've liked to read it with you before you used it…

—I'm sorry. I didn't think much of it when I saw it—I thought it was just an ordinary book, —Bell said, stroking her head gently to ease her disappointment.

—Thank you for telling me. I had no idea…

—Bell, come here, —Hestia said, motioning for him to let her check something.

Bell didn't resist. And just as she suspected—he had developed magic.

She could see it clearly, likely triggered by what he read in the book… and by the desire he had shown before.

—Just as I thought. You've developed magic. Its name is… Firebolt.

—Whaaaaaaaaaat?! —Bell was stunned. Campanella even jumped back a little.

Magic? Someone like him had actually developed magic? He never would've imagined it… and now he was completely overwhelmed.

—Hmm… You know you need an incantation to use magic, right? —she asked.

Both Bell and Campanella nodded.

—Well, in your case, there's nothing listed next to your stats. It just says 'Quick-cast attack magic.' So I think… you don't need one.

Bell's eyes lit up immediately.

That meant he could use it right away!

He wanted to go try it. He didn't care that it was the middle of the night—this was a moment he'd longed for, and one he thought he might never get to experience.

But just as he began to get excited, Hestia stopped him.

—You'll try it tomorrow. When you go to the Dungeon with Campanella.

—Tomorrow? —he repeated in a disappointed tone.

Meanwhile, Campanella walked up behind him, rubbing her eyes sleepily but smiling at her father's achievement.

—We'll get to use it together! I can't wait to see what you can do with it, Dad.

And that should've been enough for Bell.

He smiled back at her.

…But it wasn't.

He knew he was being selfish, but they just couldn't understand.

This was something he had dreamed of for so long—something he thought he'd never experience. He wanted to feel it now—what it was like to use magic.

To attack. To defend.

To finally have the power to protect the people he loved.

So he waited until both Hestia and Campanella were asleep, and slipped out of the house to head to the Dungeon.

He'd just try it a little. Then he'd come back.

That was the plan.

He didn't want to cause trouble—but he had to know what he could do.

The moment he stepped into the Dungeon, a rush of adrenaline shot through his body.

He knew it—he could use it. But… how?

His answer came quickly—in the form of a goblin rushing at him.

At first, Bell hesitated. But then, without thinking, he raised his hand in front of him and spoke the name Hestia had said was his spell.

—Firebolt!

Immediately, a flame burst from his hand, striking down the goblin in a single hit. Bell's adrenaline surged even more.

—Awesome! Firebolt! Firebolt! Firebolt! Firebolt!

He cast the spell again and again on each goblin from the pack that dared approach him. Haha… he was actually strong! He could take them down in a single blow! Something that used to be so difficult for him.

But the more he used his magic, the more exhausted he felt… So tired…

Elsewhere in the Dungeon, Riveria and Ais were walking quickly and with purpose, making their way toward the exit. Ais's uniform was a bit torn from a recent fight in which she had emerged victorious.

—Everyone's going to be surprised when we get back and hear that you defeated a floor boss on your own, —Riveria complimented. Ais didn't reply—she had just seen it as part of the job. Though, she had to admit, it felt… pretty good.

Not far from them, Bell stumbled through the dungeon, not realizing how close they were.

—I didn't mean to go in so deep… I need to head back or they'll worry, —he muttered to himself.

But before he could turn back, the toll of his overuse of magic caught up to him—and he collapsed.

The two women passed by, and Riveria's curiosity was piqued.

Wasn't this the boy from the little girl's Familia?

What happened to him? And where was she? They were always together… Had something happened to her?

She knelt beside him to assess his condition.

—A mental crash. He used too much magic without considering the consequences.

Her concern turned into visible annoyance.

What was he thinking?

It was reckless. And worse—he had people waiting for him at home.

Ais recognized him too, but she let Riveria take the lead—she hadn't seen her this upset in a while. Riveria didn't usually express her emotions this openly… but Ais could read them clearly on her face.

—What should we do?

—We'll take him out of here, —the elf replied sharply, assuming the girl wasn't nearby—because otherwise...

Bell, for his part, could hear their voices, but as if they were far away…

He felt like he was floating in some invisible current.

Was this inside his own mind?

He couldn't be sure. He just knew he was tired—heavy. It was a terrible feeling. One he hoped he'd never experience again.

That same night, Campanella awoke suddenly, heart pounding. She looked around in a panic.

Hestia was sleeping peacefully next to her, probably having hugged her until she drifted off. She hadn't stirred at all.

Carefully, Campanella climbed out of bed and immediately noticed that her father was missing.

Where could he be? What had happened?

Her instincts screamed with worry, and she went to wake her Goddess, who was still caught between dreams.

—Goddess… I'm sorry… But Dad's not here, —she said, her voice full of worry as Hestia tried to open her eyes.

—Huh? He's not? He should be asleep… They're supposed to go out tomorrow… or was it later today? W-What time is it?

—I don't know, but I'm really worried. Should I use MMU to search for him?

Just then, the sound of the door distracted them both. Campanella ran to the window… and immediately brought both hands to her mouth in shock at what she saw.

Was that her mother… carrying her father?

—You absolute fool. And incredibly irresponsible on top of it.

Riveria's voice was firm as she scolded Bell, holding Campanella in her arms as if to both comfort herself and make her point clear.

The girl didn't say a word—she was just happy… and very aware that her father needed to be scolded.

—What were you thinking? You barely understand magic and still acted recklessly. You could've seriously hurt yourself, and left Campanella and your Goddess alone. Do you think that would've been okay?

—No! I'd never want that… —Bell now understood how foolish he'd been. Embarrassment burned inside him.

Hestia could only sigh.

—Thank you for bringing him back. Bell will reflect on his actions, and this won't happen again—right?

She looked at him with a stern glare, and Bell nodded over and over in response.

Ais didn't say anything, just watched the scene.

But she couldn't help thinking about all the times Riveria had scolded her the exact same way.

It was clear—she really cared about these people.

Especially the little girl, whom she hadn't stopped stroking gently on the head during the entire exchange.

—You'd better. Campanella, don't you want to come with me?

Both Hestia and Bell tensed. "No!" they wanted to shout—but they knew they didn't exactly have the moral high ground to stop her right now.

Campanella hesitated for a second… but then shook her head..

—I want to stay with my family…

There's still so much I want to do here.

—I understand, —Riveria replied with clear reluctance as she gently set Campanella down on the bed, leaving one last soft touch on her cheek.

—But if something like this happens again, I won't allow you to be put at risk. Understood? I'm watching all of you.

She gave Bell one last look that sent a chill down his spine.

—Let's go, Ais.

—Yes, —was all Ais said before following her out, leaving the three of them behind… slightly frozen, until they all sighed in unison.

Well… tomorrow would be a new day.

—I really messed up, didn't I? I can still hear her voice scolding me. I thought she was going to chop my head off, —Bell said as they ate breakfast.

Hestia and Campanella both shook their heads, though they were smiling too.

—You deserved it for being reckless, —Hestia pointed out sternly.

—Exactly. And you heard her—she'll take me with her if you do something stupid again, —Campanella teased, making Bell gulp.

—T-That won't happen! You're both so mean to me…

The two of them couldn't help but laugh, and Bell ended up laughing with them too.

Hestia wasn't going to scold him anymore.

At the end of the day… they were all learning how to be a family.

It was natural for things like this to happen.

Bell had to figure things out for himself—especially when magic was still mostly a mystery to him.

He had taken on a huge responsibility overnight… but she knew that, in time, he'd be able to handle it.

There was still so much they could learn together.

They just had to keep moving forward.

As long as they had each other, nothing was impossible.

Campanella didn't seem to expect her father to be perfect, either.

What was going through her mind?

Was Bell really the person she had imagined he'd be?

Even so… she looked happy.

That's it for today's chapter... we'll see you again in 6 months with another chapter.