Paths of Creation

The sun had completely set, leaving the sky painted in a deep, dark blue scattered with the first stars of the night.

Inside the church, the atmosphere was calm, but the tension of the approaching night was palpable. Hestia, Bell, and Yara were preparing to attend the gods' party, an event that promised to be as glamorous as it was dangerous.

Hestia stood in front of a mirror in her room, adjusting the final details of her dress. It was a simple white evening gown with blue accents and navy blue heels, adorned with a silver necklace featuring a flame-like crystal that seemed to have a life of its own.

Hestia sighed as she fixed her hair, which was tied up in an elegant bun, before turning to look at Yara, who was getting ready in front of another mirror. Hestia was amazed at how different Yara looked when dressed up.

Yara wore a dark emerald green dress with a mermaid cut that accentuated her curves. The back was partially open with lace details, adding a touch of sensuality without being too revealing.

The skirt had a discreet side slit that allowed for movement and added a touch of elegance. She wore a golden bracelet on her wrist, thin, long earrings, and golden stiletto heels. Her hair was loose and wavy, framing her face beautifully.

Hestia approached her and smiled, noticing Yara's nervousness. "You look stunning, Yara. Akasha definitely knows what suits you best," she said with a playful grin.

Yara looked at herself in the mirror, unsure of what to say, and simply nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's strange that he knows what looks good on me," she said, her voice tinged with confusion. She had only known him for about a month, yet he seemed to know so much about her.

Hestia smiled even wider and patted Yara on the shoulder. "You know, there's such a thing as soulmates. Who knows? Maybe Akasha is yours," she teased, laughing as she watched Yara's face turn bright red.

Yara shook her head, trying to push those thoughts away. She pouted and turned to leave the room but stumbled, almost falling. Luckily, Hestia caught her in time and helped her steady herself.

"Mm, you've never worn heels before, have you? It's normal to stumble at first, but you'll get used to it, my dear," Hestia assured her, holding her arm.

Yara smiled awkwardly but nodded. "Well, let's go. We should find Bell; we can't be late," she suggested, making Hestia look at her with suspicion.

"Are you okay, dear? If you're feeling uncomfortable about going to the party, we can stay here. It's not mandatory," Hestia said, noticing that Yara hadn't been herself for days.

Yara sighed and shook her head. "No, Goddess, we can't be irresponsible. Besides, I'm fine. It's just a little dizziness. I'm sure it'll pass," she assured her with a smile.

Hestia looked at her for a few seconds before finally nodding. "Alright, let's go then. We're running late," she said as they left the room together.

Outside the room, Akasha and Bell were chatting. While Bell was dressed in a formal black tuxedo, Akasha wore his usual black tunic.

When the girls stepped out, Akasha's gaze immediately fell on Yara. Bell followed his gaze and was left speechless at the sight of them.

Hestia laughed and ran toward Bell with surprising agility despite wearing a dress and heels. She reached him and hugged him tightly before he could react, burying him in her chest.

"Ohhh, my dear Bell, you're speechless! Is it because I'm so beautiful? Hehe, have you fallen for me?" Hestia teased, squeezing him even tighter. Bell could only stammer in response.

Meanwhile, Akasha stood up and approached Yara, who fidgeted nervously as he drew closer. He stopped in front of her, his height making her seem small in comparison. She had to look up to meet his gaze.

"The dress color I recommended suits you well," Akasha said, more as a statement than a question.

Yara nodded, avoiding his gaze. "Thanks, it's nice. Though these heels are killing me," she said with a nervous laugh.

"It complements your olive-green eyes perfectly," he stated simply before kneeling down. "Give me your foot."

Yara blinked in confusion but lifted her foot. Akasha took it and placed it on his knee, not caring if his clothes got dirty. A white light appeared in his palm as he gently massaged her ankle and leg before repeating the process with her other foot.

Yara's face turned as red as a tomato, and steam seemed ready to burst from her ears. Hestia and Bell, watching from the side, were stunned by Akasha's bold move.

Akasha ignored their reactions and placed Yara's foot back on the ground before standing up. He looked at her with his usual indifferent expression and nodded. "There, that should keep your feet from hurting tonight. You can enjoy yourself now."

Yara nodded, her face still red. "Thank you," she whispered before quickly moving to Hestia's side.

Hestia sighed with a smile as she looked at Akasha. "Well, Akasha, I'm sorry you're not coming with us. But I promise to bring you some food!" she said as they headed out.

While Yara and Hestia walked ahead, Bell approached Akasha and whispered, "Hey, Akasha, was that massage really necessary?"

Akasha shook his head. "Not at all. I could have done it from where I was sitting," he replied with a smirk.

Bell stared at him in disbelief and nodded. Akasha's smile faded as he placed a hand on Bell's shoulder. "Hestia and Yara are in your care tonight. Protect them if necessary, understood?" he asked seriously.

Bell nodded with a solemn expression. "Don't worry, Akasha. I'll take care of them," he declared with his usual innocent smile.

"Good. Have fun, kid," Akasha said, waving them off with a smile.

"And remember, everyone, give it your all tonight! Show them what the Hestia Familia is made of!" Hestia declared loudly.

"Yes, Goddess! Yes, ma'am!" Yara and Bell shouted in unison.

Akasha smiled as he watched them leave, chuckling softly as he remembered Yara's flustered expression earlier.

---

Hestia and the others rode in the carriage Akasha had prepared for them, and soon they arrived at the venue for the party.

The coachman stepped down and opened the door, helping Hestia out first, then Yara, while Bell exited from the other side.

"Thank you for bringing us, sir," Hestia said with a smile.

The coachman simply smiled and bowed slightly. "It was my pleasure. Have a wonderful evening."

Hestia nodded, and the coachman drove off to park the carriage while Yara and Bell marveled at the enormous mansion before them.

"Wow... this mansion is several times bigger than my entire village," Yara commented, whistling in awe.

Bell nodded in agreement. "Yeah, same here. Do people even get lost in there?" he asked, confused.

Hestia smiled, and they entered the mansion, passing by the adventurers guarding the entrance. Hestia handed over the invitation letter.

"Welcome, Goddess Hestia. Have a lovely evening," one of the guards said as Hestia nodded and entered with Bell and Yara in tow.

---

Akasha watched from high above in the sky as Hestia and the others entered the mansion.

Sighing, Akasha disappeared and reappeared on the walls of Orario, not far from a young woman dressed simply with silver hair—Syr Flova.

Syr noticed Akasha and gestured to the seat beside her, inviting him to sit.

Akasha observed the gesture and approached before sitting down.

"It's a beautiful night, don't you think, Mr. Akasha?" Syr asked, smiling as she gazed at the stars.

Akasha nodded without saying much, his eyes fixed on the sky.

"Is it worth it?"