Chapter 207: Born Hero!
Honestly, Luke didn't think Hestia's choice was the right one.
Regarding skills, Bell, as the person concerned, should have the right to know.
Previously, Loki had made a similar decision to Hestia's regarding Ais's magic, but the two goddesses faced vastly different situations.
Ais was only 7 years old then, carrying a deep blood vendetta.
On this basis, it was only after the appearance of "Avenger," a skill with negative effects, that Loki finally decided to conceal the skill's information from Ais.
Regardless of whether this decision's outcome was good or bad, Loki had genuinely made it with Ais's interests in mind.
But Bell was completely different from Ais.
Though at 14 he couldn't be called particularly mature, his will and inner strength, under Zeus's guidance, far exceeded ordinary people.
So, after having interacted with Bell for a short period of time, Luke saw not a trace of negative emotion in the boy, and Hestia, having spent over a week with Bell, should understand this even better.
After all, Bell's pure soul radiance could even captivate someone as picky as Freya.
In Luke's view, Hestia's decision stemmed more from worry and a desire to avoid trouble than genuine consideration for Bell's future.
It couldn't be said that Hestia was harming Bell, only that their perspectives and ways of viewing things differed.
Bell wanted to become stronger; he admired heroes, longed for romantic encounters, and pressed forward with determination.
But for Hestia, whether Bell became stronger or not didn't really matter; she just wanted to live peacefully with him.
Their differing life pursuits led to black-haired goddess making such a decision.
Put it simply, Hestia's actions were actually holding Bell back.
Concealing the skill information was somewhat hindering Bell's growth.
Both Luke and Hestia, having interacted with Bell, knew that the young man would never become arrogant about his talents.
He wouldn't develop a prideful attitude due to rapid growth.
Therefore, when Bell learned of his skill, there could only be one possible change: redoubled effort.
He would be happy, delighted, but never lose himself in pride.
After all, he was a 'Born Hero' personally raised by Zeus.
Thinking carefully about it made it much clearer.
Was Bell's strength really just because of the skill's appearance?
His 'Admiration' skill didn't include any direct combat enhancement effects.
Luke looked at Hestia, and after some thought, finally asked:
"Are you really not going to tell Bell?"
"How did you know?!?!"
Hestia was truly shocked now.
She could tell Luke wasn't bluffing, but had asked based on genuine knowledge of the matter.
But this left Hestia bewildered, as only she knew about Bell awakening a unique skill.
Forget telling Luke, their earlier conversation hadn't even touched on this topic.
'How does he know!?'
'Did I accidentally let something slip??'
'I only thanked him for saving Bell, right?!'
Hestia looked at Luke with a cold sweat, desperately trying to recall where she might have slipped up.
Admittedly, Hestia was much more interesting than Loki.
Loki often acted as a fool, but on crucial matters, she never gave an inch.
Hestia was different, seeming genuinely slow-witted, making one wonder 'Is this person really a goddess?'
"No need to think about it. Regarding Bell awakening a skill, I probably knew even earlier than you did."
Luke shook his head, not wanting to trouble Hestia further.
"Though I'm an outsider and shouldn't meddle in this matter..."
"I just can't bear to see Bell unaware of his talents."
Hestia scrutinized Luke carefully, and after confirming he wasn't lying, she fell silent.
...
Holding a grand celebration after an expedition was Loki Familia tradition.
By the time all matters were handled and the expedition's aftermath settled, the sky had begun to darken.
"Mama Mia~ We're here~"
With Loki's call, the expedition members arrived at the pre-booked tavern.
The Hostess of Fertility had already set up outdoor seating.
This arrangement was likely made considering the tavern couldn't accommodate all Loki Familia members inside.
As the captain, Finn nodded understandingly to Anya who came to explain, then had some members take the outdoor seats.
Those entering the tavern were at least elite-level members, or promising newcomers.
And as a familia executive, Luke walked near the front, and upon entering the tavern immediately spotted the familiar white-haired youth sitting in a corner.
Due to the commotion of Loki Familia's entrance, Bell also noticed Luke.
Upon seeing him, the white-haired boy seemed very happy and wanted to come greet him.
But upon seeing other Loki Familia members around Luke, Bell lost his nerve, and after much hesitation, didn't dare approach.
Not wanting to put the youth in a difficult position, Luke waved to the boy indicating he'd come over later, then sat down with Finn and the others.
Though Luke wanted to chat with Bell, this was a celebration party after all, and it wouldn't be appropriate for an executive like him to leave before the party even began.
Earlier, Luke had talked with Hestia for a long time during the day, but from the goddess's hesitant manner when leaving, he couldn't tell if she had changed her mind or not.
However, it was someone else's business, and his interference today was already somewhat meddling.
If Hestia ultimately decided to conceal the skill information from Bell, Luke wouldn't say anything more.
After all, it would be overstepping bounds for Luke to privately tell Bell about something his familia's goddess had decided.
...
"Alright! Everyone worked hard in the dungeon expedition!"
"Today is the celebration! Everyone can drink to their heart's content!"
As their goddess, Loki stood first, leading everyone in a toast.
As the party progressed, the atmosphere gradually became more lively.
"Here, Captain, let me pour you a drink."
"Hmm... thank you, Tione, but you've been pouring drinks at an unusual pace since earlier. What are you planning after getting me drunk?"
"Hehe, I don't have any other intentions. Come, Captain, have another glass."
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