Apollo wouldn't give up. After giving his blessing to Adam, he tried recruiting him again, wanting him to leave Orario and live a romantic life together in the outside world.
How could that be possible?!
Take that romanticism of yours and shove it up your... wait, he might enjoy that too... Better leave it alone. Given Apollo's proclivities, Adam kept his distance — the further away, the better.
So after giving a perfect straight "NO", he slipped away from the Guild underground plaza.
Under Ouranos's arrangement, the wise skeleton lady took Adam to meet Demeter.
The meeting place was the familiar restaurant where he, Hestia, and Bell would go when he first joined the Familia. As former regular customers — and since it was their own property — it was the perfect choice for both parties to meet. There was no unfamiliarity or wariness.
The Goddess of Abundance was gentle. Her voice, movements, and demeanor radiated welcoming warmth from their first meeting.
She had light orange hair and perfect features. Her curvaceous figure was truly generous, even surpassing Hestia's.
Though since Hestia was petite, the impact was slightly less striking — but still, Demeter outshone most Goddesses in Orario.
As for Loki's figure — well, no need to mention it. So flat you could take off from there; what was there to compare?
"Pleased to meet you, Goddess Demeter." Adam showed proper respect for her status as a High God.
He was always respectful with High Gods, whether dealing with Apollo or the reclusive Soma.
And Demeter didn't put on airs.
"Hello, Hero Adam. I've wanted to meet you for a long time." She smiled warmly, her gentle aura calming his nervousness.
This Goddess of Abundance shared a close friendship with Hestia, often helping the poor Goddess after Hephaestus had driven her out.
Even the Hestia Familia's base — that two-story building — was rented from her property.
Demeter invited the two to sit down.
She ordered tea for everyone, creating a relaxed atmosphere more suited for a friendly chat than a formal transaction.
But Fels didn't stay. Being a skeleton wrapped in a black coat, she stood out too much in crowded places like taverns.
After escorting Adam there, she bid farewell and departed, leaving the transaction entirely in his hands.
This was likely at Ouranos's instruction — she was to remain uninvolved.
Demeter seemed unbothered and addressed him warmly: "Hero Adam, you've certainly made waves today — you've impressed not just me, but all the High Gods."
"Hahaha, you're too kind." Adam laughed.
Though being praised by a High God was an honor for mortals, he preferred not to dawdle and steered the conversation directly to his purpose.
"High God Demeter, I wish to receive your blessing."
There was no need for flowery words — directness was key.
It was clear that Demeter had declined Ouranos's compensation specifically to meet Adam in person. She clearly wanted something from him.
This was, after all, a transaction.
"Whatever you need, if it's within my power, I'll help you achieve it."
"You're quite direct, but you're right." Demeter paused mid-pour, somewhat taken aback by his frankness, "But I do have something to ask of you."
"I hope the Hero's rise won't affect my businesses." Demeter said, "Your potential and strength are evident to all the High Gods, and your ascension seems inevitable. When that happens, Orario's power structure will shift, likely becoming a three-way struggle. I wish to avoid being caught in the crossfire."
Given Adam's growing fame, his Familia's strength, and Apollo Familia's assets, the expansion of Hestia Familia was unavoidable — even with their small numbers.
Like any shrewd merchant avoiding risk, Demeter foresaw potential turmoil ahead. As the Goddess controlling most of Orario's businesses, she naturally wanted to protect her interests from any coming conflicts.
Adam's forceful actions had spread across Orario in mere hours. The ongoing friction with Apollo Familia and Soma Familia — especially the forced transfer of Liliruca — had likely prompted her concerns.
So she made the first move. Rather than accept Ouranos's generous conditions, she chose to meet Adam in person and forge a contract with him.
"You jest, High God Demeter." Adam said, surprised.
He had never intended to start any conflicts.
"You're the most beloved Goddess in Orario. Even Loki Familia and Freya Familia must consider your feelings. How could our small Familia, only just emerging from resistance, pose any threat to you?"
"Of course!" Adam declared earnestly, "High God Hestia received your kindness before, so we would never act against you — no matter what."
This was the advantage of being well-liked.
Demeter wielded considerable influence in Orario; anyone who dared target her would face the wrath of her allied Familias.
Besides, her friendship with Hestia was genuine. She wouldn't otherwise allow the poor Goddess to freely use her name and enjoy complimentary meals at her establishments.
"Then I shall give you my blessing." Demeter said with a satisfied smile.
A small magic circle materialized at her fingertip. With a flash of light, it streamed into Adam's mind.
Once the familiar dizziness subsided, he had received the Earth blessing.
With their business concluded, they shifted to pleasant conversation.
"Is this young girl the Spirit?" Demeter asked, gazing with interest at Beatrice, who sat in the chair beside him.
She was intrigued by this Spirit girl who had vanished from history's flow long ago, only to suddenly reappear.
Beatrice bristled at being called a young girl.
But she could do nothing about it. Looking at the tall, perfectly-figured deity before her — one who had lived for hundreds of millions of years — she couldn't find any words to protest.
At merely 400 years old, perhaps she truly was a young girl in Demeter's eyes. Or maybe even an infant.
Seeing her speechless and puffing up her cheeks in frustration, Adam couldn't help but laugh.
"Adam!" Beatrice protested, her cheeks flushed with indignation.
Her frustrated expression only made her more endearing.
Demeter sighed softly, "Indeed, being acknowledged by a Spirit proves you worthy of being called a Hero."
"Yes, it's all thanks to Beatrice being here." Adam said with genuine pride.
This was the High God's acknowledgment of her worth.
Having Beatrice as his contracted Spirit was the greatest fortune of his life.
Both Spirit and Hero could take pride in this recognition.
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