The Japanese young woman shook her head. "It is Mikoto... but that is close enough." She smiled and said, "I am surprised you remember."
"Well, I should have remembered it better considering my memory with other things... but I suppose I wasn't really paying attention at the time." I opened the gate and said, "Come in, we were just about to have dinner."
Haruhime paused and glanced over at Mikoto. "Miko..."
Mikoto smiled and said, "It is fine, Haru." She patted Haruhime's shoulder and said, "If this is what you wish, then we will all respect it. Besides." She glanced towards the other girls scattered around the courtyard and then at me before saying, "Against all appearances... This Bell appears to be a noble man. So it is fine."
"...Do I really look like that much of a playboy?" I fiddle with my hair and muttered, "Maybe I should get a haircut. A proper side-part to look like a family man..."
Mikoto laughed.
Haruhime giggled, hiding her mouth behind the sleeve of her red kimono.
I sighed and then said, "Anyway, come in. We're just about to start dinner."
Mikoto shook her head and said, "I am honored, but I only came to escort Haru to her new home. Lord Takemikazuchi said he recently received some useful potions for us, so we plan to have a gathering tonight."
"Oh. Well, that's fine then." I nodded and said, "Don't be a stranger though. I heard your god's a good friend of Tia's, so you're all friends of mine too, okay?"
Mikoto blinked. "Tia?"
"Ah, I mean Hestia."
Mikoto blinked again and then muttered, "So a relationship with a god is possible after all? Then... if I become worthy enough, maybe Lord Take-" She abruptly cut herself off and coughed. "I-In any case!" She bowed and said, "I will leave Haru in your care. Until next time." With that, she dashed off.
And that just left me and Haruhime by the entrance.
Haruhime shifted a bit and then said, "E-Excuse Miko's reaction. She's not usually like that..."
I walked Haruhime inside and then closed the gate behind her. "I don't mind. It seemed like her mind wandered to some embarrassing topics, so I don't blame her dashing off like that."
Haruhime giggled and stuck close by my side.
I walked with her towards the others. But as I did, I said, "Uh. Just for the record... you aren't interested in me, are you? Because I'm going to have to shut you down right away..."
Haruhime giggled again and said, "Don't worry, Mister Bell. You are my hero, but I wouldn't dare pine after one who has already been claimed by a goddess."
"...Okay, just want to make this explicit and double check. You don't have any romantic feelings for me or plan to make any romantic advances?"
Haruhime's giggle turned into a full laugh as she said, "No, no. I know the line. Besides..." She hummed and said, "Rather than someone to love... I think Mister Bell seems more like a caring older brother?"
I paused and said, "...How old are you?"
"Hm?" Haruhime tilted her head. "Sixteen years of age as of spring... why do you ask?"
"...I'm only fifteen though?"
Haruhime gasped. "Truly?"
"...Why is everyone surprised by this?"
Tia's voice echoed and she said, "Because you look like a grown man, Bell. Honestly, if I didn't know what you looked like before, even I wouldn't believe it..."
I glanced over at Tia and held up my hands. "Well excuse me for having an early puberty."
Tia rolled her eyes and then looked towards Haruhime, letting out a warm smile. "Welcome, Haruhime. I guess you're making it official then?"
Haruhime bowed and said, "Yes, Lady Hestia. Thank you for accepting me into your family."
Tia helped Haruhime up and said, "Come on now! None of that. The only person who has to bow their head around here is Bell when he makes a mistake."
"Hey! How come- Actually... fair." I chuckled and looked around. Seeing everyone already standing around the table in the center, I said, "Should we get this started then?"
Tia smiled and said, "Yeah. Let's start dinner before the girls start sneaking desserts away."
"Yeah, that's a- Fina! No! Not yet!"
Fina flinched, her hand hovering over a chocolate chip cookie. She giggled and then dashed away, hiding behind Bella... whose mouth was smeared with chocolate.
Bella flinched too, but then she stared at me with glimmering violet eyes and a perfect puppy dog expression.
I sighed. "Just wait a little bit more, girls... honestly." I quickly walked over to the head of the table and took a look around at everyone.
Next to me, there was Hestia.
Across from us, there was Welf, Lili, Pyrrha, and my daughters.
On the left, there was Ryuu, Artemis, Primo, Karen, and Emma.
And on the right, there was Iris, Silva, Oriana, and Haruhime.
A family of sixteen people. Our family... and my family too.
'Well, there's still someone missing-'
At that time, the front gate creaked open.
I glanced back to see Freya... no, 'Syr' walk in, carrying a bundle of food.
Syr smiled and said, "I hope I'm not too late? I heard from a little bird that we were having a dinner party... Am I invited?"
Bella gasped and then ran over, jumping into Syr's arms.
Syr stumbled a bit, but then she held Bella tight, letting out a gentle smile.
'A little bird...?' I paused and glanced at Fina.
Fina noticed my look and giggled, averting her gaze and whistling.
Honestly, this daughter of mine...