Danmachi: Is It Wrong to Be the Main Character in Orario?

"Hoo..."

Bell looked at the layer of flat tree growth covering the ground, feeling a bit of relief.

'Finally finished the most basic part.'

After three days, he had used the elf tree seeds to spread roots throughout the territory's surface. Building on that foundation, he slowly grew the first annex completely constructed from wood.

"Bell-kun."

A familiar leap and the sensation of someone landing on his back—it was unmistakable. Even without a sound, Bell knew exactly who it was.

"Goddess-sama, it took a bit of effort."

"No, for a project this massive, finishing it this quickly is already impressive."

Perched on his back, Hestia gazed curiously at the treehouse in front of them. The lowest level had already taken shape visibly. With such scale and additional construction planned, getting this far in just three days was indeed fast in her eyes.

Still, Bell felt a bit helpless. As she pointed out, the treehouse he had originally envisioned was far too grand, which only made construction harder.

To fully realize the design, more prep and time would be needed for completion.

Then there was the surrounding space.

Because his mental image of the treehouse had set the bar so high, its scale affected the surrounding area as well. That space had to be expanded to match the house's proportions.

'Seriously, what was I thinking trying to make it this big?'

Bell couldn't help but mock his earlier ambition.

Sure, the treehouse in his mind looked amazing, and he was genuinely excited about living in it. But the scale was enough to push him to the brink.

Yet even as he reflected, he found himself falling into it all over again. Not for anything else—just so Goddess-sama could live here with him.

"Bell-kun, can we go inside and have a look now?"

Her eyes sparkled as she stared at the treehouse, excitement radiating from her.

She could live anywhere—even in a basement—as long as Bell-kun was there. But this treehouse was different. This was the home Bell-kun built for her, and that gave it special meaning.

"Of course. Goddess-sama, allow me to lead the way."

"Mmhmm~"

Bell supported her legs behind him.

Hestia spread her arms and clung to Bell's back. Since it was his request, as his Familia God, she naturally agreed.

Her head rested on Bell's shoulder. She could faintly smell the scent of sweat on him, but it only made her feel more at ease.

"Bell-kun, this will be our place from now on."

The word "home" brought a smile to Bell's face.

"Yeah, this will be our home—yours and mine, Goddess-sama."

Hestia gently kicked her small feet as Bell carried her. It was only at times like this that they could be alone together.

'Come to think of it, Bell-kun has worked so hard... shouldn't I praise him a little?'

'Yes, I definitely should.'

Feeling the joy radiating from Goddess-sama behind him, Bell couldn't help but be in a good mood too.

The exterior of the treehouse resembled a cluster of thick roots—fitting, since it was built entirely from trees. The atmosphere was meant to be immersive.

At the center of the root-like structure stood a door—not immediately noticeable—but with runes carved into its surface, giving it the feel of a proper entrance.

Bell carried Goddess-sama toward it. The runes glowed faintly, and the door slowly creaked open from within.

Step by step, he entered the treehouse with her on his back.

Inside, the space was nothing like the root-covered exterior. The floor was formed from smooth, polished wood. A faint fragrance lingered in the air, while a gentle, refreshing energy flowed through the room, not only purifying the air but soothing both body and soul.

"Wow!"

Hestia, almost nose-to-nose with Bell, lit up as her eyes took in the interior. She straightened up excitedly.

"This is the inside of the treehouse?"

"Yes, Goddess-sama."

Bell crouched down and gently let her off his back.

Hestia stepped barefoot onto the floor, a gentle warmth rising through the soles of her feet, wrapping around them with a soothing comfort.

"The floor feels so nice... it's warm underfoot."

"That's because this is the core of the spirit tree itself. The bark and trunk are tough, but the inner core that absorbs nutrients is soft. And since it's absorbed a lot of spiritual energy, the inside of the treehouse maintains that soft, warm quality."

The fresh sensation made Hestia pace around a bit, confirming that the comfort wasn't her imagination.

Bell chuckled as he explained the reason behind it.

Hestia nodded like she understood, but quickly brushed the details aside.

"Inhale... exhale..."

"This will be our home from now on. We finally don't have to live in a basement anymore."

Even though she'd been fine staying in a basement as long as Bell was there, being able to live above ground was obviously the better option.

As she spoke, Hestia turned to Bell.

"Bell-kun."

Now that they had a home, the next step was clear—her relationship with Bell-kun had to move forward too.

But the moment she thought about taking the initiative, a blush spread across her face.

'Is... is this really okay?'

Bell's heart skipped a beat. Until now, every experience he had came from the initiative of Goddess-sama or Hephaestus-sama.

Strictly speaking, this was the first time he'd been given the right to take the lead.

Without any hesitation, Bell leaned down and kissed Goddess-sama on the lips.

The soft warmth, the faint fragrance, and the subtly familiar sensation completely drew him in.

But he quickly steadied his emotions.

Even if he could do anything he wanted to Goddess-sama in that moment—this still wasn't the time.

'Power determines what I'm allowed to have.'

'I'm not strong enough yet to deserve more than this.'

Taking a deep breath, Bell suppressed the emotions welling inside him.

He wrapped his arms around Goddess-sama.

"Goddess-sama, please wait for me a little longer."