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The room fell into complete silence.
To the people of this world, being unable to receive a blessing was pretty much the same as having no future.
"What are you all so sad about?! Sure, blessings are convenient, but just like the rumors say—back in the day, didn't the legendary heroes do amazing things even without the gods around?!"
The one who blurted that out, totally ignoring the gloomy mood, was none other than Alise!
Her bright and cheerful voice made the familia members—who had unknowingly bowed their heads—look up again.
With her modest chest puffed out and her long, shiny red hair swaying, she continued confidently:
"I don't believe someone like Dan would be beaten down by something like this! And didn't you all see it? He still hasn't given up—just look at his face!"
Only now did the girls realize: even after hearing the bad news, Dan hadn't shown a hint of panic. He was surprised for a moment, sure—but that was it.
They were all smart, and immediately remembered that crazy speed he'd shown earlier.
Although they were curious, no one dared to ask him directly. Instead, once they processed it all, they were simply happy for him.
Dan could feel their change in attitude, and warmth bubbled up inside him.
In a world like this… the girls of the Astraea familia really stood out—they were pure, noble, and beautiful. Almost like something out of a dream.
Astraea herself smiled as she watched the interaction, then gave a small nod and clapped her hands.
"Alright then, let's just say Dan officially joined us. That should help keep a few nosy people away for a while. In the meantime, let's keep this a secret, okay?"
The goddess didn't say the second part out loud, but Dan understood instantly.
This kind of shallow deception wouldn't last forever—eventually, other gods would start to notice something was off.
But by the time that happened… Dan would be strong enough to hold his own.
After all, in Astraea's eyes, someone who couldn't even receive a blessing had to be far from ordinary. Definitely not someone who could be taken down easily.
The girls instantly snapped to attention, their expressions serious, all promising to keep the secret no matter what.
"W-Wait… you mean, keep it secret...?"
Only the stubborn, neat-freak fairy mumbled to herself in confusion, forgetting how complicated Dan's situation was. But before she could think too hard, Kaguya—being her usual sharp-tongued self—distracted her by picking a fight again.
The two of them went right back to bickering, glaring at each other like always.
The fairy seemed to forget all about how 'dishonest' this lie was supposed to be.
But anyone could tell she was just being a tsundere—covering her ears to block out the truth she already knew.
And if someone exposed her now, she'd probably lose it from embarrassment and storm off completely.
Dan didn't say anything either. He just shrugged and accepted Astraea's help.
"I might not be cut out to be a 'hero of justice'… but getting to travel with such noble girls is still an honor."
Alise beamed with pride when she heard that, closing her eyes and putting on a smug little grin.
"Hmph! You're saying someone like me, the sweet, innocent, lovable, pure, beautiful girl who turns heads wherever she goes—I'm noble and dazzling?! Dan, you really know how to flatter someone!"
Dan couldn't help it anymore. He and Lyra both groaned at the same time:
""I (He) never said that!""
"Ahahahahaha!"
The girls burst into laughter, teasing their fearless captain without holding back.
But Alise, completely unfazed, took all their jabs as if they were compliments, smiling proudly with her eyes shut like she was the queen of the world.
Before he realized it, Dan had started to blend into the familia.
And when he finally did notice, he quietly sighed to himself—Alise might look like a loud, goofy airhead, but deep down, she was more thoughtful than anyone.
At that moment, Dan made a silent vow in his heart:
He would never let these pure-hearted girls fall to the darkness of the evil factions.
After chatting for a bit longer, Maryuu—the team's healer—finally stepped in and gently shooed everyone out, saying Dan needed to rest.
Physically, he was fine. But emotionally, mentally… he clearly needed a break. The considerate and nurturing "Holy Mother of Starlight" decided he could use some peace and quiet alone.
It was just like her—the big-sister figure of the group, the number one heart of the familia. The only one who could comfort even their pain-in-the-neck goddess Astraea, with her calm presence and overflowing maternal warmth.
She was a completely different kind of "mom" than Riveria, but no less comforting.
"....."