After leaving the Hostess of Fertility, Orsted returned to Hearth Manor and secluded himself in his workshop, leaving Lili and the others to their training undisturbed.

For over two hours, Orsted reflected on his situation, piecing together the events.

First, his mother bore a striking resemblance to him.

Second, she likely had contact with the Demi Spirit, like Aria, leaving a deep impression, causing the Jewel Fetus to mistake him for her.

It was a guess, but Orsted felt it was likely.

He had no direct connection to the Demi Spirit, so its reaction made no sense otherwise.

His mother's impact must have been big for the Jewel Fetus to prioritize him over Ais, mistaken for Aria.

Orsted focused on this.

As for being the last orphan of the Zeus and Hera Familias, a hero-in-waiting like Bell Cranel, he didn't care.

Though descended from those Familias, he was Hestia's first member and captain, his future his own.

He soon dismissed the matter.

Emerging from the workshop, it was dark.

Ais and the others had left, and Lili's group, sweaty from training, were at Hearth Manor's hot springs.

As Orsted stepped out, two guests arrived.

"Thanks for helping resolve Loki Familia's financial crisis via the war game," Finn said, smiling, retrieving materials and setting them aside.

Ais had mentioned Finn would bring a thank-you gift soon.

Orsted hadn't expected it this quickly.

"Thank you," he said, accepting without hesitation.

"I'm here for another matter too," Finn continued.

"In eight days, Loki Familia embarks on another expedition. Orsted, would you join us?"

Despite partnering with Hephaestus Familia's smiths to avoid past expedition issues, Finn saw Orsted's addition as a major asset.

His strength was a key factor.

As the expedition neared, Finn's thumb ached increasingly, signaling its importance.

He wanted to bolster their forces, and Orsted was ideal.

Freya Familia was out—Loki and Freya, Orario's top Familias, were rivals, never collaborating.

Ganesha Familia, despite many Level 5 adventurers, focused on Orario's order and didn't join expeditions.

Orsted's recent feats—reported by Ais and others—stunned Finn.

Even Ais, Level 6 with Tempest, couldn't best him. His strength was elite, making him a prime candidate.

Additionally, Finn wanted to build ties with Orsted.

Orsted was a rising star, and deeper bonds could ease future dealings, especially for rare items.

As Loki Familia's captain, Finn prioritized his Familia's strength.

"Hm?" Orsted was surprised.

He hadn't anticipated this.

Familias inviting others on expeditions wasn't unheard of—Hestia's did in the Anime, and Loki's included Hephaestus familia this time.

One more wasn't unreasonable.

"I need to discuss this with Hestia and the others. I can't answer now," Orsted said.

He was tempted.

Joining could mean facing the Demi Spirit, potentially maxing his stats and triggering another rank-up.

But he couldn't decide alone.

"Understood," Finn nodded. "Please reply within eight days."

He stood to leave.

"Alright," Orsted agreed.

---

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