Chapter 348 - Just exercising my rights
The adventurers surrounding the Hestia Familia's residence numbered around twenty or thirty at a glance.
Beyond those blocking the gate, others perched atop nearby buildings, watching like spectators at a show.
As Mahiro, Hestia, and Haruhime approached, an Apollo Familia member whispered to Apollo.
The god turned, spotting Hestia from a distance.
"Good afternoon, Hestia. I've been waiting half the morning," Apollo said, his polite tone and dazzling smile more befitting a friendly visit than a confrontation.
"Cut it out," Hestia snapped.
"You didn't come here with good intentions, creep. Drop the act."
"That hurts, Hestia," Apollo said, clutching his chest with mock sorrow.
"We were friends in the heavens. Even in the lower world, that bond should hold."
"Who's your friend?" Hestia shouted, her face twisting in disgust.
"I'm a revered virgin goddess, Apollo. I've never had anything to do with you, and I never will. Slander me again, and you'll regret it."
"Cold as ever," Apollo said, his smile taking on a sinister edge that sparked unease.
"No more nonsense. You know why I'm here," he said, his tone turning grave.
"Last night at the tavern, my dear children had a minor spat with yours. A trivial matter, but your child brutally injured mine. As their god, I can't let that slide."
"Your knack for twisting the truth's gotten better," Hestia scoffed.
"Don't you know what really went down?"
"What do you mean?" Apollo said, feigning innocence.
"I only know your child savaged mine, leaving several so injured even elixirs haven't healed them. Hand over the culprit. That's a simple request, no?"
"You scheming god," Hestia spat.
"I thought the rumors about your antics were bad, but meeting you proves you're worse."
"I'm just exercising my rights," Apollo said, his smile oily. "If you shield your child, I'll take it to the Guild for judgment."
"Go ahead!" Hestia said, glaring contemptuously.
Apollo faltered, puzzled. Normally, Hestia would at least negotiate, not dismiss him so brazenly.
Her recklessness threw him off.
"You know how serious this is, Hestia," he pressed, testing her.
"If you don't cooperate, the Guild might punish your Familia—maybe even banish you from Orario."
"Report it already!" Hestia said, snorting defiantly.
Apollo was at a loss, his prepared arguments stifled by her boldness.
He studied her, trying to guess what gave her such confidence.
"Get lost," Mahiro said coldly.
"Insolent!" Hyakinthos fumed, stepping forward. "How dare you speak to Lord Apollo like that!"
"Hyakinthos, you recovered fast with that elixir," Mahiro sighed. "Still looking for trouble? Last night's lesson wasn't enough?"
He swept a disdainful gaze over the Apollo Familia. "Or do you think this pack of trash gives you the edge to beat me?"
"You…" Hyakinthos' face flushed, his hand gripping his sword hilt, torn between rage and fear, hesitating to draw.
He'd felt Mahiro's strength firsthand yesterday. Face-to-face, he wasn't sure he could survive if Mahiro meant to kill.
"Hestia's child, aren't you too harsh?" Apollo said, smiling. "Adventurers can't kill each other. Threatening my child in front of me? The Guild won't stand for it. Of course, if you—"
His words cut off with a yelp as he jumped, startled.
A magic bullet from Mahiro had exploded at his feet.
"Bastard, how dare you!" Hyakinthos growled.
"I've already applied to the Guild for a War Game against your Apollo Familia, and they've approved," Mahiro said, waving dismissively.
"Check with them when you're back."
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(A/N: hi...)