In truth, Chandra had long since harbored deep displeasure toward Zanis.
His original reason for joining the Soma Familia was to taste the most exquisite divine wine.
But now, the entire Familia had practically become Zanis's personal property.
Even the divine wine brewed by the god himself—he barely got a sip.
Now that Raven Eltharion had taken Zanis down, Chandra couldn't help but feel an immense sense of satisfaction.
…
Third Floor, Divine Chamber.
In the spacious room fitted with a wide balcony, Soma sat at a desk mixing several herbs in a mortar.
He paid no attention to the battle outside or to the four people who entered the room.
He simply focused on blending the ingredients for his wine.
"Soma-sama! Soma-sama!"
"Please let Lily withdraw from the Familia!"
Lily called out loudly to her god, who had his back to her.
Wearing a somewhat grimy robe, Soma turned around lazily.
From behind his messy bangs, he glanced at the four who had entered the room.
"Zanis… is gone, isn't he?"
The moment a Familia member dies, Soma could immediately sense the disappearance of a Falna.
"Yes. I killed him."
Raven Eltharion met his gaze.
Soma's lab coat looked like it hadn't been washed in ages—filthy and disheveled.
"What a slovenly god. Almost on par with that old man Zeus," Melvitore commented, arms crossed, as she walked off to the doorway to wait.
The heavy smell of alcohol in the room was getting to her.
However…
Soma showed little reaction.
In truth, he had long since been disappointed in his Familia members—and in mortals as a whole.
The real reason for the downfall of the Soma Familia was the divine wine used as a reward.
Initially, Soma had only intended to use the wine to motivate his members—a catalyst to foster growth.
But to his dismay…
The Familia members had all become addicted.
Each one desperate to get their hands on the wine.
Eventually…
They began to turn on one another in ugly struggles over a sip.
Soma bore no malice and never meant to harm anyone.
But seeing how pathetically foolish mortals had become, his heart had completely given up on them.
"Follow me."
Soma looked down coldly at Lily, devoid of any emotion.
…
They arrived at a sealed room on the second floor of the tower.
No windows. A tightly closed door. No risk of confidential information leaking.
Inside the dim space, Soma and Lily proceeded with the conversion ritual.
Outside, Raven Eltharion, Chandra, and Melvitore waited near the doorway.
"Excuse me, miss… are you… the legendary Night Fox?" Chandra finally asked, curiosity outweighing his restraint.
Raven raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised.
Unlike Alfia the Silence, Melvitore's name hadn't been seen in public for years.
Seven years ago, Arfya had made an appearance in Orario—most veteran adventurers still remembered the villainess who had nearly brought the city to its knees.
But Melvitore...
She had died fifteen years ago fighting the Black Dragon.
Her fame had long since faded.
"You've got the wrong person," Melvitore replied curtly, her voice frosty.
Just then, the door opened—and Lily stepped out, her face beaming with joy.
"It's done, Raven-sama!"
"Lily has officially withdrawn from the Soma Familia!"
"Good," Raven smiled faintly. "Then let's go home."
…
Moments later, the three of them departed from the Soma Familia headquarters.
As they walked through the Southwest District, heading toward Hearth Manor...
Melvitore disappeared without anyone noticing.
By the time Lily realized, the mysterious queen had vanished without a trace.
"Eh? Where did Melvitore-sama go?" Lily turned her head, looking around in confusion.
"She probably had other matters to attend to. Don't worry—you'll see her again."
Raven raised an eyebrow, brushing off the question instead of revealing the truth behind his summoning magic.
"Eh…?"
Lily looked puzzled, curiosity brimming in her chest.
She couldn't understand why she had never heard of someone as powerful as Melvitore before.
Based on the strength she had displayed, she was easily a first-class adventurer.
In Orario, even if one hadn't met a first-class adventurer in person, their feats were usually known.
Especially to someone like Lily, who worked as a supporter.
"Enough overthinking," Raven sighed.
As expected…
It was better to keep his rare summoning magic hidden.
Chandra had almost recognized her just earlier…
Before long, they arrived at the grand gates of a mansion gleaming with golden splendor.
Raven came to a halt.
"Lily, this is our new home."
"It's called Hearth Manor."
"W-Wow… it's so luxurious…"
Lily's eyes widened, lighting up with admiration.
Compared to the tower-filled Soma Familia base, it felt like heaven and earth.
"Come on."
"Lady Hestia won't be back from work until evening."
"I'll show you around the headquarters first."
Raven gently took her small hand and pushed open the ornate iron gate.
"Mm-hmm!"
Lily was genuinely happy.
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