"Ah~ Valetta, you really look a mess this time, don't you?"
As soon as he received the report, Thanatos hurried to the infirmary to see Valetta, who was already lying in bed recovering.
"Tch! Those two brats were nothing but bait to lure us in."
"Bait, you say? Are you sure about that?"
Thanatos gave her a look that clearly said, aren't you just shifting the blame?
"'Jormungand' and 'Crusher' are both key assets of the Loki Familia now. Two promising young talents like them—do you really think that guy Finn would ever allow such valuable rookies to wander into the Dungeon without purpose?"
Though Thanatos still suspected Valetta was trying to deflect responsibility, he had to admit her reasoning made sense.
Judging from the outcome, Finn had probably anticipated everything from the start. He'd even accounted for Valetta's personality—and set this whole trap precisely because of it.
'Jormungand' and 'Crusher' were now two of Loki Familia's most important members. From any perspective, Finn would never leave such valuable children unattended.
"So this was one big trap."
"Finn's plan really is bold—using two powerful rookies as bait just to draw you out."
"Because he understood your personality, he could predict exactly how you'd react."
Thanatos's mind raced as he turned to glance at Valetta, who was lying pale and silent on the bed.
"Valetta, you're lucky to still be alive."
"I know what you mean. Surviving this time really was pure dumb luck—but it feels more like a cruel joke than a blessing."
Her face twisted into something dark and cold. For her, this was the greatest humiliation.
Thanatos watched her for a moment, then nodded slowly.
His gaze lacked the sharpness of Freya's, but it was keen enough. From her words, he could already piece together enough to see the outline of the truth.
The picture was clear—Finn's trap had been meticulously planned, and Valetta had walked right into it.
Still, one question lingered in Thanatos's mind.
"Valetta, how exactly did Finn's plan succeed?"
"Because of Loki's newcomer. That mysterious one she kept hidden. I thought it was just one of that bitch Loki's false rumors—but it turned out to be true."
"Loki's newcomer… ah, the child rumored to control Puppets—the one said to have spatial abilities?"
Seeing Valetta's furious expression jogged Thanatos's memory. Yes, there had been such a rumor—a report from months ago, first whispered at the Denatus about Loki Familia's new recruit.
At the time, Thanatos had doubted the story. Knowing Loki, there was no way a child she worked so hard to conceal could be exposed by Ishtar of all people.
But looking at Valetta now, her expression dark and murderous, Thanatos realized the rumor had been true after all. And instead of irritation, a spark of amusement flickered across his face.
"Interesting, very interesting. A mortal child with such an unusual ability…"
"A shame that this child happens to belong to Loki."
"But it's fine. Knowing Freya's fascination with extraordinary mortals, she'll definitely try to make contact with Loki."
"As long as Freya and Loki don't join forces, that's good news for us."
In that moment, Thanatos could already see the hidden tension between the two Goddesses through the existence of that secret child.
"Freya and Loki, huh… tch, I didn't expect that move."
Valetta thought of Freya's reputation and nodded slightly. This was indeed valuable information.
Ensuring there was conflict between Loki and Freya would benefit them greatly—it was an important card to hold.
"Still, that child's power is nothing good for us."
"The extent of her spatial ability remains unknown—we'll have to observe further."
"And as long as Loki's child possesses that power, we can't attempt any sneak attacks on her people anymore."
"Nor can we use our old methods against Astraea's child."
"From the information I've received, it's highly likely that Astraea's child was rescued by Loki. Judging by Astraea's subsequent contact with her, the two of them are now working together—with Loki in charge."
"Until we fully understand the true capabilities of Loki's hidden child, Valetta, you'll restrain yourself."
That was Thanatos's warning.
"I know… I won't step into the same trap twice."
Valetta sighed and sank deeper into the bed, looking annoyed.
"I'll take this time to rest and observe—call it a forced vacation."
"But you, Lord Thanatos, should be careful with the others. That kid hiding in the shadows is more dangerous than he looks."
"Ah, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on Loki's child. But really, we don't need to do much—Ishtar's obsession with Loki's secrets will keep her busy digging up information for us. Just like last time at the Denatus."
Thanatos wasn't about to expose himself on the front lines. If Ishtar wanted to chase Loki's secrets, then let her.
"And with such a flashy ability, that child will draw plenty of divine attention."
"Ishtar won't be the only one investigating—many curious Gods will take interest."
"I'd like the Guild to step in, but as long as Loki doesn't reveal her child herself, they can't. Ouranos isn't the type to pressure her over something like this."
Valetta waved a hand lazily.
"Intelligence work isn't really my thing anyway. I'll leave it to you, Lord Thanatos."
"Also, until I clear myself of suspicion, you'd best not visit my ward alone."
"It's dangerous."
Thanatos, however, didn't seem concerned.
"If you really were compromised, you'd have attacked me already."
"Besides, this serves as another test."
"Tch. You Gods really are too complicated."
Valetta muttered under her breath, too tired to argue further. She'd said what needed to be said.
"Then rest well for the next few months, Valetta."
"Mm. And try to control your temper. Don't destroy the infirmary just because Finn outplayed you."
A vein twitched on Valetta's forehead—her temper was already flaring.
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Note: As always, there will be extra chapters today if we make it back to the top 20. Have a good day!
You can read up to chapter 210 on patreon.com/NiaXD.