"Everyone!"
"I thank you all for making such a long journey today!"
The doors swung open as the executives of the Apollo Familia emerged. Standing at their head, Apollo shouted with grand bravado toward those gathered in the banquet hall.
"Cough! Whew... the host has finally made his appearance."
"Is that Lord Apollo?"
Hermes, having finally extracted himself from the wall, coughed while casually observing Apollo. Bell Cranel watched them intently, remaining wary of Hyakinthos standing behind the sun god.
"I took the liberty of changing the theme today to suit my own personal tastes. I hope it is to your liking?"
"Dressing up the children I adore in this and that, then bringing them to a banquet like this—it is one of life's true pleasures!"
Setting aside their caution toward Apollo for a moment, the banquet itself was exceptionally well-executed. Many gods reacted positively, as it provided a space to introduce their dependents, forge new connections, or allow their Familia members to build memories together.
"This is amazing, Apollo!"
"Well done!"
Akumo overheard several gods shouting praise toward Apollo.
'It looks flawless on the surface, but...'
"His hidden intentions are just too obvious..."
"So you think so as well?"
"Yes, Lady Hestia."
Hestia and Akumo remained on guard, certain that a hidden motive lurked within this banquet. Contrary to their expectations, however, Apollo simply announced the start of the festivities. Having failed to gather any immediate information, they decided to try and enjoy the party for the time being.
"Nom! Munch!"
"You're eating as heartily as ever."
"It is because I cannot eat food like this usually, Akumo-kun!"
"Ahaha..."
At that moment, a stir swept through the hall. It signaled the arrival of someone who commanded the attention of everyone present.
"""Ooooooh!!"""
"Lady Freya has arrived."
"...Bell-kun!!!"
"Lady Hestia!?"
From a distance, Akumo saw Freya entering, escorted by Ottar. He noted that her popularity remained as overwhelming as ever. While he was lost in thought, he was startled to see Hestia lunging toward Bell.
Thud!
"You mustn't look, Bell-kun!!!"
"Wah!?"
"If children lay eyes on the Goddess of Beauty, they'll be charmed in an instant!!!"
"But...! Akumo-san is perfectly fine!?"
"That's... that's because Akumo-kun is a special case!!!"
As Hestia said, every other dependent in the hall, save for Akumo, found their hearts fluttering and their senses reeling at the sight of Freya's divine beauty. Seeing Akumo's composed demeanor, Alise spoke up, sounding impressed.
"Are you really unfazed?"
"It's not that I'm unfazed. My heart is racing a bit, too."
"Then how are you so calm?"
"I suppose I have too many thoughts on my mind to be distracted by just one thing."
"You really are something else, Akumo..."
"Is that so?"
While they conversed, Freya spotted Hestia and immediately began walking toward them.
"It's been a while, Hestia. Are Miach and Takemikazuchi doing well too?"
"Ah, yeah...! Well, I guess so..."
Hestia responded awkwardly, keeping her guard up against the goddess.
"Y-Yes..."
"You are as beautiful as ever tonight."
Takemikazuchi replied with a blush, looking bashful, while Miach complimented her beauty with practiced grace.
"...!!"
Pinch!!!
"Gah!!"
Enraged by their reactions, the fingers of Mikoto and Naaza sank into the flesh of their respective gods, delivering swift retribution. Freya merely offered a serene smile at the scene before stepping in front of Bell, reaching out to touch his cheek.
Brush—
"Tonight, won't you show me a dream—"
Slap!
"As if he would!!"
"Oh my..."
Before Freya could finish her sentence, Hestia's hand batted hers away, yanking Bell out of the goddess's alluring reach.
"And why are you blushing, Bell-kun!"
"What!?"
"This goddess is the type to devour any man without distinction! A boy like you would be eaten whole in a single heartbeat!"
"I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
Frightened by Hestia's wrath, Bell apologized profusely. Freya chuckled softly at the sight before turning her attention to Akumo, who stood nearby.
"Seeing you like this... it has been quite a long time, hasn't it?"
"Attending a banquet alongside the gods is a fairly rare experience for me."
"Fufu, it suits you well."
"You as well, Lady Freya. That dress is truly stunning on you."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Undaunted by her charm, Akumo responded to her with calm, polite conversation. As they spoke, another group of goddesses approached.
"You're as radiant as ever, Freya."
"Astraea! You were here too?"
"Being told to bring our dependents is a novelty. That is why you came as well, isn't it?"
"Fufu, even Hephaestus is here."
'It's rare for them to gather like this all at once... Is this also because of Akumo?'
Freya smiled at Akumo, wanting to talk more, but she decided to restrain herself since she had brought Ottar along today.
"By the way, it seems Loki brought that child as well. Is it alright for you to be here?"
"I am here as a result of a personal invitation."
"Heh... I think I see what's going on."
'Apollo may be a troublesome man, but his attitude toward love is the real deal... and toward family as well.'
With those thoughts, Freya felt the gazes being directed her way and reacted with practiced indifference.
Gaze—
"Fufufu, I shall be going now. If I stay any longer, things might get quite complicated, don't you think?"
"Ahaha..."
'It's me who gets into trouble...'
"I'll take my leave. I must say it again—that suit really does look good on you."
"And once again, Lady Freya, you are truly beautiful."
Glare!
'...I can feel the stares.'
Under the intensity of the surrounding gazes, Akumo barely managed to weather the pressure as he saw Freya off.
"Yo~ Akumo! Were ye with the Shorty?"
"Ah, Loki. I assume you're finished looking around."
"Aye! Now it's time to brag to the Shorty!"
Shortly after Freya left, Loki rejoined Akumo and came face-to-face with Hestia. As if putting her treasures on display, she stood triumphantly with Ais on her left and Akumo on her right.
"What do ye think? Don't our kids just gleam?"
"Ha! In contrast, you look as plain as ever, Loki. Playing dress-up as a man!"
"This here is an outfit for escortin' my Ais-tan! Since Ais-tan is the star of today's show!"
"Like anyone would believe that! Why did you even bring Akumo-kun? Aren't you just putting him in a difficult spot?"
"Why? Are ye jealous? Jealous that I've got Ais-tan and an ultra-special adventurer like Akumo at my side?"
As usual, Loki and Hestia began their bickering. It was the same old routine—mocking Loki's flat chest or Hestia's tiny Familia.
Grab!
"Hm? Ais-tan?"
"Ais? What is it?"
The argument was cut short as Ais grabbed the sleeves of Loki and Akumo. She was looking at Bell, looking slightly tense.
"Ah, is it because of Bell...?"
"Bell? Who's that?"
"The boy right in front of us. His name is Bell Cranel."
"H-Hello!"
"Heh... so this is the lad Akumo was talkin' about..."
'The crazy record-holder who reached Level 2 in just one month, and he's an acquaintance of Akumo's to boot...'
Bell felt quite nervous standing before Loki, Akumo's Patron Deity. However, that tension was shattered by the words that came out of Loki's mouth.
"He looks a bit scrawny, don't he~? He's worlds apart from Akumo and my Ais-tan!"
"Ack...!!"
Collapse!
"Bell-kun!!!!"
Bell was so shocked by Loki's blunt and decisive dismissal that his legs gave out for a moment. Hestia barely managed to support him as she began to fire back at every one of Loki's insults.
"Ugh! My Bell-kun is far cuter than your Wallen-whatever! He's like a rabbit, full of charm!"
"Stop talkin' nonsense, ye dimwit! There's no way that shrimp is better than my Ais-tan! Ais-tan is ten thousand times better in both strength and cuteness!"
"What did you say!?"
Since neither Loki nor Hestia showed any sign of backing down and looked ready to brawl, Akumo finally had to intervene.
"That's enough, Loki. We still have a long night ahead of us."
"Che! Guess I've got no choice."
"Lady Hestia, please, stop and enjoy the banquet."
"Well, if Akumo-kun says so..."
After restraining the two goddesses, Akumo could finally begin to relax and enjoy the banquet.
"Phew..."
"Fufu, you look exhausted for some reason."
"Lady Freya..."
'Did she slip away earlier because she knew Loki was coming...'
"I heard you were out of the city recently. Did something happen?"
"...Would you believe me if I said it was a vacation?"
"If that is what you wish for me to believe?"
'...Damn, that's just making me feel awkward...'
Given that they belonged to different Familias, Akumo intended to keep the information about Melen hidden. But as Freya looked at him with genuine curiosity, he reluctantly spoke.
"The purpose of leaving the city was resolved, but another problem has arisen."
"What might that be?"
"In all likelihood, something ominous is about to happen again."
"Fufu, to you? Or to all of you?"
"...Likely both."
At Akumo's composed remark, Freya let out a soft laugh as if she had expected nothing less.
"Fufufu... shall I lend you a hand?"
"No, I'm fine. I've been involved in recent matters, and I suspect this isn't simply a problem that can be solved by fighting."
"..."
Reach—
"Remember that you can tell me anytime you need help..."
'Honestly... she looks like a warrior when fighting Ottar... but right now, it seems she's thinking of nothing but others.'
As Freya's soft hand caressed Akumo's cheek, he was momentarily taken aback—partially because his close friend, Ottar, was watching the entire scene without blinking.
"..."
"Oh? Are you worried about Ottar?"
"I was thinking he might be getting angry..."
Despite Akumo's concern, Ottar merely stared at him with an unchanging expression.
"The Goddess desires it. I have no objection."
"I see..."
"However, I would appreciate it if you scheduled a sparring session."
'"No objection," my foot...'
The request for a sparring match was laced with a hint of irritation. It seemed highly likely that Ottar, having heard what Akumo did in Melen, felt a personal desire to test him again.
~♪
'Is the dancing starting already?'
Swerve—
"Take and Miach are both dancing nicely with their own dependents."
"...Lady Freya."
"It's a rare opportunity. Aren't you going to do it?"
Freya wore a mischievous expression, intentionally smiling at Akumo as if she intended to stay by his side until he asked her to dance. Akumo glanced at Ottar again.
"I've already promised to dance with Ottar as well."
"No, wait..."
"So, won't you look at me? Akumo."
"..."
Step—
"May I have this dance, Lady Freya?"
"Of course."
Succumbing to the Goddess of Beauty's clear smile, Akumo bowed his head and offered his hand. At the polite request, Freya gently took his hand, and the two began to move in rhythm.
Step—
Glide—
"Was it a year ago since we last danced?"
"We shared a dance during the year-end celebration."
Brush—
'It's a relief to see Bell dancing safely as well.'
Tighten—
"Please focus on me? I know that boy is special, but in this moment, I want him out of your sight."
'...Lord, if you smile like that, it's impossible to refuse.'
Akumo and Freya danced with a smooth, fluid elegance. Their beautiful performance drew the attention of the gods and dependents throughout the hall, who all stopped to watch.
"The [Pioneer]...!! Now he's even got Freya..."
"Isn't this cheating...? He's not even in her Familia, so how..."
"Look at Freya's smile, it's so beautiful! I'm so jealous!"
"How on earth did Loki manage to land such a jackpot...!!"
Though he heard the voices of envious gods and goddesses, Akumo continued the dance with Freya until the very end. However, some reactions were impossible to ignore.
"Whaaaaa!! Why the heck is Ais-tan dancin' with the Shorty's kid, and Akumo dancin' with Freya!?"
"Stop this instant, Bell-kun!! You, Wallen-whatever!"
"""...Akumo."""
Furious at seeing their dependents dancing so openly with others, Loki and Hestia looked ready to charge in and put an end to it. However, as they were lifted and restrained by Asfi, Akumo felt a cold shiver down his spine from the piercing glares of Hephaestus, Alise, and Ardee.
"I won't be responsible for whatever happens later, Lord Hermes."
"Haha... even I didn't expect Freya to jump in..."
"Sigh..."
"Since it's come to this, Asfi should also dance with Akumo—"
WHAM!!!
"Stop joking around...!"
Asfi delivered a clean kick to her own patron god, sending him flying. Her face was a mixture of embarrassment and indignation toward her deity.
The banquet continued to ripen in atmosphere...
"My friends! Are you enjoying the banquet!"
Step—!
Suddenly, Apollo raised his voice, walking toward the center of the floor where the gods and dependents were dancing. His footsteps led him toward Bell, who was still dancing with Ais.
Thump, thump—
"Eheheheh!"
Chills—!
"!!?"
As he drew near, Apollo looked at Bell with a meaningful, somewhat perverse smile. Bell immediately felt a sense of threat and stepped back.
"Bell-kun!"
Step—
"Yo, Hestia. It seems my children were quite indebted to yours the other day."
"Ah... and we as well!"
"My child was severely injured because of yours. I believe it's only fair to demand appropriate compensation?"
"What!? Who would listen to such a one-sided story!"
Ignoring Hestia's rebuttal, Apollo continued to smirk as he pointed toward a Pallum male standing behind him.
"Ow!! It hurts so much!!"
"Hmph! What do you think? This is what your dependent did to my child!"
There stood the Pallum from the Flame Bee Pavilion, covered in bandages and putting on a pitiful act. Apollo showed him off to everyone as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.
"Was he really hurt that badly!?"
"No! I never hit him that hard!"
"Apollo...!! What on earth are you planning!"
"Hoo? I heard that side attacked first? Are you trying to dodge responsibility?"
"Wh-What...!!"
Regardless of Bell's explanations or Hestia's anger, Apollo blocked their path, unyielding.
"It's a trap..."
"Yeah. He has a nasty hobby."
"So that's the rumored vice..."
"That's too much."
The gods close to Hestia—Takemikazuchi, Miach, Astraea, and Hephaestus—instantly realized what Apollo was doing.
"The 'Dependent Theft'."
"Sigh... So that's why he went through the trouble of hosting this high-profile banquet..."
"Apollo really used his head for once."
'If there is a child he takes a fancy to, he will ruthlessly harass their Familia just to force a conversion into his own.'
"Was Bell the target after all...!"
Akumo felt a wave of irritation at the foul tactics, while Freya, standing beside him, watched the scene unfold with an interested look.
"Let's go, Bell-kun! There's no need to entertain this farce!"
"Are you really going to refuse to admit your guilt? Hestia?"
"You bastard...!!"
"Then I have no choice! Our Apollo Familia hereby issues a formal declaration of a War Game against the Hestia Familia!"
Boom—!!
Apollo's declaration thundered through the banquet hall.
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