The street buzzed with excitement.
Around nine in the morning, while many adventurers were still in the Dungeon, East Street was crowded with people.
Countless stalls lined the street, emitting enticing aromas and the sizzle of grilling food. The street was decorated with ribbons and flowers, more ornate than usual.
Flags, strung on thin ropes, fluttered above the crowd. They depicted monstrous lions and the Ganesha Familia's elephant-head emblem.
Red-faced beast-children tugged at their mothers' hands; the excited chatter filled the air. The sunlight was bright, as if celebrating the day.
East Street was bathed in the colors of a festival.
The crowd flowed towards the large arena in the east. A pair of silver eyes watched from above.
A café overlooking the street, second floor.
Inside, a warmly decorated room, she sat alone at a window seat overlooking the street. She wore a dark blue robe to conceal her beauty, or rather, her fair skin.
But the robe couldn't hide her beauty.
Even with her hood low, all eyes were on her. Whenever her slender fingers touched a cup, or her elegant jawline peeked from beneath the hood, gasps arose; some people were captivated.
Freya, the Goddess of Beauty, who could captivate everyone without effort, kept her gaze on the street.
The crowd—many children—filled the street.
Humans, beast-folk, dwarves, elves—various races mingled with adventurers.
Freya seemed to scrutinize each face when a creak sounded.
The sound of wood scraping against wood indicated someone's approach.
She turned from the street to face those she awaited.
"Oh, have you been waiting long?"
"No, I just arrived."
Freya smiled faintly beneath her hood, greeting her friend.
Unlike Hephaestus's vibrant red hair, this person had light crimson hair. She wore old clothes, giving a somewhat disheveled impression.
"You look troubled. What's wrong?"
Loki, usually with narrowed eyes, had a normal expression. This, normally unremarkable, seemed unusual on her.
"Don't ask. I was belittled by a brat."
Freya smiled, unfazed, as Loki pulled up a chair. Their atmosphere was familiar and easy.
"Oh… which Familia angered our Loki? I'm curious."
"Hestia's, of course."
"Oh… the Level 1 adventurer who confessed publicly?"
"You heard about it too."
"Of course! The news of the Loki Familia and their heartwarming love story spread throughout Orario."
"Those gossips."
Loki grumbled, though she found it amusing. Hearing it from Freya felt different.
"That kid! I let Riveria Ljos Alf teach him magic, and he refused! He said he'd win his love's heart himself. Who does he think he is! My child isn't easily won over!"
Loki complained; Freya listened with amusement.
"When will you introduce that child to me?"
"Why introduce?"
"It's our first meeting."
Besides Loki, another person stood beside Freya.
A beautiful blonde girl with a sheathed sword, seemingly protecting Loki, made even Freya narrow her golden eyes.
The girl, initially concerned by Loki's words, turned in surprise.
"Fine. This is Ais. Ais, she's a Goddess. Greet her."
"…Pleased to meet you."
The Sword Princess, Freya silently muttered the name, observing the girl.
Ais Wallenstein. The top female swordsman of the Loki Familia, a prominent figure among the Gods. Her fame extended far beyond Orario.
Her delicate appearance didn't seem to fit a dangerous profession. No one would guess she'd slain countless monsters.
The girl, with delicate features, sat beside Loki after being told to.
"So cute. Now I understand why Loki is fond of her."
Golden eyes met Freya's silver ones. Ais remained impassive, bowing politely.
Seeing the incongruity, Freya smiled.
"May I ask why you brought the 'Sword Princess'?"
"Hee hee…! It's a festival! I'll have a romantic date with Ais-chan!"
Loki laughed loudly.
"…And she just returned from an expedition. If I don't stop her, she'll go back to the Dungeon."
"She won't rest unless someone makes her relax." Loki patted the girl's head. Ais, seemingly accepting this, lowered her gaze.
Seeing the affection in Loki's crimson eyes, and remembering Loki's wild past, Freya realized she'd changed.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters