13 Familia

"Um, Loki-sama, what do you mean, 'we will take him'?"

"Hm, that means I will take that elf boy to join my Familia… I do not take no for an answer."

'Such selfishness. Hm, her name was Loki; she must be a goddess... The rumors were right; she is a tomboyish goddess.'

My strong gaze was noticed by her; she looked at me while she was doing a luring pose at me.

"Huuu, are you interested in my body? If you're staring at me that much, I can't hold back from eating you whole."

"I am sorry; it's a force of habit. I always observe closely the person that I first encounter."

Then an elf with jade-like green hair appears from behind. Somehow, that elven woman reminds me of King Larfal. When our gazes met, she only showed a kind smile.

'She is so beautiful. Not only that, I can see that she had charisma and great intelligence.'

She wears a green outfit with yellow borders, a white cloak over it, and long brown boots. I can sense that she is a great mage.

"Loki-sama Please look at the place and time; there are too many eyes watching us."

She was right. The adventurer and the guild staff inside are all closely watching our conversation, and I can see there are people with bad attention among them.

"I am sorry; I can't help it. Okay, and put down your staff! Rose, can you give us a room to talk?"

"Sure, Loki-sama, follow me."

Then we follow the guild staff to the private room. I follow behind Loki, but then the green-haired elf goes close to my side.

"I am sorry for my goddess's rude behavior; she will act like that when she gets excited."

"It's okay. I do not easily get angry at people that I first meet. Well, as long as they are not trying to hurt me or people I care about physically, I am sorry to ask, What's your name?"

Before she answered my question, we arrived at the front door of a room.

"We are here, everyone! Whatever conversation happens inside this room will not be heard outside."

Then Loki went inside first.

"We can continue inside."

Followed by that green-haired elf.

("Orstrid, keep watching our surroundings. If there is danger, use telepathy to inform me.")

("as your command, Master.")

----

The room itself has two green sofas and a large window facing the Babel Tower. There is not much inside the room except for some bookshelves, some decorations, and the guild logo.

I take a seat opposite Loki while Orstrid stands behind me while watching the surrounding area. Then I snapped my finger to cast a silent barrier.

"Hm, what did you do?"

"It's just sound barrier magic; it's to avoid anyone eavesdropping on our conversation."

"You did that without using any chants? How?"

"Well, elf-san, it's a secret. Then can I ask both of you to introduce yourselves as a formality, and I will do the same?"

"Hm, okay, then you already know my name, right? But I will say it once again: my name was Loki, and this beautiful, gorgeous, intelligent, and *ack*... hey, that hurt, you know!"

That green-haired elf just smacked the goddess Loki with her staff on her head.

"Loki-sama You're playing too much. *sigh* Let me introduce myself. My name is 'Riveria Ljos Alf'. I'm happy to make your acquaintance."

After hearing that name, I was frozen in place, and I could sense the feeling of panic surge through my mind. Then I put my head on the table, and I could hear a banging noise.

"I AM SORRY FOR BEING RUDE, RIVERIA-SAMA!"

'How did I not recognize her? She fit all the descriptions that my mother told me.'

Surprised by my action, both of them went silent, but Loki somehow smiled, and I could sense a danger in that smile.

"It fi-"

Before Riveria finishes her word, Loki cuts it before she finishes what she wants to say.

"Haa, how rude an elf is to not recognize her princes! I wonder what the Elven King's reaction is when one of his people does not recognize his daughter."

'Ugh… I can't deny her statement.'

I could't help but keep my head down, but then I heard some smacking noise, and I can feel pain in my head like being smacked by someone.

((*ack*))

Then I see the one responsible—Rivieria herself—smack my head and Loki's head.

"If you both keep playing around, I will put more force into it."

((We are sorry.))

"Now continue your introduction."

"My name is 'Oberon Aendryr Wishe', and her name was 'Orstrid', my trusted servant."

"I am happy to make your acquaintance."

"I am sorry for her silent demeanor; she was watching the surroundings to protect me."

Even though I know where the safest place is, it still bothers me that when I went inside the guild, there was a menacing dark aura on the adventurer and some of the guild staff.

"Don't need to worry, Oberon; this place is the safest place in Orario."

"I am sorry, Riveria-sama, but I can't let my guard down... When I first arrive in Orario, I can't shake the feeling that someone is watching me."

After hearing what I told them, the atmosphere became more serious than before, and maybe they all had the same problem as I did.

"I see. They are now laying eyes on you, and if you are not wrong, that means you are in danger. How sure are you that there is someone following you?"

"I am sure one hundred percent because Orstrid said so and she never wronged me."

"Hm, I will inform Ganesha Familia to up the security at the gate... I am sure it was one of Evilu's children tailing you."

'So I was right, but why? I've just arrived here.'

"I don't understand why. I just arrived here."

Maybe because what I did to Apophis Familia made the Evilus more observant of people that just come to Orario, but from what I saw in front of the gate, I can see there are plenty of people from around the world who want to visit or stay in Orario.

'Maybe my race makes them put more effort into spying on me?"

"Oberon."

"Yes, Riveria-sama?"

"Where did you put your belongings?"

"Ah, I put it at the inn; I just rent... What name again? Ah, hostess of fertility. Why did Riveria-sama ask?"

Don't tell me that.

"Today you will be part of the Loki Familia, as Goddess Loki said, you can't say no... After all, I can let my friend's only son get killed."

"I see, but..."

"But What? You want to refuse our offer?"

'Damnt Loki, she's so persistent, I know I can't refuse her offer, especially since Riveria was here... and I already made a promise to my father and King Larfal that I needed to make sure not to make the wrong decision.'

("Master, there's something in front of that door.")

("Enemy?")

("I am not sure, Master.")

Then I cancel the sound barrier magic spell, and we can hear Rose knocking on the door.

"Loki-sama, there is someone who wants to meet you."

Without waiting for an answer, one person opened the door by force. I know that person is Ottar himself, and behind him was a person with a cloak hiding his or her face.

"Long time, no see, Oberon."

'Wait, of course, it's her.'

"Lady Freya?"

Then she showed her face.

"Oh, may~ I am so happy you still remember my name, Fufufu."

----

After that, Loki and Freya only stare at each other, and then she takes a seat beside me with Ottar behind her. I can feel the atmosphere becoming stronger, and it can explode anytime, and I can hear all the guild staff gather in front of the door.

After all, the two most powerful Familia were facing each other, making people curious about what exactly happened that made the two Familia meet each other.

'I can't let this atmosphere continue; it can explode any second now.'

"Ehem… Lady-Freya and Ottar, I am glad to meet you both again in good health."

"Fufufufu me to Oberon; I am glad to meet you again after four years apart, and you are changing a lot. Hm, I see you never stop training yourself, am I right?"

"Yes, Lady Freya. I did, and I can see Ottar become far stronger than the last time we met."

"You to Oberon... You become far stronger, especially in your physical... If you like, we can do some sparring."

"Hahaha, yes, when there is time, I like to do some sparring with you, Ottar, but maybe next time, when I gain enough strength to make our spar more interesting."

When I lay my eyes on Riveria and Loki, I can see that they are not so happy that they are being ignored. Loki, who keeps silent, starts to talk.

"Freya… Are you wanting that boy too?"

"Fufufufu, of course, Loki, there is no way that I will let my rival take the most talented mortal in this world. I believe that Oberon's ability will change the balance of power between our Familia."

Then Loki opened her eyes for the first time since I met her.

"That means there is only one way to settle this did you want to start a 'war game, Freya?"

"Wait, Wait! Loki, Lady Freya, there is no need for war! I know that if both of you went to war, the Evilus Familia would take the chance of it, and it would endanger all of us here! Even they are keeping watch on us now!"

"Orstrid senses, six people are gazing toward us from the alley. Six of them, to be precise."

"Hm, you are not lying. How did you detect them, Oberon?"

"Orstrid could sense people a hundred meters away from her current position."

"Ottar~, can you clean up those rats watching us?"

"As your command, Lady Freya."

"Bring Orstrid with you; she can tell you their exact location."

Then Ottar and Orstrid head outside to capture the spy.

"Now, before we continued..."

I snap my finger and cast the sound barrier.

"Oberon, is that your magic?"

"Yes, Lady Freya. I guarantee that whatever we talk about in the barrier will not be heard outside the barrier. Now I don't know what war game' is, but I know it's not a good thing."

"*Sigh*, then did you have any suggestions?" Loki asks.

'Now what should I do? There is no way I can let them kill each other just to claim me for their Familia. I feel flatter because of two goddesses who claim me as their Familia member. Somehow, I feel cold on my shoulder whenever I lay my gaze toward Princess Riveria. Remember the reason you are here; don't let anyone distract you from your actual goal.'

"To be honest, I don't care too much about being the strongest. I see power only as a toll, not my actual goal in life. What I want is to protect the current and future people that I love. If I have to be the strongest person in the world, so be it. Even in the end, I will become the person that people fear. After all, I don't want to lose people for whom I care ever again and to make sure people are afraid to hurt my loved one, I will slay the One-Eyed Black Dragon so Mortal and God fear of my power."

((!!))

All the people inside the room were surprised by the statement that I made, and both goddesses knew what I told them was true. After all, I know I must defeat that monster sooner or later because there is a chance that my homeland will suffer the same fate as Sera's homeland.

"I am glad that the goddess I met first when I went outside the forest was you, Lady Freya, but I am sorry, I must choose Loki as my goddess because of the promise I made with King Larfal himself to watch over Princess Riveria. After seeing what kind of danger looms in the shadows after I arrive in Orario, I know I must stay close to her. I am sorry for my selfish reasons. I beg you, Lady Freya, to let me join Loki Familia."

I keep lowering my head to beg Lady Freya to let me join Loki Familia instead of Freya Familia.

"*sigh* Oberon, if you beg me like that, I can't say no... I am so envious of you, Riveria, having him as your guardian, and you, Loki, I will accept Oberon's decision, but on one condition."

"What is that, Freya?"

"If Oberon ever decides to leave your Familia to join me, you will never try to stop him from doing so."

"Deal!!"

Then I could feel the warmth on my cheeks; it was Freya's hand caressing my cheeks.

"I am sorry, Oberon. I, as the goddess of love, can let go of the man that I have an interest in, so beware. I will not give up trying to capture your heart."

'I see… I am not a dumb MC who doesn't know what she means. It's cruel if I pretend not to know what her meaning is.'

"I understand, Lady Freya. I am happy that I was so cared for by the goddess of love herself."

I hold her hand, which caresses my cheeks, and we stare into each other's eyes for a while. I can see that her eyes are so beautiful and her smile so charming that if I am not careful soon or later, I may fall for her charm.

"Ehem!! I am sorry to distract you from this lovely dovely moment, but we still have things to talk about."

"I am sorry, goddess Loki... Hm, it looks like Ottar and Orstrid have already finished capturing them all, but some of them committed suicide."

After a minute, Ottar and Orstrid came back, and Ottar went straight to Freya's side, just like Orstrid. Ottar was probably whispering something to his goddess about what he found after the encounter.

"Hm, it looks like Oberon's guess was right; they are sent by the Evilus group, Ottar, and Orstrid, who do a great job of capturing them alive. We can gather more information about their activity."

"We should let Ganesha Familia do the rest; maybe we can find the reason why they are tailing Oberon. When Finn gets back from the expedition, he will be happy to have some leads about Evilus Familia Plus."

Then Loki looks at me with a mischievous smile.

"We manage to recruit valuable new members in our Familia."

"*sigh* Just remember our bargain, Loki. Just because I let Oberon join you doesn't mean that I let him go out of my grasp completely."

"Of course!! I will not forget our bargain, Freya, and do whatever you like to make Oberon fall into your grasp, but I see it will not be easy, Kukukuku."

I can see that Loki and Freya coldly stare at each other.

"Fufufufu will now take my leave... Oberon, see you around."

After leaving the room with Ottar, now only Loki, Riveria, Orstrid, and I are left in the room.

"Now we will head back to our base... We will accompany you to take your belongings."

"I understand goddess Loki."

----

Then I went to the Hostess of Fertility with Loki and Riveria. Along the way, I chatted a bit with Riveria. She asked me about the cloak that I wear. I told her it was a cloak that King Larfal gave me when I was invited to the Royal Alf Forrest. She was a bit surprised that her father was willing to give her family heirloom to me.

I told her about the Elven Kingdom's condition when I left. I told her that it was having some problems with a monster's activity. I think that the monster went into unrest when Zeus and Hera Familia woke up the One-Eyed Black Dragon, making the monster above ground start to panic and causing chaos.

"Oberon, are you serious about wanting to defeat OEBD?"

"Yes, Riveria-sama. I just fear that OEBD will attack our homeland if I let it live, and I did make a promise to someone to defeat that monster."

"I will not let you be reckless on my watch; your mother did send me a letter to watch over you when you arrived here. Viska, your mother told me that you are a reckless person and do everything to protect your loved one. Because of that, your mother is always worried about you."

"I will not deny that because I have Orstrid by my side, I always feel safe."

("Thank you, Master, for praising me.")

("I just told her the truth.")

"That reminds me, where is your magic staff? Don't tell me that you are leaving it at the Hostess of Fertility."

Then I pulled my twin blades from my wrist.

"Father and Mother, give me this blade for my fifteenth birthday. I can use this blade as a weapon and magic staff because the gem infused in the blade is a magic stone that can amplify my magic spells, especially fire and water magic."

"Let me have a closer look, Oberon."

Then I hand the blade to Riveria's hand; she inspects the blade's magic crystals closely and the ornament.

"Hm, what's the name of this twin-blade Oberon?"

"The blade with the blue gem name was 'Laguz' Use Leviathan Blue Eye that crystalizes, making it a really powerful boost for water-type magic, and the red one's name was 'Logi' The crystal is from the heart of the volcano; it increased the power of fire magic."

Loki, who watched and heard our conversation, was interested in the blades too.

"Indeed, it's a well-made blade; the price is probably more than 10 million or maybe 100 million valis."

I already knew that this twin blade was not a cheap weapon; after all, it used all the best ingredients and the best mage and blacksmith to forge and imbue the material.

Riveria did notice my change in expression when I heard how much it cost to make that twin blade.

"Oberon, if you are worried that your family will go through hardship because of the spending, don't be; the elven nobles rarely spend their money because we already have what we want and need, and because of that, the elven nobles accumulate a lot of wealth. Viska and Levos think if this blade can help protect their only son, it's pretty cheap to spend that amount of money in their eyes."

"I see. Thank you, Riveria-sama. I feel much at ease now."

"good."

After half a minute of walking, we arrive at the Hostess of Fertility, and I can see that it has become more crowded with adventurers, maybe because they are back from the dungeon.

Then I told Mia-san that I would take my belongings after being accepted by Loki Familia. I can see a relieved expression on her face and the disappointment on the faces of the inn staff. After saying goodbye, Loki and Riveria escorted me to their Familia Manor.

----

"Welcome to Twilight Manor!"

What I saw was a huge structure that builds on a small area of land with multiple tall towers overlapping and supporting each other, with the middle tower being the tallest. The Twilight Manor was located on the north edge of Orario.

Then we were welcomed by the guard at the entrance of the manor. Then we went inside the manor because of the small area. The manor itself has a long hall connecting all the rooms, and in the middle of the manor is a yard that probably serves as a training ground.

"Before we start the ceremony, Riveria will show you your room to put your belongings; after that, we can start it."

"I understand, goddess Loki."

Then I was escorted to my room, which was located on the east side of the manor. Along the way, we are greeted by most of the residents; they all politely greet Riveria when they see her, and they all have curious gazes toward me.

"This room will be your sleeping quarter, Oberon."

Then Riveria opens the door, and there are two beds, a bookshelf, and a desk with a big window on the side of the window. The room is well decorated.

"This room is great, Riviria-sama."

Then Riveria frowned a bit.

"Oberon stopped using formality when you said my name; we are not in the Elven Kingdom anymore."

"understand Riveria-san."

"Good, now put down your belongings, and we will head to Goddess Loki's room for the ceremony to gain your Falna."

----

I am now with Loki, Riveria, and Orstrid, and I am now in the room where Loki rests and updates her children's status.

"Before we begin, Oberon, I want to know your magic ability first."

'I see some tests before she is willing to accept me as her child.'

"I mastered most of the Elven magic, especially my family magic, and I can use Wishe's blessing. My father told me that I am already eligible to become the Wishe family head if I want to."

With gods and goddesses' ability to see through lies, I don't need to show proof.

"I see, you are not lying; that's pretty impressive. I can see that from Riveria's expression. Can you demonstrate some of your magic? Of course, not a dangerous one."

Then I created a human doll made of earthly magic out of thin air. The doll I created was a miniature of Loki herself, but the one that impressed them was that I didn't need a chant to use any magic at all.

"Oberon, did you just cast magic without using any chants?"

"Yes, I did, Riveria-san. Hm, how can I explain this? When I cast a new magic spell, I try to remember the sensation of mana flowing through my body, so I just recall the sensation with the spell name on my mind, and then I can cast the magic spell without any need of chanting, but I need to use chanting when I try to use my wishe blessing."

"I see, where did you learn it?"

"I learned it myself. When I was still a child, it came to my mind that it's inconvenient in battle if I must do a long chant to cast the magic spell, so I tried to shorten it, but what I found was that I could do it without any chant at all."

Loki and Riveria disbelieved that a magic spell could be cast without any chanting at all. After hearing my explanation, Riveria had a deep thought about the thing that I explained. She knew that I was not lying, so she tried herself, but...

"Riveria-san, be careful to try it and make sure you are not hurting yourself. I explain the basics, but it becomes more complicated when we talk about the mana distribution in the spell and the control. If you are not careful, it will hurt you. I did try to teach Mother to do it, but she was injured because she lost control of the spell."

"Can you teach chantless magic to Riveria, Oberon?"

"Yes, I could, goddess Loki, but I can say that it's all up to Riveria-san's ability. After all, it's hard to explain to others about the feeling of mana through your body."

"Kukuku Freya will be upset to learn about this; did Orstrid do chantle magic too?"

"Sadly, she can't, but it does not diminish her capability. What I say is that when Orstrid is by my side, I will never be worried about my safety. Is that enough, goddess Loki?"

"Yes, it is. I am glad that you are not lying to me, but for some reason, I can tell that there is more to it and you had some secret you wanted to hide, but whatever, just take off your clothes so I can give my blessing."

"Just the top, right?"

"No, take o_"

Before Loki finishes her word, she feels a cold gaze at the side of her that makes her feel the chill in her bones.

"Just your top."

Then I took off my cloak and then my shirt. When they both see my bare upper body, I can feel the dangerous gaze from Loki toward me. Riveria had a stoic expression, but I could see her face was a bit red.

"I just laid down on that sofa."

I just followed her instructions when I laid my body on the sofa with my back facing upward while Loki rode on my back.

"Loki-sama, if you do something weird to Oberon, I will not hesitate to use my Magna Alf's."

"*Chi* I understand."

Then I feel a touch sensation on my back. I feel like Loki tried to write or draw something on my back. I can see the room becoming brighter. After a couple of minutes, the light in the room starts to fade.

"Riveria, look at this."

They both went silent and watched my back closely.

"Is something wrong, goddess Loki, Riveria-san?"

"No, it's all good, but there is something weird about the first time a mortal that never had a blessing has magic ability in their status."

Seeing my confused expression, Riveria tried to explain.

"There are two different types of magic: congenital magic, magic based on one's own ability and race, and acquired magic, magic based on the falna given by the gods and goddesses. The weird thing here is that you had magic in your status, which is not normal for a mortal who has never joined Familia before. Oberon, did you never join any Familia before?"

"Yes, Riveria-san, I've never joined any Familia before."

"Well, Oberon did tell the truth; maybe it was a blessing that he had when he was born into this world. Here is your status! Congratulations, Oberon! Now you are part of the Loki Familia!"

Then Loki gave me a piece of paper.

"I will be in your care, goddess Loki, and Riveria-san."

========

Oberon Aendryr Wishe

Level : 1

STR: I 0

END: I 0

DEX: I 0

AGI: I 0

MAG: I 0

Magic : Eyes of Dingir,

Skill :

========

"Next will be Orstrid, right?"

"yes,"

I can hear somebody heading to this room while running.

(BANG!!)

"Mama!!"

I saw a little girl with golden-blonde hair and gold eyes. Her eyes are watering, and there is a happy expression on her face.

"Ais-chan?"

"Where is Mama!? I can feel Mama is here!"

Loki and Riveria were confused about that little girl that Loki called Ais.

'I can only see Riveria, Loki, Orstrid, and me in this room; no one else... don't tell me that.'

I thought she was a Riveria child, but she was a human child. I don't see any Elven race traits on her body, and I am sure it's not Loki's child either. Ais keeps looking around for her mother, but she can't find her in this room.

Then I can see that Ais was disappointed that she couldn't find the person that she called Mother. I don't know where Ais's mother is, so I put on my clothes, went closer to her, and dropped my knees in front of her.

"Ais-chan, I am sorry that there is no one other than the goddess Loki, Riveria, Orstrid, and me in this room."

She was confused when she saw me.

"You are?"

"My name was Oberon, and that elven lady with white hair was Orstrid... If you like, I can help you find your mother after this."

"Really!?"

Then I feel someone touch my shoulder.

"I am sorry, Oberon... Let me take care of this."

Then Riveria grabbed Ais's hand in the most gentle way possible and dragged her out.

"Wait!"

I just couldn't let her leave this room while she was crying, so I gave her a present. I create a doll using my magic and give it to her.

"I gave you this doll as a present, so Ais-chan, stop crying, okay?"

She was surprised that I could create dolls out of thin air. Then she took the doll.

"Thank you, Oberon-san; Ais will stop crying."

Then I petted her head, and then Riveria dragged her out of the room.

"Thank you, Oberon. I never knew that you were so good at taking care of children."

"Your welcome, goddess Loki. I just have some experience dealing with children, that's all. Can I ask where Ais's mother was?"

"Sadly, her mother went missing, and her father passed away. We don't know if she is alive or dead. I hope you are not talking about her parents in front of her."

"I understand."

"Now shall we continue, Orstrid? You can take off your clothes."

"I think we will continue when Riveria-san is here."

My instinct told me that I couldn't let her alone with Orstrid without Riveria's supervision.

"Chiii… Okay, then we will continue tomorrow."

"I understand, goddess Loki, then I will head back to my room."

Then I leave the room with Orstrid by my side and head back to my room. When we arrived at the front door of my room, I saw Riveria standing there.

"Thank you, Oberon, for making Ais stop crying."

"You're welcome, Riveria-san."

"Your mother was right. You are so kind in front of a child. I hope you can take care of Ais with me."

"Without you asking, I will do just that. Riveria-san, it's sad to let her alone without her parents by her side."

I can see that Riveria is happy and satisfied with my statement.

"Tomorrow we will head to the guild to register you as an adventurer after Orstrid gains her Falna. You can rest in your room now. Good night, Oberon."

"Good night, Riveria-san."