Map and Mark
The state army at the time did have internal problems that resulted in some of their members leaving the organisation without cause. The agency did not let them escape after receiving training and knowing how the organisation's system worked. Xavier was one of those who left for unreasonable reasons. It's just that what distinguishes him from other soldiers is that he directly faces the army leadership.
Each rank had different duties and responsibilities but with his courage and exasperation, Xavier didn't care about the leader's burden. At that time, he was planning to be arrested and tortured for being too rude. But somehow, he managed to escape until he found the village he considered home.
"No wonder we always lost the war and lost so many troops. They couldn't even harmonise with each personality. So, you chose to run away and decided to settle here?" Xavier asked.
Enrique shook his head, his breath catching. "My powers were revoked and I was removed from duty indefinitely, they said."
Xavier understood. That kind of thing was bound to happen to him when a low-ranking soldier had a personal problem with a much more powerful figure. At least that was the description of the current system.
As they were discussing and occasionally patronising the organisation, there was a sudden stomach-churning noise. There was an instant silence and their gazes were drawn to the goddess who was already rubbing her stomach while grinning in embarrassment.
"I'm sure you travelled quite far, goddess. How about some dinner for you? It's getting dark outside anyway." the little old man offered some options.
"Anything. I won't refuse as long as it's not poisonous and rotten."
From a distance, Enrique chuckled softly while patting his junior lightly on the back. "I know why he gets along so easily with those around her."
"And you should know why I think of her as a goddess jerk."
***
During dinner, Enrique asked about Cytherea's progress so far in restoring the throne of the gods. There was nothing to say and nothing to tell considering her behaviour so far was just wandering around the world without direction and coercing everyone she met.
Cytherea never changed that habit for 500 years until she met Xavier. She seemed to be proving to herself that her methods would work on some of those in the world. But after successfully recruiting and being abused by her partner, the goddess decided to change her methods even though she didn't know what she would use in the future.
It was disturbing that everyone she forcibly recruited would treat her harshly during the journey. As a result, even though it had been almost a week, her relationship with Xavier was not far from that of a stranger hitchhiking during the journey, the awkwardness was always nagging.
The little old man did not touch his food at all and focused on listening to what they were discussing. After hearing how stupid the goddess was, he got up from the chair, the creaking sound inviting their attention. His small steps led to a small cupboard not far from the sofa and table. His hands were busy lifting items that had piled up to the bottom of the drawer.
Those behind her just looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and decided to continue with dinner. It wasn't long before a construction paper hovered unsteadily. His steps faltered and he almost fell. One of them was forced to help the little old man carry a large map and immediately placed it on the table that had been cleared of food debris.
"What kind of thing is this? The drawings on it are very complicated and scattered." Cytherea commented.
"Don't tell me you never used a map during your travels?" Xavier immediately asked a deadly question.
Instantly the goddess was wide-eyed, letting out the answer that came to her mind. "You're wrong. It's just that it's too complicated. It's very different from the ones I've seen somewhere." Her heartbeat slowly began to stabilise.
"This is no ordinary map. I marked a lot of important things here. For one, look at this mark. There is a mountain of hidden treasure that is still being hunted by bounty hunters and those who are hungry for wealth."
"That's really useful. My journey will be more meaningful with this map... I mean, these markings. May I take this?" Cytherea was so excited, she didn't realise her legs were jumping up and down.
"Why not? That was my purpose in showing you this map. If you're having trouble, I've prepared explanatory notes about the signs. I'm sure you'll have an easier time finding a person or witch who is stronger than everyone in this room."
Xavier shouted inwardly. Although the gift was only a map, ordinary people did not understand how nice it was to have access that accelerated the destination. At least they could cut down on travelling time and ignore places that had nothing to do with this mission. For a moment, the goddess scrutinised each sign even though she did not understand what it meant. She left the code to her partner, as Xavier had learnt many of the signs on the map during his time in the army.
One by one, they left the table. Cytherea pulled her partner, slightly away from them, and showed him a map with a smiling face.
"We've got what we need. There's no need to waste too much time. Leaving this place as soon as possible is the best option I've found. Take a look, the little man marked an animal in this place. Which means..."
Xavier unfolded, then looked at the map guide paper and nodded. It was a cattle village quite close to the village above them.
"I agree. There are probably riding animals that can speed up our journey to a place that takes days."
Xavier understood the map in his hand was very useful information in the long run. But he did not want to take rash action and still wanted to find more information that might be far more useful than the map itself.
"I know you're in a rush. But we haven't been here a day yet. Be patient because I'm sure we'll find more than just drawing paper."
Cytherea did not move. There was no compulsion to bring her partner along for the ride. So far she was quite aware that Xavier's hunch was quite accurate.