Chapter 201: Banquet (1)

"Mou~ I don't want to go!"

Puffing her cheeks in dissatisfaction, Hestia stomped her foot.

Three days had passed since Yuki arrived in Orario, marking the beginning of life within the Hestia family. The lazy goddess had already settled into her new home, with Yuki taking care of her daily life. She had even forgotten that other goddesses were searching for her.

However, this changed when Yuki received an invitation.

"This is a good opportunity, Hestia... You don't want to stay here forever, do you?"

Giving a blank look, Yuki didn't worry about his goddess as he continued preparing.

The day of the banquet had arrived, presenting a good chance for Hestia to leave the house. Yuki felt that her Hikikomori tendencies were advancing, and he didn't want Hestia to waste away at home. Making an appearance at the banquet would not only calm down those harassing goddesses but also serve as a good punishment for Hestia.

"But!... Those annoying goddesses won't let me go!"

Undeterred, Hestia continued her tantrum.

"You reap what you sow, Hestia."

However, Yuki showed no mercy. He was determined to get this goddess out.

[This time, I agree with the Useless Goddess; there's no need to go to that banquet.]

Nodding in agreement, Mana didn't hesitate to take Hestia's side. She knew there would be many women there, most of them looking for her boyfriend.

"No, we have to go. It's a good opportunity to learn more about the gods... Besides, with how beautiful you are, it would be a waste not to go."

Winking, Yuki had to admit that Inori looked stunning in her red evening gown, a perfect match with her pink hair. Even if it was expensive, he had no regrets buying it.

"Hm!"

[...]

Blushing, Inori looked away, refusing to meet Yuki's gaze. Those words were more than enough to convince Inori, and even Mana thought twice before agreeing to attend.

"Master..."

Pulling at the hem of his shirt, Est refused to stay behind. Looking at him with teary eyes, she presented her white evening gown. Unlike Inori, whose dress was somewhat revealing and mature, Est's represented innocence, matching the cute game she played with her eyes.

"You look beautiful too, Est."

Understanding her gaze instantly, Yuki gently stroked Est's head. In response, she narrowed her eyes, and a smile formed on her face.

"It feels good, Master."

[...]

Watching this, Mana sighed. She had failed to brainwash this spirit, and with a sad smile, she thought about her future and the life she would have with her boyfriend. Knowing how much of a ladies' man he was, women like Est would force their way into his life, even with her keeping an eye on him.

"Mou~."

On the other hand, Hestia lowered her head in sadness. Convincing her children not to go seemed impossible.

"Don't be down, Hestia. Besides, you look beautiful; I'm sure many goddesses will envy you."

"If you say so, my Champion."

Sighing in defeat, Hestia knew she couldn't make her children change their minds. So, she looked in the mirror and spun around several times.

"Um! It's lovely!"

With positive thoughts, Hestia comforted herself with her dress, and rightfully so—it was one of the most expensive dresses in the chat room.

Needless to say, Yuki cried blood when he bought it, but it was worth it. The quality and design were on another level.

With her loose hair falling on her exposed back, Hestia was shining. The sapphire blue dress perfectly matched her eyes, and the small design of a black flame complemented her black hair.

"All right, it's time to go."

Adjusting his tuxedo, Yuki glanced at the proud Hestia with one eye.

"Yes."

Expanding his shadow, Yuki took his women into his shadow.

The night was young, and a banquet awaited them. They were the stars of the night, and they couldn't keep the guests waiting.

---

Dressed in their best attire, all the gods gathered in one place.

Folkvangr, the home of the Freya family, was a magnificent mansion with a temple-like structure. Its grandeur reflected the wealth and power of the most powerful family in Orario. Hosting all the guests was no problem for them.

"Grr~ I don't want to go."

Looking at the beautiful temple, Loki growled in displeasure. After all, she was sure that those annoying gods would mock her embarrassing nickname.

"Don't say that, Loki. We're already here; don't regret it now."

Sighing with annoyance, Riveria brought a hand to her face.

"But~, I'm sure they'll make fun of me... Ais~ sis, help me!"

Looking at Ais with puppy eyes, Loki clasped her hands together in supplication.

"...."

However, Ais only looked at her once before walking away. She didn't care about her goddess's tantrums. Even though she walked with difficulty, she preferred to see Yuki than stay here with Loki.

" Ais! "

Seeing her hope leave, Loki felt hurt. She even reached out a hand to stop her, but it was a pity; another hand grabbed her.

"Don't make a fool of yourself! Let's go."

Taking her goddess by the nape, Riveria had a headache. This banquet was supposed to be lively, with the number of gods and people attending.

That's why Riveria preferred to go unnoticed.

"Loki, is that you?! Hahaha, I knew it was you~"

However, that was destined to fail. Being the second strongest family, going unnoticed was impossible.

"Guh! Demeter... Nice to see you."

Looking at the annoying woman approaching, Loki sighed. After all, this woman had a mocking smile on her face, and why wouldn't she? Her nickname had already spread throughout Orario.

"Hehe, nice to see you too... I see you brought your children."

"Well, Freya said we could bring two kids, so I brought them."

"Hehe, you're right."

Shrugging, Loki looked at the two adventurers accompanying this woman.

"Let's go! I'm eager to meet His Excellency."

After exchanging a few more words, Demeter didn't delay any longer. Her purpose in coming was clear.

So, leading her children, she dragged Loki along.

As for Loki, she resigned herself to her fate, so she didn't put up any resistance.

---