" Chapter 30: The Detective Cat and the Goddess Battle"

Allen's Perspective...

After Alex used teleportation magic on Freya and Ottar, only Allen remained in the room. He had been tasked with investigating the Thanatos Familia, Thanatos himself, and all his associates. Allen looked intently at the cloak in his hands, examining it again, unable to understand how it could conceal him.

"How can this rag possibly help me?" thought Allen, staring at the cloak. Deciding to test it, Allen draped it over his body and approached a mirror. He noticed that the part of his body covered by the cloak had become invisible. Removing the cloak and then putting it on completely, Allen saw that his entire body had vanished. He realized how the cloak would help him stay hidden while investigating the matter his mistress had assigned to him.

"First, I need to find where the Thanatos Familia lives, inspect the house and its members," thought Allen, donning the cloak and setting off to locate the Thanatos Familia. The search didn't take long; Allen quickly found one of the members and began to follow him. Arriving at the house where the Thanatos Familia lived, Allen slipped inside and decided to eavesdrop on the adventurers' conversation.

"Why did Lord Thanatos return from the guild so angry?" asked one of the members.

"He was summoned to the guild today regarding the death of Erot, who died in the dungeon," replied another.

"Now I understand why Lord Thanatos is upset; Erot was his most loyal follower," said a third.

"And what is Lord Thanatos going to do about it?" asked the second.

"We don't know yet. Lord Thanatos doesn't share his plans with us; only Erot knew what he was up to," said the first.

"So, we're just waiting for Lord Thanatos's decision?" asked the third. The other two nodded in agreement.

Allen listened to the conversation between the three members of the Thanatos Familia and realized they had no useful information. He needed to continue his search. He learned that, besides the deceased Erot, there were a few more loyal followers of Thanatos, but they were currently on missions assigned by Thanatos himself. Seeing no other option, Allen decided to infiltrate Thanatos's private quarters, hoping to find something there.

"Now I need to find a way into Thanatos's room and uncover the evidence Lady Freya asked for," thought Allen as he approached Thanatos's private quarters. As he got closer, he heard noises coming from the room.

"Damn! DAMN! DAMN!" Thanatos was shouting, throwing everything off his desk. "I shouldn't have listened to those bastards and sent my most loyal subordinate; he could have still been useful to me," said Thanatos, sitting down and burying his head in his hands. "I should have sent a regular newcomer I recently accepted into the familia, and then I could have avoided suspicion."

"But what's done is done. If an investigation starts, I need to get rid of all the evidence and cut off contacts with the other members for now," Thanatos continued, talking to himself, unaware that he was being overheard.

"So there are others. I need to wait and see if Thanatos mentions their names, then I can return to Lady Freya," thought Allen, continuing to listen to Thanatos's self-talk.

Allen continued to listen to Thanatos, trying to catch any hints that might lead to his associates. But Thanatos, as if knowing he might be eavesdropped on, said nothing unnecessary. This went on until Allen heard footsteps approaching Thanatos's room. He noticed it was a girl. He quietly moved away to avoid making any noise and waited for the girl to enter Thanatos's room. Maybe then he would hear something new.

"Lord Thanatos, I have returned after completing your task," the girl said as she entered the room.

"Savina, did you accomplish what I asked?" Thanatos asked, looking up at the girl.

"Yes, Lord Thanatos, I did everything as you requested. But may I ask, why are you in such a bad mood?" Savina replied, noticing Thanatos's foul mood and decided to inquire about it.

"I sent Erot to carry out a task, and he failed. Now, if we're not careful, suspicion might fall on us," Thanatos replied, still angry about the failure.

"Are you talking about that plan, Lord Thanatos?" Savina asked, to which Thanatos nodded, and Savina understood that it was best not to make any unnecessary moves to avoid suspicion.

"Lord Thanatos, what if the others knew the mission would fail and wanted to make you a scapegoat in case your group was exposed?" Savina suggested. Hearing her words, Thanatos pondered and realized that this possibility might be true.

"If they decided to make me a scapegoat, I'll drag those bastards down with me," Thanatos replied, starting to think of a plan to avoid becoming the scapegoat.

"So, what should we do, Lord Thanatos? Are we going to take any actions?" Savina asked, awaiting instructions.

"We won't do anything for now. First, we need to get rid of the evidence in case the guild discovers anything. In the meantime, we'll lie low and act like a regular adventurer family," Thanatos responded, outlining the plan.

"Then I'll recall the others who are carrying out your tasks, Lord Thanatos, so they can return and stay out of sight," Savina said, to which Thanatos agreed and added that she shouldn't contact others in case someone is watching or listening. Hearing the order, Savina nodded and went off to send the message for the others to return.

"Looks like I won't learn anything more for now. This information should be enough to report back to Lady Freya," thought Allen, discreetly leaving the Thanatos Familia house. He was already imagining Lady Freya praising him, but he didn't know that one guy wouldn't let that happen.

Hephaestus's Estate...

Let's return to the moment when Alex, Freya, and Ottar arrived at Hephaestus's estate. Alex started complaining about Freya kidnapping him, and Hestia, determined to retrieve Alex even by force, sprang into action.

"Freya, let go of Alex, and I promise you can leave here unharmed," Hestia said, pulling a taser from her bag and pointing it at Freya.

"Hestia, don't do something foolish that you'll regret," Freya said, still holding Alex and showing no fear of the taser.

"I don't care, I'll get Alex back no matter what it takes," Hestia declared, her tone resembling that of a heroine about to fight the demon king.

"Hestia, where have you been? And why haven't you returned if Alex is here?" Hephaestus's voice approached them.

"What's going on here? Hestia, why are you pointing a taser at Freya? And Freya, why are you here?" Hephaestus began asking questions as she saw the situation.

"Hephaestus, help! This woman is trying to kidnap Alex and adopt him!" Hestia shouted, hoping for the support of her best friend.

"Can someone explain to me what's happening here?" Hephaestus asked, not believing Hestia's words.

"Hephaestus, save me! This strange lady wants to kidnap me," Alex continued, putting on a show.

"Sigh... Can we stop this and have someone tell me the real reason Freya is here?" Hephaestus said, not believing Alex's antics after all his tricks.

"Fine, I invited Freya to discuss some matters regarding a group of idiots who want to cause chaos. I also asked for her help," Alex clicked his tongue, seeing that Hephaestus wasn't buying his act. He thought he needed to try harder to get a fantasy "Oscar." Hearing his words, Hephaestus nodded, while Hestia looked confused, not understanding what was going on.

"Hestia, Alex tricked you," Hephaestus said, seeing the bewildered expression on Hestia's face.

"I don't care if he tricked me or not. As his goddess, I haven't carried him in my arms yet, and yet some cat burglars already have," Hestia replied, still pointing the taser at Freya.

"It's his payment for the help I'm giving him. So, Hestia, you'll have to wait," Freya said elegantly. Hearing her words, Alex didn't understand why she said that.

"What kind of help did you give Alex that he needs to repay you like this?" Hestia asked, not believing Freya's words.

"Who knows," Freya replied.

"Alex, what is this help?" Hestia asked, seeing that Freya didn't want to answer.

"I asked her to send one of her children to keep an eye on someone," Alex said, trying to break free from Freya's arms.

"And you have to pay her this way?" Hestia asked, looking at Alex suspiciously.

"No, I said that if he helps, I would give her what she asks for, within reason. She picked me up because she wanted to. I had nothing to do with it," Alex said, jumping down from Freya's arms and standing on the floor.

"Then what did she ask from you?" Hestia continued to question.

"Nothing yet," Alex replied, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. He wanted Hestia to get angry and zap Freya with the taser upon hearing this.

"Has Loki arrived yet?" Alex asked, looking at Hephaestus.

"No, Loki hasn't come yet. She's probably still sleeping," Hephaestus replied, approaching Alex to pick him up.

"Then I'll go get that drunkard and be back. And Hestia, don't fight with Freya. Freya, that goes for you too," Alex said, dodging Hephaestus's arms, making her pout. Before leaving, Alex reminded the two goddesses not to quarrel.

After Alex disappeared in a flash of light, Hestia glared at Freya. Freya simply smiled sweetly and continued inside the house, completely ignoring Hestia's angry gaze. Hephaestus noticed that another troublesome goddess had appeared, which would cause a ruckus. She shook her head and went to show Freya a place to sit and wait for Alex. Freya thought about finding Alex's room first but decided against it, knowing that the two other goddesses were watching her. She thanked Hephaestus, took the indicated seat, and waited for Alex.

Loki's Estate...

Arriving at Loki's estate, Alex took a moment to admire the opulence of the place. It was clear that Loki's family spared no expense on the house, which looked "luxurious and extravagant." Shaking his head, Alex approached the door and knocked, ready to pick up Loki and discuss matters regarding the villainous organization. As he heard footsteps approaching, he tensed up.

"Alex, what brings you here? Missing me already?" Tiona asked in a sweet voice.

"I came to—" Alex began to reply, but Tiona swiftly picked him up and carried him inside the house.

"Guys, look who's here! It's Alex!" Tiona shouted, carrying Alex in her arms. Upon seeing him, everyone began greeting him.

"Tiona, let me have Alex," Ais said in a monotone voice as she approached Tiona.

"No, you've already carried him before. It's my turn now," Tiona replied, turning away from Ais and hiding Alex so he wouldn't be taken away.

"Give Alex to me," Ais repeated in the same monotone voice. Before they could start bickering, Alex intervened.

"You all realize that I'm not just a cuddly toy, right?" Alex said while being held by Tiona, who was protecting him like a mother hen.

"That's right, he's not a toy. Now, Tiona, put Alex down," Reveria interjected.

"As soon as I let him go, you'll just pick him up yourself. Do you think I don't know what you're up to, Grandma Reveria?" Tiona said with a sarcastic edge.

"Who are you calling 'grandma'?" Reveria exclaimed, her eye twitching.

"Alright, ladies, no need to quarrel. I'm here on business. I came to take Loki," Alex said, cutting off any further arguments.

"What do you need Loki for?" Finn asked, keeping his distance to avoid getting caught in the middle of the girls' squabble.

"It's about the monster and the adventurer from yesterday," Alex replied. At his words, everyone fell silent, realizing there was information about the situation.

"Did you find out something?" Finn asked. Alex nodded. Finn decided it would be best to summon Loki before discussing the matter further. He went to wake her up.

While Finn went to rouse Loki, the girls' bickering continued, as the winner would get to carry Alex. The girls were on the brink of a full-blown fight when Finn returned, leading a groggy Loki who was swaying from lack of sleep.

Loki's Estate...

"Why are you here so early? You know girls need their beauty sleep to stay beautiful," Loki said in a sleepy tone.

"I came to take you..." Alex began, but was interrupted again.

"You came to take me so we could get married?" Loki asked, suddenly waking up. At her words, everyone in the room grimaced. Alex's eye started twitching even more.

"No, I didn't come for that," Alex said, his eye twitching.

"If not for that, then why did you ask me to wake up?" Loki asked, pouring herself some coffee.

"I've gathered some information and may have found a potential ally," Alex replied, ignoring the girls' attempts to stretch him out.

"And who is this potential ally?" Loki asked, observing the girls' attempts to keep Alex.

"You'll find out when you get there. Better bring someone who can actually listen, unlike you," Alex said, already being held by the victor of the battle, Ais.

"Are you saying I can't listen?" Loki asked loudly.

"You've got it in one ear and out the other," Alex shrugged. Hearing his words, Loki grit her teeth in anger.

"Then who should I bring with me?" Loki asked, finishing her coffee and preparing to leave.

"Choose someone you consider responsible," Alex said, looking at Loki.

"Hmm, who should I take?" Loki pondered, glancing at her family members. After a moment's thought, a mischievous smile appeared on her face, and she made her choice.

"I'll take Finn with me. He's the captain of my family," Loki said with a playful grin at Alex. Loki approached Ais, who was holding Alex, and reached out her hands.

"Now, Ais, give me Alex, and we'll head out," Loki said, trying to take Alex from Ais.

Ais was reluctant to give up Alex but eventually relented and handed him over. Once Alex was out of her arms, Ais felt a pang of discomfort and wanted to take him back, but Loki didn't give her that chance and began to leave. Seeing Ais's sad face, Alex threw her a candy and told her not to be sad. Ais looked at the candy and decided to eat it. After tasting it, Ais's eyes sparkled with delight, and she decided to ask for more candies like that next time.

(Author's note: I really love strawberry candies and sweets in general, so feel free to share what sweets you like.)

Hephaestus' Estate

Returning to Hephaestus' estate, Alex immediately noticed Freya elegantly sipping tea, completely ignoring Hestia, who was glaring at her with animosity. When Alex appeared, Hestia initially felt relieved but then noticed that he was in Loki's arms. Loki, noticing Hestia's gaze, smirked, showing her superiority.

"Washboard, put Alex down! It's not your turn to hold him right now," Hestia yelled, rushing towards Loki and trying to pry Alex from her arms.

"No one asked you, busty shrimp," Loki replied, dodging Hestia's attempts and hiding Alex.

"Now I understand what some anime heroes felt like when adult women constantly pursued them in their childhood," Alex thought, as Loki carried him around, dodging Hestia.

While the battle for Alex's embrace raged on, Freya watched with a cheerful smile, understanding that in the end, the one who could take advantage of the situation would win. She waited for the right moment.

The struggle for the right to hold Alex continued, and Alex was about to intervene, but his savior, Hephaestus, stepped in.

"You two, Alex is not a toy or a hugging pillow. Loki, put Alex down immediately," Hephaestus said in a serious tone. Hearing her words, Hestia and Loki stopped. Loki, seeing Hephaestus's gaze, flinched and lowered Alex to the floor.

"And, Hestia, I'm turning a blind eye to you sneaking into Alex's room at night to sleep with him. Don't forget this is my house, and I can stop you from doing that," Hephaestus continued, shifting her gaze to Hestia, who trembled under her friend's stare.

"Alright, we're done here," Hephaestus said, approaching Alex and picking him up. Seeing Hephaestus's actions, Hestia and Loki wanted to protest but immediately fell silent under her gaze.

"She's good. Never would have thought Hephaestus could use this situation so effectively. It seems the main enemy is Hephaestus, not Hestia," Freya thought, watching Hephaestus's actions.

"Now we can discuss the situation we're in," Hephaestus said, sitting down at the table. Seeing that Hephaestus had sat down, Loki and Hestia followed suit, quietly taking their seats, afraid to make a noise.

"Um, Freya. Has Allen returned yet?" Alex asked, still shaken by Hephaestus's actions.

"Allen hasn't returned yet, but I think he will be back soon," Freya said with a soft smile.

Realizing that this cat hadn't returned yet, Alex began to consider which gods might be part of this group and how best to lure them out.

(Author's note: If it's not too much trouble, could you suggest a couple of evil gods from mythology that I might use for the semi-villainous group?)

To be continued...