[61] Reaction

"This isn't real, this isn't real..." Loki muttered to herself as she held Riveria, her hands still wandering despite the situation.

"Enough, Loki." Riveria frowned slightly as she skillfully blocked Loki's advances.

Thud.

Loki's flat chest seemed to suffer a heavy blow as she knelt on the cold floor, completely dejected.

"I just missed you so much, Riveria." Loki feigns distress.

As the Vice-Captain of Loki Familia and someone whom Loki often called mom, Riveria was like a mother or older sister to the members. Normally, Loki wouldn't make a move on her, nor would she even think about it.

But the news Loki heard today was a severe blow to her.

As one of the kings of Orario, Loki Familia had access to information about Aiden. After some analysis, they had a rough understanding of him: originating from a noble family in the Earth Empire (he had a lavish greatsword almost at first level sword, wore low-key luxurious clothes, was generous, and rented a new house upon joining Hestia Familia), he was very confident and bold, driven by his desire to become an adventurer in Orario.

A month ago, he was just a new adventurer who had received the Falna from Hestia Familia, and even among novices, he was exceptionally green, famously becoming a Tomato Boy on his first day in the dungeon.

This was all Loki knew, and after learning this, she lost interest in following him.

Loki even suspected that Aiden wanted to join Loki Familia and had bet on it as part of a plan. However, she later dismissed this theory. After all, how could a newly arrived adventurer have such intelligence-gathering capabilities, accurately arranging encounters with her and Ais? Moreover, her proposal for him to join her Familia if he lost seemed more like a spur-of-the-moment idea.

So, Loki didn't pay much attention to Aiden's progress.

But she didn't expect that in just one month, this boy she had somewhat ignored would give her such a huge surprise. Ais had already set a miraculous record that no one thought could be surpassed.

In Loki Familia, Loki valued and adored Ais the most.

Then there was the matter of the three grimoires. Even though Loki Familia was wealthy and giving away three grimoires wouldn't hurt them significantly, it still made her feel a bit of a sting.

Of course, this wasn't the main issue. If it was just about a pure genius and the cost of three grimoires, Loki, who loved causing trouble and watching drama, wouldn't have reacted so strongly.

The key issue was that Aiden had joined Hestia Familia.

The rivalry between Loki and Hestia wasn't a new thing; it was well-known among the gods of Orario. Although they were old friends, they seemed to have many personal grudges.

The most apparent and significant feud was the class struggle between leveling the world and uniting hearts, between wealth and poverty.

"Why would such a genius join that penniless, chibi goddess's Familia!" Loki grumbled, wiping away imaginary tears, biting off each word with frustration.

She imagined Hestia flaunting her impressive front armor, the deep, grand chasm akin to the great rift valley, and then glanced down at her own flat chest, as flat as a newborn's. The comparison made Loki feel as if a knife were twisting in her heart.

The mere thought of using her Familia's wealth to strengthen the genius of Hestia Familia pained Loki even more.

Then there was the upcoming Denatus, where Hestia would undoubtedly appear to secure a prestigious title for her child. Imagining that chibi goddess boasting in front of her, Loki felt her heartache to the point of suffocation.

"In this cold, cruel world, only Ais's breast holds any warmth." Loki wiped away tears and clutched her chest. With renewed determination, she sprinted towards the door, apparently seeking solace from Ais and the others in the communal bath.

However, just as she was about to reach the door, a small figure blocked her path, holding the doorknob firmly.

The only one in this study capable of such speed was the captain of Loki Familia, Finn, known by the title of Braver.

Finn sighed helplessly, "Loki, we need to discuss how to handle this issue."

His tone lacked any reverence for the goddess, only a hint of exasperation for his stubborn family member.

With a mournful expression, Loki suggested, "How about we don't give them the grimoires? Yes, let's do that. I want to see how that chibi penniless goddess will boast then."

As she spoke, Loki seemed to return to her usual self. It was clear that the news had hit her particularly hard.

"Absolutely not."

"We can't do that."

Riveria and Finn simultaneously shook their heads, rejecting the idea.

"Loki, your bet with Aiden only involves three grimoires. Although it's a significant amount, it won't affect our Familia." Finn said softly, as the captain of Loki Familia.

"I know, three grimoires are a huge deal for small and medium-sized Familias, but we can handle it easily. The problem is that chibi penniless goddess. The thought of those three grimoires benefiting her makes me furious." Loki grumbled.

"This bet will soon spread among the gods, fueled by their interest. As a divine wager with a mortal, it's best you don't renege, Loki."

"Moreover, you know the relationship between Hestia and Hephaestus. If you default on the bet, Hestia will undoubtedly ask Hephaestus to intervene."

Riveria spoke calmly, implying that defaulting on the bet would harm Loki's reputation and that it was unwise to offend Hephaestus at this critical juncture.

If Hephaestus got involved, the grimoires would end up in Hestia's hands anyway. It would be better to hand them over directly.

Of course, if Loki insisted on withholding them, it could sour relations with Hephaestus. Hephaestus Familia, compared to the currently one-member Hestia Familia, was a formidable force.

"So, what should we do?" Loki returned to her chair, crossing her legs and resting her chin on one hand, speaking to herself.

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