Threat

Of course, Charlie knew why Aphrodite's charm was ineffective on him. No, not just Aphrodite; even if he met Ishtar or Freya, the charms of the Goddess of Beauty would not affect him.

The Chosen Savior's Skill had four abilities, one of which was Charm Resistance. In other words, he wouldn't be charmed by the Goddess of Beauty.

Charlie had no obligation to reveal his Skill just to satisfy Aphrodite's curiosity.

*JIII~*

"Fine, since you don't want to tell me, let's just pretend I never asked."

Seeing his silence, Aphrodite gave up. Instead, she hadn't given up on inviting him to join her Familia.

"Mortal, as long as you agree to join my Familia, you'll have a special privilege that every man desires."

"Oh, a special privilege?"

"That's right. You can interact with Harmonia! Isn't that wonderful?"

"Harmonia? Who is that?"

This was the first time Charlie had heard the name.

"No way, you don't know Harmonia? She's a singer and actress in an opera company I run. Harmonia is a Diva whose fame is known all over the world! Even if you're not from Orario, you should have heard of her, right?"

"Sorry, I haven't."

"Guh..."

That honest answer wounded Aphrodite's pride.

The Aphrodite Familia wasn't an exploration Familia but ran an entertainment industry. Harmonia was the main star, and her performances captivated everyone who witnessed them.

Aphrodite was very proud of Harmonia, whose reputation had spread worldwide, more so than the First-Class Adventurers in Orario.

"Hmm... Goddess Aphrodite, let me take you back to your Familia's headquarters. It's dangerous to wander without a guard."

Since things had gone this far, Charlie couldn't leave her alone in the forest.

"No way! It was hard for me to sneak out of Orario unnoticed, I won't go back without having some fun."

"At least contact your Familia members to protect you."

"Aren't you here? There's no need to bother my children."

How could Aphrodite let Charlie leave just like that? She still wanted to know more about him.

A Level 1 adventurer who had just been granted a Falna eight days ago, capable of defeating a Griffin—who would believe such absurd news?

Aphrodite wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes.

Don't forget, the gods seek entertainment and amusement in the lower world. Once they find something that captures their attention, they won't let it go easily.

'Haiz... Bad luck, meeting such a troublesome goddess,' Charlie thought.

"Your expression looks like you're reluctant to accompany me? Mortal, you should feel honored to be with the Goddess of Beauty! Who knows how many men would line up if I announced I was looking for a bodyguard."

"Is it that obvious?"

"You're not even trying to lie!"

"What's the point of lying, anyway?"

The more Charlie ignored her, the more Aphrodite didn't want to let him go. This was the first time she'd met a mortal who rejected her so strongly.

"Anyway, I'm not going back to Orario."

'Should I use Spirit Art to put her to sleep, then carry her back to Orario? Setting aside whether Spirit Art would even work on a god, I don't know the way to Orario.'

"You're planning something bad, aren't you? I warn you, if you dare force me back, I'll spread the news that you impregnated Harmonia. As soon as you arrive in Orario, you'll be a public enemy!"

"..."

Seeing Aphrodite smile while openly threatening him, Charlie's eyes twitched slightly. Judging by her behavior, she was likely to follow through with her threat.

In his previous life, Charlie had been slandered by politicians afraid he would interfere with their shady business dealings. He didn't expect that even in his second life, he would be slandered by Aphrodite if he didn't meet her demands.

"Alright, you win, Goddess Aphrodite."

After thinking for a moment, he agreed. He was still too weak and not ready to make the world his enemy.

"A wise decision. You don't know what kind of crazy actions Harmonia's fans would take if they found out you impregnated the Diva in their hearts."

"That's a vile slander!"

"Which would people believe more: an unknown adventurer or the Goddess of Beauty Aphrodite? Moreover, Harmonia is part of my Familia, so the credibility of the news I spread would be more trustworthy."

"..."

Charlie could only remain silent because Aphrodite's statement was true.

"Alright then, let's go. Does Goddess Aphrodite have a place you'd like to visit?"

"Take me to see Hera. It's been a long time since I've seen her, and I want to catch up."

After saying that, Aphrodite threw herself into Charlie's arms.

"Goddess Aphrodite?"

"Carry me like you did before."

"Yeah."

With no other choice, Charlie carried her in a princess carry style.

Manipulating the wind with Spirit Art, he gently floated into the air.

"Whoa, you can fly without any equipment! Even Perseus (Asfi) can only fly using her self-made magic items."

Wrapping her slim, delicate arms around his neck, Aphrodite exclaimed in amazement.

"Hey, mortal, how do you do that? Tell me."

"Goddess Aphrodite, I have a name. Stop calling me mortal, or I'll drop you and send you back to Heaven."

"You wouldn't dare!"

Aphrodite glared at him, trying to intimidate him.

"Of course. As long as Goddess Aphrodite is no longer in the lower world, that means I won't have to worry about your threats."

It was just a bluff. Charlie didn't want to break the taboo of killing a god. Not to mention, there was a risk Aphrodite might retaliate by unleashing her Arcanum.

"There's no member of Hera Familia who isn't crazy."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"Tch, who's complimenting you? Charlie, you're just as crazy as the Empress and Hera."

Since the threat failed, Aphrodite had no choice but to comply.

No one wants to deal with a madman.

❀❀❀

"Hera, long time no see. How have you been?"

Barging through the door, Aphrodite entered with fanfare.

"Aphrodite, how did you find me?"

Seeing it was her acquaintance, Hera didn't show joy; instead, her eyebrows furrowed in displeasure.

"Your child saved me when I was captured by a Griffin. I must properly express my gratitude."

That was a lie. In fact, Aphrodite just wanted to have some fun.

"Forgive me, Goddess Hera. I actually didn't want Goddess Aphrodite to come, but she threatened me with a vicious rumor."

Emerging from behind Aphrodite, Charlie apologized.

"I see. You're still as childish as ever, Aphrodite. No wonder Ishtar looks down on you."

Not sensing any lies, Hera didn't blame Charlie. She knew Aphrodite well since they both came from Heaven and wasn't surprised the latter would do such a thing.

"Hmph, Ishtar's just jealous of me and Freya. Among the three Goddesses of Beauty, she's ranked third."

Aphrodite sat across from Hera, swinging her legs.

"Charlie, make me some tea."

"..."

"Mm."

Receiving Hera's nod, Charlie reluctantly went to the kitchen to prepare the tea as Aphrodite requested.

"Hey, Hera, give Charlie to me. I like him."

Charlie, in the kitchen, almost dropped the glass upon hearing Aphrodite's words.

"No." Hera replied with one word.

Considering Charlie's extraordinary abilities, she had anticipated that Aphrodite would become interested in him.

Of course, Hera wouldn't indulge Aphrodite's selfish desires.