A Month had passed since the inception of the alliance, Damien had to handle many things, such as other families competing, rising gangs and opposition, but there was no serious trouble, in fact the only issue he has....Was the paper work
"This is incredibly complicated."
Damien sighed as he looked at all the files on his desk. His mind was completely overwhelmed with the numbers and budgets. 'I was an office worker in my last life, not a goddamn financial wizard'
Loki laughed as she sat on his lap. "And that is why I told you to leave this to me."
Damien ran a hand through his hair. "I just wanted to help."
Loki turned to him and smiled. "Oh, that is so cute." She leaned in and kissed him. "Leave this to me. I want you to be the face and power of this alliance. You do not need to crush your mind about how to handle the budgets, or which sector of business we should care about, or if Aphrodite is doing well or not." She poked his chest. "All of that is for me."
She turned to face him fully. "You... just look powerful and pretty for me."
"I suppose so." Damien nodded, then added, "But I still want to learn."
Loki's smile widened. "And that is why you are special. Even if you do not need to, you still show initiative."
"Does that mean you will teach me?"
Loki wrapped her arms around his neck. "Sure. Let us do that."
....
Meanwhile, at the entrance of Orario, a hooded figure walked into the city.
They paid the entrance fee without issue and stepped through the gates, moving with a sense of purpose. They seemed incredibly knowledgeable about the city, instantly finding their way toward the Guild building.
The figure stopped at the board outside and looked at the postings. Most were requests for items and special monster hides or bones....typical adventurer things. But in the middle was a massive posting of Damien Ardent's stat sheet. The Pride of Orario.
They picked it up and looked at it.
Under the hood, a smile spread across their face.
"Welcome back," the figure whispered.
They walked away, the stat sheet tucked under their arm.
....
A red-headed woman entered the Hostess of Fertility.
She wore typical adventurer clothes and had a sword at her hip. Her movements were casual, unhurried. She found a seat near the window and sat down, waiting for a waitress.
Lunoire bounced over. "Hello, hello! Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility! What can I get for you?"
The red head studied the menu for a moment. "May I get your special meal, plus this drink here?"
Lunoire nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Coming right up!"
She disappeared into the kitchen. The food arrived quickly—steaming, fragrant, generous portions. Lunoire set the plate down along with the drink.
"Anything else you need?"
The red head looked up. "Yes, actually. I would like to ask about Damien Ardent. The one known as the Shadow Monarch."
Lunoire's eyes lit up. "Yes, of course! We get that a lot! This place is Damien's favorite restaurant, you know." She clasped her hands together. "What do you want to know?"
"I am curious about how one would join the Hestia Familia. Where he belongs." The red head's voice was calm, measured. "How would one do it?"
Lunoire tilted her head. "Ah, now that is quite difficult. Hestia does not accept just any adventurer who knocks on her door. Most of the Familia members are close ones or ex-Ishtar Familia members after the Wargame." She leaned in conspiratorially. "But you are in luck. In two hours, the trials to join the Hestia Familia are about to start. Only ten spots are open, and everyone in Orario is going." She grinned. "Even yours truly."
The red head raised an eyebrow. "Even you?"
Lunoire puffed out her chest. "Well, of course! Damien offered me a spot, but I want to earn it."
The red head nodded approvingly. "Very bold. I like it."
She grabbed her plate, tipped the entire contents into her mouth, and downed the drink in one long gulp. She set the empty plate down and stood, placing some coins on the table.
"Then I will see you there."
She turned toward the door, then paused.
"Where is this trial?"
Lunoire smiled brightly. "The Ganesha Amphitheater. West of the city."
The red head nodded. "Good luck."
She walked out.
Lunoire watched her go, a curious expression on her face. Something about that woman felt... different.
She shrugged and went back to work.
....
The entrance to Orario was a roar of noise and movement as a massive caravan of Amazonian women walked through the gates, around twenty of them
Each of them was barefoot, their feet striking the cobblestones with rhythmic precision. They moved in formation, disciplined and proud, their eyes scanning the city around them with predatory curiosity. Only one cart accompanied them....a lavish, decorated carriage that rolled at the center of the procession.
Inside, Kali smiled as she peeked out of the window.
"Ahh... Orario!" She breathed in deeply. "Now this is a place I would love to visit more often!. Perfect! Perfect!" She gestured grandly at the city around her. "See that, my girls? That is where our magical dick resides!"
Walking beside the cart, Argana grinned. "Strong men reside here. It will be fun to crush them."
Kali's hand shot out of the window and smacked her across the head.
"Silence, you fool!" Kali's voice was sharp. "I told you....you are banned from fighting anyone beside the ones I order you to. Understood!"
Argana scratched her head, unfazed. "Yes, my goddess."
"Good." Kali settled back into her seat. "I do not want to make a bad impression on this Damien. So keep your bloodlust in check!"
She leaned out the window again and shouted to the rest of her Amazons.
"ALL OF YOU! NO FORCING MEN DOWN!"
The voices of all Amazon warriors responded in unison.
"Yes, Goddess!"
The citizens of Orario stopped and stared as the procession moved through the streets. Whispers spread like wildfire. Some recognized the crimson-haired goddess in the carriage. Others simply stared at the sheer number of warriors.
The Amazons had come to Orario.
And Kali was eager to meet the Shadow Monarch.
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