"I have the finest Familia in the world! There is absolutely no way we would lose!"
When Astraea's confident declaration reached Freya's ears, its meaning carried a different weight.
Freya narrowed her eyes at Astraea and slowly withdrew her divine aura.
If Elise could defeat Ottar, then Astraea must know exactly what Level 6 represented in terms of combat power...
And even with that premise, she still dared to declare war on me...
Does she have some hidden trump card I don't know about?
Freya shifted her gaze toward Elise, as though trying to see through the human before her.
But Astraea moved first, leaving her seat and stepping to Elise's side.
"Well, Freya? What do you think?"
Ignoring the gazes of both Freya and Ottar—and without the slightest hesitation—Astraea gently pressed a kiss to Elise's cheek.
Ottar silently closed his eyes.
He had a feeling that what followed might not be something suitable for him to witness. Out of respect—and for the sake of his own goddess—it was better not to look at another deity.
Faced with Astraea's action, Elise responded with unexpected intimacy. She leaned into Astraea's embrace, even burying her head against her goddess' chest.
The Goddess of Justice looked at Freya with a faint trace of provocation.
As for Freya, after spending so many years navigating Orario, she would never allow her emotions to show too clearly.
But the delicate hand holding her wine glass repeated the same motion over and over—tightening... then loosening... tightening again...
How could Freya not understand Astraea's meaning?
This was a declaration of ownership.
However...
There was too little information.
And the strength Elise had displayed was far too astonishing.
If she insisted on clashing with Astraea to the bitter end, some unknown third party would likely reap the benefits.
Freya slightly averted her gaze, doing her best not to look at Astraea's proud expression.
Then, she smiled.
"Honestly, Astraea, you really do love to joke."
"I was only speaking casually. How could I possibly make a move against the Familia of such a dear friend?"
"Still, finding a child like Elise... you're truly fortunate."
"Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush any longer."
Freya set down her wine glass, her expression turning serious.
"I still hope to borrow your child..."
Seeing the dangerous look in Astraea's eyes, Freya quickly added, "Relax. Not in the sense I mentioned earlier."
"After Ottar returned from the Dungeon, I immediately updated his status. And do you know what happened?"
Freya paused deliberately, but Astraea had already guessed her intention.
"Could it be... that the Fierce Warrior experienced tremendous growth from his battle with Elise?"
"Bingo! Exactly right!"
"That's why I said you're lucky."
Freya propped up her chin helplessly, her ample chest pressing lightly against the table.
"Where did you even find a child as exceptional as Elise?"
"That's a secret."
"Sigh..." Freya let out a soft breath. "In any case, this is my proposal."
"If Elise has the time, I hope she can come to my Familia and help Ottar with some special training."
"If he can gain further growth from it, that would be ideal."
"In exchange, I will help you keep Elise's strength a secret, Astraea."
"Since you don't wish to step onto the world's stage just yet, I'll block those rumors for you."
"What do you think of this deal?"
Freya presented her terms and sat back in her chair, waiting for Astraea's response.
Help the Fierce Warrior with special training?
Astraea grew thoughtful.
It did sound like a reasonable condition, but...
"Only Ottar?"
"Naturally. Only him."
At present, he was the only one with that possibility.
Freya agreed without hesitation.
Her Familia was large and filled with elites.
The little giant, the Fierce Warrior, the Goddess' Chariot, the black and white knights, the four flame-gold warriors...
All of them stood among Orario's top-tier combatants.
But when it came to advancing even further...
For now, only Ottar held that potential.
"However, while Elise is helping with Ottar's training, you are not allowed to use charm on her, Freya."
"Otherwise, I will be angry."
Astraea spoke lightly, almost playfully.
But Freya understood.
If she truly used charm...
Astraea would likely fly into a rage.
Would an angry god consider the consequences?
No.
Freya herself was such a god. She knew that well.
Which meant...
If she wanted Elise, it would have to be through the girl's own will.
One day, I will take her away...
"Of course. We're dear friends, aren't we? How could I possibly do such a thing? When Elise comes to help Ottar with training, I even plan to host a tea party and invite you to watch."
"A tea party hosted by Freya? I'm truly looking forward to it."
"So, you agree?"
"I personally have no objections. But sometimes, it's best to ask Elise herself what she thinks. Don't you agree?"
The latter part was directed at Elise.
Not only Freya, even Ottar opened his eyes and looked at her seriously.
"I have no problem with it."
That was a lie.
Astraea could see it. Naturally, so could Freya.
"If you have any conditions, just say them. I don't mind," Freya said casually, though in truth she was quite curious about what Elise might request.
"..."
Elise fell silent for a moment before speaking earnestly.
"Recently, Orario's atmosphere has been deteriorating. The remnants of Evilus have begun stirring again..."
"No problem. I'll have Hedin handle it."
Hedin, the white mage of the black and white knights, was a commander who rivaled Finn. There was no one more suitable for the task.
Hedin truly was useful.
"That's wonderful!"
Seeing the visible relief on Elise's face, Freya grew thoughtful.
Is that truly the kind of person she is?
"Then our transaction is complete."
...
Watching Astraea and Elise depart, Ottar finally spoke.
"Lady Freya, are we truly going to proceed with this?"
"Of course. This is a deal with Astraea, after all. And Elise is worth the price," the Goddess of Beauty replied leisurely. "More importantly... this may be your chance to break through to that Level, Ottar."
"You must seize this opportunity."
"Yes, Lady Freya." The boaz warrior lowered his head and knelt before the goddess to whom he had pledged his loyalty.
"Also, inform Hedin. Tell him..."
"The remnants of Evilus have grown restless lately. They've begun to taint my sight. Have him deal with it. As for how to deal with them—he may decide for himself."