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A few minutes later.
After a brief conversation with Anos, Hermes stepped away.
He was in a very good mood.
He had just met someone… far more interesting than he expected.
"That matter? Leave it to me."
Before leaving, Hermes gave him a thumbs-up, signaling everything was handled.
"Heh…"
Anos simply smiled.
Of course Hermes would agree, Gods like him lived for this kind of thing.
What they had just discussed…
Was something quite entertaining.
An arms dealership.
Anos would be the supplier.
Hermes would act as the distributor.
Anos would provide the goods, and Hermes would sell them under his own name.
Just like divine wine, firearms weren't something Anos could openly deal with himself.
The consequences might not be as severe, but they were still serious enough.
If Orario were a proper nation, both of his ventures would be considered major crimes anywhere.
Even his identity as the "map prophet" had to remain hidden.
If he revealed himself, people would start negotiating directly, wasting his time.
What if someone like the Loki Familia approached him personally?
Would he negotiate?
Talking about money would damage relationships.
Talking relationships would cost money.
It was nothing but trouble.
The best method was to let the Guild handle everything.
Fixed price, take it or leave it.
If you didn't want it, someone else would.
"Anos, what did Hermes want with you?"
Hestia walked over, curious.
She had just finished arguing with Loki and was still riding the high from winning that exchange.
"Nothing much, actually, I was the one who needed something from him."
Anos replied with a smile.
"Hm? Can you tell me what it is?"
Her twin tails bounced as she leaned in, clearly interested, Of course, if he didn't want to say, she wouldn't push.
She trusted him completely.
Everything he did… was for them.
Even if he didn't explain now, there had to be a reason.
That was how deeply Hestia trusted him.
"I'll tell you later. Not the best place for it."
"Okay!~"
She nodded obediently.
"What are you two talking about? Something that can't even be said here?"
A familiar voice joined them.
Hephaestus.
She approached with a glass in hand, taking a sip before greeting Anos.
There was clear admiration in her eyes.
His appearance had already impressed her before.
But now…
His talent had gone beyond her expectations.
Breaking the record for reaching Level 3, and even surpassing the pace to Level 2 along the way.
"Ah… Hephaestus…"
Hestia's expression instantly dropped.
Seeing her creditor always had that effect, not that she disliked Hephaestus.
She just didn't like the idea of paying back money.
"Hephaestus, it's good to see you, You look stunning tonight."
Anos responded politely, raising his glass in return.
She really was a good person.
Well… as far as gods went.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have made that kind of contract with him.
"Smooth talker, I wonder how many girls you've fooled with that face and that voice."
She laughed openly.
She hadn't come to collect debt.
Just curiosity.
And maybe… a bit of amusement at Hestia's awkwardness.
"Honestly, it's kind of tragic, I've never had a girlfriend."
Anos shrugged.
In this world, that was technically true.
Even in his previous life, he didn't really have a proper relationship.
Just… connections.
Hearing him say it so seriously, Hephaestus paused.
No girlfriend?
With that face? That presence? That talent?
Was it a preference?
Or just that he hadn't found the right person?
…Or perhaps—
No girlfriend.
Only lovers?
Her thoughts jumped through possibilities in an instant.
"Well, it's mostly because my goddess doesn't let me."
Anos added casually.
"…What?"
Hephaestus nearly dropped her glass.
"Eh?"
Hestia froze too.
Sure, she had warned him about getting close to overly pretty girls.
But hearing him say it like this…
Was oddly embarrassing.
"Hestia… you're that strict with your own familia?"
Hephaestus muttered.
"Hmph! Anyone who wants to date Anos needs my approval!"
Hestia snapped back, fully committing now.
"So what if I am?"
"I don't mind if your captain agrees, but… the tighter you hold on, the easier it is to lose."
With that, Hephaestus turned to leave.
She had noticed someone approaching.
Someone she didn't particularly like.
Apollo.
"…Hah."
Anos raised an eyebrow.
He had already expected this.
Apollo's interest in him was practically guaranteed.
Still…
Showing up this quickly?
That was impressive in its own way.
"Hestia, it's been a while."
Apollo gave a refined bow.
"Hm... What do you want?"
Hestia frowned.
She didn't like the way he looked at either of them.
"Oh, nothing serious, just a question."
Apollo smiled, trying to hide the obsession in his eyes.
"What question?"
Her expression said everything.
Leave.
Now.
Unfortunately, Apollo wasn't the type to take hints.
"You said earlier… anyone who wants to be the Holy Child's girlfriend needs your approval."
He lifted his gaze.
"So… what about a boyfriend?"
"…Huh?"
For a moment, Hestia didn't process it.
Then—
Her face twisted.
She nearly threw up on the spot.
A surge of divine power flared within her.
That crossed the line.
Completely.
"Hestia…"
Before she could explode, a hand rested on her shoulder.
Her power immediately subsided.
She looked up.
Anos.
Calm. Unshaken.
"Hestia. Let him talk."
He smiled faintly.
Was Apollo always this reckless, no matter the world?
"Let me talk?"
"Perfect."
Apollo straightened, excitement flashing across his face.
He lifted his wine glass, studying Anos through the red liquid.
Then—
Snap.
The lights across the entire hall went out.
Only a single spotlight remained.
On Apollo.
"Ladies and gentlemen! My apologies for interrupting your evening."
"But I promise… what I'm about to announce will be worth your attention."
He returned to his polished, theatrical demeanor.
Of course, when he said "everyone," he meant the gods.
The mortals didn't matter.
"Ohhh! Apollo, what are you planning now?!"
"Come on, don't keep us waiting! Get on with it already!"
The hall buzzed with excitement.
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