It was a gloomy day, which is what I felt since I opened my eyes. It was without reason that I felt what I felt because today was the day Artemis and Sera left Orario. Instead of starting my training routine, I cleaned myself and left the twilight manor alone while Orstrid was busy with other matters that I was assigning her to do in my underground manor.
I received a letter yesterday after my short nap beside Riveria, who had just slept peacefully while I was awake. Inside the letter was an invitation for a meetup with Artemis. Knowing this would be my last chance to meet her before she left Orario. After walking through less than half a minute, I arrived at our meeting place, and to my surprise, Artemis and Sera were present. There is a hesitation to at first continue my steps; however, there is no hatred or any kind of distaste in their gaze and smile.
'You bring this to yourself again.'
As Artemis asked, I meet her just not so far from the Twilight manor among hidden alleys for our privacy and so early that we meet the sun that has not yet appeared from the horizon.
"G-good morning, Artemis and Sera."
I tried to keep my cool and calm, but it seemed when I was in front of both, everything just fell apart like a sandcastle that was washed by an incoming wave of anxiety. Seeing the most powerful mortal they ever knew look so helplessly in front of them, Artemis and Sera can't help but have a short giggle.
"Fufufu, we are both here not to demand any of your decisions yet, Oberon. We both understand enough of the situation you are in right now to have any room for that the same with us both."
"B-but we don't want you to miss understanding; we want to spend time with you more so you can understand how much we love you, but you know I can't abandon my people as you don't want to abandon the Elven races."
"I-… Thank you."
Artemis then laid her gaze toward Sera, who just stood there like a statue with a nervous expression. Artemis then pulled her gently, knowing Sera couldn't resist, but Sera was nervous; her body shook for a moment even though she had hugged me more than once, this time it felt different. It did not take long before she started to calm down. There is one word that appeared in my mind in this situation.
"I am sorry."
Sera's body started to shake because of tears that Oberon could feel on his shoulder that were getting wet from Sera's sudden tears. I didn't know what to do; I just silently tightened my embrace and tried to comfort Sera. It did not take long before Sera pulled herself, and she wiped her tears with her right hand before his red eyes glazed directly toward my red ember eyes. I could feel the determination filling those eyes of hers.
"I will make sure to rebuild my homeland once again, and when I do, it's my turn to support your dream."
My eyes are widening, and my heart is skipping a bit seeing shadowing figures that appear that I know well in my past, even though I know it is only an illusion that my mind is playing tricks with me that makes me speechless.
"Thank you."
Then I heard a step not so far that walked toward us. When I turned my gaze, it was a familiar red-haired woman with a slender body wearing a white blouse and an eye patch.
"Hephaestus!?"
'How did she…'
Just when I avert my gaze toward Artemis, she seems not to look so surprised at the arrival of Hephaestus.
'Is this Artemis plan? B-but why!?'
Hephaestus closed her distance and walked right toward me. Hephaestus then raised her right hand until she reached the same height as my head. To my surprise, I felt tremendous pain come just from my ears. After that, Hephaestus sighed.
"Artemis told me everything. So that is a punishment to try playing dumb knowing how I felt."
Still, rubbing his right ear, Oberon bowed toward the goddess and tried to calm her wrath.
"I am sorry."
It is the second time Oberon has apologized. Artemis and Sera giggled a bit, knowing it was the second time Oberon apologized for the same reason.
"I don't know what goddess is playing with your fate, but this absurd mortal makes two goddesses fall to the same mortal? This is not your elaborate plan, didn't you, Oberon?"
Oberon shook his head repeatedly, denying Hephaestus's acquisition, and once again the goddess sighed; this time it was heavy.
"Artemis is bound to her purity vow; only Hestia could sever the vow. If that vow is not severed, disaster will come upon both of you. So, Artemis can't stay here with you and with Sera; she has a duty that must be fulfilled. I will be your watcher in their absence, and from how you have behaved, who knows how many will fall under your charm It's not just how you look, Oberon, but how you always tried to help. You are as dangerous as Aphrodite."
There is indeed truth in the goddess of Smith's words. If he thinks a second time his action is mostly cause every romantic started from every anime manga he read and past life experience. Seeing Oberon's bad habit re-emerge again Hephaestus gazed toward Artemis both their eyes met and Artemis just showed a wry smile toward her friend.
"Artemis did tell me this, but *sigh* I never knew this bad. I am saying that I want to be more aware of your actions. I don't want you to stop helping anyone who needs after all you…"
Hephaestus started to take off her eye patch, showing her fully cured. Even now, Artemis still can't believe it truly happened, even though she already saw it days ago.
"You are special, Oberon. I want you to know that, and my love is absolute devotion to you, my very soul and body. You may see healing my right eye as only a simple thing; however, for me, it is significant and hard for me to describe. I want you to lend your strength of yours, but don't play blind as you did before that all I- …no we all ask of you, Oberon."
I was sent back for a moment for Hephaestus' confession and when I heard soul and body I couldn't help but stare at her completely visible cleavage chest.
"Aaaa…."
Artemis did notice my inappropriate gaze on her friend and started pulling Oberon's ears to help clear his thoughts.
"*Sigh* You are a man after all. I will not yet give you the green light, so I want to hold that thought of you're okay Oberon?"
"S-sure I promised."
Seeing that Hephaestus laughs cheerfully with Sera, but her laugh is stopped when Artemis just with a simple glance scolding her friend. Artemis started to grab my hand gently and spoke.
"Then Oberon, I am sorry that I am not yet able to stand always by your side and spend time to understand each other because of my vow. After I finish helping the villager under my umbrella, I will land my Familia hand to Sera so we both can quickly stand by your side."
I could feel the regret in her voice and her handhold tightening.
"There is nothing to apologize about Artemis. To be honest, I should be the one to apologize to you because, at first, I thought that your love was not genuine, but now I believe..."
To Artemis' surprise, I pull her and embrace her as gently as possible, knowing that someone is watching us. I just want to feel her warmth once more time, the first woman almost seeing through who I was.
"Your love is genuine and came from your heart. Fate may have brought us to meet with each other, but it's our resolve to dedicate our love to someone. To think three women chose me is heavy; however, I can't lie that I feel tremendous happiness for that. Thank you all of you truly."
"… You make it hard for me to leave your side."
As we left our embrace, Artemis gazed toward Hephaestus, who seemed not so bothered with the intimacy we shared. Sera thought I could read her like a book what she felt.
"My Familia already increased our ability to produce weapons for our side, and with the material that started to flow, it was possible to do so, and following your advice, we are much more careful about selling our weapons to avoid the Evilus having any advantages... About the weapon that Artemis describes being held by the minotaur, it was not mistaken to come from my children; however, the owner has currently missed it for more than a week."
From Hephaestus's expression alone, she already could imagine that they were all dead. Still, we do not know whether it was the monster who was responsible or if someone killed them.
"We better not make any assumptions yet; however, even if we tried to cut their ability to obtain weapons from inside, there is a possibility it could come from outside of Orario. It worried me a bit. I must leave this city and head to Rakia, but I will put my trust in Loki and others."
Oberon then called two of his familiar automations. Two animals that looked like owls; however, three of them did realize from the flying pattern it was not like a normal owl at all, and both animals landed just on Oberon's left and right shoulder.
"Both of this Automaton that I and Flora made will watch over both of you and land you a hand in my absence."
As his master said, both went toward Sera, and Artemis just landed gently without hurting both Sera and Artemis, even with the clear appearance of their sharp claw.
"My name is Thurd."
Her Thord had a feminine voice, and it sounded less like a normal human is spooked because of no need to breathe. Thurd and Liv both had silver fur and to Sera's surprise, how light the owl was. When Sera patted Thurd's fur, it indeed felt like animal fur; however, there was no sign of familiarity she felt when patting living animals; instead, their muscles were sturdy like steel.
"My name is Liv."
Then both start to spread their wings.
(("We both vow an internal service."))
Hephaestus started to inspect each of the owls; it was almost indistinguishable from the normal owl. The only difference was beneath that fur covering the owl, and their eyes were made of some kind of blue jewel, and around their neck, there was a collar with unknown writing on her mind—a magic enchantment or something close to it.
"Sera I bestow Thurd. She had my knowledge of magic and swords. With Thurd's guidance, the path is far clearer for you to become the best queen for your people."
Sera's eyes widened in surprise, and she tried to resist the urge to jump ahead and kiss Oberon.
"Artemis, Liv, and Thurd have the same ability and knowledge. If you want to rely upon any message to me, just say a word to her with her telepathic ability; no matter how far we are apart, both of your voices can reach me at any time."
'With this, I can feel at ease, always knowing both of them are safe.'
"Thank you, Oberon. It was a beautiful gift."
Sera nodded, agreeing with the goddess's opinion.
"I promise to work hard to rebuild my homeland until the name Abandon Land changes once again to my family name."
"I will look forward to it.'
("Thurd, Liv, I am counting on you both.")
Both owls replied by bowing and flapping both of their wigs to give their maker reassurance, knowing that both women were the most important person to their master. After spending time talking to each other, Artemis and Sera excuse themselves and go back to the inn to prepare for leaving Orario this morning. Hephaestus could see the sorrow Oberon felt in his eyes and started to take his arm gently.
"We will meet them again, Oberon."
Oberon gripped Hephaestus's hand tighter without replying I just laid my gaze on them until they were both gone. I can't shake this feeling of unease in my very thoughts. I tried to shrug it off with a heavy sigh.
"Oberon?"
Hephaestus called gently.
"I am okay... It was a crazy week for me lately; things happened, good and bad. Artemis, I just met her less than a week ago, yet she could see through me."
I started to chuckle and spoke.
"Fufufu, I was more than surprised seeing her change; it sent me back to the time she spent with Hestia Artemis; she never stopped smiling that time whenever they were interacting with each other. It's hard not to believe that you are not his Orion from how genuinely happy she was, but..."
This time Hephaestus tightened her grip, pulled Oberon into her embrace, put her lip close to my ears, and whispered.
"I would not give up, you know."
'…. *sigh* This is heavy.'
Hephaestus then releases her embrace, her smile still clear on her face.
"Though I promise to Artemis not to make any drastic move until she returns or until it is all peaceful... Put that aside, Oberon, about the sword is almost ready. Even though I don't use my Arcanum power, whatever sword I make for you will be my greatest masterpiece because I put my very heart and soul into it.
Hephaestus's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, but she let out a nervous laugh, hoping to wash away this awkward atmosphere.
"I want you to know I never made a weapon for a man that fell in love with, so to be honest, I don't know what kind of sword that would be like."
"Seeing her being embarrassed is kind of cute.'
"I agger to see your masterpiece, Hephaestus. Did you need any of my help? I will be absent for who knows how long, so if you need help, you can ask Orstrid instead."
"Hm, did she not come with you?"
"No, she will take my place, or I can say my appearance. If I suddenly disappear without any explanation, there will be a suspicion, or worse, Evilus started to move again, so with Orstrid's magic, she could take my looks for at least until I return because, to be honest, I don't know for how long I will be gone."
Hephaestus's eyebrows furrowed. She pressed her lips into a thin line, trying to keep her composure.
"I know you are strong, but are you sure it's a good idea to get inside the enemy territory alone?"
"Dangerous yes, but I am not alone; there is one of my servants named Kuro. My servant named Kuro, if she was in my shadow protecting me, I would not get ambushed so easily."
Felt there is no lie in his words. Hephaestus starts to feel calm.
"Glad to know that. I will go back to my workshop. Please come back safely, Oberon."
"I will."
We both exchanged a short embrace for a moment and went to separate ways. Just when I walked and headed back to Manor and prepared everything for my departure from Orario, I couldn't help but think about Artemis and Sera. For a moment it left the unease feeling, but I tried to suppress it with thought of my plan today and onward.
----
As I went back to the Twilight Manor, I could see the other Familia was not yet awake, the same as my goddess. I am first checking Ais, knowing that Riveria is in the underground. Riveria already gave me a green light to visit her room, but if she were still in her room, I would have at least knocked to avoid an awkward situation.
"ZZ…"
'Hm, she did keep her promise to sleep until the sunrise before training.'
Seeing her well-rested, I leave her room without waking her up. When I arrive at my room just in the front, there are my automaton servants guarding the front door. Knowing that there is a teleporting path drawn inside, there is no way that I would leave it unguarded. Seeing their master come, both bow their heads.
("Master Orstrid-sama and others are waiting for your arrival.")
Without saying a word, I headed inside my room and teleported directly to my underground base, as I expected. Siv already expected my arrival. According to her, Orstrid and Riveria are waiting in Flora's research room.
(Thud!)
The elevator starts to go down at the same time Siv looks at her master and starts to worry about her master's silent demeanor.
"Master, is something bothering you?"
"I am mostly fine. Siv… Please keep in contact with Thurd and Liv."
"Without Master Order, we will, and Kuro is waiting for your arrival in the main capital of Rakia for Shiro; she already knocked back Rakia's raid team, and at the same time we captured them to dig some valuable information. I would share it in detail for Master to read."
"Good to know. Let the Elven royal soldier have the information we collected if the captives are no longer useful."
"As your command, Master, and about Nora... I think she wants to talk about what she found about the Empire face-to-face with Master."
It is still unknown why the Empire was willing to provide such valuable material without any reason; it is hard to believe there must be a good reason; however, with his interaction with Phobos, it should be at least revealed later.
(Thud!)
'That's rare of her.'
"Is it urgent?"
"Not necessarily."
"Then she should wait until the war ends. I had to pay attention to prevent the war from getting worse. You know my memory, Siv, in a situation like this, a hidden enemy came out of nowhere, so keep your eyes and ears open."
"As you command Master, but our automaton is stretched thin, so I had to apologize that Master had to escort goddess Phobos alone."
"It's not my first time traveling alone, Siv; you do not need to be worried."
Deep beneath the surface, hidden from the prying eyes of the world above, lies the Hidden Sanctum. This underground research room is a marvel of arcane engineering and craftsmanship. The air inside the room is cool and slightly damp, carrying the faint scent of earth and old parchment. The room is illuminated by glowing crystals embedded in the walls, casting a soft, ethereal light that dances across the stone surfaces. The walls are lined with shelves filled with books that he ever learned from my past life and current life.
In the center of the room stands a large, circular table made of dark wood, its surface covered with alchemical equipment, vials of colorful liquids, and strange, bubbling concoctions. A massive, ornate chandelier hangs from the ceiling, its crystals refracting light into a spectrum of color that plays across the room.
Just looking around, I could see Riveria, who arrived far earlier, read any book that caught her interest, and believe me, there were a tremendous number of books she wanted to read, knowing the books were new and unknown to her. I could see she had been reading a book about natural elements of water, and beside her, there was Flora, who eagerly explained and answered Riveria's question. Already noticing her Master present, Flora then averted her gaze toward her Master, who had just arrived, and welcomed him with a cheerful smile.
"Good morning, Master. I already prepared all the equipment Master needs for the journey ahead."
"Hm? Oberon I am sorry, I was just consumed by this book of yours."
I shrugged her apology with a faint smile.
"It's okay, Riveria-san. I can understand how captivating learning a new thing is because I did have the same habit."
I can't hold the chuckle starting to remember my time at my home library, and it seems Riveria knows something about my habit seeing she had a small chuckle too.
"Viska does mention that habit of yours... I love to read all the books; each had captivating knowledge inside, but *clap* there is a much more important thing that needs our attention."
As she speaks, an elven male stands forward, capturing all our attention. Riveria's eyes widen seeing the man even though she has been told about Orstrid's special ability, seeing firsthand Oberon how identical it looks in comparison to Oberon himself.
"Master, I finished with the preparation."
Riveria sighs a bit, the sign of gladness knowing Oberon copied had the same voice as Orstrid.
"It was amazing, Orstrid, almost impossible to distinguish us both, however, the voice thought."
"My apologies, Master; the illusion only changes my appearance, but not my voice."
Orstrid ability as an illusion changes how people describe how she looks in their eyes. It worked like an invisible cloak, but instead of making the user invisible, it changed the user's appearance for whatever the user chose, which is why her sound did not change at all.
"I will deal with that hitch with Captain Orstrid; no need to worry about it."
Riveria shrugs Orstrid worries.
"Then I will let Riveria-san deal with that problem."
They both nodded in agreement.
"Now let's start the process, Flora, Orstrid."
Oberon then went to a platform that had a sophisticated drawing of a magic circle that again in Riveria's eyes looked foreign. As I arrived at the middle of it, Orstrid stood forward and closed her eyes. I did the same and concentrated while I could feel my mana start to drain in a small amount when the magic circle started to glow white silver, which blinded everyone who was watching.
Flora tried to adjust her eyesight and pick a simple bracelet in her pocket while touching Orstrid's back with her left hand and the bracelet on her left arm.
{Morphorus}
----
~ (Third POV) ~
It had been four hours since the sun rose from the horizon. The sun shone brightly upon a group of soldiers waiting in anxiety, but among them, the goddess with long, dark hair looked the most anxious.
"Phobos-sama, please calm down; you make everyone start to get anxious."
Karen, the goddess Phobos escort never left her side, as she vowed to protect her since they left Rakia weeks ago. Phobos, for anyone who doesn't know her, is always consumed with anxious feelings almost daily because she overthinks that trait or weakness of her goddess.
Phobos and her guard are at the west gate of Orario, not so populated, just as Loki said for the sake of not pulling any unwanted attention toward Phobos. Then I saw not so far from a man heading our way from afar; it looked like a human male wearing a long silver robe.
Karen and the other guards started to prepare their weapons and stand close to their goddess as usual, but Karen did not feel any threat from the man who came along toward them. Just that the man stood just in front of them, he looked not so far of age as Karen, who had light brown hair and green eyes.
"Who are you?"
Karen asked with a suspicious gaze shot at the man, but before the man spoke, he bowed gracefully like a truly noble man directly toward Phobos, who was still confused with the situation.
"My name is Rudeus. It is an honor to be your future acquaintance, goddess Phobos."
~ (Oberon POV) ~
It is hard to think that I would take the same appearance that I had in the past, and the name, as I spoke, left a bitter taste in my mouth. In truth, Orstrid and other of my servants are arguing to choose to make a new identity for me, but as I said, the ability of the gods to see through lies is the only way to take the other name that you know is true and yet it's not.
'I hope this worked."
The atmosphere I could say was awkwardly silent for minutes, and then the goddess that matched the description of a goddess with long glossy black hair that stretched down to her waist. She wears unusual black clothes, but in Oberon's eyes, it is not so out of this world kind of style.
"You are the man that Loki sent?"
The goddess's voice was soft, a whisper, but it occasionally spiked in volume; it felt like she tried to keep a certain image of herself.
"Yes, I am the man that Loki chose to help you goddess Phobos, and followed whatever order goddess Phobos so choosing until everything is well and done."
Seeing no lie, the goddess nodded and ordered her guard to lay down their guard.
"That's good enough. We will leave at once, and before we head toward Rakia, I need to meet someone important."
"As your command."
There is a horse carriage provided as our way of transporting. Just when we headed toward the gate, I stole a glance from the back window of the carriage. There is Riveria, and beside her is Orstrid in disguise; sadly, I can't wave my hand toward them.
("Master, please be saved.")
("I will and please protect Riveria as best as you possibly can.")
("No need to, Master, and Riveria-sama said, 'Don't forget your oath'.")
("Said to her if she wants some souvenirs from Rakia.")
I could see Riveria sighting, knowing I tried to joke around.
("Riveria-sama said, 'Come back here without any wound; it would be a good enough gift for me. Have a safe, journey, Oberon'.")
Both keep standing and watch me leave Orario until I can't see both of them anymore in sight.
----
Phobos starts to introduce them one by one of her escorts, but the only one who is her child is 'Karen Morris,' a sword user, according to Phobos, she is the best in her Familia thanks to her status currently reaching level three.
"At first she was level two when we arrived, but thanks to the chance that Loki gave her to explore the dungeon, Karen could breach her limit."
"I see."
'That's amazing, but she was still young. I am not sure she could win a duel against Daster, who has far more experience in fighting than her.'
As we sat on opposite sides of the seat, I could say the atmosphere inside was suffocated, seeing Karen inspecting my appearance; she did not even care when our eyes were met.
"Is something bothering you, Karen?"
"You have not yet stated your status of your level."
'Ah, of course, it will come to this.'
Just before I continued, Phobos cut off our conversation by pretending to clear her throat.
"There is no need for any suspicious Karen. My friend has promised me that I could trust completely whoever Loki chooses to be my aid, Karen."
"I understand Phobos-sama."
Karen may try to hide her dissatisfaction of her goddess tried covered the man that just came to join them in their dangerous path.
----
The path we used was not a flat and easy road, I could say, and the farther we headed northwest of Orario, the mountains became not as bigger and wider as the mountain Red Dragon Mountain, whose spam-like wall separates Asuhra Kingdom from the outside. The Beol Mountains are cut in two tipping points that each had the same height and kilometers apart; it suggests that the mountain itself was cut by something or that the book itself lies about the height.
"Phobos-sama, if I may, I want to chat with the locals a bit."
"Sure."
I left the carriage and met one of the local vendors that just sold their produce. Just as a seller, he then welcomed me with a smile and tried to show me what she sold in full display.
"It's the best produce that we had just harvested just this morning!"
"Sure, I would buy a bag of sweet potatoes."
"Haha, thank you."
"Sir, can you share a couple of pieces of information with your customer?"
"Hm, I do-"
(Slam!)
I put 500 Valis on the table. With smile
"Sure! I will share any information you need!"
The man then tells us that lately there is a dwindling number or almost none of the merchants came from the northwest because of the incoming war. Thanks to that, the monster started wandering, but the most worried that the villagers felt was from the bandit that couldn't rob the merchant; they may have turned their gaze on the small village.
"Have that bandit had a god give them Falna?"
"No, they are normal bandits. The rumors circling their base are found 10 miles from here, passing a long bridge.
'That's pretty good reassurance.'
"I see, please take this. For a gratitude."
"Woah! Thank you!"
When I came back to the carriage, it seemed Phobos, and others watched are watching my interaction with curious gaze.
"How is it, Rudeus? Did you find anything?"
"Most unwelcome news for us, but at least we know where the danger is, goddess Phobos. It better we reach that village before night came."
----
After 10 miles (16 km) we travel from Orario, we arrive at the long bridge, as the man said. After passing the wooden bridge, knowing what a head Karen tightened the perimeters and kept her distance from the goddess while I took an outside position. I started to cast the same spell to avoid any chance stray projectile would go unnoticed. After marching for more than an hour, I have not detected any danger yet.
'This is weird. Does that man give false information?'
Oberon did think to assign numbers of automatons to aid him in the shadow; however, currently, all the attacker automatons and his servant are busy protecting the Elven kingdom because of the size of the area they had to protect Siv forced to decide to let her master traveled alone until he close to Rakia main capital.
The land itself starts to change from flat terrain to difficult mountain ground, but still, it's steep enough to make us push the carriage to move thanks to the mighty horses that were gifted by Loki. The sight of the Beol mountain has become far clear.
"Rudeus."
"Yes?"
"What is your relationship with Artemis?"
"…"
I went silent for a moment, not because I was surprised by her question, knowing I was asking her about Phobos; she may have talked with her while I was in the dungeon.
'What should be answered should I give to her?'
"I only could say we are pretty close."
"Hmm, that's hard to believe... She told me to give my utmost trust to whoever Loki sent. At first thought, it must be a woman, but a man."
"That means the gods can change to like mortals do."
"That doubtful the gods that I have known for long never change as far as I remember."
Phobos let out a long, weary sigh. After climbing and following a carved road that circled a small mountain from above, I finally could see a dark smoke from afar; however, I still could not see any buildings from the tall trees covering it. It was a desolate village. I could say clearly it was a desolate village, and I did realize fewer people were passing by. It had to do with a war that I already knew would happen, although.
'It had been a long time since I went hiking like this.'
After we walked for more than an hour, just when we arrived at the entrance of the town, two people were standing, welcoming us, but although I could feel a bit of a chill, a sign of danger came from those two. I started to increase my alertness seeing both covering their faces, not helping calm my worries.
"Those two are dangerous goddesses, Phobos."
I warn the goddess and others.
"It's fine, Rudeus. They both will not hurt us."
Still, my instinct is to scream to keep my hand on my sword close, especially the woman with white hair; there is a faint murderous aura that comes from her. As a precaution, I activated my magic eyes to see her aura. From what I saw, both had the same gray color, not peach black, which I am worried about, however.
'I feel like those white-haired women staring at me.'
When we stopped just in front of the entrance, Goddess Phobos ordered us to stop at the same time she stepped out of the carriage.
"I came here to meet him."
Phobos spoke this time; there was no shake in her voice. They both stared at each other first before replying with a short nod in agreement. The woman with silver hair walked toward Phobos, closed her lips toward the goddess's ears, and started whispering something.
"I am sorry, Karen, Rudeus, everyone, you will have to wait. I will head to meet him alone."
Still not sure to trust them. I stopped Phobos from blocking her with my right hand while keeping our distance from those two.
"Beforehand, goddess Phobos, I want to ask them to promise not to have any ill intent toward you to make sure."
'Like hell, I will get convinced by that someone who doesn't even show their faces.'
Karen seems to agree with my suggestion, knowing that they are not able to deceive the gods through their words. It follows with an absolute silence for a moment. What can't help is the cold gaze that comes from the silver-haired woman, making the atmosphere heavier; it almost feels like a standoff.
"There is no plan from any of us that would harm the goddess, and you forget that we can just kill a god lightly knowing the consequences."
When she gazed toward the goddess, she just replied with a short nod.
"My sincere apologies to both of you. I just can't trust anyone who is not showing their faces."
I put away my hand from my sword, and everyone did the same. The silver-haired woman just shrugs without accepting or speaking another word; following her was the goddess Phobos at her side.