Chapter 47 - Strange Riveria
"Oh~"
Loki had to admit, Bell had courage.
A new adventurer daring to speak to her in such a pointed manner was impressive.
Although she often laughed things off, that didn't mean she was indifferent to everything.
Few would dare to address her with such an attitude, but she couldn't help but appreciate this kind of boldness.
[A/N: She'd only appreciate if you're defending a fellow god.]
Especially from someone who stood up to defend their god when they felt they were being disrespected.
Hestia shot up and glared fiercely at Loki.
"Loki, don't do anything to my Bell!"
"Don't be so paranoid, little dwarf," Loki responded, rolling her eyes.
Though she could be willful, she wasn't angry at a brave child standing up for their god.
Besides, did she really come across as the kind of god who only acted out of petty malice?
Loki admired Bell's bravery, and she knew this rookie hadn't been an adventurer for long.
This kind of spirit was something she admired.
"Rookie-kun, I like your character."
"When someone insults your god, you stand up for them. While I don't recommend it in every case, I do respect your courage."
She gave Bell a sly grin. "If you ever find yourself in trouble, come to me."
Bell shook his head slightly. He could see through the dynamic between Loki and Hestia.
"Loki-sama, I think you're showing me some leniency only because I'm under Hestia's care."
Am I being that obvious?
Loki wondered if her acting skills had slipped. How could a rookie adventurer see through her?
She admitted that part of her admiration for this rookie came from her respect for Hestia, despite their differences.
After all, she hadn't expected the Hestia to form a familia, let alone one with such an interesting child.
'Ah, seems like Hestia's really got some friends.'
Seeing Loki's reaction, Bell knew his guess was right.
The relationship between Loki and Hestia wasn't that of mortal enemies.
It was more like two bad friends who found joy in embarrassing each other.
Bell couldn't help but be amused.
'That kind of relationship is valuable for a familia.'
"Unlike the dwarf, you seem much smarter, rookie."
"What did you say!?" Hestia exploded.
Loki smirked. "Oh, I was definitely talking about you, unwise little dwarf."
"Huh!? You're not so clever yourself, you flat-chested idiot!"
"F-Flat!?" Loki felt the sting of that insult deep in her heart.
As a goddess, she wasn't used to being compared, especially in that department. Loki prided herself on her divine form.
Still, when it came to Hestia, the insult cut even deeper.
While Loki could see her own toes when she looked down, Hestia, was the type who could enjoy a drink without using her hands.
The contrast was about as extreme as the Babel.
Every time that sore spot was poked, Loki could hardly keep from tearing up.
She clamped her hands on Hestia's cheeks like crab claws.
"You stupid dwarf, don't you know it's rude to state the obvious?"
"Oh yeah? Well, you're flat! And I bet you're jealous of my figure—look at me!" Hestia shot back, gloating.
Her words pierced Loki's heart, causing tears to well up in the corners of Loki's eyes.
"Mom! This stupid dwarf is bullying me!" Loki wailed.
Though she was often the bully, Loki's tears flowed freely, and she lost the will to keep squeezing Hestia's face.
She turned and threw herself at her familia for comfort.
"Who are you calling that?"
The elf being addressed—Riveria—glared at Loki.
Despite being just of age, her familia members often called her Mom, thanks to Loki's influence.
Riveria, who had been observing quietly, looked at Bell.
But for a brief moment, her eyes took on a yandere-like gleam, full of obsession, before she quickly composed herself.
No one noticed the shift in her demeanor.
She felt a strange palpitation in her chest.
'Sure enough, he's still too strong,' she thought.
Her gaze sharpened for a second before softening, and she muttered under her breath, "You wait…"
Bell, noticing the brief change in her expression, gave her a strange, almost morbid look.
But in an instant, Riveria's face returned to its usual calm, as if nothing had happened.
[
Affection Levels:
Hestia: 100 (Max)[Love]
Hephaestus: 50 [Friends]
Eina: 70 [Thinks herself as your sister]
Loki: 20 [Appreciation]
Riveria: 100(Max)[Love you and hate you]
]
[Warning: Riveria Ljos Alf detected as dangerous character. Please stay away from her for the time being.]
Bell: "..."
"Huh?"
Loki noticed Riveria's brief change in demeanor and raised an eyebrow as she sat back down.
"What? Are you interested in that guy?"
Riveria shook her head slightly.
"Loki, did you feel anything?"
Loki narrowed her eyes slightly.
"What, you felt it too?"
Though it had only been for a moment, Loki had sensed something strange about Bell as well.
The aura he briefly gave off was... familiar.
It was the kind of familiarity that almost triggered something in her mind, but she couldn't quite place it.
"Hestia really lucked out, didn't she? Getting someone like this on her first try."
Loki knew that whatever Bell was hiding, he wasn't some ordinary person.
It might not take a year or two for him to stand out.
Still, there wasn't any need to delve deeper just yet.
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