The Grand Opening 2
Freya was the first to break out of her thoughts.
"Fufu~ This is all so interesting." (Freya)
I snapped out of my trance and couldn't help but laugh too.
"I feel like I'm in a dream with all this new stimulation! There's so much new stuff!" (Loki)
I jumped up excitedly.
"And I can't understand how most of it was made…" (Hephaestus)
Freya and I shared a look before turning to Hephaestus, who was looking annoyed.
"Are you sure Heph?" (Loki)
That was not a joke, Hephaestus's domains pretty much covered building anything.
She nodded.
"Some things I can grasp, but the majority of this stuff I have no clue! It's like nothing I have ever seen before, but I can feel crazy amounts of mana flowing through every inch of the place. What can you two see?" (Hephaestus)
Heph was frustrated and directed the questions at Freya and me.
Freya looked thoughtful for a second before speaking.
"I see Magus. My eyes see his souls' signature everywhere, including a few others who I have never met before." (Freya)
Her eyes have the power to see the soul aspect.
I looked around myself before speaking.
"And I can see Magus's mana signature on everything. This entire realm is somehow gathering mana from the outside world and concentrating it. This central area I'm in has the highest level of it, and it's even purer than what I felt back in heaven." (Loki)
*Sharp intake of air* X 2
"Are you sure Loki? That shouldn't be possible!" (Hephaestus)
Freya put a hand on her cheek with a calculative look before speaking.
"I think there are many things we are learning about today that are breaking our world views. Magus has Ouranos's approval, so that must mean Ouranos knows about this, and he is allowing Magus to show the world for some reason. If we want to stay ahead, I believe its important to accept the change and adapt." (Freya)
I couldn't help but agree with her while also narrowing my eyes slightly more than usual.
'Freya isn't wrong, but… her words are lacking that biting edge she usually has… what is she up to?'
Unknown to me, Freya was beginning to open up slightly now that one of her largest insecurities were cleared up.
Hephaestus as well, but she still wore her eyepatch to keep things hidden.
"I agree, with the appearance of Magus and this business of his, the times are going to change and fast." (Hephaestus)
I nodded.
"I also agree, just seeing this place, I can fully see Orario going through an abrupt shift. But on the other hand, doesn't this just increase your curiosity in Magus?" (Loki)
They both nodded and smiled.
"Fufu~ he has my full attention~." (Freya)
The smile of Freya's face was unsettling, but it was different from the smile she usually makes.
"I concur, he is fascinating me more and more." (Hephaestus)
I gave her a knowing look.
'Even you Heph?'
She blushed and looked away.
"As much as I would enjoy this conversation, I advise we check the listing before the VIP auction." (Freya)
"Point." (Loki)
I picked up the remote and saw a button that said 'list.'
I clicked on it, and a holographic screen appeared before me.
"Ah!" (Loki)
'Fuck! That was sudden!'
I heard the others surprised voices to the same situation.
"My my~" (Freya)
"The hell?" (Hephaestus)
'Yeah, that sounds pretty accurate.'
I sat back up and looked at the screen.
It was a rectangle floating screen.
A big floating icon took up the screen with the word 'Tutorial' on it.
I cautiously stretched my finger and felt amazed when I felt my finger hit something solid.
The tutorial played out and taught me how to operate the screen.
I could scroll through the listings.
There were different areas marked under membership grades.
Bronze colored the screen in a bronze color while each progressive grade changed the options shown and the color of the screen.
Each area had tabs for different sections.
[Drinks] [Food] [Weapons] [Armor] [Potions] [Magic Tools] [Healthcare] [Clothing] [Eggs] [Information] [Books] [Miscellaneous]
I tapped on [Drinks].
A long list of items with pictures, descriptions, and current bids were displayed while more options appeared on the side.
[Alcohol] [Fruit juice] [Etc.]
I tapped on [Alcohol]
[Aged] [Mana Enhanced] [Non-Mana Enhanced]
I tapped on [Mana Enhanced]
With each specification, the options got cut down and showed me some incredible items that left me wanting them badly.
[Rainbow Fruit Wine] [Fire-Whiskey] [Tiger Bone Wine] [Etc.]
I read the descriptions and found myself drooling.
'Rainbow Fruit Wine is a high-class alcoholic beverage made from the Rainbow Fruit, and like the Rainbow Fruit, the wine's flavor changes 7 times. The wine has an extremely high alcohol content that makes up 85% of it, and while it is described as going down smooth at first, weak drinkers are unable to handle it very well.'
'I want it!'
Hephaestus was going through the weapon, armor, and miscellaneous section while Freya was looking through healthcare, clothing, and magic tools.
Each and every item was a shock to us.
Mana infused silk clothing made from Acromantula silk? What is an Acromantula?
More ores even Hephaestus has never seen before??
Dragon steaks? Where did they find a dragon!? And there is a variety!?
A wand? How can a mana focus be so small?
Potions with incredible effects.
Enchanted magic tools that are incredibly rare.
And beast eggs? What kind of beast's are these? They have DRAGON EGGS?!?
Hephaestus became shocked upon seeing [Phoenix Tears] up for auction.
Freya turned thoughtful upon seeing enchanted items related to charm, and her eyes turned truly desperate when she saw [Mind Cleansing Potion] that cleared up mental status effects and curses.
We were mesmerized, and soon the only sound was us tapping away, and the pleasant background music the auction house constantly has playing.
Before we knew it, the hour had passed, and our VIP passes made a beeping noise.
"Attention VIP members, the auction is about to begin." (Auction house AI)
I rubbed my dry eyes and aching head.
'Ugh, just give me a minute.'
Processing information and making plans is second nature to me, but I've been a bit out of the game recently, and this is a lot of world view breaking stuff.
A cold drink was placed on the table, and I immediately reached for it without looking up.
I downed it in record time and couldn't help but release a satisfied moan.
"Ahhh~ That's good stuff~ My brain is cooling back down~." (Loki)
"I'm glad you enjoyed it~." (???)
My eyes widened in alarm, and I looked up to find the man who started this whole thing and had been occupying my thoughts lately.
"Magus!?" (Loki)
He gave that annoyingly attractive smile and nodded.
"This is just a projection like what Mu did before. I will occasionally supervise the VIP auctions, and since you three already know me, there was no reason for the disguise." (Magus)
I nodded and just noticed that the connection to Freya and Hephaestus was gone.
Magus noticed my eyes and answered my silent question.
"To make things fair, I canceled the connection so you girls could have privacy with your bids." (Magus)
I nodded again and just stared at him.
"Is there something wrong Loki?" (Magus)
"Who are you Magus?" (Loki)
He gave me a confused look.
"Excuse me?" (Magus)
"Who are you? Are you a god? Mortal? What is this place? I have so many questions!" (Loki)
His eyes widened in surprise before he gave me a wry smile.
"We can sit down and chat later Loki, for now, I will just say this place is my creation, and I'm a bit special~ Haha~." (Magus)
'Of course your special, stupid!! And don't laugh it off like that! How can you be so stupidly attractive while avoiding my question!!'
I wasn't satisfied, but seeing as it wasn't the time, I nodded.
"Fine! But you better buy me a drink and explain soon! I can't live with so many questions flying around my head." (Loki)
He nodded and smiled.
"I'll do my best, but I won't be able to answer all your questions right away." (Magus)
Before I could protest, he held up his hand to stop me.
"For now Loki, here's the item list. Please study it, and I will begin in a minute." (Magus)
I gave him a dissatisfied look, but I still focused on the list, and my eyes widened.
'This…!'
With Freya:
After the warning from the VIP badge, Magus's arrival was noticed by me as soon as he appeared in the room.
"My my Magus~ Appearing suddenly before me like this in a private space~." (Freya)
I gave him a teasing smile, which he reciprocated and laughed.
"Haha~ My apologies my lady, it was terribly rude of me." (Magus)
I noticed his body flicker and felt a bit of disappointment.
'Its just a projection.'
I nodded at him.
"It's fine, I was not offended. So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? (Freya)
He kept smiling and waved his hand toward the drink selection, and a bottle of red wine was floated over to me with a single glass.
"I will be overseeing this VIP auction. It will only be occasional, but I felt the very first one I should participate in." (Magus)
I smiled in appreciation of the wine.
'I've never seen this wine before.'
The bottle was levitated to pour into my glass by itself, and a pleasant aroma came out.
I picked up the glass to taste it and felt admiration.
It wasn't the greatest I've ever had, but it was extremely pleasing to my taste.
I didn't say anything, but he noticed my appreciation and smiled.
'An attentive man is a plus~.'
Wine tasting has always been a hobby of mine. Not like Loki's habit of getting drunk but enough to enjoy a nice drink.
"Magus~ You're quite the mysterious man, I have so many questions I'm dying to ask~." (Freya)
His smile turned wry.
"Haha~ Loki just said something similar, how about we schedule a different time for it, the current moment is not appropriate." (Magus)
I nodded in acceptance.
'I have waited a VERY long time, I won't ruin my chances with this man by being impatient.'
"That is fine, but don't make me wait too long Magus~. You can see wherever, whenever, you please~." (Freya)
I laced my voice with intentional charm.
He noticed and nodded in approval.
"Good, just like I thought, you weren't able to control your charm before." (Magus)
This time my smile turned wry, and a bit of my honest feelings showed in my expression.
I held up my hand with the bracelet on it.
"Magus… I don't know how you knew, but… your casual action of gifting me this bracelet has saved me from my own personal hell. Truly, I cannot thank you enough for this." (Freya)
It felt weird to be able to express emotion so openly like this, a charmed person would have insane reactions if I showed any sign of turmoil. I usually have to keep it all hidden behind my mask.
My eyes refocused on Magus as he spoke.
"It is nothing to worry about Freya, I saw something I wanted to help with. No need to think too heavily on it. Let's not delay the auction for now. Your welcome to contact me in the future for a meeting. For now, here is the VIP auction listing." (Magus)
I gave him a smile and raised an eyebrow.
'Does he truly not know the heart of a woman? You don't just change my worldview, rescue me, and walk away like it was nothing. Oh, Magus~, you're a bit naïve with these things, aren't you?'
I cast my eyes on the list, and my eyes widened slightly.
'This…!'
With Hephaestus:
I became so entranced in the ores available in the auction that I didn't even notice my VIP badge beeping or the new presence in the room.
*Cough*
'Damn it Loki, be quiet.'
*Cough* *Cough*
I picked up a piece of ice and threw it in the direction of the sound without looking. I know Loki was just a holograph, but I was just conveying my annoyance with her.
*COUGH*
"What!?" (Hephaestus)
I snapped and finally looked up only to see Magus looking down awkwardly at me.
"Magus?" (Hephaestus)
It still didn't hit me.
He smiled.
"Hello Hephaestus, you seemed pretty interested in our listing~." (Magus)
It finally hit me, and I felt myself blush heavily.
'Oh god! I probably looked really stupid right now.'
I saw his smile widen and tried to fight down my blush.
"*Cough* My apologies Magus, I was…yes, I was very interested in some of the ores you have available." (Hephaestus)
He nodded.
"We have a nice selection that will likely be expanded a bit when I get some high-quality stuff from the dungeon's lower floors." (Magus)
I nodded, but that brought up many questions I had.
'So, if he can enter the dungeon, then he's a mortal? Wait, before that.'
I stood up and looked Magus in the eye with determination.
"Magus, your gift has done something I thought was impossible, and it defied everything I thought I knew by curing my curse." (Hephaestus)
I bowed my head.
"I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart, I will strive to repay this favor you have given me." (Hephaestus)
I raised my head and saw him have a surprised look on his handsome face before he smiled and shook his head.
"Haha~ You're a straightforward woman Hephaestus, I can appreciate that directness. But you don't need to be overly concerned. Just continue being yourself and enjoy life~ That's enough to repay me." (Magus)
I felt my cheeks flush again.
'How can you brush it off like nothing? Is a curse like mine so simple for?'
I felt my stubbornness rear its head and gave him a determined look.
"I won't hound you Magus, but I am in your debt. For now, I already accepted your challenge, and I will make something surpassing your knives with the materials you gave me. Don't think you can run away from me before that!" (Hephaestus)
I managed to make him look surprised before he nodded and gave me a competitive smile I recognized from my children in my Familia.
"Bring it on Hephaestus, I have much I can learn from you, but I won't back down from a smithing challenge~." (Magus)
I nodded and matched his smile. It's my first time having someone who could challenge me.
'I can ask my questions later, this is enough for me for now. Let me see what kind of man you are through your skills Magus.'
Magus showed me the VIP auction list, and my eyes widened in surprise.
Magus POV:
I was currently sitting on my couch back home with the girls and Azazel watching the public reactions and using the interface to send funny messages through the bubbles to mess with people.
They were having a blast while I was using a projection spell to simultaneously deal with the three goddesses at the same time.
With my occlumency skill, it was easy.
'Teasing Loki was fun~ It was like messing with a very intelligent kitten.
Freya was surprisingly pleasant to deal with. I was very unsure about her, but she seems to be quite interesting and not as…crazy? I guess she had a lot of issues bottled up that affected her.
Hephaestus was refreshing to deal with. She was adorable when she blushed, but her directness was like a breath of fresh air.'
I smiled internally and reviewed my surprise with talking to each goddess alone.
'I wonder how much I should tell them? Maybe I'll have the girls around so nothing cliché happens.'
"Magus~ Oi!" (Yoru)
"Hm?" (Magus)
I got broken from my thoughts by Yoru, who was shaking me back and forth.
"Finally! Stop doing that introspective thing already!" (Yoru)
Seeing Yoru being so cute with her pouting face, I couldn't help but reach out to grab her and pull her into my embrace and cuddle her.
"Oi~, Not~ What~ I~ was..*Puuurrr*.." (Yoru)
Her words got lost as I petted her into a bliss.
"Haha~ Dear~ Stop playing with her. We were trying to ask what items you were adding for the VIP auction." (Bella)
I looked up, but my hands didn't stop on Yoru.
"Hmm~ Since it's the first time and it's only these three women, I was going to go with something special and use these items.
[Felix Felicis (24-hour luck potion)] [Phoenix Egg] [Tome of Occlumency] [One-Time Teleportation Scroll] [(Blank) Katana – Grade Black] [Morpheus's Brew]
What do you think?" (Magus)
"Hmm, are you sure you want to use them?" (Bella)
I shot her a questioning look, and she continued.
"I see no problem with the luck potion, it's not really that useful for us since we cannot be touched by fate, so our positive or negative luck cannot be affected by such a potion. Plus, it has the side effect of turning your luck awful for 24 hours' after its use.
The phoenix egg is interesting since it won't hatch if it doesn't feel a connection to an owner.
Occlumency isn't such a bid deal since even with incredible talent, it would take years to master, and you have to have a certain standard of mental ability before you can even understand the text.
The teleportation scroll is useless to us.
The next two are what concern me.
A growth weapon is not a joke. It's weak now, but with the right partner, it can grow up to a world god weapon level.
And that wine….are you sure its safe to give away?" (Bella)
Bella analyzed the pros and cons of each item, and I couldn't help but nod along with her.
"Your completely right love. I feel like the phoenix would match Hepheaustus quite well.
As for the sword, you have to remember that it requires a beginner to use, and I have enough trust in those three goddesses to choose its wielder carefully.
For the wine, I'm sure. We don't have a large supply of it, but its one of the craziest wine's Gol has ever produced as you should remember." (Magus)
Bella nodded along while Akame stuck her head up from her position on my other side.
"What does the wine do?" (Akame)
I matched eyes with Bella, and she nodded.
"It's a special wine that puts its drinker into a trance that makes them incredibly introspective and allows them to review their life, dreams, and aspirations.
It's dangerous because many people hold scars, and their minds could break from reliving some things.
I'm only offering it because these three goddesses have incredibly strong mentalities. They have suffered far beyond a normal level, and their minds are very different from a mortal." (Magus)
Akame nodded, and I pat her head while Azazel, who had been quiet the whole time, spoke up.
"Magus, do you think I could try some of that?" (Azazel)
I looked at him, and he seemed to have aged at that moment.
'Oh yeah, as much as he tries to brush it off, he did just die after a very long life and left behind everything he knew.'
I nodded and pulled out a bottle from my inventory to toss to him.
"Sure, you can use the guestroom for the night, that stuff….isn't simple." (Magus)
I would know since I tried it before with Bella.
We fell into a trance, but thankfully I didn't have many scars to relive while Bella's horror-filled past was put behind her when she became my shadow lover. She genuinely let her past go and embraced her love for Yoru, Akame, and myself.
"Right, so we all agree with the auction items?" (Magus)
They nodded, and I reconnected with my projections.
The goddesses were re-reading the descriptions and making their own plans. Each member can only bid on five items at the same time, and that includes the VIP's. If they want to bid on other items, they have to plan things well.
Seeing that they were wrapping up their plans, I spoke up from each projection.
"It seems each of you is ready~ Let's begin the very first of hopefully many more VIP actions!" (Magus)
Some fanfare music played out with small confetti that got laughs out of the goddesses before I waved my hand, and a virtual image of the first item came up.
"First we have….." (Magus)
The auction didn't take long with only six items, and 20 minutes later, each item was purchased.
Hephaestus got the black grade katana and the phoenix egg.
Freya got the occlumency tome and the teleportation scroll.
Loki got the luck potion and the wine.
Interestingly enough, Freya and Loki were pushing hard for the wine, but they seemed to come to an agreement through the private message function, and Loki won it.
They were each given their items, and they finished making three other bids each for other items on the listing. Each item had a minimum buying price and seeing how no one else could compete with them as the rest of the members were only Bronze grade. I processed their items right away.
Freya got three mind cleansing potions.
Hephaestus got two types of ore and a barrel of quenching liquid to use in forging.
Loki got a few items as well.
I was about to bid them farewell and let them enjoy some of the VIP services, but Bella shook my real to get my attention to tell me to change my plans.
Freya noticed my facial expression and asked if something was wrong.
I smiled wryly and told them what Bella said.
"It would seem that a new friend of mine and my wives would like to invite you three goddesses to spend some time together tonight." (Magus)
They blinked at that, and I got various responses.
"They want to meet us? I don't see a problem with that." (Hephaestus)
"Fufu~ I'm very interested in meeting them as well." (Freya)
"Sure! It sounds fun~." (Loki)
Inwardly, I rolled my eyes.
'*Sigh* This is going to be a long night.'
I asked Freya and Hephaestus to use the teleportation area to come to the garden auction house with their party.
Everyone enjoyed their time differently.
Most of the women made reservations at the spa for the next opening day, Finn fell in love with the training simulator, Riveria refused to leave the library until the last possible moment, Gareth was joined by Ottar and Tsubaki in the bar, and the goddesses followed me to the hookah lounge.
"Magus?" (Loki)
I turned to her as we entered the lounge.
"Hm?" (Magus)
"What is a hookah?" (Loki)
Freya and Hepheaustus turned to me as well, hoping for an explanation.
"Oh right, I never explained it. Well, how about a demonstration to help explain it." (Magus)
The lounge was dark with gentle lights giving the tables and bar and golden glow that felt inviting.
The tables were circular booths that were separated from each other and had charms to allow privacy and ventilation.
The booths were lined with soft velvet cushions and pillows to create a relaxing environment.
In the center of each table was a very large style hookah.
I led the goddesses over and showed them a hookah.
"Hookah is a type of casual smoking that can be enjoyed among friends and colleagues for many different events, and it was widely used in specific cultures in certain lands.
This hookah is much larger than the average one and is almost six feet high with a stained glass base, metal shaft, eight hoses, and a specially designed cup to hold the tobacco.
Water is poured into the glass base while tobacco and coals are placed at the very top.
Users will suck air through the hoses and enjoy the smoke that is created.
The tobacco or, as its called 'Shisha,' can be changed for a variety of flavors and styles.
The Hookahs I use were made by myself and enchanted for enhancement and self-cleaning for waste.
The shisha I use was grown in a controlled mana rich environment, and each flavor has mild herbal effects while a few have various other effects." (Magus)
I finished presenting it and turned to look at the three incredibly intrigued goddess.
"This is ingenious! It's so simple, yet almost no one would think of it!" (Hephaestus)
She was trying to break it down and marvel at how simple it is.
"How fascinating~." (Freya)
She kept her words simple, but I could see the excitement for something new in her eyes.
"Oh~~ I want to try!" (Loki)
And Loki was pumped up.
"Haha~ Just a minute." (Magus)
Back in the mansion:
After Bella told me they wanted to meet the goddesses, we went off to get changed and freshened up.
I gave Azazel some size refitting clothes to wear since he was just recently dumped into this world with nothing but the clothes on his back and his abilities.
"Thanks man, you're a real lifesaver." (Azazel)
I waved it off.
"Don't worry about it, if my grandma threw you in this world, then I feel a little responsible. I'll help you get settled somewhere tomorrow." (Magus)
He gave me a sincere smile.
"Appreciate it man. I'm kind of excited to go play in the dungeon! I was worried about joining a Familia, but you saved me by telling me the real way to be an adventurer." (Azazel)
I nodded.
"Yeah, you should start off with a good level as well. This world is a godsend for increasing the base parameters." (Magus)
He nodded.
"Yeah, I'm excited to start researching it! It's like a real like RPG game." (Azazel)
I gave him a look.
'Oh yeah, he's a mad scientist type, isn't he?'
I shrugged.
"Just do it in moderation." (Magus)
"You got it." (Azazel)
He gave me a thumbs up that did little to put my worries at ease, but I ignored it.
'That is future me's problem.'
Just then, the girls came back down dressed to go out. Nothing fancy, just casual clothes, but nothing would stop me from checking them out.
"*Whistle* Damn, you are a lucky man Magus." (Azazel)
I ignored him but wholeheartedly agreed anyway.
The girls came up to us.
Yoru was dressed in a blouse that showed her smooth dark-skinned arms and toned stomach with her long purple hair in a ponytail and the bangs framing her face.
She looked sexy as hell to me.
"Oh~ Like what you see love~?" (Yoru)
Yoru leaned against me and whispered in my ear.
I nodded without any delay.
"Mn~ Good to know~." (Yoru)
We stared into each other's eyes and shared a kiss before we broke it off and smiled a bit ferally at each other. Our instincts leaked out a bit.
I pushed them down and turned to Bella and Akame.
Bella and Akame had their hair down with Bella in black and green colors and Akame in Black and red colors.
I had to stop myself from taking them back to our room right here and now.
"You girls look amazing as well, are you ready to go?" (Magus)
They nodded and smiled after getting in their own kiss with me.
"How much should we open up to the three goddesses?" (Magus)
The girls answered quickly.
"Answer the small stuff, but keep the big stuff hidden." (Yoru)
Yoru answered seriously for once, and it was vague enough for me to understand she was teasing me.
Akame slapped her on the back of the head with a foxtail.
"Bad kitty, but I agree that we should keep it simple." (Akame)
"I agree dear, we don't have to hide our abilities too much but let's just make this a casual meeting." (Bella)
I nodded and looked at Azazel.
He understood my meaning and paled quickly.
"Wait just a second! Why don't you give me the coordinates, and I'll teleport myself over?" (Azazel)
I smiled sadistically at him.
"Sorry man, you have to be with one of us or the wards will bounce you off, violently." (Magus)
We went back and forth a few times teasing him before Bella decided to take him in her usual apparition.
'Hehe~ That still won't feel fun for him, but I won't say anything.'
With that out of the way, I shadow traveled over with Yoru and Akame while Bella apparated while bringing along Azazel.
We teleported into the hookah lounge seconds after I asked the goddesses to wait for a moment.
'Ah, perfect timing.'
We appeared from the shadows of the room and walked up to the table much to the goddesses' shock.
Everyone conveniently ignored Azazel, who was down on the ground from his first time experiencing harry potter style teleportation, which sucks.
They had just seen me, and the others appear from the shadows and empty space.
I smiled at them and banished my projection before I spoke up.
"Hello again you three, I would like to introduce you to my party. Freya, Hephaestus, Loki, these three beautiful women are my wives and partners, Bella, Yoru, and Akame. Girls, these three beautiful women are the goddesses Freya, Hephaestus, and Loki." (Magus)
I made the introductions, and they all sized each other up.
"It's a pleasure." (Bella)
"Likewise." (Freya)
Those two were having a stare-off.
"Nice to meet ya~." (Yoru)
"The feelings mutual~." (Loki)
Those two were having a staredown.
"Hello." (Hephaestus)
"Mn, hello." (Akame)
Those two nodded and sat down while ignoring the others.
'Ha, interesting combos.'
I spoke to the empty air.
"Tom." (Magus)
Tom popped in and startled the goddesses.
"Yes sir?" (Tom)
"A butler elf?" (Three goddesses)
I ignored them and turned to Tom.
"Tom, please help me prepare the hookah, for the shisha and coals, 'sex on the beach' should be a good choice, and the coals are in a marked box." (Magus)
He nodded.
"Right away sir." (Tom)
He apparated off with the hookah while I turned to the girls.
"Now, since you all just met, I'll go grab some drinks and snacks for us while you all chat. Any requests?" (Magus)
I felt it was best to get out of dodge for a bit and let them get comfortable.
They made some easy requests, but Akame was honest as always.
"Meat?" (Akame)
She looked at me with eyes filled with hope.
I laughed and rubbed her head while her fox ears popped out.
"Sure thing love, how does jewel meat jerky sound?" (Magus)
She nodded.
"Mn." (Akame)
I walked off to the small kitchen behind the bar.
After Magus left:
A cold war was going on in the double stare downs.
Akame and Hephaestus were enjoying the silence and sat next to each other without issues.
The tension rose before a light bang broke the balance, and everyone turned to the one person who everyone forgot about.
"Holy shit! That was even worse than Magus's version." (Azazel)
Azazel only now recovered and stood up.
Loki's eyes narrowed on him before she abruptly stood up and slammed her hand on the table.
{Bang}
"Oi! It's you! You're that stalker!" (Loki)
"Hey! Who is calling this handsome man a stalker?!" (Azazel)
Azazel turned to face Loki, and his eyes widened.
"It's you! Where is my goddess!?" (Azazel)
Azazel rushed up with max speed only to get slapped down by a fox tail and slam into the floor.
Akame spoke up.
"Don't yell." (Akame)
Loki gulped and sat back down while Azazel picked himself off the ground and nodded.
"My bad." (Azazel)
He turned back to Loki.
"Is my goddess here??" (Azazel)
His voice contained so much hope that Loki couldn't force herself to lie.
"Shes….in the library…" (Loki)
As soon as she finished speaking, Azazel was out the door.
Everyone turned to Loki, who sighed and explained.
"*Sigh* A few days ago my Familia bumped into him in the street, and within sixty seconds he started proclaiming his love to Riveria. He said it was love at first sight. Since then, he has made every attempt outside my Familia home to get her attention.
I admit it was funny at first, but it got old really fast." (Loki)
There was silence before everyone broke out laughing at that.
"*Pft* That's gold~." (Yoru)
"My~ I must admit his love was quite pure from what I saw, but his soul was…. interesting." (Freya)
Freya commented and turned to Bella with a silent question, and she didn't mind answering.
"Azazel is special like us, don't worry too much about his soul, I'm sure it will come out sooner or later." (Bella)
Freya nodded in acceptance.
And just like that, the ice was broken, and everyone began talking casually.
Bella and Freya had slightly similar personalities while Yoru and Loki matched nicely.
A few minutes later, Magus returned with a bunch of floating plates and cups while wiping his hands with a towel.
Magus POV:
I came back to the table to see everyone talking smoothly.
'*Phew*, a retreat was the correct action.'
"Well, I'm glad your all getting along." (Magus)
They turned to me, and I gestured before the plates settled around the table.
"Aged mana rich red wine for Freya and Bella, emerald wine for Yoru and Loki, and one-hundred-and-twenty-year aged Fire whiskey for Akame and Hephaestus." (Magus)
Cups floating in front of each of them while a bottle was set down to share for their preference.
"Along with that, I have jewel meat jerky, chicken shawarma, some salted nut mixes, and mana infused chilled fruit assortments. These should go wonderfully with the hookah which should be…." (Magus)
Just then, Tom popped in with the hookah prepared and ready to go.
"Ah, perfect timing as always, Tom." (Magus)
He nodded and set the hookah down.
"It's my pleasure, my lord. Will that be all?" (Tom)
I nodded, and he apparated out.
I joined the girls at the table, and we all raised our glasses.
"Cheers!" (Everyone)
The next part of this long night began.