I put down the magical pen, a magic item, and review once more what I just wrote in the letter. After checking it twice, I decide there's no problem and seal the letter inside the envelope.
"I never thought I'd actually have to use this..."
I close the envelope and press a wax seal stamped with the emblem of devil wings.
This seal was made a year ago when Hermes-sama got a bit carried away joking about me, and had Asfi make it. Apparently, because I'm a "Devil." it had to have devil wings.
Last night, Hermes-sama insisted on entering me into the "War Game" even though Hestia-sama refused. That means Hermes-sama suspects Apollo-sama will use some means to force Hestia-sama into agreeing to the "War Game."
From last night's conversation, it also became clear that while Apollo-sama is cunning, he's weak when it comes to improvisation. Otherwise, Hermes-sama wouldn't have been able to manipulate him so easily.
After a night's sleep, my head feels much clearer. I have work today, so I won't go to the dungeon. Even the Apollo Familia wouldn't cause a fuss so soon after yesterday.
I slip the letter into the shadows and step outside, holding the sign to open the shop.
Suddenly, there's a commotion outside. Curious, I notice Lefiya running toward the central square.
"Lefiya, what's going on?"
"Be-Bell… The Hestia Familia is being attacked by the Apollo Familia!"
"What!?"
"I was told by the guild master not to interfere, but I wanted to at least let you know, Toki, "
"Thank you!"
I drop the sign and dash toward the main street to the west. Passing through the central square, I see what looks like a magical explosion. To get there faster, I leap onto the rooftops.
"Toki, stop!"
A voice calls out. Turning around, I see Hermes-sama and Asfi.
"Don't interfere."
Hermes-sama's words make my mind go blank.
"Why not!?"
"Intervening now would be dangerous. It might drag factions into the conflict."
I grit my teeth at Hermes-sama's warning.
A year ago, when the Familia was destroyed, I had not yet received Hermes-sama's official"Blessing" and was in danger of being cast aside.
But now I have the"Blessing" and am a full member of the Hermes Familia. Hermes-sama, who usually remains neutral, defended me last night, so I can't cause any more trouble.
"So then, "
"I'm warning you, no conversion either."
"Conversion" is the ritual to leave one Familia and join another. I thought that would avoid trouble, but Hermes-sama rejected that plan too.
"You're the next guild master. For now, I'm letting you do as you please, but restrictions will come eventually. You need to learn that now."
He continued:
"I'm not the only one, Asfi and everyone else don't want you gone either. Sorry, but you have to endure this for now."
"...Understood."
My reply to Hermes-sama was quieter and raspier than I intended.
Afterward, I watched the situation with Hermes-sama and the others. Seeing Bell desperately running and protecting Hestia-sama, I get frustrated with my own helplessness.
My face twists with anger. My body shakes. I clench my fists so hard it hurts.
At that moment, members of the Apollo Familia appear near the rooftop where I am.
"Hey, you! What do you think you're doing!?"
Their leader, an elf, demands.
"What are you talking about?"
My voice comes out surprisingly low.
"Don't play dumb! What's with that murderous intent!?"
"Rissos, he's a Shadow Devil!"
"Then he must be one of the Little Rookie's allies!"
More Apollo Familia members arrive, drawing their weapons. Asfi draws her dagger to protect Hermes-sama.
"We don't intend to fight. Lower your weapons."
"Yeah right! Who would believe that?"
They disregard Asfi and seem ready to attack.
"We're just watching the fight." I say.
Surrounded with no escape, I still don't draw my weapon.
"But if you attack, "
I unleash the killing intent I didn't realize I had and point it at the elf leader.
"I'll kill you."
Just saying that makes the elf stagger, his dagger trembling.
"Sorry about this. He's really worked up right now."
Amidst this, Hermes-sama calls out brightly to the Apollo Familia.
"We're really just spectators here! We won't make the first move!"
His exaggerated gestures to convince the Apollo Familia look like a performance.
"But if you attack him first... you'll be declaring war on the Hermes faction. What will you do?"
The Apollo Familia murmurs among themselves.
The Hermes Familia is a mid-level faction. They have a decent number of members and include powerful individuals like the versatile Perseus and the Shadow Devil. In some ways, they're even more unpredictable than the Loki or Freya Familia.
"R-Really, you won't attack?"
"Yes, truly! You can trust us on that!"
"Alright, we'll believe you."
The elf leader signals the others to lower their weapons, and they leave in pursuit of Bell.
"Thanks for holding back."
"If you break this promise, you know what will happen?"
"Don't worry, leave it to me!"
I glare at Hermes-sama before turning back to Bell's direction. Bell and the others had clearly moved off in a different direction.
"Now's the time? Asfi, let's follow Toki."
"Yes."
"...Understood."
𓂀═════════════𓂀
The place Bell and the others headed was the home base of the Apollo Familia.
Hestia-sama pushed aside the gatekeeper and entered the grounds. Outside the stone mansion, numerous members stood ready as if expecting an attack. Apollo-sama emerged from the mansion.
Hestia-sama received some gloves from the dwarf Pallum, who accompanied Apollo-sama, and threw them in Apollo-sama's face. Then she shouted:
"Fine! I'll accept your challenge, the War Game!!"
Her loud declaration echoed even from afar.
"With the consent of both gods here, everyone, the War Game begins!"
Apollo-sama also shouted loudly.
"YEEEEEEEEEEEES!!"
Suddenly, gods appeared from all over the mansion, as if they had been hiding.
Amid the chaos, I glanced at Hermes-sama. When he nodded, I ran toward Bell.
When I reached Bell, Welf was talking to Bell and Hestia-sama.
"Bell!"
"Toki!?"
I rushed over to Bell.
"Sorry."
"It's okay, Toki has his reasons."
Bell had clearly noticed us watching.
"Bell, this is for you."
I pulled out the letter I wrote this morning from the shadows.
"What's this?"
"An introduction letter for Ais-san. She won't refuse you. Use it well."
Bell and the others' eyes widened at my words.
"You knew this would happen?"
"Not me, Hermes-sama did. He wrote it as insurance. I never thought I'd use it so soon, though."
I answered Welf's question with a serious expression.
"Hey, Toki! Lili's been taken by the Soma Familia!"
"What!?"
That explained why Lili was missing.
"Got it. Welf, gather anyone who might help in front of your workshop tomorrow."
"Sure... but what's the plan?"
"We'll find Lili's location today, and take her back tomorrow."
"What!?"
Hestia-sama's eyes went wide at my words.
"...Understood. I'm counting on you with Lili."
"Leave it to me."
Bell and I fist-bumped. Bell ran off.
"Alright, Welf, I'm counting on you."
"Okay, but do you even have a lead?"
"Yeah."
I had already started investigating the Soma Familia after Lili's disappearance.
From what I found, there are two places they could secretly hold people without borrowing other facilities: the Soma Familia home base and another location. The home base was practically non-functional, so the other location was the more likely one.
I hurried to Asfi to borrow her magical item, the Hades Head.
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