(Loki POV – Twilight Manor)
"Phew! They're finally gone!" I flop down on the couch like an old man after a hard day's work, an open bottle of wine already in hand. "And my wine is safe!" I add proudly, raising it like a trophy before taking a generous swig.
Riveria gives me that look. The kind that promises a slow, excruciating death if she had less self-control. "He explicitly said he just wanted to look at your collection." She reminds me flatly.
"Look today, steal everything tomorrow." I counter, swirling the bottle dramatically. "That's how it starts! One innocent peek, and poof! Next thing you know, my entire stock's gone! That kid's turning everyone against me, I tell ya."
"Loki…" She sighs with the patience of a veteran Saint, long used to their God's shenanigans. "No one's turning against you."
"Oh, really? Then explain this!" I jab a finger at her, nearly spilling some wine. "First it was Ais… my precious Ais!" I almost tear up at the thought, but barely hold back. "Now, even Tiona wants to bring him over for a sparring session! Gareth and Finn are curious about him too! And even you're defending him! You're all betraying me!" I dramatically throw my free arm over my eyes like a grieving widow.
Riveria just stares. "You're being ridiculous."
"Ridiculous is getting betrayed by my own kids for Hestia's brat!" I grit my teeth, taking another deep drink to wash away the heartbreak. It helps… but not enough.
'If alcohol can't fix your problems,' I think solemnly, 'you're just not drunk enough yet.'
I tilt the bottle… and it's empty. "Mama, pass me another bottle?" I ask sweetly.
Riveria exhales through her nose, but obediently brings one over. I snatch it from her hand immediately. "Thanks!" I chirp, popping it open and taking a long gulp.
"Loki." Riveria begins in a calm, barely restrained, lecturing tone. "We're not against you. You're just… not being reasonable. Ais wants to grow stronger. Tiona loves fighting. Finn and Gareth are wondering how Riven and the Hestia Familia could help our Familia. At the very least, Riven is a good combat trainer. That's all."
"I know that…" I grumble, voice muffled by the bottle's rim.
"Then could you at least put aside your grudge against Hestia," she presses gently, "and let Riven cooperate with us? Just for the foreseeable future."
"Tch." I click my tongue, lowering the bottle. My tone sobers, literally. "You think I'd stop them just because I can't stand that shortstack and her kid? I'm not that petty." I sigh, staring into the glass. "I'm happy the kids are learning… but don't underestimate him."
That earns Riveria's attention. Her posture straightens, her expression sharpening. "Did you notice something?"
"Yeah." I set the bottle down, my gaze drifting toward the window. "He's off. Like he's acting the whole time. Everything about him feels fake. The only time he felt… real, was when he was talking to Hestia."
Riveria folds her arms, frowning slightly. "You're suggesting he's been pretending all along?"
"Not exactly." I scratch my head. "Maybe yes, maybe no. But something's wrong. Think about it. Everything about him is too perfect. He wasn't fazed by us… us, the strongest Familia in Orario. He never lies, but somehow never tells us anything either. He always slips around the important stuff so effortlessly. No one that careful is an honest person."
"Perhaps he's just… composed?" Riveria offers, though her tone suggests she's unconvinced.
"Composed?" I scoff. "He almost died, and he acted like he only got hit by a slightly stronger breeze! He didn't even flinch! I'd expect someone to be groaning in pain, at the very least. That's not composure… that's just creepy."
Recognition flickers in Riveria's eyes, and I know she's remembering the same thing.
"And the whole compensation thing?" I continue, waving the bottle for emphasis. "Suspicious as hell. He asked for payment beforehand, like he knew Ais would lose control. Maybe he didn't cause it, but he sure as hell was ready for it. That's not normal for a rookie. It's like he's reading us like an open book. He's too strong for a Level 1, way too calm, and he learned her moves in minutes, and even went so far as to improve them and guide Ais to an epiphany. That's freakish."
Riveria tilts her head thoughtfully. "I did sense some magic after the impact." She murmurs. "It was barely noticeable, there was no chant, and seemed to be gathered inside Riven. I dismissed it, but… if he can do that, then yes. He's far from ordinary."
"Exactly!" I take a triumphant gulp. "That bastard's hiding something. I just can't tell what." My voice grows lower, carrying a rare serious. "And we owe him five million Valis because Ais's Development Ability actually leveled up… The irony's killing me."
The weight of that thought flattens me onto the couch. I tip the bottle into my mouth again, half-laying, half-moping. "I'm going to drink until this stops hurting."
"This is serious." Riveria says softly. "We should tell Finn, Gareth, and the others, just in case Riven does pose a threat."
"He doesn't." I reply instantly. "He wasn't lying when he said he doesn't mean to harm or exploit us. That I know. But he does want something. When you asked him about compensation, he hesitated for just an instant, before settling in seeing my wine."
Riveria hums in thought, her sharp green eyes narrowing. "I see. Still, we should inform them. Especially since even Hephaestus seems interested in him."
I nod, mostly because the room is starting to spin.
'When did that happen?' I blink and realize my bottle's empty again. I raise it wordlessly toward Riveria.
She sighs and hands me another. "At this rate, you'll finish your entire cellar alone."
"And it's all that big-boobed shrimp and her kid's fault!" I declare passionately, slamming back another gulp. The alcohol's warm buzz is feeding my frustration. My cheeks are hot, my vision's fuzzy, but my indignation burns bright.
"Ugh… that little shrimp got so lucky…" I mutter, teeth grinding as the world begins to tilt.
"So damn lucky…" I mutter, as I pass out, emptying my third bottle.
(Freya POV – Tower of Babel, 50th Floor)
The city sprawls beneath me, a living tapestry of lights and movement. From this height, Orario looks so small, like a precious jewel resting in the palm of a god.
I smile softly, fingertips brushing the cool glass as I gaze northward. Down there, among the crowd, a single presence burns brighter than all the rest.
A quiet laugh escapes me. My voice is light, melodic, and full of something dangerously close to delight.
"Who would've thought I'd receive such a beautiful surprise today…" I murmur, my eyes following Riven as he walks alongside Hestia. "You never fail to astonish me."
They move through the streets together, the little goddess at his side, cheerful and unassuming.
It doesn't bother me. Quite the opposite.
"Mm… yes." I whisper, smiling faintly. "It's more convenient like this for now. A harmless goddess to keep you safe until you're ready." My reflection smiles back at me from the glass. "After all… it'd be easy to take you back when the time comes."
My heart swells with a familiar ache as I whisper his name. "Riven… my Odr."
I hadn't intended to spy on him. Not consciously. But how could I not? When a soul burns with such brilliance, even the gods are drawn to its light. To look away would be a sin.
I watched everything. Their meeting, the spar, and the moment Ais and Riven collided for the final time. The clash was glorious, radiating profound beauty.
"I underestimated you." I admit to the empty room. "To move like that at Level 1… and to match the Sword Princess… no, surpass her, in swordsmanship?" My smile widens. "Magnificent."
In all my centuries, I've seen countless mortals rise and fall. Heroes, tyrants, saints. But none quite like him. His swordsmanship is like a gentle sun, basking all in its light, and drawing them in, only to burn those who stray too close.
I sigh, the sound laced with fond amusement.
"And I almost sent him a Minotaur…" I murmur, shaking my head. "How shameful of me. Ottar."
A shadow appears, kneeling behind me, his presence steady and massive. "Lady Freya." Ottar rumbles, awaiting my word.
I don't turn, my eyes remaining locked on Riven's distant form.
"I don't think the little gift we prepared for Riven will suffice anymore. It feels… inadequate."
"What would you have us do?" He asks calmly, not questioning why, and choosing only to obey.
My lips curve into a smile, a smile that few could ever hope to resist. "Something stronger. Something that would give a Level Four adventurer trouble."
I glance over my shoulder and meet his eyes. "He deserves a worthy challenge. It's the only way he'll grow."
"As you command." Ottar rises and departs, as silent as ever, the door closing behind him.
I remain there, motionless, my gaze lingering long after Riven vanishes between the buildings. And the faint ache of loneliness and yearning begins to tighten in my chest.
"Should I be more patient?" I muse aloud, tracing small circles on the glass with my fingertip. "I've already shown so much restraint…"
"But I need him to grow stronger before I claim him." I sigh.
I close my eyes and lean my forehead against the window. The evening sun catches my hair, painting the glass in molten gold. In that reflection, I can almost see the future I crave.
A world where he stands besides me. A world where he smiles only for me. Where his light and brilliance shine for me alone.
My fingers press lightly against the glass, as if I could touch him through it.
"Soon." I whisper. "You'll understand. You'll come back to me… there's no other path left to you."
A tender sigh escapes my lips. "I'll erase everything that stands in our way."
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A/N: Hello Everyone! How are you all? If you've enjoyed the chapter and book thus far, please consider leaving me some comments, reviews, or power stones. It really helps the book out.
Yay! It's still today, even if just barely🫠. So, this is the chapter, and I hope you can understand why it took so long (please validate me by telling me it was worth it).
I mean, I out quite a lot of work into getting their personalities right, which hopefully I did well. There's also not much to say this chapter, since it's a reaction to the previous one, but I suppose... I write in POVs, so keep in mind that sometimes, their analysis would be wrong.
Loki can't understand what's going on with Riven, and can't pinpoint he's basically emulating emotions. Riveria doesn't know what Riven was using magic for (Blue Papilio Powder to heal internal injuries), but she ignored it because the consumption was every small, and it didn't seem harmful, plus... You guessed it! GS! The best girl was doing the most, and kept it as quiet as possible, but still wasn't enough.
And Riven is kinda screwed (but I guess he'd like that). Getting bashed by a level 4 monster, when he's just level 1 is cruel. But the grave has been dug. Also, Freya's not evil, so I'll also ask for some magic suggestions Riven could get. I've already got an idea in mind myself, and I'm kinda hoping for better ones, so please feel free to drop some.
And finally, do you guys find these A/N enjoyable, or at the very least useful? Should I continue writing them, or should I stop? Let me know.
You can also read 10 chapters ahead and support me at [email protected]/AMV_WEAKLY
Anyway, that all from me. I'll be heading to bed almost immediately, so I hope you all have a great day/night ❤️!