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Chapter 121: Apollo
"Thank you all for gracing us with your presence today!"
A resonant, energetic voice echoed through the venue. Instinctively, everyone in the banquet hall turned toward the sound.
At the far end of the hall, a male deity stepped into the spotlight, basking in the attention. His golden hair radiated a brilliant luster, as if woven from concentrated sunlight. The smile playing on his lips was equally dazzling, perfectly complementing a handsome face that easily ranked among the most attractive of the gods. He was tall, adorned with a laurel wreath of green leaves, and flanked by two respectful Familia members—a man and a woman.
It was the host of the divine banquet himself, the Sun God Apollo.
"I decided to change things up a bit based on a personal whim. How do you all like it? Taking the time to dress up the children we dote on every day and bringing them along to a banquet like this—it adds a different kind of flavor to the festivities, wouldn't you agree?"
Apollo had dressed to the nines to match his role as host, and his voice boomed clearly across the room. The other gods, always eager for a spectacle, immediately cheered and applauded, pushing the atmosphere to a sudden climax.
"To see so many of my fellow deities, along with your beloved children, brings me unparalleled joy—" Apollo paused, his gaze sweeping slowly across the entire hall. "—I even have a premonition that I might be blessed with a brand-new encounter tonight."
As he spoke, Apollo's eyes fell purposefully in Aiden's direction. Those crimson eyes carried unconcealed desire and a heavy sense of possessiveness.
Disgusting.
Feeling that sticky, lingering gaze, Aiden's stomach churned with nausea. He quickly turned his head, focusing on Focalors's sacred, breathtaking profile beside him. He took a deep breath, letting her scent—as crisp and refreshing as a clear mountain spring—wash over him, barely managing to suppress the urge to gag.
"Tonight will be a long one. I have prepared the finest wines and delicacies, so please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest."
With those final words, Apollo spread his arms in a passionate gesture of welcome. The gods at the center of the hall erupted into cheers in agreement. Countless crystal-clear glasses were raised high, and the bustling atmosphere of the banquet reached a fever pitch.
Apollo didn't immediately make a move, clearly waiting for a more opportune moment. His Familia members, dressed in crisp, uniform attire, wove through the crowd like professional waiters, balancing loaded trays.
"It seems our Sun God isn't in a rush. Let's just enjoy the banquet for now; it'd be a shame to waste all this good food," Focalors whispered to Aiden, gracefully stepping toward a nearby table.
Unlike Furina, who exclusively obsessed over desserts, Focalors seemed to appreciate all forms of culinary art. Seeing nothing better to do, Aiden picked up a glass of blood-red wine and wandered over to Yamato Mikoto.
"Mikoto, how have things been lately? Ouka must be getting close to leveling up by now."
"Mhm, everything's been going quite smoothly. Lord Ouka is still working hard to accumulate a Great Feat, but we should be just a short distance away from a level up." Mikoto had already adapted to the environment, no longer blushing and awkward like she was when they first walked in.
"Just a few more months, then. Once the Takemikazuchi Familia has a genuine upper-tier adventurer, you'll be able to earn a lot more money and send better support back to your hometown."
Aiden knew that the Takemikazuchi Familia's original reason for coming to Orario was to earn money. They wanted to send it back to the Far East to support their shrine, which had grown increasingly poor from taking in so many orphans.
"We also have to thank you for saving us last time, Mr. Aiden. Otherwise, we..." Mikoto's eyes brimmed with sincere gratitude.
Before she could finish, Aiden interrupted with a warm smile. "That's all in the past. Lord Takemikazuchi has taught me a lot and helped me tremendously. Besides, aren't we friends now? There's no need to cling to all these polite formalities. It makes us sound like strangers."
"I understand." Mikoto nodded firmly, her expression resolute. "Mr. Aiden, if you ever need our help, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do everything in my meager power."
She was well aware that the powerful Apollo Familia was currently eyeing the Focalors Familia. Lord Takemikazuchi had attended tonight specifically to back Focalors up. While the small Takemikazuchi Familia might not hold much political sway, their presence was a clear statement of intent.
"Don't worry, if something actually happens, I won't be shy about asking. The same goes for you—if you run into trouble, you can come find me anytime." Aiden smiled gently, raising his glass.
Mikoto clinked her glass against his and, mimicking his casual demeanor, downed the red wine in one gulp. The liquid burned down her throat, instantly painting her cheeks a lovely shade of pink.
"I heard from my patron deity that your growth speed is absolutely shocking, Mr. Aiden. Do you have some sort of secret recipe? Like... using a cheat code?" Mikoto caught her breath and asked half-jokingly, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Aiden blinked in surprise before chuckling, leaning in to whisper conspiratorially. "This is a closely guarded secret. I don't just tell anyone. Want to learn? I can teach you."
"Obviously, it's because he drinks the Godly Happy Water I brew!"
A teasing voice suddenly cut in. Naaza, holding a plate of exquisite pastries, had sidled up to them out of nowhere. "Do you need some too, little Mikoto? Since we're such good friends, I'll give you a twenty percent discount. One bottle, and I guarantee you'll ascend on the spot. You'll mow through monsters like a hot knife through butter, and level up like a rocket!"
"Stop lying to people!" Mikoto laughed, completely immune to the pitch. She and Naaza were already very close, given that their patron deities had been best friends for years.
"Speaking of which, is this building also an asset of the Apollo Familia?" Aiden asked curiously, glancing around at the lavish decorations. If this place belonged to Apollo, taking it over after winning the War Game would be a nice bonus for the Focalors Familia.
"No, it isn't."
Before anyone else could reply, Asfi strolled over with a wine glass, elegantly adjusting her glasses. "This facility is public property managed by the Guild. It's rented out to Familias or merchants based on their needs."
"Some gods do host banquets at their own headquarters, but Ganesha is probably the only idiot who actually does that," Takemikazuchi chimed in. "As a rule, no deity would haphazardly invite outsiders into their Familia's stronghold."
"After all, doing so is basically inviting a free invasion. It's no different from leaving your front door wide open for thieves," Lord Miach added with a gentle explanation. "You wouldn't be able to keep any secrets that way."
Everyone nodded in profound agreement.
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