Hestia's reaction to Lilly joining was strange; Arthas couldn't tell if she was happy or unhappy. After accepting Lilly, Hestia took her aside and they whispered for a long time.
The content was unknown, but they seemed to get along, which relieved Arthas.
The Familia now had three members, bringing Hestia's goal of world renown closer.
Dungeon exploration was progressing smoothly; Arthas's goal of saving for a house was getting closer. He'd spend mornings bonding with Riveria, teasing Ais, then head to the Dungeon. Arthas thought this would continue until a certain day arrived.
The Loki Familia was embarking on another Dungeon expedition. It was their last day together, so Arthas woke early, arriving at their meeting place at 4 AM.
But on the city walls, he didn't see Riveria or Ais; he encountered Loki.
Discovered?
He wasn't surprised; it was expected.
Loki wasn't stupid; she'd noticed her favorite child's unusual behavior. Her silence was likely a hope that Riveria would end the relationship herself.
"I don't need to explain why I'm here."
Loki, unusually serious, stared at Arthas.
"I figured. I wanted to talk to you too."
Arthas chuckled, touching his nose.
"Why are you so confident? Do you think I'll approve of your relationship with Riveria?"
Loki narrowed her eyes, radiating pressure.
"You have two choices: leave Hestia's Familia and join ours. No one will object; I'll even officiate your wedding!"
"The second?"
"Leave Riveria; never see each other again!"
Loki said this. She'd thought Riveria could control her feelings, but she'd fallen unexpectedly.
Loki marveled at Arthas's charm, relieved Ais hadn't fallen for him, and rushed to give Arthas an ultimatum.
She had to intervene and end this forbidden romance.
"Tell me your choice. If you join the Loki Familia, I'll welcome you."
Arthas shook his head.
"Impossible. You know that."
"Indeed… I apologize."
Arthas was surprised by Loki's apology. But she was making it clear that he must leave Riveria.
"Since you refuse to join us, never see Riveria again!"
Arthas's immediate refusal almost made Loki explode.
"Do you understand?! Don't take my politeness for weakness. I'm not asking; I'm warning you!"
"I don't care."
"You want a war game against Hestia's Familia?! I can destroy Hestia's Familia in an instant!"
"War… game?"
Loki's words reminded Arthas of war games—Familia-vs-Familia contests, sanctioned by the Guild, with Gods as witnesses, with rules determined by the Familias. Failure conditions were also negotiated.
"I won't do that. I won't force Riveria to leave the Loki Familia. Riveria's feelings for the Loki Familia are like mine for Hestia's; I won't cause her distress."
Arthas said softly, infuriating Loki.
"You think you can win! You think you can defeat the Loki Familia alone?!"
"We have four Level 6 adventurers! Do you understand what that means?!"
"No."
Arthas honestly shook his head.
"You're arrogant! If we have a war game, my children will easily destroy Hestia's Familia, and send Hestia back to the heavens!"
"I won't force Riveria to leave the Loki Familia to be with me."
"Do you understand?!"
Loki was about to break down; she couldn't communicate with him.
"Since you're stubborn, don't blame me. Hestia's Familia will face the Loki Familia in a war game!"
Loki turned to leave, but Ais leaped from the wall, tackling her.
"We were supposed to talk! Is that what you call talking?!"
Ais complained; Loki gesticulated wildly.
"I was calm! But he's an idiot! What am I supposed to do?!"
Loki shouted; a long sigh escaped Riveria as she floated up to the wall.
"Riveria…"
Arthas called softly.
"I'm sorry, Arthas… we should separate. It's best for both of us."
Riveria lowered her head, avoiding his gaze, speaking cruelly.
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