Are you my Odr? Route Freya

by Ventanus

So this is the second route of Are you my Odr? This time with Bell loving Freya, not only Syr. Rating MA

7. War game part two

Author`s Note1: Some parts in the beginning might be confusing, due to Syr´s, Horn´s, and Freya´s constant change between the roles, I´ll try to write it as understandable as possible.

About the chapters not loading. Fanfiction has currently a few problems. Sometimes you have to try a few times until it loads, or click on the story in general and use "next chapter" and hope it works.

I´m happy that so many people find joy in this story. I know it won´t be to everyones liking how it continues, but I will stick with what I wrote at the beginning. Freya is THE wife for Bell, while Horn and Heith will be loved by both, not only Bell. Heith and Horn will play a very important role later for the development between Bell and Freya, but no spoiler here.

Next chap will be the last of the "war"game. After that, the story moves a bit into the more action packed direction, the dungeon is to be explored by Bell and his party.

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"Freyaaaa?"

"Yes, Syr?"

Ryu was a bit baffled when she heard how her dear friend talked to the goddess, but she couldn´t know what Bell knew.

One day, Freya would gather her courage first, but one day...she would tell her friends the truth. Even if she was scared of their reaction.

"What is the next competition?"

"Hm, oho~~ It´s Allen´s race."

"Oh! I´m curious if he will win."

"Really?"

"Ehehe~~ No, I know he will win."

Bell smiled while Syr clung to his arm, smiling as if she was challenging the sun. "If I read it right, it will only happen in an hour."

"Jup! Then let us stroll around more!"

Ryu didn´t really know what to do, but Syr pulled her with her anyway. She just wanted to make sure that Bell would treat her friend properly, like a gentleman. And was still a bit conflicted that Bell loved Syr and Freya...and that both seemed to accept it. They weren´t elves, but Ryu couldn´t escape her skin, for her, love was just between two people.

"Oh! Before I forget it!"

"Hm?"

Ryu almost fainted when Syr turned to Bell and kissed his cheek.

"S-S-Syr! We´re in public!"

"So? It was just a smooch on the cheek."

Horn, in Freya-form, said nothing. She could feel how fast her Lady´s heart was now beating. Kissing Bell was something big for her, but her mistress was the best actor in the world, so she hid her embarassement.

"Anya asked me to give you a kiss on the cheek."

"WHAT?! Anya too?! Mr. Cranel!"

Syr giggled. "Ryu, it isn´t like that. Yes, Anya said she loves Bell and likes him a lot. But she asked me to give him a kiss on the cheek to thank him for everything, the snacks and all."

Horn smiled. "And that she now gets a chance to get closer to her brother again."

"S-S-Still! That´s too lewd! To ask you to k-k-k-k-kiss him! In public!"

"Well, she didn´t request in public..."

"A private kiss isn´t alright either!"

"Ryu...do you want me to remain alone?...Do you...dislike it...that...I found love?..."

"Syr...I didn´t mean it like that..."

Syr beamed all over her face again. "Then it´s alright, aside from that, I really really really love Anya too! And if love would bloom between her and Bell, that would be great!"

"Wh-What?! S-Syr?!"

"Oh...but then...Mr. Allen might hunt Bell down...that´s not good...might talk to him first!"

Even Horn was shocked by her lady´s statement. She couldn´t say if Freya was serious or not, since currently, her lady was a bit...well...exuberant. Bell decided not to say anythig to it, he was still too happy about the kiss on the cheek that he got on Anya´s request.

"Oh, what´s this?!"

Her attention got caught by a large crowd and a stage that had been set up.

"Isn´t that, Mr. Ottar?"

Ottar´s tall figure easily poked out of the large crowd, so they decided to get closer. Soon, they heard a familiar voice from a male god.

"Aaaaaaaand another one fails! So sad! It was very close this time, I swear! Who is the next to try his or her luck?! Oho! Isn´t that the Sword Princess?!"

Hermes was standing on the stage, exclaiming in his loud voice again.

"Friends, lend me your ears again! Listen if you stand far. Watch if you stand close! Call out your name if you think you´ve got what it takes!"

For whatever reason, Hermes had changed his outfit and seemed to work here as an announcer too. We wore a dark jacket over white pants. And in front of him, on the stage, stood something weird.

A weapon, a spear, with its head lodged in a chunk of ice...or maybe crystal?

"Now! Which intrepid hero will pull this spear free!"

Hermes wasn´t alone, a dozen women stood close to the stage, as well as a familiar, tiny goddess.

"Oh, that´s Lady Hestia! What is she doing here?"

Bell looked curious. "She seems to talk to someone."

Horn and Freya both raised their eyebrows in unison.

"That is..."

"Artemis? What is she doing here?"

Bell was amazed by the blue-haired goddess who stood there smiling and chatted with Hestia. Sure, she was beautiful, but it was more her haircolor that surprised him.

"Who is she?"

"Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt and Purity."

Ryu followed their gaze. "Lady Astrea spoke of her as a friend. Apparently, she is the most puritan of the three celestial virgins."

Hermes continued. "This legendary spear can only be free by the chosen one, who will be blessed by the very Goddess of Purity!"

He pulled a note out of his jacket. "And not only that!"

"He or she will also be invited to a grand trip around the world! A trip officially approved by the guild!"

The crowd cheered loudly, the people were obviously excited.

Horn raised an eyebrow, acting perfectly in her role as the goddess. "I´ve never before seen Artemis...smile. And giggle."

Syr smiled. "Maybe it´s Lady Hestia´s influence? They are friends, after all."

"Maybe."

Syr looked at Bell. "Do you want to try it? It could be fun!"

"Ahm..I don´t know."

"Awww, come on! Please? Please?"

There was no way he could say no to these eyes.

Horn smirked. "But I won´t allow you to be blessed by Artemis. Whatever Hermes actually means with that."

"O-Of course not! I would never leave your side! I will always stay with you!"

"Eh? B-Bell..."

Freya could feel how much the emotions bubbled up in Horn right now, she looked at Ryu.

"Do you want to try it too?"

"No, even...even if she is far away...I would never leave Lady Astrea´s side."

"Hehe~~"

While they went closer, they saw a sad Lefiya leaving the stage, the spear didn´t move an inch. And next was..."

"Oho! Renowned Sword Princess takes the stage! Feast upon this beauty!"

Lefiya...and Artemis...grit their teeth when Hermes said the last part. The hunting goddess said something that only Hestia and Hermes heard, it let the male god go a bit pale.

They went closer and watched how Ais´ hand closed around the spear´s shaft, trying her best to pull it it out, the crowd cheered for her.

But it wouldn´t move...

She eventually let go, looking a bit troubled. "No...I...can´t...no strength..."

For some reason, Ais held her stomach as she left the stage, it let Syr and Freya chuckle. Bell looked a bit worried.

"She isn´t sick, right?"

Syr grinned. "Nope, I think it´s just because of her upcoming match against Mr. Ottar, they have a condition to fulfill before that."

"Oh? What is it."

"Hehe~~~ Wait and see."

Hermes continued. "Now, the next challenger is..."

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"I will do it."

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Not only Hermes went pale when a mountain of a man went onto the stage. The wooden constructions ached and creaked when Ottar´s massive figure stepped onto it. For a moment, it looked like one of the women from Artemis´ familia wanted to protest, it was her captain, Rethusa.

But..she went quiet.

And Freya saw how she bit her lower lip, her eyes glued to Ottar´s midrift.

"Ohyaya?~~~ Ehehe~~~ Hmmm, Lady Artemis´ captain seems to have a weakness for muscles."

Ryu looked uneasy. "Lewd..."

Artemis didn´t seem to be pleased by Rethusa´s behavior too.

Hermes eventually found his voice again. "O-Oh, the King! You want to take this trial too?! Don´t tell me, you intend to leave Freya´s sid-!"

His voice died out as he witnessed Ottar´s gaze. "Never say that again."

"I´m sorry..." Hermes´ voice was like that of a mouse.

"You say this is a legendary artifact?"

"Y-Yes! Provided by Artemis! It is a spear like no other."

"Then it will be a fine gift for Lady Freya."

"Eh?"

The crowd watched as Ottar took a stand behind the spear, closing his hands around the shaft.

Freya leaned to Bell. "Watch closely, Bell. His strength is the real deal."

Hermes went two steps away to be sure, as Ottar´s muscles started to bulge, and he gritted his teeth.

"Gnnnh!"

Some people in the crowd cheered for him.

"It´s the King!"

"You can do it!"

"Orario´s strongest!"

Ottar´s face slowly contorted, and his muscles bulged more and more, but the spear didn´t move at all.

Bell was about to say something when a loud crashing sound echoed over the place.

The spear moved up!

The head still lodged in the chunk of crystals..and the wooden beams below it still attached onto the crystal. Ottar didn´t pull out the spear...he ripped out the entire part of the stage instead!

People were baffled, shocked even! Freya couldn´t hold back and laughed.

"Ahahaha!~~~ That´s Ottar for you! Ahahaha~~~~~"

This already would´ve been enough for Ottar, to make his goddess happy, but he looked at Hermes.

"Does this count?"

"Ahm...ah...A-Artemis?"

Hermes looked down from the stage, where Artemis shook her head.

Ottar looked at the wooden beam and the chunk of crystal. "Then..."

He closed his right hand around the wooden beam and reduced it with a simple crush to splinters, then his hand closed around the chunk of crystal.

"O-Oy, K-King, wa-!"

Ottar grit his teeth as he closed his hand, Artemis raised her hand and wanted to cry out to stop him. Even when the crystals were magical, to only give the spear free if the one who got chosen by the spear touched it, and even when it withstood the strength of Ais before...

Ais was "just" a fresh level six...

Ottar was a high-end level seven.

The crystals exploded.

Enchanted or not, the crystals couldn´t withstand everything, Ottar´s strength was just too big. Everyone watched in disbelief, especially Artemis, her expression had slipped.

Freya and Horn started to laugh and chuckle in unison, amused to no end. For once, Horn´s feelings were genuine and didn´t only come from Freya.

Ottar looked at the spear in his hand, chunks and splinters of crystal still clung to the spearhead, which even he couldn´t remove.

"That should settle it, god Hermes."

"Ah-Ahm...K-King w-"

Ottar jumped from the stage and in front of Horn, Freya, Bell, and Ryu.

"I want to present this as a gift for you."

He even knelt down and raised the spear, holding it on his palms. But only because Syr stood next to "Freya". So, they knew he actually knelt in front of Syr and not Horn, but for the people present, it looked like this.

Syr smiled. "That´s really a unique gift."

Horn put her hand on the shaft of the spear, slowly lifting it up. "I will accept your gift, Ottar. You have my thanks, it brings me great joy."

"Then I´m glad."

He got up to his feet again, just as Hermes, Artemis and Hestia came close. Artemis made an unpleased face when she looked at Freya.

"I will not accept this outcome, he broke the rules."

Horn shook her head. "He broke the crystals."

"It was stated he had to pull it out."

"Hm, Bell, could you hold this for me for a moment?"

"Hm? Oh, yes."

Horn handed Bell the spear and turned to Artemis again. All eyes were immediately on Bell, as the spear started to glow softly for a moment, then all crystal parts simply slid off and fell to the ground.

"Oh!"

Syr looked surprised, first at the spear, then at Bell.

Hermes smiled wryly. "The spear has chosen you, Bell."

"What does that mean?"

Artemis looked even more displeased. "You belong to Freya too?"

Horn nodded. "He does."

Artemis was almost disgusted. "No, not someone from your familia, I don´t want to have my spear sull-!"

Ottar towered over Artemis, his glare shut her up. "Don´t you dare talk like that to her."

"Ungh!"

Artemis made half a step back, but Ottar relaxed as Syr put a hand on his massive arm. "Mr. Ottar, I´m sure she didn´t intend to be mean to Freya. But they´re polar opposites."

"Mh."

Syr smiled at Artemis. "I know you´re troubled with Freya, but it seems like your spear chooses on its own? What does it mean?"

"It is a copy of my divine artifact, engraved with my blood. If a worthy wielder touches it, he or she will get chosen, the spear will only work in the hands of the wielder."

"Oho? But for what purpose?"

It seemed to be easier for Artemis to accept Syr somehow.

"Not here."

Hermes lowered his voice. "If you may follow us?"

Since Freya was curious, she followed them.

Artemis looked over her shoulder at Ryu. "You´re...one of Astrea´s."

"I am."

"This is only a matter for us and Freya´s familia."

"I unders-!"

Syr closed her arms around Ryu´s left one. "Ryu comes with us!"

Horn nodded. "I agree. She is like an honorary member anyway."

Ryu looked shocked. "What?! Why?!"

Horn raised an eyebrow. "Who do you think told Syr where you would be all these years ago? It was her decision what to do, but I told her."

"Why would you do that, Goddess Freya?"

"You belong to Astrea, she´s my friend. That´s reason enough. But you´re also Syr´s best friend in the whole world, she begged me to "protect" you."

Syr halfway cried. "Freyaaaaaa!"

Ryu looked surprised and a bit abashed. "Oh...I..."

"No need to thank me, it was all Syr."

"Syr..."

Syr smiled with love in her eyes at Ryu. Not romantic love, but it said enough to let everyone see, Ryu was someone important and precious for Syr.

They followed Hermes and Artemis to an empty building. Artemis´ familia stood in a circle around the building.

Hogni crouched on top of it, they never noticed him.

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"So, Lady Artemis, what is all this about?"

"Have you ever heard the name Antares?"

"Hm..I..."

Bell raised his hand. "I did."

"You?"

"Yes. In a story, a book that my grandfather gave me. It is an ancient monster that was sealed away in a ruin."

"You...are quite well informed...young man."

Artemis looked at the spear in his hands again for a moment, this let Horn raise an eyebrow again.

"I will not give my precious Bell to you, Artemis."

"This isn´t my intention! I would never let a man into my familia! And don´t talk to me, Freya!"

Ottar growled with his deep voice, on the rooftop, Hogni´s soul flashed up in anger.

Syr clapped her hands. "Lady Artemis, that´s not nice to say, Freya is very nice. Bell was chosen by your spear, so, please explain what it means."

Ryu was shocked at how easily Syr stood up against the goddess.

"Fine... The seal of Antares is weakening, he will soon become free again. This spear is needed to seal him again or maybe destroy him for good."

"Why wasn´t he destroyed in the past?"

"The people didn´t have the strength to do so, they could only seal him after countless people lost their lives to do it."

"And...you want Bell to go and do that?"

"No, I don´t want that. But the spear chose it´s wielder...even if I disagree with that choice."

"Hm..."

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"Lady Freya."

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"Ottar?" Horn acted like always.

"I would like your permission to leave your side for a while."

"Oh? Oh...you want to fight Antares, right?"

"Indeed."

Artemis looked angry. "You can´t fight him without the spear!"

"Who says that?"

"I do! It is needed to seal it!"

"Because the people back then didn´t have the strength to defeat him otherwise."

"And you do?!"

Ottar just glared at Artemis.

"Behemoth and Leviathan were surely stronger than Antares, both got slain without a mythical weapon. I have a strong weapon, it will be enough."

"How can you say that?! That´s hubris!"

Horn smiled. "I absolutely believe in Ottar´s strength."

She felt what Freya would say, both could exchange thoughts and feelings in a depth and speed, that even the Gullivers couldn´t.

"You know that the others won´t leave you alone?"

"They will...if you order it."

Bell dared to raise his hand. "May I say something?"

Horn nodded. "What is it, Bell?"

"In the story, Antares was able to call countless scorpion-like monsters."

Horn and Freya exchanged a look before Horn answered.

"Hm, under two conditions then, Ottar."

"Name them."

"You will take Hedin too, for observation, and he can take care of the small monsters; he is good with that. Then you have the room to challenge Antares."

"I could deal with all of them."

"But can you protect Artemis´ familia at the same time?"

"Mh."

"And the second condition. Win. And return alive. Both of you."

"I understand."

Artemis almost fumed with anger. "This won´t be enough to defeat Antares!"

This time, Syr smiled in a special way. "Lady Artemis...I don´t think you know what Mr. Ottar is truly capable off."

"I..."

"Mr. Ottar is the strongest adventurer in the whole world. Even Lady Loki´s entire familia would have trouble against him alone! Besides, Bell is only a fresh level one, Mr. Ottar is a high-end level seven and the strongest adventurer in the world!"

She said it twice now, but it was still true.

"I..."

Hestia looked at Artemis. "Come on, Artemis. He´s really crazy big and strong! I swear it! I saw his bare muscles! You could forge on that belly!"

"Hestia...that sounds naughty..."

"I didn´t mean it in a naughty way!"

Hermes grinned slightly. "The King setting out to defeat a great threat on the surface, truly a story to behold."

"Ungh..." Artemis was still troubled.

Horn smiled like a queen. "That settles it then, Ottar and Hedin will accompany you when you set out. But not today. Ottar?"

"Yes?"

"Do you mind if Bell keeps the spear and uses it in the dungeon?"

"I don´t mind, it was a gift to you. If it brings you joy to give him the spear, I´m satisfied."

"Ehehehe~~~ Thank you, Ottar. So, Bell. Congratulations on your new weapon, I guess?"

"Eh? J-Just like that?! I can´t accept it!"

Artemis sighed and shook her head. "You´re just doing what you want, Freya... Young Bell, no one except you can use the spear now anyway. It is bound to you."

"Can it be unbound?"

"Are you willing to die?"

"No!"

"Then not."

"Uwah..."

Horn took Bell´s free hand. "Ottar, can I ask you to bring the spear back to Folkvangr and then talk to Hedin? And don´t you dare skip your match against the Sword Princess."

"As you wish."

He knew it was also Freya´s honest wish.

Syr took his other hand, and both pulled him to the entrance of the building.

"Ryu, come! Let us have more fun at the festival!"

"I..ahm...I´m coming..."

Ryu slightly bowed to Artemis and Hermes before she left.

Artemis was never before in her life that baffled. As was Hermes, this event didn´t turn out how he had imagined it at all!

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What did they even do with the spear if they could´ve asked Freya in the first place! He just hoped it would work without the spear.

But Ottar´s strength was the real deal.

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She really did what she wanted to have fun and enjoy herself...

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Ryu felt her head spinning, all these events had happened in such a short time, in what an extravagant way Freya had dealt with the situation and Artemis´ "request"...

"Syr...I think I will take a break..."

"Are you alright? You won´t get sick on me, right?"

"It´s alright...it´s just a bit much. Mr. Cranel."

"Yes?"

"I expect you to treat Syr with courtesy and chivalry."

"I would never do anything less."

"Good, until later then."

Ryu had different reasons for being exhausted. She didn´t want to deal with more Freya familia members now, and if it was true that these three loved each other, Ryu would only be in the way, they should enjoy the festival. After all, there would be more days of the festival, she, Anya, Chloe, Lunor, and Syr had planned to stroll around together one of the days.

The elf squeaked surprised when Syr suddenly hugged her from the side, then she left with Bell and Freya. For a moment, Ryu looked up as she noticed a movement. She saw a cloaked figure moving along the rooftop, it was a dark-elf. Normally, she would be suspicious if someone followed Syr like this, but she knew from Syr that Freya always got protected by at least one of her followers.

"I will look around a bit."

She would take her time to think about the recent things that happened. Ryu was happy that Syr had found someone, found love, even if it had happened quite fast.

Love...a partner...huh.

So far, these things didn´t awaken Ryu´s interest, maybe one day she would find someone? Maybe.

But something else troubled her, meeting Artemis. Astrea´s friend...hearing about Astrea from Freya too...that she had been allowed to use the magical mirror to look at her goddess as payment for Bell´s training.

Lady Astrea...

Maybe...maybe it would time to take her vacation...and go to visit someone...

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"No way...how did he move here so fast? And got changed?!"

It was rare for Bell to see his beloved goddess baffled, but he did so, again. The reason was obvious, it baffled him too.

"Llllllaaaaaaadyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyys and geeeeentlemaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! It is time for the great race! To determine once and for all which adventurer is the fastest in Orario!"

Hermes was back in his role as an announcer, he didn´t seem to be exhausted or anything like that, even after moving here faster than they did, and changing his clothes.

For this challenge, they had cleared the East Main, Allen and Bete would race from Babel to the arena. Magic was forbidden to use, otherwise Allen would win without a problem. Not that someone outside of his familia knew what his magic did, even in his clashes with Loki familia did he never use it.

Magical mirrors were in the air, showing the moment at Babel, where both contestants prepared themself and glared at each other. Freya and Loki would wait at the arena for their chosen champions.

Lefiya was freed from her help at the café, she would accompany Loki all day now, if she wanted to or not. The young elf was currently eating something, trying a burger for the first time in her life. For Bell, she looked quite adorable, Lefiya glanced at him when she noticed his gaze, then pouted...and turned around, so he could only see her backside.

Syr poked his side. "Bell, it´s not nice to ogle an eating girl."

"I´m sorry, I didn´t mean to."

"Good."

The poke was a bit harder than necessary, that was because Horn and Freya had changed roles again. This time, both had come up with a genius solution. When Ottar went to Folkvangr to bring back the trophy, he was also ordered to talk to Remilia and bring Freya one of her dresses. Now, Freya and Horn wore the same outfit, a pure, white dress, that went down to their ankles. If they would change the roles now, they just had to get out of sight for a moment, not needing to change their clothes again.

Freya looked at Bell with love in her eyes. "Wh-What do you say...Bell?"

"You look wonderful, the sun has to be jealous of you."

Freya blushed, but also smiled in a special way, it almost looked a bit condescending, but in an...almost...Bell nearly didn´t dare to think this word...a...sexy way.

"I smell Hedin´s influence in these words. His teachings."

He blushed too.

"I...I just thought it would sound good."

"It did, but more if it were your own idea. Just remain who you are, Bell. That´s what I lo-lo...-l-l-love about you..."

"Freya...I...I l-l-love you too..."

"Mh..."

"Mh..."

Horn just smiled in Syr´s form, she was glad that Freya was happy but also confused and troubled with her own feelings. They went in every direction at once. Oh, how would she love to strangle Bell right now...but also to hug him...to punch him...to gently caress his handsome face.

Ngh..

Normally, Freya would react to these thoughts, but something drew in her attention, something that overshadowed everything.

It was a soul.

A soul that didn´t look like it usually did.

A soul...that looked like a heart, completely red, beating heavily, a clear sign of love. Equal eyes seemed to be in the eyes of the soul´s owner.

Chloe.

"Haaaahnyaaaaaa~~~~~~"

Chloe looked at one of the magical mirrors, the one that showed Allen. The picture circled around him, just as he and Bete crouched down into starting position. Both wore special clothes, a gift that the gods brought down to the mortal realm.

Spandex.

Allen wore a bodysuit that covered his legs and arms only halfway, it was skintight. And was the reason why Chloe´s soul and emotions went into overdrive.

"Unyaaaaah~~~ The purffect butt!~~~~~"

She meowed and drooled at the sight, shivering on the spot. Another soul close to her also looked like it was bursting from love.

"Mwehehehe~~~ Bete Loga´s abs...his muscles...he´s so delicious...I want him to pin me down.~~~~"

A young amazon equally drooled at the sight of the magical mirror she looked at. Bete only wore pants, leaving his upper body free. Both were quite muscular, but it was Bell´s first time to see how muscular Allen was.

"Wow..."

"Amazed, Bell?"

"I didn´t know Mr. Allen was like this."

"Well, his usual armor doesn´t hide it much, but I guess you never saw him from up close."

"I have to say I am a bit scared of him."

"Ehehe~~ Allen is not that scary, he´s a cute cat."

On the magical mirror, for some reason, Allen looked a bit pissed.

Did he hear her?!

As the signal was given that they would start soon, Allen and Bete raised their behinds into starting position. Chloe meowed loud and almost fainted, her soul pulsed so bright and hard, that it blinded Freya.

Oh my...she has fallen for him completely...or...his butt?

Freya of course knew about her friends´ fetishes. Chloe loved a good butt, and...cute boys. Lunor liked her guys handsome and nice, with soft hands, for massages. Anya...that was hard to say, maybe attracted to scents and taste? It wouldn´t be unusual for a cat person. And Ryu...the most "perverted" of them all. Liked stuff like being alone in a forest at night, whispering vows of love, under a full moon. Aside from that, as a normal elf, Ryu was quick to see indecency in almost everything. She probably would´ve even refused to try and free the spear after Bell, since it would be indirect handholding!

But the Amazon Lena also squealed as she looked at the half-naked Bete.

Yet, not only these two, many women in Orario sighed or cheered for the two sexy adventurers.

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"Freya familia´s vice-captain, Vana Freya, Allen Fromel...and Loki familia´s Vanardgandr, Bete Loga...both give us the show that we were hoping for! Feast your eyes upon this, ladies of Orario! It´s not something you will see again! Both are rank one and two on the list of "Most handsome jerks", since both are popular, they switch between first and second place every week!"

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Bell looked a bit weird at Freya. "Is...there really such a list?"

"Oh, absolutely. The other deities make lists for many things. There is even one of "Female adventurer you would love to have as your girlfriend", but mostly Loki´s girls are there, since most people don´t know my precious ones. And by the way, Horn leads the list of "Most mysterious women that you wish would scold you"."

"Ahahaha..."

Currently, Syr didn´t look happy at all.

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"On your marks! Ready! THREE! TWO! ONE AND A HALF!..."

Chloe meowed and squealed loud as Allen and Bete raised their butts into start position, oh how she wished she could bite into Allen´s butt. Grope it. Fondle it. Use it as a pillow!

"ONE...GO!"

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Bell was shocked, the street exploded underneath Allen and Bete as they catapulted themself forward.

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"Citizens of Orario! Don´t be worried about any damage! The losing side will pay for everything!"

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Bell saw them running in the magical mirror, but also due to the cloud of dust that came up behind them in the distance.

A distance that very fast became smaller!

"Dear heavens! They are so fast!"

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"Loki, Lady Freya! Would you like to say something to cheer up your champions?!"

Now, Loki and Freya got shown in the mirrors too. Loki complained to Hermes that he only spoke Freya´s name in a polite way. While Loki was busy complaining, Freya looked like a queen again.

"Allen, win."

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That was all he needed to hear, Allen grit his teeth and ran faster and faster. The outcome should´ve been obvious for most people, Allen was called the fastest after all. He was a high-end level six, against a fresh level-six Bete. Status alone didn´t mean everything, but Allen would never lose when his goddess was watching and waiting for him at the finish line.

At first, he was at the same speed as Bete.

Then one step ahead.

Two.

Three.

Three became four, became five.

Became ten.

Never in his life before did Bete run so fast...but Allen was just too fast to get caught. He charged over the finish line five whole seconds before Bete did. The gust of wind that they created threw a few people off their feet, but the cheering was loud. As Allen slowed down, so that his wind-shock wouldn´t wave up Freya´s dress, he noticed two heads at the right side. First, the black-haired cat girl who had looked so weird at him before, as he pulled her back to the tavern. Now she looked at him again, with a very weird expression.

And then...Anya.

His little sister stood there too, cheering for him and smiling happily because he won. He heard her yell something like that he was the best. Freya chuckled as she saw how his tail twitched and soul reacted. Allen wouldn´t show it, but it made him happy.

He panted slightly as he stopped in front of Freya, kneeling down.

Freya smiled as she left Bell´s side, walked forward and placed a hand on Allen´s head.

"You fulfilled your promise, my champion. You did well, I´m proud of you, Allen."

He didn´t react, only his tail twitched a bit.

Loki at the side groaned, just as Bete looked pissed, the quirly amazon followed him immediately.

"Bete Looogaaa! Shall I cheer you up?! Comfort you?! I and my body are ready for this!"

"Leave me alone!"

"I can´t, I won´t! You´re the best!"

Maybe Bete was just pissed and needed to blow off some steam, or was still hot-headed, his blood running hot too, but he grabbed Lena´s wrists.

"I won´t let you escape."

"Kyaaaa!~~~~"

He pulled Lena with him, while the Amazon was immediately on cloud nine.

Lefiya went deep red as she understood the implication of what Bete and Lena said and what she would probably do now. "S-So lewd!"

Loki groaned. "Argh, all that damage! That will be expensive! Little Lena better tames this wolf soon!"

"Loki!"

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"Aaaaaaand this settles the race! Vana Freya defends his title as the city's fastest! Let´s just hope for the Purus that Bete Loga doesn´t try his best now to be the "fastest"!"

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Many people laughed at that comment, Lefiya got only more ashamed. Freya was glad that Ryu wasn´t here to hear these words, she would react in the same way.

Bell looked at her. "What does Lord Hermes mean, Freya?"

Horn´s eyes widened. Is he for real?!

Freya blushed. "They´re...just training running! Yes! Nothing more, Bell!"

"Oh, hm. Alright. Shall we continue wandering around?"

"A-Absolutely!"

Horn was shocked, was Bell really that innocent and pure, that he didn´t understand the situation?! That he didn´t understand what that werewolf and amazon would do now?! It left her in disbelief, but also...happy.

She didn´t understand why.

"Syr?"

"Y-Yes?!"

"What is the next contest?"

"Ahm...Liliruca Arde vs the High Novice and Alchat."

Bell looked curious. "Who are they?"

"Loki familia level four members."

"Lily will face two level four alone?!"

"In their contest, level doesn´t mean anything."

"Oh? I wonder what they will do."

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The next contest had started almost two hours ago, it would only now come to an end. There was a reason why they didn´t show up earlier, since only the end was important.

"They are shopping?!"

"No, Bell. Not shopping. Both teams got a list of important ingredients and stuff they had to buy. It´s called "Dungeon preparation". It is important for adventurers to be able to do this properly."

"But is this fair? Lily against two seasoned adventurers? Surely, they know more than her?"

"Oh, I wouldn´t be so sure about that."

"Huh?"

"Just watch."

Since Hermes was already busy rushing to the next competition, Asfi was the judge for this one. Two members of her familia checked the "haul". Both teams had a giant backpack. Lily had carried hers with ease, Raul had only struggled a little, but he wouldn´t let Anakitty carry the bag. He was more used to a support role, and she was faster moving around to gather what they needed.

"They were here before Lily, does that mean she lost?"

"Time isn´t everything."

The Hermes familia members checked everything, the quantity, quality and even the receipts. When they were finished, both gave Asfi a note.

"This decides the match, Liliruka Arde wins!"

""Haaaah?! WHY?!""

Raul and Anakitty cried out in unison, it was quite cute.

"She managed to get the quantity and quality, but only spent two-thirds of the budget."

""What?! HOW?!""

Lily smirked superior and puffed her small chest out. "Experience."

Asfi held the magical microphone to Lily and asked her for a short explanation. Lily explained the items she had to buy, where most adventurers would normally buy them. But that in her years-long experience, she knew where to get similar quality to a cheaper prize. And she knew how to haggle over the price, it also helped that Lily was known by the vendors.

And had a cunning nature.

She had explained whispering, that she fought against two upper-class adventurers and wanted to show them what the low folks could do. It also helped, that she flashed her Freya familia symbol a few times "accidentally". Getting on the good side with the Freya familia, having a member of them as their regulars, would help these shops a lot. And Lily intended to pay them fully back as they lowered their prizes for her even more.

Just not with money.

But with what she was now.

"Lily visits these shops on a regular base and can only recommend them. They have good quality and affordable prizes!"

While she said that, Lily´s familia symbol flashed again slightly, reminding everyone who watched the competition what she was and who she now belonged to.

Freya smirked in a proud way. "Lily really knows how to use her head, she really was a good catch."

Bell looked amazed. "I still have much to learn."

"Absolutely, listen closely to Lily. Heith and Rose can also teach you a lot."

"I will learn from them!"

"Good."

Freya walked forward to her follower. "Lily, you did well, I´m proud of you."

"Hehe~~ Thank you, Lady Fr-Unya!"

Lily startled when Freya put a hand on her head and gently patted her. "You did well."

"Ehehehe~~~~~"

It looked like Lily almost melted. Not only because it was Freya who touched her, even when this was maybe around seventy percent of the good feeling, it was the affectionate gesture in general, Lily rarely got these in the past.

"Lily, since you managed to win, I will give you a reward, what shall it be?"

"Ahm...Lily does have a wish."

"Tell me."

Lily waved Freya closer, who crouched down so that Lily could whisper into her ear.

"Oh? Just that?"

Lily nodded heavily.

"Alright, then let us go there right now."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Lily beamed all over her face. "Thank you so much!"

"Not for that, it is your reward after all."

Freya was amused that Lily intended to "use" Freya for something. No one of her followers treated Freya like Rose and Lily did, well...maybe Mia...it was still quite refreshing!

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"Lady Freya, Bell Cranel!"

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Before Freya could leave with Lily, a voice rang out.

"Grer? What is it?"

"We got the information that we need one additional person for the next competition. And we can only use Bell, as he is the Joker."

"Oh? Sure then. Bell, would you help Grer and his brothers?"

"Of course, but what shall I do."

Grer pointed in a direction. "You will see."

"Alright."

Freya smiled. "I will accompany Lily for a moment with Syr, I will come when the competition starts."

"I will see you there then."

She smiled more. "I´m looking forward to it. Grer, I want to see you and your brothers doing your best."

"Of course, Lady Freya! Come now, Bell Cranel!"

"And Grer."

"Yes?"

"Don´t be mean to Bell."

"Understood!"

So, while Bell went with Grer, Freya was curious how he had to help, she followed Lily.

To a certain flower shop.

"Oh, what a lovely shop."

The two owners, an elderly couple, were at a loss for words when they saw Freya. Lily had already come to them after she joined the familia, to apologize for the hardships they had to endure because of her. So that people would see that a Freya familia member bought flowers here, it would help the couple to a certain degree.

But, what if Freya herself came here as a customer?

"Lily, can you recommend something for me?"

Horn hid her feelings well, she too understood that Lily was "using" Freya for her own interest, which disgusted her and made her angry. But at the same time, she felt how much it amused Freya and was fun for her...so she let it slip.

Since Lily had seen Freya´s behavior towards Bell too, she showed her a pretty simple flower.

Daisies.

They were the symbol of pure and innocent love.

Freya´s smile widened, she liked Lily more and more. "They´re wonderful. I will take them, at least half the stock."

The man who owned the shop, together with his wife, were at a loss for words. "Th-Thank you for your purchase, Lady Freya!"

"I will also send one of my followers each week to buy more of them, and a few other flowers, to decorate the home of Lily and the others."

Now, Freya had even become a regular for the shop, which would have a huge influence, protect them more, and help them with their sales. At the end of the day, the flower shop would be sold out.

"Lily, can I leave the transport to small Sessrumnir to you?"

"Yes! Lily will do her best."

"Ehe~~ Thank you, my child. Syr, shall we go?"

"Of course!"

Freya was sure that Lily had a lot to talk about with the couple. And just because she felt so good and had so much love in her recently, Freya bought the flowers for twice the price.

She truly never felt like this before, it was like Freya´s love was overflowing and radiating from her. As a Goddess of Love, this was possible. She had to watch out, so that she didn´t accidentally leak a bit Arcana.

Depending on the god who leaked a bit Arcana, a certain influence could happen over mortals close by. In Freya´s case, it could mean love blooming all over the place. Which...could lead to a baby boom, so she had to be careful, that her happiness didn´t go overboard.

While she walked to the next competition, surprising Horn as she took her hand and walked a bit faster, Freya smiled at her follower.

"Thank you, for always being there for me. I don´t know what I would do without you, I really love you, Syr."

Horn sensed how exactly Freya meant "Syr", her true name.

"I..."

"Hehe~~ Come."

Horn became more troubled and confused by the second.

"That reminds me, Horn?"

She only used this name because no one was close enough to hear them.

"Yes?"

"Have you ever thought about having children?"

"Haaah?! Why would I think about having children with Bell?!"

"Eh?"

"Huh?"

"I didn´t mention Bell though?"

"Mmmh! I was just confused!"

"Horn...do you...like Bell?"

"This handsome jerk?! No way! There is no way I could fall in love with such a disgusting, lovely man!"

Freya was both worried and amused about Horn´s reaction. Time would tell if her feelings would drift more in one direction or the other. Since she loved both so dearly, Freya hoped they would at least become friends.

But she was in the mood for a little tease, leaning closer to Horn´s ear.

"You know...I am happy with loving both of you...just like with Heith."

"Haaaaaaay?!"

This left Horn more than just confused.

"I want you to be happy, my dear."

"I...l-let us go..."

"Hehe~~"

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Freya and Horn heard Hermes´ voice as they got closer to the challenge. This time it was a big stage that got set up, here, two challenges would happen shortly after each other, since both had the same basic type.

Music.

"Llllllllaaaadiiiiiiiiiiiiiies and Geeeeentleeeemaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan of Orario! Welcome to the next challenge in the "war"game between Loki familia and Freya familia! Currently, the Freya familia is one win ahead, an-oh, one second...Oho! I just got a notice! Loki familia won the challenge at the river! Due to a change in the cast on Loki´s side, the Hiryute sisters participated in the swimming challenge! And what can I say...they utterly crushed the Freya familia members! We will see a short re-shot of that moment!"

Magical mirrors appeared again and showed the scene that had happened at the river. A few Einheryar stood there, the best swimmers of the familia. Tiona and Tione both wore beautiful blue bikinis, Bell would surely blush heavily if he saw the almost-naked Amazons. The challenge was to swim a certain distance, hit a mark and swim back, then the other swimmer would take over, this would get repeated seventeen times. The mirrors showed this scene faster than it actually happened, but even like this, it was obvious just how fast the Hiryute sisters could swim.

"Dear heavens! It is like they were born in water!" Horn gasped.

Freya nodded to Horn´s statement. "I´m impressed, this is indeed quite fast, I´ll give them that."

"But I wonder...I thought we won more challenges so far?"

"No, there are challenges all over the festival, some happen at the same time or go on for the whole day. And apparently, since we left, the café seems to lose customers. Loki went all out there, but Heith and the others will be sad. Bell has to make sure to cheer her up later."

Horn raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Freya chuckled. "Jealous, my dear?"

"Always."

"Oh my, so honest."

Hermes raised his arms again.

"Following the rules of the "war"game, Loki familia´s side will start this challenge, for the next, it´s Freya familia´s side!"

Horn frowned. "A change in cast...is that even allowed?"

"If they didn´t participate so far, it is allowed one time."

Freya noticed Loki coming closer, with a huge smug grin on her lips. "Hah! Gotcha, Freya! Finn´s plan worked perfectly! He countered your elf´s strategy!"

"Not bad, Loki. Not bad."

Horn felt how Freya smiled like a queen in her mind, hearing her thoughts.

You have no idea, Loki. Hedin knew that your Braver would pull up a trick. He was prepared and analyzed when and where it would happen. You ran right into his trap...

This "war"game was not only a contest between the two familias, it was also a contest between Finn and Hedin, to appoint the best members for the best challenges.

"It´s just sad that Heith and the others will lose."

"Oh...will they, my dear?"

"Huh? But you said..I thought..."

Hermes voice boomed again.

"WHAAAT IIIIS THIIIIIIS?! THERE IS A SUDDEN CHANGE AT THE CAFÈ!"

Magical mirrors showed the scene at the café. A large number of women suddenly flocked to Freya familia´s side.

"Eh?! Is that Sir Hedin?!"

"Indeed, he kept himself as a secret, to see where it would be the best to use the "change cast" rule to intervene."

"But he acts so stiff and commanding...why are all these women coming to our side?!"

"Ehe~~ My dear...there are enough women who love this."

The mirrors showed Hedin´s behavior, sometimes he scolded a few women who didn´t behave correctly, sometimes he was harsh...and sometimes...he smiled gently. These women were thirsting for these warm and gentle smiles, to have even the tiniest bit of affection. Or...to get scolded by him.

"He...is quite the actor."

Freya leaned to Horn´s ear and whispered. "Not as talented as you, my dear...my lovely Horn..*fuu*"

"Unyah!"

"Ehehe~~~"

Horn always reacted weak when Freya blew softly into her ear.

Freya smirked at Loki. "The game isn´t over yet, Loki."

"Grrr! Just you wait! We will crush you now! Hermes! Start the show!"

Hermes threw his hands into the air.

"Without further ado, the first music-themed challenge will begin!"

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The people gathered in front of the stage, at the side, booked musicians from a familia that focussed on entertaining people sat there, they would play the music for the first challenge.

"Open your eyes, citizens of Orario! LOOOOOK AT THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!"

The crowd gasped and cheered as the curtain got pulled to the side.

Five female elves stood on the stage, each wearing a very beautiful dress. Normally they would be led by Alicia, since Riveria didn´t take part in this challenge, but now a pretty nervous Lefiya Viridis acting as an extra due to her Joker role, had to do it.

"THIS IS IIIIIIT! LOKI FAMILIA`S FAMOUS FAIRY FORCE!"

All five elves closed their eyes and raised their right arm. Their dresses were made in a way, that ribbons fell down at the side when they did that, so that not even their armpits would be revealed. The dresses looked chaste and elegant.

As gentle music started to play, fitting for an elven forest, the five elves started to dance softly. They slowly circled and whirled around, in combination with the music, it felt like witnessing a dream. Loki had known exactly what she was doing when they decided for the elves for the dancing contest. Freya could see that they didn´t dance together for the first time, even the few female elves of her familia liked to dance now and then, she always watched them then.

They were good, no doubt. If only skill and synchronicity mattered, Alfrikk and his brothers would win without a doubt. But these were female elves, their natural beauty and elegance let the crowd cheer for them. That they looked abashed because of that only increased their natural charm.

"Not bad Loki, not bad..."

The crowd´s reaction would determine this contest´s winner, and judging by what Freya saw so far, the winner was already set.

Horn leaned towards Freya. "You are allowed to take part in the contests too, if you would join the Gullivers and Bell, surely you would win."

Freya got quite red. "Me? D-Dancing with Bell? So soon?! Have some shame...Horn... That´s too bold..."

Oh heavens...she is so cute when she is like that...

"Don´t you dare start teasing me..."

"I would never."

"Besides, there is a special contest that I will take part in, together with Bell."

"Oh? Which one."

"It isn´t on the schedule, it´s meant as a surprise."

"I´m curious."

Freya´s face lit up as she smiled happily. "And I´m looking forward to it very much!"

Ah...so cute.

The elven performance slowly came to an end, the crowd loved them.

Horn frowned slightly. "I wonder what the Gullivers have planned."

"I know they will do their best."

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"And that was the performance of Loki´s lovely elves! One more beautiful than the next! By the way, from a reliable source I know that all of them are still single! Including Alicia Forestlight and their vice-captain!"

The crowd cheered even louder, while the embarrassed elves fled the stage.

"And now, Freya familia´s side will start!"

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The musicians played an entirely different song now, it wasn´t slow at all.

When the curtain got pulled back, more people gasped. And Freya squealed...loud.

Alfrikk and his brothers stood in a spuare formation, with Bell in the middle. All of them wore clothes that rarely anyone in Orario had ever seen. They were designed by a goddess, who lived to create more fashion.

Each of them wore high boots, leather trousers that were perfect for riding. The leather part was actually more of a cover, underneath they wore normal trousers. Their upper bodies were covered with white shirts and a leather vest, each wore leather gloves and a wide-brimmed hat on their heads.

The only one not wearing a shirt was Bell...

And even his vest was too short, as it was actually intended for the Gullivers.

The crowd almost exploded in cheering after a first surprise, especially because of Bell.

While Freya started to overheat.

Hermes continued to announce. "Feast your eyes upon this, ladies of Orario! The famous Gulliver brothers and the dark horse of the Freya familia, Bell Cranel! These cowboys surely know how to tame properly!"

Many women cheered loud by that sight, especially Hephaistos´ captain when she saw Alfrikk. Freya noticed on the side how Tsubaki´s soul pulsed, but only on the side.

Her eyes were glued to Bell, how he looked like. She couldn´t become more red as they started to dance, thrusting their hips forward, his vest moved around by that movement, revealing more of his already well upper body to Freya´s eyes.

Horn´s eyes flashed up. H-H-How lewd! Such a lewd, disgusting, wonderful, filthy, delicious show!

While the Gullivers delivered a phenomenal dance performance, it was Bell who ruined it. He only saw the performance once and couldn´t suddenly dance perfectly in sync with them. So, he made a few mistakes or reacted too slow. But the rules had stated they needed five members...

Hedin had known of this, but held the information back until the last moment. Not to ruin the performance, but he wanted Freya to spend as much time as possible with Bell during the festival. Also, he knew how the difference between the professional Gullivers and the clumsy Bell would look for Freya.

Lovely. Just lovely.

Horn felt it, there were hearts in Freya´s eyes. And Bell saw it, in a way. Her eyes were glowing like crazy, even as her head steamed and was incredibly red, as was his. The sight was almost too much for Freya, whenever Bell´s vest moved to reveal a bit more of his muscular chest and slowly showing abs, she breathed faster. Horn wasn´t immune to the effect too, but she bit her lower lip to keep herself under control, to tame her conflicted feelings.

If Ryu had seen how Bell looked at the moment, how Syr looked at him and then bit her lower lip while doing so, she might have fainted again.

The Gullivers delivered nothing less than a perfect performance, but it was the move at the end that sealed Freya´s fate.

Each of them, including Bell, took their hats off, held them in front of their faces, but the other hand at the belt, then thrust their hips forward a last time...and pretended to throw them into the crowd.

Pretended.

Except for Bell.

He thought it was meant to be thrown.

So...he threw his hat...in Freya´s direction. As she caught the hat in a reflex right in front of her face, inhaling Bell´s scent due to that, seeing Bell´s hand stretched out to her, the other at his belt, it became too much for her.

"Funyu..."

"Freya!"

Horn reacted fast enough to catch her fainting goddess.

Loki familia won this contest, but the true winner was Freya. After she woke up again, she almost fainted right away...since Bell was holding her in his arms, his outfit was just too much for her. And it wouldn´t be the last time she saw it.

Hedin would be pleased with this outcome. Even if they would end up losing the "war"game, it didn´t matter for him. All that mattered was that Freya had as much fun as possible. And Freya was absolutely aware of what Hedin did.

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"Hah...hah...hah...I´m...hah...I´m good now...O-Oh...B-Bell..Auu..."

"Go and change already, you wanna-be stripper! Do you like to expose yourself?!"

"I´m just worried about her, and about you."

"Haaaah?!"

"You´re quite red...Syr."

"J-Just because you look like that!"

"Oh...alright then."

"Bell..." Freya´s hand weakly clutched on it´s own into his vest.

His outfit was way too much for her pure, maiden heart. But she also loved it.

"You look so good...I..."

Bell felt the love for her overflowing, literally. For some reason, he couldn´t hold back. He moved the hat up with his left hand, leaned in and kissed Freya´s lips, covering their faces with his hat.

"Mmmmmfffhh!~~~~"

Horn bit her lower lip again, Ryu would surely accuse Bell of having a bad influence on them, making them lewd. Only she could see the kiss, and she was unable to tear her eyes from this moment.

"Auu...L-Lady Freya...your aura..."

Freya was leaking a small amount of Arcana, as a Goddess of Love, this increased the feelings of affection that some people already had for each other. Horn´s face got hot, she just had to stare at the almost passionate kiss. Freya melted into the kiss, unable to resist or think straight.

Both kissed in front of her eyes for almost a minute, until the need for air let them move away from each other for a moment.

"Bell...wait..."

But he couldn´t, her divine aura let his heart almost burst from love.

So...

He kissed Freya again, her emotions were like fireworks going off. Horn felt something dangerous, Freya didn´t have herself under control, the more Bell kissed her, the more Arcana did she leak. If the amount went over a certain degree, Freya would break the rules and get pulled back to heaven.

So...

There is no choice...I´m sorry, Lady Freya, you need this "shock".

Horn used all her...not so great...strength to move these two away from each other. Maybe it was the influence of the Arcanum too, or seeing Bell do that to Freya, her own feelings confusing her.

But Horn kissed Bell, in Syr´s form.

Fully on his lips.

His eyes widened in shock, as did Freya´s. Both finally snapped out of their love-struck, love-drunk state. Freya noticed what almost happened and did her best to get herself under control again. Bell also returned to normal again.

As Horn separated her lips from his, both were red, but she mostly glared.

Her whisper sounded like a hiss.

"Don´t understand this wrong, I did it to save Lady Freya. You mean nothing to me."

Freya took a few deep breaths, but she heard what Horn said.

Liar.

Horn hated and liked Bell almost equally. The kiss had disgusted and delighted her in the same amount. Freya felt how heavily troubled Horn was.

She gently put a hand on Horn´s cheek. "Thank you, Horn...you saved me here."

"Lady Freya, I-!"

Freya gave Horn a gentle peck on the lips, which let Horn´s eyes widen like plates.

"Eh?..."

"I told you, my dear. I told you."

"L-Lady Freya..."

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Their further moment got interrupted as Hermes announced the next round, now Freya´s familia would start. It was a good thing that they were hidden behind the stage...

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Hedin would fight dirty now, he had looked carefully at the schedule and made a plan, asked for an exchange of two contests in order, as could each familia do one time.

He knew what would happen now, so he retreated from the café for a moment, and was even nice enough to warn Lona, the female elf of the Andhrimnir. Hedin just told her which contest would now come and who would participate in it.

This awakaned mortal fear in the beautiful, yet very flat, elf.

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"It is time for the next contest, feast your eyes upon this cute beauty!"

As the curtain got pulled back, it revealed Anya, wearing a beautiful dress.

"Hello, everrrrynyone, Meow!"

The crowd cheered, Anya was well known in the city, but most people didn´t know she belonged to Freya, that she was the rumored Vana Alfi.

"Little Anya, what will you sing for us?"

"A song from meow home!"

"Very well! I´m eager to hear it! After Vana Alfi´s song, we will hear Riveria Ljos Alfr singing!"

"""""UWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!""""""

Hermes winked at Anya. "Don´t let this discourage you, I´m sure you will do good."

"Meow will do meow best!"

Anya noticed how Bell, Syr and Freya appeared from the side of the stage, it surely made her happy to see them! And...she couldn´t tell from where, but she felt Allen´s eyes on her. She saw Freya nodding to the side, Anya caught a glimpse of Allen´s ear on the rooftop.

She beamed.

Literally.

Anya looked so happy as she opened her mouth and took a deep breath...

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"I am dead..."

"Hm?"

"I have to be dead...or am I?"

Freya looked to the side as she heard a voice. Everything and everyone around her, with a few exceptions, cried out in agony and mortal fear, pressing their hands onto their ears, breaking down to their knees. In her eyes, it was a bit too much and mean.

Anya surely didn´t sing THAT bad.

There was a blond half-elf standing there, wearing a tunic, like many of Ganesha´s followers did, and a mask that covered only his eyes and half of the nose.

"Such an angelic voice...I must´ve died and went up to heaven...there is no other explanation..."

No way...

Freya saw it with her own eyes, the young man´s soul sparkled as he looked at Anya, watched her sing. He was delighted...bewitched...enchanted by her voice. Horn seemed to be able to bear with it, while Bell, to her surprise, seemed to like the singing too.

But his reaction was dull compared to that of the half-elf. His soul sparkled with joy...and...love?

Was it Freya´s fault? Due to her small Arcana leak? Or...did he really just fall for Anya at first sight?

Or hearing?

This young man listened the whole time to Anya´s song, until she came to the end.

"Beautiful...wonderful...this angelic voice...magnificent...never have I seen someone more beautiful..."

Is this because of my aura?! Really Anya´s voice?! Or because he is from Ganesha´s familia?! They are all a bit weird...even the captain must have some quirk...

Freya would observe this young man, as would surely Allen.

After Anya gave a quit bow and left the stage, the young half-elf applauded heavily, cheering for Anya, which let her grin surprised and blush a bit.

Hermes pulled something out of his ears, something he got from Asfi beforehand, just in case.

"And that was the lovely Vana Alfi, Anya Fromel! And now! It´s time for Loki´s side! Here comes the grrrreeeeeaaaat Riveria Ljos Alfr!"

No reaction.

"Young Riveria?"

No reaction.

"Ms. Alfr?"

No reaction.

"Ahm, Asfi, can you take a look?"

Asfi nodded and followed her god´s request.

"Oh, Lord Hermes, I think...so she is still alive. But she won´t be able to perform."

"What?!"

Hedin´s evil plan worked perfectly. If normal people already suffered from hearing Anya sing, it was devastating for elves. She had knocked out Riveria and the five elves of her familia, who had danced before, including Lefiya. The only two people with good hearing who "survived" Anya´s singing, were the young half-elf, and Allen.

No matter how much it had pained Allen, he had listened to his little sister´s song until the end.

It was good that Freya had warned Ryu and Chloe...she wouldn´t want her two friends to suffer like this.

Hermes cleared his throat. "Since more people applauded Vana Alfi than Nine Hell, the victory goes to Freya familia!"

One person against zero...a truly heroic victory.

And it was a message. One partly retired member of the Freya familia had wiped out Loki familia´s fairy force...as if it was nothing.

If Anya had actually used her magic, the poor elves might´ve gotten deaf.

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Since Lefiya was knocked out and wouldn´t be able to hear much for the rest of the day, Hogni requested to postpone their contest to the next day of the festival. His honor as a warrior forbid him to just accept the victory due to his opponent not being able to compete. Even more since his mortal nemesis´ plan was the reason for it!

While it was honorable of Hogni, the day would still end in tears...

The tears of a young maiden...

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"Oh my...that poor girl...she´s actually crying."

"I feel bad for her." Bell looked sad.

Horn frowned. "Why is she crying and looking like that?"

The last contest of the day was the duel between Ottar and Ais Wallenstein.

An eating competition.

As skilled warriors, both had the same approach for this challenge, they had fasted since yesterday. For Ottar it wasn´t that unpleasant, for but Ais Wallenstein, it was torture.

The competition between both had already started, which was the reason why Ais looked desperate, held her stomach with both hands and cried heavily.

A feast was in front of her. The best food from the Hostess, rice balls from Takemikazuchi´s stall, premium potato snacks, and more. Ottar had the exact same food in front of him. A very small magic device created a soft wind, which would move the scent of the food towards them.

The competition wasn´t one of eating...it was a competition of willpower.

Whoever would eat first, would lose.

Ais whimpered, her forehead almost touched the table, her eyes watery as she cried heavily. She wanted to eat! She was so hungry! The potato snacks and other food smiled at her! Ais glanced at Ottar, he sat there with his stoic face, not even looking at the food. He looked at his goddess, who waved slightly while she smiled, this let his tail twitch a bit.

Freya looked very happy, he was glad. The "war"game was already won by their side in his eyes. Freya enjoyed herself and had the best festival ever, that was all that mattered for him. For a moment, he looked at the crying girl next to him, who returned his gaze. Many people in the crowd sighed, Ais was too adorable right now, they wanted to feed her, pamper her.

Then, Ottar looked at Freya again, who looked at Ais. It was strange, whenever Ais´ eyes wandered over the potato snacks, her soul pulsed. She must´ve really love these things. In her delighted state, having so much fun, Freya felt a bit sad for the poor girl.

But only a little.

Hermes was in his element again.

"A fierce fight of willpower between the King and the Sword Princess. Who will win?! Who will give in and eat first?!"

Ottar did the math in his head, he knew what competition Hogni had to do tomorrow. He knew about the outcome of the contest between Alicia Forestlight and Rose.

It had been something important for adventurers and familias.

Paperwork.

The level four elf was her familia´s number one when it came to paperwork! No one, not even Riveria, was as good as Alicia when it came to that!

So naturally she got utterly crushed, defeated and destroyed by Rose. Since...paperwork had been Rose´s life so far...if she had liked it or not. Not only speed had been important, also clean handwriting and if they made any mistakes. Rose didn´t do a single one, since doing mistakes would mean...overtime!

The cursed word that was forbidden to speak out loud at the guild among the employees! And even now, as part of Freya familia, did Rose do all the paperwork regarding small Sessrumnir. Alicia had two helpers from her familia, Rose had Van. Both couldn´t stand each other at all and were constantly fighting, yet they finished their work flawless! Van wouldn´t disappoint his goddess! And Rose had her own pride as a former guild employee.

So, currently, due to a few smaller contests that had happened on this day, they had the same amount of won competitions. There was no chance that Hogni would lose tomorrow, he was sure of it.

This meant, in any case, Freya and Bell would be the team for the last competition. If Ottar would win now, they had already won the "war"game. This would mean, Freya and Bell could do during the contest what they wanted, Loki familia would win anyway.

But if Ottar lost...

His warrior instinct made the decision for him.

He took a rice ball and bit into it, chewed two times before he swallowed.

"It´s ooooooveeeeeeer! The King has eaten! Ais Wallenstein won the competition!"

Ais looked with teary eyes at Ottar, this time she cried from relief. Ottar only looked at Freya, who understood what Ottar had done, and why. She smiled, satisfied and nodded to him, then to Ais, like a queen.

"This victory is yours, Sword Princess, you may eat."

"Ah..."

Ais couldn´t speak, she was already busy stuffing her cheeks.

"Hooooooooooooooooow generoooouuuuuuus! Lady Freya allowed the King to take this loss, so that the starving Sword Princess could finally eat! That´s our Lady Freya for you!"

The crowd cheered again, some were amused as they watched Ais eating at high speed, others amazed at Freya, to allow her opponent to win like this.

"Lady Freya."

"Ottar?"

"I have a request."

"Name it."

"This isn´t the kind of food I eat."

"So?"

"I would like to give it away, to "that place"."

Freya smiled. "Don´t scare them when you go."

"I...try."

Ottar knew how much Maria and her orphanage meant to Freya, so he brought the feast that was meant for him to that place, telling them it came from Syr, which made them happy.

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At the end of the first day of the "war"game between Loki familia and Freya familia, was the Loki familia one point ahead.

The café had ended as a victory for Loki familia, but it had been very close at the end. Hedin knew the outcome beforehand. But it was important to give secret orders to the Andhrimnir while they had worked. For Bell´s and Freya´s competition on the next day, they needed to do prep work, only during the competition they weren´t allowed to help.

Since Hogni´s and Lefiya´s contest would be held in the morning, the whole familia would have the chance to watch Freya taking part in the last contest.

As long as Freya had fun and felt joy, they were the true winners.

And on the next day, Lefiya Viridis would see for the first time how "mean" Bell Cranel could be.

The day after the "war"game, Hedin and Ottar would leave for their Expedition with Artemis´ and Hermes´ familias...and with a pretty small companion, who had twin tails...and really really wanted to spend a bit time with Artemis.

Hestia would cry as Freya told her, this would get taken from her vacation days then. Freya was a generous goddess...but also Hestia´s employer...and sometimes a bit merciless. Freya couldn´t know how much "trouble" Hestia would give Ottar and Hedin during the journey.