Time flew by. It had already been more than two months since Elise arrived in this world of Orario.
During this time, she had truly done quite a lot.
When she first arrived, she saved a village, joined the Astraea Familia, saved a kingdom, became an adventurer, and explored the Dungeon.
Everything had been proceeding in an orderly fashion, and Elise's status had been steadily rising under her relentless grinding.
Oh, and there was Alise as well.
Her status had also been increasing at a rapid pace. Recently, however, she found an excuse, claiming it was "to better adapt to the rapidly increasing power," and decided to train alone in the Dungeon for a while.
After thinking it over, Elise agreed and temporarily stopped sparring with her.
Alise finally got a chance to catch her breath and quickly ran off to the Dungeon. She likely would not be returning anytime soon.
As usual, she continued farming status points in the Dungeon.
The two adventurers were as busy as ever today.
Even their patron deity, Astraea, had matters to attend to today.
Because today was a special day.
The Gods' Banquet.
Within the labyrinth city of Orario, the giant tower Babel—its thirtieth-floor hall served as the venue for the Banquet.
In Orario, the Gods' Banquet was held roughly once every three months. It was a gathering that only gods were allowed to attend.
Though it was called a meeting, in reality it was more like a tea party, because the gods would absolutely display their tendency to act recklessly.
For example, spouting completely illogical nonsense, or indulging in whatever whim struck them.
All of that was entirely possible.
Of course, the gods could also discuss proper matters, such as proposing events they wished to hold in Orario.
In times of crisis, an emergency Banquet would also be convened.
However, during the regular three-month Banquet, there was one most important activity—the Title Conference.
This was the event the gods anticipated most, because here they could truly act as they pleased and bestow amusing titles upon certain children of the lower world.
Naturally, not every god had the opportunity to participate in the Title Conference.
Only those whose Familia had a child who reached Level 2 were eligible to attend.
The number of high-level children also roughly reflected a god's standing in the lower world.
The higher the standing, the lower the probability of being saddled with bizarre titles. That was simply how the Title Conference worked.
Of course, titles could be changed.
Every time an adventurer leveled up, they would have one opportunity to receive a new title or modify their existing one. Otherwise, who would want to still carry a foolish title from Level 2 after reaching Level 5?
Those joke-like titles were ultimately temporary. Very few gods truly wished to offend another god beyond reconciliation.
Still, the number of adventurers who actually modified their titles was not large.
Before coming here, Astraea had already discussed it with Elise.
"What kind of title do you want? I will do my best to fight for it."
To Astraea, Elise was a very special child. The choice of her title could not be handled carelessly, nor could she allow the other amusement-seeking gods to act however they pleased.
The first member of her Familia receiving a title carried great commemorative significance. Astraea did not want any regrets.
"Of course, Saintess!"
Elise answered without hesitation.
What was her goal?
Saintess!
She wanted no other title. Only Saintess was what she most desired.
"I thought you would choose that. It seems I'll have to work a bit harder today."
"If I succeed, I hope you'll give me a little reward."
How should one put it...
Usually as gentle and mature as an adult woman, Astraea suddenly put on the expression of an adorable young girl.
Well... how should one put it?
The impact was indeed rather devastating. Alise had already been completely struck down by that look.
"Of course. At that time, you can do anything you want to me!"
"Oh? Really?"
The Goddess of Justice cast a meaningful glance over Elise's body.
"Nothing excessive is allowed!"
Even if you are a pure goddess, don't even think about taking away the Saintess' purity!
Only the Saintess must never be defiled!
"Don't worry. That's not what I want." Astraea smiled. "Just wait for my good news!"
...
Babel, the venue of the Gods' Banquet.
"Oh! Lady Freya has already arrived. Why so early this time? Could there be some special reason?"
"Lady Freya, look at me!"
"I didn't expect Lady Ishtar to come as well! I can't take it anymore!"
"Hey, don't do that here. This is the Banquet venue."
"The two goddesses of beauty appearing at the same time—what a feast for the eyes!"
"Astraea is here too? Has one of your children leveled up?"
"That was fast. It's only been two months, right?"
Perhaps because some news had already spread in advance, the number of gods attending this time seemed somewhat larger.
Quite a few male gods had fallen at the feet of the two goddesses of beauty. But upon closer inspection, there seemed to be more gathered around Freya than Ishtar.
Perhaps having noticed this, Ishtar frequently turned her head to glance at Freya, grinding her teeth audibly.
The time was about right. The gods of all shapes and forms gradually took their seats, while some greeted acquaintances.
At that moment, a red-haired god with narrowed eyes walked onto the stage with a smile.
"Alright, looks like everyone's just about here?"
"Then I hereby declare the Nth Gods' Banquet officially begun!"
"I'll be hosting again this time—Loki!"
"Take care of me!"
This short red-haired deity was Loki.
Ordinarily, Loki should have been a male god. Yet in this world, Loki had become a goddess, for reasons unknown.
It didn't matter. Gender did not affect divine status. She remained one of Orario's Twin Pillars and the patron deity of the Loki Familia.
"Yay—"
Upon hearing Loki's words, countless gods cheered. From the looks of it, they were already itching to begin.
"As per tradition, we'll start by exchanging information. Anyone got any juicy stories to entertain everyone?"
"I do, I do! I heard a certain someone bought a sheep and brought it back to their Familia. And every night, I hear that sheep bleating!"
"They must be doing something unspeakable!"
The god grinned gleefully toward a certain direction. All the other gods followed his gaze.
"Didn't you promise you wouldn't say it out loud?"
"Oh? Not even sparing a sheep? Have you been tempted by a demon too?"
"Hahaha, this is the first time I've heard something so novel. Maybe I'll try it next time."
"Are you serious?"
One topic after another quickly passed.
"Last one!"
"I ran into Hedin from Lady Freya's Familia on the street. His expression looked terrible. Did something happen?"