So, what exactly is Freya's Baptism?
Well… let's just say: those who know, know. If you don't, ah, there's really no helping it.
Cough, cough. Ahem, slipped into old habits there.
In short, the fact that two people received divine blessing without undergoing Baptism was enough to shock every officer present. After all, throughout the entire Freya Familia, even the women had gone through the ritual.
Take for example: Freya's personal maid, Heimdal's Helen. This woman had her… unique ideas awakened only after undergoing Baptism, which perfectly matched Freya's whims, thus giving birth to a certain scheming maid.
So yes, though Freya was never particularly fond of women, she didn't exactly refuse the taste, either.
But now,
"So that's what this is about."
Alfrigg, eldest of the Gulliver brothers, muttered the words, and with that, the Gulliver Brothers Warriors collectively exhaled in relief. The killing intent that had weighed heavy on them dissipated, as if nothing had happened.
They sat back down, fixing Ottar with looks that said: You could have told us earlier instead of wasting our faces on that drama.
At the same time, Hedin, the , mused aloud:
"Indeed… this time, it seems Freya-sama isn't chasing after her so-called 'destiny,' her Odr."
No sooner had he spoken,
"Tch. That self-willed goddess… is she really interested in family bonds now?"
Allen scowled.
"What the hell is she even thinking all day?"
The word family was a deep wound for him.
Long ago, in pursuit of ultimate strength, he had severed ties with his younger sister. Not because he hated her, but because he feared dragging her into his dangerous path.
Her name: Anya Fromel.
Though Anya now lived well, Allen still saw himself as the man who had chosen to abandon family. So watching Freya now pursue such bonds, even if just on a divine whim, left him with a storm of bitter, chaotic emotions. It felt almost like mockery.
And just as his heart twisted,
"Oi, filthy cat. Don't let your arrogance go to your head."
"Do you really think Freya-sama needs your approval for her choices?"
The hot-headed Dvalinn and Berling, always quick to trade barbs with Allen, struck again.
In an instant,
"Shut your mouths, you pack of knee-high nobodies who can't do squat unless you stick together."
Allen's words detonated like a fireball.
Both stared, baffled, as if to say: Why are you dragging us into this?
But realization soon hit, and their anger flared.
"You wanna fight, cat?"
Spears, swords, hammers, axes, the Gulliver brothers once again grabbed their weapons.
Allen sneered, casually lifting his long spear.
"You're really gonna lecture me? Just minutes ago, you were all 'let's kill him,' and now you've forgotten?"
The Four had no comeback.
And then,
"Enough."
Ottar's voice cut across the tension like iron.
"The goddess's will has been delivered. I expect no objections."
As he spoke,
"Heh… heh-heh… to be favored by divine will itself… When I see them, I shall…"
Yes, Hogni was at it again with his cryptic muttering.
For once, Hedin didn't bother snapping at him. He was lost in thought, head bowed, whispering to himself: How should I build rapport with the newcomers? I've never done this before… maybe I should find a few books on the subject…
Meanwhile, the Gulliver brothers,
"Oh? Didn't notice this earlier. These rookies aren't half-bad."
"Already Level 2 in just a week?"
"As expected, Freya-sama's eye is unmatched."
"Promising seedlings. They could become pillars of the Familia."
Weapons sheathed, they pored over the parchment again, chatting eagerly:
"Since they're future cornerstones of the Familia, we should protect them properly."
"It's been ages since we trained newcomers."
"What do you mean, ages? We've never done that."
"Alfrigg, shut up."
"Alfrigg, shut up."
"Alfrigg, shut up."
They don't even want to call me 'big brother'
Then Dvalinn spoke up:
"How about we arrange a proper meeting with them sometime soon?"
"Good idea, we should get acquainted."
"They seem to be single-sword fighters… Berling, got any gear for that?"
"I use a greatsword, but I'll see what I can find."
"What about a little gift?"
"We'll think about it."
"Right, no rush."
"First impressions matter."
"Don't you idiots screw this up."
"Of course."
…Unbelievable. Just moments ago they were plotting murders in the river, and now they sounded like overexcited uncles planning for nieces and nephews.
"Tch."
Allen clicked his tongue again, irritated.
Then he suddenly froze.
"Wait… Ottar said they were the only ones who didn't undergo Baptism… Shouldn't it be the two of them?"
His eyes narrowed at Ottar. Was that just a slip of the tongue?
Ottar noticed Allen's look. But the Boaz warrior had no intention of clarifying further.
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