Even though Freya hadn't lost a single time since her defeat to Hera, today, when Loki started butting heads with her, she only smiled mysteriously.
And then,
"Since you say that, why not observe them yourself?"
The moment Freya showed that expression…
"What scheme are you plotting this time?"
Loki's playful face instantly turned serious. She knew Freya too well.
Though Freya wasn't a pure goddess of mischief, whenever she put on that mysterious smile, it always meant trouble was brewing.
And usually, never good trouble. So Loki stayed on high alert.
As for Freya,
"No need to be so tense."
She narrowed her eyes in amusement.
"This time, I came to meet you for a reason. You know the situation in my Familia. To be honest, Ottar and Allen, though reliable, aren't suited to guide those two children.
So, I want two permanent slots for them in your Familia's future Expeditions."
The words left Loki blinking in shock.
"…You're serious?"
"Mm."
Freya nodded calmly.
"You've worked with Hephaestus's children before, haven't you? Just arrange it the same way."
For the first time that evening, Freya lifted her teacup, sipping lightly.
Loki narrowed her eyes.
"You really trust me enough to send those precious rookies over? Expeditions are dangerous. Two little Level Twos diving into the Deep Floors, if something unexpected happens, their deaths wouldn't be strange at all. When that happens, don't you dare, "
"Relax."
That mysterious smile returned to Freya's lips.
"As long as we cooperate normally, I can guarantee they won't fall during an Expedition.
And besides…"
Her eyes glimmered.
"Don't pretend, Loki. You're curious about them too, aren't you? And I don't even need to guess, your children are already wary of their existence.
Just as well. I want those two to make more friends. Adventuring is a dangerous path, connections are never a bad thing.
And this way, we can also remove unnecessary suspicion between our sides. It's a win-win. Why not?"
She had hit Loki's thoughts exactly.
Because truthfully: from the moment the news of Level Up in One Week spread across Orario, every single god had been consumed with curiosity.
If those two hadn't belonged to the Freya Familia, some deities would've already tried to steal them away.
Apollo, for instance, would've been first in line.
Now, Loki finally let out a sigh.
"…Fine."
She decided to go along with it. After all, this was highly advantageous for her side too.
Picking up her fruit wine, Loki took a sip.
"If you're that confident, I've got no problem. And you're right, my kids are very curious about those two strangers. This will satisfy Finn and the others' curiosity."
Then her sly smile returned.
"But let me say this first, if, by some accident, I end up luring your precious seedlings to my side, you'd better not throw a tantrum about me stealing your children."
"...Heh."
Freya's face darkened, a cold smile curling her lips.
"I'd advise you not to do anything unnecessary, Loki. We've been friends too long for me to want your efforts wasted. Some lines are too dangerous to cross, don't speak them lightly."
Loki shrugged, dropping the matter.
From their little spar, she had already confirmed Freya's true stance.
And Freya, knowing exactly what Loki was probing, had made her intentions clear.
"Scary, scary," Loki said in a mock-frightened tone, patting her chest.
…Well, not that she had much of a chest to pat. A sad tale indeed.
After that playful interlude,
"Oh, by the way."
Loki changed the subject.
"In a few days, it'll be the quarterly Divine Assembly. Have you decided what titles to give those two?"
At that, Freya's eyes narrowed again, as if the tense atmosphere from moments ago had been nothing but an illusion.
That was the rhythm of her and Loki's friendship.
"Their titles, huh…"
Freya's lips curved into a serene smile.
"Of course. I've already decided."
==========
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