(Riven POV – Orario, West Main Road)
'So what do I do now?' I exhale slowly, hands in my pockets as I make my way down the busy street toward Babel.
It's morning now, and the city is loud as always. Vendors shout while adventurers and civilians pass by.
'I have no choice but to report my level.' I sigh. Leveling up isn't the issue. It's how I leveled up.
Every Familia is required to report their members' Levels. Not everyone does it… but it's illegal if you're caught. And if you're caught, the accompanying fines would cripple you.
'Familias start at I-rank, which is where we're at.' I think, eyes narrowing slightly. 'Having a Level 2 bumps us up to H-rank.'
Which means more taxes, but isn't an issue with our income.
'Leveling up in a week would attract a lot of attention, but I can delay being exposed until Denatus.'
But what actually worries me, is that it might not end there.
'We could be bumped up to D-rank at a minimum.' Which is exactly where things get annoying. Mandatory expeditions, and much higher taxes. 'And it'd be assigned because the "Familia" has combat power equivalent to a Level 4…'
'And beating a Level 5 Monster like I did…' My lips press into a thin line. 'Would push us straight into B-rank.'
'I can't let that happen.' I decide immediately. 'At the very least, not before we have more members, and they get strong enough.'
But despite wanting to lay low, the fight wasn't exactly private.
Freya probably saw it. And more importantly…
'Ouranos definitely saw it too.' I click my tongue softly. 'Luckily for me, they can't use that information.'
The Divine Mirror is meant to be used purely for entertainment. Anything seen through it can't be used as evidence, justification, or even as a reason to question me. Even for Ouranos.
'So I'll just report my Level Up.' I think. 'It's the only thing they can prove.'
'All the attention will be troublesome… but manageable.'
The Familia ranking up is inevitable. What I don't want is for everything to revolve around me.
I tilt my head back slightly, staring at the sky.
'Seriously… I wish Bell would hurry up and arrive.' A faint smirk tugs at my lips. 'I'll have so much more freedom once he's strong enough.'
By the time the thought fades, I've already reached my destination.
The pleasant smell of food reaches my nose, and a warm, lively atmosphere spills out onto the street.
The Hostess of Fertility.
"Oh! It's you." A voice calls out, and I turn to the source. A girl with light grey hair and matching eyes stands just outside, broom in hand. Her smile gentle and inviting. "It's been a while since we last met." She says warmly.
Such a greeting would disarm most people, make them relax… but I don't.
"Really?" I reply, returning her smile easily. "Feels like it hasn't even been a day."
Her lips puff out slightly in mock offense.
"You're mean, Riven." She huffs. "You promised you'd come back, remember? I've been waiting."
Her voice is soft, with a teasing undertone, but carrying genuine warmth. Anyone else would be fooled.
"My bad." I chuckle. "Being a low-level adventurer isn't exactly profitable. Visiting a place like this regularly… it's quite a bit beyond my pay grade?" I shake my head.
"Besides, it hasn't even been a week, and I'm already back. Isn't that quite dedicated?" I add with a grin. "So… think you can find it in your heart to forgive me?"
She studies me, as if trying to see my sincerity, which I'm quite good at faking.
"Hm…" She hums thoughtfully, then sighs as if relenting. "I suppose I can."
Her small smile returns.
"But only because you're kind of cute."
I snort quietly.
"That's a dangerous standard. Only kind of?" I say cockily.
"It is dangerous." She giggles. "But someone needs to keep you humble."
She steps closer, her fingers suddenly hooking around my arm, firmly, but not forcefully.
"But forgiveness isn't free." She adds, tugging me forward. "Come on."
Before I can respond, she's already pulling me toward the entrance, and I let her.
I glance at her from the corner of my eye.
The kind, mischievous waitress… or the cold, commanding Goddess of Beauty.
'I genuinely wonder… which one are you really?'
Just to be certain, I ask GS to confirm which Syr it is.
[Answer: Individual identified as Freya.]
I expected nothing else, but if I had to be honest…
'I prefer her like this.' I admit internally. 'When she's Syr.' I sigh internally, constantly wary of a kidnapping. 'Let's see what she wants to talk about.'
The moment we step inside, three gazes lock onto me.
The tavern is still quiet, not yet open to customers until the afternoon, but the tranquil atmosphere shifts the second I enter.
Ryuu stands near the far side, sweeping as usual. Her emerald eyes flick toward me for a brief moment, and then away again.
She doesn't really react, nor does she show curiosity as she continues on with her work.
Chloe, on the other hand, is far less subtle.
The moment her eyes meet mine, they slide immediately to Syr, then back to me. A slow, knowing smirk spreads across her face, hinting at all the possibilities flying through her mind.
And then there's Anya. Her feline ears perk up instantly, eyes going wide as she leans forward in excitement. "It's that guy Syr's always gushing abo—"
Her voice is cut off mid-sentence as Chloe's hand clamps firmly over her mouth. "Mmph?!"
"Syr's gonna kill us later if you keep talking." Chloe mutters under her breath, though her grin doesn't fade in the slightest.
Syr freezes beside me.
"D-don't mind them!" She blurts, her voice pitching higher than usual.
She shoots them a sharp glare, before turning back to me, her expression softening instantly.
"They just like teasing me…" She adds, fidgeting slightly, and avoiding my gaze shyly.
If I didn't know better…
"…Come on, have a seat. I'll take your order."
There's a faint urgency in her tone now as she tries to distract me. To which, I comply.
"Sure." I nod, letting her guide me to a table. "Didn't catch what they said anyway."
Anya still squirms under Chloe's grip, struggling as she's dragged away, while Chloe flashes me a wink.
Syr's warm, soothing smile returns, soon after, having taken a deep breath and fanning her cheeks to calm down.
'You should really consider rebranding as the Goddess of Acting.' I think in exasperation.
After all, her performance is extremely impressive and convincing.
I take a seat at one of the tables, and Syr quickly follows, placing a menu in front of me.
But instead of stepping away, she sits down beside me. It's not quite inappropriate, but definitely closer than necessary.
She leans in just enough to guide my attention as she flips the menu open.
"Personally, I recommend the ham sandwiches." She says, her voice light and cheerful, all earlier embarrassment forgotten. "And the fruit juice. It's filling, but not too heavy. Perfect for this time of day."
Her finger traces lightly over the page, pointing out items as she speaks. It all feels so casual and natural.
"And…" She tilts her head slightly, glancing at me from the corner of her eye, a teasing smile forming. "It shouldn't be too hard on your wallet either."
A quiet giggle follows.
I close the menu.
"Sounds good." I nod. "I'm certain you have excellent tastes."
Her smile widens just a little.
"Two portions." I add. "One of them to go."
She blinks in confusion.
"It's for my Goddess." I explain. "She needs food too."
I simply state the facts. I'm not even trying to test her. But despite that, I watch her reaction closely.
And all I can say, is that it's perfect.
"Of course." She says smoothly, elegantly rising to her feet. "I'll prepare it right away."
There's no sign of discomfort or jealousy. It's as though the words mean nothing to her.
'…Now I'm impressed.'
She takes the menu and heads toward the kitchen… and the moment she crosses that threshold, she's immediately dragged in by Chloe and Anya, the door swinging shut behind them.
Muffled voices soon follow, and I can imagine what the interrogation is about.
I lean back slightly in my chair.
Ryuu is the only one left in the main hall.
She continues sweeping, movements precise and unhurried, unaffected by all the chaos and drama.
I don't bother her.
She doesn't bother me.
And a comfortable silence settles between us as time passes quietly.
Eventually, the kitchen door opens again and Syr steps out, balancing a tray with practiced ease.
Her expression is calm and composed, sporting the same sweet smile.
She approaches my table, placing the food down gently in front of me.
"Here you go." She says softly, and the scent hits me immediately. Warm, fresh bread, savory ham, and fresh juice.
It's simple, but well-made.
And before I can respond… she's already sitting beside me again, like she never even left.
"I'll bring the one to go when you're leaving." She adds softly, watching me with that same gentle, expectant look.
It's subtle… but there's intent behind it. Like she's waiting for something.
I pick up the sandwich anyway.
'I doubt it's poisoned…' But it doesn't matter. 'I'm immune to poison anyway.'
I take a bite.
The texture is perfect. Lightly toasted bread, warm and filling, just enough seasoning to bring everything together without overwhelming it.
'…It's good.'
Actually, really good. And there's no strange aftertaste or warning from GS, so it's safe too.
"How is it?" Syr asks, leaning in slightly, her voice carrying a faint tension she doesn't quite hide.
"It tastes great." I answer honestly.
Her eyes brighten, shoulders loosening, and the smile that follows isn't calculated. It's one of genuine joy.
"Is that so?" She says, softer now, like she's savoring the words.
'She's definitely the one who made it.' I conclude. 'But credit where it's due.'
I keep eating, and the conversation flows more naturally after that. From small talk to light teasing, nothing that actually mattered… yet, none of it feels empty.
She listens and talks. Reacts and laughs. And none of it feels forced or insincere.
And that's what throws me off.
'This… doesn't feel entirely like an act.'
Sure, she's hiding things. Layers upon layers of them. But the way she looks at me, it feels… genuine. She genuinely seems to enjoy my presence.
As for why I even engage with her…
'I don't have a reason to hate her. Not yet.'
She hasn't actually done anything to harm me. Maybe she planned to. Maybe she still will. But until then…
She's just sitting beside me, talking like a normal girl. A very dangerous girl, who's potentially a ticking time bomb.
'And sure… she's crazy.'
But—
'Aren't we all, when it comes to someone we love?'
I take another sip of the juice, allowing myself to wonder what I would have done in her shoes. Sure, kidnapping him and trying to gaslight and force him into her Familia were crossing the line.
But when I wonder, if Hestia suddenly didn't love me, and fell for someone else… what extents would I go to…? Could I just let her go?
I immediately cut that thought off before it grows. 'Let's not dig too deeply into that.'
Some conclusions are better left buried.
The meal eventually comes to an end, and our chatter continues idly… until finally, Ryuu leaves.
It's just us now.
"So…" I say calmly, glancing at her from the corner of my eye. "What was it you wanted to talk about yesterday?"
Syr blinks once, like she's been gently pulled out of a dream.
Then she smiles. And it almost looks regretful.
"I suppose it's about time." She murmurs as we finally stop pretending. "Though… it's a shame. I was enjoying this."
'Of course you were.' I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
"The truth is…" She continues, closing her eyes briefly. "I was captivated by your fight."
There's no hesitation or concealment. Just quiet admiration.
"And I couldn't stop myself from coming to see you." Her gaze returns to me, steady now. "You were even more… wonderful than I imagined."
"…It's unfortunate," She adds in a wistful tone, "that I didn't get to meet "you" back then."
I listen silently, my face as tranquil as a lake
"But in a way… I'm glad." Her smile returns, gentler this time. "I learned more about you this way."
It's jarring. Everything this is.
She still looks like Syr. Still sounds like Syr. Still smiles like a girl talking to someone she likes.
But it's like Freya has mixed into the Syr persona.
"This is unexpected." I admit, and her head tilts slightly in confusion. "I thought you'd act more like… yourself."
There's a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Would you prefer that?" She asks, and for a moment, her smile shifts. It becomes sharp, knowing, and carries a seductive air.
It doesn't belong on Syr's face, creating a sense of disharmony that she reads instantly.
"It seems not." She giggles lightly, the edge disappearing as quickly as it came.
'That… was unsettling.'
"You surprise me too." She continues, studying me now. "You're not nearly as guarded as I expected. Why is that?"
I hum, leaning back slightly.
"Because I realized something."
She blinks in confusion, looking at me curiously.
"This version of you… is still you." I say. "And… back then, I expected you to do something crazy."
"Like what?" She asks, amused.
"Kidnapping me. Maybe even training monsters and sending them my way to test me. But you didn't." I take another sip of my juice. "And after my fight with Goliath… I doubt you will."
She watches me quietly for a moment.
"Do you really think I'd do something like that?" She asks, her tone light… but probing.
"Yeah." I answer immediately. "Not a doubt in my mind. I'm willing to guess the only reason you didn't, was because I encountered Goliath first." I muse.
Silence settles between us for a few moments. Then…
She laughs. It's soft, but genuine.
"You really do know quite a bit about me." Her gaze sharpens. "I wonder how?"
"I'm good at reading people." I say.
It's not a lie, but neither is it the entire truth.
The air between us tightens. Not with hostility. But rather a playful, yet competitive air.
And I get the feeling, the real talk begins now.
*********
A/N: Hello Everyone! How are you all? If you've enjoyed the chapter and book thus far, please consider leaving me some comments, reviews, or power stones. It really helps the book out.
So, to be honest, before you hate, let's judge Freya by what she's done in this fic, not in canon😭. And, I can't stress this enough, Riven isn't saying that what she did was good, he's just acknowledging that he himself might not be any different (not saying he would kidnap Hestia... Just that he has the potential to do so, and that's why he didn't think further on it).
Yes, I'm not trying to make Freya come off as evil, she's a love interest, so I hope I'm redeeming her well. As for Riven humouring her and not being cautious, it's kinda complex. Riven is more looking at it from the perspective of she hasn't done anything, so it's fine, until she does, and until then, I'm prepared for her trying it. And this talk, is more him confirming the stance to take going forward.
Don't worry, I have a plan. Let... Me... Cook!
As for the Freya/Syr dynamic, they're both genuine personalities. Even if it was initially a game (when Freya was Syr), it did develop into a genuine persona, without all the godly stuff weighing her down. Riven prefers that version, but that doesn't mean he currently likes her. At most, it's friendly banter for now. He won't be cheating on Hestia, don't worry.
Anyway, sorry for the start. Sucked for me to write as well. But, Familia rankings is quite niche knowledge, so, for everyone to understand, I had to explain it in such a roundabout way.
You can also read 10 chapters ahead and support me at [email protected]/AMV_WEAKLY
So, I guess, let me know if I handled Freya well. But, that's all from me. Hopefully you enjoyed the chapter, and have a wonderful rest of your day/night😁