At first, Cao Ye was somewhat cautious toward Finn.
After all, the relationship between Loki Familia and Freya Familia was complicated.
They were both partners and rivals.
For the captain of Loki Familia to approach him like this naturally made Cao Ye suspicious.
However, when Finn mentioned the name Edward, Cao Ye lowered his guard slightly.
"That old white-beard probably didn't say anything good about me, right?"
"Uh… it wasn't… that bad…"
Finn didn't really know how to respond.
When he had visited the dwarf merchant earlier, the old man had spent the entire time complaining about Cao Ye's behavior.
Of course, Finn understood that it meant the two had a close relationship.
But the dwarf had definitely not said many nice things.
"Looks like when I get back, I'll have to empty his wine cellar."
"He's always ruining my reputation."
After hearing that, Finn didn't know what to say.
Those two really were alike.
One constantly tried to squeeze money out of the other—
While the other wanted to loot his entire wine cellar.
After that, the two chatted casually.
Most of the conversation topics were brought up by Finn.
Cao Ye wasn't stupid.
He could clearly tell Finn had some kind of purpose.
So Cao Ye kept his guard up internally while politely responding on the surface.
Soon the banquet officially began.
This was a banquet for gods, so the guests were all deities.
People like Cao Ye and Finn who came along with their gods were merely decorations.
Or perhaps more accurately—
They were display pieces, like children showing off rare cards.
"Finn, come here for a moment."
"Coming."
When Loki called, Finn stood up and nodded politely to Cao Ye before walking over.
A summon from his goddess naturally took priority.
Although Finn was already over forty years old, as a Pallum, he still looked like a young boy.
His popularity in Orario was extremely high.
Many women adored him.
Powerful, high status, and eternally youthful—
The perfect "big brother" figure for countless admirers.
Meanwhile, Cao Ye remained alone, enjoying the food at the banquet.
As a food lover, he was quite satisfied.
As for Freya—
Being the Goddess of Beauty, she naturally had many friends.
Most of the goddesses in Orario had good relationships with her.
Especially tonight.
Freya, wearing the ink-pattern qipao, had been surrounded by goddesses.
Clothing that perfectly highlighted body curves while displaying elegance and nobility was irresistible.
They were all fascinated by it.
"Hm? Whose child is that?"
One of the gods scanning the banquet hall suddenly noticed a young man sitting alone in a corner.
The moment he saw him—
He was captivated.
Such a beautiful youth should belong to him.
Not be left sitting alone in a corner.
Thinking this, a bright smile appeared on his face.
"Lord Apollo, everything is ready."
"The banquet can begin."
A servant-like man approached the god wearing a laurel crown.
"Hyacinthus."
"Who does that boy over there belong to?"
Following Apollo's gaze, Hyacinthus looked toward the corner.
There he saw Cao Ye, who was busy eating nonstop.
Looking at Cao Ye's handsome appearance—
And Apollo's intense interest—
Hyacinthus suddenly felt a bad premonition.
"I'm not sure."
"He should be a child brought by one of the gods."
"How beautiful."
"A child like that should belong to me."
"Hyacinthus, bring him here."
"I will personally accept him into the Apollo Familia."
Hyacinthus frowned deeply.
He adored Apollo almost obsessively.
Among the familia, he was Apollo's most favored follower.
But now—
He had the feeling that this "favor" might soon no longer belong solely to him.
That thought was unbearable.
Yet he couldn't refuse Apollo's command.
"…Understood, Lord Apollo."
Suppressing his dissatisfaction, Hyacinthus walked toward Cao Ye.
Apollo smiled as he watched.
In his mind, he could already imagine the moment he would possess that youth.
He was eagerly anticipating how he would "cherish" him.
Meanwhile, the irritated Hyacinthus arrived in front of Cao Ye.
Seeing Cao Ye casually eating and drinking made him dislike him even more.
"Hey."
"Hm?"
Cao Ye looked up, confused.
At this banquet he didn't know anyone.
Even Finn, whom he had just met, had been called away by Loki.
So where had this guy come from?
"My god wishes to see you."
"Come with me."
His tone was arrogant and openly hostile.
Both things instantly irritated Cao Ye.
I even tease my own goddess.
Who do you think you are acting superior to me?
"Which god?"
"Why should I go with you?"
Hearing that response made Hyacinthus furious.
To him, Apollo was the most sacred being.
Being granted an audience with Apollo was already a great honor.
Yet this man showed complete indifference.
"Lord Apollo."
"The host of this banquet."
"Come with me."
Although angry, Hyacinthus suppressed it and repeated the order.
"Apollo?"
"That dead homosexual?"
"INSOLENCE!"
Hyacinthus didn't even understand the phrase completely—
But he knew it was an insult.
His sudden outburst startled Cao Ye.
Then Cao Ye realized something.
Insulting someone's god directly in front of them was indeed a bit excessive.
He really needed to watch his mouth.
"I'll give you one more chance."
"Come meet Lord Apollo."
"Otherwise I won't be polite."
Cao Ye didn't recognize Hyacinthus.
But judging by his behavior, he clearly held a high position in Apollo Familia.
Still—
What did that have to do with Freya Familia?
Even if he were important there, it meant nothing here.
After all—
Cao Ye belonged to Freya Familia.
And everyone knew what that meant.
Anyone from Freya Familia could crush Apollo Familia with ease.
So who exactly did this guy think he was threatening?
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