After Soma finished speaking, with that complicated look and a tone that sounded like pleading, Loki mirrored his earlier gesture.
She slowly tilted her head, her face full of doubt… except, in Soma's eyes, her gaze was overflowing with mockery.
Looking at this "soft and squishy" male god, Loki let out a sigh.
If this guy were actually the Enyo, then Loki figured she must have already gone insane from being toyed with by the enemy. Something this stupid, no matter how she thought about it, was impossible. What fighting power could Soma possibly have, doge.
However, the way he looked now… compared to that shut-in otaku god once hiding in a corner, Soma now felt much more like a "god." Whether it was his presence or the look in his eyes.
Speaking of which, that change probably happened thanks to that kid from the shorty's familia, because of that timing, Soma had gained a bit of dignity and responsibility.
As a deity, Loki understood very well:
Gods are eternal and unchanging.
Expecting them to change constantly like mortals was pure fantasy. Even among the extremely rare gods who had changed a little, every single one had achieved great accomplishments in the lower world.
In other words, what mortals call: [successful gods].
Her thoughts spun rapidly, then the moment passed.
"Alright, alright, I get it. Don't worry, I'm not the gossiping type. I won't tell anyone. Now hurry up and go already!"
"Y-Yeah… let's do that!"
With all the troubles weighing on her mind, she didn't even feel like drinking anymore. She waved her hand impatiently, urging Soma to leave.
The slightly hunched male god staggered past Loki as she sighed.
But just a few steps later,
"Divine wine."
Abruptly, right at the moment their shoulders crossed, Soma froze, then whipped around with reflexive, explosive speed.
That sudden burst of movement didn't look anything like the reclusive otaku (fun-loving god) who spent years hiding in dark corners doing experiments.
Even Loki got startled, instinctively hopping back to widen the distance, raising her guard.
It was a sensitive time. They had just suffered a defeat and had been toyed with by the enemy. Everyone was on edge. No wonder Loki reacted so defensively.
"Huh?"
Completely unrelated, nonsensical words suddenly popped out of his mouth.
Loki stared, utterly confused, wondering whether he had a short circuit or was having one of his usual episodes.
And even among that crowd, Soma was a severe case.
But before she could tease him, she saw Soma slowly lifting his head, his eyes locking onto her with such intensity that Loki froze on the spot, not daring to move.
"There's the scent of divine wine."
His pupils widened beneath his bangs, and expressionless, Soma stepped toward her with increasing pressure.
Seeing his sudden change in attitude, Loki truly felt overwhelmed by his presence.
As expected, when a professional confronts something within their specialty, their aura becomes razor-sharp. Even Loki felt like she was being treated like a doll.
"Loki, do you remember anything about 'divine wine'?"
"…"
Mention divine wine, and Loki immediately perked up. But the moment their eyes met, her momentum collapsed. Maybe out of pure stubbornness, she still tried to talk back.
"W-What stupid thing are you saying! I haven't had, even a single drop, of the real divine wine you brewed!
"Soma, it's because you're such a stingy guy who never shares it with me! I'm super SUPER desperate to drink it!!"
Look at her, this alcohol-loving goddess seemed to have had some switch flipped, turning into a completely different person… utterly mad when it came to alcohol.
Under the overwhelming pressure, Loki frantically rambled to prove her innocence, but Soma mercilessly denied her.
Completely crushing her hopes.
"No. This fragrance isn't from my divine wine… I swear on my name, This isn't the scent of anything I made."
"Hah?" For the second time, Loki was stunned.
But Soma didn't seem to notice her expression at all, continuing with a serious, solemn face: "This scent… is from someone else's divine brew."
It was as if she'd heard something impossible. Loki's crimson eyes widened as she threw a childish tantrum.
"T-That's impossible! Don't say stupid things. Other than you, the god who presides over alcohol, who could possibly make divine wine in the lower world…?"
As she spoke, she shook her head, as if desperately denying something.
"But you do have this scent on you. There's no mistake. You should trust my expertise."
Watching Soma sniff around like a dog as he declared that, Loki felt deeply conflicted.
He was just… going too far.
Sure, Loki was a goddess, and though she wanted to sock him in the face for just shoving himself close without shame… looking at his dead-serious expression, she finally hesitantly lifted her arm to smell herself.
"…" But even a heavy drinker like Loki couldn't detect even the faintest trace of alcohol.
Obviously, while everyone shared a passion for alcohol, the gap between a brewer and a drunkard was vast.
This was the difference between professional and amateur.
"Based on my guess, the scent on you… isn't from drinking. You must've brushed against someone who had it. That's why it's so faint. If I hadn't come so close, I wouldn't have noticed."
"Scent? Brushed off from someone???"
Loki was completely lost.
Soma glanced at her, then asked curiously: "Loki, do any of your acquaintances drink? The timing feels off. I heard you all have been preparing for the assault on the artificial dungeon these days, and yesterday you even had a tragic battle."
"…"