The Goddess noticed Joy's struggle and she let out a deep sigh, a wry smile forming on her lips.
"It's alright, my dear."
Her voice was gentle, accepting.
"There's no need to force yourself. I've given you a ridiculous task—one that doesn't befit me at all."
She chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it.
"It seems more like something my sister would come up with. I feel no honor in asking it of you."
A flicker of sadness crossed her radiant eyes.
"I guess I've let my desperation get the better of me. I'm sorry for even suggesting it."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"So, don't worry about it. You don't have to do it. I'll just accept this round as a loss to my sister. Consider this conversation never happened."
She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
And Joy saw it.
Behind that smile, beneath those gentle words, was disappointment. Resignation. The pain of defeat accepted before the battle was even fought.
The Goddess was giving up.
For her sake.
